Curry on Washington Street: Bay Leaf Comes to Downtown Peoria

Downtown Peoria has a new spot worth knowing about. Bay Leaf Indian Restaurant and Bar has set up shop at 316 SW Washington St, in one of those classic old brick storefronts that make downtown Peoria what it is.

You’ll smell it before you see it. The aroma from the kitchen, all those spices, garlic, and fresh naan, drifts right out onto the sidewalk. Walk down Washington Street around lunchtime and just try to keep going.

The Peoria Art Guild’s art walk also runs right past the front door, so you can work in a little culture before or after lunch. Take a lap past the sculptures, then go eat your weight in naan. That’s balance.

My coworker Drew and I didn’t even try to resist. Drew is my partner in crime when it comes to food adventures, so a new Indian spot downtown was an easy lunch decision.

The Space

I’m no Peoria history nerd, but people who are tell me this building has been home to a few other restaurants over the years. I can see why folks keep wanting to cook in it. There’s exposed brick, a pressed tin ceiling, heavy wood posts, track lighting, and big front windows looking out on Washington Street. In back, a mezzanine level overlooks the main dining room.

It’s a bit of a barn, and I mean that in the best way. The room is huge and so cool. On a quiet weekday lunch you’ve got plenty of space to spread out, and I can’t help wondering what this place looks like packed on a Saturday night. Somebody go find out and report back.

North Meets South

The menu covers a lot of ground. From the north, you get the hearty curries and fresh-baked naan most of us know and love. From the south, there are biryanis, dosa, idly, and vada. The tandoor gets a workout too, with dishes like Tandoori Chicken, Hariyali Chicken Tikka, Malai Paneer Tikka, and even a Salmon Tandoor. There’s also Lamb Rogan Josh, Andhra Chicken Curry, and Chicken Pasanda, plus classics like Chicken Tikka Masala.

What We Ordered

Drew and I both went with the lunch special. I had the Chicken Chettinad, a South Indian curry from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. It’s known for a big, bold blend of roasted spices, with black pepper leading the way, so it brings some real warmth. Drew went with the Butter Chicken, the rich, creamy, tomato-based classic that never lets you down.

The table filled up fast: two rich curries, big plates of fluffy basmati rice, and two baskets of naan brushed with garlic and herbs, hot from the oven. And the naan stole the show. It came out fresh and hot, and Drew and I were both oohing and aahing over it like we’d never seen bread before. You need it for scooping up every last bit of sauce anyway. Don’t skip it.

Fair warning: the lunch special is way too much food. Look at the size of those plates of rice. If you’re a light eater, order one and split it with a friend. You’ll both walk out happy, and you might even have room left for the afternoon.

The Pairing

We kept it to sodas since it was a workday lunch, but Bay Leaf has a full bar, with Indian beers, wine, and handcrafted cocktails. Next time I’m going with an ice-cold Indian lager. A crisp, light lager is the classic match for curry because it cools the heat and resets your palate between bites.

Go Get Some

Bay Leaf Indian Restaurant and Bar
316 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602 · (309) 670-0936
Tue–Sun 11am–2:30pm & 4:30–9pm (open until 10pm Fri–Sat) · Closed Mon
Saturday buffet, 11am–2pm
bayleafpeoria.com · Order online

Cheers!