Andaaz — Restaurant in Asheville

Andaaz: Where Indian Cuisine and Hospitality Reach Unprecedented Heights!

Prepare to embark on a mesmerizing journey through the flavors and culture of India at Andaaz, located in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina. From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by the charming couple who own this remarkable establishment, hailing from the very land that inspires their culinary creations.

The restaurant's decor was a breathtaking fusion of tradition and elegance. Brass statues of revered gods and goddesses adorned the surroundings, creating an aura of divine presence. At the entrance, a majestic 5-foot Natraj brass idol welcomed us, setting the tone for an experience like no other. As we ventured further, we were captivated by the vibrant display of Indian arts, crafts, and lamps, a true feast for the eyes.

In the waiting area, we found ourselves immersed in a tapestry of colors, with vibrant cushions showcasing intricate embroidery, exuding warmth and comfort. It was clear that every detail had been carefully curated to transport guests to the heart of India. The owners themselves were paragons of hospitality, extending a warm and genuine welcome to each and every guest. Their dedication to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere was palpable, and their willingness to socialize and connect with patrons made us feel like cherished friends.

The attentive and knowledgeable staff, treating us as honored guests, further elevated our dining experience. They took the time to guide us through the menu, sharing insights and recommendations. It was Manager Mark who truly stood out, his passion for the cuisine and commitment to providing exceptional service shining through. With his expertise, he helped us navigate the culinary wonders that lay before us, ensuring our choices were nothing short of exceptional.

Our gastronomic adventure began with the classic Chicken Tandoori, where the spices had permeated every tender morsel, resulting in a dish that was cooked to perfection. The Paneer Masala showcased the finesse of Indian flavors, with a symphony of spices harmonizing with the succulent paneer. The Goat Roganjosh, a culinary masterpiece, boasted a velvety gravy infused with a delightful blend of aromatic spices, while the naans were the ideal accompaniment, flawlessly baked and irresistibly soft.

As we savored each bite, it became abundantly clear that Andaaz stands as the pinnacle of Indian cuisine in America. Having dined at countless restaurants across the globe, including renowned culinary destinations like Italy, Paris, Switzerland, London, and New York, we can confidently say that Andaaz surpasses them all in its authentic representation of Indian gastronomy.

The Paneer Makhani, with its rich flavors and the perfect balance of cream and butter, transported us to the very essence of this beloved Indian dish. The Lamb Roganjosh showcased a gravy that was a symphony of spices, expertly complementing the tender and succulent pieces of lamb. And the Chicken Tandoori, marinated to perfection and cooked to juicy perfection, left us yearning for more.

To conclude our extraordinary meal, we were treated to the enchanting Safron Kheer, a delicately sweet rice pudding infused with the essence of saffron. Its flavors embraced us, evoking memories of India's rich culinary heritage and leaving an indelible impression.

Andaaz is not just a restaurant; it is a manifestation of creativity, passion, and artistry. Every aspect, from the food to the ambiance and the impeccable service, speaks to the dedication and commitment of the owners and staff. It is with great enthusiasm that we recommend Andaaz as the ultimate destination for those seeking an authentic and unforgettable Indian dining experience.

Whether you are a connoisseur of Indian cuisine or simply an adventurous food lover, a visit to Andaaz is an absolute must. Allow yourself to be immersed in a world of flavor, culture, and warmth. It is here, nestled in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina, that the best of India...

The best Indian restaurant in Asheville right now is Andaaz. If you are craving Indian food with layered, complex spices in thick curries that you can't stop eating, then this is the restaurant for you. It is LEGIT. Being from Los Angeles, I missed dishes like Lamb Korma, Malai Kofta and a good Saag Paneer. While we have the much beloved Chai Pani of which I'm a huge fan and also Biryani Express, I never quite found an Indian restaurant that delivered on what I craved. At last, the answer is Andaaz.

The restaurant is spacious, cheerfully decorated. The staff is extremely courteous and hospitable. From the greeting at the door, to the waiter personally handing a menu to each guest and the immediate water service, the staff here is on point.

Our server, Vee was very friendly, conversational and ready to answer any questions.

Their cocktail, beer and liquor list is extensive! Particularly for a restaurant. The one page signature cocktails all sound delightful. I had the "Watch Out Dr. Jones" with bourbon, aperol, pineapple, lime, hibiscus and bitters. It was refreshing, not too sweet and tasted like a vacation in a glass. My friend had the "Lotus Flower Old Fashioned" Glen Livet Carribean, chamomile, bitters, vanilla, and lemon oil. I loved her drink too! It was simple yet complex. I was thoroughly impressed with their signature cocktails. It's not your usual restaurant with a cocktail menu as an after thought. It's clear they had a seasoned professional do the R&D on their cocktail menu and their drinks showcase someone who has the ability to create a pleasing, balanced, sophisticated drink.

We ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Korma, Shrimp Curry, Saag Paneer, Malai Kofta, Cheese Kulcha (for my little daughter) and naan. Vee, our server laid it all out on the table like our very own buffet. My two friends had never experienced Indian food before and they loved it. Their favorites were the Lamb Korma and Chicken Masala.

If you order one thing, you must get he Lamb Badam Korma. Our server said if it wasn't the best we've tasted, he would give us our money back! LOL. And it was truly delicious. If you haven't had Korma before, it's a delicious, silky cashew, saffron sauce. It really allows the lamb to shine through without overpowering it. I also loved the Shrimp Curry that had a nice tangy coconut sauce. The shrimp were perfectly cooked with tails on, not rubbery, with just that perfect fresh salt of the sea flavor. The Chicken Tikka Masala was thicker than I'm accustomed to and a bit more red and a little less yogurt-tang, however it was outstanding as well. Every restaurant has a little different take on the flavors and consistency of their curries. The Malai Kofta sauce also was thicker than I'm used to and not quite as yellow. The vegetarian dumplings in them were quite good, but a bit more smooth and pasty. Finally, the Saag Paneer was quite satisfying, slightly more chunky in texture without a lot of the ghee that I believe many restaurants will pile into it. All in all, an outstanding meal.

The service was impeccable. Not intrusive, but always there when you needed them. Water, beer poured for you, plates cleared, keeping an eye on everything, perfectly paced. The food here will not disappoint. The chefs and the kitchen at Andaaz are clearly talented, precise and take pride in their food. The prices were quite reasonable and portions generous. We have plenty of leftovers that were graciously packaged up by the restaurant for us. Bravo, Andaaz for bringing such a first class restaurant to Asheville. We will...

Was it worth the money? Yes. The servings were large for each dish and side. We ordered 2 meals but have enough for 4 meals with the leftovers. Everything was well packaged.

Was it worth our time? Yes. We ordered take out and from time to order to pick up was less than 20 minutes. Service was quick and friendly.

Was it worth the calories? We definitely think what we had was worth the calories and we're eager to try more!

Longer review below ~ ~ ~

Group info: Two adults and a 1 year old.

What we ordered: Paneer Makhani - Medium spice level (served with rice) Chicken Tikka Masala - Hot spice level (served with rice) 2 orders of plain naan

How was the service: We ordered pickup through UberEats (we had a gift card or we'd prefer going through the business directly) and took the take out to eat at home. The app told us the food would take 25 minutes and we were notified at about the 15 minute mark that our order was ready. The food was well packaged in separate containers for each dish, the rice, and the naan. The order also came with some complementary chocolates and some nice plastic utensils wrapped in a generously sized napkin. Getting into the parking lot was a bit tricky with the busy traffic on Biltmore, but there was a good amount of parking reserved for customers. They had a take out table setup inside with several staff ready and eager to assist me picking up my order.

Food Review: Each of our main dishes were fantastic! The Paneer Makhani had a great flavor and consistency. The Chicken Tikka had a generous amount of chicken and veggies mixed into the stew which was very appreciated and we liked that the chicken was cut into thin strips, compared to the usual chunks of chicken breast. The hot spice level was the perfect amount of heat but not overpowering. The serving size was quite large for both main dishes and was definitely worth their price as we're getting a 2nd meal out of each with their leftovers. The rice, usually a bit of an afterthought at other restaurants, was stellar! It had a lovely floral and nutty scent, as well as a great flavor and texture. They combined both rice servings into one larger container, which we appreciated, but acknowledge that others may not. The naan was the only thing we ordered that didn't blow us away. That isn't to say it was bad, it just wasn't as great as the other orders. It was quite thin and a little on the tougher side, but still had a nice flavor and was well cooked. We just prefer a lighter and fluffier naan :) There was a whopping 6 pieces of naan in our order of 2, which really helps and is greatly appreciated. Even though we got take out and were late picking up, the dishes were still very warm and ready to serve.

Extra: My 1 year old loved every dish and even though the hot spice from the chicken startled her, she was eager for more after drinking some milk. If that ain't praise for the food, I don't know what is! We're very happy to have a new more traditional Indian restaurant in Asheville and we hope they continue to impress and wish they do well! We were so eager to eat we forgot to take photos of our dishes, will take some next time, and there will definitely be...