Banana leaf - South Indian Restaurant in Redondo Beach — Restaurant in Redondo Beach

Hidden Gem for South Indian Flavors in Redondo Beach

We visited Banana Leaf on PCH in Redondo Beach last night—and while the restaurant wasn’t busy when we arrived, a few more tables filled up as we were leaving. We were told that most American customers tend to come early, and Indian customers usually show up after 8 p.m. since the restaurant stays open until 10. Interesting insight!

The space is fairly large and has some cool features—a full bar and a small stage area where they occasionally host performers. I really hope it picks up traction because the food was definitely worth it.

Now, about the food: I’d say the flavor profile leans toward Andhra-style South Indian. We tried the gongura dal, which had a tangy, bold flavor I haven’t had in a while. The okra was clearly made fresh to order, and the rotis were soft and warm—just how they should be. My daughter went with a North Indian classic—mutter paneer—and gave it a thumbs up. Idli was great. Everything tasted homey, fresh, and flavorful.

We asked for mild spice, since none of us are into super spicy food, but the food still packed more heat than expected. So, if you’re sensitive to spice, it might be best to say “no spice at all” just to be safe. It seems they might assume you want a bit of heat even when you say “mild.”

The ambiance could use a little polishing—some elements (like a MüNCHEN beer sign) felt a bit out of place. But overall, the decor is sweet and the service was genuinely lovely. Our server was kind, attentive, and made us feel very welcome.

What I’m most excited about is their once-a-month banana leaf brunch—a traditional South Indian meal served with close to 30 items for a very reasonable price. We didn’t get to try it this time, but we’ll definitely be back for it. They also occasionally open early for South Indian breakfast, which is a game-changer for those of us who usually have to drive to Artesia for authentic dosas and idlis. The regular menu doesn’t show dosas, but they have a separate dosa menu—so just ask for it.

My daughter ordered rose milk to-go, but it didn’t make it out of the restaurant—she drank it all before we left. It was that good!

We ended up with leftovers to take home and freeze for later—always a good sign. Vegetarian-friendly, flavorful, and full of potential—Banana Leaf is a place worth trying, especially if you’re craving real South Indian food in the South Bay....

Excellent food, great hospitality, Best Indian Restaurant in United States, specializing in South Indian cuisine, not your average Indian spot.

If you're considering Indian food, please stop looking further, you HAVE TO TRY THIS ONE. This is honestly the best Indian restaurant I've been to in the united states. I was in LA for 9 days, and ate from this restaurant over 5 times.

I applaud the owner's passion to promote South Indian cuisine. I always felt disappointed with an average Indian menu (although I love that too), I felt sad people don't get to experience South Indian food, and are missing out on the richness & variety that it has to offer. So it was such blessing to find this restaurant. A pleasant surprise. I cannot express my gratitude for the entire team here - the owner, the amazing chefs, the customer facing staff - kudos to everybody.

The quality of food is top notch. I tried their Biriyanis (Ulvacharu and Gongura), Chicken (Ghee roast, Vepudu, Andhra chicken curry) and Mutton starters. I also had the chance to try some of their vegetarian dishes- The Perugu Pachadi, Tomato Dal, Tindora, curd rice - every last thing was cooked to perfection. They take excellent care of their customers. I was touched by their hospitality. I felt right at home - the food, the people, they made me feel right at home. This is probably the best gift that an Indian restaurant can offer for people like me that are living far from home.

I've lived in Jersey and Manhattan where I've had the chance to enjoy amazing Indian food in so many great restaurants. But this one definitely takes the crown. In the future, I will probably consider an LA trip...

Title: A Flavorful Experience with a Hidden Gem

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4/5

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Redondo BananaLeaf Restaurant, and overall, it was a delightful experience.

The Good: The Chicken 65 at Redondo BananaLeaf is an absolute must-try! The flavors were rich and perfectly balanced, leaving my taste buds craving for more. Pairing it with a cold beer elevated the entire dining experience. The beverage selection complements the menu well, offering a refreshing accompaniment to the delicious dishes.

What sets this place apart from other Indian restaurants is the owner's warm hospitality. The owner goes above and beyond to make guests feel welcome, creating a distinct and enjoyable atmosphere. The personal touch adds a unique charm to the dining experience, making it more than just a meal but a memorable encounter.

The Bad: One aspect that could use improvement is the restaurant's visibility. It's a bit challenging to spot the place, which might make it hard for first-time visitors to find. A clearer sign or better external visibility could go a long way in attracting more customers.

In conclusion, Redondo BananaLeaf Restaurant offers a fantastic culinary experience with standout dishes like the Chicken 65 and a welcoming ambiance courtesy of the owner. While the location might be a bit tricky to find, the overall experience makes it well worth the visit. I look forward to returning to explore more of their...