I contacted Tanzore to ask them about their vegan options, and they welcomed me in with open arms. Wide open arms. They presented me with some of the best and most beautiful food I've had in town. Though it is an Indian restaurant, it has a fusion of flavors from America, Italy, and Asia, and the food was overall mild (though you can request it to be spicy) - therefore this would be a great place to bring someone who isn't sure if they like Indian food.
But the food wasn't all that wowed me - Tanzore is gorgeous inside, and surprisingly so. I've driven passed the restaurant many times and never noticed it. It's in a big black building and the sign is back from the street. When I stepped inside the restaurant I felt a warmth, which heightened after being greeted by a very kind host. The manager came by and gave me a tour, showing me the lounge, bar, main dining room, and 2 private rooms - all of which were uniquely decorated; this would be a great place to have an event.
It's no surprise that Tanzore has won many awards:
- Best 50 Los Angeles Restaurants by Angeleno Magazine
- Top 75 Restaurants LA Magazine
- Winner of the 2007 Restaurant Design Award from the AIA
- Citysearch and Channel 7 also noted Tanzore as one of the Best New Restaurants to open in 2007.
I have a video review, including an interview with Chef Paul, which I'll post shortly.
The items that I had were either modified or not on the menu, but Chef Paul is more than happy to make them for you if requested. Most of the items had coconut milk in them - so good! I don't remember all the names, but they will be mentioned and described in the video. Though I didn't get wine, they have a great selection (I didn't check for what was vegan).
- papadum chips
- samosas
- parantha bread (naan is not vegan)
- a chopped salad
- a potato based appetizer (might have been the Chatpate Aloo & Samosa Plate)
- rice and kidney beans stuffed in cabbage with a creamy tomato sauce (vegan version of Masala Cabbage Rolls)
- a tofu dish with an Italian flavor (I think it was the Masala Tofu)
- a pear stuffed with candied walnuts on a raspberry sauce (a vegan version of the Cinnamon Poached Kashmir Pear)
- mango lassi
- chai tea
Taste: 10/10
Unique menu & flavors: absolutely
My favorite dish: I can't decide! The pear dessert was the most memorable
Organic: yes
Local: yes
Healthy: yes
Eco-Friendly: semi
Portion Sizes: medium
Price: moderate to expensive (between $10-$30 for an entree, will add up with drinks and appetizers)
Customer service: very attentive, nice, knowledgeable
Atmosphere: gorgeous decor, relaxing, upscale = great for a date
Location: very central to L.A. on La Cienega
Parking: valet or meters on street (street is kinda hard to find)
I would go back to Tanzore in a heartbeat and have been raving about it to my friends. The restaurant is excited about having more vegans dine, and they are considering adding more items to their vegetarian menu, and may even have a vegan buffet! Please go - this would be a great place for Valentine's Day actually...
(310) 652-3894
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