Best Indian Restaurants in Culver City
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Annapurna Cuisine
Chennai-style vegetarian cooking with complimentary dosa included in lunch buffet, recognized by Gayot food critics
Notable Picks
8.1
Pure vegetarian South Indian specialist recognized by Gayot as a Top 10 LA Indian restaurant, operating since the early 2000s with Chennai-style specialties. Each lunch buffet patron receives a complimentary dosa delivered tableside, while the kitchen rotates daily specials that showcase regional breadth. The space includes Bollywood videos on screens and a modern casual atmosphere that draws fifteen-year regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Masala Dosa, Vegetable Biryani, Chole Bhature
What Makes it Special: Chennai-style vegetarian cooking with complimentary dosa included in lunch buffet, recognized by Gayot food critics
The only Kerala-focused restaurant in Southern California, operating since 2006 with separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian kitchens. Thalassery biryani and fish curry with appam represent the regional specialty; spices come directly from Kerala. Celebrity regulars from Dev Patel to Padma Lakshmi have validated the authenticity. LA Times 101 list inclusion reflects sustained quality across nearly two decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ghee Roast Dosa, Kerala Special Fish Curry, Thalassery Biryani
What Makes it Special: Kerala-focused South Indian cooking rare to find outside India
Worthy Picks
7.9
Modern Indian restaurant with full cocktail bar and visible tandoor ovens, opened in 2021 by aerospace engineer-turned-restaurateur Mihir Lad and Executive Chef Sagar Ghosh. The menu takes contemporary liberties with classics while maintaining authentic spice profiles, served in a stylish space with two patios and sports bar elements. Creative touches include fusion appetizers alongside traditional curries, though the kitchen performs better with South Indian specialties than North Indian standards.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goat Curry, Butter Chicken, Garlic Fries
What Makes it Special: Contemporary Indian fusion with craft cocktails in modern lounge atmosphere with visible tandoor kitchen
#4
Cali Tandoor
7.8
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family Friendly Favorites
Indian restaurant with a dedicated seafood program featuring tandoori fish, fish tikka, and Kerala-style preparations. The lunch buffet offers value, while dinner service provides full access to their kebab and seafood menu with outdoor patio seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tandoori Fish, Fish Tikka Masala, Grilled Fish Kebabs
What Makes it Special: Authentic Indian seafood preparations rare in the LA market
7.7
Operating since 1985, this hybrid grocery store and cafeteria-style restaurant serves pure vegetarian and vegan home-style cooking at remarkably low prices. The pick-and-point counter service displays prepared dishes in warming trays, allowing visual selection before ordering, while the attached market stocks Indian groceries and spices. Recent addition of an outdoor patio expands the cramped interior dining area.
Must-Try Dishes:
Masala Dosa, Samosas, Jackfruit Curry
What Makes it Special: Family-run since 1985 combining grocery market with cafeteria-style vegetarian restaurant at unbeatable prices