Roots Indian Bistro

Roots Indian Bistro, located on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, has established itself as a notable destination for Indian cuisine with accommodating vegan options. Opening around late 2021, this family-owned establishment has garnered mostly positive reviews for its authentic Indian flavors, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service. Though not exclusively vegan, the restaurant offers numerous plant-based options alongside its regular menu, making it accessible for various dietary preferences. With a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice award and ranking within the top 15% of Los Angeles restaurants, Roots Indian Bistro combines traditional Indian cooking techniques with a modern dining experience that appeals to both locals and tourists seeking authentic Indian cuisine in an intimate setting.

Location and Ambiance

Roots Indian Bistro is situated at 7265 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046-7635, placing it in a vibrant and accessible part of the city. The restaurant presents itself as a "BRIGHT, NEW Kid on the block," offering an intimate dining space that creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests. The establishment's self-description emphasizes its connection to traditional Indian roots while providing an upscale bistro experience.

The restaurant's interior is described as attractive by multiple reviewers, suggesting attention to aesthetic details that enhance the dining experience. While specific decor elements aren't extensively detailed in the available reviews, the overall impression points to a pleasant, contemporary setting that complements the culinary offerings. The intimate space creates an environment conducive to various dining occasions, from casual meals to business dinners and special celebrations, as evidenced by customer experiences mentioned in reviews.

Street parking with meters is available near the restaurant, making it reasonably accessible for diners arriving by car. However, as with many popular Los Angeles dining destinations, finding parking might require some patience, particularly during peak hours, with one reviewer noting it took approximately 30 minutes to locate a parking spot.

Menu and Food Offerings

Roots Indian Bistro features a comprehensive menu that showcases traditional Indian cuisine with a focus on Northern Indian culinary traditions. The restaurant offers a diverse selection of appetizers, including aloo tikki, sev puri, and onion pakora, which have received praise from multiple reviewers. Several customers specifically highlighted the samosas, though opinions on their quality varied, with most finding them delicious while one recent reviewer described them as "below average".

For main courses, the restaurant excels in classic Indian dishes such as butter chicken (chicken makhni), chicken tikka masala, and vindaloo preparations. The menu also includes vegetarian options like saag paneer and malai kofta that have garnered positive mentions in customer reviews. Biryani dishes and tandoori chicken round out the entrée selections, providing a comprehensive representation of popular Indian cuisine.

The restaurant's bread offerings, particularly the naan and garlic naan, have been consistently highlighted as exceptional by reviewers. One recent Yelp reviewer emphasized, "The naan is delicious," suggesting this remains a standout item on the menu. Accompaniments and desserts also receive positive attention, with one reviewer noting the rice pudding and Indian carrot cake were "spiced perfectly".

Regarding flavor profiles, Roots Indian Bistro allows customers to select their preferred spice level, which ranges from mild to very spicy. A recent reviewer cautioned that "the medium masala has a kick so don't go higher if you're only decent with spice," indicating the restaurant doesn't shy away from authentic heat levels. Another reviewer specifically mentioned that when they requested their food "be made spiced as the family eats their food," the saag paneer was "probably a bit too hot," suggesting authenticity in spice levels.

Vegan and Dietary Options

While Roots Indian Bistro is not exclusively a vegan restaurant, it prominently features vegan options on its menu, making it accessible to plant-based diners. The restaurant's TripAdvisor listing explicitly mentions "Vegan options" under Special Diets, indicating a conscious effort to accommodate this dietary preference. This approach aligns with the tradition of Indian cuisine, which naturally includes many vegetable-based dishes that can be prepared without animal products.

For those with other dietary considerations, the restaurant also offers halal options, as mentioned by one Yelp reviewer who praised this aspect of the menu. This additional dietary accommodation demonstrates the restaurant's commitment to serving diverse customer needs and preferences.

Though specific vegan dishes aren't extensively detailed in the available reviews, the presence of vegetarian options like malai kofta suggests that plant-based diners would find suitable choices. Traditional Indian vegetable curries, lentil dishes (dals), and vegetable-based appetizers would likely form the foundation of the vegan offerings at the restaurant, based on typical Indian restaurant menus with vegan options.

Service and Staff

One of Roots Indian Bistro's most praised aspects is its service quality and staff attentiveness. Multiple reviewers describe the restaurant as family-owned with owners who take a personal interest in their guests' dining experiences. The owner, variously referred to as "Parma" or "Singh" in different reviews, has been specifically mentioned for making customers feel welcome and for providing personal attention to diners.

Staff members are consistently described as "friendly," "attentive," and "wonderful" across multiple reviews. One customer recounted how the owners "made sure to introduce themselves and help with ordering," suggesting a level of personal service that enhances the dining experience. Another reviewer shared a story about contacting the restaurant almost a month after dining there to request an itemized receipt for a business dinner, noting that they "dug into their records and responded SO quickly," demonstrating exceptional customer service beyond the dining experience itself.

However, not all service experiences have been uniformly positive. One recent reviewer mentioned having to "flag them down if you need anything," suggesting that attentiveness might vary depending on how busy the restaurant is. Another review from July 2023 was notably critical, describing staff as "disinterested and unresponsive" with service characterized as "terrible". This contrasting account represents a minority opinion among the predominantly positive reviews.

Pricing and Value

Roots Indian Bistro falls into the moderate price range, categorized on TripAdvisor as "$$ - $$$". Customer perceptions of value vary somewhat across reviews, with most finding the pricing reasonable for the quality and quantity of food provided.

Several reviews specifically comment on the generous portion sizes, with one noting that "the food was plentiful". Another reviewer described the pricing as "reasonably priced," suggesting a favorable cost-to-value ratio. The restaurant appears to cater to different dining budgets, with options for individual meals ("Fun for one" options mentioned in one review) as well as shared dining experiences.

It's worth noting that some practical aspects of pricing have been mentioned in reviews-for example, curry entrées do not automatically include rice, which may be considered a separate charge. This is common practice in many Indian restaurants but may affect perceptions of value for some diners.

A single dissenting opinion from 2023 criticized the restaurant for "high prices" combined with "small portions," contrasting sharply with the majority of reviews that found the value proposition satisfactory. This divergence might reflect changing experiences over time or varying expectations among different customer segments.

Customer Experience and Reviews

The overall customer experience at Roots Indian Bistro appears largely positive based on available reviews. The restaurant holds a 4.3/5 rating on TripAdvisor based on 9 reviews and is ranked #1,311 out of 9,987 restaurants in Los Angeles. This positioning places it in approximately the top 13% of Los Angeles dining establishments, a notable achievement in a city known for its competitive restaurant scene.

The restaurant has received a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice award, indicating consistent positive reviews that place it in the top 10% of properties on the platform. Of the 9 reviews on TripAdvisor, 7 rated the restaurant as "Excellent," while there was 1 "Average" and 1 "Terrible" rating, showing predominantly favorable but not unanimous customer experiences.

Many reviewers highlight the authenticity of the cuisine, with one Indian visitor noting that the "food at Roots reminded us of our home food". The combination of food quality, service, and atmosphere appears to create loyal customers, with one noting, "Since we discovered it a couple of years ago we come to Roots every year now for a large business dinner".

More recent Yelp reviews continue the generally positive trend, with comments like "Always a fan of this spot!!!" and "Best punjabi food i ever experienced". This consistency across different review platforms and time periods suggests a reliable dining experience.

Conclusion

Roots Indian Bistro presents itself as a noteworthy addition to Los Angeles' diverse culinary landscape, offering authentic Indian cuisine with accommodations for various dietary preferences, including vegan options. The restaurant's strengths clearly lie in its flavorful food preparations, particularly its butter chicken, tikka masala, and naan bread, alongside the personal touch provided by its family ownership and generally attentive staff.

While most dining experiences reported are highly positive, the few critical reviews suggest occasional inconsistencies, particularly in service attentiveness and food quality. However, the predominance of positive feedback across multiple platforms indicates these may be exceptions rather than the norm. The restaurant's recognition through the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice award further validates its overall quality and customer satisfaction.

For those seeking Indian cuisine with vegan options in Los Angeles, Roots Indian Bistro offers a promising dining destination that balances traditional flavors with modern dining expectations. Its intimate setting, diverse menu, and reputation for hospitality make it worthy of consideration for both special occasions and casual meals alike.

Standout Dishes at Roots Indian Bistro: A Culinary Deep Dive

Roots Indian Bistro has cultivated a reputation for delivering authentic Indian flavors with creative twists, as evidenced by consistent praise across multiple review platforms and media features. The restaurant’s menu balances traditional Northern Indian recipes with innovative fusion dishes, creating a diverse culinary experience. Below is an analysis of the most celebrated dishes based on customer reviews, social media highlights, and press coverage.

Butter Chicken (Chicken Makhni)

The Butter Chicken emerges as the undisputed star of the menu, frequently highlighted for its rich, creamy tomato curry infused with saffron. This dish exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity, with one ABC7 feature noting it as a "classic" that captures the essence of Punjabi cuisine. Reviewers consistently praise its velvety texture and well-balanced spices, with one Tripadvisor user describing it as "delicious" and "perfectly spiced". The sauce’s depth-achieved through slow-cooked tomatoes, cream, and aromatic spices-complements tender chicken pieces, making it a favorite for both first-time visitors and regulars.

Samosas

Samosas at Roots Indian Bistro have generated polarized opinions but remain a frequently ordered appetizer. The crispy, golden pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas receives praise for its "flaky crust" and "generous filling" in most reviews. A Yelp listing shows samosas as one of the most photographed and reviewed items, indicating their popularity despite a recent critical review describing them as "below average". The dish’s traditional preparation, paired with tangy tamarind and mint chutneys, aligns with the restaurant’s focus on rooted flavors while accommodating varying spice preferences.

Garlic Naan

No meal at Roots Indian Bistro is complete without their Garlic Naan, which reviewers universally acclaim as "exceptional". This oven-baked flatbread, brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with fresh herbs, serves as the ideal accompaniment to curries. Its pillowy texture and smoky undertones from the tandoor oven highlight the kitchen’s mastery of bread-making. One Yelp reviewer emphatically stated, "The naan is delicious," underscoring its role in elevating the dining experience.

Paneer Masala Fries

A standout fusion dish, Paneer Masala Fries, reflects the Khinda family’s innovative approach. Featured prominently in an ABC7 segment, this creation combines crispy fries with chunks of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), masala sauce, onions, tomatoes, mozzarella, and cilantro. The dish bridges Indian and American comfort food, offering a bold mix of textures and flavors-creamy paneer, tangy spices, and crunchy fries. It has quickly become a signature item, symbolizing the restaurant’s ability to reinterpret traditional ingredients for a cosmopolitan audience.

Malai Kofta

Malai Kofta, a vegetarian delicacy of paneer and vegetable dumplings in a creamy cashew sauce, earns consistent acclaim for its "rich and aromatic" profile. Tripadvisor reviews highlight it as a must-try, particularly for its smooth texture and subtle sweetness balanced by cardamom and saffron. The dish’s popularity underscores the restaurant’s strength in catering to diverse dietary preferences without compromising on flavor complexity.

Tandoori Chicken

The Tandoori Chicken, marinated in yogurt and spices before being cooked in a clay oven, stands out for its smoky char and tender interior. Reviews frequently mention its "perfectly grilled" quality, with the marinade penetrating deeply to create a vibrant red hue and juicy finish. Served with mint chutney and lime, this dish exemplifies the restaurant’s expertise in tandoor-cooked meats, a hallmark of North Indian cuisine.

Biryani

Roots’ Biryani-fragrant basmati rice layered with spices, herbs, and choice of protein-receives nods for its authenticity. A Yelp reviewer noted the biryani’s "explosion of flavors," emphasizing the careful layering of saffron, caramelized onions, and tender meat. The dish’s preparation, involving dum-cooking (slow-steaming in a sealed pot), ensures each grain remains distinct yet infused with aromatic spices, making it a hearty centerpiece for shared meals.

Spice Lamb

Highlighted in media features, the Spice Lamb showcases the restaurant’s ability to handle robust meats. Slow-cooked in a gravy of onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, the lamb is praised for its fall-off-the-bone tenderness and bold flavor profile. This dish appeals to those seeking deeper, more intense tastes, with the meat’s richness cut through by tangy tomato and warming spices like cloves and cinnamon.

Desserts: Rice Pudding and Carrot Cake

While savory dishes dominate discussions, the desserts-particularly Rice Pudding (Kheer) and Indian Carrot Cake (Gajar Halwa)-round out the meal with subtle sweetness. Reviewers describe the kheer as "creamy" with "just the right amount of cardamom," while the gajar halwa impresses with its grated carrot texture and nutty garnishes. These desserts provide a traditional finish to the meal, reflecting the kitchen’s attention to detail across all courses.