Mantra Indian Cuisine in Mandeville Louisiana

Absolutely gorgeous space, photos don’t do it justice. Food is absolutely delicious. We did the lunch buffet - don’t let anyone discourage you from enjoying it - it was clean, with a large selection. You can enjoy everything from salad, rice, and pakoras, to curries, chicken tandoori, and even 3 types of deserts (we loved the rice pudding and gulab jaamun). Oh, and we ordered mango lassi for our drinks - so good! Price is affordable too - mango lassi and all you can eat lunch buffet ran about $24 per person (before tax). Will definitely be back soon and this will become our regular spot!

Was here for the opening of the Mandeville Mantra. It was well decorated and the ambience was amazing. We had a buffet. The food felt really fresh and good. The spice level was also perfect for me comapred to some overly spiced places. Overall the place is nice and would be coming here again.

Amazing atmosphere and the food was even better. From the greeter at the front door to the servers in the restaurant, everyone made it a wonderful experience. Then the food came out and it was absolutely amazing. I would tell you what I got, but I can’t pronounce it.

It is great to finally have an Indian option in the mandeville area. The food is fantastic, they have traditional dishes as well as some fusion dishes. They have a large selection, including vegetarian dishes. They allow you to choose your spice level, and getting the dish spicy doesn't mask the flavor with just heat. You can taste the pride in the cooking. The Naan is soft, warm and delicious. The atmosphere is very trendy, and yet still there is space for privacy at table where you can carry on conversation without yelling. Most of the staff is very friendly, our server was a little on the inattentive side, but it could be a one off. I will definitely be back to enjoy this restaurant again

I went with another couple. Each couple ordered an appetizer. The other couple ordered the shrimp tempura, we ordered the calamari. The shrimp comes to the table. Our appetizer came out over 5 minutes later. We order our entrees. One entree comes out. 5 minute later another entree comes out. Another 5 minutes and the last two come out. Our server said she didn’t know what was going on. It was like they were cooking one order at a time. I could see if this were the opening week, but they’ve been around a little while. BTW,the food was just ok for all of us. $95.00, with tip, for 2 meals and 1 appetizer. I doubt that we’ll be back. Very nice looking place.

This is very authentic and delicious Indian cuisine. I’ve been obsessed my whole life with Indian food and this is definitely worth going. Lamb was sooooo tender and the chicken as well as the goat that we got. Many Indian places may have the seasonings and spice down so it tastes good but maybe the meat is not cooked super super tender.. but Mantra absolutely gets it right on tenderness. The real authentic indian cooks at Mantra know how to cook the meat so it’s very very tender which makes the entire dish experience much better. You will fall in love with this place, go now! 👍🏼😋

Had such a great experience here! The place is beautiful, super clean, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. The service was excellent — friendly, attentive, and made us feel very welcome. The food was absolutely delicious and everything exceeded expectations. Highly recommend checking this place out! I’m so glad I don’t have to drive to Hammond for Indian food anymore.

We had the veg and tandoori dinner... here, and unfortunately, it was quite disappointing. While the prices were affordable for the portion sizes and the service was excellent, the food lacked flavor. It didn’t have the rich Indian taste I was expecting; everything felt quite bland. The tandoori was just okay, but nothing special. However, the pilau was really good and definitely the highlight of the meal. Overall, the experience was underwhelming. Great service and good prices, but the food didn’t live up to expectations.

Tucked away on an interstate service road... Mantra = Bona fide traditional Indian fare. It is so delicious. I have loved, and I repeat, loved every item I have ever ordered here. From the veggie apps, to the paneers, to the chicken dishes, to the lamb, the naan!!!!... the sauces are made in house with fresh ingredients. Mantra rivals my greatest Indian restaurant experience outside of India (Jewel of India in Addis Ababa). The room could use some TLC, however with food so incredibly delicious and authentic, why bother? The wait staff is polite, attentive and helpful Come here when you want real Indian cuisine. .

