North Carolina’s Top Buffet Serving Award-Winning Indian Cuisine

I never imagined my new favorite Indian restaurant would be tucked away on a quiet downtown street in Asheville. Strolling past 70 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, one afternoon, the intoxicating aroma of cumin, cardamom, and sizzling spices stopped me in my tracks. Stepping inside Mela Indian Restaurant felt like entering a hidden treasure chest of flavor, warm, vibrant, and full of surprises.

What I found there completely changed how I think about buffets, authentic cuisine, and what makes a restaurant unforgettable. Every dish bursts with personality, from rich, creamy curries to perfectly spiced biryanis, while the lively atmosphere and friendly staff make you feel instantly at home.

It’s not just a meal, it’s an adventure for your taste buds, a celebration of heritage, and a reminder that sometimes the best culinary experiences hide in plain sight, just waiting to delight you.

The Unforgettable First Impression At 70 N Lexington Avenue

Stepping through the doors felt like crossing into another world entirely. The rich scent of cardamom and cumin wrapped around me like a welcoming embrace. Natural light poured through large windows, illuminating the modern yet comfortable dining space.

The host greeted guests with genuine warmth, making them feel like old friends returning home. The restaurant buzzed with energy but never felt rushed or chaotic.

Vintage Bollywood films played silently on screens, adding visual poetry to the atmosphere. The exposed ductwork and artistic tiles created an industrial chic vibe that felt distinctly Asheville. Every detail seemed intentional, from the lighting to the music selection.

I noticed families, couples, and solo diners all finding their place comfortably here. The space accommodated everyone without losing its intimate feel. This downtown location at 70 N Lexington Ave had clearly become a beloved community gathering spot.

My anticipation grew as I took in the scene before me. Something told me this meal would be memorable beyond measure.

The Legendary Lunch Buffet That Captured My Heart

Walking up to the buffet line, my eyes widened at the colorful array before me. The spread rotated daily, ensuring each visit brought new discoveries and old favorites. Fresh naan bread emerged from the kitchen at regular intervals, still puffing with heat.

I started conservatively with chicken tikka masala, its tomato-based sauce glistening invitingly. The first bite exploded with layers of flavor that balanced perfectly. Creamy, slightly sweet, with just enough spice to make my taste buds dance.

Saag paneer came next, its vibrant green color promising nutritious deliciousness. The spinach melted smoothly, while cubes of paneer provided satisfying texture. Chana masala offered earthy comfort with tender chickpeas swimming in aromatic gravy.

Madras vegetables showcased the kitchen’s commitment to vegetarian excellence. Every dish looked freshly prepared, not sitting under heat lamps for hours. Rice pilaf provided the perfect neutral base for sampling multiple curries.

The buffet pricing seemed almost too reasonable for this quality and variety. I understood immediately why locals and tourists alike packed this place daily.

Tandoori Magic From An Authentic Clay Oven

The genuine tandoor oven became my obsession during evening visits to Mela. Watching chefs work this traditional clay oven felt like witnessing ancient culinary art. Temperatures inside reach scorching levels that create incomparable flavors and textures.

Tandoori chicken emerged with its signature charred exterior and impossibly juicy interior. The yogurt marinade penetrated deep, tenderizing while infusing complex spice notes. Each bite delivered smoky, tangy, slightly spicy perfection that made my eyes close involuntarily.

Naan bread transformed into something magical when slapped against those clay walls. The dough bubbled and blistered, creating those coveted charred spots we all fight over. Garlic naan became my personal weakness, fragrant and buttery beyond reason.

Specialty items like spinach and goat cheese naan showcased creative fusion thinking. This wasn’t traditional Indian necessarily, but it honored the technique while embracing local tastes. Pistachio lamb cooked in the tandoor offered another revelation entirely.

The tandoor represented commitment to authenticity that separated Mela from pretenders. This wasn’t microwave Indian food or shortcuts taken for convenience.

