Repeat customers have been a big part of Nawab’s success and staying power in the highly competitive Santa Monica market. And the reason customers come back is because of the slightly different approach Nawab takes in preparing typical Indian fare.

It also helps to have the restaurant’s manager, Ricky Lamba, work his way around the restaurant floor, greeting everyone who walks in while tending to each table. For the repeat customers who have returned to eat lunch on the day India-West visited Nawab, Lamba recalls their favorite dishes and asks if they would like to order the same.

 

Indeed, many patrons at Nawab, colloquially referred to as the “House of Exotic Indian Food,” are repeat visitors.

Lamba, who is at the restaurant daily, prides himself on creating a dining experience as important as the meal itself, making every effort to make diners feel welcome and at home.

 

Of course, the food is a major draw at this Indian restaurant that’s served Los Angeles’ Westside since 1988, though its current owner, Kamaljit Singh, took over operations in 2004.

 

Singh entrusts Lamba and his chefs to create an intricate balance between formal and casual dining.

 

“The chef has been cooking for 20 years with this corporation of ours. He makes amazing food,” Lamba said.

According to Lamba, the restaurant’s chefs seek to strike a balance between flavor and spice. Among the most popular dishes are Chicken Tikka Masala, Fish Tikka Kabab, and its extensive lamb menu.

 

Of course, Nawab also offers a full vegetarian menu that includes popular Indian dishes such as Aloo Saag, Chana Masala, Navrattan Korma, and Dal Makhani.

 

Nawab also features a unique rice specialties menu, offering seven different varieties of rice to complement any ordered dinner item.

 

The restaurant offers a trio of dinner specials, including the Vegetable Thali, Mix Grill, and Nawab Special. Each dish is either a six- or eight-course meal offering a hearty experience typical of Indian royalty.

 

Regardless of personal palate, customers have a choice between six main courses during the lunchtime buffet or dozens of savory a-la-carte food items, be it tandoori grilled meats or curried vegetables.

 

“We’ve been here for 26 years, rated the number one fine dining Indian restaurant in Santa Monica,” Lamba said.

 

Beer and wine are also available, and customers may order take out. Nawab also offers individual delivery and catering for as many as 1,000 people.

 

Appetizers run from $4.95 to $10.95 per item; main courses range from $11.95 to $22.95; dinner specials run between $22.95 and $38.95. A $14.50 Champagne Brunch is offered on Saturdays and Sundays; weekday buffets run at $10.95.

 

Located at 1621 Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica, Nawab is also online at www.nawabindia.com. 

 

To reach the restaurant by phone, call (310) 829-1106. Nawab is open seven days a week, but closes between lunch and dinner.