There are many days, afternoons, and evenings that I love restaurant discovery in Los Angeles.

I can’t help but appreciate the moments where I’m sitting with a friend, forks in hand, grabbing bite after bite of food from each plate covering the table. What once were clean napkins quickly become covered with traces of initially beautiful ingredients. That’s a scenario you hope for when dining out. In visiting a restaurant there’s always the hope that you’ll fall in love with the location the moment you walk in, that the food will dance along your taste buds so delicately to the point that you plan your next visit. It’s a moment of pure optimism and lucky for me, that was the case with Spice Affair in Beverly Hills.

• [Want more posts like this? Subscribe to get on the list!]

The restaurant that considers itself, “Indian indulgence” is beautiful. There’s very little within Spice Affair that doesn’t capture your attention to the point that you whisper a gentle, “Wow”. From the entryway to your seat, Spice Affair feels good; the restaurant makes you want to stay a while with as many plates that can keep you company. And drinks too.

At least that’s how Alexis and I began the evening, with a Lavender Basil Gimlet ($16) and the Mumbai Mule ($16). In the gimlet was Spring 44 gin martini shaken with fresh basil, lavender, and strawberries while the mule took premium California Hangar 1 Vodka blended with Domain de Canton, lime, Bunderberg Ginger Beer and infused cardamom bitters. Since I didn’t order the mule for myself and am not the biggest fan of anything with ginger beer, I didn’t dive into it. Instead, I probed Alexis for her thoughts. “How does it taste?”, “What do you think?”,  “ Do you want another?”  Seeing her sip it continuously and smile at the end of each was a clear response. But seeing her ask for a second was the best indicator of its taste. In regards to the gimlet, I can tell you it’s delicious. It had a crisp taste with a such a sweet and memorable flavor that is perfectly heightened by the lavender.

As the cocktails continued, the starters were placed before us. The first were the Potato and Pea Samosas ($9.95). The moment I ate these, they were perfect. Three spiced potato turnovers were stuffed with peas, but it was the warm dough that encapsulated them which was what kept me coming back for more. How I managed to eat the majority of them wasn’t the best way to position myself as a good friend, but I think Alexis understood. At least I hope she did. Thankfully, the Avocado Bhel (12.95) she ordered was enough of a distraction she didn’t notice the magically vanishing samosas.  The bhel was towering and beautiful with each layer more eye-catching than the next. Creating it were spiced potatoes, avocados, puffed rice, all with assorted chutneys. I would suggest trying it layer by layer first, but the true taste of it comes as you slice into it and collect it as a whole. It was a multitude of flavors that created a dish that was unlike many others. Beautiful, delicious, and not a cut of meat in sight: it’s a must have.

Knowing the starters were only an introduction to the restaurant, we next jumped into the entrees. Considering Alexis is an avid vegetarian, we didn’t focus heavily on meat items and to be honest, I was surprisingly ok with that. Grabbing handfuls of the Garlic Naan ($5.95) it was almost natural to wrap the bread around the food sitting at the table. The first was the Angel Paneer ($23.95). Paneer, a popular Indian fresh cheese that’s a bit harder to melt than other cheeses was cooked and served in a rich tomato and nut sauce. I didn’t give this dish as much credit as I should have when I first read the description, but the moment I inhaled the scent I realized I was wrong. It was so fragrant that I couldn’t help, but take the naan and swim it in the tomato sauce. The sauce was such a delightful texture and weight that it covered the bread and clung to it so well. Taking in the cheese with it only brought forward an ordinary seeming bowl and offering something that would be unforgettable.

The meat plate between the entrees was the Delhi’s Dhaba Chicken ($28.95). Somewhat unimpressive in its appearance the bowl didn’t look like much. But the moment, I dove into it the way it looked became an afterthought. The boneless chicken came with a yogurt and black pepper sauce and I ordered a Wild Mushroom Biryani (price unavailable) to follow along with it. The chicken was spiced so nicely with a slight kick towards the end. What I enjoyed most was that although it came across as small in size, each bite was hearty and completely filling. To pair it with the rice that pulled in mushrooms that were cooked just right was the best way to accompany the chicken. I loved it from start to finish.

The last item for the entire evening was the Chef Special ($10). The dessert was an orange rind panna cotta with berries on the side. The dessert was light, sweet, and just the silkiest texture to enjoy across the spoon to my lips. I loved it and couldn’t stop devouring it, until it was finished. I thought it was such a lovely and rich dessert and I appreciate the way the restaurant took what could be such a casual item and make it incredible.

Putting down my knife and fork and seeing the final dishes depart from the table I can honestly say that Spice Affair was such a beautiful dining opportunity. I loved the way the restaurant designed a traditional yet unique menu offering plates that excite as many senses as possible. I’m thankful for restaurants like Spice Affair that place such significance on the taste of their menu because it makes restaurant discovery incredible and easy.

Follow Them.
Address: 50 N La Cienega Blvd #120, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone: (310) 400-6800
Hours: Sunday through Thursday – 11:30am to 2:30pm, 5:00pm to 10:00pm and Friday & Saturday -11:30am to 2:30pm, 5:00pm to 11:00pm.
Social: Website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.