Planet Bombay Indian Cuisine in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Planet Bombay Indian Cuisine is a long-standing Indian restaurant in Atlanta that draws locals, students, and visitors looking for flavorful curries, tandoori dishes, and vegetarian options close to the heart of the city. If you live in Atlanta or you’re planning a visit and want to understand what to expect, this guide walks through the location, menu style, atmosphere, tips for ordering, parking, and nearby options in a clear, practical way.

Where Planet Bombay Fits Into Atlanta’s Food Scene

Atlanta has a wide range of Indian and international restaurants, from Buford Highway staples to suburban spots in Decatur and the northern suburbs. Planet Bombay stands out as:

• An in-town option for Indian cuisine, convenient to downtown and Midtown
• A casual, sit-down restaurant rather than a buffet or fast-casual counter
• A place where both vegetarians and meat eaters can find plenty of choices

If you’re staying or living in or near central Atlanta and don’t want to drive out to the suburbs for Indian food, Planet Bombay is often considered a practical, accessible choice.

Location, Contact, and Getting There

Planet Bombay Indian Cuisine is located in Atlanta, Georgia, in a part of the city that’s easy to reach from major neighborhoods. Details sometimes change, so it’s always wise to double-check current hours and contact information before you go, but you can generally expect:

Typical details you’ll want to confirm before visiting:

• Street address in central or near-central Atlanta
• Phone number for takeout orders or reservations
• Hours of operation (lunch vs. dinner, weekend vs. weekday)

Because restaurant hours can shift, a quick phone call before driving over can save time—especially if you’re planning a late-night meal, holiday visit, or large group dinner.

Getting There From Key Atlanta Areas

• From Downtown Atlanta:
  Usually a short drive along main corridors; rideshare trips are typically quick and straightforward.

• From Midtown:
  Expect a brief drive or rideshare; public transit may be an option depending on the exact location and current MARTA routes and schedules.

• From the Airport (Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport):

  • By car or rideshare: plan on 15–30 minutes in light traffic, longer at rush hour.
  • By MARTA: you may be able to ride into central Atlanta and then walk or transfer to a short rideshare, depending on time of day and your comfort with transit.

If you rely on MARTA, check that your route still runs at your planned time—late-night frequencies can be lower.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

Planet Bombay is generally known as a casual, comfortable Indian restaurant—not a fine-dining space, but more of a relaxed neighborhood spot where:

• Dress is casual to smart casual
• You’ll see a mix of locals, Georgia State/Georgia Tech students, office workers, and visitors
• It’s common to see groups sharing several dishes, especially curries and appetizers

Noise levels can vary:

• Lunch is often more relaxed.
• Dinner, especially weekend evenings, can be livelier, with more groups and families.

If you prefer a quieter experience, consider early weeknights or earlier dinner times.

Menu Overview: Curries, Tandoori, and Vegetarian Options

The menu at Planet Bombay typically follows the classic structure of North Indian–style restaurants you’ll find across Atlanta. You can expect:

Common Starters

Many diners start with:

• Samosas – Fried pastries usually filled with spiced potatoes and peas
• Pakoras – Lightly battered and fried vegetables or paneer
• Papadum – Crisp lentil wafers sometimes served with chutneys

These are easy, shareable items if you’re new to Indian cuisine or eating with a group.

Main Course Categories

You’ll usually see several sections on the menu:

• Vegetarian Curries
  • Examples: chana masala (chickpeas), aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower), saag paneer (spinach with paneer cheese)
• Chicken Dishes
  • Often includes chicken tikka masala, chicken curry, chicken vindaloo, and similar classics
• Lamb and Goat Dishes
  • Typically richer curries or stews, sometimes spicier options
• Seafood Dishes
  • Shrimp or fish prepared in curry sauces or tandoori-style
• Tandoori Specialties
  • Meats, paneer, or vegetables marinated and cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), served sizzling on a platter

Bread and Rice

Nearly every table orders at least one of:

• Naan – Soft, leavened bread; often comes in garlic, butter, or plain
• Roti/Chapati – Thinner, whole-wheat flatbread
• Basmati Rice – Usually served with curries
• Biryani – A more elaborate rice dish cooked with spices and your choice of meat or vegetables

If you’re sharing, a common Atlanta approach is:

• 1–2 curries per two people
• Shared basket of naan
• One rice dish to split

Spice Levels and Customization

Many people in Atlanta appreciate flavorful food but vary widely in their tolerance for spice. At Planet Bombay, it’s often possible to request your preferred heat level:

• Mild: Good if you’re new to Indian cuisine or sensitive to spice
• Medium: Usually has warmth without being overwhelming
• Hot/Spicy: For those who enjoy stronger heat in their dishes

If you’re unsure, you can:

• Ask staff which dishes are naturally milder or richer (like korma)
• Start one level milder than you think you want and adjust on a future visit

Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Friendly Choices

Atlanta diners often look for plant-based and dietary-conscious options, and Indian menus are usually accommodating in this regard. At Planet Bombay, you are likely to find:

Vegetarian Choices

Indian cuisine traditionally offers many vegetarian dishes, such as:

• Chana masala (chickpeas)
• Dal (lentils)
• Mixed vegetable curries
• Paneer-based dishes (made with Indian cottage cheese)

Vegan and Dairy-Reduced Options

Some vegetarian dishes contain ghee (clarified butter), yogurt, or cream. If you’re vegan or trying to avoid dairy:

• Ask if dishes can be made with oil instead of ghee
• Check whether cream or yogurt can be omitted
• Clarify ingredients in breads like naan, which can contain yogurt or milk

Gluten Considerations

• Rice-based dishes and many curries are naturally gluten-free.
• Some fried appetizers may include wheat flour in the batter, so confirm if this matters to you.
• Certain breads like roti may be a better option than naan for some people, but still contain wheat.

