There are restaurants that serve Indian food, and then there are restaurants that honor it. LuFu Nola is firmly in the latter category. As someone of Indian heritage who has eaten at Indian restaurants across the country and abroad, I do not offer five stars lightly. The Tandoori Chicken Tikka is the best I have ever had -- anywhere, full stop. The char is perfect, the marinade deeply fragrant, and the chicken impossibly tender. This dish alone is worth crossing the city for. The Chicken Biryani was layered and fragrant, with each component perfectly spiced yet cohesive. The Malai Gosht was rich and silky -- a quietly elegant dish that lingers on the palate. The Palak Paneer was vibrant and fresh, nothing like the heavy renditions found elsewhere. The Bullet Naan -- marketed as "eat at your own risk" -- delivered on its promise. Bold, building heat that commanded attention, but never reckless. Paired with a curry, it was outstanding. The Falooda dessert was a perfect finish: cooling, fragrant, and beautifully presented. The wine list was surprisingly decent for an Indian Restaurant. We enjoyed the Brunello! And the service -- led by Manager Aman -- was over the top in the best possible way. Warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in every guest's experience. The hospitality matched the kitchen's excellence at every turn. LuFu Nola is a must-visit. Easily the best Indian food in New Orleans. read more

Lufu Nola - Aman and his staff in front of the bar. - Indian Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

This place came recommended after its great eats at the French Quarter Festival. I've been on the hunt for good Indian cuisine. The restaurant was beautifully decorated. We started with the peri peri crispy gobi and the chicken pakoda. Gobi - 10/10, perfectly crisp and the cauliflower was moist and flavorful Pakoda - 7/10, great flavor but the chicken was tough and overcooked. Next, we ordered daal tadka, angara chicken, malai gosht, and garlic naan Daal - 9/10, lentils were full of flavor Chicken - 12/10, this was divine! Chicken cooked perfectly, sauce was outstanding Gosht - 7/10, great flavor but the lamb was extremely overcooked. It was tough to chew. Garlic naan - 13/10, no notes. Excellent. We also ordered drinks: all of them were amazing, 10/10 - curry colada, mango magic, and the chai For dessert, the mango kulfi was a 7/10. Flavor was ok. I would like to try a few more items but how things ended altered that. Our experience started off well but ended with being rushed out for other reservations. To be a party of 4 and seated for a total of 1 hour, asked for two to go drinks that were horribly made because they were rushing, it left a bad taste in my mouth. The waiter who made our initial drinks made some well crafted drinks, the waitress who was rushing us out did not and it looked and tasted as such. Overall, the food was good and I guess takeout is an option. read more

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If you are looking for a meal that truly warms the soul, look no further. We arrived in New Orleans today after a long day of travel and work, and this was exactly the grounding, delicious experience we needed. I can't believe we have passed this restaurant throughout the years and haven't stopped in. The food is nothing short of masterclass. We ordered the Chicken Saag and the Angara Chicken, and both were spectacular. You can taste the depth of the fresh garlic and ginger. The spices are incredibly layered, so the flavor profile actually seems to evolve as you eat. The naan was pillowy and fresh. It was the perfect vessel for the rich sauces and their selection of wines and beers is beautifully curated to complement the meal. The atmosphere is just as impressive as the menu. The decor is gorgeous and sets a great vibe, but what really seals the deal is the service. Our waiter, Josiah, was phenomenal! He was highly professional, exceptionally welcoming, and his recommendations were spot-on. Whether you're a meat-lover or looking for their extensive vegetarian, shrimp, and fish options, there is something here for everyone. We've already committed to making this a mandatory stop every single time we visit the city. We are so happy we ordered the chicken saag and the Angara Chicken. They went together beautifully. We decided to order the two spaced apart and this was a great way to enjoy each flavor. We went at the last seating and didn't have dessert but would absolutely love to return to try some of the appetizers they offer, tandoori dishes and sweet treats. Thank you so much to the entire team at Lufu for your hospitality and I'm looking forward to trying some more dishes. read more

Stopped in here a while back on a whim and the food was amazing! Might be the best Indian food I've ever had. Service was also great and the place is beautiful. If you're in New Orleans definitely stop in and give it a try. read more

