LALA JI — Restaurant in Sydney

Initially a little concerned about several positive Google reviews posted by people as their first and only review, feedback from the locals suggested that this was one to try. This restaurant is sister to one in Blacktown home to a larger Indian community than Leichhardt, and clearly a discerning one since the restaurant appears to have flourished there. The menu is extensive although it contains a number of misprints and some dubious inclusions in what might be an attempt to appeal to the Italian Leichhardt vibe - spaghetti and Parmesan do NOT belong on this menu, and the chefs should consider removing them. We finally settled on minced lamb kebabs, juicy and spicy with a cooling (maybe cucumber?) smooth sauce - this sauce manages to find its way as an accompaniment to almost all the dishes, here’s an opportunity for the chef to mix it up a little and offer something different. Also ordered were the lamb chops which I didn’t sample but the other two said they were brilliant. The fish tika was exceptional, the fillets tender and flavoursome. Butter chicken was wonderful, rich creamy tomato sauce and the most tender chicken pieces we’d ever enjoyed. The black Dahl was superb and the prawns were delicious. With a little tweaking this place could easily go from very good to brilliant. The staff are attentive, the chef knows what he’s doing, the flavours are unashamedly authentic and a revelation for your taste buds. They also happily accommodated our BYO although they have a full licence. A lesson to other local restaurants, you’re a neighbourhood restaurant, allow the locals to BYO especially mid week or you’ll follow the fate of this restaurant’s predecessor. Finally, this restaurant is a much needed and welcome addition in Norton Street, it’s worth trying - you’ll love the flavours because they’re bold and...

The Good: Lala Ji is a welcome addition to the heart of Leichhardt, bringing the vibrant flavors of India to a precinct traditionally known for its Italian cuisine. We’ve dined in a few times, ordered delivery, and even celebrated a birthday here — each time met with warm hospitality and attentive, accommodating staff. The restaurant itself is beautifully styled, with thoughtful aesthetics that complement the dining experience. As someone who has travelled to India twice, I can confidently say the food is delicious and authentic.

Room for Improvement: The butter chicken spaghetti is a bold fusion, but for me it felt a bit too heavy. I believe it’s better paired with rice to allow the flavours to shine. That said, it could be a great introductory dish for kids or those dipping their toes into Indian cuisine — and with so many Italian options already on Norton Street, there’s no shortage of pasta alternatives nearby.

Would I Return? Absolutely. Lala Ji has become a firm favourite, whether we’re eating in, ordering out, or celebrating something special.

The Verdict: A beautiful Indian dining experience that blends authenticity with heart in a location known for its pizza and pasta. Lala Ji is doing something different — and...

We recently organised a get-together and booked a table for 20 at LalaJi. From the moment we arrived, the entire LalaJi team impressed us with their professionalism, warmth, and outstanding service.

The food was truly exceptional. Every dish was presented beautifully, and the taste and aroma were simply unforgettable. The freshly cooked entrées from the tandoor were a highlight — perfectly prepared and full of flavour. The breads were also cooked to perfection, soft yet crisp in just the right places.

A special compliment goes to the chef and kitchen team for delivering such high-quality, delicious meals. Every plate reflected their skill and passion for authentic cuisine. The service staff were equally commendable, ensuring that every guest felt welcomed and looked after throughout the evening.

Overall, it was an amazing night out at LalaJi. The entire experience — from the food and service to the ambience — offered exceptional value for money. We are already looking forward to our next visit and would highly recommend LalaJi to anyone looking for a memorable...