Bombay Cafe

Another reviewer raved but omitted the fact that this really is a hole in the wall. This is a small eatery hidden in a small strip mall within Oaks Plaza (dominated by medical offices and other affiliates of Boca Community Hospital around the corner).



The atmosphere is simple at Bombay Cafe. The kitchen in the back connects through a window to the counter where you can read the large menu wall, palce your order, and pay. Sit down if the three or four tables are not full.



The food comes out fast. The counter overlooks a 20 x 20 foot room featuring two plain white walls, and an all-glass store front that overlooks some parked cars. Within are a vinyl floor, 3 or 4 small tables and some very basic chairs. It's all very easy to clean, and they seem to keep it that way.



Customers seated for lunch are mostly medical professionals and support staff, and faculty and students from FAU campus across the street. But, this is really a "take out" joint. Especially at dinner time, most customers are picking up dinner to take home.



I gave it 3 out of five stars (good) but the cafeteria-like atmosphere keeps this place humble. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it a 7, with lower than 5 meaning you are not coming back, and lower than 3 meaning you only entered because you were starving and had no other options.



At Bombay Cafe, you place your order at the counter, and when the cook brings it to the window the cashier hands it to you. Help yourself to the plastic forks and spoons, and napkins. Oh... which can of soda would you like with that?



However, the most important item at any restaurant is the food. At Bombay Cafe, you can expect good food, that is good for you, in generous portions. Indian fare must be among the healthiest diets in the world. Lots of vegetarian options, plus reasonable portins of the usual chicken, lamb, beef - and, I think, goat. I don't recall fish, but I am sure shrimp was offered. I think of seafood as having small margins for error, so I don't think I might not even consider fish in a place like this.



The basic combinations of chick peas, lentils, rice, or potato covered with richly flavored sauces, firey-hot if you like that, or take them medium, or mild. The friendly host/cashier patiently answers questions and offers recommendations if asked. I have had Indian food that I think used better quality cuts of lamb or beef, but you should not be expecting "fancy" when you see this place and the prices.



While the owners have skimped on atmosphere, they obviously share the savings with customers. Prices are low, especially once you realize that any entree, with one or two orders of naan should easily feed at least two. Lunch special portions are closer to a meal for one, but still generous and with a soda, about $6.



When I look around central Boca Raton for a quick but healthy hot lunch, Bombay Cafe is hard to beat. Or, take something back to the apartment (or dorm room) for dinner and a couple of India Pale Ales.