Gaylord India Restaurant: Las Vegas

Prior to seeing Penn & Teller at the Rio Hotel & Casino (which turned out to be a superb show), we decided to grab a bit to eat and chose Gaylord India Restaurant, which is located in the Rio. Once you walk past the lucky elephants, their trunks raised, you enter an elegant yet casual restaurant.

As we perused the menu, we received a couple complimentary papadums, crispy spiced lentil wafers. The menu is extensive with plenty of the usual Indian dishes, from pakora to vindaloo, from tandoori to biriyani. Most of the entrees range from $20-$30, making their prices more expensive than usual for such places. Even the appetizers seem a bit more expensive than usual.

We began with an appetizer, the Lamb Samosa (2 for $9.95), a crisp turnover stuffed with spiced ground lamb. This seemed to be the freshest samosa I have ever had, and it was absolutely delicious with plenty of meat and a tasty blend of spices. The turnover was crisp and crunchy, without being overcooked. An excellent start to our dinner and a dish I would highly recommend.

The first entree was the Chicken Pasanda ($22.95), boneless chicken pieces in a mild cashew cream sauce. There was plenty of chicken, which was very tender and moist. It almost fell apart on its own. The cream sauce was very good, creamy with only a mild nuttiness to it and some restrained spices. The second entree was the Chicken Tikka Masala ($22.95), mesquite-broiled chicken in a mild tomato-butter sauce. The chicken was as good as in the Pasanda, and the sauce was also mild and restrained, with lots of subtle flavors and a nice creaminess.

I love Indian breads, and they are one of my favorite items whenever I go to an Indian restaurant. We ordered a Garlic Nan ($5.50) and Paratha ($4.20). I enjoyed the Nan, which had plenty of garlic, but the Paratha was a bit disappointing, seeming to be a bit overcooked from what I usually get elsewhere.

Service was excellent. Overall, the food was very good, though I am not sure worth the extra price. But it is in a Vegas hotel which could explain the higher cost. If you don't mind the extra cost, then you should enjoy your meal here.

Gaylord India Restaurant
3700 W Flamingo Rd
Las Vegas, NV
Phone: (702) 777-2277