I recently visited Tabla Restaurant on Olive, and honestly, it was one of the most satisfying Indian dining experiences I’ve had around St. Peters, Creve Coeur, Ballwin, and Maryland Heights. I’ve tried almost every Indian place in these areas — some have great street food flavor, others fine-dine presentation — but very few truly capture authentic Indian taste across all regions. Usually, you’ll find a restaurant that makes great biryani or South Indian food, but their Punjabi gravies taste South Indian, or the other way around. Tabla breaks that pattern. We ordered Thatte Idli, Appam Veg Stew, Masala Dosa, Paneer Tikka Masala, Dahi Puri, Pani Puri, Vada Pav, and Paneer Crispy — covering South Indian, North Indian, street food, and Indo-Chinese — and every single dish tasted authentic and beautifully balanced, as if cooked right back in India.
The Dosa had perfect spice proportions — flavorful yet light, with no extra oil or raw chewable khada spices that some places leave in. The Sambar had that rare combination of South Indian depth and West Indian (Gujarati) comfort — exactly how it tastes back home. The chaats — Dahi Puri and Pani Puri — were outstanding: crisp, fresh puris (not pre-fried), deliciously spiced dahi, and super tangy pani served generously, unlike many spots that serve barely any. The Paneer Tikka Masala had the perfect North Indian texture and flavor — rich, creamy, and consistent — and the Vada Pav was pure Mumbai nostalgia: simple pav, perfectly spiced batata vada, and the right amount of dry garlic chutney. Every dish was spot-on, each true to its regional origin. What I especially appreciated was the menu — diverse yet concise — featuring select dishes from across India so the chef can focus on what they do best. We’d been to a Maryland Heights restaurant with a huge, confusing menu, and Tabla’s focused approach clearly shows in the taste and quality.
On top of the amazing food, the staff were warm, courteous, and attentive, and both owners personally checked on every table. One of them, Sri, is also the chef, and it’s obvious he deeply understands the flavor profiles of different Indian regions — that knowledge shines in every dish. Overall, Tabla isn’t just another Indian restaurant; it’s a place that delivers authentic flavors from Mumbai to Chennai, all perfectly executed. If you truly miss the taste of India, Tabla is the one you need to...
Read moreThis restaurant is the only Kerala style Indian restaurant in the area. It is authentic and wonderful! The veg thali was so good! It was made with fresh vegetables and was perfectly spiced. The specialty chai was unlike any chai I've ever had. It was an original chai recipe and was sweet, creamy and spicy. The only disappointment was the plastic bottled water given to each of us upon sitting at the table. Water in stainless steel cups (the plates are stainless) would be a better, environmentally friendly choice. The atmosphere is fine! Fancy is over-rated. Affordable prices, cleanliness and delicious food is the trifecta at Tabla. Prediction- you will...
Read moreabsolutely loved the Tabla restaurant. The food is authentic, flavorful, and feels just like a true South Indian home-cooked meal. The dosas were perfectly crisp, the sambar had just the right tang, and the chutneys were fresh and delicious. The service was warm and attentive — they really make you feel welcome. The ambiance is clean, cozy, and family-friendly.
If you’re craving real South Indian flavors — from idli and vada to biryani and filter coffee — this is the spot to visit. Highly recommend to anyone who loves good food and great...
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