India Palace

Unlike the Thai spots down the block chasing authenticity points with regional menus, India Palace never pivoted—it's been serving the same extensive North Indian playbook since before Hillcrest became brunch-line central. The draw here isn't innovation; it's consistency and volume. The lunch buffet runs deep with rotating curries, tandoori staples, and naan that actually stays warm, all served in a serene dining room that feels removed from the University Avenue foot traffic outside.

The kitchen handles classics without shortcuts. Rogan Josh comes with tender lamb in a spice-forward sauce that doesn't pull punches, and paneer dishes—whether karahi or tikka masala—rely on proper texture, not the rubbery stuff some places pass off. Bhindi masala shows up occasionally on the buffet, and when it does, it's worth the trip: okra cooked down without slime, finished with tomato and spice. Onion pakora and fried paneer make solid starters if you're skipping the buffet route.

The space works for groups and solo lunchers alike—large enough to handle banquets and catering orders without feeling like a hotel ballroom, calm enough for a quiet weeknight dinner. Outdoor seating exists, though parking on Fifth doesn't. Come during off-hours or resign yourself to circling the farmers market lots on Sunday.

Service tends toward efficient rather than chatty, and water refills can lag when the kitchen's running spicy dishes. The cocktail list includes a few Indian-spiced riffs (the SAHREE shows up in reviews), though most regulars stick to beer or wine with their curries. It's the kind of spot that doesn't chase the pride flags crowd specifically but feeds them anyway—low-drama, high-capacity, and unapologetically focused on getting North Indian food onto tables without pretense.