Bay Leaf Indian Cusine
5160 S Sherwood Forest Blvd,Ste E, Baton Rouge, LA, 70816
Bay Leaf Indian Cusine Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Baton Rouge for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Baton Rouge for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Baton Rouge for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
5160 S Sherwood Forest Blvd,Ste E
Baton Rouge, LA, 70816 - Phone (225) 291-4250
- Website https://www.bayleafbr.com/BayleafIndianCuisine_aboutus.php
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
India is the birth place of Chicken Tikka Masala and Curries. Indian foods are prepared with a blend of finely mixed spices quite popular across the region. The spices develop the rich taste in Indian food enough to boggle your mind. The ever-increasing fan base of Indian food around the New York city is steadily increasing because of the large number of Indians who traveled to the land of dreams. The Indians also brought their very own vibrant, colorful, and aromatic authentic dishes for the people in the West. While most of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian food is great for people who are looking for vegan or vegetarian food option. If you are a Meat lover, don't get disappointed yet. Indian food also boasts of some popular non-vegetarian dishes too. Few examples are the famous Butter Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Indian food has gained reputation all over the world especially in the United States. You can find many places serving the appetizing Indian food across all major cities in the US. India is a diverse country with different food culture originated from different parts of the country. While the Northern region boasts tandoori dishes and korma offering royal taste, the Western Ghats offers sea foods that is made in naturally sweet tender coconut milk. The South Indian food servers a quality of different dishes made from rice accompanied with spicy chutneys, curries and famous sambhar. Also, the Indian sweets are a delight to relish. If you ever want to have a burst of sugar syrup in mouth, don't forget to try few Bengali Sweets. Be it spicy, tangy, or sweet flavor, you can find everything in the Indian cuisine. Be assured that the melody of spices will surely bring delight to you.
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Ale F.
Walked in around 9:40pm on Friday night, quite a few tables were still enjoying dinner- we ordered To-go ahead of time for pickup. DELICIOUS!!!! Well spiced Indian food, delicious fresh baked breads, such aromatic rices- We ordered the Jalfrezi pulao spiced with saffron, and our favorite Saag paneer! The owner walks around and tends to the guests in his restaurant. Nice classy atmosphere with the most mouthwatering aromas permeating the restaurant ... Will be back again and again!
(5)April R.
This is hands-down the best Indian food I've had in Baton Rouge. The staff is nice enough to customize my favorite dish with fish (instead of lamb), now that I'm only doing fish. The food has always been fresh. I hate buffets, but will eat here. I love that the selection changes and there are always lots of good veggie options.
(5)Robert R.
Too bad I can't rate it a zero because that's what it was this time. All I can really say is never, and I mean NEVER AGAIN. Lunch buffet at noon and ony 4 tables taken should have been a warning sign. First, the shrimp vindaloo was a total joke. Overcooked, nasty tasting bait shrimp swimming in a salt lick of a sauce. Smelling just as bad and under seasoned. Next, the chicken tika masala. Again overcooked and lacking in all respects. The aloo saag had formed some sort of brown crust on top as if it was either made previous or just sat around for awhile. Then we had the fried vegatables. They did look appealing, but upon tasting were reminicent of fried dough globules accented by saffron. The spicy onions had very little taste whatsoever. But, the biggest disappointment of all was the "fresh" naan brought to the table. It reminded me of warm slices of bunny bread. Very plain, very little brown on it at all. So, this is my last attempt to find real quality food at this place. From now on, it will be either Al Noor or Curry n Kabob on this side of town.
(1)Krystal A.
We ordered a veggie biryani and a mixed grill to go. The food was well packaged and still decently hot when we got home. The biryani is absolutely delicious and goes well with the green mint/cilantro chutney. The mixed grill was very flavorful. I loved all the lamb pieces (and I am very picky with lamb). The only thing I didn't think was that great was the salmon. Overall, I would definitely order from here to go. As a whole though, I prefer to get their buffet when I can.
(4)Michelle S.
Friday lunch buffet $11/person way less options than weekend buffet. A little overpriced for what you get! Nothing was that great but good enough to get your Indian fix. Favorite was the tomato soup & cream spinach.Most dishes are pretty spicy, there wasn't a mild option.
(2)Robert R.
Unfortunately I have to drop my review down to one star for this once-good eatery. Although it smells promising when you walk in the door, there are some tell-tale signs that you should walk right back out. The place stays nearly empty, a far cry from the hordes that once frequented the establishment. Looking over the buffet, some of the dishes have clearly been sitting around for hours, if not days - long enough to develop sickly-looking crusts on the top. While there were a couple of good items on my last and final visit - a spinach soup that was fairly tasty and some sort of little fried balls that I can only describe as an indian hush puppy - what permanently destroyed my faith in Bay Leaf was the putrid shrimp vindaloo. I mean these shrimp were straight rotten. The only thing they would've been good for was catfish bait. They attempted to cover this up by putting waaaayyyyy too much salt in the sauce but I was having none of that. Unfortunately I have to draw the line at being served rotten food and can guarantee I will never be back here. I highly suggest everyone else stay away if they value their health.
(1)Keith F.
I enjoyed the lunch buffet. It had a decent amount of spice and a wide enough range of selections to have something for everyone. I loved the cucumber salad, the gobi cauliflower, and the paneer. The green mint sauce was also delicious. I thought the naan was cooked just right. I wasn't a fan of the fried onions or the kheer. This place also has above average service and psychedelic trance Indian music playing which was another highlight for me, but may not be for everyone. When I'm craving Indian food this place will certainly work. Recommended.
(4)Cornelious A.
Decided to go here for dinner on a Wednesday night and should of came sooner. I waited a little bit for them to seat me once I arrived, but who cares their food is delicious. I mean everything was cooked to perfection and perfect temperature. I had the chicken tikka masala and hands down the best I have had in a long time. I will be back here for dinner absolutely fantastic! Great job to the owner and crew. BTW the owner walks around and greets guests and helps out on the floor. Great job Bay Leaf!!
(5)Nico F.
Outstanding food. Very refined & generous portions. I got the chicken Masala. Garlic Nan & Plain Nan along with Sag Paneer & plain rice & Saffron Rice! A delight everything was just amazing!
(5)Michele B.
The nan was too bready, and not enough oil was used to make it. The Chicken Tikka Masala wasn't that great and the Palak Paneer was missing an essential spice that would have made it awesome. I am a fan of Mumbai Style and this fell short of my expectations.
(3)Ross W.
Wish I can give it 0 stars the waiter had an attitude because I told him the mango lassi didn't taste right, and told me since I ordered it i have to pay for it. Then during the Buffett they don't keep the naans on the buffet like everyone else does so it takes like 20 mins to come. When I tell the manager why is everything is slow and bad he claims they were slow earlier in the afternoon so he sent everyone home except one cook, one chef, and him. Which is terrible for any restaurant to do especially if I made a reservation for 15 people. They might have the fancy look in the restaurant, but Al noor and India restaurant beats them in quality and service.
(1)Delisha P.
My favorite for Indian food in town! The place is beautiful and the buffet is delicious. I took a group of girl scouts here for their first experience and they truly enjoyed themselves. I fully recommend this wonderful place. The staff is very kind and the service is great!!
(5)Cristy C.
I wish there were more Indian restaurants around here in BR and New Orleans. There should be more. I am a big fan of Indian food. My travels to Asia exposed me to some real authentic Asian and Indian style foods that I fell in love with. One of my personal favorites is the Vindaloo dish with chicken. It's very spicy but well worth the sweat. For a more mild approach, the chicken tandoori is the way to go. And the "breads". Oh my. The poori is my absolute favorite. So tasty with your meal and from what I understand gluten free. That's a big plus for me. Highly recommended. This place was also fancier than expected so great place for a romantic date. Just make sure you know what you're ordering and you don't breathe fire on your date.
(4)Cody C.
Great for workday lunch! The buffet has a pretty good variety and gets you in and out quickly. The fried veggies were a little too crispy, but everything else was good! The decor is pretty nice, although i thought the music was a little too heavy for a lunch atmosphere. But it's probably perfect for a dinner date.
(5)Bobby B.
If this is the best Indian you can get in Southern Louisiana, then we REALLY need to get some more Indian cooks in this area. We made the trip to Red Stick to go to Trader Joe's and to eat here. At $15 bucks, the buffet would be a good value if the quality was good. It really wasn't. The best thing there was the naan and we were only given a small basket of them after I specifically asked for them (some waiters brought them immediately, while others never offered them at all). The coconut chutney was one of the most horrific things I'd ever tried (and I love coconut chutney). The MULLIGATAWNY SOUP could have been that bean water you get from canned beans. Had no flavor of chicken or anything...just bean water. The dal was more water than dal and impossible to pick up with the naan...or a fork. Nothing but a spoon would get it and once you got it, you realized it tasted bad and were mad for wasting your time. LAMB ROGANJOSH was all bone. I couldn't get any meat from that at all. SHRIMP BAGARE may or may not have tasted ok. No idea since there were NO shrimp to be found in the entire tub of liquid. You might seriously have to use a shrimp net to find even one. I could go through almost every item and point out how underwhelming it was but to be honest, the thing that sticks out the most for me is the intense gas cramps we both experienced for almost an hour after we ate. Started as we were leaving and I have NO idea what could cause that. Couldn't have been how spicy the food wasn't...I\ SO unless this was their worst day ever, then I can't recommend this place to anyone.