Staff at established Indian restaurants in Atlanta are usually accustomed to these questions, so don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.

Typical Price Range and Portion Style

Planet Bombay is generally in the moderate price range for an Atlanta sit-down restaurant:

• Appetizers: Typically priced low enough to share a couple among a small group
• Curries and mains: Priced similarly to other in-town Indian restaurants
• Breads and rice: Ordered separately and shared

Portions are commonly:

• Large enough for one person with some leftovers, or
• Well-suited to sharing multiple dishes family-style among 2–4 people

This makes it a logical option for:

• Casual dinners with friends
• Pre- or post-event meals if you’re heading to or from downtown or Midtown venues
• Takeout when you want leftovers for another meal

Dine-In, Takeout, and Delivery

Like many Atlanta restaurants, Planet Bombay typically offers multiple ways to enjoy their food. Specific options and platforms can change, but you’ll often see:

Dine-In

• Table service, with menus and water service
• The option to linger a bit, especially on slower nights
• Good for people who want to try multiple dishes and share at the table

Takeout

If you live or are staying nearby, takeout can be practical:

• You can usually call ahead to place your order
• It’s helpful to confirm estimated pickup time, especially on busy weekends
• Curries and tandoori items generally travel well, and leftovers reheat easily

Delivery

Depending on your Atlanta neighborhood, third-party delivery services may cover Planet Bombay’s area. For delivery:

• Double-check delivery radius and fees
• Plan for a reasonable buffer in time, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather
• Note that foods like naan may soften during transport; reheating briefly in an oven or skillet can improve texture

Parking, Traffic, and Timing Tips in Atlanta

One of the most practical questions Atlanta diners have is: “What’s parking like?” For a restaurant like Planet Bombay in or near central Atlanta, consider the following:

• On-Street Parking:

  • May be available in surrounding blocks
  • Often metered or time-limited; check signs carefully

• Nearby Lots or Garages:

  • Some commercial areas have paid lots or garages within walking distance
  • Useful if you’re coming from farther away or concerned about parallel parking

• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):

  • Convenient if you’re planning to drink, avoid parking, or navigate at night
  • Can be more predictable than circling for a spot during peak times

When to Go

To avoid common Atlanta traffic patterns and restaurant rush times:

• Weeknights:
  • Aim for just after the evening rush (for example, after 7:00 p.m.)
• Weekends:
  • Early dinner (around 5:30–6:30 p.m.) is usually less crowded
• Game days or event nights:
  • Expect heavier traffic and possible delays if major events are happening downtown or in Midtown

Simple Snapshot: Planet Bombay at a Glance

How Planet Bombay Compares to Other Indian Options in Atlanta

Without promoting one specific restaurant over another, it helps to understand where Planet Bombay fits among Atlanta’s Indian dining choices:

• Buford Highway and Decatur:

  • You’ll find numerous Indian, Pakistani, and Nepali spots, some with buffets or regional specialties.
  • These areas are great if you want to explore a wide range of South Asian cuisines and don’t mind the drive.

• Northern Suburbs (Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Johns Creek):

  • Known for large Indian communities and diverse restaurants, including South Indian, Indo-Chinese, and chaat-focused eateries.

• In-Town Atlanta (Midtown, Downtown, Nearby Neighborhoods):

  • Fewer total Indian restaurants compared to the suburbs, so places like Planet Bombay are often chosen for convenience and central access.

If you’re staying at a downtown hotel, attending a conference at the Georgia World Congress Center, or visiting the Georgia Aquarium, State Farm Arena, or Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Planet Bombay can be an easier option than traveling to the outer suburbs.

Practical Tips Before You Go

To make your visit smoother and more enjoyable:

• Call ahead for hours:
  Restaurant hours can change, especially around holidays or special events.

• Ask about spice and ingredients:
  If you’re sensitive to spice or have dietary restrictions, staff can usually guide you to suitable dishes.

• Plan your route and parking:
  Consider Atlanta traffic patterns, especially if you’re coming from Buckhead, the airport, or the northern suburbs during rush hour.

• Allow extra time for group visits:
  For larger groups or gatherings before events, give yourself a buffer so you aren’t rushed.

By keeping these local details in mind, Atlanta residents and visitors alike can make the most of a meal at Planet Bombay Indian Cuisine, whether you’re grabbing takeout on a weeknight or sitting down for a relaxed dinner in the city.