Seemor
Roots Indian Bistro
7265 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
· Indian restaurant, American restaurant, Asian restaurant
· 4.9/5 Google (12395 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative Indian-fusion with standout hospitality and crowd-pleasing hits, but polarizing flavors, automatic fees, and authenticity concerns mean experiences can vary.
Restaurant Summary
On Melrose Avenue, Roots feels warm and bustling, a casual bistro where servers like Manasa and Noor turn tableside care into small moments. One diner summed it up: "Service felt personal, with quick pacing and thoughtful touches." However, there are some review authenticity concerns suggesting certain reviews may be solicited or influenced. The cooking leans inventive Indian-fusion: dosa meets quesadilla, enchiladas get a masala glow, and tikka masala remains a crowd favorite. When it lands, flavors are layered and bright; when it misses, critics call dishes bland or inconsistent. It suits adventurous eaters who enjoy creative twists more than purists seeking tradition. For families, there are plenty of kid-friendly entries: garlic naan and fries, tikka masala with milder spice, and combo plates that simplify ordering. Portions read moderate rather than hefty, so add a side or dessert if feeding big appetites.
At a Glance
- Attentive, personable service with frequent shout-outs to specific servers
- Creative fusion standouts like Dosa Quesadilla and Chana Chalupa
- Reports of processing fee and automatic gratuity surprising some guests
- Inconsistent seasoning and occasional undercooked items reported
- Review pattern concerns including solicitation and staff name repetition
What Sets It Apart
- inventive_indian_fusion
- fun_for_one_sets
- strong_front_of_house_personalities
What People Love
- Feeling warmly welcomed by named servers
- Fusion ideas that still read as Indian at heart
- Tikka masala sauce depth when on form
- Complimentary celebratory touches like dessert notes
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($18-23 mains) with extra fees that may surprise diners
- Flavor consistency varies; some dishes praised while others called bland
- A few safety flags: undercooked chicken and illness reports amid many clean experiences
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff name repetition, review cards, disappearing negatives) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-60 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair Dosa Quesadilla with Saag Paneer for classic plus creative
- Choose a 'Roots for 2' set to explore signatures without over-spending
- Add garlic naan ($5) or roti (vegan, $5) to round out meals
Perfect For
- Adventurous date night on Melrose
- Sharing small plates and fusion mains with friends
- Gluten-free or vegan diners seeking labeled options
- Casual celebrations with attentive service
Location Insights
Area: Trendy Melrose Ave strip with fashion retail, cafes, and late-night energy drawing locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; typical urban precautions at night.
Nearby: Near boutiques, bars, and other eateries; popular date-night and weekend dining corridor.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–15:00, 16:30–22:00
Tuesday11:30–15:00, 16:30–22:00
Wednesday11:30–15:00, 16:30–22:00
Thursday11:30–15:00, 16:30–22:00
Friday11:30–15:00, 16:30–23:00
Saturday11:30–15:00, 16:30–23:00
Sunday16:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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