Award-Winning Recognition That Speaks Volumes

Since opening in 2005, Mela accumulated multiple Best Indian Restaurant awards from Mountain Xpress. These weren’t participation trophies but genuine recognition from discerning local diners. The restaurant earned its reputation through consistent excellence year after year.

Awards lined the walls subtly, never screaming for attention but present nonetheless. I appreciated this understated approach to displaying accomplishments. The food spoke louder than any plaque or certificate ever could.

Locals told me stories of trying other Indian restaurants before inevitably returning here. Something about Mela’s authenticity and care kept people coming back faithfully. The awards reflected community consensus rather than marketing hype.

National recognition came, too, with food publications highlighting this Asheville gem. But the restaurant never let fame change its core mission or values. Quality remained paramount regardless of accolades received.

They mentioned how humbling these honors felt to the entire team. They viewed awards as a responsibility to maintain standards rather than endpoints. This attitude explained why excellence persisted nearly two decades after opening.

Eating here felt like supporting a proven winner with staying power.

Vegetarian Paradise With Incredible Variety

As someone reducing meat consumption, I found unexpected paradise in Mela’s vegetarian offerings. The buffet typically featured five distinct vegetarian dishes, each unique and satisfying. Clear labeling eliminated any guesswork about ingredients or preparation methods.

Kale salad surprised me completely with its Indian spice treatment and fresh crunch. This wasn’t typical restaurant filler but a thoughtfully prepared dish worth seeking out. The rice pudding, tucked behind the raita, became my secret dessert obsession.

Vegan options received equal attention and creativity as their dairy-containing counterparts. Gluten-free dishes appeared throughout the buffet with proper identification markers. This inclusivity meant everyone at the table could enjoy the experience fully.

Pakoras offered crispy, savory satisfaction that proved vegetables could be exciting. Assorted chutneys provided flavor adventures, from tangy tamarind to spicy mango ginger jalapeño. Each condiment elevated the vegetables in unexpected ways.

The kitchen clearly understood that vegetarian food deserved the same respect as meat dishes. Nothing felt like an afterthought or compromise. My vegetarian friends actually chose this restaurant over others specifically for this reason.

Local And Organic Ingredients Make The Difference

Discovering Mela’s commitment to local sourcing deepened my appreciation significantly. The restaurant partners with area farmers to obtain fresh, organic produce whenever possible. This farm-to-table approach benefits the local economy while ensuring superior ingredient quality.

The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project certified Mela for its sustainable practices. This wasn’t greenwashing but genuine environmental stewardship integrated into daily operations. Taste differences became apparent when comparing dishes made with fresh local vegetables.

Seasonal menu variations reflected what farmers brought to market each week. Summer tomatoes tasted completely different from winter ones, and the kitchen adjusted accordingly. This flexibility required skill and creativity from the culinary team.

Supporting local agriculture aligned perfectly with Asheville’s community values and food culture. Diners appreciated knowing their meal dollars supported regional farmers directly. The connection between farm and plate felt tangible and meaningful.

Organic ingredients reduced pesticide exposure while delivering more vibrant flavors naturally. I noticed the difference especially in leafy greens and root vegetables. This commitment to quality ingredients explained why dishes tasted so remarkably fresh.

Sustainability and deliciousness proved completely compatible at Mela.

Evening Specials That Elevate The Experience

Dinner service transformed Mela into a more intimate, romantic setting entirely. Lighting adjusted subtly, creating warmth and ambiance perfect for date nights. The pace slowed, allowing diners to savor each course without rushing.

Pistachio lamb became my evening special obsession after one unforgettable bite. Tender meat infused with nutty, aromatic flavors that seemed impossibly complex. The dish represented culinary artistry that justified its special designation completely.

Rack of lamb emerged from the tandoor with perfect char and medium rare centers. This wasn’t your typical Indian restaurant offering but showed the kitchen’s range. My wife declared it her best lamb dish ever, high praise indeed.

