Sapphire
Town Center Shopping Center,13308 Laurel Bowie Rd, Laurel, MD, 20708
Sapphire Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Laurel for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Laurel for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Laurel for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
Town Center Shopping Center,13308 Laurel Bowie Rd
Laurel, MD, 20708 - Phone (301) 490-0555
- Website https://www.sapphireindianrestaurant.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 1:00pm
- Mon : 11:30 am - 1:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Sat, Sun
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
India is the birth place of Chicken Tikka Masala and Curries. Indian foods are prepared with a blend of finely mixed spices quite popular across the region. The spices develop the rich taste in Indian food enough to boggle your mind. The ever-increasing fan base of Indian food around the New York city is steadily increasing because of the large number of Indians who traveled to the land of dreams. The Indians also brought their very own vibrant, colorful, and aromatic authentic dishes for the people in the West. While most of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian food is great for people who are looking for vegan or vegetarian food option. If you are a Meat lover, don't get disappointed yet. Indian food also boasts of some popular non-vegetarian dishes too. Few examples are the famous Butter Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Indian food has gained reputation all over the world especially in the United States. You can find many places serving the appetizing Indian food across all major cities in the US. India is a diverse country with different food culture originated from different parts of the country. While the Northern region boasts tandoori dishes and korma offering royal taste, the Western Ghats offers sea foods that is made in naturally sweet tender coconut milk. The South Indian food servers a quality of different dishes made from rice accompanied with spicy chutneys, curries and famous sambhar. Also, the Indian sweets are a delight to relish. If you ever want to have a burst of sugar syrup in mouth, don't forget to try few Bengali Sweets. Be it spicy, tangy, or sweet flavor, you can find everything in the Indian cuisine. Be assured that the melody of spices will surely bring delight to you.
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
paul s.
I give sapphire a solid three stars. I'm not quite as awestruck as some of the other reviewers, but in the context of the desolate world of Asian dining in Laurel, Sapphire probably deserves four. The decor is clean and pleasant. It doesn't have that depressing, grimy, fluorescent-lit aura sported by many of the other aging restaurants in this area. The exterior is off-putting -- it's the general grunginess of this pathetic little mall that has probably been the deciding factor in my waiting so long to finally try Sapphire. Just forget the dicey looking "sports" bars and liquor stores on either side and take the plunge. The service was good and the food tasty. I decided to go big and ordered the crispy whole fish off the Thai menu. Our Indian waiter's facial expression said it all -- Indian is the way to go here, in his view. Never mind that. It wasn't spectacular, but I'll give it a solid e for effort. We also ordered lamb samosas. The ones we got were vegetable, but they tasted too good to really make a fuss about the error. The naan bread and chicken tiki masala were just fine too, and at 7.00 the big bottle of Taj beer is a good value. Dinner comes with a complimentary bowl of crispy flatbread and three dipping sauces that were fresh and tasty. Overall Sapphire comes in as somewhat less than fine dining but easily ranks as a good neighborhood joint -- something sorely needed in the utterly grim Laurel restaurant scene.
(3)Sara M.
Why I do I love Sapphire? No surprise here, it's the buffet. Their regular menu is good, but the buffet is where it's at - especially on the weekends, when it runs all day (most local restaurants stop running theirs at 3PM). It's pretty similar on weekdays at lunchtime and on the weekends, but they add a few more things on Saturday and Sunday. The food is consistent, fresh and regularly refilled. I don't think everything is quite as flavorful as it might be at some of the other local Indian restaurants, but the flavors are still good. Dishes are definitely less spicy here, which is a selling point when you're bringing a large group and not everyone has a cast iron stomach. (They do handle large groups well, by the way, and this is a popular birthday lunch destination among my coworkers.) There's a good mix of vegetarian and meat dishes, as the cuisine here represents Northern and Southern Indian food as well as Thai food. The Thai selections on the buffet are always few and far between, which just makes them all the more out of place. But I enjoy the wide selection of appetizers and entrees, and a really nice chutney bar that has all of my favorites. They bring fresh dosai to your table on the weekend. The tikka masala sauce is creamy and rich, the tandoori chicken is moist and smoky, the raita is nice and thick, and their mixed fruit pickle is the best I've had. And sometimes I am surprised by dishes I've never encountered before - this weekend, they had a mushroom-based dish that was delicious. My favorite thing on the buffet? Dessert. All-you-can-eat gulab jamun and all-you-can-drink masala tea! I always joke that I'm going to start at that end, and eventually I'm going to do it. Sometimes I even pour the delicious syrup from my gulab jamun into the tea, which tastes like sweet victory.
(4)Carr L.
Great food and live music every Thursday!
(5)Tj S.
The owner is very caring and friendly. The Biryani here is killer and the drink prices are reasonable. I wouldn't hang out here often, but too go in order take out and drink a beer or two while you wait, ALL DAY! I came in late one day and the Indian cook had already shut down and I was told by the bartender tat I could only order from limited menu. The owner saw my disappointment when I could not get my staple dish, and he went back and had it made! While I would never ask of that, for it to be done without question is impeccable service. Kudos sir!
(5)James S.
This review is for the buffet service: The selection has not changed for quite some time but what they have is good. The sauces at the beginning of the buffet line are have distinct flavors, so try a bit of each. The sauces are next to the salad vegetables and nestled in between is a nice chickpea salad. Soups are also available but I've yet to give them a try. My highlights of the buffet line includes a Thai influenced stir fry chicken that is sweet and spicy. It's served on a large foil wrapped plate. Next is the chicken tandoori which has a nice red color with some subtle charred edge goodness. Their chicken masala has the nice creamy orange sauce that goes great with the fluffy, white Naan. They also have a fried fish with a somewhat crunchy skin and flaky white meat - they look like fish nuggets. They also have a nice spinach dish with cubes of Paneer indian cheese - very thick, rich and delicious. The wait staff is very attentive and will try to accommodate you as much as possible. Good place for your Thai-indian buffet craving.
(4)Joe Y.
