Mela Indian Restaurant

Just had an amazing dinner at Mela Indian restaurant. We ordered the chili pakora, Lamb Rogan Josh, Shrimp Tikka Masala, and Vegetarian Thali (though it was called something like “Vegetarian Ian platter” on the menu) and garlic naan. Each and every dish was an explosion of flavor. My son says the shrimp was the winner, but I think the korma on my platter (which I’ve never had before and now feel I’ve been missing out my whole life) was the best. The naan was crispy and delicious; thinner than I’ve had at other places, but I confess I enjoyed that better.
Service was great.
The restaurant was very quiet on this Tuesday everting, but several other patrons were coming in as we left around 7:45. I really hope they do steady business, because the food was outstanding, and I’d really love to continue dining here!

Very nice little spot. Excellent butter chicken, tandoori chicken & gulab jamun. Buffet on Saturday

Everything was perfect . Food , service and all . No complaints, the food is absolutely delicious. The nans are perfected.
Wonderful experience

Was hoping for lunch buffet but missed it but it was still amazing. Wait staff was great, helped me select lunch. Great atmosphere and quiet. If you are on the south side of Indy you should check this place out!

I was blown away! The buffet was amazing. I held the door for a couple exiting and was asked if Id been here before, I had not. She raved and said youll love it! Yes ma'am I indeed did. I didnt even think I liked goat but I love it. I just didnt like the way it was prepared elsewhere. Thats the thing with some restaurants, some think you dont know how its supposed to taste and just give you their american take of it. Not here. Its been a minute since I was able to post so I cant recall everything that was offered, but just try it all. Free plain or garlic naan with the buffet. I believe this was just $14.99!!! Crazy deal. If you want buffet takeout, 8.99!
Let me tell you the service here is TOP NOTCH. I drink A LOT of water and the staff kept me filled. They were keeping the buffet items fresh and filled. Very efficiently ran, friendly, and professional. The bathrooms were spotless and I really liked that in addition to the sinks inside, they had a communal sink outside the bathrooms with sanitizor. They have a full bar and also a convention room for parties/gatherings. If you cook Indian food, the connected grocery store is fully stocked with anything you'd need. I accidently got too much on my 2nd helping. I felt so bad about wasting in general and the gentleman explained to me, to not have any worries. That I could put it i a to-go box and even add more to it!!!! He explained that what you give out, comes back to you. Karma. What a great mentality and so hospitality. They are definitely doing things right on all levels.

Best chicken we have had in years!!! It had a mango sauce, so delicious! The restaurant has a small, intimate feel and it was not too crowded. But down the hall there is a huge banquet space that seemed pretty amazing. Service was great too. Would love to come here again!

Beautiful Restaurant with excellent customer service and food! I ordered the #4 lunch platter. I will be back again very soon!

Great dinner buffet on Fridays and Saturdays! They switched out a few things while we were there even though it was not busy at all. I liked the Taj Mahal beer.

Excellent and highly recommended new Indian restaurant in the Franklin Township/Beech Grove area. Lots of options, and plenty for vegetarians and vegans as well. Papadum and a green cilantro chutney is given as a free app (think chips & salsa at a Mexican joint). For an appetizer, my wife and I shared the allu tikka chat, which is 2 fried, spiced potato patties on a bed of chana masala, along with some very tasty chutney; more than enough for 2 people. For my main entrée, I picked the Vegetable Korma which came loaded with tons of veggies and beans (cauliflower, potatoes, peas, peppers, zucchini, onions, paneer, chana). Everything was cooked perfectly and piping hot and fresh. I'd have to say that this is one of the better kormas I've had around Indy, or anywhere for that matter. My wife got the Chana Saag, which is a spiced pureed spinach/greens gravy along with garbanzo beans, tomatoes, and potatoes. Again, very fresh and hot, and delicious. The chickpeas were cooked quite well, and were soft just like they should be. The basmati rice was cooked with cumin seed and possibly a hint of other aromatic spices to enhance its flavor a bit. The garlic naan was fantastic. Had a little bit of browning/charring but was still soft and chewy. For dessert, we got the gulab jamun. Temperature was hot, which I prefer, the syrup was light and had great aromatics, and they also threw in some coconut shreds which added a nice element.

The restaurant itself is quite new and looks great. The décor is comfortable and inviting, and the entire place was extremely clean. Great atmosphere all around. They did a great job turning an old Sears building into this. The bar area is spectacular and they have a ton of high quality liquor and spirits.

Overall, we highly highly enjoyed our visit to Mela. It wasn't very busy but it certainly deserves to be, and I'm sure it will be picking up speed soon. A wonderful addition to Indy's south side.

Great place for Indian food. It's a hidden little spot, but big on taste. We went last night for my wife's birthday and it was a hit. We both really enjoyed the food. If food is done right I'll go back, and this food was legit really good. Excited to know about this restaurant. We will definitely order take out from the buffet and we will definitely be back for table dining. So good I had to stop myself from over eating 😆. Thanks for a great evening and great service!

We wanted to try a different Indian place besides going up north and im so glad we did ....Don't be discouraged by the looks when u walk in owner very friendly and may I say the food was so good and authentic and reasonably priced compared to other Indian places we have been in the area ...The Curry Goat was the BEST WE EVER HAD hands down.. Great job we will be back highly recommend to anyone wanting authentic Indian cuisine.

Everything is great! The food is sauced to perfection and excels in flavor! The waiter is attentive and has great recommendations. I can’t wait to try everything on the menu.

Delicious food. Simar provided great service! Some of the best Indian food in Indy. Buffet has great choices and the al a carte menu is definitely great food at a great price.

I wanted to have a group of friends experience some traditional Indian and not some bastardization I normally make.

The food was beyond amazing. The interior of this restaurant is begging for families to come in and have a good time, very elegant and welcoming.

The takeout was superb, everything had a distinct flavor and tasted on point.

So I was so excited to try this that I forgot to take a before picture, but here’s an after. Yes, it was DELICIOUS. Can you tell?😆 the Naan was 👌 we got the cheese & garlic specially made and had to order a second. Customer service is excellent. Thank you!! Loved my first Indian cuisine experience.

Take a leap people. I didn't even know what the hell I was ordering. Flavortown all the way! 🍲🍲🫕🥣🥗🥘🍱🍚

@readmystats

My husband and I eat here so often, they started recognizing when he was calling. It is seriously great food. I never had Indian cuisine before, but after having eaten it, I've tried other places and they don't quite put out what Mela does. My typical order is a double order of chicken samosas (the mint chutney dip with it is 🤤) my main dish is butter chicken, hubby gets the goat curry, & garlic Naan for both. Every order comes fresh and flavorful, it holds heat even with takeout. It's SO good. I recommend this place all the time. Go give it a shot! They also offer a buffet certain days in the week.

This was my first time having Indian food and it was amazing!! Great staff very clean and great food. Definitely coming again!

This place is incredible!!! So glad we found it!! Finally an Indian dinner Buffet!! Delicious!

The food is delicious and the chicken is very creamy and on point and the curry goat is so delicious and tender fall off the bone best place I’ve been to in years

Food is delicious, made to order, and fresh. Staff was very friendly and attentive. Will def return!