Indian food, easily some of the most flavorful and diverse in the world, comes from a place so far from here it’s hard to believe it translates so well, so often. For food that is actually designed to be eaten by hand with no utensils, it has taken a real hold on the fine-dining scene of Los Angeles. India’s Oven perfectly exemplifies the happy union of sub-continental eats and Southern California sensibilities.

Whereas ‘American’ cuisine takes on many different incarnations, from steak houses to Asian-fusion restaurants, Indian restaurants in the United States generally carry a similar selection of signature dishes from both the north and south of the continent.

This is with good reason, of course, because the Indian menu has developed over thousands of years into the delicious staples we see today: chicken and lamp cooked in a variety of styles such as Tandoori, Vindalu, Masala, and a variety of curries, as well as minced and whole vegetables prepared in the same way. All of these dishes are served best with Naan, the flat bread most popular in northern India, or over a bed of white or saffron rice, as is the custom in the south

Indian food is designed with a holistic approach that stresses rhythm and balance. This means that for every spicy curry, there is a counter weight in the form of a yogurt sauce or mild rice. It might seem counter to the standard L.A. lifestyle, but it is really a very laid back, comfortable, and healthy approach to eating.

India’s Oven covers all the bases of classic dishes, especially so with the house specialty, Tandoori Chicken. Of course, the large majority of Indians eat a vegetarian diet, so the vegetable selections are just as exquisite. I recommend the Saag Paneer, which is curried spinach with goat cheese, or the Gobhi Alu, a curried mixture of cauliflower and potatoes.

What makes India’s Oven great, aside from the food, is the presentation and location. The wait staff is incredibly friendly and remembers anyone who has visited even once, providing a warm atmosphere. The dining room is decorated tastefully with traditional fare more likely to be found in a shop in Delhi than a trendy furniture store on Sunset.

Located at Beverly and La Brea, the restaurant is within walking distance of several bars and a couple of movie theaters, or just a short drive from the heart of Hollywood if that’s where the night takes you. And with reasonably priced combination platters for two starting around $13, it is a great deal for wonderful food. Throw in an Indian beer such as Indian Special or even an obscure Indian wine, and you have a very unique and relaxing Eastern dining experience amidst the bustle of our very Western city.

India's Oven
7233 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323)936-1000

-By Chris Boyd