Wow. The place has really gone downhill since I was here last. I came for dinner this time instead of the lunch buffet. I enjoyed the lunch and should have just kept that happy memory. Dropped way to much money on dinner for two for something I feel could have come out of my grocers freezer. Never again. I'm paying my credit card as soon as I get home so I can get the stain of the transaction off my statement.
(1)Rene D.
I started going to Sapphire about ten years ago, when a State Department neighbor of mine said it was the best Indian food around ( without a sarcastic tone). I have moved in and out of the area twice since and I keep on going back. The first time I went there was for a quick meal on a busy day, so I had the buffet. The selection was extensive, and they had goat curry...who has goat curry on a buffet? It was delicious, with nicely balanced spices and the meat was tender. I have been there for dinner and ordered off the menu. The wait staff is incredible, and will give you details about the food and how each entree might meet your needs. This is useful if you are not familiar with Moghul (North Indian) food. Go there, enjoy the extensive and well-prepared buffet, order off the menu. Just go there.
(5)N. A.
How wonderful it is to find SOUTH Indian food, well made. The sambar was great -- tangy and spicy. The dosa was huge, beautifully golden and crisp on the outside. For those used to heavy sauces and stews of North India, the Southern options are worth trying here. For example: lentil doughnuts with spicy sauce; or idlies, steamed "cakes" of rice and lentil flour, doused in coconut chutney or cilantro-mint chutney. Sambar is a spicy lentil soup with vegetables. The dosai are large "crepes" of rice and urad dal flour -- usually with a spicy potato filling. For the quality, prices very reasonable (not the cheap buffet model). As someone fond of South Indian food, I was in heaven.
(5)Steve L.
I used to enjoy their buffet many months ago. Was it gormet? Of course not, it was a buffet. But at least it was decent and hot. Now...I don't know if it changed ownership or management, but it's....we'll gross! Poor selection, cheapest cuts, and lukewarm food. Not to mention whatever was in my water that I had to spit out but was unidentifiable. Oh well, way off my list.
(1)Donna H.
I have been a faithful customer for over five years! It's rare for a place to offer three different cuisines, let alone all of them be top notch. They offer American, Indian, AND Thai. I've never had a bad meal, which to me says A LOT, because I tend to be a bit on the picky side. Recently I dined in the restaurant side and noticed they re-painted the walls, and added chandeliers, very tasteful! The bar side was also freshly painted, burgundy and gold, I was told it was meant to represent Redskin colors, cute idea! I was very impressed. I would highly recommend Sapphire restaurant or bar to anyone who enjoys a friendly atmosphere and authentic cuisine!
(5)Jerry S.
You know you are in for authentic Indian food as soon as you step into the foyer, where there is a four foot statue of the elephant-headed Hindu deity Ganesha, Remover of Obstacles. Incense ashes, burning candles, and cash offerings demonstrate active worship by his devotees. The main room's walls are painted sky blue, with art hung around it. To the left as you enter, a divider separates a row of two-tops and the buffet line. Beyond that is a windowed wall looking into the sports bar. Ah, the buffet! $9.95 for lunch, $13.95 Saturday and Sunday nights. I've never gotten past it to the extensive full menu. Chutneys, salad, soup, an appetizer or two, basmati rice and naan are standard, as is the best tandoori chicken I have ever had - tender, juicy, and deeply flavored. Everything else changes day to day, from standards to vegetables like tindora (a thumb sized gourd) I had to Google. Half a dozen vegetable dishes, one or two chicken dishes (the tikka masala is excellent), and one or two of goat or lamb. Three or four Thai specialties are on the far end before you reach the desert table, which always has a thermos of full-bodied masala tea. Indian beers and lassi are available as well. Every dish is complexly seasoned, and heat varies from almost none to very hot. If you like heat, vindaloo (if it's in the rotation that day), the Thai dishes, and the mixed pickle chutney (I love it for its intense, exotic flavors, but always have a piece of naan ready to absorb the fire) will make your scalp sweat nicely. Curries vary, take a taste and see. So how good is the food? There's an Indian restaurant within walking distance of my home, but I'll always drive 20 minutes to Sapphire when I get an itch for Indian.
(5)T K.
Waiter was a really nice guy, but the Chicken Pad Thai was terrible. Too greasy. Their booze is also sold as top shelf, but you can tell it is rail grade. Very disappointed. Table cloth was dirty, ceiling was dirty, yikes. Best not to look too closely.
(1)Christine L.
We go for the lunch buffet on weekdays. Plenty of vegetarian dishes. They very often have palak paneer, which makes me happy. Their massaman curry is just the right blend of sweet and spicy. Clientele on weekdays for lunch tend to be gov/business types on group lunches. Service is great- they never let your drinks become empty. Funny little location. It's attached to a sports bar (same owner?) and sometimes staff go between the restaurant and the bar.
(5)Maureen M.
Have a great buffet on weekends! Good food. Only thing is at night there is a some kind of bar next door that is noisey. Would prefer to just hear the true Indian music in the background:)
(5)Safoura K.
This place is a gem. All you an eat Indian food, kinda pricy but hey, you get what you pay for. Food from the finest cuisine gurus
(4)Lisa G.
It had been a few years since I'd been to Sapphire and I was reminded that it was around when I was trying to find decent Asian food in Laurel on Yelp. A few years ago, I remembered it was good and from the reviews felt confident that it was the same place I'd remembered a few years ago. Ugh - bad decision. I went with my safe go-to dishes: chicken satay as a starter - which was pretty good and then shrimp pad thai and my friend had the drunken noodles - her safe go-to when trying a new place. I couldn't even eat the pad thai. I have no idea what they did to it, but it had the WORST over-limed citrus flavor. The drunken noodles were way to heavy on soy sauce and were passable at best. In my book, if a restaurant can't even get basic staple dishes down, then fuggetaboutit. I won't even bore you with details of the slow and lousy service. Don't stay away for that reason. Stay away because the food is awful. Yuck.
(1)Koren L.