(2)Bob L.
Great Sunday buffet. In fact, the only times I've eaten at Bay Leaf has been at the Sunday buffet, and it's been consistently good with a variety of dishes including shrimp on Sundays. Also, a good variety of vegetarian dishes.
(4)Mels B.
Not too good. The nan was thick and not crispy. The menu was over priced. The food we ordered was just ok but not filling nor fresh. I don't recommend "Curry-N-Kabab" either, the staff are sweet but the food is not fresh like they "assure" it is.
(2)Desiree D.
I came here to write an ode to the malai kofta, but I'm not that poetic so I'll just do a normal review. But seriously it's one of the best things I've ever tasted. There have been several dishes I've had here that I feel this place does the best, namely the pakoras, tikka masala, biryani, and masala dosa. There's also a bread for every mood. I've never tried the buffet, so I'm talking strictly about the dinner dishes. I took off one star because the prices are a bit high and the service is a bit slow. The staff is really friendly though and the food is worth the wait.
(4)Michael M.
All restaurants would have you believe that they are the best at what they do. Having stated this, I am not really sure if this restaurant is providing a true representation of the best of India. I wouldn't claim to have any expertise in this, however, I have had some "Indian" food on several cruise ships where many of the staff were of Indian descent. I liked many of those dishes served on the ships. I found few similarities at the Bay Leaf where it seemed most of the food was overcooked. Shrimp were dry and crumbly. Other sparse meats such as lamb and chicken were sometimes dry and tough. We had no less than five different staff members apparently assigned to our table who repetitiously confused our orders. One would take part of our order and another would come as soon as the first left and ask the same thing. A little pricey for the kibbles you get . Rice was delicious and variety of breads was good. Only went, because of coupon,to sample 'Indian Cuisine'. Not impressed and would not want to travel to India if this is really indicative of "Indian Cuisine".
(1)Jason J.
FYI: If you're not a fan of curry or Indian/oriental spices then this is NOT the place for you. They offer a small selection from the buffet but you have the option to order off the menu. The location is good and the building is well kept with good service. Now to the rice and beans of this review, I like spices but this was a little more than I expected. The buffet cost about $15. For all meats connoisseurs don't expect a variety of meats. Most dishes are based off of sauces and seasoned rice which is more of an acquired tasted. Nevertheless, test or sample before you spend a lot of money of this. As for me, I only want this type of food on rare occasions.
(2)Siddharth B.
I liked: Place was neat and clean. Very nice open area. Properly spaced tables. Food was good. Curries were properly spiced not spicy for indian though. Pongal and aachari chicken were good. Sweets were ok. I didn't like: I went on Sunday and found that there should have been more varieties for the price I paid. Naan should have been bit more cooked and buttered. Naans went cold in no time.
(3)Whitney J.
Solid Indian food! Recently dined here with a few friends so I had the chance to sample a few of their dishes. My only complaint was the vindaloo wasn't as spicy (oh wah, right?) as my friend and I would have hoped for but it was still an excellent dish, nonetheless. Great Saag paneer, korma and the t masala was pretty yum as well... but it isn't hard to mess that up. The service was very, very attentive and the drinks were pretty strong! I definitely hope to make it back there if not to dine in and least get take-out!
(4)McRae T.
This is probably one of my favorite restaurants in Baton Rouge! Always solid... But it's a shame that most people's only exposure to this place is their lunch buffet... The menu is incredible. Lobster Masala is one of my favorite dishes in town. And the lamb chops are incredible! Also a chicken dish in a white sauce with almonds and saffron... Can't recall the name, but fantastic! This place needs to be on everyone's dinner list!
(5)Sonia S.
I guess I'm going to be the voice of dissent here- I've been to Bay Leaf three times now and I really wanted to love it, but it's just okay. Pros: Nice atmosphere Clean! Have heard that they deliver Variety of menu items Cons: Price is higher than other Indian restaurants in town and not worth it Oily and excessively creamy curries Bar staff doesn't understand drink orders Food doesn't stand out Each time I've been to Bay Leaf I've tried a new vegetarian dish-- I've had the malai kofta, navratran korma, paneer tikka, and masala dosa. Each item (including rice) is very oily and is much heavier than it should be. Dosa, when done right is light and crispy. The edges of my masala dosa were good but the rest was sodden with oil and I had to wipe my fingers after each bite. I also don't understand why the rice is oily. However, the one dish that was just right were the vegetable pakoras- those were wonderful! Actually the best pakoras I've had in a restaurant. Finally, the last time I dined at India's, my boyfriend and I had a lot of food left over. The waiter insisted that the kitchen staff pack it up for us rather than having us box it on our own. When we returned home, we found that half of the leftover naan and a majority of the rice and leftover pakoras were missing. Note: I am ethnically Indian and I understand that Indian food in restaurants is quite Americanized. I reviewed Bay Leaf with that in mind. That said, there are better places to get your Indian fix in Baton Rouge.
(2)Scott M.
Sat for 20 minutes and never got waited on. I got up and left . The hostess gave a very week I'm sorry sir. Very Sad for such a place that claims to be so good.
(1)M D.
By far the WORST Indian restaurant I have eaten at!! Don't waste your time or money eating here
(1)Steven J.
This place is amazing. From the lunch buffet to dinner entrées, I've never had a bad meal here. Great food, great service, and they run lots of groupons and living social deals. Two thumbs up!
(5)John K.
Outstanding. I just had one of the best meals that I have had in a long time. I was craving Indian, and swung in here based on word of mouth reviews. I want to get it out of the way up front that the service was just fine. My drink stayed full and the dishes were cleared and new added as necessary. Now, lets talk about the food!! They dropped off a couple chutneys and some crispy nan that tasted great. I was sitting down and planning on eating more than I should, so I started with the Chili Paneer. It was easily the best I have ever had. The cheese was hot and firm but creamy, and the veggies and sauce were sweet with just a hint of spicy. Next I ordered the Lamb Vindaloo and was warned that it was very spicy. I appreciate this as most places would let a patron have it unaware if they didn't know what they were doing. He was not wrong! It had a ton of pop, but was still plenty edible. I paired it with Jafrani Pulao that had the perfect amount of Saffron and smelled amazing. An order of garlic nan to push it around the plate with and I was wrecked. This dinner was the best decision I have made all week. I will absolutely be here again every time I pass through BR.
(5)Dr F.
Amazing and impressive restaurant. I could not think of a greater example of a unique hybrid of excellent customer service and culinary genius.
(5)William K.
This is by far the best Indian restaurant in town. The service is friendly and the food is great. The Dal Makhani is a must try!
(5)Beth H.
This is truly the best place to eat in Baton Rouge! The food is amazing, and the wait staff is speedy and helpful. And it is probably the best selection of vegetarian options in the city--the Sag Paneer and Paneer Tikka Masala were heavenly. A diamond in the rough.
(5)Cheryl R.
So glad to have friends in Baton Rouge - such a great excuse to come here!!! SUCH good Indian food - I've had the Paleek for an appetizer & the chicken masala - SO GOOD - so wonderfully spicy & just wonderful!! Dinner is a bit pricey - but you can tell they are using AMAZING rich ingredients - so worth it - next time I'd like to come for lunch buffet so I can try a variety of the food that I love SO MUCH!!
(4)Melissa H.
I've lived in Los Angeles, Prague, Hawaii, Albuquerque, San Diego, I have a rambling job that brings me to bizarre places. I can honestly say of all the places I've been that you may or may not want to ever go, I've sampled the local Indian food each time, and Bay Leaf is the restaurant that offers the most delicious, perfectly spiced, perfectly presented, outstanding Indian food of anyplace I've ever lived. Unexpected gem in Baton Rouge. Amazing.
(5)Pradeep V.
I am updating my review, on last visit I gave a 5 star but my second visit was disappointing. Wanted to give a 3 star but since last visit was great I'm going with 4 as an aggregate. Guess visiting for a buffet was worth the price but regular dinner was not worth.
(4)Saggie S.
Food is really good and tasty. I tried saturday lunch buffet. Mutton curry was best. Chicken and veg munchurian were kinda soggy. Also mutton biryani had no meat left in it. Daal was also dry. We were there at around 2.30 pm for lunch. I beleive they need to keep close eye on the buffet and replenish items as and when needed. Food quality and taste is great....
(4)Liz M.
I used to come here for dinner at least twice a month. I still come here when I'm in the Baton Rouge area because it's absolutely the best Indian food I've had anywhere. Service is outstanding and very respectful and the atmosphere is classy but relaxed. Everything I've had here tasted great. I absolutely recommend this restaurant to anyone who likes or wants to try Indian food.
(5)Jon A.
