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Cali Tandoor
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Cali Tandoor
7.8
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family Friendly Favorites
Indian restaurant with a dedicated seafood program featuring tandoori fish, fish tikka, and Kerala-style preparations. The lunch buffet offers value, while dinner service provides full access to their kebab and seafood menu with outdoor patio seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tandoori Fish, Fish Tikka Masala, Grilled Fish Kebabs
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Authentic Indian seafood preparations rare in the LA market
Who should go: Indian food enthusiasts seeking beyond standard curry house offerings
When to visit: Weekday lunch buffet for variety and value
What to order: Tandoori fish, lamb karachi, garlic naan for the table
Insider tip: Ask for spice level adjustments - they'll accommodate any heat preference
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available on Palms Blvd and side streets, typically easy to find even during dinner. Small lot behind building fits 8-10 cars.
Dress code: Casual to business casual - perfectly fine for lunch meetings in work attire or weekend dinner in jeans and a polo
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation even when busy, patio is especially peaceful for business discussions
Weekend wait: 15-20 minutes without reservation on Friday/Saturday, but they take walk-ins readily
Weekday lunch: No wait for buffet - seat yourself service during lunch hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - extensive vegetarian menu with paneer, dal, vegetable curries, and dedicated buffet section at lunch
Vegan options: Good options - most vegetable curries can be made without ghee or cream, rice and naan available, confirm preparation
Gluten-free options: Moderate - rice dishes and many curries are naturally GF, but naan is not. Ask about cross-contamination in tandoor.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially the outdoor patio for dinner - quiet enough for conversation, interesting enough to be memorable, and the seafood specialties give you something unique to discuss. Not too expensive to feel pressured.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes - reservations recommended only for Friday/Saturday dinner or groups of 6+. Weekday dinner and all lunch service rarely needs booking. Patio seating is first-come during good weather.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - mild curry options available, rice and naan appeal to picky eaters, and lunch buffet lets kids sample without committing to full dishes. Relaxed atmosphere, no side-eye for normal kid noise. High chairs available.
How's the lunch buffet compared to dinner? Buffet ($15-18) offers great variety and value with 8-10 items including tandoori chicken, but limited seafood specialties. Dinner menu has full access to fish tikka and Kerala preparations that make this place special. Choose buffet for sampling, dinner for signature dishes.
Is it actually spicy or Americanized? Authentic spice levels available but they default to medium-mild for general audience. Tell them you want 'Indian spicy' or rate 1-10 for heat - kitchen will deliver. The seafood preparations show regional authenticity, not dumbed down.
Best For
Better for: Cali Tandoor beats standard curry houses for seafood variety and tandoori preparations - the fish tikka and Kerala-style cooking show regional depth you won't find at generic Indian spots. Also better for quiet business lunches and outdoor dining than most Westside Indian restaurants.
Skip if: Choose Badmaash or Flavor of India in Culver City if you want modern Indian fusion or trendier atmosphere. Skip if you're specifically craving South Indian dosas/idli (limited here) or need late-night service (closes at 10pm). For pure vegetarian focus, Samosa House offers more variety.
Cali Tandoor
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Date Night Magic
Northern Indian specialist with tandoori expertise, offering halal meat options and a lunch buffet in a casual setting with outdoor seating. The kitchen delivers properly executed classics like chicken tikka masala and lamb vindaloo at prices that make it accessible for regular visits. Despite its strip mall location, the restaurant maintains consistent quality across both lunch specials and full dinner service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Biryani, Saag Paneer
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Affordable tandoori specialties with generous portions and halal meat options in convenient strip mall location
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners and halal meat seekers wanting reliable North Indian classics
When to visit: Lunch buffet 11am-3pm daily for best value and variety
What to order: Chicken tikka masala, garlic naan, and lamb biryani show kitchen's strengths
Insider tip: Spice levels lean mild—ask for 'Indian spicy' if you want authentic heat
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free strip mall lot with ample spaces - parking is never an issue
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, jeans and t-shirts perfectly fine
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation even when busy
Weekend wait: 10-15 min typical, rarely exceeds 20 minutes
Weekday lunch: No wait - buffet seating is immediate
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - extensive options including paneer dishes, dal, and vegetable curries
Vegan options: Good - most vegetarian curries can be made vegan by requesting no cream or ghee
Gluten-free options: Yes - rice-based dishes and tandoori meats work, but cross-contamination possible with naan prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual first dates - the relaxed atmosphere and affordable prices remove pressure, plus sharing multiple dishes encourages interaction. Skip if you're aiming for upscale ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Almost always - reservations aren't necessary except possibly Friday/Saturday dinner. Even then, waits are minimal due to efficient turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - mild spice options available, familiar dishes like butter chicken, and staff accommodating to children. High chairs available. Good for ages 5+ who'll eat the food.
Do they deliver or offer takeout? Yes to both - packaging holds up well and tandoori items travel better than most Indian food. Order directly to avoid delivery app markups.
Is the lunch buffet worth it? Absolutely - $12-15 for unlimited North Indian classics including tandoori chicken, multiple curries, naan, and dessert. Best value in the neighborhood for quantity and variety.
Best For
Better for: Budget-conscious regular visits, halal requirements, lunch buffet value, and reliable execution of familiar North Indian dishes without pretension
Skip if: You want upscale ambiance, innovative modern Indian cuisine, or regional specialties beyond North India - this excels at classics but doesn't push boundaries