Curry Leaves Indian Cuisine (Lakeland) — Restaurant in Lakeland

As a Lakeland local for over 40 years, I’ve seen plenty of restaurants come and go, but let me tell you—Curry Leaves is here to stay. At 63, I’ve dined at my fair share of spots, and I can say with confidence that this place has a bright future ahead.

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warmth and hospitality. The atmosphere is inviting, and whether you’re coming in for a casual meal or a special occasion, you’ll feel right at home. It’s also a great place for families—kid-friendly without sacrificing the quality of an elevated dining experience.

Now, let’s talk about the food. Absolutely phenomenal. The flavors are rich, authentic, and perfectly balanced. Whether you’re a fan of bold spices or prefer something mild, they cater to every palate. Their butter chicken is heavenly, the biryanis are fragrant and flavorful, and the naan is always fresh and warm.

Beyond the incredible food, the service is top-tier. My server, John, deserves five stars all on his own! He made me feel like family from the moment I sat down—attentive, friendly, and truly passionate about ensuring I had a great experience. It’s rare to find that kind of genuine hospitality, and John absolutely delivered.

And I have to give a special mention to the bar—well-stocked, expertly crafted cocktails, and a great selection of wines and spirits.

Cleanliness is another area where Curry Leaves excels. The restaurant is spotless, well-maintained, and beautifully decorated, making for a comfortable and enjoyable meal every time.

If you haven’t been here yet, do yourself a favor and go. Lakeland finally has an Indian restaurant that’s not just good—it’s great. Curry Leaves isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a gem that’s going to be around for years to come. Five stars,...

Aug 2025

Back again… yes, I have no self-control when it comes to food — and clearly, this place knows it.

Tried the same Saag Paneer and Yellow Dal, but this time I leveled up to “Indian Spicy” — and finally my taste buds stood up, saluted, and sang the national anthem. Last time’s “Hot” spice level was more like “mildly annoyed.”

Pro tip: Tandoori Roti is the Beyoncé of breads here. Don’t fall for the flashy naan or the overachieving paratha — this roti delivers smoky perfection with zero drama.

July 2025

From soothing decor to super-speedy service to awesome food — this place really checked all the boxes… well, almost.

Pretty sure this is their second branch after Tampa. (Yes, I Googled mid-meal like a true foodie detective.)

The menu is designed by a South Indian chef, but surprise surprise — even the North Indian dishes are bursting with flavor. Respect.

I ordered Saag Paneer with a trio of breads — Bagel Naan (don’t ask), Chapati, and Parotta. All three were just… meh. Not bad, just not write-a-poem-about-it good. Honestly, choosing Saag Paneer was my mistake — the dish was well-made and full of flavor, but my heart just wasn’t in it. I should’ve gone with something spicier, sexier. Lesson learned.

Now let’s talk desserts. I had the Rasmalai Tiramisu. Should’ve skipped it. Not bad, just confusing — like, make up your mind, bro, are you Italian or Indian? I didn’t try the Gulab Jamun Cheesecake, but it looked like it had its life together.

In short: I made some bad choices… but in a really great restaurant. Definitely coming back for a round two — with better judgment and...

We visited this restaurant on the Friday of Diwali, having previously enjoyed take-out from here multiple times. The food has consistently been excellent, and this visit was no exception in that regard. However, the service fell noticeably short of expectations.

Aside from the individual I assume to be the owner or manager (who was working the bar and checking in on customers), the servers we interacted with seemed to lack proper training and professionalism. The waitress assigned to our table appeared disengaged and unmotivated, while the waiter struggled to manage our orders, forgetting several items and rarely checking on our table. Toward the end of the evening, the waiter made an uncomfortable remark about our not having tipped yet and charged an additional penny to the bill so we could leave a tip. While we fully understand the importance of tipping, gratuities are earned through good service, not through demands or underperformance.

This experience was notably different from the excellent service we received at Rasoi in Ybor on the day of Diwali. While the food quality here remains a highlight, we are unsure if we will continue to support this local establishment given the service concerns. We hope the management takes steps to address these issues and improve the overall dining experience.

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