Posted in Cleveland January 30, 2023 by

This Tiny Restaurant Near Cleveland Always Has A Line Out The Door, And There’s A Reason Why

There’s something about local mom-and-pop shops that’s just undeniably charming. In Lakewood, there’s one tiny restaurant that’s almost easy to miss… but it’s frequently packed nonetheless, and it’s a go-to takeout location for many Clevelanders. In fact, if you’re looking for Indian food near Cleveland, this is the restaurant to check out. It may be tiny, but India Garden in Lakewood is filled to the brim with delicious dining options.

Blink and you might miss India Garden on Detroit Avenue in Lakewood.
Parikshit/Google Images
India Garden got its start in Westlake decades ago, but it has been a staple in Lakewood for ages. The storefront is tiny at first glance, but its spacious interior allows diners to sit down and enjoy a colorful meal in equally vibrant surroundings.
However, this is one dining destination you won't want to pass up... and it's one you'll want to bring your appetite for!
Andy Luu/Google Images
The portions here are plentiful, and there are options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets. Their menu has something for everyone, and the staff is happy to offer suggestions if you've never tried Indian cuisine before.
The restaurant opened in Lakewood back in 2005, and it has been serving up authentic Northwest Indian cuisine ever since.
Dev Gurera/Google Images
Since many of the ingredients used are locally sourced, you can enjoy a meal that's the pinnacle of freshness. This restaurant brings local and international flavors together in a way that's downright magical.
As soon as you arrive, you'll be greeted with a bread basket paired with two delicious dipping sauces.
Alex Gant/Google Images
The "bread" is paapadum, which are large spicy chips made with lentils. They're crunchy and delicious, and the sauces are a perfect way to prepare your palate for the spice level of your meal. The plum-colored sauce is sweet, but the green is spicy.
Here, the secret is in the sauce, so to speak. Spices are specially prepared and blended on-site.
Tyrone Grandstrand/Google Images
If you want to try a sampling of their offerings, you might enjoy the lunch buffet between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. After lunch, the restaurant opens its doors again for dinner at 4:30 p.m.
And for diners who think delicious food is the spice of life, you'll be pleased to know that you can select a heat level for your meal.
Dev Gurera/Google Images
If you're a fan of spicy food, you'll be pleased to know that India Garden serves up some of the spiciest food in Cleveland. It can be prepared with a milder spice level, of course, but it's also a great destination for daring spice lovers.
Speaking of heat... in the warmer months, you'll love dining on their petite but lovely patio.
Jennifer Morton/Google Images
Lakewood is a fun community for outdoor dining. As it's so walkable, you'll be able to people-watch passersby on Detroit. Paired with the sounds of city life and birdsong, this dining experience is truly charming.
Dining inside is just as nice when the weather is, well, typical Greater Cleveland weather.
Slavic Velet/Google Images
You'll find that the dining area is more spacious than it appears at first glance. It's still petite and cozy, but you'll appreciate room to get comfortable and move around. Plus, the color palette flawlessly matches the array of spices used in your meal!
Plus, on-site parking means you won't have to battle with Lakewood foodies to find a spot on the street.
Joe Ippolito/Google Images
Lakewood is a true foodie community, but any Clevelander can tell you that parking in town gets wild at times. Fortunately for visitors, India Garden has a small parking lot out front, so you won't have to search for a parking spot on a busy street.
It's easy to see why this tiny restaurant in Lakewood is such a hit!
Kamila M./Google Images
Ready to visit India Garden? You'll find it at 18405 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107.

If you’re in the mood for Indian food in Cleveland, then this delicious dining destination in Lakewood belongs on your bucket list. Visitors can’t stop raving about their selections!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: India Garden, 18405 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA