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Akbar Cuisine of India
Categories: Restaurants Indian Restaurants Pakistani Indian, Pakistani [Edit]
2627 Wilshire BlvdSanta Monica, CA 90403
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
(310) 586-7469
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
74 reviews for Akbar Cuisine of India
Review Highlights
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"The Chicken Tikka Masala is really great too." In 7 reviews -
"The garlic naan never disappoints." In 4 reviews -
"My absolute fav is the chilean sea bass." In 2 reviews
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74 reviews in English
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Review from Benjamin H.
Burbank, CA
5/20/2012
While my GF and I are still diehard fans of Crown of India in Hollywood (my review is here: http://www.yelp.com/bi...), we decided to try a place a little closer since we needed to make a movie.
The Akbar staff were very personable and helpful and the food was tasty. I had the lamb Vindaloo and my GF had the chicken tikka masala.
A Suggestion to Akbar:
You really need to warn first time patrons. Had the very nice hostess/waitress asked us if we had dined there before (which we had not), and let us know more about the Akbar Spicy Scale, we would have had a more enjoyable experience.
Warrning to First Timers:
My only warning is to be aware that Akbar does not play around with hot and spicy. I'm used to restaurants catering to a tame clientele, so when it says something is spicy I figure it's barely got a bite. Not so with Akbar. The lamb Vindaloo normally comes at a spicy level of 4 on the Akbar scale (1 to 5); and the Chicken Tikka Masala normally comes at a 2, but my GF was in the mood for spicy and bumped it up to a 4 as well.
Let me tell you... 4 is crazy hot! The hostess saw that we were really feeling the heat and kindly suggested some Raita (cucumber & yogurt sauce) to help mellow things out. It helped, but we were both on fire. My GF was unable to finish her Chicken Tikka Masala; it was just too hot for her. I had a couple of bites and it was very good... and very hot.
I'm sure we'll go back... we'll just know better next time.
/ -
Review from Hina K.
Los Angeles, CA
3/20/2012
Tonight, I dined at Akbar with a good friend as we were both hungry and craving Indian food. I have dined here before, and have had relatively positive experiences on those occasions. Such was not the case tonight.
My friend and I started our order with a compulsory order of samosas (an Indian/Pakistani meal has to start out with deep fried goodness, right?!) with tamarind sauce to the side. I noticed the tamarind sauce was not to it's usual height in the condiment dish so I asked for some more. I noticed the server hesitate, and then come back a few moments later with the dish filled closer to the top.
For my dinner, I was craving vegetables, so I ordered some saag paneer. This dish is naturally more heartier in it's composition so I was expecting it to be a bit greasier/heartier. However, there wasn't an abundance of a particular flavor. It was relatively mediocre, and similar in taste to what I could get from a Trader Joe's microwavable meal. I wasn't disappointed, but I definitely wasn't impressed either.
My friend ordered the lamb, and noted that it was a bit over cooked for his liking and tasted gamier than usual. The lamb comes with caramelized onions and sautéed green peppers which helped to neutralize the gaminess of the meat.
Finally, for dessert, he and I shared the galub jamun which was also mediocre. Nothing that we tasted really blew us away.
The past few times that I have gone, I would say that the chicken tikka masala is a dish worth ordering, but that is also a dish that no Indian restaurant should get wrong because how can you screw up the taste of meat that has been marinating in yogurt-y - deliciousness for 24 hours?
Anyway, we finally get our bill, and noticed that the refill for our tamarind sauce was an additional two dollars. It was a matter of principal that caused us to question whether that was a legitimate addition to the bill with the consideration that the sauce is an accompaniment to the samosas. There simply wasn't enough of the sauce, and there usually is every time I've ordered the samosas. Our bill was brought to us by the hostess, and we spoke to her about the additional cost. She went back to the manager/server, came back to our table, and told us we would have to pay for it. This time, my friend spoke up, and explained why we brought up the issue in the first place. Restaurant owners and servers, if you are going to charge your customers for something minute such as sauce or ice (I was once charged $3.50 for adding ice to a hookah pipe), realize that you are jeopardizing loyalty and your tip. The two dollars is not worth it!!
In the end, the server/manager finally came out and subtracted the cost of the tamarind sauce and placed the bill on our table without making eye contact, an explanation, or an apology. It was a bruise to his ego, and we could tell that he took it personally for some reason.
In the end, I will say this - the onions and green peppers that came along with the lamb were the most delicious part of our dining experience. If you come here, just order the onions and green peppers for your entree without the lamb. :) You'll probably get charged for the lamb, but you won't find out until you get your bill. -
Review from Max H.
Santa Monica, CA
5/11/2012
I love Indian food. I tried Akbar in Sherman oaks in the pastt so we decided to try it in Sana Monica. The appetizers were great. The atmosphere very pleasant but a little cold for Indian culture. I ordered my favorite chicken tandori and garlic bread . 40 min later my chicken arrived sizzling and smelling delicious. I was anticipating a great meal but when the steam evaporated so did my appetite. The chicken was burned to the crisp. I tried to cut at least a small piece from the middle to taste but it was so dry it could not be even chewed. I politely told the waitress that the chicken is not edible and she just walked away without saying a word.We thought that she ordered another chicken to replace the burned one but after waiting 20 min and being ignored by our waitress we asked for a check and left. There are a lot of restaurants in Santa Monica.Avoid this one!
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Review from Vivian J.
Los Angeles, CA
10/24/2011
You can choose your level spiciness??? +1
Overpriced??? -1
First, I have to admit that I don't know Indian food that well. I'm just getting into it, but I was surprised by how expensive these entrees were. My bf had a coupon for it, which brought the cost somewhat, but for how dead the restaurant was inside, I was really surprised. There was one other couple and us at 7 PM.
They have a 5-scale spiciness level, and I LOVEEEEEEE love love love spicy food. Bring it on. I was going to get the spiciest level Five, but the waiter advised (and this is a direct quote) - "It's inedible." So I got the Spicy 4 tikki massala and that was HOT. It was one of the spiciest meals I've had in LA and I was very pleased with it. My bf got a lamb dish and it was pretty good too. Not gamey at all.
The portions are really big so we took plenty home for another meal. I wish the prices weren't so high, because due to the location and taste, I'd come here all the time if that were the case. -
Review from Joy D.
Santa Monica, CA
2/29/2012
This is my favorite Indian restaurant by far! The main reason is that they have two dishes I love that no other Indian restaurant seems to have. This is what to get if you want to have the perfect meal there- The chicken in the saffron sauce (ask for it with lamb instead, great both ways), the chicken in the mango sauce, and the rice with all the veges. Oh, and the garlic or onion nan. I have not seen the Mango sauce or saffron sauce on any other menu and those are both amazing!! Try, try, try them!!
The place is expensive- no doubt, but the staff has always been very nice. The few times I have eaten in the restaurant instead of getting take out it has been a really great experience. The inside of the place is really nice and smells like heaven if you like Indian food. -
Review from Chris W.
North Hollywood, CA
2/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
We arrived at 6:05, got seated right away. Host was very friendly and seated us right away. I managed to grab him b4 he disappeared and told em we were in a hurry, he took our order and our waiter arrived immediately with out drinks. Great atmosphere. Our food arrived in 5 min. No joke! Piping hot and delicious. We were in a hurry and with the nan arriving only a min later we were done eating at 6:35. Everything was awesome! And they wrapped our food and brought the check within a few min. Perfect!! We're coming back.
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Review from Jessica C.
Los Angeles, CA
3/1/2012
My husband and I tried Akbar the other night, and although it is within walking distance for us, we will not be going back.
The food was fine. Just fine. Nothing special.... and the bill, for Chicken Tikka Masala and Lamb Vindaloo, ONE beer and one dessert was $60. Something isn't right about that when the plate consists of a little bit of meat, rice and lentils. This establishment is COMPLETELY overpriced.
Also, they bring out 4 dips with your naan (you only get naan with your meal if you order the dinner portion, not the entree portion) and they were ALL spicy. It might do them well to have at least one dip be mild to accomodate patrons that don't love super spicy foods.
You can get better food for less money at other Indian places. -
Review from Michael N.
Mid Wilshire, Los Angeles, CA
3/10/2012
Great flavors.. TRUELY amazing
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Review from Nick S.
Santa Monica, CA
8/30/2011
Never Never order delivery from this restaurant.
I spent $42 with tip for my dinner and they delivered the meal without rice.
When I called to inquire the curt man on the phone informed me that my dinner did not come with rice. I've ordered chicken tika masala close to 100 times in my life and never once did it come without rice.
He really had nothing to say, except it was not their policy.
Don't order from this restaurant. -
Review from Nikki S.
Culver City, CA
9/4/2011
Tasty Indian food - you pick the level of spice.
Each entree has a recommended spice level, presented as stars on a scale of 1-5. You can request spicier or less spicy; level 4 or 5 spice packs a big punch! Even if you pride yourself on being able to eat spicy, be wary of 5 as it could ruin your dining experience.
Akbar has lunch specials, so if you're a west-sider, consider going here for a break from the sandwich and soup standard (but be prepared to spend a full hour/hour and a half). The specials come with rice, cucumber salad and beans, so you should walk away full for less than $20.
Food - 4
Ambience - 4
Service - 4
Value - 4 -
Review from Allison M.
Culver City, CA
11/1/2011
I love coming here for the all you can buffet lunch they have weekdays until 3:00pm. It is soo tastey and they have everything from lamb, chicken and vegies to salad, deserts and fruit. The place is spotless with very cool Indian decor. the music is always a chill Indian spiritual melody. Zen....
My faves are the spinach with goat cheese and ali goubi! Fresh baked nan is dynamite!
I would come here everyday if I could it is just that good.! -
Review from Jake L.
Santa Monica, CA
9/18/2011
If the prices were a bit lower, this is a five-star place. The food quality is excellent, some of the best Indian I've ever had. But no matter if I order take out, or eat in, I always feel like I spent a bit too much.
Nonetheless, I'll return again and again. -
Review from Belinda S.
Los Angeles, CA
5/2/2012
love the chicken katti rolls my favorite!
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Review from chris f.
Redwood City, CA
1/18/2012
Had dinner here on a Saturday night. Only one server for the whole place, but somehow he made it work (with proficient help from the bus boys).
Had the Chicken Tiki Masala. It wasn't as creamy as flavorful as I like, but others at the table liked it more than I.
They are pretty good as customizing the spiciness of each dish. -
Review from gary f.
Santa Monica, CA
12/9/2011
Very tasty! Friendly staff! I've been twice first time I had the Chicken Biryani chilly meter 3! It was perfect! the second time I had the chicken tikka masala chilly meter 3. Amazing flavor!! I would stay away from chilly meter 4 and 5 they're dangerous!
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Review from Matt L.
9/3/2010
I think Akbar is a simple & yummy place to go for dinner. Everything I've tried has been tasty. My absolute fav is the chilean sea bass. It is soooo damn good & I normally don't order sea bass. I should mention the price varies according to market price, but its worth it.
I've noticed its pretty easy to just walk in during weekdays. -
Review from Nicole J.
12/4/2010
4 stars for food, but they lose a star for being significantly overpriced.
I know rent must be expensive on the Santa Monica side of the Wilshire corridor, or maybe they're just trying to be Beverly Hill-esque, but seriously paying $15 for a simple Indian dish is not going to make me think I'm eating haute cuisine.
Most popular dishes, such as Chicken Tika Masala, are around $14.95-$16.95. They don't come with rice or naan, which would make the price a bit more reasonable.
The food is really good though -- the chicken tika masala is a favorite of mine. I also like some of their shrimp dishes.
I also like that they bring a setting of four condiments with every meal (mint chutney, coconut chutney, and two others I haven't yet been able to identify).
My cousin and I ate here last night and used a coupon (no shame) for $12 off). We ordered two dishes, one coke, rice, and a side tamarind chutney and our bill was still close to $40 even with the discount.
Too bad, I'd come here a lot more if the prices were better. -
Review from Ashish S.
Santa Monica, CA
6/16/2011
Great food. Really really bad service. The maitre'd is an awful woman.
Go to the Akbars in Venice. Great food, great service, its the bomb.
A note to the owner: Fire the maitre'd at your Santa Monica location. She's costing you a lot of money. -
Review from bryan c.
Santa Monica, CA
9/18/2010
I walked by, looked at the menu, said to myself, "this place has some great sounding, unique dishes.", went there for dinner with my sweetie and we walked out blown away by the unique blends of spices and ingredients.
Their 4 chutneys are great too.
Don't wait, head over and try it. -
Review from Dustin P.
Santa Monica, CA
1/17/2009
After watching a Sox game at Sonny's I ventured next door for some Indian food with a lady friend. Not only was the food way over priced (compared to the wonderful Paru's or India's Sweets and Spices), but the waiter pressured us into ordering a dish with okra even though I told him that I'm not a fan of said vegetable. He insisted that I was making a huge mistake so I caved in and just did what I was told... He was wrong. I would've lead a happier existence without the okra.
We didn't even order much food but it came to almost $50 bucks for 2 people (without alcohol!). I was sort of shocked...definitely NOT coming back! Chandni's is much better and more moderately priced... -
Review from Juhee S.
Los Angeles, CA
8/23/2011 3 photos
Overpriced. Oily. Pass.
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Review from Zarreen A.
Los Angeles, CA
7/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I'm sorry but if you don't know how to make rice and you're an Indian restaurant and your rice is Royal Basmati (only the BEST rice ever--and I know this because I peeked into the kitchen on my way to the ladies' room)...something is seriously wrong with you. Come on guys. Why is your rice ALWAYS undercooked? And the Kheer (rice pudding) was burnt. Come on guys, just come on. Get it together. The salan (soupy) type dishes are all excellent. North India all the way and truly delicious but if you can't do your rice right, it's like a mexican restaurant that does everything but their tortillas right. Come on guys....
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Review from Pablo B.
Los Angeles, CA
7/19/2007
This place has definitely gone downhill in the past few years.
They now have consistently mediocre service - unless you order enough drinks or wine to convince the server that your check will be decent enough to merit serving you. The tall, heavy-set guy who both manages and waits tables there is rude and condescending.
If you order take out, expect it to not be ready when you get there - even if you add ten minutes on to what they tell you.
The food ranges from very good to boring - I do like their Chicken Tikka Masala - but the health rating bounces between a B and A, with a lot more B time in the window of late than A. Disappointing.
I've officially written these guys off and now go to Nawab instead which is about 10 more blocks down Wilshire Blvd from Akbar.
FWIW, I've always had good experiences at the Akbar in Marina Del Rey. -
Review from Zee M.
Los Angeles, CA
12/3/2010
3 stars for the food....but I'd give them an extra 1/2 star for being so close to my job and having delivery during the lunch hour.
I've tried....
Chicken Kati Rolls: Sex in a roll. That is all.
Crab Cakes: NEVER EVER EVERRR buy these....they're actually potato cakes laced w/ a dash of crab. Not to mention that they're $10 for 2 little tiny thangs that I could've gotten a better version of, from Trader Joe's frozen section. Pow! (EVER!!!)
Chicken Tikka Masala: BOMB.COM
Chicken Curry: Mmmmm mmm good
Prawn Madras: Spicy and a nice amount of prawns
Aloo Aam Tikka: Eh
Samosa: Eh
Cheese naan: BOMB but you gotta make sure they cook it all the way through. I've gotten dough & cheese a couple times *gag*
Garlic naan: Deelish!
Staff: Super nice but make sure they don't forget your chutneys if they're delivering :)
The end. -
Review from Mika N.
Los Angeles, CA
10/9/2009
Simply the best Indian food.
Yes its bit expensive but its damn good. Its up to you to figure out if its worth it. I wont eat there every week or even every month because its expensive but when I get a craving for Indian food this is the place.
Get the Chilean Seabass -
Review from Jessica S.
Los Angeles, CA
11/21/2006
This Indian food restaurant makes all the usuals; including a delicious tikki masala and yummy garlic naan. Some friends in our group ordered the pepper lamb, apparently it is one of their faves..I for one can't handle the heat, but if you can then this is supposed to be a great choice.
The service was so-so. The atmosphere also so-so. I'm big on atmosphere, so for that I would go to 'Electric Karma'. But the food was solid and can satisfy your Indian craving...then you can go grab a pint at Sonny's right next door! -
Review from Suzanne R.
Los Angeles, CA
6/27/2010
Delicious, freshly made authentic Indian cuisine! The only semi-negative about this place is that it is quite small, so be warned you might not be seated right when you arrive - but luckily I seemed to hit it at a non-peak Saturday night hour.
The wait staff is very attentive and courteous, letting us know that the food is made as you order it, so it might not be as speedy as other places. Personally, I'll wait for my order if it's being made fresh! -
Review from stephanie f.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 1/16/2012
Unfortunately, this place has taken a turn for the worse. My husband and I are now in the market for another good Indian place on the Westside because we will no longer be going to Akbar. We began to get skeptical, however loyal, when the decor got more fancy and the prices went up. But the quality of the food has been on a steady decline for a while now, and we were forced to move past our denial on our list visit two months ago. At the prices they were being offered for, the food was no longer tolerable. We weren't ready for our relationship with Akbar to be over. The service is friendly and attentative, and the place is cute and mellow. But when the food is lacking, I just don't know how we can go on.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/16/2011
I like. I have now been back 3 times.
Portions are good. Get a meat dish rice dish some bread and… Read more »
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Review from Abe F.
Colton, CA
6/9/2010
Very enjoyable food and friendly service :)
I enjoy the mango chicken dish that they serve during lunch. The raita is also unique and very special. The four chutneys that they serve with their papadum are very spicy but also very unique in their flavor profiles.
I recommend this place if you're in the mood for Indian but want to change it up a bit from the run-of-the-mill dishes. -
Review from Joel S.
Oakland, CA
4/19/2010
First: they waiter wouldn't let me order the dish I wanted because he said that it would be too spicy. I was insistent and he eventually said they didn't have it that night. The dish I did get was mediocre, though for the west L.A. area it holds its own.
Second and most important: DO NOT sign up for their email newsletter. The company they use to send it out is completely unresponsive to all contact and it's been impossible to get them to stop sending you spam. They have gone so far as to intentionally mangle the unsubscribe request address. -
Review from iki i.
Los Angeles, CA
4/10/2011
So let me start by saying that this was not our first visit to this restaurant. The first time my wife and I ate in the restaurant. Decor & Service are absolutely fine. The problem at this restaurant is the food. I didn't like the taste the first time around so we come to our second visit, todays review.
We ordered a takeaway for 2. My wife ordered some vegetable dish. Her description is that it was creamy and bland. The naans that came with the food were rubbery. However, my dish is where the real problem lay.
I ordered the Lamb Vindaloo. The lamb was overcooked, sweet and worst of all very VERY cheap grade meat. It had a lot of gristle, so every bite suffered from that horrible feeling of chewing rubber. Here's the funny part, when I called and complained about this. The person who answered asked me whether I was sure!
You fooled me once, you fooled me twice. Sorry Akbar, you ain't getting a third chance! -
Review from Venus R.
Santa Monica, CA
10/15/2011
Here's the lo down...Akbar really does have good food! What knocks their stars off is what other yelpers have mentioned. Let's start with the hostess....she never smiled, had zero energy and was chewing a wad of gum the size of two bubbleiscious. Really, Akbar?!?! You allow that? Tacky! Moving on, our server was good, not great. Food came out in a fast manner, no complaints. What kinda went wrong was at one point I asked the host walking by to clear my empty wine glass carafe away and my husbands beer bottle. I shoulda known better. She made me feel like i was inconveniencing her. Sorry to interrupt you. Hope I didn't make you lose focus on your bubble yum bubble you were trying so hard to blow. Moving along...we asked a random server for another beer and glass of wine and they brought both over and never bothered to pour my husbands beer in his glass or my wine in my glass. They just dropped them off and went about their merry way. Food is really good! But all the pieces to the perfect puzzle just don't fit. FYI host 1/2 smiled once somewhere towards the end of our meal. That's not enough to make me change my mind. Do feel like there's hope though...I like Akbar and want to see them do well! Management needs to step in. I saw 4 employees in the whole front end of the restaurant on a Saturday nite. Host, server, busboy and another possible waitress. Never saw her actually taking orders, just bringing food out. Good luck Akbar! I like you! You've got your food down! Just need some service issues handled....one last thing, yes, a little overpriced.
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Review from Mirchey A.
Chicago, IL
4/28/2010
My friend brought me here for my birthday. I'm Indian and I've been to many Indian restaurants, not to mention I've had lots of Indian food throughout my life.
Akbar's was surprisingly AMAZING! I ordered the Lamb Khada Masala. It was just filled with so many different flavors, served with rice and lentils. Be careful though because it cleared my sinuses (it's spicy).
It seriously reminded me of my mom's cooking. I am definitely going back there for more.
The only downside is that the restaurant itself is small. We had to squeeze in to get into our seats. But the food was definitely worth it. Thank you Akbar for a delicious authentic meal! -
Review from Dave W.
Los Angeles, CA
1/12/2011
Excellent food and wine, but it has the bathroom of a Taco Bell.
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Review from Procter F.
Santa Monica, CA
12/6/2010
The food wasn't particularly good and it was just flat out overpriced. The lamb vindaloo I had was extremely spicy but that wasn't my issue with it. To me the spiceness simply masked the lack of any real flavor in the dish. Priced at $16 for that one single dish without anything else makes this place a no-go given the other better Indian options out there. If you were to add the price of a second entree, perhaps same naan and rice and drinks for two then you have high minded pricing for decidely average food.
