Newly opened Baar Baar Los Angeles curates artful New Indian cuisine displayed with intrigue in a sleek parlor ambiance. Chef Sujan Sarkar opened the LA restaurant earlier this summer, after the success of Baar Baar New York.
Hollywood is the land of blockbuster films and unrivaled cinema, and it’s no surprise that its star-studded influence infiltrates all of Los Angeles–even down to the restaurants. From themed interiors to reminiscent dishes, the aspect of major motion pictures is exciting in the dining industry. At Baar Baar Los Angeles, the New Indian restaurant experience in Downtown Los Angeles, you can catch the intoxicating experience of Bollywood effortlessly infused even down to each enticing cocktail.
Like all great Bollywood movies, the setting of Baar Baar Los Angeles is both elaborate and glamorous, projecting murals of women on the walls in between old-timey chandeliers and lush blue and green velvet seating. In a dimly lit atmosphere, you have immediately transported into the world of lavish Indian cuisine and enticing Downtown LA nightlife.
Reminiscent of a cinematic experience, Baar Baar Los Angeles follows the course of a movie–with a momentous leadup of dishes to the main event. And it’s essential to have a stellar opening course. The sharing plates bring the adventure–with fresh oysters served with pickled cucumbers and shallots alongside sweet, but bitey guava and chili granita as an exciting beginning.
If your palate is erring on the lighter side, the small plates play on Indian cuisine classics plated as showpieces. The beautiful sweet potato chat takes lightly fried cubes of sweet potato and lines them up gently against a whipped feta base–topped with a crisp masala corn pakoda. Crunchy, soft, sweet and savory–this dish brings enchantment to each individual element for the deliciously picturesque plate.
While some movies begin lightheartedly, it’s crucial to any storyline that there’s something meaty. If you’re a fan of lamb, the lamb chop kurrah kabob is cooked to perfection and brings the captivating element of hemp seed chutney–perfect for dipping or drizzling over top. Believe it or not, this is one of the restaurant’s small plate offerings.
Between each course, a drink to sip on marries the whole experience together. In fact, the cocktail menu features drinks named after classic Bollywood cinema. The Sholay takes you on a tropical escape combining curry leaf-infused rum with bright pineapple flavoring and sweet vanilla liqueur. If you’re searching for something rich and robust, the RRR offers a unique take on milk punch with chocolate, Old Monk Rum, crème de cacao and, of course, coffee bitters to truly awaken the senses.
The culmination of craft cocktails and small bites leads to the star of the show–the entrees. Baar Baar Los Angeles’s butter chicken is a top-billing masterpiece, combining tender pieces of chicken stewed in the richest tomato sauce presented alongside aromatic saffron rice and fresh-from-the-oven garlic naan. And if you’re craving an element of surprise, the beef short ribs steal the show. The short ribs take on the flavors of Madras curry and create something authentically creative and delectable.
As your dining spectacle wraps up, you have to stay for the finale. With a few desserts gracing the menu, you have to be sure to try at least one. Mango ghewar–a light, airy fried dough topped with tart mango jelly–unites gracefully with the silky mascarpone cream for one uniquely sweet treat. Or indulge in a rich, satisfying ragi brownie, with fudgy goodness that is pleasantly interrupted by delicate milk-flavored ice cream and tangy orange chutney.
Good cinema is made to be remembered, and so is good food! Baar Baar Los Angeles elevates traditional Indian cuisine into a sleek, sexy eatery while keeping the essence of Bollywood culture. Each part of the dining experience is accounted for and delivered seamlessly–creating a movielike masterpiece that entertains and excites just like any classic Bollywood film.
Baar Baar Los Angeles is open for dinner, Tuesday to Sunday, 5 to 11 p.m., and for Bollywood Brunch on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, visit baarbaarla.com.
705 W. 9th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Photo credit: Neil John Burger