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ZipPicks Awards
Best Indian in Los Angeles
Master Critic Review
Anarkali Indian Restaurant
8.7
One of LA's oldest family-run Indian restaurants since 1980, serving Northern Indian and Bengali-influenced dishes with a loyal following built over four decades. The Choudhury family's hospitality and complimentary discount coupons keep regulars returning for consistently executed classics like chicken tikka masala and lamb rogan josh.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Rogan Josh, Garlic Basil Naan
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: 44-year family legacy with Northern Indian and Bengali specialties
Who should go: Regulars seeking authentic, reliable Indian comfort food
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the quieter experience
What to order: Chicken tikka masala with garlic basil naan, beef biryani
Insider tip: Ask for discount coupons they hand out for your next visit
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Vermont Ave and side streets - typically easy to find spots. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual - come as you are. Locals show up in everything from work clothes to weekend wear.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation even when busy. Family-friendly atmosphere without being loud.
Weekend wait: 15-20 minutes possible Friday/Saturday peak hours, but tables turn relatively quickly
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - walk right in most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - extensive vegetarian section with 15+ options including paneer dishes, dal varieties, and vegetable curries
Vegan options: Good options - most vegetarian dishes can be made vegan by requesting no ghee or cream. Ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Moderate - rice dishes and many curries work, but cross-contamination possible. Not a dedicated GF kitchen, so communicate severity of allergy.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for casual-relaxed first dates. The quiet atmosphere allows actual conversation, prices won't break the bank ($40-50 for two with apps), and it's been around 44 years so you look like you know the neighborhood. Skip if you're trying to impress with trendy/Instagram vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, easily for lunch and weekday dinners. Weekend evenings might have a 15-20 minute wait, but they don't take reservations anyway, so everyone's in the same boat. Just show up.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - family-run spot that welcomes all ages. Mild options available, high chairs provided, and the Choudhury family treats young diners warmly. Good for introducing kids to Indian food without intimidation.
How spicy is the food? They adjust spice levels to order - default is mild-to-medium. If you want authentic heat, explicitly ask for 'Indian spicy' not 'American spicy.' They'll accommodate either way.
Do they do takeout well? Yes, and it's a regular thing here. Curries travel well, and they pack everything carefully. The discount coupons work on takeout too, so you'll likely get 10-15% off your next order.
Best For
Better for: Consistent, no-surprises Indian food with family hospitality and value pricing. Choose this over trendier spots when you want reliable execution, generous portions, and the comfort of a place that's been doing it right since 1980. The loyalty discount system rewards repeat visits.
Skip if: You're seeking modern Indian fusion, upscale ambiance, or Instagram-worthy plating. If you want innovative takes on Indian cuisine or a scene-y atmosphere, look elsewhere. This is about tradition, consistency, and neighborhood comfort - not culinary experimentation.
Hours
Monday11am - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 11pm
Sunday11am - 11pm