Spinach and goat cheese naan demonstrated creative fusion that honored both traditions. The tangy cheese complemented earthy spinach while the naan provided perfect vehicle. These specials rotated, encouraging repeat visits to try new creations.

Reservations became advisable for weekend evenings when the dining room filled quickly. The intimate atmosphere made celebrations feel special and memorable. Service remained attentive without being intrusive during these evening experiences.

Dinner at Mela offered completely different energy than lunch buffet visits.

Family-Friendly Welcome For All Ages

Bringing my nieces and nephews revealed Mela’s genuine family-friendly nature. The kids’ menu offered approachable options that introduced young palates to Indian flavors. Staff treated children with patience and kindness that impressed me deeply.

High chairs and booster seats appeared quickly without needing to ask. The spacious dining area accommodated strollers and families without cramping other diners. Noise levels from excited children never drew annoyed looks from staff or management.

Mild curry options allowed kids to explore new tastes without overwhelming spice. My nephew surprised everyone by loving the chicken korma intensely. Naan bread became the universal kid favorite, perfect for little hands.

The buffet format worked brilliantly for families with picky eaters or varying preferences. Everyone found something they enjoyed without complicated negotiations or compromises. Parents could relax knowing their kids had good options available.

The servers showed genuine warmth toward families dining together. They understood that positive early experiences created lifelong Indian food lovers. Birthday celebrations happened regularly, with staff making occasions feel special.

Family meals here created memories beyond just eating together.

Signature Dishes That Define Excellence

Chicken tikka masala represented Mela’s signature dish for good reason. The sauce achieved perfect balance between tomato tang, cream richness, and aromatic spice. Tender chicken pieces absorbed flavors while maintaining their juicy texture beautifully.

Butter chicken offered similar comfort with slightly sweeter, more buttery notes. My wife preferred this version, sparking friendly debates about which reigned supreme. Both dishes showcased the kitchen’s mastery of these beloved classics.

Kashmiri chicken brought unexpected sweetness from dried fruits and nuts mixed in. This regional specialty introduced me to flavors I hadn’t encountered before. The complexity impressed me more with each subsequent bite.

Lamb Chettinad delivered serious heat for spice lovers seeking authentic fire. The South Indian preparation used black pepper and aromatic spices rather than just chili. This dish separated casual diners from true heat seekers confidently.

Chicken Badam Korma highlighted almond-based richness that felt luxurious and comforting simultaneously. Each signature dish represented different regions and cooking styles across India. The menu became an edible geography lesson through its diverse offerings.

Ordering different dishes each visit never resulted in disappointment.

Exceptional Service Led By Dedicated Staff

My server became the face of Mela for me through his consistent, genuine hospitality. His knowledge about dishes helped guide my choices toward perfect selections. He anticipated needs before I realized them myself, keeping drinks filled and plates cleared.

Another server also provided equally attentive service during different visits, showing this wasn’t one-person excellence. The entire team worked in synchronization that impressed me repeatedly. Dirty plates disappeared moments after I set them aside, almost magically.

Servers offered honest opinions when asked about dishes rather than pushing expensive items. This trustworthiness made me comfortable trying new things outside my comfort zone. Their recommendations never steered me wrong, not once.

Staff remembered returning customers and their preferences, creating personalized experiences. This attention to detail transformed good service into exceptional hospitality. Even during post-Hurricane Helene recovery, the team maintained their warmth and professionalism.

Great service elevated good food into memorable dining experiences consistently.

Beverage Program Worth Exploring

Hot chai became my meal bookend ritual at Mela, both starting and finishing perfectly. The spiced tea arrived steaming, fragrant with cardamom, ginger, and warming spices. Sweetness balanced the spice perfectly, creating comfort in a cup.

Mango lassi provided cooling relief when I ventured into spicier dishes. The yogurt-based drink soothed my palate while tasting like liquid sunshine. Thick, creamy, and intensely mango-flavored, it became essential with vindaloo curries.