I had the samosa and then the mango chicken Ooooo my soo yuummie I could have licked the bowl but I was afraid my pants would give out! LOL they are very attentive and the food is wonderful they even have buffet during the week till 4and on the weekends all day sooo good you have to try!
(5)Tatiana G.
Been twice and can't wait to go back. We love Thai and especially love Indian, together- AMAZING! The Indian however is their speciality. Everything is fresh and so tasteful! Each dish different than the next. The Lamb Pasanda is amazing, soft lamb chunks Ina. Creamy sauce, I tried the Lamb Masala while my partner tried the Thai fried rice and we were both, yet again impressed. Thr Soring rolls off the Thai menu are perfectly cooked. The Bullet Naan is amazingggg (never knew so many options for Naan!!) the Chaat was also delicious, I've gone to a few Indian places and ordered Chaat and been disappointed, Sapphire does NOT disappoint!! Portions are fair, I wish they'd be a little bit more but either way I'm always stuffed and have extras. Probably because we order 2 or 3 portions of Naan (how can you blame us, it's made fresh and it's sooooo good!). A great touch and something VERY different from other Indian places I've been (in DC) is that they actually want your food to stay warm... Burning candles under the steel bowls is an amazing idea and I truly appreciate warm food! We stopped by on Sunday, unknowing it was buffet night... Although we didn't get it, it did look great especially for 13.95! The prices are VERY affordable decedent tasteful dishes for under $15. Oh in terms of drinks.... The Mango Smoothie (with Milk) is a great dessert! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Tracy P.
I'll give it to them that the staff is very friendly. However, the food is not. I came here for Thai food and it came out very greasy, I could not even finish eating and had really bad stomach pains after. Maybe the Indian food is better. The atmosphere is very dark and next door is a sports bar - which is the same restaurant actually or same owners. You can hear karaoke singing going on weekends. I didn't go into the sports bar area. It's in a strip mall type shopping center.
(2)Nickie M.
Great lunch buffet! And on the Saturday and Sunday they have the buffet all day. The staff are very nice. A good variety of food. I especially like the Vege Korma. Yummy!!
(5)Alex S.
I like this place, admittedly I only go for the lunch buffet since it's close to where I work but too dang far to from home. Ok, so I will be honest. I don't know what "authentic" Indian food is supposed to taste like so I cannot claim the food served is "authentic" - however if anyone would care to sponsor me for field trip to India I would be more than honored to take you up on your offer. What I can say is that the food here is tasty, at least to my pallet. I would not mind if the food had a tad more heat but I understand they are trying to appeal to the masses; i.e. people like me. So what I like - simply put the food. They make veggies taste good, you know that healthy stuff that most buffets empty from a can and empty keep nice and soggy in the steam table. I actually like the veggies they have here. I also like the naan, tandoori chicken, chicken masala, curried goat, as well as other dishes I cannot spell let alone pronounce! The service is good or annoying depending on your outlook. They waiters are attentive but the constant re-filling of drinks can get on your nerves if you let it. But if that is the worst complaint anyone can have about the service then it really is a minor point. In general the wait staff is fast, attentive, and professional. Now for the actually restaurant. Its in a strip mall that looks like it has seen it's better days. I actually lived across the street when I moved in about thirty years ago and as with everything it is starting to show some age. As for the interior the overall ambience is nice but it could do with a re-do. It's not gross or anything, but if you ask me they need to close the place down for a week and give the place an overall - the typical things - address the yellowing ceiling, pant the walls, replace the carpet. Just doing that would freshen up the place a lot. Lastly, the prices. They are decent for a buffet, the food is tasty, the staff attentive so frankly what more could you want? I would recommend this place if someone wants a filling lunch that is different than the normal fair of burgers and fries.
(4)J. M.
I've eaten here a few times now. I've never seen it very busy (in the restaurant) and have never been in the sports bar part of it. They do have a long buffet available on the weekends with lots of vegetable, bread and rice options and about 5 or 6 meat or fish options (mostly Indian dishes and about 2 or 3 Thai). The food at the buffet is acceptable for the price. I have ordered off the menu before and found that food to be more carefully prepared and better tasting, but that is to be expected, I guess. My chief complaint is they don't change the tablecloths as often as they need to, so there seems to always be food stains somewhere on them. The rest of the dining area is okay, though the ceiling panels could stand to be cleaned in some areas. Overall, the restaurant is okay but there are better and cleaner Indian restaurants (though you will pay more in price) just a few miles in any direction (just none with an extensive buffet like Sapphire's that I'm aware of).
(3)D S.
Best Indian food I've eaten in Laurel. Great selection of entrees on the lunch buffet, and everything was hot and tasty.
(5)Angel H.
I always pass here and have wanted to try the food but never did until now. The outside looks old and run down but when u walk in its SOOO much prettier. I was really surprised. I went during the lunch buffet and they had a pretty nice selection of food. I was also happy to see that the food was covered unlike many other buffets. The food tasted good and wasnt too spicy. I will for sure go there again!
(4)Rachel W.
Went there for dinner the other night with my husband for dinner. We both had vegetarian dishes. Both were fantastic. They also happen to have the best spring rolls ever! They were made fresh and must have some Thai flavorings! They were so good, we ordered 2 plates of them!
(5)Lillian C.
This food was trifling. I usually get weary going to any place that specializes in two very distinct types of cuisines and I stand by that judgement. The indian food is mostly bland, rubbery, meat-based dishes with little spice to speak of. The thai food was glorified chinese stir fry buffet food with "thai" spices. This is the "Indian" equivalent of a Chinese super-buffet. I was waiting for the soft-serve machine at the end of the line.
(1)Jinal C.
1star
(1)Shayla C.
A hole in the wall place with amazing authentic indian food buffet!!! My favorite is the tiki masalaa and tandoori chicken with the pita bread and to finish I have to drink my mango lassi!!! Ok soo I probably misspelled everything but yea its amazing!!! Lol
(4)Steve L.
This is an excellent restaurant. We almost always do take out and have almost never been disappointed. Tonight my wife had the chicken tandoori mild and I ahd the shrimp vindaloo spicy. Be warned, when you order something hot or spicy you are definitely going to get it that way. I love my Indian food spicy but they will adjuste the heat as you like. The chicken and shrimp were cooked perfectly, moist and flavorful. Don't let the strip mall location fool you, this is a really good and authentic restaurant.
(4)Laura T.
This place is very nice and the food is wonderful! We were looking for an Indian buffet and almost didn't come because it said 'sports bar' and we wanted a quiet place for dinner. I'm so glad we came anyway. The sports bar is next door and not a part of the restaurant. The place was quiet, clean and we had impeccable service. The food (especially the Tikka Massala) was really very good. They didn't have Palak Paneer on the buffet and when we inquired about if they ever had it on the buffet, they said that they sometimes do but would bring us some right out. It was great too, and talk about amazing service! Thank you Saphire, for a very nice evening.
(5)Hana ..
SWEET MAMMA MY MARRIAGE IS SAVED! Finally I've found an Indian place ony 10 minutes away that does justice to Chicken Thikka Masala. A weekly dose of it should keep the hubby happy - who up until now was only happy with the Chicken Thikka Masala from a spot in Columbia 1/2 hr away. I also ordered Matar Paneer (chesse w/ peas)....delightful! The basmati rice that accompanies the dishes is light, fluffy and aromatic. I am excited to try the lunch buffet!!!
(4)Terry M.
I read some reviews and decided to give this location a shot. It was a Sunday evening around dinner time and I called in for a pick up order. Fairly basic order with a few entrees and some appetizers with naan... never forget the naan. I drove over the get the order and one of the gentlemen working was fast to greet me and disappear into the back to check on the status of the order. He came back with the check fairly fast and then came back with a few bags. I thanked him and went on my way. For whatever reason, I did not channel my inner Peshi and I did not check every single box to examine its contents. For my own sake of sanity, it was not a drive through so why would anything be wrong with the order??? Right?? ... Wrong... There were three entrees with the order, all of them were supposed to be accompanied b rice to soak up the rich, delicious Tikka sauce... sadly, there was none to be found. A calm phone call was made to the restaurant and a brief discussion with the manager yielded a request for my address so they could delivery the rice and a good night was had by all. "The Good" - The staff was attentive and the discussion with the manager with the unusual delivery was not expected but greatly appreciated. - This was the first time I ordered from them so I went for a basic dish so I could gauge them on their spice level and size of the dish etc... I ordered Chicken Tikka Marsala, medium, and it was good. - The fact that they have a basic three point spice scale. Mild, Medium and Spicy. This can of course be adjusted to individual taste and the medium had just enough heat without being obscene. Next time I will give the spicy a try but would be happy with a good mix of the two. - They have a decent menu selection North and South (some veg and strictly veg). - They have a buffet but I did not try it, the items were out and looked great though. - The Onion Bhaji was delicious. - The plain naan and onion kulcha were also very good. "The Meh" - The samosas were OK. Nothing to make me want to order them again tomorrow, but they will be in the rotation. - The garlic naan was not as good as the other breads, it may have been an off night but I mention it for completeness sake. "The Bad" - The portion size of the to go containers is fairly small all things considered. The cost of the dish does not warrant almost one chicken breast and a ton of sauce. This will have an effect on my ordering when I find a competitor. - The size of the Tandoori platter was small as well and did not have any of the grilled veggies but did have onions and peppers used as the bed the chicken sat on.
(3)Dave C.
First time dinner, got some dishes to-go, chicken tikka masala(listed as house specialty) is good, not great. Lamb Vindaloo was okay, touch heavy on the vinegar, naan was fresh. I asked for spicy it had some heat but not nearly what I was expecting at an indian restaurant requesting 'spicy' food. Prices were a bit high, guessing the buffet would be a better value, $13 for one chopped chicken breast in the tikka seemed a bit small on the portion, LOTS of gravy, little protein, same with the lamb, very skimpy, skip the samosas, average at best. Will give the buffet a shot at peak time to give the place another try.
(3)Joelyne K.
The atmosphere within the restaurant is very nice. Very soothing and calming. The food is good for the price, but nothing special. The buffet is a much better deal as you get to try a variety of different things. I wouldn't recommend take-out as they don't give you very much food, at all. The majority of what you get is sauce/ gravy and not the actual meat (or in my case tofu). The owner is really nice, but they need to clean the restaurant a bit. The door leading into the kitchen is filthy. Overall a nice place with really friendly employees where you can get decent Indian food. I would recommend them if you haven't tried them! Don't judge a book by it's cover.
(4)Ken K.
Never thought I could eat a whole goat! Actually after meeting some actual live goats at the petting zoo down my street I didn't think I would enjoy goat meat at all. They are really some ugly bastards, and I only eat cute animals. I mean kittens are f'in delicious! That being written, the goat curry was pretty good as was the chicken marlasralalslala. The Thai selections leave something to be desired but 9 bucks for a lunch buffet you can only complain so much. Couple of things disturbed me however. 1.) I think their "Diet Coke" is some odd Shasta deviation from Guatemala. Tasted odd, and this is before ingesting six liters of curry. I thought maybe they served me cola flavored industrial de-greaser but no the waiter assured me it was diet coke. b.) The waiters are liars 2.) So the food has been well stocked and heated properly but the chefs or whatever creep me out. They kinda peer out of the back and stare a lot. If you have ever seen Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom, they kinda look like the child slaves working in the mines. For Laurel and 9 bucks not a bad lunch buffet.
(3)Jason C.
