Incredible food and a great value. The chicken Tamattar is out of this world.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
suresh datla
Got 3 mutton items. All of them ate way below the mark and tasted awful.
Food: 2
Devang Sampat
A sleeper hit in Pasadena. I’m probably in the minority here but my staple dish to get at a desi place is the bhindi masala. The execution at Akbar is impeccable. Fat, fresh okra sautéed with the sweetest caramelized onions topped with crunchy roasted cumin and a splash of what I’m guessing is amchurs bright acidity to cut through the meticulously charred edges. The paneer makhani and coco lamb were also enjoyed by my more mainstream butter chicken craving compatriots. The sides are also worth a mention - the raita is a perfect companion to the coco lamb, and the garlic naan is so long you could fit the Mahabharata on it compared to the standard soft taco sized offerings of other establishments. Oh did I mention free parking next door at the Green Tree motel? My only regret is waiting 2 years to come here after passing by it so many times.
Paul Morrell
OMG, the cheese Naan is to die for! I doubt there is a dish that isn't great, but unless you don't like bread or things that are hot, fluffy, cheesy, and delightful, you've messed up if you didn't order some cheese Naan! Sorry, no pictures because the ambiance was romantic with that bread, and I think closing your eyes and thinking about it does it more justice. Mmm, yes, that was gooood. TBH, I could keep talking about it, but you just need to try it... and some other great things too, of course ; )
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joshua Ong
I celebrated my birthday here a couple days ago. I chose the shahi lamb. It was divine. Very creamy and loved the nuts and raisins. It added crunch to it.Vegetarian options: There’s Chana masala, tofu madras, garlic naan, gobi aloo, etc
THE BEST INDIAN FOOD RESTAURANT in Pasadena and my absolute favorite Indian food in all of Los Angeles. Their Crab Curry is excellent and unique -- I've never seen it anywhere else. 3 Cheese Naan bread so fresh and full of cheese it's a meal in itself. Also love their Chicken with mangoes and so many other dishes that are so delicious!!! I get hungry just thinking about it! Much more convenient and accessible than my other favorite Indian food restaurant, which is in Nice, France. ?❤️?Parking: Free parking next door at the hotel on the street level or underground. Street parking is available but watch out for parking signs with time limits listed or you'll get a $67 parking violation ticket like I did. Ouch!
Came for lunch a few weeks back. It's a colorful environment with lots of attention paid to cleanliness and ambiance. Our dishes were spot on and delicious. The owner was on hand to greet guests. We will definitely be back.
Debra W.
We had dinner on Valentine's Day. Delicious made-to-order food and very good service on a crowded night.
W R.
From Old town to Sunset and back to Pasadena, for over 25 yrs (starting at Marina del Rey location) we never disappointed, always maintain consistent quality, taste and service to be the BEST Indian restaurant in So.Cal! Amazingly flavorful and tender chicken tikka masala! (Better than in India) prawn dish, Coco Lamb, garlic cheese naan,.. ymmm!!!!! We've been to other places in the State and in India, Akbar is still by far the best!
Steve C.
My wife and I have been going to Akbar for at least 20 years - from Old Town Pasadena to DTLA, and now back in Pasadena, on Arroyo. At this point we don't read the menu; we know what we will order before we leave the house: Coco lamb, bhindi masala, and mint chicken kabob. They've been back in Pasadena for a year now, and they've hit their stride - as good as ever. The ambiance is nice. Nice dining room. Casual. And the service is great.
Very good. Will be back. Went in for lunch and it was quick service. They are really nice. I had the garlic naan and chicken tikka masala really delicious.
Chris D.
Pretty sure the best Indian food I've ever had. There is not a bad dish. Nice chill atmosphere, friendly and attentive waiters, and so much flavor I could cry. No need for a reservation, this is an absolute gem.
Zohrab G.
Consistency in everything. Food is always great. People who work there are nice. Ambiance is authentic and rich.
yodotdog c.
Haven't been at this new location and we're very surprised that the entrees remain the same quality. They can prepare it to your heat levels too. The owner is always present and makes sure that each guest receives the best service possible.
Rai B.
So delicious!!! As a transplant from Texas, Akbar was my first real California -'Indian-food' experience back in '98 in Old-Town Pasadena. The food was fantastic and I have never had anything quite like it or comparable since. I do love typical (American?) Indian food, but Akbar has just always been on a different level for me. I was greatly saddened when Akbar left. Happily they have returned! I'm no food expert and have never been to India, but I have been enjoying so many different Indian restaurants in Los Angels for 25 years, thanks in part to Akbar. But that first taste of Indian cuisine from Akbar has remained that of a first love. Happily, Akbar still has that unique taste experience that I had thought had been lost. I'm elated they are back. And hope they stay permanently, but please, try them out soon and don't miss the opportunity for a wonderful taste experience!!
