Tandoori Grill& bar - Sandpoint — Restaurant in Sandpoint

I’ve been to Sandpoint, Idaho, a few times, and I’ve always loved the small-town charm, the lake views, and the mountain backdrop. But I never expected to find some of the most memorable Indian food I’ve had anywhere—yet that’s exactly what happened when I walked into Tandoori Indian Grill.

It’s tucked away in a spot you might almost miss if you weren’t looking for it, but once you open the door, you’re immediately greeted by a wave of aromas—spices warming in a pan, fresh garlic, smoky tandoor-baked bread, and the unmistakable scent of slow-cooked curries. The atmosphere is casual but warm and inviting—nothing pretentious, just a comfortable space that makes you want to sit down, relax, and take your time with the meal.

We were greeted with a smile and shown to our table right away. The staff here instantly made us feel at home—friendly, attentive, and genuinely happy to explain dishes and offer suggestions. That kind of service is rare these days, and it really set the tone for the evening.

We started with the vegetable samosas, which came out hot and perfectly crisp on the outside. The filling of potatoes, peas, and spices was flavorful without being overpowering, and the tamarind and mint chutneys they came with were so good we ended up saving some to use later with our naan.

For the main dishes, we wanted to try a variety, so we ordered chicken tikka masala, lamb korma, and saag paneer. The chicken tikka masala was exactly what you hope for in the dish—creamy, tomato-based sauce, layered with spice, and tender pieces of chicken that had clearly been marinated and cooked just right. The lamb korma was melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a rich, mildly spiced sauce that had a slight sweetness to it—perfect for anyone who likes depth of flavor without too much heat. The saag paneer was fresh and vibrant, with the spinach tasting like it had just been cooked rather than boiled down into oblivion, and the paneer cheese was soft and perfectly balanced against the spices.

And then there was the garlic naan. Honestly, the naan here deserves its own review. Fresh from the tandoor, slightly blistered on the edges, soft and pillowy in the center, brushed generously with garlic and butter—it was the kind of bread you could eat on its own and be happy. We ended up ordering a second basket because one just wasn’t enough. The basmati rice that came with the curries was light, fluffy, and fragrant, exactly the way it should be.

Throughout the meal, our server checked in at just the right times—not hovering, but making sure we had everything we needed. Water glasses were always full, and they even brought extra rice and naan when they saw we were running low without us having to ask. That kind of attentiveness really adds to the overall experience.

The portions were generous—big enough that we all left full and still had leftovers to enjoy the next day (and let me tell you, the flavors were even better after sitting overnight). Prices were very reasonable for the quality and portion size, especially considering that everything tasted fresh and homemade.

What really impressed me was how much care and authenticity went into every dish. This wasn’t generic, watered-down “Americanized” Indian food—it tasted like the real deal. The spices were balanced, the textures were perfect, and you could tell everything was prepared with skill and passion.

By the time we left, we were already talking about what we wanted to order next time. It’s rare for a restaurant to hit every mark—food, service, atmosphere, and value—but Tandoori Indian Grill did exactly that.

If you live in Sandpoint, you’re lucky to have this place in town. And if you’re visiting, I’d say it’s worth going out of your way for. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a longtime fan, you’ll find something here to love.

Five stars,...

If you’re anywhere near Sandpoint, Idaho and you even remotely enjoy Indian food, you’re doing yourself a huge favor by stopping at Tandoori. I came in craving something flavorful, comforting, and filling, and I walked out genuinely amazed—and already planning my next visit.

I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala, and honestly, it might be one of the best versions I’ve ever had. The sauce was rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced between savory, slightly sweet, and spiced just right—not so hot that you can’t taste the flavors, but enough warmth to let you know you’re eating authentic Indian cuisine. The chicken itself was tender, juicy, and clearly marinated with care before being cooked to perfection. Every bite was bursting with flavor.

The portion size was generous—enough that I got to enjoy leftovers later (and I swear the flavors got even better after sitting overnight). The accompanying rice was fluffy and lightly seasoned, the perfect partner to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. I also got a side of naan bread, which was warm, soft, and had that slightly charred edge that makes fresh naan so addictive. I ended up using it to mop the plate clean because there was no way I was letting any sauce go to waste.

The atmosphere at Tandoori is warm and welcoming, with friendly staff who clearly care about both the food and the experience of their guests. They checked in just the right amount—not hovering, but making sure I had everything I needed. The restaurant itself is clean, cozy, and has a relaxing vibe that makes you want to linger and enjoy your meal slowly.

As someone who’s eaten Indian food in bigger cities, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a small town spot like this—but I can confidently say this place could hold its own anywhere. It’s a total gem in Sandpoint, and I feel lucky to have found it.

If you’re on the fence about trying Indian food, start here. If you’re already a fan, prepare to fall in love all over again. The Chicken Tikka Masala is a must-order, but honestly, after this experience, I’d trust anything on their menu.

I’ll be back very soon—and next time, I’m bringing even more friends so we can order a little of everything and share. Highly,...

Be patient! I came on a Friday evening, they were busy. Every table in the main room was full. They had one guy manning the tables and a second one at the host stand checking people out and sending out a bunch of take out orders. We were standing around for about 10 minutes, not sure of the procedure or where to stand, before the guy serving tables told us he’d have one cleaned for us soon. Even after we were seated, it was awhile before he came to get our order. Not sure of the procedure, but my friend tracked down a menu and I used the pictures someone graciously posted online, as no one brought us menus after sitting over 15 minutes. We saw them later at register/host stand. It was an hour from the time we walked in, to the time we received our food. Once the food was ordered, the wait wasn’t long. They were so busy, people left after being seated since the wait was long. English speaking is limited, but they are super nice. Food was fantastic. I will definitely return. Spoke to the gentleman at the checkout counter and he told us it was their busiest night. That that weren’t expecting the huge turnout and had based their staffing needs off of the one they...