BAAR BAAR: A Refined Indian Dining Experience in Downtown Los Angeles
- GSS Staff
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
BAAR BAAR in Downtown Los Angeles has developed a strong reputation, partly influenced by its earlier success in New York. When the Los Angeles location first opened, reservations were difficult to secure, and the menu leaned heavily toward non-vegetarian dishes. That initial impression has shifted. The current menu is seasonal, and the vegetarian and vegan offerings are now substantial enough to support a full meal without compromise.
The restaurant is located near Walt Disney Concert Hall, with a walk of roughly twenty minutes, and is also close to L.A. Live and the Los Angeles Convention Center. It works well as part of a larger evening in Downtown Los Angeles, especially if you plan to walk between locations.
Interior and Setting
The beautiful interior is carefully designed, with chandeliers, low lighting, and a long bar that runs through the space. Seating is comfortable, and the room accommodates both couples and larger groups. The bar stands out as a central feature, and the overall setting feels considered and complete. It is a space suited for celebrations, and during the visit there were multiple families dining, including both Indian and non-Indian groups.
Vegetarian Menu and Starters
The menu now includes a dedicated vegan tasting option, a vegetarian section, and additional choices within the main menu. This change is meaningful. Vegetarian dishes are not limited or repetitive, and there is enough variety to build a complete and satisfying meal.
Among the starters we ordered, the cauliflower dish, inspired by the well-known “65” preparation, is executed with attention to texture and balance, without feeling overly fried. The sweet potato dish, served with green and brown chutneys and topped with fried kale in chickpea batter, was the most distinctive of the appetizers. The use of fried kale added texture and depth, and the dish came together well. The avocado preparation with edamame was adequate but did not stand out in comparison to the other starters.
Mains and Sides
For the main course we ordered, a shared platter with three curries offered a practical way to try multiple dishes. The potato and peas curry and the spinach with corn were both well prepared and balanced. A Punjabi-style kadhi was included as part of the platter and was particularly well received.
Additional sides included saffron rice, dal makhani, roti, and garlic naan. The dal makhani was a highlight of the meal, with a depth of flavor that made it worth ordering alongside the curries. The breads and rice were consistent and supported the meal. The portion sizes were good and ordering across categories resulted in a full table.
Cocktails and Bar Program
The bar program is one of the defining elements of the restaurant. The cocktail menu is presented in a booklet format, with each drink named after a Hindi film. Drinks such as “Hera Pheri,” “Anarkali,” and “Mera Naam Joker” are not only well executed but also familiar in a way that connects with diners who recognize the references.
The drinks themselves are balanced and thoughtfully prepared. The “Hera Pheri” stood out in particular. The server played an important role here, asking the right questions and guiding selections based on preferences. That level of engagement made the experience smoother and more personal.
Service
Service was consistent from start to finish. The staff was attentive, respectful, and well informed about the menu. There was an immediate sense of ease in communication, and the pacing of the meal was handled well. The team’s ability to guide both food and drink selections contributed significantly to our overall dining experience.
Pricing and Overall Experience
A full meal for two people, including multiple appetizers, mains, sides, and three cocktails, came to approximately $220 including tip. This, along with the ambience places BAAR BAAR in the category of a special occasion restaurant rather than a casual dining option.
After the meal, a walk through the L.A. Live district was the best way to balance the experience, especially after a large dinner!
To learn more, visit the website. Book on Seven Rooms.
Read Google Review