The first time my wife and I had heard of Sapphire was when a good friend of ours invited us over to watch a movie and order some indian food. Unfortunately my wife is very sensitive to certain foods, especially take out. So I happily accept, but she decides to play it safe and eat before we go. Biggest. Mistake. Ever. She decided to try a bite that I grudgingly gave her and she immediately began stealing my naan and dipping it. She didn't get sick at all. This is the best indian food I've ever eaten. This is a dish for those who love rice based dishes however, you're not getting a TON of meat. What this meal is is a delicious sauce which has some meat and veg, meant to be poured all over the rice and DEVOURED. The bread is amazing and is meant to be mixed with the food. The portions are huge and will fill almost anyone. The prices are higher than chinese take out, but worth it. I also never feel unhealthy or sleepy after eating their meals, which is a big plus for me. Service there is more than adequate, the place never seems too busy but we usually go there early. We've never eaten there, just done take out. The food is done fairly quickly, and we've never been kept waiting. Also, check out the paper flowers one of the employees makes.
(5)Natina M.
Good Indian and Thai food buffet ($10 lunch) that's reasonably priced with enough variety. Some of the best spring rolls I've had in this area. Clean restaurant with good service and management.
(4)Michael S.
I'm sad. I'd been stationed nearby for a couple years, visiting Sapphire almost weekly. On a trip back to the area to show my new wife my old stomping grounds, I gathered a group of friends to join us at the old place. I don't know what happened. Either they no longer serve from a menu or chose to ignore them (along with their customers). My wife and I arrived a little late to the gathering to find a buffet. Our friends had kept two places for us, but the waitstaff hadn't supplied silverware. I had to stand up and chase someone down to order drinks and get silverware, which seemed to confuse the waitress. We decided to go with the flow and just do the buffet. Our group of 10 was sitting, eating and talking for 3 hours. In that time, the only waiter to approach our table was reluctant to inform us that another patron had requested that we pipe down. At no time did any member of the waitstaff approach our table to provide water or refill our drinks. No one checked in. In fact, I once again had to seek them out to pay the bill. The Sapphire I knew was quite different. I'm sorry to see it replaced by this mediocre impostor.
(2)Angela O.
Great lunch buffet! Busy but attentive service and good quality food at low prices.
(4)Gaurav J.
Came here on Mother'a Day 2013. When we walked in there was a note on the door saying Buffet was 18 dollars per person. We didn't want the buffet we wanted to order from the menu. The manager impolitely says Buffet only today. We decide to stay and eat the buffet, big mistake. The food was cold and bland. It was dinner time and I would bet money that the food was still out since lunch. We told the manager and he said OK and 10 minutes later he brings out warm samosas, wow, just samosas great customer service. I came here on the regular and I'm just annoyed with the managers behavior and don't plan on coming again. The food here is pretty good both Indian/thai but do not get the buffet. It's cold, unflavored and a waste of money.
(2)Lumin E.
Don't judge by the outside. The food was absolutely excellent. A combo of some Thai food and Indian food. A good deal and really good food. The desserts are absolutely tasty too. Really good place!
(5)Amit W.
Horrible customer service....They charge a 15% service charge for anybody with a party of four....food was mediocre.... NOT RECOMMEDED......
(1)Devi J.
Well, I'm glad I didn't come hungry...or else I would have been even more disappointed. I came specifically for the south Indian food their website claimed they were known for (along with north Indian and Thai menus), but there wasn't any. I couldn't get a clear answer from my waiter on why except that the menus i recieved were the only menus for today. Later I found out that they only have the south Indian menu on weekends..I think. It's not entirely clear because the rude waiter here had this conversation while walking away from me. His personality was really fake, bordering on patronizing. The food I ended up getting was the tofu panang. I've never had it before so I went off their description on the menu....which was inaccurate. Didn't mention cream or milk and the dish was full on creamy. The waiter asked me for my preferred heat level; I said hot and my friend said mild. Mine came out sweet and her chicken tikka made her reach for water. I ended up leaving my leftovers in my car. Oh well. If you really feel like a good dosa or iddly (or just good indian food in general) go to Woodlands in Langley Park. Not fancy, but delicious food and kind service.
(2)Coco B.
Good atmosphere. Quiet and cozy. I ordered the samosa and shrimp tandoori. Very tasty and flavorful. I like my food seasoned WELL and I didn't touch the salt or pepper. The waiter was a bit slow even though it wasn't busy but he seemed like a weird one anyone. Another guy came out who might have been the manager at the time and he was very nice . I'd go back to try more. Very good selection. A lot to chose from.
(4)Jeff R.
I went for the dinner buffet on a Sunday night and while the food was pretty good I found it to be overpriced for what it was. Several selections of your run of the mill Indian dishes and a couple of deserts. Service was attentive but not very personable as tends to be the case in most Indian places I have been. On the plus side, the goat curry was good as was the ubiquitous chicken tikka masala. On the down side I just found it to be very overpriced but for an Indian fix in the "Thriving Metropolitan Area" of Laurel it is OK but there is a much better place not far up the road.
(2)I O.
The food is Amazing, service is great, but I think it is a tad overpriced!!! Seriously, look at the Indian restaurants such as Minerva in Rockville and Herndon, VA. They arent as expensive...so you get a 4 out of 5 because of price.
(4)Bri C.
We enjoyed the weeknight buffet. The food tasted great with a good amount of variety. Just not quite as much selection as i've had at other Indian buffets. The Mango Lassi is wonderful also.
(4)Sharas R.
Good lunch buffet with many options. Mushroom and goat curry are yummy. They also have some Thai red/green curry and 4 desserts
(4)Heather J.
The buffet is always very fresh and there is a good variety. Standouts are the goat curry and any interpretation of eggplant they put out. Unlike many places, the eggplant is never total mush, it always has a little more firmness and flavor to it, which I enjoy. Desserts are also very tasty, especially the kheer. The complimentary tea is really nice too. My only negative is that we used to come before the Thai dishes were a regular feature on the buffet. I like Thai food just fine, but I prefer the Indian dishes so the addition of a couple of Thai dishes means a couple fewer Indian dishes to choose from. That is probably a real positive for some folks, but it always leaves me a little sad as I wonder what they might have put out instead of the Thai dishes. That all said, the Thai food is pretty tasty too. The buffet is the way to go though as the portions can be a little small if you order off the menu. Sapphire is very kid friendly. The waiters are always incredibly kind to our children, talk with them, smile, etc. It feels like a very family oriented place from the presence of waiters who have been there for years, to the large family parties we often see there on weekend, to the way our kids are treated when we are there. We really appreciate it. They are also really generous about charging a kid's price for our 9 year old even though she eats more than I do and not charging at all for our preschoolers who don't eat a ton but do still eat. Oh, and the mango lassis are made fresh, not premade and poured out of a milk jug like we've seen at other restaurants. The lassis today were delicious and refreshing and we saw them being made fresh.
(4)Jill M.
They have a very good, well-priced lunch buffet! I was impressed at the variety and quantity of dishes on the buffet table: both Thai and Indian dishes, vegetarian, chicken, goat, various chutneys, soup, salad, etc... I had lunch here with a group of about 10 co-workers, and there was still something for everyone. The highlights for me were the tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala, and a sauteed mushroom dish. The Thai dishes were average (I love Thai food so I may have higher expectations for Thai). Also, I usually don't expect much from a buffet as far as service, but there was an exceptionally friendly and polite server continuously refilling our water glasses and clearing plates.
(4)C M.
I was introduced to the lunch time buffet by a friend. The food was outstanding! You can choose a salad or soup or spring rolls for an appetizer. Go back and get a clean plate for the yummy main dishes! Meat, rice and vege sides, tofu, sauces were delectable on all. Yes, I tried them all. Don't forget the desserts! They were different, but delectable. I'll be back with or without my friend.
(5)Brandima A.
It's hard to believe but the goodness is inside!!! Always fresh, even on the buffet. Never dull. I heart the Tandoori Chicken but LOVE the fact that they also have Thai Musliman Curry on the line. Worth the price and offered to take out as well or order from the menu. Try the dessert rice pudding!!! Unbelievable!
(5)Dick C.
Wide choice of food....Indian, Thai and American. We always sit in the bar on the open mic night (Thursdays). Food is good. Staff is friendly. Crowd is diverse.....drinkers, musicians, pool players. Can't go wrong.
(3)Rob F.
For those living in the 'burbs on the MD side of DC there aren't too many options for good Indian food. We used to go to Maurya Kababs & Curries in Beltsville back in the day before it was essentially a take-out place. My wife and I decided to go out for a spur of the moment Valentine's Day meal. Fortunately, we did not need to get reservations. Perhaps that's a commentary on how up-scale the restaurant is - it isn't. It's nestled behind a McDonald's in a strip mall in Laurel. The dishes are inexpensive. There's even a buffet. But don't let this fool you. My wife and I opted for something from the menu instead of the buffet - she had the Lamb Masala and I had the Lamb Vindaloo. Both good meals, served to us in serving dishes over delicate candles to keep the dishes warm. The waiter even brought out a rose for my wife. So, if you want a pleasant atmosphere and inexpensive Indian cuisine, go to Sapphire (they serve Thai food too!).
(4)Patrick H.
***3.5**** I'm not a fan of buttets. Mediocre quality food that has been left out too long and the tendency to overeat are what I usually think of when I think of buffets. Indian and Chinese buffets typically lean to a "Quantity over Quality" mentality where what you find as the selection of one buffet is precisely the same on countless other buffets with modest variations per venue. So it was with some surprise that I found myself not only choosing the buffet over the menu at Sapphire Indian, but honestly enjoying it. The selection of items being the deciding factor here. The usual suspects still appear, Chicken Tikka Masala, Tandoori Chicken, Saag Paneer, to name a few. But, pleasantly, I also found Chani Puri, Goat Curry, Bhindi Masala (Okra and Onions), Baigan Bharta (spicy Eggplant Puree). Furthermore...many of the usual suspects do NOT appear. For example, no Samosas or Pakoras. Instead you will find Aloo Chat Papri, Salad, Spicy Lentil soup with vegetables and rice cakes and a killer chutney and pickle bar. Try the coconut chutney or the mango pickles if you like a kick. It you are really brave try the chutney simply labled as "Hot Chutney". It's incendiary. The dessert station is nice, with Keer, an odd fruit custard and my favorite, Gajar Halwa (Carrot pudding). All washed down nicely with a cup of Chai Masala. It's not the best Indian food I've ever tasted. It is STILL a buffet after all, but obviously, someone in this place is trying to do more than just push out mediocrity to the masses. As a side note, inexplicabley, there are also a couple of Thai dishes on the buffet. At $13.95 for dinner and $8.95 for lunch, that truly spells a bargain in my book.
(4)Claudine W.
The buffet is great!
(4)Nicole F.
Good lunch buffet, very attentive service, nice atmosphere, good price. Went for a leisurely lunch with a friend, and we were very pleased with our experience. Delicious chicken tikka masala above all, but plenty of tasty options on the buffet, including tasty fried morsels, chutneys, and probably at least 8 vegetarian options (granted, some of them are Thai, which we didn't try). Bonus for us: Indian desserts. Yes. Our servers were very attentive: our water glasses were always full, plates were cleared when we were ready, and our check was handled promptly. We had a nice, leisurely time, and didn't feel rushed, but it's definitely a place that you could pop into for a brief sit-down lunch and be back at your desk quickly (though you'd be smelling like an Indian food buffet!).
(4)Karen C.
From the outside it looks like the typical strip mall restaurant. No big deal. I definitely wouldn't write home about it from outside appearances. However the food is definitely delish! And the lunch time buffet is only $8.95! This includes appetizers, main courses, desserts and some lovely masala chai tea. They also have thai dishes (random, I know). I go for the chicken tiki masala - the sauce is creamy, not too saucy and well flavored. The naan is also tasty. I liked the service as well. They were always there to fill up my water glass but weren't too overbearing. Be careful though - if you try to get the buffet to go, the price bumps up to $11.95 for some unknown reason. We asked but didn't get a good answer...mmmm
(4)Katherine I.
