Chef Arango Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Let me just say, I will be going back.

So one of my friends and I meet up once a month, have dinner and catch. Dinner choices is alternated between myself and my friend and this time it was my turn to choose. Wanting to find a place in the middle between us both, I simply Googled around neighborhoods until I came across this Indian restaurant with a 4.6 star rating.

Off of Pico, in the midst of other mom and pop stores and eateries, I had no expectation what this place would offer. Until I opened the door. Anytime you open the door and the food smells good, that's a good indication you're at the right spot.

Haven't had much Indian myself, but always open to expanding my palate, I will be returning here.

It's a cozy and understated restaurant. No frills and none needed. The staff who waited on myself and my friend was super friendly and offered his recommendations. I ended up with the Lamb Vindaloo and my friend ordered the Lamb Bhunan. And neither one of us were disappointed. The ish was de-lish. We also ordered individual (meaning we didn't share with each other) appetitizers, but the stars of our meal was the main course. So flavorful, was rich in spices, it was heavenly. We both agrees that selecting a medium spice option was perfect because any hotter may have been less enjoyable. And if you're going to stay long enough for dessert, I recommend the Mango Kafi (might be spelling that wrong). That adequately sweet and pleasant to eat. Having never had rice pudding for many reasons, our guy was kind enough to bring me a sample to taste. Not bad. I'm probably still not a rice pudding person but I could see myself enjoying that. All in all, great place idly dine. We arrive around 6:30pm but it seems to pick up in customer steam around 8pm

Definitely check this place out, you will not be disappointed.

Edit: I've been back at least three (3) times since my first visit (see, not a lair) and each time I brought with me someone new. Everyone... I mean, EVERYONE... every person, every body each of the bodies, each and every of the bodies... absolutely...

Some dishes are definetely better than others.

Portion sizes looked small initially, but were actually generous. We got a 2 people dinner special which was so much, we couldnt even finish it. The food comes off in rounds, starting off with The Mango Lassi which was great and had the right thickness as well as sweetness. The spicy paneer had the Perfect amount of spice with it enhancing the taste which is rare to find, and then chicken tikka and naan were good. Tandoori was suprisingly bland. I did not enjoy it, but it came with the dinner special. Even without it i think we got a lot of food. Alsp there was rice which i couldnt even eat with how full i got. The kheer (rice pudding) came at the end which was okay.

Only thing wouldnt get again is the chicken samosas which was an appetizer for 3 reasons: Its too expensive Taste is mediocre and dry There was more than enough food for us and options from the dinner special, so this wasn't necessary.

Overall the atmosphere and service were good along with the food and would recommend this place! I will come back here next time i...

I wish I had remembered to take photos before the meal but my first instinct when the food came out was to immediately pile it on a plate then into my mouth. The butter chicken is phenomenal, the butter acting like the star it is and not just a background character. My favorite was the eggplant tho, got it medium because my friends are babies, and asked for the hot sauce on the side. It is SPICY but DELICIOUS. The kofta meatballs are super tender and flavorful. Not pictured is the garlic naan because that was gone quick. Service was efficient and attentive and our server even hooked us up with some goodies, us being the only party dining in that night. Shout-out to whoever stuffs the samosas because they are crispy and jam-packed with delicious filling, no empty air pocket in sight. This also has to be one of the most affordable places I've eaten at.

If you're looking for delicious food served by people who care and at an unbeatable cost, this the...