Bold New Indian Fusion Spot Takes Up Residence In a Familiar Koreatown Spot

An oft-flipped Koreatown strip mall restaurant space earns new life as Delhi Bites, an Indian fusion destination for rich ground lamb tacos, rethought nachos, and more.

Delhi Bites lands just off Western Avenue in the former location of Saint Martha. At one time, young chef Nick Erven was changing hearts and minds in that kitchen with an upscale casual menu that riffed on Korean, French, and very California flavors, but a deal with some partners fell through and Erven decamped to eventually start his own thing in Santa Monica. For a minute the storefront became a tiny takeaway place called Little Tart, but that too did not last, so now there’s Delhi Bites to bring something interesting to the area.

Inside expect the same comfortable decor, with a wide banquette wrapped around the dining area and more seats looking into the kitchen up front. There’s a holdover beer and wine license which means inexpensive evening drinks, though right now Delhi Bites feels more like a daytime destination for a blend of Indian, Mexican, Chinese, and American flavors.

Farley Elliott

Beyond the ground lamb tacos, they’re serving vegetarian nachos, pressed naan sandwiches filled with cheese and meat, loaded Delhi-style street fries, and dense platters of Indian-spiced chow mein. Think of it as a more fully realized version of Hollywood’s Indimex Eats, but without the big, fun personalities that make Downtown’s Badmaash such a fun time.

Hours for Delhi Bites run 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. most nights, with an extension to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Ownership says there’s a food truck to come down the line too, which makes sense given the menu’s easygoing, snackable approach.

Delhi Bites
740 S. Western Ave. #115
Los Angeles, CA

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Farley Elliott