Bay Leaf is a lot of fun. My family has enjoyed coming over the past year - trying something new each time. The staff is friendly. The food is great (we always get the buffet). All of the "bread" offerings are superb. We are Indian cuisine experts, but have enjoyed their food.
(5)TJ W.
SERVICE SUCKS, FOOD WAS GOOD Went for lunch buffet. First time there so went solely on reviews. The food was good when it was available. They took sooo long to bring out fresh food and refill the buffet dishes. Some of which I never got a chance to try because they never refilled them and I was there almost 2 hours. Even the table service was slow. We asked for more Naan and more water and it took at least 15 minutes for the naan and 5-10 minutes for water. This was the Sunday before Christmas and there wasn't hardly anyone in there. The Host (probably the owner/manager) did check on us regularly but only to keep assuring us that whatever we were waiting on at the time was 'Coming'.
(3)Mandy V.
Chicken Tikka Masala is off the chain and comes with rice. Chili paneer is good as well and very spicy. It doesn't come with rice but I don't think you need it with this dish because it is an appetizer. Haven't been inside. Ordered take-out. Can't wait to get in this place!!!!
(4)Pragathi R.
Just passing by thru Baton Rouge and found this place. Awesome food. Many varieties in lunch buffet. Very yummy desserts. All in all very good.
(4)Travis T.
Best that they have to offer in Baton Rouge which isn't saying much because of limitations of restaurants. They have the best Buffett and seasoning in town. Never a big crowd which is good for me very authentic taste as far as I can tell. Glad to have found this jewel ducked off in the heart of Sherwood Forest business section
(4)Cody S.
I've now eaten at Bay Leaf four times in the last six weeks or so, and I will continue to eat here as much as possible until my time in Baton Rouge ends. Although I have not been to India, this is the best Indian food I have ever had, by far. Every dish is amazing, there's nothing that is "eh". I know, why would great Indian food be in Louisiana? Ya, definitely makes no sense, but who cares. The highlight has to be their variations of naan bread; not just plain or garlic, but we're talking dried cherry & nut, rosemary, etc. The Chili Paneer appetizer was spectacular. Other items worth trying: Chicken Chettinad, Chicken Andhra Curry, and Beans Poriyal.
(5)Daniel W.
This place has an incredible variety of authentic Indian cuisines. At first, the menu put me off because it was JUST SO BIG. (I prefer a small menu, knowing the chefs are focusing on quality, not quantity.) I ordered a bunch of items and then sat back and waited for them to come. AMAZING!! The highlight of the night was the indian pancake! Its a Southern Indian dish and it will just blow you away. Ordered about 5 or 6 more things -- fried cheese and nan -- and everything was packed with flavor. Some was spicy, some was sweet, but nothing was bland and there was more than enough food for everyone. Also, one caveat with the comments below-- the prices at this place are very reasonable!!! This is authentic Indian cuisine, cooked at a top-notch quality, and the food products are excellently sourced. $15-20 for an entree is very very acceptable. If you want to eat for $7 then go to Chimes--they let anybody cook in that kitchen. If you like Bay Leaf, be thankful for the real TALENT in the back of the house cooking and sourcing. Its not that easy to recruit high-quality Indian chefs to Baton Rouge-- think about it! Also, this place is much fancier on the inside than you might think. It has white linens, wine glasses, and a nice bar. Such ambiance warrants the prices. One knock on this place is the weirdness of the staff. Man, these guys are just awkward. Wayyyy over-attentive-- to the point of being annoying. I understand they want me to come back (which I will), but just let the food do the talking dudes. Chill out.
(5)Stegasorous M.
Food is excellent. Expensive though, but dang it is goooood.
(5)Matt A.
2 vegan items on the lunch buffet. Did not even bother to stay and eat. They get one extra star for nice decor.
(2)Teresa B.
The lunch buffet isn't compromised with warm traditional entrees: chicken vindaloo, marsala, Naan is a true touch of India!
(5)Sean W.
If you're overly conscious about how much you spend on a single meal, this place may not be for you. However if you are looking for a great Indian cuisine experience in Baton Rouge, then this is your best shot, down to the candied beetle nuts in the dish at the host stand. For those who have experienced Indian food in major metros, you will need to take care at ordering here to make sure you get exactly what you want, but they do have it all. For instance, they looked at me sideways when I ordered some Masala sauce for dipping the Nan, and you have to order white rice separate, but both are awesome when they come from the kitchen. Enjoy.
(5)Aimee A.
I adore this place! Super clean, very great service, and an outstanding lunch buffet with plenty for vegetarians and meat-eaters to enjoy! This is my favorite Indian in Baton Rouge. The quality is top notch and the flavors are very well defined. The naan comes out hot, fresh, and tasty. Waiters are standing by to refill your water. What can I say? Great service, great food, great experiences all around each time I come. Prices are very reasonable too.
(5)Stephen H.
Good buffet. I think I sill like India's better, but this is good stuff
(4)Kristen R.
I was NOT impressed by this place. I love Indian cuisine, and have had it in Boston, New York, Atlanta, etc... My first problem was the menu set up... I ordered a curry and it didn't come with rice. I have never had to order my rice separate from my curry. So they hit you twice on one meal!!!! Second problem, someone ordered a grilled plate of sorts and it came out smoking SO BAD, that it set off the fire alarm. When talking to the waitress afterwards, she said that wasn't the first time it had happened. I had breathing problems for two days after that... But most importantly, the food wasn't all that great. I have seen hole-in-the wall Indian restaurants that were WAY better than this place. Don't waste your money here!!!
(1)Amicable B.
The food is good, price is really my biggest issue at this place. As mentioned in the other reviews, rice and naan must be ordered separately. And at $2.50 a pop for the cheapest serving of each, that's an extra $5 tacked on to the already somewhat-pricey entrees. If I was paying $12-$15 and getting a full meal, I'd be fine with it...but when that same meal becomes $17-$20, I expect it to be huge portions and phenomenal---which it's not. (I spend $13 at India's for an order of chicken badami and eat off of it 2 or 3 times). Lunch buffet is probably the way to go. I haven't been yet, but I imagine at a buffet the rice and naan HAVE to come with it. Although maybe the buffet is overpriced as well. Other than all that, the food itself WAS good, and there are people who don't mind spending the money so whatever. It's an Indian option on the Sherwood side of town. But it's also right down the street from Himalayas so I guess it just depends what you're craving.
(3)You K.
Some staff are a little scary. Several dishes just don't taste as good as competitors I'm afraid. I did like the spinach with cream sauce quite a bit though.
(2)Jak K.
The service is attentive. It is beautifully appointed and spotlessly clean. The food is excellent. The management is cordial and interested. An overall excellent experience. Except for one waiter I think it would be scored a five. Perhaps next time.
(4)Tim S.
Amazing food. The lunch buffet is awesome but dinner from the menu is even better. I've had several things and they were all amazing!
(5)Rachel H.
OMG! It's sooooo good! I love everything as spice!! Drinks, Foods and Dessert (Mango Ice Cream) is die for!!! Woo!!
(5)Vishwanath R.
I like the restaurant for its amazing Indian food but I was disappointed today. The waiter came in and placed the customary starters, the papad with chutneys. Subsequently the manager came to take order and accidentally dropped the menu on the starter and displaced it. He kept it back up took the menu and left. Ideally he should have replaced it and his mild apology was not helpful. I think being the only person at the table made him think it was okay. Well every customer is statistically significant!
(2)Jackie D.
Delicious! I've been here twice now, once for lunch and once for dinner so I think it's about time for a review. The lunch buffet was good, but I find the food wasn't nearly as fresh because obviously, it had been on a line for 3 hours. Dinner was WORLD'S better. A little on the pricey side, but the waiters are very knowledgable and led our whole party in the right direction. We started with the veggie samosas, the Masala Dosa (crepe stuffed with potatoes), and the Paneer Tikka and veggies. All were good, but my favorite was the Paneer Tikka, or homemade skillet fried cheese. It comes out piping hot, sautéing with fresh veggies. Very reminiscent to fried haloomi at Greek restaurants with a slightly softer texture. For the entree, I went with the Chicken Andrha Curry. It was super spicy, but incredibly flavorful due to the curry and various Indian spices. I ordered the Paneer Kulcha to go with it, but I strongly suggest the rosemary naan instead. The Kulcha did not have the defined goat cheese and raisin taste that I was hoping for, and the rosemary naan was much more complementary to my entree. If you want Indian in BR, this place is definitely worth shelling out a few extra bucks.
(4)Jill Y.
Probably the best Indian Lunch Buffet so far in Louisiana (but still, not comparable to Annapoorna in Irvine, CA). Dishes on the lunch buffet included: Butter chicken (like tikka masala), lamb curry, samosas, green beans (Indian style), Tandoori Chicken, Saag with potatoes, a soup, rice, and a few other different items. The naan was plain naan, but it was still good. Overall a slightly above average Indian Lunch buffet - would like to come again.
(3)Harlan P.
Best Indian I have had in the South. Good atmosphere. The service is peculiar though. Each time I have been to Bay Leaf it seems that the servers are partially asleep.
(4)Elaine M.
