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Mayura Indian Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Mayura Indian Restaurant
8.7
A long-running Kerala specialist where fragrant coastal curries, appam, and seafood dishes show the depth of South Indian home cooking. The setting is modest, but flavors are layered, confident, and reliably executed. It’s a locals’ institution for bold spice and comfort in equal measure.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kerala fish curry, Appam with chicken stew, Porotta with goat curry
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: One of L.A.’s most trusted Kerala kitchens with huge community validation.
Who should go: Spice lovers and curry fans.
When to visit: Lunch for easier seating and quick service.
What to order: Fish curry, appam, porotta with goat or beef fry.
Insider tip: Ask for off-menu daily specials if you want deeper Kerala flavors.
Mayura Indian Restaurant
8.4
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family-run Kerala specialist serving authentic South Indian home cooking since 2006, with separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian kitchens. The menu reaches beyond standard tikka masalas into regional specialties like tangy fish curry and avial, a coconut-sautéed vegetable dish that anchors the menu. Hollywood insiders including Mindy Kaling and the Slumdog Millionaire cast have made this strip mall gem their go-to for dishes that taste like home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avial Special, Kerala Fish Curry, Uthappam with Vegetables
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Only Southern California restaurant specializing in Kerala regional cuisine with ingredients imported from India
Who should go: South Indian food enthusiasts and vegetarians seeking authentic regional dishes
When to visit: Lunch buffet on weekdays for variety, dinner for full menu
What to order: Avial special, Kerala fish curry, and cheese uthappam for an Indian pizza experience
Insider tip: The family gets spices shipped directly from Kerala for authentic flavors
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free strip mall lot with 20+ spaces, rarely full except weekend dinner rush
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, locals in everything from gym wear to business casual
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation even when busy, family-friendly atmosphere
Weekend wait: 15-30 min wait typical Friday/Saturday 7-8pm, quieter before 6:30pm
Weekday lunch: No wait for buffet, seats immediately during lunch service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Exceptional - separate vegetarian kitchen, 40+ options including Kerala specialties like avial and sambar
Vegan options: Very good - most vegetarian dishes naturally vegan or easily modified, ask about ghee
Gluten-free options: Good options - rice-based dosas, idli, and uthappam plus most curries naturally gluten-free
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you both appreciate authentic cuisine - intimate booths, easy conversation, and sharing-friendly menu. Skip if they need trendy ambiance or familiar dishes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes - reservations not required except weekend dinner peak (7-8pm). Call ahead if bringing 6+ people.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - family-run with mild options like cheese dosa and mango lassi, high chairs available. Popular with local families for good reason.
How spicy is the food? Authentic Kerala heat levels but chef adjusts on request - specify mild/medium/hot when ordering. Fish curry has natural tang and moderate spice.
Is the lunch buffet worth it? Absolutely for first-timers - $12-15 for 8-10 dishes including Kerala specialties, best value introduction to the cuisine
Best For
Better for: Authentic Kerala specialties you won't find elsewhere, vegetarians wanting regional variety beyond standard paneer tikka, intimate family-run atmosphere with consistent quality
Skip if: You want modern Indian fusion, trendy cocktails, or date-night ambiance - this is strip mall authentic over Instagram-worthy