Okay WOW!!!!!!! This may now be the best Indian food I've found in Nola???!!!! All of the food was absolutely incredible and some of the best things I've ever tasted. I probably looked like a crazy person with how I was going to town on the food, but I couldn't help myself! I was in heaven and never wanted to stop eating it. We ordered the Garlic Naan, Goan Shrimp Curry, and the Saoji Goat. It's hard to even pick a favorite because everything was equally delicious. I highly recommend getting a few different things and sharing so you can taste a bunch of their options. This Downtown location also has a nice vibe and could be great for a casual night or date night or special occasion. read more

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I always say I don't like Indian food when people suggest Indian cuisine however turns out I'm a liar because everything I had at Lufu was delicious! The wall murals are all very intricate and beautiful. I like that you can see into the kitchen from the dining room. I had the jackfruit biryani, shrimp curry, bhindi masala and garlic naan. EVERYTHING was great! We went for lunch and there was only one server but he managed to attend to every one's needs! The lunch menu is limited so I would like to go back for dinner and try other dishes only available at dinner. read more

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Honestly I can't even begin to tell y'all how much I love LUFU (both the CBD and French Quarter locations). The owners are fantastic, the food is incredible, and the servers are incredibly pleasant. They are now Michelin Bib Gourmand and SO so deserving. The flavors are bold and the execution is wonderful. The last time I went (to the FQ location, which doesn't have a Yelp page), I got the following: Puchka (semolina water bombs) Daal Wada (lentil fritters with tomato chutney) Tandoori Chicken Wings and Tandoori Salmon Chettinad Chicken (chicken, coconut, curry) Saag Paneer (paneer cheese, spinach) Navaratan Korma (mixed veggies) Gulab Jamun Cheesecake Everything was a 10/10. Lufu FQ is yet another location hidden by the construction happening on Decatur Street. Don't let the construction fool you - they are very much open and ready to feed you! read more

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We wanted to try some Indian food while we visited New Orleans and saw many good things about Lufu Nola so had to try it! We came on Christmas Day and the place was packed! The dishes were all very tasty and they had a good variety of food. Glad we got to support an Indian business during our travel! read more

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First time here! We were craving Indian food and this place came highly recommended. Food was excellent. Ordered the chicken biryani and angara chicken as well as sabudana vada. The biryani was such a treat-- beautiful presentation, perfectly seasoned dish! Love the variety of options on the menu. Quality food and excellent flavor all around! Also got a couple cocktails--mango mojito was a standout. Service was great for a busy weekend evening. Staff attentive and courteous. Beautiful interior, bright & spacious. Can't wait for our next meal here! read more

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While visiting NOLA, my partner and I came to Lufu and really enjoyed our time there! We made a reservation and were seated right away. It was quite busy but service was still on point. Staff was kind and attentive. We wanted to start with a mango lassi but unfortunately they were out. Started with a fried cauliflower that was delicious and fresh. Very good portion. For entree went with a tandoori paneer with extra rice and garlic naan. The paneer was so fresh and delicious, as was the naan. To end we went with a mango kulfi, which was like a mango popsicle. So good! The decor is fun and it's a nice vibe inside Lufu. Fresh food, good portion, and great prices. Would definitely return! read more

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Came here for lunch and while it was late lunch, it was AMAZING. We met the chef as well. The drinks were outstanding, both the cocktails and the mocktails. - I tried the Desi girl spritz, so amazing.. its a must try. The food was outstanding for NoLA indian food scenes. The peri peri wings are definetly outstanding, amongst the other dishes. The ambience is Perfect!! Its a def place to vist with family and friends. read more

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Nice change up from Southern fare. Space was fun and lovely, but a bit cramped. Service was efficient but a bit rushed, and they were out of several of the beers on the menu. Re food, the starters we ordered (chicken pagoda, peri-peri gobi) were quite good, but some of the main dishes (goan shrimp curry and palak paneer) were just boring--lacking flavor. The standout was angara chicken, which was tangy and delicious. Rice good and fluffy, naans fine but nothing special. All in all, I was a bit underwhelmed by the experience. read more

Lufu Nola - Tandoori lamb - Indian Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Incredible meal here! Got the chicken curry and goan shrimp curry. The garlic naan was perfect. Service was excellent and plenty of seating. Also had a fire Punjabi playlist on while we were there! read more