This was not just "going out for dinner," it was truly a religious food type experience. I heard about this place from an Indian family I worked for in Baton Rouge. They said it was the way Indian SHOULD be cooked and it made all the other Indian restaurants taste like Shoney's. They were right. At my first bite of the Chicken Tikka I hadn't even realized my eyes were closed, I was savoring the depth of every level of flavor and spice, then the fresh, tenderness of the chicken. When I opened my eyes I realized my friends were all had their eyes closed too! Just thinking about this place I almost drool onto my keyboard. The atmosphere is so lovely, dark, dim, and clean, with shiny exotic decorations and fancy lanterns. I always get worried that they won't stay open because when I go in it's almost always empty. So it's a bittersweet feeling. I love that we get all the wonderful attention from both server and kitchen staff but I have a fear in the back of my mind that this might be my last meal there! It is a bit pricey but it's what you would imagine as "fine dining" Indian food, so well worth it. I have not tried the buffet, albeit cheaper, I cannot imagine that it tastes anything less than amazing. So please go here and really savor every morsel. If you love Indian food and live in Louisiana, this place is hands down incredible.
(5)Lauren K.
This place is outstanding. I have never had Indian food as great as this!
(5)Brookes G.
I have been a huge fan of Indian Cuisine my entire life, and have moved around the country a bit. I've eaten at the other Indian restaurants in town and must say that this place is hands down, by far, the BEST Indian restaurant in BR. I usually choose to consume my Indian food in the lunch buffet format, as I have a hard time ordering just one thing off the menu. Luckily for me, most Indian restaurants choose to have lunch buffets, and Bay Leaf's does not disappoint. You always get fresh, warm, soft naan brought to your table, unlike other buffets that have cold hard naan on the buffet line. On the weekends, they will also bring dosa to your table. They don't do that at other buffets. The selection is also more extensive than the other buffets in town, and always a lamb dish on the line as well as an authentic Indian dessert (not soft-serve, like the competition). And they're not afraid to bring the heat....they serve a good amont of spicy South Indian dishes in addition to the expected Indian staples. The other restaurants serve very inoffensive North Indian and Nepalese cuisine. As mentioned in other reviews, the only drawback here is the price. The buffet is $11 weekdays, $15 weekends, as compared to $7-$12 at the competition. I, however, pay the extra few dollars to eat here. The food is that much better. I've only eaten at Bay Leaf once outside of buffet hours, so I can't speak much for the dinner experience. The dim-lit fine dining atmosphere doesn't work for me right now, as I always have two small children in tow. It is also important to mention that when my wife and I first started dating, she could not stand Indian food. I was forced to eat alone at Indian establishments. We traveled a lot back then and here and there, I would convince her to try Indian in different cities....she would always hate it. This place, however, changed her opinion. She wants to eat at Bay Leaf almost every time we decide to go out to lunch. So anyway, if you have a good taste for Indian and don't mind spending an extra four bucks, go to Bay Leaf. It is well worth it.
(5)Johnny P.
Really amazing food. Nice place (cloth napkins = fancy!) Attentive and snazzily-dressed wait staff, although try not to throw them any curveballs. Dinner can get a bit pricey, but they definitely put forth an upscale feel to accompany it. Lunch buffet is killer! There are always a lot of ethnic Indians eating there, so you know it's good.
(5)C K.
If you're going to dine here, come for the South Indian food. The owner is South Indian and they definitely excel in this area. The dosas are sooo yummy!.. but the North Indian food is pretty rich and gave us heartburn.. It's also quite pricey for what it is. Back in California you can get a dosa for $4.50 and it's like $11.00 here, so that hurts my heart a little bit.. but if you need your Indian fix, it's probably the best place to go in the Baton Rouge/New Orleans area. It beats out Nirvana in New Orleans by a landslide.
(3)R T.
Food is pretty good although pretty oily/creamy. The manager is really nice. Lunch buffet is good on weekends but a little lacking on weekdays. Some of the waiters give zero fucks though. When I go eat there I usually have to stare down the chubby guy before he'll come take my order. All in all as far as Indian food in Baton Rouge goes Bay Leaf isn't bad. But don't expect great service.
(3)Gabi V.
Super delicious Indian food. I was there for dinner and I'll definitely be going back to try the lunch buffet. I got the Chicken Tikka Masala figuring that no one can mess it up and it completely blew my mind with how great it was. Creamy, spicy, full bodied, and just all around amazing. The mango lassi I ordered was refreshing and flavorful, and the garlic naan was baller. It was as expensive as Indian food tends to be but I had enough to take with me and enjoy later. The servers were super attentive and made sure we enjoyed our meal and everything turned out really well. I would recommend this place to anyone who is a fan of Indian.
(4)Lisa J.
Oh my goodness, I can't even begin to express how fantastic this place is. Even the food I had while in India didn't compare to Bay Leaf. I went for the lunch buffet and tried a small portion of every dish on the buffet, both veg and non-veg. Every single dish was mind blowingly good: perfectly seasoned with nuanced flavors and aromas, a wide variety of spiciness levels, different textures - it was a Food Experience. I would say that $12 is a bit pricey for a lunch buffet, but every bite was worth it. I can't wait to come back here again for lunch, and I'm excited to try it out at dinner time when I can take full advantage of the drink selection.
(5)Brian G.
I've had my fare share of Indian food all over the US during my travels over the last few years and Bay Leaf is a standout, not just in food, but in dining experience. My water glass was always full, and my tablecloth and napkin were actual cloth! Classy! I don't know what people are complaining about when it comes to the prices. The prices are low considering the quality of food, the amount of staff, and the ambiance. My Aloo Gobi entree was like 10 bucks and was plenty big. My dining companion stated this place had the best naan he's ever had. The coconut chutney was the best I've ever had. Perfectly cooked rice too. Only wish I could come back to try other dishes! Next year! Support this local business, they know what they're doing.
(5)Neil P.
Why is the food so expensive compared to curry and kebab? charging for naan here while curry and kebab, right down the street gives it to you as part of the meal! The customer service is not very good but the food is. I'll have to say that the decor of the building and the food is top quality but for the price, I'd rather go elsewhere.
(2)Keke K.
my malai kofta was pretty basic. I was glad the seasonings were spicy but I was not that impressed or disappointed, just kind of "meh". I ordered a side of garlic naan and only got one piece, which seemed odd for the price.
(3)Elizabeth Q.
Taste Bud Nirvana! Over the top, delicious cuisine. I am no connoisseur of Indian food, but I am now hooked! Bay Leaf has wonderful service, a soothing, authentic atmosphere and food too good to miss! Our favorites are the tender and perfectly spiced, Chicken Tikka Marsala and the "somewhat hot" Fish Malabar Curry. But don't go with my suggestions, as your waiter to surprise you, and you are in for a real treat! When all the chains in Baton Rouge with mediocre food have long waits, you will be welcomed to a comfy booth at Bay Leaf and be surprised that there is no line out the door.
(5)Newly P.
Bottomline: A totally average experience. Food was too salty. I thought the buffet was overpriced. We went there on a Saturday, about noon, and the restaurant was largely empty, though people did start coming in while we were eating. We were really hungry, so we wanted the buffet. The hostess greeted us, really coldly, I thought, and directed us to our seats. The buffet had several choices, both non-vegetarian and vegetarian. I liked the prawn curry, though it was terribly salty, and the chicken dopyaza. Other dishes included: chicken 65 (not authentic), tandoori chicken (average), mutton curry, a spicy mushroom preparation (was good), a spinach daal (lentils), paneer, chhole puri, vada, and a delicious coconut pulav (highly recommended). For dessert there was rasmalai, which tasted like it was from a can. The weirdest part of the experience was the behavior of the waiters. They seemed too much in a hurry to remove the dishes. Even when I was eating my dessert, they came at the table to carry away my plate! And I don't know what it was with all the staring. Also, they bought naan and plain dosas to our table so we could mop up the curry dishes with those. I get the naan, but using the dosa to mop up chicken curry was definitely a new experience! The owner or manager came up to our table to ask how everything was, but his manner was extremely awkward and not at all something you would expect from a person in the hospitality business. I guess you could go there if you're really craving Indian food. And maybe if they see you often, they will actually smile when they welcome you!
(3)Naveed B.
If you are in Baton Rouge and craving some Indian cuisine, Bay Leaf is your best choice. The only thing keeping me from giving Bay Leaf four stars is the fact that it is way too expensive. They do have excellent food though. Their chicken tandoori, lamb burra kabob, and chicken tikka are all excellent. Their curries are also excellent. If you would like to try Bay Leaf out and leave your wallet intact I highly suggest the lunch buffet, as it is reasonably priced and has quite a good selection of food.
(3)Chris V.
What a fine establishment Bay Leaf is! I myself was not a fan of Indian cuisine until a few friends of mine brought me here; now I love it! The restaurant itself is very organized, clean, and upscale. The waitstaff is very attentive and pleasant. The buffet is very orderly, clean, and high-quality. The food is just delicious! I really could keep going on and on about how great this place is. Thanks, Bay Leaf, for making me enjoy Indian cuisine.
