Maharaja Royal Bites | Best Indian Restaurant in Reno NV — Restaurant in Reno

TL;DR: Maharaja Royal Bites in Reno is a North Indian spot with beautiful interiors and a nice bar. The staff is friendly, and the vibe is great, but if you’re Indian and love bold, spicy flavors, the food might feel a bit toned down. Still a solid choice for those who enjoy milder North Indian dishes or are new to Indian cuisine.

Long Version: On a work trip to Reno, I decided to try Maharaja Royal Bites after reading the great reviews. I called in my order and made it very clear that I wanted authentic Indian spice, not the toned-down version often served for American tastes. I ordered lamb biryani and asked the server to suggest two appetizers that weren’t completely dry and had some masala. She suggested chicken tikka and chicken kabab masala. I reminded her again that I wanted real Indian spice.

When I went to pick up my order, the restaurant itself immediately impressed me. The paintings on the walls were stunning, full of color and detail, and the whole place had a really inviting atmosphere, definitely a beautiful spot to dine in.

Back at my hotel, I dug into the food. The chicken tikka was not the authentic kind you’d find in India. This version, which many restaurants here seem to be adopting, was a total letdown—chewy and almost tasteless. The chicken kabab masala, on the other hand, was decent. I had asked for an appetizer, but what I got was actually a main course served with rice. The curry itself leaned a little on the sweeter side for my taste, but the kababs were tender and well-cooked. My only disappointment here was that since I already had biryani, the extra rice felt like a waste.

The lamb biryani looked amazing, beautiful colors of orange, yellow, and white. The portion of lamb was generous, but the flavor didn’t quite remind me of authentic lamb biryani. Still, I ate it, and I can see how this version would appeal to Americans or non-South Indians. But if, like me, you’re used to true Indian spice and expect that signature fiery kick, you’ll need to specifically request them to turn up the heat.

Overall, the restaurant itself is beautiful, and the service was polite, but for someone craving authentic fiery Indian flavors, the food fell short. For those newer to Indian cuisine or who prefer milder flavors, it will likely be a hit.

Edit : Reply to the restaurants comment: If you yourself are saying that chicken kabab masala is a main course then why is your staff recommending it to me and-serving it when I explicitly said I wanted an “appetizer”. Also regardless of the spiciness, the kabab had no...

UPDATE: We decided to go back and try it again. We are increasing our rating because it was really good this time - the chicken in the tikka masala was moist and delicious. The pakak paneer was great. The naan was not dried out and crunchy - it was instead soft and fresh. We did not try the samosas to see if they started adding spice to them or order the chai tea to see if it was watery - so we cannot comment on these items being any different. The mango lassi was pretty good but they are adding too much mango to it now and the yogurt flavor is being obscured.

All in all this is the best Indian restaurant in Reno at this time.

ORIGINAL: The decor is very nice and the restaurant and restrooms are clean. Service is pleasant and professional.

The food is not bad, for the most part. The mango lassis are wonderful - they actually use enough yogurt to balance the amount of mango and it is not excessively sweet - just sweet enough. And the yogurt they are using is good. The potato and pea samosas are quite bland. There is very little seasoning in them at all. The sauces they come with do help make them more interesting to eat but overall we'd not order them again. The chai tea was almost completely unseasoned. The spices in it were almost undetectable. Basically it's a bit of tea watered down with a lot of milk. We ordered our entrees to be medium - we should have asked for it to be spicier because medium has no spicy heat at all. The chicken tikka masala sauce was nice but the chicken was overcooked (dry). The palak paneer was very good. The matar paneer was ok. The garlic naan was really dry and crispy on the outside - almost like a dry cracker. The flavor was fine, but the dryness would discourage us from ordering it again. The rice, on the other hand, was prepared very well. The kheer pudding was nice - could use just a touch more salt. The gulab jamun was fine.

Reno has very little in the way of good Indian food in general, and in spite of the issues this restaurant is better than the others we've tried so far. It has a lot of potential - these issues are easily remedied. We hope to try this restaurant again in the future and to see if some of it will be worked out. It is an attractive place and the service is...

Maharaja Indian Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience for lovers of authentic Indian cuisine. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere with traditional décor that enhances the cultural ambiance.

The menu is diverse, featuring a wide range of dishes from various regions of India, making it a haven for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Their Butter Chicken is a must-try--rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, while the Mutton Curry bursts with flavor, tender and slow-cooked to perfection. For vegetarians, the Shai Paneer Korma and Chole Bhature stand out, with each dish showcasing the freshness of the ingredients.

What sets Maharaja apart is their attention to spice levels--whether you prefer mild or enjoy a fiery kick, they customize each dish to your preference without compromising on flavor.

The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, eager to help guide diners through the menu and make recommendations. Service is prompt, and you never feel rushed, making it an excellent spot for both a casual dinner or a special occasion.

The restaurant also features a selection of Indian breads--the garlic naan is particularly noteworthy, perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Pair it with their wide variety of chutneys for a complete flavor experience.

Prices are reasonable given the quality and portion sizes, and the overall experience feels worth every penny. Maharaja Indian Restaurant is perfect for those looking to indulge in a satisfying and flavorful...