5th Element Indian Grill — Restaurant in Pompano Beach

It’s been a very long time since I was in love with a local Indian restaurant. Gone are the days (the 80s & 90s!) of Maharajah India/Lord Mountbatten Pub (Federal Hwy between Oakland Park and Sunrise, and another GORGEOUS place that used to be in the Imperial Point Plaza where Buca di Beppo came and went. Wonderful Madras Cafe near McNab and Powerline is also gone. I can’t help thinking this is all our fault. Perhaps after 9/11 the culture shifted away from supporting Indian restaurants, and that’s really a shame. It’s ignorant. Period.

I say all of this because I think time and cultural shifts have not been kind to restaurants in general. Our knowledge, interest, and pocketbooks have all decreased. Our expectations, however, have become more preference oriented (we want it on the side, not too spicy, blah blah) and it’s hard for innovative and ethnic restaurants to keep up.

Fifth Element serves a need for local Indian cuisine. The food is fine; it’s okay, just not special. It is hot and ready on time. It satisfies an itch for all the typical curry, tikka, vindaloo, tandoori, masala, etc menu items. The prices a fair. Portions are generous. No more. No less. Our basmati rice had a somewhat peculiar texture, lacking a bit of the stickiness of freshly made rice, and missing the unique perfume sweetness of basmati or jasmine rice. It seemed instant. The Naaan and tandoori chicken were missing the distinct char and juicy freshness that can make them so wonderful. Butter chicken misses the richness of being finished with ghee. It’s the little things like that which limit our view and rate them with 3 rather than 4 stars.

Part of the problem is that the plaza of this location on the Ft. Lauderdale/Pompano border is a little run down. You don’t feel excited to go there. Inside, you find a large dining area but like the plaza, it needs an upgrade. The staff is attentive. They get your order right, but they’re not particularly warm or friendly. They’re definitely not rude. Perhaps they just seem a bit apathetic—a little...

An Unforgettable Indian Buffet Experience!

A few years ago, I was told about this incredible spot, and I can honestly say it’s the best Indian buffet in the area! As a true foodie, this place has earned a permanent spot at the top of my list—it’s an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves authentic Indian cuisine as much as I do.

Their buffet, priced at $18.95 per person, offers a huge variety of dishes, each one crafted with care and bursting with flavor. The authenticity shines through in every bite, and the ambiance adds an extra layer to the experience. While it’s pretty average and not particularly flashy, I’ve always felt that amazing food is the true star here. That being said, I’ve recently noticed some upgrades and improvements to the space, which are a welcome touch and show they’re constantly striving to enhance the customer experience.

Over the years, I’ve taken all my friends and family here, and they’ve all been just as impressed as I am. This spot has truly earned a loyal customer for life! One of the highlights of every visit is being greeted by the kind African gentleman who treats me like family. His warmth and friendliness set the tone for every meal. The same beautiful waitress has been there for years, too, and her attentive service reflects the fantastic staff and positive work environment. Everyone here is super kind and their customer service is unmatched.

From the authentic flavors to the exceptional service, this Indian buffet never disappoints. If you love Indian food,

you must check this place out! You won’t regret it—it’s a gem that I’ll continue to recommend to...

We have been going to 5th Element for the lunch buffet on and off for years. Over that time it’s gone down in quality and value.

We went on New Years Eve and they charged a lot more for "special" buffet that was actually the same as any other Sunday (we ate there on Sundays several times in the last couple of months, so the experience was fresh in our minds). It wasn't even as good as the last time we went a few weeks ago, when in addition to the pau bhaji and dosa station they also had samosas. The desserts and the starters were the same. Nothing at all special about it apart from the increased cost, which we’d been happy to pay if the dishes had been different and actually special.

We’re vegetarian so can’t speak for the meat items, but the vegetarian selection is poor. We go there randomly, and yet it is always the same three veg mains: a yellow dal, a red paneer dish and chana masala. Sometimes they’re pretty good, sometimes bland or just mediocre (like it was on New Year’s Eve). The veg is either okra or green beans. The sambar is always thin and lacking in red lentils, sometimes lacking in vegetables and/or flavor. Often, like today, the temperature was barely warm although it did taste pretty good.

When we first began going about four years ago we usually encountered new dishes and desserts we had never had before. Not anymore. Never a saag dish, or aloo gobi, or baigan bharta, or dal makhani, etc., etc. We’re usually mildly disappointed to arrive and find the same things, but this was the last straw. We don’t plan to go back for a...