Dining Pick of the Week: Royal India Bistro

Aloo tikki, featuring fried and spiced potato cutlets, is one of the dishes on the menu at Royal India Bistro in the Rio, 3700 W. Flamingo Road. (Fernando Lopez/Special to View)

Tandoori prawns are marinated in yogurt and spices at Royal India Bistro. (Fernando Lopez/Special to View)

Chicken biryani features basmati rice cooked with yogurt, herbs, spices and saffron. (Fernando Lopez/Special to View)

Royal India Bistro

The Rio, 3700 W. Flamingo Road, 702-777-2277

From the carved elephant statues at the entrance to the spices in the food, Royal India Bistro allows diners to experience India without packing a suitcase. The restaurant, formerly known as the Gaylord India Restaurant, opened in March and uses traditional spices and ingredients to create an authentic Indian flavor. While a lunch buffet is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., dinner includes a wide selection of chicken, lamb, goat, seafood and vegetarian entrees, from curry to masala, kabobs to vindaloo. Prices range from $16 to $32. Diners can add sides of biryani (saffron-flavored basamti rice) or choose from a list of freshly baked breads. Appetizers, soups and salads are also available. Craft cocktails range from $14 to $16 and include The Royal India (Mako Vodka, lemons, hibiscus, tamarind sauce and strawberry puree) and the Amrut Chai (Amrut Fusion whiskey, amaretto, agave nectar and chai tea). For dessert, diners can indulge in cottage cheese balls in sweet syrup, rice and milk pudding or homemade mango and pistachio ice creams. Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 p.m. daily and includes discounted beers and appetizers. Royal India Bistro is open from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. For more information, visit royalindiavegas.com.