I have been to Charlotte many times but had never visited the Optimist Food Hall before. There were many good options but I was in the mood for Indian food so I chose Botiwalla and I'm glad I did. I got the spicy cauliflower and a lamb sandwich. The portions were big and the food was cooked to perfection. The staff were helpful and seemed to enjoy working there (I would too if I had access to that food every day). I'll go back and next time I'd like to try the fish. Good local beer selection as well.
anil sawhney
The food was just average. Not many options.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Roll
Natasha Navarro
Flavor Explosion! ? I can always count on Indian food to offer vegan options. I ordered the Desi salad which came with a cumin-lime vinaigrette, Bhel Puri tossed with tamarind and green chutneys, a side of Naan, mango pickle, and a pineapple-turmeric soda. Best meal I’ve had in a while. We need one in Houston!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marion McAlister
The food it always fast and hot. Best Indian street food in Charlotte!! The service is always so nice. Get the Bhel Puri!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jatin Roper
As good as the original chai Pani in Asheville - but no lines and convenient fast casual service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gobi 65, Paneer Tikka Roll
Alicia Snow
The chicken tikka roll and butter chicken are great. We get the roll every time we stop by. The consistency of the flavor is off a bit. Each time it tastes a bit different especially the spice level but it’s been good each time. The potatoes are a MUST TRY. We definitely need to try different items next time.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Chicken Tikka Roll
Abhinav Grandhi
This restaurant quickly became my favorite for Indian street food since moving to the US. It's a hidden gem that offers incredibly affordable prices – you can easily enjoy a satisfying meal for under $15. The atmosphere is delightful. The walls are adorned with photographs that create a warm and inviting ambience, transporting you straight to the streets of India. It's a perfect spot for families, with a relaxed vibe and plenty of delicious options. Plus, the convenient location near the light rail and CATS bus system makes it a breeze to get to. And to top it off, they have a carrom board, so you can linger over your meal and enjoy some friendly competition with your friends.Kid-friendliness: There is a lawn in the middle of Optimist Hall where children can play.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gobi 65, Malai Chicken, Chicken Tikka Roll
Narayan Kumar
Amazing food, we ordered dahi papdi chaat, bhel puri, vada pav and kati roll. Each one was delicious and just mouth watering. The weather was gorgeous and outdoor seating was just perfect!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vada Pav, Roll, Bhel Puri
Tsuki Shirogane
Absolutely delicious.I would definitely suggest getting the fish. Forgot the name but it was a special that day and it was sliders so fresh with fish so crisp and a little spice just thinking about it makes me drool.As much as I like butter chicken it just doesn't slap as hard as marsala so I would definitely suggest the fish wrap which was delicious as well!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Tikka Wrap
Lorna Kellogg
I never thought I would taste cauliflower as good as my friend Vinita's! Everything we ordered was incredibly delicious, the butter chicken, the smashed potatos, the chicken tikka, highly recommend!!!
I tried Botiwalla for the first time today and it did not disappoint. I had the MG Road Wings. They were crispy on the outside but super juicy on the inside. Well seasoned and flavorful. I also tried the Sloppy Jai (their lamb sliders). One word -- amazing! I tried their house hot sauce, also very good if you like spice! I can't wait to go back and try more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Zachary Quintana
By far the best Indian food I’ve ever tasted since moving to Charlotte. I frequented this location ALOT for that delicious Butter Chicken. I can’t remember the Hispanic girl’s name that works the front desk but she is absolutely amazing and helped me select the perfect sweatshirt to buy before I moved out of state. And to the long haired white man (I’m terrible with names I’m sorry!!) with the mustache, you are truly an amazing individual. Thank you for making my experience in Charlotte phenomenal. I will still be returning when I visit North Carolina, I will truly truly truly miss this place as my #1 first choice meal!!
Authentic, delicious Indian food! Super casual, great service and amazing food. Will be back very soon.
Shreya Mandal
I am a big fan of Chai Pani, but Asheville is a bit far. Botiwalla is basically its twin sibling in another city. The best Indian street food menu for miles. This place is influenced by deep Indian roots. This is Chef Meherwan Irani's homage to the lively Irani Cafes of India – tea and kabab houses run by Parsis who immigrated to India in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Quick and easy. Savory. Never greasy. Many vegan and vegetarian options. A fun hangout spot at Optimist Hall. You feel like you're stepping into a vivid time capsule when you're there. Super creative and uplifting ambience. Good vibes. Welcoming. Love the retro Bollywood theme. My favorite area is right underneath BR Ambedkar's portrait. Jai Bhim! Try the boozie slush for a refreshing lime drink.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kale Pakoras, Lamb Boti Kabab Roll, Roll
Kasey Halodik
If you actually eat Indian food you will find out pretty quick that this is an Americanized Indian food establishment. Not spicy but only serves chicken and lamb. The food was flavorful and if you are new to Indian food this could be the place for you.Wheelchair accessibility: there was enough room to roll around and it could be accessible by wheelchair.
