LUFU NOLA — Restaurant in New Orleans

This spot opened a few months ago and let me say, what a GEM! It looks inconspicuous outside but it was packed with locals on a Thursday night downtown.

This restaurant is perfect for a date night, family meal, celebration, or casual dinner. There were so many amazing and authentic dishes originating from various regions across India. Most items on the menu are shareable and everything we tried was so flavorful and absolutely delicious. I have never had upscale shareable Indian dishes and it’s safe to say at this price point I will be back to visit this restaurant every time I’m in Nola!

We got the pani poori which was a refreshing and light starter along with the koli vada shrimp which were spicy, juicy, and perfectly cooked. We followed that with kunthal fry (fried squid) which was seasoned well with a good crunch.

For the main courses we got the nalli gosth (lamb shank) which was again, perfectly cooked and juicy. It was probably the most tender and well seasoned lamb I ever had at a restaurant. We also ordered the aritakula chapa (fish cooked in a curry leaf) and this was my favorite dish. I love fish that melts in your mouth and this did it for me. It had a savory tamarind marinade that complimented rice and the garlic naan well.

We ended with the Falooda for dessert which was so unique and balanced. Usually I’m not a sweets girl, but this sundae was full of nutty, tangy, and sweet toppings that all had different textures as well. I couldn’t stop eating it even after how full I was!

In terms of service, there was virtually no wait to get seated with a reservation and the drinks and food came out quickly. The waitresses and waiters were extremely polite and sweet.

Lastly, the artwork and ambiance around the restaurant is so fun and enlightening! First thing I noticed when sitting down was the big window showing off the kitchen staff cooking in authentic Indian stoneware. Right next to the window there is a big map of India depicting some of the big cities where the dishes originate from. Then there is a funky, bright, and beautiful wall mural of a woman on the back wall.

I had so much fun with my boyfriend trying all these dishes and enjoying an authentic, flavorful Indian meal in the heart of downtown Nola. Truly I loved it here and I’m so happy we went and...

Not many places have been worth the money or worth a review... but this place 1000% delivers.

From the cozy atmosphere the moment you step through the door, the smiling faces and absolutely fantastic people, to the food and drinks you can't imagine tasting better the next bite and absolutely does. This place is my new top favorite NOLA stop.

I've not had Indian food that has ever rivaled the intimate meals made for my by a dear colleague in culinary school. Or drinks as special as what I have had here.

Drink - Desi Girl Spritzer: wow! Very rarely are there rose flavored drinks that I have had that makes you want to go back and order it by the pitcher. Smooth, beautiful, and enticing. It is a rose forward drink but sweet (without being candy) and refreshing on a warm night.

Appetizer - Koli Wada Shrimp: It appears to be a safe first bite, nothing can possibly by special but goodness it's far from. The batter/breading is light, and shrimp were cooked to perfection. The schezuan "sauce" was luscious, thick, and bold with flavor. The spice sneaks up on you but in a warm hug kind of way.

Side - Garlic Naan: it may be Naan but this is transformative. It's soft and bouncy in the mouth and light. Even coated in butter and garlic it is overwhelming. It's a respectful nod without feeling like you've ate your weight in garlic. Absolutely 💯 spot on.

Main course - Tandoori Lamb Burra with a mint chutney: I was so excited for the course and it did not disappoint. Despite being a "small" style plate, it is easy to eat everything and find yourself at least content and at most comfortably full. The spices they use are robust and round. If you take the time to slow down, it's like each spice makes its stunning debut. The char was fantastic, and delicious. There was a subtle note of wood smoke and not a hint of ash. The lamb was perfectly cooked, tender, and delicious. It can absolutely stand alone, but with a mint chutney as stellar as what they served it'd be a shame. I'd buy a bottle of that chutney without batting an eye.

I've never sang such high praises about a place like this. It was an out of this world experience in way of food, drinks, and atmosphere. It will 1000% be a regular stop on my way through NOLA...

Lufu Nola offers a pleasant Indian dining experience with a few standout dishes and a warm atmosphere. Here’s a breakdown of my experience: The restaurant has a cozy, intimate setting with a simple yet inviting decor. The lighting creates a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal. However, it would benefit from a few cultural touches to make the space feel more authentic and vibrant.

The staff were friendly and attentive, with prompt service. They were knowledgeable about the menu and offered helpful recommendations, though there were moments where communication could have been smoother. That said, their hospitality made the overall dining experience enjoyable.

The menu features a variety of classic Indian dishes, ranging from rich curries to tandoori options. Some of the dishes, like the Chicken Tikka Masala and Lamb Rogan Josh, were bursting with flavor and well-balanced. The naan was soft and fresh, pairing nicely with the mains.

However, a few dishes lacked the depth of spices typically associated with authentic Indian cuisine. The spiciness level was a bit toned down, which may appeal to those new to Indian food but could be underwhelming for seasoned fans. Adding more bold flavors and spice options could elevate the experience.

Value for Money: Portion sizes were generous, and the prices were fair given the quality of the food. For an Indian restaurant, it's reasonably priced, but a few more unique or specialty dishes would add value for those looking for a more adventurous dining experience.

Overall Experience: Lufu Nola is a solid option for those seeking comforting, approachable Indian food in a relaxed setting. While the flavors could be more bold and authentic, the friendly service and pleasant atmosphere make it worth a visit. With a few tweaks to the menu, this place has the potential to become a standout in the local...