Modern Indian · Melrose
By Monty Khas, Anonymous Critic. Pays every bill.
On a stretch of Melrose better known for vintage shops and street murals, Roots Indian Bistro has quietly become one of the most reliable Indian restaurants in Los Angeles. It's the kind of place that works for almost everyone: a date night, a family dinner, a group with three vegans and a gluten-free friend.
The vibe
Roots is warm, modern and unfussy, with a dining room that feels right for a weeknight dinner or a weekend celebration. Lunch is served every day but Sunday, and the dinner crowd is a mix of neighborhood regulars, Melrose shoppers and families who come for the classics.
What to eat
The kitchen has fun with the menu, and the snacks are where it shows. Vindaloo soup dumplings turn the fiery Goan curry into a xiao long bao-style bite, with spicy broth inside a delicate wrapper. Mac and cheese pakoras are crispy, gooey and dangerously easy to eat, and the paneer masala fries are pure comfort. The chana chalupa, chickpeas tucked into a crisp shell, is another clever East-meets-West bite.
Don't let the playful starters distract you from the mains, though. The lamb vindaloo, scented with clove and plenty of chili, is the standout, and the tandoori chicken comes out smoky and juicy. Butter chicken, tikka masala and saag paneer cover the classics well, and the biryani is fragrant and generous. The roasted cheese dosa is a good pick for vegetarians who want something a little different.
The deal
The Roots for Two combos are one of the best values in the neighborhood. Pick three entrées and get samosas, raita, rice, naan and dessert with them. It's an easy way to try a lot of the menu without overthinking it.
The bar
There's a short list of Indian-inspired cocktails, and they're a nice way to start the meal. With vegan, vegetarian, halal-friendly and gluten-free options marked on the menu, Roots is a smart pick for mixed crowds.
Before you go
Roots is at 7265 Melrose Avenue, between Fairfax and La Brea. Reservations are available on OpenTable, and weekend dinners can fill up. Street parking takes patience, so leave a few extra minutes.
Why it matters
Not every restaurant needs to reinvent Indian food. Roots does something harder: it pleases a wide range of diners without dumbing anything down. The playful snacks bring in the curious, the vindaloo keeps the purists happy and the combos make it easy to come back.
The Quick Fix
What to order: Vindaloo soup dumplings; paneer masala fries; mac and cheese pakoras; chana chalupa; lamb vindaloo; tandoori chicken; butter chicken; roasted cheese dosa; biryani
Pricing: Mid-range. The Roots for Two combos are the best value.
Best for: Date nights, family dinners, mixed groups with vegetarians, lunch on Melrose and anyone new to Indian food
How it compares: The Westside's most dependable Indian dinner; more relaxed than Fitoor and more traditional than Pijja Palace; its fusion snacks are more fun than Badmaash's
See where Roots Indian Bistro ranks: The Best Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi Restaurants in Los Angeles: Our Top 10 for 2026
The food was always this good. We're just paying attention.