• 5
• favorite south indian food

It was a lucky day when our friend Sanjay recommended we go to Mysore Woodlands, a South Indian place he had found in Parsippany. After all, Udipi Village in Montclair, our favorite restaurant for over 10 years had closed and we were desperate for a new source for our South Indian fix. Imagine our surprise when we walked into Mysore Woodlands and were greeted by Lokesh, the former owner of Udipi Village!! It was like a family reunion. And sure enough, the food was as great as it had been at Udipi. Amazing idli and sambar with just the right amount of spice, the kids had their Dosa and Uttapam, and we all stuffed ourselves at the buffet. After finishing with their legendary coffee we talked to Lokesh and caught up on old times. He told us that the location in Parsippany was larger and had a private event room that better suited his growing crowds so he moved there in 2009. He also told us that they cater and our friend Sanjay, who reintroduced us, had them cater his father's birthday bash before he went back to India last summer. It was so much fun. They brought a grill and made dosa and uttapam to order for over 50 guests along with plenty of sambar and side dishes. Everyone left very happy (and i got to take some extras home. Bonus!). If you want the best family run South Indian restaurant with the friendliest staff and authentic cuisine, this is where you want to visit. Here's to another 10+ years of enjoying Lokesh's amazing food.