My family and I visited Charcoal Indian Kitchen in Huntington Beach today while we were in the area, and it was a fantastic experience. This local spot blends the convenience of fast food with a more upscale Indian dining vibe. Having opened just a few months ago, it’s still new, but it’s already making a strong impression.
The gentleman who opened the restaurant previously worked at other Indian restaurants I’ve frequented and loved, so I went in with high hopes for the food—and I wasn’t disappointed. The interior is spotlessly clean, and the menu is expansive, offering dozens of delicious options for both meat-lovers and vegetarians alike.
We sampled a wide variety of dishes: dosa (which we tried in multiple styles, including chicken tikka dosa and masala dosa), chicken skewers, paneer, lamb pepper fry, lamb saag, garlic and butter naan, chili naan, a paneer bowl, and mango lassi to wash it all down.
Despite the restaurant only being in business for three months, I tempered my expectations since new places often need time to find their footing. But Charcoal Indian Kitchen exceeded all of them. The food was outstanding, with bold flavors and perfect execution across every dish. The service was equally impressive—friendly, attentive, and efficient.
Our family, which includes some tough critics, couldn’t find a single dish to fault. Everything was a hit. Charcoal Indian Kitchen has nailed it with their menu and hospitality, earning a well-deserved five stars from us. We’ll definitely be back!