(5)Elkay D.
Bast Indian in baton rouge. Very good food. I go for the lunch buffet but have been for dinner as well. My one complaint is that if you go for dinner they charge you for rice- unheard of for an Indian restaurant. Grateful to have found such a good Indian restaurant in baton rouge. That india's place is disgusting. And while I do like himalaya's, my husband does not. We both love bay leaf. I like the manager too- nice friendly guy and always remembers us. This is the same quality Indian food as a good place in new York or new jersey- very lucky to have this here in baton rouge.
(5)Denise B.
This new Indian restaurant has a great atmosphere and a huge menu with lots of choices. The Garlic nan is delicious and served with a great sauce-yogurt I think. The Baghara Baigan, a spicy eggplant dish with a garlic and tomato base is very tasty. The Lamb burra kabab is spicy and served sizzling with lime and fresh grilled vegetables on the side. Because the food was very good, I would have rated this restaurant higher, except I find it to be overpriced. The entrees are in the $15-$20 range, and you have to order your rice or bread separate. I think the restaurant would be more successful if they included this with the entrees. If price isn't a problem, I would definitely try it out!
(3)April R.
This is hands-down the best Indian food I've had in Baton Rouge. The staff is nice enough to customize my favorite dish with fish (instead of lamb), now that I'm only doing fish. The food has always been fresh. I hate buffets, but will eat here. I love that the selection changes and there are always lots of good veggie options.
(5)Robert R.
Too bad I can't rate it a zero because that's what it was this time. All I can really say is never, and I mean NEVER AGAIN. Lunch buffet at noon and ony 4 tables taken should have been a warning sign. First, the shrimp vindaloo was a total joke. Overcooked, nasty tasting bait shrimp swimming in a salt lick of a sauce. Smelling just as bad and under seasoned. Next, the chicken tika masala. Again overcooked and lacking in all respects. The aloo saag had formed some sort of brown crust on top as if it was either made previous or just sat around for awhile. Then we had the fried vegatables. They did look appealing, but upon tasting were reminicent of fried dough globules accented by saffron. The spicy onions had very little taste whatsoever. But, the biggest disappointment of all was the "fresh" naan brought to the table. It reminded me of warm slices of bunny bread. Very plain, very little brown on it at all. So, this is my last attempt to find real quality food at this place. From now on, it will be either Al Noor or Curry n Kabob on this side of town.
(1)Krystal A.
We ordered a veggie biryani and a mixed grill to go. The food was well packaged and still decently hot when we got home. The biryani is absolutely delicious and goes well with the green mint/cilantro chutney. The mixed grill was very flavorful. I loved all the lamb pieces (and I am very picky with lamb). The only thing I didn't think was that great was the salmon. Overall, I would definitely order from here to go. As a whole though, I prefer to get their buffet when I can.
(4)Michelle S.
Friday lunch buffet $11/person way less options than weekend buffet. A little overpriced for what you get! Nothing was that great but good enough to get your Indian fix. Favorite was the tomato soup & cream spinach.Most dishes are pretty spicy, there wasn't a mild option.
(2)Robert R.
Unfortunately I have to drop my review down to one star for this once-good eatery. Although it smells promising when you walk in the door, there are some tell-tale signs that you should walk right back out. The place stays nearly empty, a far cry from the hordes that once frequented the establishment. Looking over the buffet, some of the dishes have clearly been sitting around for hours, if not days - long enough to develop sickly-looking crusts on the top. While there were a couple of good items on my last and final visit - a spinach soup that was fairly tasty and some sort of little fried balls that I can only describe as an indian hush puppy - what permanently destroyed my faith in Bay Leaf was the putrid shrimp vindaloo. I mean these shrimp were straight rotten. The only thing they would've been good for was catfish bait. They attempted to cover this up by putting waaaayyyyy too much salt in the sauce but I was having none of that. Unfortunately I have to draw the line at being served rotten food and can guarantee I will never be back here. I highly suggest everyone else stay away if they value their health.
(1)Keith F.
I enjoyed the lunch buffet. It had a decent amount of spice and a wide enough range of selections to have something for everyone. I loved the cucumber salad, the gobi cauliflower, and the paneer. The green mint sauce was also delicious. I thought the naan was cooked just right. I wasn't a fan of the fried onions or the kheer. This place also has above average service and psychedelic trance Indian music playing which was another highlight for me, but may not be for everyone. When I'm craving Indian food this place will certainly work. Recommended.
(4)Cornelious A.
Decided to go here for dinner on a Wednesday night and should of came sooner. I waited a little bit for them to seat me once I arrived, but who cares their food is delicious. I mean everything was cooked to perfection and perfect temperature. I had the chicken tikka masala and hands down the best I have had in a long time. I will be back here for dinner absolutely fantastic! Great job to the owner and crew. BTW the owner walks around and greets guests and helps out on the floor. Great job Bay Leaf!!
(5)Nico F.
Outstanding food. Very refined & generous portions. I got the chicken Masala. Garlic Nan & Plain Nan along with Sag Paneer & plain rice & Saffron Rice! A delight everything was just amazing!
(5)Michele B.
The nan was too bready, and not enough oil was used to make it. The Chicken Tikka Masala wasn't that great and the Palak Paneer was missing an essential spice that would have made it awesome. I am a fan of Mumbai Style and this fell short of my expectations.
(3)Ross W.
Wish I can give it 0 stars the waiter had an attitude because I told him the mango lassi didn't taste right, and told me since I ordered it i have to pay for it. Then during the Buffett they don't keep the naans on the buffet like everyone else does so it takes like 20 mins to come. When I tell the manager why is everything is slow and bad he claims they were slow earlier in the afternoon so he sent everyone home except one cook, one chef, and him. Which is terrible for any restaurant to do especially if I made a reservation for 15 people. They might have the fancy look in the restaurant, but Al noor and India restaurant beats them in quality and service.
(1)Delisha P.
My favorite for Indian food in town! The place is beautiful and the buffet is delicious. I took a group of girl scouts here for their first experience and they truly enjoyed themselves. I fully recommend this wonderful place. The staff is very kind and the service is great!!
(5)Cristy C.
I wish there were more Indian restaurants around here in BR and New Orleans. There should be more. I am a big fan of Indian food. My travels to Asia exposed me to some real authentic Asian and Indian style foods that I fell in love with. One of my personal favorites is the Vindaloo dish with chicken. It's very spicy but well worth the sweat. For a more mild approach, the chicken tandoori is the way to go. And the "breads". Oh my. The poori is my absolute favorite. So tasty with your meal and from what I understand gluten free. That's a big plus for me. Highly recommended. This place was also fancier than expected so great place for a romantic date. Just make sure you know what you're ordering and you don't breathe fire on your date.
(4)Dr F.
Amazing and impressive restaurant. I could not think of a greater example of a unique hybrid of excellent customer service and culinary genius.
(5)William K.
This is by far the best Indian restaurant in town. The service is friendly and the food is great. The Dal Makhani is a must try!
(5)Beth H.
This is truly the best place to eat in Baton Rouge! The food is amazing, and the wait staff is speedy and helpful. And it is probably the best selection of vegetarian options in the city--the Sag Paneer and Paneer Tikka Masala were heavenly. A diamond in the rough.
(5)Cheryl R.
So glad to have friends in Baton Rouge - such a great excuse to come here!!! SUCH good Indian food - I've had the Paleek for an appetizer & the chicken masala - SO GOOD - so wonderfully spicy & just wonderful!! Dinner is a bit pricey - but you can tell they are using AMAZING rich ingredients - so worth it - next time I'd like to come for lunch buffet so I can try a variety of the food that I love SO MUCH!!
(4)Bobby B.
If this is the best Indian you can get in Southern Louisiana, then we REALLY need to get some more Indian cooks in this area. We made the trip to Red Stick to go to Trader Joe's and to eat here. At $15 bucks, the buffet would be a good value if the quality was good. It really wasn't. The best thing there was the naan and we were only given a small basket of them after I specifically asked for them (some waiters brought them immediately, while others never offered them at all). The coconut chutney was one of the most horrific things I'd ever tried (and I love coconut chutney). The MULLIGATAWNY SOUP could have been that bean water you get from canned beans. Had no flavor of chicken or anything...just bean water. The dal was more water than dal and impossible to pick up with the naan...or a fork. Nothing but a spoon would get it and once you got it, you realized it tasted bad and were mad for wasting your time. LAMB ROGANJOSH was all bone. I couldn't get any meat from that at all. SHRIMP BAGARE may or may not have tasted ok. No idea since there were NO shrimp to be found in the entire tub of liquid. You might seriously have to use a shrimp net to find even one. I could go through almost every item and point out how underwhelming it was but to be honest, the thing that sticks out the most for me is the intense gas cramps we both experienced for almost an hour after we ate. Started as we were leaving and I have NO idea what could cause that. Couldn't have been how spicy the food wasn't...I\ SO unless this was their worst day ever, then I can't recommend this place to anyone.
(2)Bob L.