I have been to Charlotte many times but had never visited the Optimist Food Hall before. There were many good options but I was in the mood for Indian food so I chose Botiwalla and I'm glad I did. I got the spicy cauliflower and a lamb sandwich. The portions were big and the food was cooked to perfection. The staff were helpful and seemed to enjoy working there (I would too if I had access to that food every day). I'll go back and next time I'd like to try the fish. Good local beer selection as well.
The food was just average. Not many options.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Roll
Flavor Explosion! ? I can always count on Indian food to offer vegan options. I ordered the Desi salad which came with a cumin-lime vinaigrette, Bhel Puri tossed with tamarind and green chutneys, a side of Naan, mango pickle, and a pineapple-turmeric soda. Best meal I’ve had in a while. We need one in Houston!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food it always fast and hot. Best Indian street food in Charlotte!! The service is always so nice. Get the Bhel Puri!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
As good as the original chai Pani in Asheville - but no lines and convenient fast casual service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gobi 65, Paneer Tikka Roll
The chicken tikka roll and butter chicken are great. We get the roll every time we stop by. The consistency of the flavor is off a bit. Each time it tastes a bit different especially the spice level but it’s been good each time. The potatoes are a MUST TRY. We definitely need to try different items next time.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Chicken Tikka Roll
This restaurant quickly became my favorite for Indian street food since moving to the US. It's a hidden gem that offers incredibly affordable prices – you can easily enjoy a satisfying meal for under $15. The atmosphere is delightful. The walls are adorned with photographs that create a warm and inviting ambience, transporting you straight to the streets of India. It's a perfect spot for families, with a relaxed vibe and plenty of delicious options. Plus, the convenient location near the light rail and CATS bus system makes it a breeze to get to. And to top it off, they have a carrom board, so you can linger over your meal and enjoy some friendly competition with your friends.Kid-friendliness: There is a lawn in the middle of Optimist Hall where children can play.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gobi 65, Malai Chicken, Chicken Tikka Roll
Amazing food, we ordered dahi papdi chaat, bhel puri, vada pav and kati roll. Each one was delicious and just mouth watering. The weather was gorgeous and outdoor seating was just perfect!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vada Pav, Roll, Bhel Puri
Absolutely delicious.I would definitely suggest getting the fish. Forgot the name but it was a special that day and it was sliders so fresh with fish so crisp and a little spice just thinking about it makes me drool.As much as I like butter chicken it just doesn't slap as hard as marsala so I would definitely suggest the fish wrap which was delicious as well!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Tikka Wrap
I never thought I would taste cauliflower as good as my friend Vinita's! Everything we ordered was incredibly delicious, the butter chicken, the smashed potatos, the chicken tikka, highly recommend!!!
Restaurantji Recommends
I tried Botiwalla for the first time today and it did not disappoint. I had the MG Road Wings. They were crispy on the outside but super juicy on the inside. Well seasoned and flavorful. I also tried the Sloppy Jai (their lamb sliders). One word -- amazing! I tried their house hot sauce, also very good if you like spice! I can't wait to go back and try more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
By far the best Indian food I’ve ever tasted since moving to Charlotte. I frequented this location ALOT for that delicious Butter Chicken. I can’t remember the Hispanic girl’s name that works the front desk but she is absolutely amazing and helped me select the perfect sweatshirt to buy before I moved out of state. And to the long haired white man (I’m terrible with names I’m sorry!!) with the mustache, you are truly an amazing individual. Thank you for making my experience in Charlotte phenomenal. I will still be returning when I visit North Carolina, I will truly truly truly miss this place as my #1 first choice meal!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Butter Chicken, Malai Chicken, Naan
Authentic, delicious Indian food! Super casual, great service and amazing food. Will be back very soon.
I am a big fan of Chai Pani, but Asheville is a bit far. Botiwalla is basically its twin sibling in another city. The best Indian street food menu for miles. This place is influenced by deep Indian roots. This is Chef Meherwan Irani's homage to the lively Irani Cafes of India – tea and kabab houses run by Parsis who immigrated to India in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Quick and easy. Savory. Never greasy. Many vegan and vegetarian options. A fun hangout spot at Optimist Hall. You feel like you're stepping into a vivid time capsule when you're there. Super creative and uplifting ambience. Good vibes. Welcoming. Love the retro Bollywood theme. My favorite area is right underneath BR Ambedkar's portrait. Jai Bhim! Try the boozie slush for a refreshing lime drink.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kale Pakoras, Lamb Boti Kabab Roll, Roll
If you actually eat Indian food you will find out pretty quick that this is an Americanized Indian food establishment. Not spicy but only serves chicken and lamb. The food was flavorful and if you are new to Indian food this could be the place for you.Wheelchair accessibility: there was enough room to roll around and it could be accessible by wheelchair.