You’ll find a Thai restaurant on practically every streetcorner in L.A. but Indian food doesn’t get the same coverage in La-La Land. There are a handful of excellent Indian eateries, though, mainly in West L.A. and Hollywood. Here are a few that get my vote for outstanding food.
Bombay Café
Neighborhood: West L.A.
12021 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. 90064
310-473-3388
http://www.bombaycafe-la
Named one of the Top 10 Indian restaurants in Los Angeles by Gayot’s 2010 Restaurant Guide, West L.A.’s Bombay Cafe serves Northern Indian cuisine with a twist. Their spicy entrees have been a favorite with locals and tourists alike since 1989. Diners can start their meal with Aloo-Ki-Tikki (potato pancakes with onion and chutney) or samosas with a homemade chutney sampler. For dinner, try the Bombay tandoori special for two,. It features small portions of chicken tikka, tandoori chicken and shrimp, with a side of naan. The “Frankie”, (the Bombay Café version of a popular snack sold on Mumbai beaches) is a handmade tortilla stuffed with lamb, chicken or cauliflower. There’s no need to rush after dinner’s over. Bombay has several tasty desserts, including Mango Kulfi (Indian ice cream ) and Baadam (toasted almond cake topped with whipped cream) There’s a generous wine selection, and unusual cocktails. Try the Pimms Cup-Pimms ( a gin and fruit juice liqueur) and Ginger Beer garnished with a cucumber. Dinner for two at Bombay Café averages $60 without drinks.
Bombay Café
Neighborhood: West L.A.
12021 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. 90064
310-473-3388
http://www.bombaycafe-la
Paru’s Restaurant
5140 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA90027
Neighborhood: East Hollywood
(323) 661-7600
http://www.parusrestaurant.com/
Located in a blink it or you’ll miss storefront in East Hollywood, Paru’s Indian Vegetarian Restaurant highlights South India’s food. Paru’s uses vegetables, spices, and lentils to create dosas (crepes made with lentils and potatoes) and a host of other meat-free meals that are so delicious, they’ll even please even carnivores. If you think vegetarian means boring, a meal at Paru’s can change your mind. Sample the uttapam, a flat lentil crepe topped with veggies is a South Indian “pizza” or the idli ( rice and lentil dumpling). cooked to perfection by the chefs at this family-owned business. Enjoy your meal in the brightly decorated interior dining room or ear outside in their courtyard. Paru’s is an oasis for Indian food lovers in the heart of East Hollywood. Full dinner plates are $13-$14, a la carte items $7-$9
6755 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Neighborhood: Hollywood
(323) 465-3321
http://crownofindiala.com/
Crown of India
A strip-mall restaurant in Hollywood, near the Santa Monica Boulevard theatre district. Crown of India whips up simple Indian food for the lunch and takeout crowd. They’re open for dinner, too, with a small and popular dining room. Just about anything on the menus is a keeper. The melt in your mouth Chicken Korma is a spicy blend of coconut, garlic, onion and cayenne pepper. Entrees come with naan, chickpeas and your choice of salad. There’s an extensive vegetarian menu and a lunch buffet as well. Based on my personal experience, Crown of India is the best restaurant in Hollywood for take-out. Entrees are priced from $7-$16.
Crown of India
6755 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Neighborhood: Hollywood
(323) 465-3321
http://crownofindiala.com/
http://www.gayot.com/restaurants/best-losangeles-ca-top10-indianrestaurant_5_2la.html