Not too much on the atmosphere of the restaurant. It was just a regular restaurant in my opinion. The chicken curry was a 9/10. It was very good but nothing compares to the first time I've had chicken curry in Texas. I got a medium spicy level but I would definitely go a spicy level up if you want a little kick to your food. The goat curry was 8/10. The goat could have been more tender but the flavor was great. The garlic naan was 9/10. I'm extremely bias cause I love all naan. It's an amazing bread dish overall.

Ordered dinner to my hotel , here's what i had : 1) paneer pakora - very good . Generous portion as well . 4/5 2) assorted fried vegetables - felt very fresh, the veggies were not soggy at all. 4/5 3) malekhu fried fish - a very good fried fish with all sorts of veggies . A rad bit too salty but still very good 4/5 This one is closer to 5 stars than to 4. They have a giant menu and I will try other things as well for sure

Very mediocre food. Table & booth were sticky. Bathroom smelled bad emergency exit by bathrooms filthy. I did not get the feeling that this was a clean restaurant.

I can't exactly recall how I heard of this place but I was in the area and wanted to try something different so we gave it a shot for dinner and glad we did. The location is a bit odd, a building that used to be a diner and stuck inside an old motel parking lot. But once inside it's nice enough and the staff was very attentive. We ordered the veg sampler which was excellent an affordable way to sample their starters. Then tried three of their entrees and all were very good. Washed it all down with a Flying Horse which is my favorite of the Indian beers. Next time I'll try ordering it for delivery.

**tried this place via delivery! I had the chicken tikka masala, samosas, and garlic chili naan. The chicken tikka masala was so flavorful and creamy! It had a good amount of chicken in it and the pieces were pretty chunky. The chicken was tender! I requested the dish to be spicy and they did just that. The garlic chili naan was so good! I think this was the best naan bread I've had so far. It definitely lived up to the garlic flavor (as it should). My sister thought it was spicy but I didn't find it spicy. The samosas were pretty good! I think it's a potato/pea mixture. They were crispy on the outside and filled to capacity on the inside. Overall, I'll definitely order from here again!

THIS IS THE BEST INDIAN FOOD EVER! Ive been to India and lived there for multiple years. The flavour is so good and flavourful. The chicken tikka masala and the mango chicken is what I get every time with some samosa and me and my wife enjoy and the food with some nun bread.... Warm, tasty and hits the cravings of flavoured chicken.

My favorite Indian food around. Worth the trip across the lake. Service has always been great.

They always have good food and good prices. Both the non veg and the vegetarian dinners are awesome and enough to feed two if you aren't ravenously hungry. The service could use some improvement but for the most part is adequate. I would highly recommend you give this place a try if you want to try some Indian food!

Mantra Indian Cuisine is located in the former City Diner location in Metairie right off the South I-10 Service Road. While I'm a big fan of Indian food I was also a big fan of City Diner and I used to eat there quite often when I worked in the area. I visit Mantra less often, even though I do enjoy their food, because Mantra is a bit higher in cost than City Diner was. Mantra has become noted for their flavorful Indian food offerings and many are still anxious for their long promised buffet option to become available but it is looking less and less likely that the buffet will ever happen. Mantra is still one of New Orleans newest Indian food restaurants as they just opened back in 2020 and they quickly become one of the most popular Indian food establishments in the Greater New Orleans area with long lines frequently forming for people anxious to sample the great food in their small space which has helped to make them one of the most popular Indian restaurants. Since the initial boom of popularity Mantra has stayed busy but fortunately it is now infrequent that you have to wait in line to get in to eat here these days. Overall I really do enjoy the food at Mantra but I would enjoy a buffet even more I think. My video review of Mantra Indian Cuisine is here: https://youtu.be/ijalC2_AYLY

Oh. My. Goodness!! If you want Indian food and you're debating whether or not you should go to Mantra, please do yourself a favor and GO!! I come out to New Orleans quite often and this is a MUST every time I visit. As someone who grew up eating this food, this restaurant is legit. The flavors are spot on, they are very considerate when adjusting the spice level, and the food comes out absolutely beautiful. Everyone that works there is kind, timely, and so accommodating. The restaurant is designed very nicely, and it's not overwhelmingly loud so you can have a delightful conversation over dinner. If you have a sweet tooth, their desserts are fresh, flavorful, and hit the spot every time.