Great Sunday buffet. In fact, the only times I've eaten at Bay Leaf has been at the Sunday buffet, and it's been consistently good with a variety of dishes including shrimp on Sundays. Also, a good variety of vegetarian dishes.
(4)Mels B.
Not too good. The nan was thick and not crispy. The menu was over priced. The food we ordered was just ok but not filling nor fresh. I don't recommend "Curry-N-Kabab" either, the staff are sweet but the food is not fresh like they "assure" it is.
(2)Desiree D.
I came here to write an ode to the malai kofta, but I'm not that poetic so I'll just do a normal review. But seriously it's one of the best things I've ever tasted. There have been several dishes I've had here that I feel this place does the best, namely the pakoras, tikka masala, biryani, and masala dosa. There's also a bread for every mood. I've never tried the buffet, so I'm talking strictly about the dinner dishes. I took off one star because the prices are a bit high and the service is a bit slow. The staff is really friendly though and the food is worth the wait.
(4)Cody C.
Great for workday lunch! The buffet has a pretty good variety and gets you in and out quickly. The fried veggies were a little too crispy, but everything else was good! The decor is pretty nice, although i thought the music was a little too heavy for a lunch atmosphere. But it's probably perfect for a dinner date.
(5)Michael M.
All restaurants would have you believe that they are the best at what they do. Having stated this, I am not really sure if this restaurant is providing a true representation of the best of India. I wouldn't claim to have any expertise in this, however, I have had some "Indian" food on several cruise ships where many of the staff were of Indian descent. I liked many of those dishes served on the ships. I found few similarities at the Bay Leaf where it seemed most of the food was overcooked. Shrimp were dry and crumbly. Other sparse meats such as lamb and chicken were sometimes dry and tough. We had no less than five different staff members apparently assigned to our table who repetitiously confused our orders. One would take part of our order and another would come as soon as the first left and ask the same thing. A little pricey for the kibbles you get . Rice was delicious and variety of breads was good. Only went, because of coupon,to sample 'Indian Cuisine'. Not impressed and would not want to travel to India if this is really indicative of "Indian Cuisine".
(1)Jason J.
FYI: If you're not a fan of curry or Indian/oriental spices then this is NOT the place for you. They offer a small selection from the buffet but you have the option to order off the menu. The location is good and the building is well kept with good service. Now to the rice and beans of this review, I like spices but this was a little more than I expected. The buffet cost about $15. For all meats connoisseurs don't expect a variety of meats. Most dishes are based off of sauces and seasoned rice which is more of an acquired tasted. Nevertheless, test or sample before you spend a lot of money of this. As for me, I only want this type of food on rare occasions.
(2)Siddharth B.
I liked: Place was neat and clean. Very nice open area. Properly spaced tables. Food was good. Curries were properly spiced not spicy for indian though. Pongal and aachari chicken were good. Sweets were ok. I didn't like: I went on Sunday and found that there should have been more varieties for the price I paid. Naan should have been bit more cooked and buttered. Naans went cold in no time.
(3)McRae T.
This is probably one of my favorite restaurants in Baton Rouge! Always solid... But it's a shame that most people's only exposure to this place is their lunch buffet... The menu is incredible. Lobster Masala is one of my favorite dishes in town. And the lamb chops are incredible! Also a chicken dish in a white sauce with almonds and saffron... Can't recall the name, but fantastic! This place needs to be on everyone's dinner list!
(5)Whitney J.
Solid Indian food! Recently dined here with a few friends so I had the chance to sample a few of their dishes. My only complaint was the vindaloo wasn't as spicy (oh wah, right?) as my friend and I would have hoped for but it was still an excellent dish, nonetheless. Great Saag paneer, korma and the t masala was pretty yum as well... but it isn't hard to mess that up. The service was very, very attentive and the drinks were pretty strong! I definitely hope to make it back there if not to dine in and least get take-out!
(4)Sonia S.
I guess I'm going to be the voice of dissent here- I've been to Bay Leaf three times now and I really wanted to love it, but it's just okay. Pros: Nice atmosphere Clean! Have heard that they deliver Variety of menu items Cons: Price is higher than other Indian restaurants in town and not worth it Oily and excessively creamy curries Bar staff doesn't understand drink orders Food doesn't stand out Each time I've been to Bay Leaf I've tried a new vegetarian dish-- I've had the malai kofta, navratran korma, paneer tikka, and masala dosa. Each item (including rice) is very oily and is much heavier than it should be. Dosa, when done right is light and crispy. The edges of my masala dosa were good but the rest was sodden with oil and I had to wipe my fingers after each bite. I also don't understand why the rice is oily. However, the one dish that was just right were the vegetable pakoras- those were wonderful! Actually the best pakoras I've had in a restaurant. Finally, the last time I dined at India's, my boyfriend and I had a lot of food left over. The waiter insisted that the kitchen staff pack it up for us rather than having us box it on our own. When we returned home, we found that half of the leftover naan and a majority of the rice and leftover pakoras were missing. Note: I am ethnically Indian and I understand that Indian food in restaurants is quite Americanized. I reviewed Bay Leaf with that in mind. That said, there are better places to get your Indian fix in Baton Rouge.
(2)Scott M.
Sat for 20 minutes and never got waited on. I got up and left . The hostess gave a very week I'm sorry sir. Very Sad for such a place that claims to be so good.
(1)M D.
By far the WORST Indian restaurant I have eaten at!! Don't waste your time or money eating here
(1)Steven J.
This place is amazing. From the lunch buffet to dinner entrées, I've never had a bad meal here. Great food, great service, and they run lots of groupons and living social deals. Two thumbs up!
(5)John K.
Outstanding. I just had one of the best meals that I have had in a long time. I was craving Indian, and swung in here based on word of mouth reviews. I want to get it out of the way up front that the service was just fine. My drink stayed full and the dishes were cleared and new added as necessary. Now, lets talk about the food!! They dropped off a couple chutneys and some crispy nan that tasted great. I was sitting down and planning on eating more than I should, so I started with the Chili Paneer. It was easily the best I have ever had. The cheese was hot and firm but creamy, and the veggies and sauce were sweet with just a hint of spicy. Next I ordered the Lamb Vindaloo and was warned that it was very spicy. I appreciate this as most places would let a patron have it unaware if they didn't know what they were doing. He was not wrong! It had a ton of pop, but was still plenty edible. I paired it with Jafrani Pulao that had the perfect amount of Saffron and smelled amazing. An order of garlic nan to push it around the plate with and I was wrecked. This dinner was the best decision I have made all week. I will absolutely be here again every time I pass through BR.
(5)Melissa H.
I've lived in Los Angeles, Prague, Hawaii, Albuquerque, San Diego, I have a rambling job that brings me to bizarre places. I can honestly say of all the places I've been that you may or may not want to ever go, I've sampled the local Indian food each time, and Bay Leaf is the restaurant that offers the most delicious, perfectly spiced, perfectly presented, outstanding Indian food of anyplace I've ever lived. Unexpected gem in Baton Rouge. Amazing.
(5)Pradeep V.
I am updating my review, on last visit I gave a 5 star but my second visit was disappointing. Wanted to give a 3 star but since last visit was great I'm going with 4 as an aggregate. Guess visiting for a buffet was worth the price but regular dinner was not worth.
(4)Liz M.
I used to come here for dinner at least twice a month. I still come here when I'm in the Baton Rouge area because it's absolutely the best Indian food I've had anywhere. Service is outstanding and very respectful and the atmosphere is classy but relaxed. Everything I've had here tasted great. I absolutely recommend this restaurant to anyone who likes or wants to try Indian food.
(5)Saggie S.
Food is really good and tasty. I tried saturday lunch buffet. Mutton curry was best. Chicken and veg munchurian were kinda soggy. Also mutton biryani had no meat left in it. Daal was also dry. We were there at around 2.30 pm for lunch. I beleive they need to keep close eye on the buffet and replenish items as and when needed. Food quality and taste is great....
(4)Jon A.
Bay Leaf is a lot of fun. My family has enjoyed coming over the past year - trying something new each time. The staff is friendly. The food is great (we always get the buffet). All of the "bread" offerings are superb. We are Indian cuisine experts, but have enjoyed their food.
(5)TJ W.
SERVICE SUCKS, FOOD WAS GOOD Went for lunch buffet. First time there so went solely on reviews. The food was good when it was available. They took sooo long to bring out fresh food and refill the buffet dishes. Some of which I never got a chance to try because they never refilled them and I was there almost 2 hours. Even the table service was slow. We asked for more Naan and more water and it took at least 15 minutes for the naan and 5-10 minutes for water. This was the Sunday before Christmas and there wasn't hardly anyone in there. The Host (probably the owner/manager) did check on us regularly but only to keep assuring us that whatever we were waiting on at the time was 'Coming'.
(3)Mandy V.
Chicken Tikka Masala is off the chain and comes with rice. Chili paneer is good as well and very spicy. It doesn't come with rice but I don't think you need it with this dish because it is an appetizer. Haven't been inside. Ordered take-out. Can't wait to get in this place!!!!
(4)Pragathi R.
Just passing by thru Baton Rouge and found this place. Awesome food. Many varieties in lunch buffet. Very yummy desserts. All in all very good.
