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Roots Indian Bistro
8.6
Roots Indian Bistro brings a modern Punjabi-led menu to the Melrose Arts District, blending classic curries with playful combos and Indian-inspired cocktails in a mural-filled dining room. Opened in 2021 by chef-owner Anmoldeep, it draws a mix of neighborhood regulars and destination diners for richly seasoned, shareable plates and strong vegan and gluten-free coverage.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Press-recognized, mural-lined Indian bistro pairing polished curries with LA-style cocktails.
Who should go: Din Diners wanting modern Indian in a lively Melrose setting.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners for full room energy and vibes.
What to order: Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Roots For 2 combo.
Insider tip: Use the Roots For 2 sets to sample multiple curries and sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Melrose and nearby side streets is available but fills quickly during dinner hours; arrive a few minutes early to secure a spot. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual works best—jeans and a clean top are fine, but the mural-filled room and cocktail program lean slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a normal conversation, but peak weekend dinners come with a buzzier soundtrack.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak 7–8pm seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; seating is quick and relaxed.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent coverage—many curries, appetizers, and mains have well-developed vegetarian versions.
Vegan options: Strong vegan offerings including coconut-based curries and plant-forward plates; staff is knowledgeable about substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Many curries are naturally gluten-free, and the kitchen clearly marks GF options; servers can guide you through safe choices.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The colorful room, shareable plates, and polished-but-casual vibe make it a low-pressure but memorable first-date option.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights, but weekend evenings fill up early. Walk-ins are seated fastest before 6:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who enjoy flavorful foods; the space is lively but not chaotic, and portions are shareable.
Best For
Better for: Modern Punjabi flavors, creative cocktails, and a lively dining room that feels fresher and trendier than more traditional neighborhood Indian spots.
Skip if: You want extremely quiet dining, ultra-classic North Indian preparations only, or parking directly in front of the restaurant during peak hours.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 10pm
Tuesday11:30am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 11pm
Saturday11:30am - 3pm, 4:30pm - 11pm
Sunday4pm - 10pm