Govinda's, Darlinghurst

Govinda's has been around since 1979 and provides one of the cheapest dinner and movie deals around.

A vegetarian all-you-can-eat buffet is $15.90.
Add a movie for only $4.00.
Or watch the movie without dinner for $10.90.

The movie room is upstairs and its biggest drawcard is the fact that patrons get to lie on lounges for the screening.


Pic from www.govindas.com.au

What's the catch? Well, it is run by the International Society for Krsna Consciousness, or as they're more commonly known, Hare Krishnas. But their presence here is low-key. No orange robed staff, no overt attempts to convert you and nary a tambourine to be seen.

There are a couple of Krishna prints on the wall, free literature at the door and a constant soundtrack of muted sitar-playing, but that's about as much Krishna action you're gonna get. So we grabbed a couple of plates and headed straight for the vegetarian buffet.


Vegetable bake, vegetable gratin, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds


Penne napolitane, lettuce and coleslaw


Pappadums, cauliflower pakoras, salad and mango chutney


Spicy dahl soup


Subji vegetables


There's plenty of food and a fairly wide variety of it. The cauliflower pakoras were pretty addictive and there are even chips and wedges for the non-adventurous.

A row of condiments line the counter bench and include mango chutney, chilli sauce and yoghurt as well of plenty of toasted sesame seeds and sunflower seeds to get your B vitamins.

The chairs and tables are a functional-looking black, the decor is minimalist and the ceiling-to-floor windows allow us to see the balcony's gloating occupants.

Alcohol is available although we settled for mango lassis which were ok, but a little watery.

The movie tonight was Hero which we watched leaning back on couches as we rubbed our distended bellies.

An enjoyable evening although be warned that on busy nights you may end up lying very close to your lounge neighbours! It's also advisable to eat early so you can queue for prime lounge seating.


Oh, and our favourite Govinda's business card reads:

For all earthly enquiries phone 9380 5155.
For all Other World enquiries call the Supreme Operator on
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
to lift off to a trascendental eternal world
full of bliss, love and infinite knowledge

Govinda's
112 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst
Tel: 02 9380 5155

Check the website for movie listings, times and reviews.