Tandoori Nights — Restaurant in Roseville

Well, I decided I wanted something different from the sameness of my daily menu and saw this restaurant pop up on the map. I hadn't had Indian food in a while so I decided to try this place.

The food was mediocre to me. I've had way better. However, it must be somewhat authentic because the place was filled with Indians. Either that or there aren't any other Indian food restaurants around.

The service was pretty awful. I couldn't tell what I was supposed to do when I came in, whether wait to be seated or seat myself. I was given no guidance and no menus. I eventually figured out that I was supposed to grab a menu and find a table, so I did.

While I was trying to order there was a mom and her retarded daughter (who was literally licking the walls) waiting to use the restroom. They went inside and spent an inordinate amount of time in there, which was frustrating because I wanted to use it. When they came out many minutes later the two were joined by the father. The girl for whatever reason laid down on the floor in front of the cash register, which is right in the middle of everything. So then dad decides to get down on the floor with her. This was happening literally right next to my table. I was observing this from the corner of my eye, trying to be polite and not stare. At first I thought the dad decided that was a good place to pray(?) because he was on his hands and knees. I have no idea what was going on and don't care. Pick up your retarded daughter and go somewhere else, please.

The food came. First the pakora, but there was no sauce delivered with it, to which I'm accustomed. I got up to ask for sauce and was directed to a refrigerator containing squeeze bottles of two different types of sauce, unlabeled. I knew what they were from prior Indian food experience but still. Then my chicken biryani came along with the tandoori lamb I ordered. The lamb was OK, a little on the dry side. The chicken was chopped weirdly, through the bones, so there were jagged bone edges and it was just a mess.

The whole experience was a disappointment. I was looking forward to good Indian food and went away feeling like my lunchtime experience would have been much more fulfilled somewhere else.

Summary: awful service; overpriced for the quality and flavor of the food; third world...

Four of us visited for dinner on a Thursday evening. The restaurant was fairly empty of people dining in, but was doing a brisk take out business. A promising sign. The interior of the restaurant is not much to look at, but the FOOD! Oh my. We decided on an appetizer of Paneer Pakora, and mains of Vegetable Biryani, Chicken Curry, Chicken Achar, Chicken Tikka Masala and Garlic Nan. The service was friendly and helpful. They asked questions as to our comfort level with spice and helped us gauge how many dishes to order.

The appetizer came quickly. The cheese was nice and mild, while the chickpea batter was flavorful. So many interesting spices. Not too heavy or greasy. A nice start, but in future I'd probably pass to save room for the rest!

A short wait, and we had our main dishes. The Chicken Curry was delicious, nicely spicy and very flavorful. The Chicken Achar was similar with kicked up heat and a stronger roasted pepper flavor. Very good. The Tikka Masada was a nice mildly sweet change. Chunks of white meat (looked and tasted like their Tandoori Chicken, yum) in a mild Masada sauce. Ohh, the Biryani.....Chunks of carrot, potato, cauliflower and other veg in perfectly cooked basmati rice. Generous plate, more than enough for us to share. They also brought us out some Raita to have with the rice at no charge. I highly suggest if you do Biryani, get the Raita as well. The Garlic Nan was perfect. Light, soft, generous portions with just the right amount of garlic. We finished off the meal with Chai Tea (complimentary).

Tandoori Nights is a find. Authentic, delicious food and super friendly staff. Dress casual and come ready to give your taste buds a workout. We will be...

To explain: service got a three because I was a first timer and did not "get it". There is a flow and process to have a stress free visit. The owner and family are friendly and helpful. My group was observant and asked questions so if you read this; you do not have to.

Observations/Rules:

Assign a table getter, enter and release the getter.

Order at counter Tell them dine in

To the right of counter are selfservice plates, napkins and silverware. The pump action dispensed container is Chai, it is gratis.

The food will be called out at the counter by dish, or brought to your table.

In the mini fridge, there are glass containers for water. Small cups are provided.

Hope that helps: The meats are excellent we tried the lamb and chicken pictured below. We started with samosa, they are served in a pool of chickpeas. Best chickpea i have had! Very flavorful and a good level of spice- heat.

Nan great with butter and garlic. All the food was freshly cooked and all seasoned and cooked to the right temp, moisture, and just enough char.

The only down side was the mint-cilantro chutney. It was bland. My hope is next time, that will be better. I will revisit for sure. No bar or wine....