(4)Jackie D.
Delicious! I've been here twice now, once for lunch and once for dinner so I think it's about time for a review. The lunch buffet was good, but I find the food wasn't nearly as fresh because obviously, it had been on a line for 3 hours. Dinner was WORLD'S better. A little on the pricey side, but the waiters are very knowledgable and led our whole party in the right direction. We started with the veggie samosas, the Masala Dosa (crepe stuffed with potatoes), and the Paneer Tikka and veggies. All were good, but my favorite was the Paneer Tikka, or homemade skillet fried cheese. It comes out piping hot, sautéing with fresh veggies. Very reminiscent to fried haloomi at Greek restaurants with a slightly softer texture. For the entree, I went with the Chicken Andrha Curry. It was super spicy, but incredibly flavorful due to the curry and various Indian spices. I ordered the Paneer Kulcha to go with it, but I strongly suggest the rosemary naan instead. The Kulcha did not have the defined goat cheese and raisin taste that I was hoping for, and the rosemary naan was much more complementary to my entree. If you want Indian in BR, this place is definitely worth shelling out a few extra bucks.
(4)Travis T.
Best that they have to offer in Baton Rouge which isn't saying much because of limitations of restaurants. They have the best Buffett and seasoning in town. Never a big crowd which is good for me very authentic taste as far as I can tell. Glad to have found this jewel ducked off in the heart of Sherwood Forest business section
(4)Jill Y.
Probably the best Indian Lunch Buffet so far in Louisiana (but still, not comparable to Annapoorna in Irvine, CA). Dishes on the lunch buffet included: Butter chicken (like tikka masala), lamb curry, samosas, green beans (Indian style), Tandoori Chicken, Saag with potatoes, a soup, rice, and a few other different items. The naan was plain naan, but it was still good. Overall a slightly above average Indian Lunch buffet - would like to come again.
(3)Harlan P.
Best Indian I have had in the South. Good atmosphere. The service is peculiar though. Each time I have been to Bay Leaf it seems that the servers are partially asleep.
(4)Elaine M.
This was not just "going out for dinner," it was truly a religious food type experience. I heard about this place from an Indian family I worked for in Baton Rouge. They said it was the way Indian SHOULD be cooked and it made all the other Indian restaurants taste like Shoney's. They were right. At my first bite of the Chicken Tikka I hadn't even realized my eyes were closed, I was savoring the depth of every level of flavor and spice, then the fresh, tenderness of the chicken. When I opened my eyes I realized my friends were all had their eyes closed too! Just thinking about this place I almost drool onto my keyboard. The atmosphere is so lovely, dark, dim, and clean, with shiny exotic decorations and fancy lanterns. I always get worried that they won't stay open because when I go in it's almost always empty. So it's a bittersweet feeling. I love that we get all the wonderful attention from both server and kitchen staff but I have a fear in the back of my mind that this might be my last meal there! It is a bit pricey but it's what you would imagine as "fine dining" Indian food, so well worth it. I have not tried the buffet, albeit cheaper, I cannot imagine that it tastes anything less than amazing. So please go here and really savor every morsel. If you love Indian food and live in Louisiana, this place is hands down incredible.
(5)Lauren K.
This place is outstanding. I have never had Indian food as great as this!
(5)Brookes G.
I have been a huge fan of Indian Cuisine my entire life, and have moved around the country a bit. I've eaten at the other Indian restaurants in town and must say that this place is hands down, by far, the BEST Indian restaurant in BR. I usually choose to consume my Indian food in the lunch buffet format, as I have a hard time ordering just one thing off the menu. Luckily for me, most Indian restaurants choose to have lunch buffets, and Bay Leaf's does not disappoint. You always get fresh, warm, soft naan brought to your table, unlike other buffets that have cold hard naan on the buffet line. On the weekends, they will also bring dosa to your table. They don't do that at other buffets. The selection is also more extensive than the other buffets in town, and always a lamb dish on the line as well as an authentic Indian dessert (not soft-serve, like the competition). And they're not afraid to bring the heat....they serve a good amont of spicy South Indian dishes in addition to the expected Indian staples. The other restaurants serve very inoffensive North Indian and Nepalese cuisine. As mentioned in other reviews, the only drawback here is the price. The buffet is $11 weekdays, $15 weekends, as compared to $7-$12 at the competition. I, however, pay the extra few dollars to eat here. The food is that much better. I've only eaten at Bay Leaf once outside of buffet hours, so I can't speak much for the dinner experience. The dim-lit fine dining atmosphere doesn't work for me right now, as I always have two small children in tow. It is also important to mention that when my wife and I first started dating, she could not stand Indian food. I was forced to eat alone at Indian establishments. We traveled a lot back then and here and there, I would convince her to try Indian in different cities....she would always hate it. This place, however, changed her opinion. She wants to eat at Bay Leaf almost every time we decide to go out to lunch. So anyway, if you have a good taste for Indian and don't mind spending an extra four bucks, go to Bay Leaf. It is well worth it.
(5)Johnny P.
Really amazing food. Nice place (cloth napkins = fancy!) Attentive and snazzily-dressed wait staff, although try not to throw them any curveballs. Dinner can get a bit pricey, but they definitely put forth an upscale feel to accompany it. Lunch buffet is killer! There are always a lot of ethnic Indians eating there, so you know it's good.
(5)C K.
If you're going to dine here, come for the South Indian food. The owner is South Indian and they definitely excel in this area. The dosas are sooo yummy!.. but the North Indian food is pretty rich and gave us heartburn.. It's also quite pricey for what it is. Back in California you can get a dosa for $4.50 and it's like $11.00 here, so that hurts my heart a little bit.. but if you need your Indian fix, it's probably the best place to go in the Baton Rouge/New Orleans area. It beats out Nirvana in New Orleans by a landslide.
(3)R T.
Food is pretty good although pretty oily/creamy. The manager is really nice. Lunch buffet is good on weekends but a little lacking on weekdays. Some of the waiters give zero fucks though. When I go eat there I usually have to stare down the chubby guy before he'll come take my order. All in all as far as Indian food in Baton Rouge goes Bay Leaf isn't bad. But don't expect great service.
(3)Vishwanath R.
I like the restaurant for its amazing Indian food but I was disappointed today. The waiter came in and placed the customary starters, the papad with chutneys. Subsequently the manager came to take order and accidentally dropped the menu on the starter and displaced it. He kept it back up took the menu and left. Ideally he should have replaced it and his mild apology was not helpful. I think being the only person at the table made him think it was okay. Well every customer is statistically significant!
(2)Gabi V.
Super delicious Indian food. I was there for dinner and I'll definitely be going back to try the lunch buffet. I got the Chicken Tikka Masala figuring that no one can mess it up and it completely blew my mind with how great it was. Creamy, spicy, full bodied, and just all around amazing. The mango lassi I ordered was refreshing and flavorful, and the garlic naan was baller. It was as expensive as Indian food tends to be but I had enough to take with me and enjoy later. The servers were super attentive and made sure we enjoyed our meal and everything turned out really well. I would recommend this place to anyone who is a fan of Indian.
(4)Lisa J.
Oh my goodness, I can't even begin to express how fantastic this place is. Even the food I had while in India didn't compare to Bay Leaf. I went for the lunch buffet and tried a small portion of every dish on the buffet, both veg and non-veg. Every single dish was mind blowingly good: perfectly seasoned with nuanced flavors and aromas, a wide variety of spiciness levels, different textures - it was a Food Experience. I would say that $12 is a bit pricey for a lunch buffet, but every bite was worth it. I can't wait to come back here again for lunch, and I'm excited to try it out at dinner time when I can take full advantage of the drink selection.
(5)Brian G.
I've had my fare share of Indian food all over the US during my travels over the last few years and Bay Leaf is a standout, not just in food, but in dining experience. My water glass was always full, and my tablecloth and napkin were actual cloth! Classy! I don't know what people are complaining about when it comes to the prices. The prices are low considering the quality of food, the amount of staff, and the ambiance. My Aloo Gobi entree was like 10 bucks and was plenty big. My dining companion stated this place had the best naan he's ever had. The coconut chutney was the best I've ever had. Perfectly cooked rice too. Only wish I could come back to try other dishes! Next year! Support this local business, they know what they're doing.
(5)Neil P.
Why is the food so expensive compared to curry and kebab? charging for naan here while curry and kebab, right down the street gives it to you as part of the meal! The customer service is not very good but the food is. I'll have to say that the decor of the building and the food is top quality but for the price, I'd rather go elsewhere.
(2)Keke K.
my malai kofta was pretty basic. I was glad the seasonings were spicy but I was not that impressed or disappointed, just kind of "meh". I ordered a side of garlic naan and only got one piece, which seemed odd for the price.
(3)Elizabeth Q.
