Located in Seattle’s Roosevelt District, Taste of India Restaurant proudly displays that it’s won the “Zagat Award” on its sign. I was cautious of such a statement and eyed the place with slight disbelief. It’s housed in a small, quaint, and rather old structure that is kept up quite well. After parking precariously close to the street right outside the restaurant I noticed all the positive awards the place had won that had been prominently hung in the windows and on the walls immediately inside the front doors. My uneasiness was being put to rest the longer I lingered in the restaurant.

I was promptly seated in a semi-busy dining area and given a very extensive menu with which to make my decisions from. As an appetizer I ordered a mango lassi, which is similar to a shake, and some paneer nan, an Indian bread with cheese on it. The paneer nan is like Indian cheese bread and tastes much better than anything any Italian restaurant can cook up. They also included some dipping sauces for the nan. Both the lassi and the nana were great and lead up to an ever more superb meal of beef biryani. The biryani came with traditional yogurt dipping sauce and it was seasoned perfectly. I’m not a huge fan of spicy food and I was very happy to know that the waiter and more importantly the cook were both more than happy to oblige in that department.

During my meal the waiter brought several complimentary samples of other foods that were excellent as well. There were vegetable dumplings and sauces as well as a complimentary dessert of mango cheesecake. All the while the service was as good as I’ve ever had. After all the dishes had been laid out before me it was truly a sight to see. The colors, smells, and ultimately flavors and textures rival any of what my other favorite ethnic food establishments could throw at me on any day. This restaurant’s food was the closest thing I’ve ever had to the authentic Indian cooking that my friend has shared with me in the past.

The quality of the food at Taste of India was outstanding. In terms of pricing, it was well worth the money but do expect to pay about $20 per person there for lunch or dinner. That does include a drink above and beyond water as well as a shared appetizer and entrée. The atmosphere was relaxing and there was traditional Indian music playing in the background. The table settings and décor looked to be authentically Indian and the wait staff was well trained and knew exactly when I needed assistance. I would definitely go back to Taste of India again. I can honestly say that Taste of India is the best Indian food I’ve ever had without a doubt.

I’d like to check this place out for dinner. The menu is the same for lunch as it is for dinner but I have a feeling that given the extreme amount of hospitality and excellent service that was shown to me when I ate lunch there, that dinner would be a great experience as well. Lunch was a feast for my eyes and stomach and I was left very satisfied and holding two small boxes of the leftovers. Anyone who enjoys great service, a laid-back atmosphere, and great Indian food needs to experience these things for themselves at Taste of India.