A dynamic Indian restaurant in Venice, Los Angeles, known for its fearless menu blending traditional Indian dishes with innovative fusion creations and a vibrant, soulful ambiance.
Chef Nakul Gulati is a culinary professional who trained at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Ottawa, Canada. He has been associated with Ek Bar in Ottawa, indicating a focus on modern Indian or fusion cuisine with a...
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SteakhouseIndianFrenchSeafoodVegan-friendlyUpscaleDinnerCasualCocktail Bar
Last updated: 7/19/2026, 5:34:08 AM
Key Information
Badmaash Venice offers a fearless and dynamic Indian cuisine experience, blending traditional dishes with innovative fusion creations like Poutine and Steak Frites. The ambiance is a key draw, characterized by great music, low lighting, and a cool, soulful vibe that encourages guests to linger. The decor features unique elements like an Action Bronson painting and curtains painted by Nakul, contributing to a transportive dining experience.
Customers consistently praise Badmaash Venice for its exceptional atmosphere and delicious, flavorful food, often describing it as a 'game-changer' and a new favorite Indian restaurant in Los Angeles. Reviewers highlight the 'loud, rich, spicy, smoky' flavors and the menu's intentional blend of traditional and modern dishes. Service is noted as friendly and welcoming, with staff like Thomas receiving specific commendation. While one early review mentioned room for improvement, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many wanting to return.
Additional Details
Badmaash Venice is part of a group of Badmaash locations, with mentions of a DTLA (Downtown Los Angeles) location and an Eagle Rock location. The Venice location introduces a special lineup of beverages. The restaurant is known for its unique blend of traditional Indian flavors with a modern, sometimes unexpected, twist.
The restaurant's ambiance, with low lighting and cocktails flowing, makes it ideal for dinner, where the experience can 'accidentally become the whole night.' It's a popular spot for an evening out.
5
Badmaash Venice completely blew us away. The atmosphere was lovely, and the food was dynamic and delicious from start to finish. Having tried several dishes across the menu, I can confidently say this is our new go-to Indian restaurant in Los Angeles.
Pro tip: You have to order the Poutine and the Cardamom Lassi. They are absolute game-changers. Can't wait for our next visit!
At Badmaash Venice, the vibe and aromas pull you in before the first plate even lands. You walk in expecting a cool Venice dinner spot and leave realizing this place is operating on an entirely different frequency.
The menu is fearless in the most intentional way possible. Traditional Indian dishes sit next to steak frites, masala fries, marrow curry, and a crispy okra & potato situation that deserves its own homage. Somehow none of it feels random. Every dish feels like it belongs exactly where it is.
This isn’t precious, overly polished Indian food made to play safe for the neighborhood crowd. The flavors are loud, rich, spicy, smoky and deeply satisfying. The butter chicken tastes like comfort with better instincts. The chutney actually has heat. Even the naan arrives like it knows it’s part of the experience.
And then there’s the energy. Great music, low lighting, cocktails flowing, tables leaning into conversations a little longer than planned. It feels cool without begging you to notice. The kind of place where dinner accidentally becomes the whole night.
The result is a restaurant with swagger, soul, and the rare ability to remind you why dining out, at its best, can still feel transportive.
Was there for opening night. Loved the ambiance inside. Food and service were both good, but not quite great. Food highlights were the butter chicken samosa (saw another table get the butter chicken main, and looked amazing - must try on next visit!) and the mussels. The short rib had great flavor but was a little dry. The Badmaash chicken tikka also had great flavor, but we felt it needed a sauce. Ordered a sauce, but never came out.
All in all, great experience and will be back to try more things, but still felt there was room for improvement.
Badmaash is honestly one of my favorite spots right now. I’ve been twice already and both times were so good. Thomas is the best; super friendly, great service, and the whole staff is really welcoming. The food never misses either. I loved the eggplant dish, the okra and potato, the lamb shoulder, and the insanely good cheese naan. Can’t forget the fried fish nuggets with the yummy sauce! The vibe is always fun and feels like a place you want to hang out at for hours. Definitely coming back again ❤️
Exquisite food, drinks, and ambience. Every detail from the Action Bronson painting to the gorgeous curtains painted by Nakul himself makes you want to stay for hours and have just one more drink and one more bite. The Mussels are a must, swimming in the most delicious light and coconuty broth. I dream of the chili cheese naan and samosas. There is a dish for every palate and extensive vegan options. The service is warm and impeccable, and it’s a joy to see the whole family greet the first guests on opening weekend. I can’t wait to return when the full menu is launched soon!!!
