One of the most established Indian/Pakistani restaurants in the valley -- don't be fooled by the nondescript Strip-mall location and cafe-style restaurant -- this place serves some great authentic cuisine. Daily lunch specials, senior and student discounts available.
*Closed on Mondays. Last order for both Take-out & Dine-in: 9:30 p.m.
This restaurant was re-reviewed in the May 2010 LVA, some of the information contained in this review may no longer be accurate. Back in December 2006, we reviewed Shalimar in the Local Corner and declared it our favorite Indian restaurant in Las Vegas. Then, despite having been in business for almost two decades, it suddenly closed. There was no notice and we assumed it was gone for good, but not so. Shalimar has reopened on the west side of town, in the strip mall at 4001 S. Decatur. The restaurant is less fancy and the dishes are slightly more expensive (still affordable at about $9-$14 for entrées), but the food is every bit as good as it was. Try the amazing nihari, beef shank in a spicy broth ($9.50). This restaurant was reviewed in the December 2006 LVA, some of the information contained in this review may no longer be accurate. Of the dozen Indian restaurants in Las Vegas, our favorite is Shalimar. A frequent winner in Las Vegas’ best-of contests, Shalimar has displayed staying power, serving North Indian cuisine since 1988. The menu offers all the classics, including tandoori (marinated meat or fish baked in a clay oven), biryanis (basmati rice served with vegetables, meat, or prawns), and, for those who like it hot, vindaloos cooked with potatoes and madras spices. The vindaloos are our bag and we’d rate Shalimar’s the absolute best we’ve had in Las Vegas. A recent meal of papadums (crispy flatbreads—think huge Pringles—served with dipping sauces and chutneys), a mixed appetizer platter, naan bread, pullao rice, and entrées of lamb saag (spiced lamb cooked in a thick spinach sauce, $15.50) and, of course, chicken vindaloo ($14.50), along with a couple of good Indian beers came to $70. If you know Indian, you’ll recognize from this list that all the bases are covered. This is also a good play for vegetarians, as several non-meat dishes feature potatoes, cauliflower, eggplant, cottage cheese, spinach, chick peas, and lentils. There’s a lunch buffet for $8.50, but it’s best to order from the menu. And here’s a Local Corner extra. Our second choice for Indian is Himalayan Cuisine (730 E. Flamingo). This one specializes in Tibetan and Nepalese food (noodles and other preparations), in addition to more traditional Indian dishes.