"Fine dining Indian restaurants have made waves on the West Coast, but the approach still seems somewhat fresh in Los Angeles - with Kahani and Khan Saab in Orange County two of the main hotspots until Fitoor opened in Santa Monica in late 2024. Fitoor's menu shows clear regional contrasts: Gujarati and Rajasthani flavors from the north mingle alongside inflections from Goa and Andhra Pradesh in the south."
"Tableside ragda patty comes with an Instagram-worthy presentation: a chef builds the dish with colorful swoops of tamarind and mint chutney over purple potato. Crispy sev and juicy pomegranate seeds bring additional texture, while nitrogen-frozen yogurt that crumbles like Dippin' Dots completes the picture. Altogether, the creamy, sweet, crunchy combination conjures a brilliant take on the Indian street snack."
"Guntur fried chicken, a Diwali special that became a menu mainstay, gets tossed in sticky Andhra spices with a brief but intense heat that, to my palate, felt almost like a frenetic take on Korean fried chicken. Fitoor's lamb chops, meaty lollipops coated with a spicy Malabar peppercorn sauce, come and go quickly - your tablemates will probably want another round."
Fitoor in Santa Monica presents a composed modern Indian menu that contrasts Gujarati and Rajasthani northern flavors with Goan and Andhra southern influences. The dining room features sleek faux-greenery and comfortable seating with knowledgeable, enthusiastic service. Signature dishes include a tableside ragda patty topped with tamarind and mint chutneys, crispy sev, pomegranate, and nitrogen-frozen yogurt; Calangute calamari with dark spiced breading and passionfruit salsa; Guntur fried chicken tossed in sticky Andhra spices; spicy Malabar peppercorn lamb chops; and a Hyderabadi-style chicken dum biriyani served in a Japanese donabe with fragrant spices and caramelized onions. The restaurant rewards visits for lunch or dinner near the beach.
Read at Eater LA
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