Sue York
We visited Mela Indian Restaurant on Thompson near Emerson last night. We haven’t been in a few years. The place was empty and one man was trying to serve us and work in the kitchen so service wasn’t great but the food was really good. We got the basics just because. Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan and Keema Naan (naan stuffed with chicken & potatoes). We had their Chicken Samosas also but didn’t get a pic. We read a lot of bad reviews about the service and I can’t say they’re wrong but if you are looking for good food and are patient, it’s a good place to go. Not my favorite Indian restaurant but worth a try.
… moreTorhonda Thompson
We dined on a Thursday evening and was the only two people dining. The food was fabulous. I had Kozi Milagu Chettina with chicken. It was very flavorful, a bit spicy, but not overwhelmingly so. My hubby had the Lamb Tikka Masala. He enjoyed his as well. Definitely, on the list for another date night.
… moreCharles Bolanis
Arrived at this restaurant at 6:55 PM on a Friday night (after fighting through rush-hour) to get there to order some food. Went up to the door and it was locked and a young man came to the door to tell me that they were closed and I said “but your website says you’re open until 930?” and he just stared at me and “said sorry we are closed”
I had a bad feeling about this restaurant from the beginning and I tried to call them before I drove all the way over there to get food (17 minute tldrive from Cumberland) and they didn’t answer and they had a very awkward voice message that said to “leave a message and will call you back” of course they never called back.
Since their Google information says they’re open till 9:30 PM. I figured I would just go there to order food and sure enough, I got here and at least someone was present to come to the door, open it and to tell me to “go away”….
That’s fine. I will never come back.
… moreSean Thomasson
I came in late Thursday night to pick up a to go order. It was quiet and smelled absolutely heavenly. We ordered Garlic Naan, Chicken Tikka Masala side of rice and Gulum Jamun. I also asked the server for a bowl of soup last minute. He added it and put it together in 5 minutes and i was on my way (vegetarian soup btw). The order was only $20.00 with tip. The food was delicious, super glad i found this little hole in the wall Indian restaurant tucked away in the corner of the strip mall.
… moreFrances Long
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!
… moreKuldeep singh
Tried food for the first time just wanna say it was amazing especially the lamb chops and tandoori chicken actually the whole food was good and delicious will definitely stop by again
… moreMichelle Sweeny
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!
… moreA’marie Vargas
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.
… moreJordan B.
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.
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