Very small spot right off the interstate. We ordered the tofu masala and lamb kabob. I really enjoyed the masala, but the lamb was much drier than I expected. Definitely could be lack of knowledge of the dish. The fresh roti was a perfect pairing with the masala. Would come back to give it another shot.

Ordered: Aloo Gobi Asst. snack appetizer Naan Papadum First time dining here. Food was excellent and fresh. Ordered the Aloo Gobi medium spice but it tasted mild to me. Service was prompt and attentive. Food was prepared and served at a good pace. Portions were generous and had food leftover to take home. Restaurant is located in a former diner next to a hotel. Restaurant was been updated. Good location, easy access and plenty of parking. Bathroom needs a thorough cleaning. It's a bit grungy and old.

First time trying Indian food and this place did not let me down. I had Lasuni Chicken and the flavor was amazing. Came out too my table sizzling. Plz try this especially if your watching calories, it's cooked in a clay oven and filled with flavor and veggies. Also the customer service was amazing, the managers wife treated us and felt so welcoming. Will be back!

Food is awesome but waitress not very friendly. Been there several times and it is always the same.

We've been here several times. This restaurant came highly recommended, and it was for good reason. Although the facility itself is pretty much setup like a diner, the food is beyond excellent. They have multiple versions of naan, vegetarian dishes, and some of the best and most tender lamb I have ever eaten.

After hearing from friends how great Mantra is we finally made the trip out to Metairie on New Year's Day dinner to try it out. My SO's sister made a reservation since they told us they weren't taking walk-ins when she called to see if they were open. We got vegetable pakoras to start and they were fantastic with the brown dipping sauce they were served with. I got my go to Indian dish of lamb vindaloo and palak paneer to share with the table both were medium spice level. My SO got the chicken curry with a spicy spice level. The lamb vindaloo was super flavorful and the lamb was extremely tender. The palak paneer was well seasoned and tasty. I was able to handle the spice level of the chicken curry, so I will probably ask for spicy next time we go. I can't wait to go back and try more dishes!

I was excited when our daughter called to tell us she would bring Indian food home. I normally prepare our food at home. I sent an order to our daughter remembering how good it was four months ago. MANCHURIAN. It was not as I remembered. The color was not as I remembered it was not as stated on the menu . The last time the cauliflower was crispy with a hint of sweet. It tasted like and looked like a vegetable curry. The LASUNI CHICKEN was way to salty. It was juicy for white meat with a hint of mint cilantro but too salty. The saving grace was the GOAT CURRY it was wonderful. We also ordered Shrimp Marsala it was overly sweet which is not normal for a Marsala. Spending over seventy dollars and only having one dish that was good it was a great disappointment. I hope that they can turn this place around.

Delicious food, quick service, and nice decor and atmosphere. Highly recommend the garlic naan, samosas, and chicken tikka masala. We'll be back!

Solid flavors! Their garlic naan is to die for. I like getting their palak paneer and chicken tikka masala. The service is really nice, and it's really easy to pick up a phone order when you're craving Indian food. My one thing would be the spice levels. I've tried ordering medium spice and think it's not spicy at all. This is coming from someone who has a very low spice tolerance! I don't mind too terribly but it makes milder flavors like the paneer a bit too mild if you're just ordering that for yourself. Overall a decent place I will continue to return to!

I have been here at least 3-4 times with my friend. It's a convenient location for us to meet up. We have come for early lunches on Sundays to beat any crowds. We get the same thing every time - the Samosas and the non-vegetarian combination plate. It's just enough food for the both of us to eat. It's all very delicious. The staff are always friendly.

Always great food, service, and atmosphere! We never get tired of coming here and trying new things. They never disappoint!!

Very good place but was packed. There is a reason it is packed. Chili app was great. Highly recommend

Great food. Awesome service. I went there with co-workers and we ate family style. Everything we ordered was on point.

