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Bollywood Cafe Indian Restaurant
Master Critic Review
Bollywood Cafe Indian Restaurant
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Since 2003, this low-key local chain near Universal Studios delivers reliable North Indian Mughlai cuisine with quick service and wallet-friendly pricing. The chicken pakora arrives golden-crisp with authentic spicing, while the lunch specials provide exceptional value for the neighborhood. Staff remember regulars' orders and accommodate customization requests with ease.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Pakora, Chicken Tikka Masala, Mix Tandoori Platter
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Minutes from Universal Studios with exceptional lunch special value
Who should go: Budget diners, families, and Universal Studios visitors
When to visit: Lunch for best deals; dinner for extra complimentary sides
What to order: Chicken Pakora, Mix Tandoori Platter, Lamb Curry
Insider tip: Order $40+ direct for free samosas; ample parking behind
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant - ample spaces, easy access
Dress code: Casual - jeans and t-shirts perfectly fine
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation at all times
Weekend wait: 10-15 min max, usually seat immediately
Weekday lunch: No wait - quick turnover for business crowd
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including paneer, dal, veggie curries
Vegan options: Yes - most vegetarian dishes can be made vegan upon request
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice dishes and tandoori meats work, but naan is standard
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates than romantic evenings - the strip mall setting and fluorescent lighting lean utilitarian rather than intimate, but the quiet atmosphere allows easy conversation and the budget pricing removes financial pressure
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - reservations rarely needed. Walk-ins typically seated within 10 minutes even during dinner rush. Lunch is immediate seating
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - staff accommodates spice adjustments, familiar options like chicken tikka and naan appeal to younger palates, and the casual atmosphere welcomes families without judgment. High chairs available
How spicy is the food? Moderate spice by default with authentic North Indian heat levels, but kitchen readily adjusts spicing up or down - just ask your server when ordering
Is this authentic Indian food? Yes - legitimate North Indian Mughlai preparation with proper spicing and technique, not Americanized versions. The chicken pakora and tandoori items show traditional execution
Best For
Better for: Budget-conscious diners wanting authentic Indian without sacrificing quality; quick business lunches near Universal Studios; regulars who value consistent execution over trendy ambiance; takeout orders with their free samosa incentive at $40+
Skip if: You want Instagram-worthy plating or romantic date-night atmosphere; seeking modern Indian fusion or regional specialties beyond North Indian Mughlai; need extensive craft cocktails or wine selection; prefer upscale dining environments