Indian fusion cocktails surprised me during evening visits with creative spice incorporations. The bartender understood how to complement Indian flavors rather than compete. These drinks showed sophistication and creativity beyond typical restaurant offerings.

Regular coffee satisfied after-meal needs, but I usually stuck with chai. The tea selection included various options for those preferring lighter or herbal choices. Every beverage received the same attention to quality as the food.

Water glasses stayed filled without needing to ask, a small detail that mattered. The beverage program complemented the food perfectly rather than existing as afterthought. Drinks enhanced the overall experience significantly when chosen thoughtfully.

Proper beverage pairing elevated Indian cuisine to new heights for me.

Community Resilience Through Challenging Times

Learning about Mela’s presence during COVID lockdowns deepened my respect immensely. When everything felt bleak and uncertain, this restaurant found ways to serve. Takeout and delivery kept the community fed while supporting their staff through crisis.

Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville in ways still being processed and recovered from. Mela reopened its doors as soon as possible, providing normalcy and nourishment. This commitment to community went beyond business into genuine care and connection.

Local diners rallied around the restaurant during both challenges, recognizing its importance. The relationship between Mela and Asheville ran deeper than typical customer-business dynamics. Mutual support and loyalty sustained both through incredibly difficult periods.

Staff members faced personal hardships yet showed up to serve others. This dedication and resilience inspired me profoundly when I learned about it. Supporting restaurants like this felt meaningful beyond just enjoying good food.

The restaurant’s survival represented community strength and interconnectedness beautifully. Eating here became a way to participate in Asheville’s recovery actively. Every meal felt like voting with my dollars for businesses that matter.

Resilience tasted delicious when served with authentic Indian spices and care.

Convenient Location In Downtown Asheville

Finding parking near 70 N Lexington Ave required some patience but proved manageable. Downtown Asheville’s walkability meant many diners arrived on foot from nearby hotels. The location placed Mela in the heart of the city’s cultural district.

Surrounding shops and galleries made pre or post-meal strolls enjoyable extensions. The neighborhood buzzed with energy that complemented the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere. Street parking and nearby lots provided options for those driving in.

Public transportation routes passed within easy walking distance for car-free visitors. The central location made Mela accessible to tourists and locals equally. Being downtown meant spontaneous visits became possible when cravings struck unexpectedly.

Nearby hotels recommended Mela consistently to their guests seeking authentic cuisine. This word-of-mouth promotion from hospitality professionals spoke volumes about reputation. The restaurant became a destination point that drew people downtown specifically.

Foot traffic past the restaurant meant enticing aromas lured curious passersby inside. One reviewer literally followed their nose down the street to discover Mela. The location worked perfectly for building community presence and welcoming new diners.

Downtown placement ensured Mela remained central to Asheville’s dining scene.

The Final Verdict From A Converted Fan

My last visit ended with shahi tukra, a bread pudding dessert that changed everything. The delicate sweetness and cardamom notes provided perfect closure to my meal. Saffron threads added visual beauty and subtle flavor complexity that impressed me deeply.

Walking out into the evening air, I felt completely satisfied but not uncomfortably full. The balance in portions and flavors left me happy rather than regretful. This feeling of contentment became what I associated with Mela most strongly.

I calculated that I had visited nine times in three months without tiring. Each experience brought new discoveries or reaffirmed old favorites reliably. The consistency impressed me as much as the peak moments did.

Friends tired of hearing my Mela recommendations but eventually tried it themselves. Their conversions to regular diners validated my enthusiasm completely. Now we plan group dinners there, sharing discoveries and favorite dishes together.

The restaurant earned permanent status on my phone’s favorites list for easy reservation calling. Birthday celebrations and special occasions now default to Mela automatically. This place became woven into my Asheville life in ways I never anticipated.

That first aroma-driven discovery on N Lexington Avenue changed my dining landscape forever.