My goodness, how many ways can you say amazing! My husband and I order from Mantra often. I've never been disappointed. In fact, I've only ever been thrilled. I will say, you should confirm with the restaurant on how to order your spice level. They are extremely helpful and won't steer you wrong. If you want amazing Indian food, this is the place! Best Indian food in NOLA.

Best Indian I've eaten in the USA. Had it 3 times and am never disappointed. Great job.

Okay so Mantra is closed on Monday's like the rest of the city. I think every time I've wanted Mantra, it's on a Monday. Finally got to try it out at lunch one day and it was pretty dang good. We ordered the samosas, mango lassi, chicken vindaloo, lamb tikka masala and a naan basket. So the samosas aren't my fave. I am comparing it to another place in Metairie and I think I just like the other place's better. However, the entrees were so fire. The lamb was tender and not gamy (in my opinion). The chicken wasn't dry. Everything was HOT too as in temperature. The garlic naan and the spicy garlic naan was AMAZING. I would just order those and not the variety naan. Just FYI, it is in the old pancake house (I think it was the pancake house?) location which is connected to a motel. So go with a friend or during the day.

Food and service is really really good considering we are visiting from Dallas .. everything we tasted from aloo paratha, garlic naan, shahi paneer, fish pakora and chicken biryani tasted great..

The food is delicious, the people there are all kind and helpful, and the environment inside is nice! Great place

Service was great. Food was full of flavor. Spice levels could have been better. We ordered medium heat and there was no heat. Garlic naan was PHENOMENAL!

Normally I'm not a big fan of Indian food but this place was really good we shared the non-vegetarian dinner and the potato and cauliflower dish and it was all very good we will return

Loveeee their butter chicken! The flavors are so good, but I wish they gave us more rice. Other than that it's great and I recommend it.

Dropped in about a week after Hurricane Ida, roughly 30 minutes before they were due to close on a Sunday. They were takeout only, but the fact that they had opened it all was pretty impressive considering that many restaurants had not yet reopened since the storm. I placed my order and it was ready pretty quickly, maybe 15 minutes max. I ended up ordering a vegetarian eggplant dish and some garlic naan. They wrapped the container the eggplant dish was in, presumably as a further leak prevention method, which was nice. The food was good. I'd never had the eggplant dish before, so the coffee-like aroma took me by surprise when I took the lid off the container. Thankfully it didn't actually taste like coffee. It was all tasty and I think it was reasonably priced.

Between two motels I-10 service road reveals Portal to GREAT food #Nola_Haiku #Mantra #IndianFood #EatLocal #Haiku #NolaEats #GoodEats #BlackAndWhite #Namaste @mantraindiancuisines

Solid Indian restaurant for the greater New Orleans area. Attentive service, wide variety of menu options for vegetarians and priced right. On this visit, I got the samosa chaat appetizer which is delicious. It met my expectations of this dish from previous restaurants in US. I ordered the Malai Kofta which is a fried vegetable ball in a decadent tomato cream (might be butter) sauce. I was pleasantly surprised to receive 4 balls, which would make a great dish to share, or take half home. I got medium spicy but for this dish I should've gone hot. I didn't get naan but I noticed they offer a garlic chili naan that I'm looking forward to try next time.

My wife and I had lunch here last week with my sister. Finally found some great Indian food in NOLA! I tasted all of the dishes we all ordered and they were all great. My sister had the vegetarian plate and she loved that.

When I arrived I was like "oh no" because it's in the parking lot of a so-so-sorta-seedy hotel. But as I was paying I saw an Indian family arrive. Then I smelt the food and I was now totally down to try the food. We started with papadams, which is a cracker that this restaurant serves gratis with mint chutney & tamarind sauce. Yum! Crispy seeded crackers were so good. I decided to try the non-vegetarian complete dinner. It was all so good, including the Dal, that I have to come back and try it again. I think they have the best gulab jamon I've had in years with a light cardamom taste to the syrup.

The service was very fast and they were very nice! Wasn't a big fan but it's worth the try!!!

The location of the restaurant was hidden and unexpected. I really enjoyed the food. Butter chicken: 5/5. Sweet, savory, and light Mango Lassi: 2/5. The consistency was thick, yogurt like. Chicken biryani: 3/5. The herbs and spices can be overpowering, but delicious. Garlic Naan: 5/5. The nan was fluffy with a nice crisp top. Paired well with all the dishes.

