Indian Grill Issaquah — Restaurant in Issaquah

Ah, Indian Grill, Issaquah’s hidden gem (literally). So this place just opened up in Issaquah, and first off, you gotta want it. It’s a little tucked away, like they’re testing you. Like, “Do you really want pakora?” And I did. I really did.

Once you find it, though, it’s worth it. The service was great, like, actual human kindness. The owner came out and said hi, which I wasn’t emotionally prepared for, but I appreciated it. I panicked and said, “Nice weather,” even though it was so hot outside they could’ve skipped the tandoor and just plated my chicken off the sidewalk. She smiled anyway. That’s hospitality.

Now the food. Man, the food. The pakora was so good I started questioning every appetizer I’ve ever had. Like, “Was that mozzarella stick really doing its job?” The Kadai chicken was also fantastic. It had that perfect balance of flavor and heat, which brings me to the spice levels.

They’ve got three: no spice, medium spice, and spicy. But listen, if you’re the kind of person who eats ghost peppers recreationally, their “spicy” is more like “spicy… for a baby.” It’s pleasant, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not gonna make you sweat or rethink your life choices. Which, honestly, might be a good thing.

The decor? It’s simple, bright Indian colors, clean layout, but none of that traditional Indian ambience. It’s like if someone said, “Let’s make an Indian restaurant, but make it feel like a modern dentist office… with turmeric.” Not bad, just unexpected.

Only real hiccup is the restroom situation. If you’ve got mobility issues, it’s a bit of a quest. You either go down three steps like you’re entering a medieval dungeon, or you take the ramp, which involves exiting the restaurant, going around the corner, and re-entering like you’re trying to sneak back into a party you just left. Not ideal if you’re rolling in with a walker or wheelchair.

But overall? Five stars. Great food, great people, and a location that makes you feel like you earned your meal. Just bring a map and...

Recently ordered Amritsari Kulcha and Veg Biryani from Indian Grill, and the experience was quite underwhelming.

Amritsari Kulcha (3/5)

The kulcha itself was nicely stuffed with paneer and had a soft texture- that part was good. It was served with chana and pickle, which is the usual combination. However, I expected more authenticity in flavor. The chana was light-colored and lacked the deep, rich taste that Amritsari-style chana is known for — it should have been darker, spicier, and more flavorful. Also, no butter was provided, which is a must-have with a kulcha meal. Overall, decent but not impressive.

Veg Biryani (0/5)

This was a complete disappointment. What they served was not biryani — it was more like a basic vegetable pulao. There were no layers of rice and spices, no distinct aroma, and nothing was fried upfront as biryani typically requires. It seemed like all the ingredients were just mixed in a cooker and given a quick whistle. For $17.99, this was nowhere close to authentic biryani in either flavor or preparation. I’ve had far better biryanis from other places at similar or even lower prices.

Unfortunately, I wouldn’t go back to this restaurant. There are many other Indian restaurants that offer richer flavors, authentic preparation, and better value for money. Indian Grill needs serious improvement, especially in their biryani quality and...

Indian Grill Issaquah - A Delightful New Addition to Our Town

We recently discovered Indian Grill, a new restaurant that's opened in Issaquah, and what a wonderful find it has been! The food is absolutely amazing - each dish we tried exceeded our expectations.

We ordered the chole batura, and I was pleasantly surprised by how perfectly it was prepared - not at all oily like you sometimes find elsewhere. The chickpea curry was rich and flavorful, paired with beautifully puffed, light batura that didn't leave you feeling heavy. The paneer tikka masala was another standout - creamy, well-spiced, with tender chunks of paneer that melted in your mouth. The amritsar parantha was authentic and delicious, with just the right amount of stuffing and a perfect crispy exterior.

What really impressed us was how well the food appealed to our entire family. Our kids, who can be picky eaters, cleaned their plates, and my elderly parents, who are quite particular about their Indian food, were thoroughly impressed. It's rare to find a restaurant that can satisfy such a wide range of ages and taste preferences.

The quality and authenticity of the food, combined with the care taken in preparation, makes Indian Grill a must-visit for anyone in Issaquah looking for excellent Indian cuisine. We'll definitely be returning soon to explore more of their menu. Highly...