Pijja Palace

I so love the concept of Pijja Palace. It’s not often that you can find an Indian/Italian sports bar. I’ve come here twice and have loved each visit. Their pastas are out of this world unique and delicious, the pizzas are phenomenal as well. Such rich and distinct flavors. And the vibe is of a lively, and chic, sports bar. It’s an absolute must if you’re ever in the area. Just make sure you have a reservation.

A place that lives up to the online hype! Such a fun ambiance and overall great dining experience. I have one tip: I recommend going straight to the main dishes, as they stood out the most. We tried the Malai rigatoni and it was a showstopper! I wish we tried more of the pasta instead. We also ordered two pizzas: both were delicious, although they tasted similar by the second slice. Even though the pizza was definitely a bit on the heavy side, the crust was phenomenal. I would come back for the pasta more than the pizza. Ironically my favorite dish was the dessert, this cardamom soft serve with oreos. Prices are expected with the high quality service and quality; most likely $30ish/pp without alcohol. a few amazing standout dishes, some a bit too heavy on cheese and oil. great vibe, prompt service 8/10

Went to watch some football on a Saturday and eat some good food and drink some beers. After eating a bunch of food and while still ordering beers we were told we HAD to leave. Even though my friend had just gotten his beer and we were still ordering stuff. They had a reservation and we were out. Won’t be back. Food is just ok and beer selection is pretty poor. Definitely a skip and will be one of many LA restaurants that succumb to their own early success. Short term thinkers in a long term business. Have zero sympathy for the restaurant industry.

Opened early 2022 as part of a Comfort Inn in Silver Lake Pijja Palace is most certainly an “Indian Sports Bar,” but instead of Cricket on a single TV and the same Butter Chicken as everyone else the Food from Miles Shorey and owner Avish Naran taps into “fusion” of the best sort. Still one of Los Angeles’ toughest reservations, though the addition of Weekend Lunch has helped walk-ins nab a table if they arrive early, it is seated on stools or banquettes that guests peruse a concise menu of Pizzas, Bar Favorites and Pastas plus creative drinks both virgin and alcoholic. The brainchild of Naran, an LA native who studied restaurant management at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, Pijja Palace places fans at the center of a dozen or more Televisions and within minutes nearly every table is enjoying Jaggery Tamarind BBQ Wings served with housemade Pickles or cracking slices of Onion fried in Dosa Batter. Served piping hot and aggressively seasoned, both Aloo Tiki Hash Sliders and Chili Garlic Toast not for the timid, service is “cool” but proficient whether filling water or describing why one would might want the hearty Samosa Pijja instead of Chef Shorey’s more famous Green Chutney version. Not forgetting ample portions of Pasta, Malai Rigatoni with smoky Tomato Masala arguably over-Sauced but nonetheless delicious, Kesar Rickshaws eat a lot like Mac n’ Cheese with more depth while Nihari Lamb and Shells finds balance in Sumac Yogurt. Following an embrace of Soft Serve seen from Leopardo to Dana Point’s Truly Pizza, but hear leaning in on the concept with a Rose Water flavor adjacent “Cookies and Cream,” suffice it to say Cardamom makes a big difference in elevating the Ice Cream to something memorable rather than perfunctory.