Mela Indian Restaurant

Just had an amazing dinner at Mela Indian restaurant. We ordered the chili pakora, Lamb Rogan Josh, Shrimp Tikka Masala, and Vegetarian Thali (though it was called something like “Vegetarian Ian platter” on the menu) and garlic naan. Each and every dish was an explosion of flavor. My son says the shrimp was the winner, but I think the korma on my platter (which I’ve never had before and now feel I’ve been missing out my whole life) was the best. The naan was crispy and delicious; thinner than I’ve had at other places, but I confess I enjoyed that better. Service was great. The restaurant was very quiet on this Tuesday everting, but several other patrons were coming in as we left around 7:45. I really hope they do steady business, because the food was outstanding, and I’d really love to continue dining here!

The food is terrific every time, regardless of what we order. Even my 1-year old son loves it, and he is a picky eater. VK, the server, is kind and attentive. I cannot recommend this place enough. Best restaurant in Indy’s south side, for sure.

Best chicken we have had in years!!! It had a mango sauce, so delicious! The restaurant has a small, intimate feel and it was not too crowded. But down the hall there is a huge banquet space that seemed pretty amazing. Service was great too. Would love to come here again!

I was blown away! The buffet was amazing. I held the door for a couple exiting and was asked if Id been here before, I had not. She raved and said youll love it! Yes ma'am I indeed did. I didnt even think I liked goat but I love it. I just didnt like the way it was prepared elsewhere. Thats the thing with some restaurants, some think you dont know how its supposed to taste and just give you their american take of it. Not here. Its been a minute since I was able to post so I cant recall everything that was offered, but just try it all. Free plain or garlic naan with the buffet. I believe this was just $14.99!!! Crazy deal. If you want buffet takeout, 8.99! Let me tell you the service here is TOP NOTCH. I drink A LOT of water and the staff kept me filled. They were keeping the buffet items fresh and filled. Very efficiently ran, friendly, and professional. The bathrooms were spotless and I really liked that in addition to the sinks inside, they had a communal sink outside the bathrooms with sanitizor. They have a full bar and also a convention room for parties/gatherings. If you cook Indian food, the connected grocery store is fully stocked with anything you'd need. I accidently got too much on my 2nd helping. I felt so bad about wasting in general and the gentleman explained to me, to not have any worries. That I could put it i a to-go box and even add more to it!!!! He explained that what you give out, comes back to you. Karma. What a great mentality and so hospitality. They are definitely doing things right on all levels.

Excellent and highly recommended new Indian restaurant in the Franklin Township/Beech Grove area. Lots of options, and plenty for vegetarians and vegans as well. Papadum and a green cilantro chutney is given as a free app (think chips & salsa at a Mexican joint). For an appetizer, my wife and I shared the allu tikka chat, which is 2 fried, spiced potato patties on a bed of chana masala, along with some very tasty chutney; more than enough for 2 people. For my main entrée, I picked the Vegetable Korma which came loaded with tons of veggies and beans (cauliflower, potatoes, peas, peppers, zucchini, onions, paneer, chana). Everything was cooked perfectly and piping hot and fresh. I'd have to say that this is one of the better kormas I've had around Indy, or anywhere for that matter. My wife got the Chana Saag, which is a spiced pureed spinach/greens gravy along with garbanzo beans, tomatoes, and potatoes. Again, very fresh and hot, and delicious. The chickpeas were cooked quite well, and were soft just like they should be. The basmati rice was cooked with cumin seed and possibly a hint of other aromatic spices to enhance its flavor a bit. The garlic naan was fantastic. Had a little bit of browning/charring but was still soft and chewy. For dessert, we got the gulab jamun. Temperature was hot, which I prefer, the syrup was light and had great aromatics, and they also threw in some coconut shreds which added a nice element. The restaurant itself is quite new and looks great. The décor is comfortable and inviting, and the entire place was extremely clean. Great atmosphere all around. They did a great job turning an old Sears building into this. The bar area is spectacular and they have a ton of high quality liquor and spirits. Overall, we highly highly enjoyed our visit to Mela. It wasn't very busy but it certainly deserves to be, and I'm sure it will be picking up speed soon. A wonderful addition to Indy's south side.

I ordered food from this restaurant for my niece’s birthday party. Every single person loved the food. The quality and quantity were so good. I am extremely happy and satisfied with their service. Also, they gave me the containers to put the food in so that it stays warm until we take it out. I didn’t ask for it. They care about their customers, so they provided it. They also helped with putting all the stuff in my car. This is the permanent place from where I am gonna order food every time I host a party.

I wanted to have a group of friends experience some traditional Indian and not some bastardization I normally make. The food was beyond amazing. The interior of this restaurant is begging for families to come in and have a good time, very elegant and welcoming. The takeout was superb, everything had a distinct flavor and tasted on point.