First of all LUFU is absolutely outstanding! Truly. Each time I've been there we have started with cocktails, which they have very cunningly named. AND they're so tasty. Each time I have been it has been quite amazing. The art and vibe are noice and v v cute. I wouldn't say you have to "dress up" but def a classier casual wear at least. They have a beautiful mural on the wall too. Bathrooms: spot on. No complaints. read more

Lufu Nola - Desi girl cocktail - Indian Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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This place hit the spot! My partner and I were out all day in the coldest day on our visit in NOLA. This place had the best comfort food and the staff were very informative and attentive. The place had plenty of seating and clean. Would recommend the paneer here it was fire! We were so famished we didn't get to take a single picture read more

Absolutely amazing Indian food!! Everything was so good and service was amazing. Our server was Atharva; he was great and made amazing recommendations! I highly recommend the Dahi kebab; super unique and delicious! Also loved the paneer tikka and crispy noodles! Highly recommend stopping by! read more

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What a pleasant experience! We arrived to Lufu as soon as they opened for dinner service and we were seated as soon as we went inside. The decor is gorgeous, the lighting is moody, the artwork and murals were eye catching for sure. We ordered the pani poori to start and then I ordered the shrimp curry with a side of the pickled mango and garlic naan. It was absolutely delicious! Very robust and flavorful. Our server was so attentive and pleasant. She checked in on us frequently and made sure our food was delivered promptly. read more

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Really nice ambiance soon as you walk in. The staff was very nice and helpful. Our waitress was very thorough with the menu and assisted with any question we had. The Pani Poori was a unique experience and i recommend everyone trying it at least once. The garlic naan was fresh and good by itself or with your meal. Perfect date night vibes. I would love to go back and try the lunch menu next! read more

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For a change of pace I wanted to try some Indian Food and I'd heard great things about this place. The restaurant's interior was gorgeous, all of the colors and textures were well thought out. I really appreciate that there is a window to the kitchen. The staff were also very welcoming. I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala and the Garlic Naan. It was served in the clay pot piping hot and delicious. That Naan was so good that I could eat it everyday. I wanted to go back later for a cocktail but didn't make it back. The next time I'm in New Orleans I'll stop in again. read more

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The cocktails were amazing...especially the one with Tamarind! This place is a heaven for vegetarians who don't really have many options in Nola unfortunately! Highly recommend if you are a vegetarian and love Indian food read more

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Oh this place had been a savior ! I went and had some nice Indian food, dishes from appetizers to desserts. Staff was very friendly , no needed to reseve a spot. Quite a nice ambience. I really liked their curries and naan were also very fresh. Right in heart of NOLA bourbon street. read more

The food and drinks here are amazing! We had a great night and had one of the best cocktails of my life. Pooja's Behavior is actually one of the best cocktails I've had hands down!! The service was spectacular and we were able to get some desi spice level food (which is always such a plus). And the environment inside is really cool and modern! read more

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Yummy yummy . If you like spicy food and delicacies with flavor Yes. Lufu Nola is your jam. read more

After a few days of straight creole food, we started craving indian food while we were in NOLA. Lufu Nola seemed the most interesting so we decided to give it a try. They had a lot of unique dishes and seemed to refrain from some of the basic Indian dishes like "butter chicken" and "samosas" which simply are not on the menu. I went with the Malai Gosht which had a very delicious gravy that i loved! I just wish the meat inside was a bit more seasoned, but still pretty good nonetheless. My friends all seemed to like their dishes, especially the manso kosha. They also had some fun indian inspired cocktails which I always love to see. I tried the curry colada which was delicious. The service was also pretty good although there was a bit of misunderstanding on the rice (they served rice to two people without mentioning it was to be shared with all four of us) but it was resolved at the end. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking to have some good indian food in NOLA! read more

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This place is amazing! This was my first time trying Indian and I loved it. The food was so flavorful and everything was made to perfection. The staff were kind and very knowledgeable. Our dishes were served quickly. Pricing was very reasonable so we tried a little bit of everything and we were not disappointed. Very good vibes inside! Will absolutely recommend. SN:Parking was tough but that's to be expected for the area! read more

