Spice Affair Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Beverly Hills

First I need to explain that I really didn’t want to like this restaurant. For an Indian restaurant, it’s everything I don’t like: Swanky, handsome, luxurious, upscale and expensive with a full counter bar, wine list and a top Beverly Hills/adjacent location, right on the famed Restaurant Row along w/ the long-time classic places such as Lawry’s, Matsuhisa, etc... And it’s supposed to be where many celebrities go. Yuck, as far as I’m concerned. Celebrities = hip and trendy, everything I’m not into.

But the food was 5-Star great and the service also.

The restaurant does not pretend to offer traditionally-authentic Indian food. But at the end of the day, all that counts is, Is it good or not? And Spice Affair is GREAT. Of all the dishes we got, only one was good but not great, ie wouldn’t order again.

The details

Started w/ the Cauliflower in coconut. The little florets were nicely crispy. With the coconut cream, I felt I was eating the Chinese shrimp and walnut classic dish. LOVED IT!!

The Habanero chicken tikka appetizer was incredible. Perfectly cooked chicken with a nicely spiced habanero sauce. I would eat 2-3 portions of this as a main course and would be very happy with it. LOVED IT!!

The Naan trio appetizer (3 small Naan stuffed with cheese, duck or mushroom) was good but not amazing. The naan themselves were nice and fluffy. The best part was the mango sauce which I hid to eat as a dessert at the end. And the radish sauce was super-interesting. Like a very mild horseradish sauce. I would order this sauce on its own to dip chicken tikka into it. Grade B

The Lamb Biryani was incredible. Huge portion, melt in the mouth lamb. All topped w/ a soft bread lid. Perhaps the best lamb biryani I’ve ever had. Certainly the best “quality” one. LOVED IT!! Oh the dish came w/ a side of Raita which was good but not particularly special or interesting.

The Butter Chicken was highly touted by the waitress and it was simply perfect. Big portion again. Great moist tender chicken. Delicious sauce. LOVED IT!!

The Rack of Lamb (not the lamb chops also on the menu) looked sad when we received it. I saw 3 double-chops that looked very cooked. I was 1/2 expecting dry lamb. But although fully-cooked (no pink), the lamb was very tender and tasted amazing. How did they manage that? Was it seared quick then slow cooked? The spinach rice it came with was good. LOVED IT!!

To complete the meal, we tried a couple of Lassis. My sister loved her Mango one. My salty one was fresh but lacking in spices and seasonings to my taste. I added salt and pepper. Later, I detected some fennel or caraway seeds.

For dessert, they brought out a complimentary Mango pudding for my mom. Really good. We also tried Gulab Jamon and Ras Malai. Both very good. I’ve had better Ras Malai. This one was clearly fresh but not sweet enough for my taste. My mom however loved it! When I go back, I’d like to try their famous Rose or Pistachio Kulfi, Indian ice cream.

Our waitress was excellent and I thought it was a very very nice touch to serve us individually from our main courses.

Not a cheap meal. $250 for 3 people, including tax, tip and 1-car valet parking. But definitely worth the price for a special occasion, considering the quality of the food and service. I will definitely go back whenever possible.

Only two small things to nitpick on: Not totally the fault of the restaurant but we got treated the first 30 minutes to 4 young girl screaming and playing 20’ from us. Their father finally took them to a table far from us but we could still occasionally hear them. Staff should be aware of noise levels and how it impacts other customers trying to enjoy their meal I didn’t understand the purpose of the electronic tablet screens at each table. Are we supposed to be impressed with the technology? Ads for the restaurant brunch and other offers constantly rotated. I found that distracting and it also cheapened the experience. I might expect to see screens like this at IHOP or Denny’s. Not at an...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Spice Affair in Los Angeles, and I must say that it was an extraordinary culinary experience that left a lasting impression. From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I was captivated by its elegant ambiance and warm hospitality.

The menu at Spice Affair boasts a delightful fusion of flavors from various regions of India, expertly crafted to create a symphony of tastes. The extensive selection of dishes caters to a range of palates, from mild to fiery, allowing diners to embark on a journey through the diverse and vibrant Indian cuisine.

One aspect that truly stood out was the exceptional quality of ingredients used in each dish. From the fragrant spices to the fresh produce, every ingredient was carefully selected, resulting in dishes that were bursting with flavor and authenticity. The meticulous attention to detail was evident in every bite.

The service at Spice Affair was impeccable. The staff members were friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the menu. They were more than happy to offer recommendations and guide us through the culinary adventure. The pace of service was just right, allowing us to savor each course and indulge in delightful conversations.

One highlight of our meal was the Chicken Tikka Masala. The tender chicken, bathed in a rich and velvety tomato-based sauce, was a harmony of spices and creaminess that was simply divine. Additionally, the Paneer Makhani, a vegetarian delight, showcased the artistry of blending flavors, resulting in a creamy and indulgent dish that left us craving for more.

To complement the exceptional cuisine, Spice Affair also offers an impressive selection of handcrafted cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine list. The beverage options perfectly complemented the flavors of the dishes and added an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall experience.

The attention to detail extended to the elegant presentation of each dish. The vibrant colors and artistic plating elevated the dining experience, making it a feast for both the palate and the eyes. It was evident that the chefs at Spice Affair take great pride in their craft.

In conclusion, Spice Affair in Los Angeles is a culinary gem that should not be missed. The restaurant seamlessly combines exquisite flavors, top-notch ingredients, impeccable service, and a charming ambiance. Whether you’re an Indian food enthusiast or simply looking to embark on a flavorful journey, Spice Affair is an absolute must-visit. It is an experience that will leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return for more delightful encounters with the captivating world of...

Our first time to an Indian Restaurant in Los Angeles - and it did not disappoint! Easy parking on street on Friday night and cherry on top - it was free.

Promptly greeted and taken to our reserved using Open Table! Keeping up with Beverly Hills upscale status, Spice Affair has great ambience and seating plan.

Navdeep was our server who was prompt, knew the menu well and recommended wisely. Service was fast and efficient. He not only made an effort to accommodate my request for Fried Papad. It was a test to see if they are willing to please their guests - 5*

Appetizers: we ordered Soup, Paneer Tikka and Chicken Tikka. Soup was blend - lacked carrot and basil as mentioned on the menu. Plating for Panner and Chicken could be more elegant and visually appealing. Taste was good and was melt in the mouth!

Main course: We ordered Kadhai Paneer and Malai Kofta. My take on Kadhai Panner is that it was nice however, a bit sour for my taste and tad bit spicy for my wife even when we requested Medium. My wife found Koftas to stale and gravy excellent, I begged to differ!!! (A few daring things I do lol)

Dessert: Navdeep professionally did ask us if we wanted to see the dessert menu but we didn’t have any room left so politely declined. Decent choices as already having checked out in the beginning.

Note: this place charges 20% gratuity for 4+ guests a bit extra if I am being honest. We were 3 but we were still charged 20% which when I brought to his attention was promptly taken off! I would recommend please check your bills!

Also slightly on the higher side - specially when we convert CAD to USD!

Overall, yes it’s a good portions and great place to visit if in LA, Madhuri and Anupam Kher have also dinned here.

My advice to management: keep up the good work, be more creative on plating and spice level to...