Taste Bud Nirvana! Over the top, delicious cuisine. I am no connoisseur of Indian food, but I am now hooked! Bay Leaf has wonderful service, a soothing, authentic atmosphere and food too good to miss! Our favorites are the tender and perfectly spiced, Chicken Tikka Marsala and the "somewhat hot" Fish Malabar Curry. But don't go with my suggestions, as your waiter to surprise you, and you are in for a real treat! When all the chains in Baton Rouge with mediocre food have long waits, you will be welcomed to a comfy booth at Bay Leaf and be surprised that there is no line out the door.
(5)Elkay D.
Bast Indian in baton rouge. Very good food. I go for the lunch buffet but have been for dinner as well. My one complaint is that if you go for dinner they charge you for rice- unheard of for an Indian restaurant. Grateful to have found such a good Indian restaurant in baton rouge. That india's place is disgusting. And while I do like himalaya's, my husband does not. We both love bay leaf. I like the manager too- nice friendly guy and always remembers us. This is the same quality Indian food as a good place in new York or new jersey- very lucky to have this here in baton rouge.
(5)Newly P.
Bottomline: A totally average experience. Food was too salty. I thought the buffet was overpriced. We went there on a Saturday, about noon, and the restaurant was largely empty, though people did start coming in while we were eating. We were really hungry, so we wanted the buffet. The hostess greeted us, really coldly, I thought, and directed us to our seats. The buffet had several choices, both non-vegetarian and vegetarian. I liked the prawn curry, though it was terribly salty, and the chicken dopyaza. Other dishes included: chicken 65 (not authentic), tandoori chicken (average), mutton curry, a spicy mushroom preparation (was good), a spinach daal (lentils), paneer, chhole puri, vada, and a delicious coconut pulav (highly recommended). For dessert there was rasmalai, which tasted like it was from a can. The weirdest part of the experience was the behavior of the waiters. They seemed too much in a hurry to remove the dishes. Even when I was eating my dessert, they came at the table to carry away my plate! And I don't know what it was with all the staring. Also, they bought naan and plain dosas to our table so we could mop up the curry dishes with those. I get the naan, but using the dosa to mop up chicken curry was definitely a new experience! The owner or manager came up to our table to ask how everything was, but his manner was extremely awkward and not at all something you would expect from a person in the hospitality business. I guess you could go there if you're really craving Indian food. And maybe if they see you often, they will actually smile when they welcome you!
(3)Naveed B.
If you are in Baton Rouge and craving some Indian cuisine, Bay Leaf is your best choice. The only thing keeping me from giving Bay Leaf four stars is the fact that it is way too expensive. They do have excellent food though. Their chicken tandoori, lamb burra kabob, and chicken tikka are all excellent. Their curries are also excellent. If you would like to try Bay Leaf out and leave your wallet intact I highly suggest the lunch buffet, as it is reasonably priced and has quite a good selection of food.
(3)Chris V.
What a fine establishment Bay Leaf is! I myself was not a fan of Indian cuisine until a few friends of mine brought me here; now I love it! The restaurant itself is very organized, clean, and upscale. The waitstaff is very attentive and pleasant. The buffet is very orderly, clean, and high-quality. The food is just delicious! I really could keep going on and on about how great this place is. Thanks, Bay Leaf, for making me enjoy Indian cuisine.
(5)Cody S.
I've now eaten at Bay Leaf four times in the last six weeks or so, and I will continue to eat here as much as possible until my time in Baton Rouge ends. Although I have not been to India, this is the best Indian food I have ever had, by far. Every dish is amazing, there's nothing that is "eh". I know, why would great Indian food be in Louisiana? Ya, definitely makes no sense, but who cares. The highlight has to be their variations of naan bread; not just plain or garlic, but we're talking dried cherry & nut, rosemary, etc. The Chili Paneer appetizer was spectacular. Other items worth trying: Chicken Chettinad, Chicken Andhra Curry, and Beans Poriyal.
(5)Daniel W.
This place has an incredible variety of authentic Indian cuisines. At first, the menu put me off because it was JUST SO BIG. (I prefer a small menu, knowing the chefs are focusing on quality, not quantity.) I ordered a bunch of items and then sat back and waited for them to come. AMAZING!! The highlight of the night was the indian pancake! Its a Southern Indian dish and it will just blow you away. Ordered about 5 or 6 more things -- fried cheese and nan -- and everything was packed with flavor. Some was spicy, some was sweet, but nothing was bland and there was more than enough food for everyone. Also, one caveat with the comments below-- the prices at this place are very reasonable!!! This is authentic Indian cuisine, cooked at a top-notch quality, and the food products are excellently sourced. $15-20 for an entree is very very acceptable. If you want to eat for $7 then go to Chimes--they let anybody cook in that kitchen. If you like Bay Leaf, be thankful for the real TALENT in the back of the house cooking and sourcing. Its not that easy to recruit high-quality Indian chefs to Baton Rouge-- think about it! Also, this place is much fancier on the inside than you might think. It has white linens, wine glasses, and a nice bar. Such ambiance warrants the prices. One knock on this place is the weirdness of the staff. Man, these guys are just awkward. Wayyyy over-attentive-- to the point of being annoying. I understand they want me to come back (which I will), but just let the food do the talking dudes. Chill out.
(5)Stegasorous M.
Food is excellent. Expensive though, but dang it is goooood.
(5)Matt A.
2 vegan items on the lunch buffet. Did not even bother to stay and eat. They get one extra star for nice decor.
(2)Teresa B.
The lunch buffet isn't compromised with warm traditional entrees: chicken vindaloo, marsala, Naan is a true touch of India!
(5)Sean W.
If you're overly conscious about how much you spend on a single meal, this place may not be for you. However if you are looking for a great Indian cuisine experience in Baton Rouge, then this is your best shot, down to the candied beetle nuts in the dish at the host stand. For those who have experienced Indian food in major metros, you will need to take care at ordering here to make sure you get exactly what you want, but they do have it all. For instance, they looked at me sideways when I ordered some Masala sauce for dipping the Nan, and you have to order white rice separate, but both are awesome when they come from the kitchen. Enjoy.
(5)Aimee A.
I adore this place! Super clean, very great service, and an outstanding lunch buffet with plenty for vegetarians and meat-eaters to enjoy! This is my favorite Indian in Baton Rouge. The quality is top notch and the flavors are very well defined. The naan comes out hot, fresh, and tasty. Waiters are standing by to refill your water. What can I say? Great service, great food, great experiences all around each time I come. Prices are very reasonable too.
(5)Kristen R.
I was NOT impressed by this place. I love Indian cuisine, and have had it in Boston, New York, Atlanta, etc... My first problem was the menu set up... I ordered a curry and it didn't come with rice. I have never had to order my rice separate from my curry. So they hit you twice on one meal!!!! Second problem, someone ordered a grilled plate of sorts and it came out smoking SO BAD, that it set off the fire alarm. When talking to the waitress afterwards, she said that wasn't the first time it had happened. I had breathing problems for two days after that... But most importantly, the food wasn't all that great. I have seen hole-in-the wall Indian restaurants that were WAY better than this place. Don't waste your money here!!!
(1)Stephen H.
Good buffet. I think I sill like India's better, but this is good stuff
(4)Amicable B.
The food is good, price is really my biggest issue at this place. As mentioned in the other reviews, rice and naan must be ordered separately. And at $2.50 a pop for the cheapest serving of each, that's an extra $5 tacked on to the already somewhat-pricey entrees. If I was paying $12-$15 and getting a full meal, I'd be fine with it...but when that same meal becomes $17-$20, I expect it to be huge portions and phenomenal---which it's not. (I spend $13 at India's for an order of chicken badami and eat off of it 2 or 3 times). Lunch buffet is probably the way to go. I haven't been yet, but I imagine at a buffet the rice and naan HAVE to come with it. Although maybe the buffet is overpriced as well. Other than all that, the food itself WAS good, and there are people who don't mind spending the money so whatever. It's an Indian option on the Sherwood side of town. But it's also right down the street from Himalayas so I guess it just depends what you're craving.
(3)You K.
Some staff are a little scary. Several dishes just don't taste as good as competitors I'm afraid. I did like the spinach with cream sauce quite a bit though.
(2)Jak K.
The service is attentive. It is beautifully appointed and spotlessly clean. The food is excellent. The management is cordial and interested. An overall excellent experience. Except for one waiter I think it would be scored a five. Perhaps next time.
(4)Tim S.
Amazing food. The lunch buffet is awesome but dinner from the menu is even better. I've had several things and they were all amazing!
(5)Rachel H.
OMG! It's sooooo good! I love everything as spice!! Drinks, Foods and Dessert (Mango Ice Cream) is die for!!! Woo!!
(5)Denise B.
This new Indian restaurant has a great atmosphere and a huge menu with lots of choices. The Garlic nan is delicious and served with a great sauce-yogurt I think. The Baghara Baigan, a spicy eggplant dish with a garlic and tomato base is very tasty. The Lamb burra kabab is spicy and served sizzling with lime and fresh grilled vegetables on the side. Because the food was very good, I would have rated this restaurant higher, except I find it to be overpriced. The entrees are in the $15-$20 range, and you have to order your rice or bread separate. I think the restaurant would be more successful if they included this with the entrees. If price isn't a problem, I would definitely try it out!
(3)