Roots Indian Bistro

Tucked along Melrose’s dispensaries, tattoo parlors and streetwear shops, Roots Indian Bistro serves a noteworthy, thoughtfully executed mix of traditional and fusion Indian cuisine. On any given evening, you’ll see a diverse mix of neighborhood locals, including plenty of South Asian families, enjoying familiar dishes like chicken tandoori and saag paneer. For pairs, family-style combos offer samosas, naan and your choice of curry at reasonable prices. Where I’d rather steer you towards, however, are the more creative items, including the lamb vindaloo soup dumplings, kashmiri chili-spiced tomato cream pasta and a playful chana (curried chickpea) chalupa inspired by owner Anmoldeep Singh’s childhood visits to Taco Bell. With a stylish interior and delicious cuisine, Roots strikes the perfect balance between contemporary and classic—and at a time when Pijja Palace and Badmaash have become household names among in-the-know L.A. diners, I'm surprised more people haven’t caught onto what’s going on in the kitchen at Roots.