CaliChilli - Unauthentic Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Long Beach

TLDR: Valentine's menu was fine but food & service experience did not meet the $300 price tag for 2 people with no alcoholic drinks.

Dined for Valentine's dinner at 8:30PM. OpenTable allowed me to choose between selecting their special Valentine's Menu ($125/person + tax & tips) or regular menu when making the reservation (over a week ago). After browsing both, I opted for the regular menu since it had more things we wanted to try. Upon arrival at restaurant they confirmed they are only serving the Valentine's Menu. At this point it's too late to go anywhere else and it still looked delicious (plus all the reviews of the restaurant were excellent) so we decided to stay nonetheless. Overall the food was very pleasant and the quantity was plentiful. Unfortunately, the level of food, service and experience did not meet the $300 price tag (for 2 people without any alcoholic drinks other than the free flute of champagne upon seating). The location isn't exotic nor stood out but the decorations were welcoming. Restaurant was clean and the greeting at the door was very welcoming, they sat us down quickly as per our reservation time. Tables were very tightly packed hence having servers go around tables was very intrusive and often you found yourself leaning back or sideways to avoid getting arms, hands to the face. Also, no particular care was given to table organization and plates seemed to be just placed on the table where they fit, in a rush, without proper organizing or moving things out of the way. Service was a bit slow, clearing plates and cleaning table was not properly sync'd with food delivery. Food presentation was good but often the food was lukewarm or simply lacked complexity. Sparkling water was delivered in glass with cheap looking red straw wrapped in paper which deteriorates from the experience. Payment took longer than expected as well.

Overall I am supporter of restaurants cultivating special experiences and pushing above their regular price class for specials occasions but they must deliver in return. I've been to many high end restaurants where dinner for 2 regularly hit $300 and they offer a level of food, drinks and experience that is far superior to this instance. I am going to give CaliChili another try, on a regular night with regular menu, to form my final impression. I believe that this special occasion as delivered works at the $150 price point but not even close for $300 for 2 people. All the pieces are there and they seem capable of delivering, just needed more attention to execution...

As someone who grew up in California and has worked in Michelin-starred kitchens in New York City, I tend to approach new dining experiences with both excitement and a discerning eye. On a recent visit home, I was intrigued to try CaliChilli – Unauthentic Indian Restaurant, a concept by a Michelin-starred chef in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, what I hoped would be a vibrant, refined twist on Indian cuisine turned out to be the worst dining experience I’ve had in recent memory.

The issues began the moment I walked in. The restaurant was severely understaffed—there was one visibly overwhelmed server managing about 15 tables and bartending. The lack of support showed in every corner of the experience. I watched in disbelief as the lone server made cocktails using “Delight” brand grocery store coffee creamer. My chai martini was watery, milky, and frankly, undrinkable.

The food, too, was a disappointment. It was obvious the kitchen was cutting corners—likely due to understaffing—sending out food that was clearly pre-made and left to sit. The pani puri I ordered arrived with separated mango sauce and stale shells. The second course, a minced lamb flatbread, was topped with cold, pre-shredded grocery store Mexican cheese—completely mismatched in flavor and texture, and an insult to the concept of Indian fusion.

At that point, I told the server I’d like to cancel the rest of my order. He apologized and explained there was no manager on duty—he then spent the next 15 minutes trying to call someone just to get approval for my cancellation. I paid for the food I’d received and left stunned by the lack of quality, professionalism, and care.

This restaurant is not just a disappointment—it feels like a bait-and-switch. Customers are being misled by the chef’s credentials, only to be served poorly executed dishes and watered-down drinks in an under-resourced environment. It’s a shame to see a Michelin-starred chef attach their name to something so careless. The whole experience felt less like dining and more like...

Nestled in the heart of Long Beach, Cali Chilli is a delightful culinary gem that seamlessly marries Californian flair with a hint of spicy zest. It's evident from the moment you step in: this is not your run-of-the-mill eatery; it's a haven for food enthusiasts.

The decor is chic yet unpretentious, exuding a laid-back SoCal vibe that feels both trendy and welcoming. Large windows usher in abundant natural light, making it a great spot for sunny brunches or intimate evening dinners.

But let's talk food - the true star of Cali Chilli. Their menu is a gastronomic ode to innovative flavors, blending fresh local produce with exciting spicy undertones. Each dish is presented with such finesse that it feels like a piece of art, but it's the explosion of flavors in your mouth that truly takes the cake. Their fusion approach is not just inventive but downright delicious, making you wonder why no one thought of it sooner.

Service at Cali Chilli deserves special mention. The staff is passionate, knowledgeable, and they have a knack for making you feel at home. Their recommendations are always spot-on, ensuring you get the best of what's on offer.

If you're in Long Beach and on the lookout for a memorable dining experience that’s both cozy and exhilarating, Cali Chilli should be on your radar. A fusion haven that offers a taste adventure, it's a testament to what happens when culinary creativity meets Californian freshness. I'm already looking forward to...