The Spice Palette Indian Restaurant – New London, CT — Restaurant in New London

I couldn't wait to write this review. Total random-event finding this restaurant. I was cold - hungry - and wanted something that would satisfy both as I made my way off of I-95 at Ext-75 (Waterford, CT). I decided to drive until I found something interesting. It wasn't long until I saw what appeared to be a match. In the most unexpected location, there in front of me was a name I'd not seen before ..."Spice Palette." It was 10:50 AM; a few moments on Google and a phone call to see if they were taking dine-in lunch customers and I was in at opening-bell - 11:00 AM. I was seated by a super-nice host/waiter by the name of, "Priyan-Paul" - a young gentleman whom herald's from southern Indian, and more recently, Florida.

Now ...I've lived in 12 countries overseas on 4-continents and have had Indian food the world-over. Been to Bangladesh and lived in Islamabad and Kabul. Folks - this is the REAL DEAL. I knew it just by looking at the menu. The chef, "Lijoy Verghese" did his training in Gao - a town on the western shore of middle-India along the Arabian Sea. He's no stranger to seafood. I've always thought that the countries of SE Asia made the best renditions of calamari. After trying one bite of Lijoy's, Spice Calamari today, I've updated that to, "South Asia." It was fantastic ... and just when I though I'd like it really spicy - there was a perfectly roasted red/green chili pepper in the middle of it that blew my head off. Awesome! Beware - nibble it with each bite and don't forget to take a bite of the fresh lemon rind with each mouthful. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back for dinner tonight.

I wanted to order everything - but had to show some restraint and ordered the following items with pictures of some of the dishes shown in my review.

Spice Palette Salad Kachumber Salad Spice Calamari Vergetarian Biriyani Mango Chicken Gobi Paratha Masala Chai Chicken Shahi Korma Madras Coffee

I said I was hungry.

The prices are so very reasonable and the portions are enormous. The salads darn-near took up half the table. The entire meal took up more than the table and dishes had to be stacked. Half of everything was taken home. There was easily enough food for 6 people. I would have had dessert except I was worried about going to the ER and classified, "Glutton."

I've long complained that there are few ...really few ...late-night dessert runs along the the CT shoreline. Well - that drought has ended too. I will definitely be hitting every one of their desserts this year. In fact - It's my quest to try everything on their menu between now and New Years ...which given the layout and décor of the restaurant - looks like a really fun place to have a New Year's party.

My only complaint is that Lijoy Verghese didn't open this restaurant in the brand new complex being built off Exit 63 ...hint hint. I can't tell you how happy I am to have happened across your restaurant. Had I paid more attention to CT Magazine - I'd have been there for the Grand Opening.

Congratulations to all of you on an awesome restaurant. I hope this review adds to your base-of-clientele. As Schwarzenegger would say...

3 issues already: I called about doing their buffet w/outdoor dining (my friend said he's in a high-risk category for COVID), and they said yes. But, when I called today to say we're coming, they said they were referring just to opening day, but I have zero recollection of that stipulation. I went to there w/a different friend for the buffet. They said buffet is only for lunch, but I had it in print that said dinner, and they said that's for the grand opening, but the ad did not in any capacity show the grand opening stipulation (there was no room for argument on the ad that was so specific & clear). I ate there for non-buffet (update: they said they temporarilystopped the buffet, then later said they were not planning to reopen it...), and after ordering, it was about an hour to get food! They didn't even offer us a small snack in the meantime! Food quality was alright to good, depending on the item eaten.

Comparing this place to other Indian restaurants nearby: Similar to Mirch Masala in atmosphere. Food both good quality. Buffet at Spice is more expensive than Mirch, but has a few extras. Swad Tandori has good food, with Swad being like Mirch and Spice for ambiance. Swad probably has the most healthful bindi masala (not all fried up, etc.), and perhaps the best chicken tikki masala. Mint is also w/o a buffet and a more casual setup. Swad, followed by Mirch, are the most kid/family friendly.

Update: I tried again and had their buffet. It is a good buffet. Nice selection and tasty food. Though, at $16 for adults and $11 for kids (way overpriced for my kid, anyway), it is a higher cost than I'm used to for a lunch buffet.

Update: I brought my kids a number of times. They've been to buffets at several restaurants, but this one seems not well set up for them. One of them spilled a bit when getting his food, so they told me I have to serve them. That's understandable for him, but not his sister. They also were getting up a lot, and playing around, which kids do, but I think it was too much for this restaurant that explained that "this is a fine dining establishment", and that they told me not to bring the kids if they'll not behave as kids should for a fine dining establishment. I've never had this reaction from any other restaurant, but since this place considers themselves to be fine-dining, I can understand where they're coming from. I've not been back since then, and I realize if I decide to return, I'll have to not bring my son (he's really the hyper one, and his sister joins him), or bring him with great...

I was hungry for Indian food, so I nosed around online and found a place called "The Spice Palette" in New London, CT. The place was easy to find and not terribly far away. I went during the tail end of lunch, so there weren't many people there.

Parking: There was ample parking in their lot. Unless they're super crowded, you'll have no trouble parking.

Inside: The place is rather lovely; calm, cool, a nice ambience. The music playing there was good. I was seated quickly at a nice, clean table. The waitstaff not only took my order within moments of seeing me put down the menu, but also checked on me throughout the meal. They were attentive, but not in a "clingy" way.

Drink: I don't drink, but they do have bottled water at the table. It costs unless you want tap. I stuck to the bottle. Plain, no-bubble water, although they do have sparkling water and other soft drinks, too.

Food: They have a decently comprehensive menu of both North and South Indian food. I wanted to try a few things, so I ordered Palak Paneer (medium spice), Butter Chicken (spicy), two plain Naan, and some Papadam. I also got Ras Malai for dessert.

The Papad came out first along with the usual three chutneys you find everywhere. I will say that they were very fresh tasting, and the Papad were good and crunchy. I ate one with the chutneys and saved the other for crushing up into the curries. The Naan arrived quickly, shortly followed by the Butter Chicken and Saag Paneer. I spooned out a good portion of each onto my plate, grabbed some Naan, and went to work. The chicken was spicy, but in a flaor-enhancing way. After all, you don't want it too "hot." You want it flavorful. Even though I ordered it "spicy," it was somewhere between "Indian Spicy" and "Firangi Spicy." Not very "hot," but still incredibly tasty! The Saag Paneer was thick and delicious. The Saag was rather delicious and the Paneer was cooked excellently. A perfect sponge for flavors.

Once I ran out of Naan, I switched over to the rice. It was good. Not too dry, and when mixed with the curries (and some crushed-in Papad), it made a tasty part of the meal.

When I was done, they brought out the Ras Malai, and it was superb. Not like dried out sponges. Really good! I packed up the rest (I had enough for another meal at home), paid my bill, and left.

I have to come back, because they have a rather goodly-sized menu, and even Dosas!

If you're craving Indian food, think about hitting up The Spice Palette. This is definitely a...