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The Perfect Finale to Our NOLA Trip. Incredible Food, Drinks & Service! Our last night out in NOLA ended on the most delicious note at LUFU NOLA! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere had that perfect mix of chic and cozy, stylish décor, warm lighting, and a great vibe all around. We started with the Koli Wada shrimp, Pani Poori, and garlic naan, and everything was bursting with flavor, crisp, spiced just right, and full of authenticity. For dinner, I had the Goan shrimp curry (creamy, rich, and packed with depth) and Marcus went with the Kolhapuri chicken, bold, spicy, and incredibly satisfying. The drinks were just as impressive, Marcus had the Darjeeling Old-Fashioned, a clever twist on a classic, and I had a house margarita that paired beautifully with the heat and spices of our meal. We finished the night with the Royal Falooda, super sweet, warm, and pure delicious deliciousness! It was the perfect finale to an already spectacular meal. A huge shoutout to Arhaan (aka "Sam"), our server, who truly made the night unforgettable. He patiently walked us through the menu, described dishes from his culture with such pride, and gave Marcus a perfect recommendation. His kindness and knowledge elevated the entire experience. If you're in New Orleans and looking for something unique, flavorful, and full of heart , LUFU NOLA is a must. Exceptional service, incredible food, and a vibe that makes you want to linger. We'll absolutely be back next trip! read more

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The service here is absolutely exceptional. I need to start off giving major props to our expert server, Cristel. I became an immediate fan of Lufu thanks to her. And the beautiful setting of this restaurant, South Asian meets urban elegance, lends itself well to a special occasion or date. The dining chairs are so comfortable, we found ourselves sitting here for more than an hour. So many restaurants sacrifice comfort for style (or make them intentionally less than comfortable so that you don't spend too much time in them) but Lufu's chairs are irresistable. Next time, I'll be sure and try one of their cocktails, as they are very tempting, but I had plans to get drinks after dinner so I stuck to water. The food menu is not typical of most Indian restaurants that I'm used to back in NY where abundance and variety is key but I appreciate a well-curated menu. I do wish there were more vegan options as I would cry with happiness to find a vegan daal in this town. It's commonly vegan in traditional Indian restaurants, but not here (if I read the menu correctly... it did not have the vegan symbol next to it so maybe it's made with animal stock and/or ghee). For an appetizer, we shared the pani poori which is so unique and delicious. My main course was the vegan entree, the bhindi masala, which I ordered Indian hot but I would consider their preparation to be more on the conservative side, rather "medium" hot. It is so flavorful and rich, the okra expertly prepared though I personally prefer it a bit more dry. Portions are larger than expected. I'll add a plea for a second vegan option, though, with a protein. I prepare a fair amount of Indian dishes and they are so easily made vegan. I do appreciate Lufu's care to note what is and isn't vegan on the menu, but there's not much there for us. I have higher expectations for options when eating at an Indian restaurant. read more

Garlic naan! OMG. Best ever! We had the best indian meal we have ever had, and wish we lived in NOLA to work our way through the whole menu. Lufu is a must if you like Indian food! Great food at a great price. Good atmosphere, good music, staff, etc. I just wish we were here longer to go back and eat more! read more

Lufu NOLA - North Indian Cuisine From the moment I walked in, I was impressed. Lufu NOLA offers a stunning introduction to North Indian culture through its ambiance alone -- vibrant colors, hand-painted cultural murals, and an inviting energy that sets the tone before the first bite. The menu is thoughtfully curated and packed with bold, authentic flavors. I tried a wide range of dishes, and each one delivered: * Koli Vada Shrimp - Crispy, well-seasoned, and packed with flavor. * Tandoori Chicken Tikka - Perfectly cooked with that classic smokey tandoor finish. * Saoji Goat - Spicy, rich, and deeply satisfying. * Chicken Biryani - Aromatic, well-balanced, and generous in portion. * Plain & Garlic Naan - Fresh out of the oven and ideal for pairing with the entrées. * Mango Mojito & Desi Girl Spritz - Refreshing, creative cocktails that complemented the meal beautifully. * Gulab Jamun - A warm, sweet finish to a fantastic dining experience. Service was smooth, attentive, and welcoming -- special thanks to our server, Aman K, for enhancing the overall experience. If you're looking for authentic North Indian cuisine in New Orleans, paired with a visually rich atmosphere and excellent service, I highly recommend Lufu NOLA. read more

Amazing indian food, wonderful staff and awesome interiors of the restaurant. Worth a visit

The decor in the restaurant is really cute and the music matches. We started off with the chili chicken appetizer. It tasted like mall Chinese food so I would say skip that. For entrees we had the Angara chicken, chicken biriyani and lamb chops. I realized after we ordered they didn't ask the spice levels which was a bummer because I love my food super spicy. The garlic naan was delicious and all of the food was good. The lamb chops weren't flavorful however but they were very tender. I also really enjoyed my cocktail which was the curry colada. It's a bit on the pricier side and I wouldn't consider it the best Indian food I've had in New Orleans but overall I enjoyed everything. Also, just to note...several of there dishes contain nuts that cannot be removed so one of my friends could not eat a lot of things on the menu. read more

Lufu Nola - Chili chicken Garlic Naan - Indian Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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After living in London, I often find it hard to find Indian that is authentic. Apparently the issue is I hadn't gone to New Orleans. Lufu is stunning. The chicken curry was perfect and the meat the fresh. I saw the lamb chops and thought I've got to try those. The staff is so friendly and I felt so welcome. It was decorated beautifully for Christmas. I could sit at the bar for cocktails. Basically I'm going to recommend this to all my friends when they ask where in Nola for something special and different! read more

Lufu Nola - Angara Chicken and Naan (perfection) - Indian Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Wow! We've eaten Indian food all over the US and Lufu Nola ranks in the top 3 all time best Indian meals we've ever eaten. We had the Tandoori shrimp, Angara chicken and garlic naan. It was all fantastic, the sauce in the Angara chicken was mind-blowingly great! The shrimp was excellent with just enough spice and the garlic naan was thin, crispy, charred and buttery, a perfect balance! If you're in Nola do yourself a favor and enjoy a meal at Lufu Nola! read more

I can't believe I haven't written a review about Lufu! Hands down, the best Indian food in the city. Their angara chicken is to die for. I recommend ordering garlic naan to accompany the chicken. #bussin The waitstaff is friendly. Everyone had a smile on their face. The inside of the restaurant is so cute. It's suitable for a date night or a girl's night. They have a full bar with some Indian beers and liquors. read more

Lufu Nola - Indian Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Service was excellent with top notch personalized attention. Josiah listened carefully to my requests, even creating a dessert cocktail that matched both my initial Indian Gin (Dharma?) and Tonic request with my main course of Bhindi Masala (Okra | Garam masala | Onion Tomato masala). The Garlic Naan he recommended blended perfectly with the meal. Without missing a beat in his service to others, Josiah took a few moments to discuss shared interests, noting I was playing Pokémon Go on my phone while waiting for my order to arrive. Within walking distance of the InterContinental New Orleans hotel where I stayed, it was a perfect place to have a vegetarian Indian meal. read more

This is an experience! And it's now one of my favorite places. The place is small but really cute with nice comfty chairs. Our waiter was friendly and patient and she wasn't offended when we pronounced some of the dishes wrong. Sit by the window if you can so you can see the chefs cook the food. The food was well seasoned and tasty. My favorite dish was the goat. I wasn't a fan of the desserts but everything else was great. read more

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The place is small and Corey but also I love the vibe. The food was outstanding, I've never had curry anything before and my God!!! The bar waiter was very knowledgeable about the selections and helped me pick the best dish. Go here now!!! read more

Lufu Nola - Full menu - Indian Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Some of the best Indian food ever. Came based on a recommendation from a coworker (we live in Mobile, and routinely come about once a year). Our waited was great. Very laid back and casual. We came before the Halloween parade. read more

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Do not go there; the receptionist is very rude and unwelcoming. Not worth going to such an unwelcoming establishment. Instead, consider visiting a nearby café where the staff is friendly and attentive. A warm atmosphere can make all the difference in your experience. You deserve to be treated with kindness, especially when you're out seeking a pleasant time. Save yourself the trouble and choose a place that values its customers. read more

I read great reviews and had the chance to try Lufu tonight a half hour before they closed and I brought my two brothers, one who never had Indian food and one who has had Indian 3 times. Josiah provided helpful, patient, and attentive service and the ambiance was classy chic. The food was unreal and I was soooo happy! My brothers both were amazed at how good it was. Oh I had a mango lassi not pictured, very good! read more

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