Super overrated amd hyped like hell. Maybe it had a time of its own, but now the ship has sailed.
1. One piece Idli sambhar is 81 bucks - the idly and sambar served separately. What's the whole point.
2. Very poor restroom.
3. Service - lesser said, the better.
4. Sambar - good, but not unfound and rare. Local places serve just as good or better sambar.
5. Portion size - like below average
Overall, can go only if you want to experience it. If for food, better avoid all the hassle.
Visited Ratna Cafe in the afternoon and the experience was average. I tried tomato soup, paneer fried rice, and ghee podi idly. Among these, the ghee podi idly was the only item I genuinely liked. Unfortunately, there was no sambar idly available at the time, which is what the place is famous for.
The ambience felt dull and dated, and even though I sat in the AC hall, the washroom wasn’t clean. Overall, the vibe didn’t feel very warm or appealing. Service was good, but the food didn’t fully live up to the hype.
I might recommend visiting only if you're specifically interested in trying the iconic sambar idly — otherwise, it may not feel special.