Best Indian cuisine in the NOLA Metro area imo w large portions & friendly service. It's slightly more pricey than other Indian restaurants and very noisy and busy during peak hours (requiring reservations on Fridays & Saturdays) but it's well worth it.

It was so good! Gluten free option galore for me. Huge portions sizes. Servers knew about their menu enough to tell me what was gluten free. Definitely coming back! A new favorite.

At first glance from the outside, you could probably pass up this gem. The servers were extremely friendly, and the service was a reasonable amount of time. Our first time visiting, the owner herself came out and welcomed us, recommended different things. It was neat and clean on the inside. We adored the food, and highly recommend this place to others!

Tried this place two times and i think the food is good for what i tried. I had non vegetarian dinner, chicken saag and tandoori chicken. The dinner plates are about $20 and the food is decent. What I liked about their food was - food was not super greasy and buttered up. Also the flavors were good and tandoori meat done to perfection with adequate seasoning. Definitely recommend and will try again.

The food is very good. The restaurant was clean. The staff needs some customer service training.

Honestly? I would give this place A MILLION stars if i could!! oh, the food is SOOOOOO GOOOD! my personal favorite? The chicken curry! It comes in mild, spicy, and extra i think? but i always get the mild cause im just so bad with spice Anyway! The service is just AMAZING. Every time i get it, the people always pack it up so so so nicely! NEVER LEAKS, guaranteed! So ive never actually eaten inside, but every time i go to pick it up the place smells so good. its so awesome and if you ever wanna get Indian food, GO TO MANTRA!!!

Stopped in for a late dinner this weekend, and was not disappointed. I ordered the vegetarian appetizer sampler, and the vegetarian dinner. Delicious! The spice level was perfect (I ordered spicy), and the flavor profile was on point. They have generous portions, too. They seemed to do quite a bit of take out service, along with being busy for dine-in service. Those that had to wait to be seated didn't seem to wait too long and they have a nice bar where you can wait. The atmosphere was nice with acoustic music playing in the background, nice table settings, updated space (compared to what it used to be!), yet not stuffy; nice enough for date night, yet still casual enough for a night out with friends. The staff is accommodating, and very friendly. I can't wait to go back! Parking was easy by the way - just use the hotel parking area, plenty of options.

Amazing food. Extremely great service. Smiling Faces. Loved complementary papad. Visited twice during my short trip. Would highly recommend for best food and cheaper rates.

We came here for my friend's birthday after a long day of museuming, both starving, and it sure hit the spot. They give you papadums before your meal which is rare nowadays and greatly appreciated. They were spicy and delicious with excellent chutneys. My friend ordered a wonderful chicken tikka masala and I special requested a vegetable korma with coconut milk. Both were very good but I actually liked her sauce a tad more than my own. She had ordered spicy and mine was medium but contained no heat. Lol. Still lovely though. My favorite part of the meal might have been the samosas. Perfectly flavored and crisp with the slightest bit of doughiness in the middle. Our server was great... very accommodating and he refilled our water often. Would happily return.

This review is late in posting but not because the food wasn't delicious! Quite the opposite in fact. If you haven't tried this place yet, I urge you to go there after you finish reading this review, or as soon as they open. You will thank me for it! I'll admit, when we pulled up, the location (in the parking lot of a motel) might give you pause but don't let that sway you. From the moment we walked in, the aromas emanating from the kitchen caused my salivary glands to go into overdrive. The friendly demeanor and swift seating from the staff was a plus. Everyone worked together like a well oiled machine. The prices were reasonable and the food was simply fantastic. I haven't stopped raving about this place to anyone who will listen. Go! Go there now! I, for one, will definitely be returning.

We really enjoyed another meal here, this time for lunch just before their afternoon break. Service was fast, and food was delicious. We had the Manchurian cauliflower again as an appetizer followed by the Tandoori dinner which comes with chicken, lamb, shrimp, vegetable korma, rice and naan. We left full and had leftovers.