This is a lunch buffet done right. The goat curry is lovely. I love their Chicken Tikka Masala, its not to salty, and has the perfectly oven baked quality to the chicken. Great veggies and the tofu curry is creamy and spicy. Service is prompt even on busy days. I'd like to come back for dinner!
(4)R S.
This is an average Indian restaurant. The vegetables served arent good. The meats are average. The chicken in the chicken tikka masala wasnt good. The pakoras are drenched in oil. The naan here sucks and is too dry. The place imo is a bit dirty and the service is ok. 3/5
(3)Daimon G.
Excellent local Indian restaurant. I have not been let down in the 8 years I have been living in laurel.
(4)Samantha F.
DElish! I'm still dreaming of this place and i've only visited once unfortunately...gotta make it back out there soon! 4 stars because one of the dishes I had in the buffet was extremely salty and totally inedible, other than that, the food was orgasmic!!! And you know its really good when legit Indian families dine there! You gotta try them out! First time I've ever had indian dosas was at this restaurant....P.S - Dont let the outside fool you, this place is a GEM!
(4)Tatiana C.
Because of this restaurant , my first experience of eating Indian food has been memorable. Excellent buffet and service. My recommendation: Try Everything :)
(4)Cam W.
Very friendly staff and unique blend of Indian and Thai. Good value for buffet. Don't order Thai food.
(3)Alexa O.
This is our go-to Indian takeout place. The food is fantastic, flavorful, and can be ordered at any level of spiciness. I used to travel to the U.K. quite a bit and miss the wonderful quality of the Indian food there. Luckily for me, we happened upon Sapphire, whose food is very comparable to the best Indian food I've had over there. I'm not sure I'd recommend the buffet, per se, as buffets are always kind of a crap-shoot. But add up all our times ordering take-out, and I've had the chicken makhni, tikka masala, vindaloo, madras, palak paneer, malai kofta, and garlic naan, which were all fabulous. The samosas I'm not crazy about, but they're not gross or anything- just a bit large for my taste. I like them smaller and crispier. You're definitely in for a treat with any of the entrees, though!
(5)Su K.
After our sub-par meal on Wednesday and talk of Indian food in one of the threads, I decided to give Sapphire another go w/ their lunch buffet today. As I said in my India Gate review: "Ah, Indian food. I love you for your deliciousness, despise you for the gas you cause later, and mildly dislike the fact that you don't offer beef." Indian buffets take the gas to a whole new level but it is so delicious! Food - WTH?! Is that Tom Yum soup?!?! That's right folks. Tom Yum in an Indian restaurant. Say it with me now, "WTH?!?!" Sapphire is an Indian restaurant that serves Thai food, so their buffet had numerous offerings from chicken tikka masala and saag, to tofu and broccoli and green curry. It was quite a spread but there were very few vegetables. You might be thinking, "Since when does Su care about vegetables?" Well, not vegetables per se, but aloo gabi and other Indian veggies are A-Ok in my book and I rather missed them. Instead, they had a strange garlic mushroom concoction that was very spicy but didn't go too well w/ the other items. I didn't dare try the Thai foods b/c 1) it looked really crappy, even for buffet food and 2) I imagine mixing Thai food and Indian food in large quantities would be like mixing Diet Coke and Mentos and cause an explosion in my bowels, and I don't know about you, but I'm not too fond of sharting during my meals. I did, however, try the Tom Yum and while it wasn't bad, it wasn't too good. Still, the novelty of having Tom Yum w/ naan was kind of nice. Speaking of the naan, it's REALLY thin. As a result, it's hard to put curries and other sauces on top. I imagine that scenario could be used for some double entendre for a Viagra or some other ED commerical: Is your naan too soft? Are you having trouble holding up curry? Then send for your free brochure now. To continue on w/ phallic references, they had Gulab Jamun, or homemade honey balls, for dessert (see pics in my profile). That gave me a good chuckle. Service - I agree w/ Chang W. these guys are incredibly good at filling your water, which is nice b/c the food can be rather salty. The restaurant, at least in the dining area is one major sausage fest...mayhaps the women are in the kitchen cooking? :-x Anywho, the service was incredibly friendly and efficient, and since we got our own food this time, we didn't have 3 servers asking us if we wanted rice. Additionally, one of the servers made a few jokes and though he was definitely trying way too hard, it was endearing. On our way out, he even said, "Hope you two have a wonderful weekend," and he said it in such a sweet way. So there's your extra star, Sapphire. You're not too bad but I wouldn't go out of my way to have you. I still think India Gate is better, not to mention $1 cheaper. Now, if you'll excuse me, Sapphire is now moving through my bowels and nature is calling.
(3)Christine P.
Indian cuisine apparently is an acquired taste. I haven't acquired it yet. I'm trying though... Having said that, I couldn't tell you if what I ate was good or bad but I can tell you this. 1. The place is clean 2. The waiters seem eager to please 3. There are varieties of food 4. They filled your water cup every other minute But their nephew or son (I'm thinking since this child ran back and forth from the dining room and the kitchen) obviously had a cold and was running around the buffet table coughing and touching the food (bread, top of the buffet dish, etc). And NO ONE was doing anything about it. I bet they thought that was oh so darn cute. If that was my child, I would have whacked the behind couple of times but I digress. I am somewhat a germaphobe and couldn't really think of enjoying my food after that point. BUT other than that, it was an okay experience.
(2)Mags N.
I've been here maybe 20 times, and it's like coming home. The buffet is a truly awesome bargain, not just because there's so much to choose from, but because so much of it is truly yummy and there's a good blend of staples and new dishes to try, so your palate will never get bored. I don't ever remember the names of what I tried, and I don't have to, because there will be something else I'll love next time. I always enjoy the fried veggie pinwheel appetizers. They throw in Thai dishes, too, a pleasant surprise. I love coming here with vegetarians, more so on non-veggie days, because they'll see the meat and worry that they'll go hungry, and within an hour, food coma, so much vegetarian goodness. Even if you just sample each dish that appeals to you... then another little taste of your favorites... and then, you're stuffed. I find the dessert too sweet and the tea too bitter, so I skip it, too full from real food to care. There's something about the decor that makes me wonder if it's an Italian restaurant on its Indian days off; fun activity: see if you can spot the detail that gives that impression! The waitstaff, all ninjas. They never interrupt conversation, but the water glasses are always full. It's details like that radiate professionalism. My favorite buffet in the mid-Atlantic. Tied for my favorite Indian in Maryland (consider Baltimore and Langley Park, there's stiff competition!). You'd have to drive 20 minutes in any direction to find a restaurant of any kind that would be nearly as satisfying. Sapphire is truly the jewel of Laurel.
(4)Michele M.
Peshawari naan is amazing!!! Just be cautious of heat levels... their hot is HOT!!!
(4)Sheena C.
Meh. I'm Indian sooo to me this place is alright. First of its s Indian and Thai restaurant. So that might be the reason I didn't enjoy it. The flavors of the Indian food were completely off. We're neither north nor South Indian, was just strange to me. The mango lassi also tasted super weird to me. I've 100% had way better food in America that was Indian. The staff wasn't all that friendly either. Not the best customer service.
(2)Dewey T.
Food was hella gud, lots of choices. Chicken was good, waiters were attentive and service in general was great. Went for weekend buffet lunch, definitely worth the price. Would probably go again
(4)Jim F.
Ok. If you like terrible Indian food and even worse Thai served up in a dingy setting than this may be the place for you. I can't help but believe some of these positive reviews are not legitimate considering each of the individuals I had lunch with agreed that all of the food (not just one dish from the buffet) was bad. It also didn't help that there was bone and gristle in every other bite. Would stay away from this Indian? Thai? Sports bar? That is good at none of these things.
(1)Kee T.
I was excited that there was an indian restaurant not too far from my house in Prince Georges county, however, I was not so thrilled after I ate. The staff was very friendly and attentive, however I though the food was just okay. I dont eat Indian food often, but I am used to it being very flavorful. the chicken makani was bland. I did like the naan and masala tea was very good.
(3)Nicole S.
Good food - both Indian and Thai, great service. I met some family here as a sort of halfway point between DC and Baltimore for dinner based on the yelp recommendations. As a vegetarian, I loved that they have a ton of veg options on both of their (separate) menus for Thai and Indian. The Malai Kofta was pretty good, Bangan Bhartha had kind of a weird smoked flavor I wasn't keen on, Panang tofu was great. Some others in my family really liked a few of the chicken dishes. The waiter was a character - very friendly, giving lots of recommendations, joking around a lot, and presenting things in many languages. I can't say I would crave/go way out of my way from Baltimore or DC, but if you're in the area or passing by, this seems like the best place around Laurel to eat from what I read.
(4)Guru R.
Great service, okay price, food quality lacking
(3)Wicky T.
I am a fan of buffets, decided to try this out, The first time I went there they were about to close around 9 p.m which I didn't know, as soon as I stepped in the first thing they asked me was if I was there for dinner or buffet I said buffet, to which they replied its only open for 10 more minutes, so I decided to leave. I went to the Chinese buffet a few blocks down called Eastern Buffet which was way way worse than this. Anyway back to Sapphire I thought I'd give it another try came back a week later they didn't have that many varieties especially the Thai food, only about 3-4 Thai dishes which is surprising given the fact they advertise it to be a "Thai and Indian buffet" this so called Thai food is what you would find in Chinese buffets, mixed broccoli, mixed vegetables, curry chicken and a rice dish, they had about 10-15 Indian dishes including 4 desserts all in liquid form all laid out on a table in one stretch. Just one Salad dish , what was that all about? Anyway the service was good, waiters were attentive, food was tasty and fresh. They had a balance of vegetarian and meat dishes, no beef though. I think I ate too much anyway when it was time to pay, I gave my credit card, I think they swiped it twice crediting my account for another customers amount, when I went back home I checked my on line account, shocked to find I was charged twice, called them first thing the next morning, which started a game of "let us check,we'll call you back",so after a couple of days of telling my story over and over again to different waiters and waitresses finally the owner called, recalled my story again to him for which he assured me that this will be taken care of anyway couple of days later the unauthorized charge for the other customer dropped off my account, nevertheless it was a harrowing experience since I have been a victim of identity theft once before.Even though I enjoyed the food less its many varieties, I still had to do a lot of chasing later on when they charged my card twice, which took away the desire to go back there again.
(1)Kate M.
Vegetable korma was a huge disappointment. Diced carrots, peas, and green beans as if out of a frozen bag. The sauce was soupy and not creamy. The pad thai was slimy. And they charged $2.50 for a small dish of raita.
(2)C D.
Best Indian food in the DC area. Fabulous buffet. And ask for the Irish Coffee after dinner. Not the BEST irish coffee, but the restaurant owner will put on a show preparing it at your table.
(5)jax g.
a jewel hidden in the armpit of laurel! this place is awesome. the food is first-rate, the service is just right. we were made to feel attended-to, and a bit fussed over, without being smothered. we had three different waiters help us at different times for different purposes. they seemed very in synch with each other. our entrees arrived and were placed in front of us in decorative metal serving dishes with little tea candles warming them from beneath. my honey and i shared ours - aloo ghobi and palak paneer. they were exquisite, although i can't say they were different in any way than what they were supposed to be. no new twists or fusion crap going on here. but somehow it was still the best we've ever tasted. i was told by a friend to check this place out. she was blown away by the sunday buffet.. i'll be back!
(5)Lola F.
Sapphire is a gem in a lousy strip shopping center in Laurel. My husband and I have been going to Sapphire and bringing friends for over 8 years now and have never had a bad meal or experience. The food is always delicious and you can either order off their large menu or go to the always good buffet. I am not a buffet person as I usually find them to be a lot of bad food for a set price. Sapphire's buffet, which I believe is a vegetarian buffet on Wednesday nights, is superb. Wonderful dishes, well seasoned, and maintained beautifully. The buffet has never been over cooked from sitting too long or cold. The staff is always friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend a meal here.
(4)