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BADMAASH Downtown LA
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
BADMAASH Downtown LA
8.7
A loud, modern Indian gastropub that riffs on classics with LA swagger, without losing the spice logic. The kitchen nails bold, layered flavors and keeps the crowd coming back, making it one of DTLA’s most reliable Indian destinations since opening in 2013. Expect playful mashups alongside deeply comforting staples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tikka poutine, Chili cheese naan, Black lentil dal makhani
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Indian comfort food remixed with chef-driven, LA-style creativity.
Who should go: Adventurous eaters, dates, and groups craving bold flavors.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier seating; weekends for full energy.
What to order: Chicken tikka poutine, chili cheese naan, dal makhani.
Insider tip: Order a couple of small plates first, then build your meal around curries.
BADMAASH Downtown LA
8.2
A loud, modern Indian gastropub that keeps classics recognizable while dialing up richness and spice. It’s a reliable downtown favorite for bold curries, playful bar snacks, and a crowd that’s there to eat big.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter chicken, Chili cheese naan, Coconut curry mussels
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Indian comfort food reimagined for a bar-forward downtown hang.
Who should go: Spice lovers and cocktail-with-dinner crews.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for quicker seating.
What to order: Butter chicken, chili cheese naan, mussels.
Insider tip: Split a few small plates before committing to mains.
BADMAASH Downtown LA
8.3
A loud, fun Indian gastropub with bold spice and a menu that translates well to gluten-free diners. Many curries, tandoori items, and rice-based plates are naturally GF, and the team is accustomed to steering you right.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tandoori chicken (GF), Butter chicken with rice (GF), Okra fries (ask for GF fryer status)
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Modern Indian comfort food with lots of gluten-free wins.
Who should go: Spice fans and casual night-out crews.
When to visit: Early dinner before the crowd energy rises.
What to order: Tandoori chicken, butter chicken, dal with rice.
Insider tip: Tell them ‘celiac-level’ if cross-contact matters; they’ll flag dishes.