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Review from Jen G.
Santa Monica, CA
12/24/2010
I was a fan. It is local, easy, and tasty. The chicken tikki masala is good, tastes like good CTM. They had a bunch of other interesting appetizers. We really liked the chicken wrap appetizer.
It is a little on the pricey side...but it is SM...so I don't think it is that overpriced for the neighborhood. -
Review from Lindsey F.
Los Angeles, CA
10/31/2011
NEVER order delivery from here. I would give them ZERO STARS if I could.
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Review from R S.
Los Angeles, CA
7/12/2011
I usually do not write just one star reviews but I give this restuarant NO CREDIT..I guess the only thing that was good was the hostess (very nice) and we did not wait long. I bought a Groupon for $20 worth of $40 food. I am Indian and I read the reviews and I expected this place to at least be decent...We sat down...the waiter came after 10 minutes to bring us water we asked him what beer they have available he doesn't even answer us he just walks away and brings back the beer menu at least he could have said hold on a minute and there was only 3 beers to choose from..how does he not know them out of his head??...anyway so then he comes back 10 minutes later just so we can order our drinks...then we order appetizers the chicken kati roll is delicious comes with 3 good dipping sauces. We ordered tandori grilled chicken and chicken tikka (how can you mess this up this is a classic!!!) The food comes out...chicken tikka is bland (Saffron indian fast food tikka is 200% tastier and more authentic) and the tandori chicken comes out fresh out of the grill piping hot it looks amazing its the right color, shape everything about it looks perfect then we bit into it...it tastes like tender chicken breast...NO TASTE of indian or Pakistani flavor at all. This place is definitely ONLY for people that do not have a very exquisite palate. I have traveled the world and this food is WAY below par for me....I could not even imagine paying full price for this food I was absolutely disgusted with this place I'm not quite sure how they stay in business...and word of advice I guess if there really is no Indian people at an Indian restaurant DO NOT EAT THERE IT IS AMERICANIZED. Only Caucasian older people in here....Food is horrible SERVICE IS ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE...Waiter is unimpressive....Bathroom does look like a gas station bathroom...only good thing about this place is the parking...I WILL NEVER EVER COME BACK HERE! I wouldn't be surprised if this place has an out of business sign in a few weeks....
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Review from Mark C.
Westwood, CA
8/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have been to Akbar at least 25 times over 8 years and after trying almost everything on the menu I have this place down to a science. They have four dishes there which are fantastic. These dishes are either not available or are vastly better compared with any other Indian restaurant I've been to. So, now I can't resist ordering them every time I go. I just tell the waiter I want the "big four". They know that means to bring me:
-chicken kati roll. Like a chicken soft taco but so so much better, with a mango and cilantro flavor sauce. Perfect soft texture to the flour roll it's wrapped in. I always want more after eating a couple of these but feel too embarrassed to get more than one order. One day I'm going to go there and order 10 of these and eat every one.
-spicy chicken wings. These are SO spicy. The first time I had these, I couldn't believe they would actually serve something so spicy. At least they should require a prescription or something saying you have recently passed your executive physical! I got through the last couple of those wings by scraping off some of the chili powder. But, if you can eat super spicy food, you are in for a treat. These wings are so juicy and flavorful.
-chilean sea bass. Cooked in the tandoor grill. The tandoor grill cooks fish magnificently. Does not dry it out. The marinade on this is lighter in flavor, so you can enjoy the flavor of the sea bass. I'm not usually a big sea bass fan but I still crave this dish.
-lamb chops from the tandoor grill. Again, I am not a big fan of lamb but the tandoor grill just does these chops perfectly. They come out so tender!
The decor and service in this place are a little bit better than the average Indian restaurant. If you go with the dishes above, you will find Akbar pricey compared to the average Indian meal. But, considering the quality of the food, I think you are still getting a very good deal.
The dishes I've described above are very different from the usual fare you would normally be stuck with at an Indian restaurant but they remain very authentic in their flavors. If you have want Indian food and your dining companion is not a big fan of Indian, take him/her here. They will become instant converts! -
Review from Michelle R.
Portland, OR
12/11/2010
Best Indian in LA........ very fresh ingredients, good service, nice atmosphere, quiet. Best Chicken Tikka Marsala and seared Sea Bass ever. If you like Indian, don't miss out on this place.
