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Roots Indian Bistro
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
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.
Roots Indian Bistro
8.6
Roots Indian Bistro is a modern Indian restaurant on Melrose with a clearly marked vegan menu, creative curries, and a lively cocktail program. With thousands of reviews across platforms and dedicated vegan entrées, it works just as well for mixed-diet groups as it does for plant-based regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nirvana Curry with tofu, Malai Kofta, Vegan Samosas
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Modern Indian bistro with dedicated vegan curries, cocktails, and late hours.
Who should go: Mixed-diet groups wanting serious Indian flavors with many vegan choices.
When to visit: Weekend evenings or late dinners when the room is buzzing.
What to order: Nirvana Curry with tofu, Malai Kofta, Vegan Samosas
Insider tip: Sit on the patio for lower noise while still near the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Melrose can be tight after 6pm; meters run late. Limited residential parking nearby but expect to circle during peak hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests lean slightly trendy—jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. Conversation is doable at a normal tone, but weekend dinners get energetic near the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extensive vegetarian options with clearly labeled dishes across starters and mains.
Vegan options: Strong vegan offering—several curries, apps, and mains are marked vegan with no modifications needed.
Gluten-free options: Multiple naturally gluten-free curries and rice-based dishes; staff can guide substitutions, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The vibe is lively but not overwhelming, and the patio offers a slightly quieter setting. The cocktail list and sharable plates make it an easy place to connect.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weekdays and late nights. On weekends, expect a wait unless you arrive early (before 6:30pm) or sit on the patio if it opens up first.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids or teens who enjoy flavorful curries; less ideal for toddlers due to noise levels and limited kid-specific dishes.
Best For
Better for: A broader vegan-friendly Indian menu and trendier atmosphere than most neighborhood Indian spots, plus a stronger cocktail program for mixed groups.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional regional Indian dishes or a very quiet dining room—this leans modern, social, and energetic.