Kateland K.
Google
Rooh is an upscale Indian restaurant that brings a modern twist to traditional flavors, and it’s one of the more unique dining experiences in Columbus. The interior is vibrant and colorful, with design elements that nod to Indian cultural motifs—but fair warning, the dining room has been frigid on more than one of my visits, so you may want to bring a layer.
The wait staff is consistently friendly, attentive, and impressively knowledgeable—not just about the menu, but also the intricate flavor profiles of their craft cocktails and dishes. I definitely recommend making a reservation, especially around dinner time, as it tends to fill up quickly.
On this visit, I brought my partner, who had never had Indian food before, so we wanted to try a little bit of everything.
We started with the wild mushroom kulcha and the samosa chaat. The samosa chaat was the standout—layered, vibrant, and completely unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. The kulcha is a more approachable dish, like a mushroom quesadilla, but still full of flavor. It’s a safe bet for anyone new to Indian cuisine, especially if they enjoy mushrooms.
For the main course, we shared the butter chicken with garlic naan—a dish I get every time I visit, and one I’ll likely never stray from. The sauce is rich, comforting, and perfectly spiced. When shared, it doesn’t feel too heavy, just deeply satisfying.
To finish, we tried Rooh’s creative take on carrot cake. The foam topping was the highlight for me—light and playful in texture with a subtly sweet flavor. The saffron ice cream was a standout as well: not overly sweet, but a beautiful contrast to the other dessert elements. The cake itself had an unexpected texture, but as a whole, the dish was a delightful and surprising end to the meal.
Overall, Rooh offers a fresh, elevated perspective on Indian food that’s both approachable and exciting. If you’re looking to explore bold flavors in a stylish setting, it’s definitely worth a visit.