I have been going to Akbar for years in both Marina del Rey and Santa Monica. The Marina branch had always been my favorite due to superior quality of food and decor, though Santa Monica was always a fine option as well. I dined in the newly renovated Santa Monica restaurant last night and had a truly great meal. The new atmosphere is a vast improvement and feels much lighter and more modern than the old stuffy place though a few tables are a little too close together. The food was awesome. Some of my favorite menu items from the Marina were missing, but they are happy to accomodate and make dishes not on the menu. The food may not be the most authentic by some people's definitions, but from my experience with Indian food the lightness and fresh ingredients (olive oil, chicken breast, fresh herbs and not GHEE, butter and heavy cream sauces) make Akbar way better than most Indian food I've had around the world. The Chicken Saag last night was unbelieveable, we wanted to eat every bit of the delicious spinach sauce and the Chicken breast pieces inside were moist and buttery on their own accord! The Tanddori Sea Bas and other seafood items are always incredible too. Service is friendly and professional if a little overintrusive (I felt like we had about 3 waiters last night).
Pros: Great Indian flavor, lighter ingredients than most Indian places, friendly servers
Cons: cramped tables in places, nice but boring modern decor post renovation
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