LYALLPUR GRILL — Restaurant in Rancho Cordova

There aren't many places i frequent, but this is one I wish I could enjoy every day.

From the first visit, we were hooked! This small family owned restaurant is a true gem. Mom cooks incredibly delicious meals, and her son is always, and I mean, ALWAYS, there to help us with a little cultural, history, great music, or news of his lovely family, and always with a smile on his face.

Of course, they're just the tip of the iceberg. The pictures are what we had tonight (3/21/25), and they're specials for Ramadan. Three exquisite meal options, each as mouth watering as the next. We had numbers 1 & 2 tonight. My girlfriend knows the names of the dishes far better than me, so all I can tell you is, "we had great food!"

This hole in the wall location has seen many other stores come and go. None have had the unique blend of genuine love of food, love of culture, love of Life, in which this family has. We come for the food, but always stay for the friendly conversation and knowledge.

Tonight we had our musical and theatrical base broadened by their son. Of course this happens whenever we visit, but tonight was even better. His zest for life is rare these days.

His mother does the cooking from scratch. Don't come in if expecting fast food service. Her love of cooking shines with each plate. It's never the same, either. As she prepares your meal, it might be a bit sweeter, spicier, or thicker, than your previous visit, but NEVER disappointing.

The few times we've seen and thanked her for her extraordinary dishes, her smile is truly genuine and kind. I can't recall the last time I witnessed that. The best praise I could offer her would be the two empty plates! However, I do wish I couldve taken some home for lunch. Oh well!

They're menu is available on Doordash and Uber Eats, but you can also call an order in ahead of time and pick it up yourself. Of course, why not just bring the family? Expect a 10-20 minute wait as mom makes it all herself, but that gives you plenty of time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, chat up their son, or listen to music. Ask him about the photos behind the counter, or the cookies, drinks, and sugars his mom prepared. I highly recommend the cookies!!

Leave you cellphones at home. Come enjoy a delightful meal and make new friends.

You won't be...

We were very excited for a family dinner here at this new restaurant we heard so much about. A cousin of ours had recommended it and said it’s the best food she’s had.

Unfortunately our experience was barely that. We eat out at restaurants for restaurant quality food, stuff that is difficult or too time extensive to make at home. We don’t go out for homemade food.

The particular day we went the place was being run by a mom and daughter team. The daughter had the least customer service as it seemed like from her tone of voice, attitude and lack of smiling that she was being forced to be there. Which could hold true in many instances when the restaurant is being run as a mom and dad place. However; there is no excuse because regardless of food quality it’s customer service that brings people back and welcomed. Anytime we asked her for anything we heard an under the breath huff. She definitely didn’t want to be there.

The mom was more welcoming but spent most of the time in the kitchen.

Now let’s talk about the menu: Half of the items were out of stock. Supposedly they ran out earlier in the day due to a large party order.

The other items took a very long time to come, even when we ordered appetizers. The food lacked the wow factor, it was not even the best homemade food let alone restaurant quality. The same ground beef served in samosas, Parathas was the same in the keema curry we ordered. That is just not ok!

The decor was nice but the bathrooms were horrible. A cleanliness of a restaurant is judged by the cleanliness of the bathrooms.

I wish the mom and daughter team best of luck with thier restaurant as everyone tries their best but unfortunately either I have a spoiled taste or their food lacked. but i will not...

Support family owned, local businesses!!!

I walked in a few weeks ago while this was in transition of ownership. I was ecstatic learning they were to add Indian/Pakistani items to their menu starting in December.

Today, had a craving for roti and recalled that this place was offering a new menu. The owner was so pleasant answering my questions that I chose to dine in. Made my way there and from the time I placed my order, 14 minutes later, my food was ready.

From the last time I walked in, they’ve made changes. At first sight, it was homey; a nice flow from the door to the ordering station, nice decor, and tidy. Promptly greeted and paid with their cashless payment system.

I enjoyed a piping hot, spicy vegan curry (tomato based sauce with potatoes, carrots and bell pepper) with my freshly prepared roti. Exactly how I envisioned, authentic and made with love. Afterwards, I had the honor in sampling their organic in-house treat of nashasta, dried fruit bar, naan khatai, tastes like shortbread cookie, and an imported from Pakistan, sugar cane delicacy.

All types of feel of going to a friend’s house and eating a home cooked meal.

Plaza parking lot, cashless payments, diverse menu for picky eaters or those with dietary requests. Dine in...