Incredible food and a great value. The chicken Tamattar is out of this world.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Got 3 mutton items. All of them ate way below the mark and tasted awful.
Food: 2
A sleeper hit in Pasadena. I’m probably in the minority here but my staple dish to get at a desi place is the bhindi masala. The execution at Akbar is impeccable. Fat, fresh okra sautéed with the sweetest caramelized onions topped with crunchy roasted cumin and a splash of what I’m guessing is amchurs bright acidity to cut through the meticulously charred edges. The paneer makhani and coco lamb were also enjoyed by my more mainstream butter chicken craving compatriots. The sides are also worth a mention - the raita is a perfect companion to the coco lamb, and the garlic naan is so long you could fit the Mahabharata on it compared to the standard soft taco sized offerings of other establishments. Oh did I mention free parking next door at the Green Tree motel? My only regret is waiting 2 years to come here after passing by it so many times.
OMG, the cheese Naan is to die for! I doubt there is a dish that isn't great, but unless you don't like bread or things that are hot, fluffy, cheesy, and delightful, you've messed up if you didn't order some cheese Naan! Sorry, no pictures because the ambiance was romantic with that bread, and I think closing your eyes and thinking about it does it more justice. Mmm, yes, that was gooood. TBH, I could keep talking about it, but you just need to try it... and some other great things too, of course ; )
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I celebrated my birthday here a couple days ago. I chose the shahi lamb. It was divine. Very creamy and loved the nuts and raisins. It added crunch to it.Vegetarian options: There’s Chana masala, tofu madras, garlic naan, gobi aloo, etc
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tandoori Chicken, Saffron Rice, Crab Curry, Biryani
THE BEST INDIAN FOOD RESTAURANT in Pasadena and my absolute favorite Indian food in all of Los Angeles. Their Crab Curry is excellent and unique -- I've never seen it anywhere else. 3 Cheese Naan bread so fresh and full of cheese it's a meal in itself. Also love their Chicken with mangoes and so many other dishes that are so delicious!!! I get hungry just thinking about it! Much more convenient and accessible than my other favorite Indian food restaurant, which is in Nice, France. ?❤️?Parking: Free parking next door at the hotel on the street level or underground. Street parking is available but watch out for parking signs with time limits listed or you'll get a $67 parking violation ticket like I did. Ouch!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Naan, Saag Paneer Entree, Saffron Rice, Garlic Cheese Naan, Cheese Naan, Crab Curry, Raita, Chicken Tikka Masala
Came for lunch a few weeks back. It's a colorful environment with lots of attention paid to cleanliness and ambiance. Our dishes were spot on and delicious. The owner was on hand to greet guests. We will definitely be back.
We had dinner on Valentine's Day. Delicious made-to-order food and very good service on a crowded night.
From Old town to Sunset and back to Pasadena, for over 25 yrs (starting at Marina del Rey location) we never disappointed, always maintain consistent quality, taste and service to be the BEST Indian restaurant in So.Cal! Amazingly flavorful and tender chicken tikka masala! (Better than in India) prawn dish, Coco Lamb, garlic cheese naan,.. ymmm!!!!! We've been to other places in the State and in India, Akbar is still by far the best!
My wife and I have been going to Akbar for at least 20 years - from Old Town Pasadena to DTLA, and now back in Pasadena, on Arroyo. At this point we don't read the menu; we know what we will order before we leave the house: Coco lamb, bhindi masala, and mint chicken kabob. They've been back in Pasadena for a year now, and they've hit their stride - as good as ever. The ambiance is nice. Nice dining room. Casual. And the service is great.
Restaurantji Recommends
Very good. Will be back. Went in for lunch and it was quick service. They are really nice. I had the garlic naan and chicken tikka masala really delicious.
Pretty sure the best Indian food I've ever had. There is not a bad dish. Nice chill atmosphere, friendly and attentive waiters, and so much flavor I could cry. No need for a reservation, this is an absolute gem.
Consistency in everything. Food is always great. People who work there are nice. Ambiance is authentic and rich.
Haven't been at this new location and we're very surprised that the entrees remain the same quality. They can prepare it to your heat levels too. The owner is always present and makes sure that each guest receives the best service possible.
So delicious!!! As a transplant from Texas, Akbar was my first real California -'Indian-food' experience back in '98 in Old-Town Pasadena. The food was fantastic and I have never had anything quite like it or comparable since. I do love typical (American?) Indian food, but Akbar has just always been on a different level for me. I was greatly saddened when Akbar left. Happily they have returned! I'm no food expert and have never been to India, but I have been enjoying so many different Indian restaurants in Los Angels for 25 years, thanks in part to Akbar. But that first taste of Indian cuisine from Akbar has remained that of a first love. Happily, Akbar still has that unique taste experience that I had thought had been lost. I'm elated they are back. And hope they stay permanently, but please, try them out soon and don't miss the opportunity for a wonderful taste experience!!