I enjoyed this elegant restaurant. The service was beyond great, and the food was very good. Although it was fairly full, the noise level was low, providing a calming dining experience.
Food was good and quite unique. IMO, there is better Indian food for less $$ on Solano (including House of Curries), but this is a nice white table cloth experience and a unique take on dishes using sustainable ingredients
Ben Raphael
Ate here for the first time based on a strong recommendation from a friend and was really disappointed unfortunately. It tasted as bad as it looked. Chicken tikka masala, lamb curry, rice, and samosas were all pretty bland and borderline inedible… candidly there are tastier Trader Joe’s microwave meals. Maybe I ordered the wrong dishes? There are much better options down the street.
Food: 2
Pushkar Pulastya
I was in the neighborhood so I stopped by for lunch. I had Salad and Tandoori Salmon. The salad was organic, it was light and delicious and not laden with too much ranch or fat. The tandoor salmon was really moist, delicious and served sizzling. Tandoori salmon came with basmati rice and aloo palak saag. That saag was light yet flavorful. Overall a very nice meal. I think it is a must try if you are in the area.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
They were very sweet and san Happy Birthday for my son's birthday. They held the cake for us at the back and brought it out with a lit candle. Everyone was sweet. I appreciate them.
AndreD
Great location and I had ample parking. The staff was very friendly and helpful when I arrived. My guest was late, so the staff decided to bring over some crackers and dip while I waited. The menu was solid and had plenty of choices. We went with the lamb and rice and it was really good. The lamb was tender and a tad spicy which I love. I would recommend this spot and revisit.
Joshua Johansen
The service here was amazing. Our server Prab went above and beyond for a great anniversary atmosphere. He went out of his way to bring out a candle and flowers. Plus this was one of the best Mango lassi’s I have ever had! Most definitely recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
LovesFood
Wonderful, friendly service. We visited this restaurant with our son after almost 20 years- its still warm, friendly and very good. Loved the homemade chutney, the samosas, fish curry, lamb curry, eggplant. Good level of spice and quantity. Great experience!
Sam Russell
I don't eat Indian food often, but really enjoyed both dishes ordered: the mixed Tandoori platter and the Chicken Pistachio Korma. I ordered both of these as very mild spice level and there was no spice, but was warned the low medium spice may be a bit spicy. The restaurant was surprisingly quiet with only 2 other tables filled. Serving sizes were good (these two dishes were shared among 2 people and we finished them without being stuffed or hungry). Prices were a tad high as the total bill including tax and tip, and one drink (Salty Lassi) was $70. The staff was very attentive and friendly.Parking: Parking on a Tuesday evening at 7 pm was an absolute non issue. There was lots of street parking options
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Naan
srussell3
I don't eat Indian food often, but really enjoyed both dishes ordered: the mixed Tandoori platter and the Chicken Pistachio Korma. I ordered both of these as very mild spice level and there was no spice, but was warned the low medium spice may be a bit spicy. The restaurant was surprisingly quiet with only 2 other tables filled. Serving sizes were good (these two dishes were shared among 2 people and we finished them without being stuffed or hungry). Prices were reasonable. The staff was very attentive and friendly.
For those who want an inkling of the taste of Indian cuisine, Ajanta is perfect for its Berkeley location, its decor and ambience and attentive service. Unfortunately the staff are not well trained in offering suggestions and to ensure the heat level of the dishes. The breads were great and so were the raita but main courses we ordered failed to impress.
LindaI
Four of us had a lovely dinner. We chose the full meal option that included appetizers, main course with naan, rice and vegetable and dessert. Portions were generous but not overwhelming and everyone enjoyed their meal. Service was very attentive, and the ambiance was just lovely—elegant without being fussy.
AR HU
Have ordered takeaway from this place several times. Probably the freshest tasting curry and bread I've had in the Berkeley area, every single time!
Food: 5
Service: 5
DinnerChic
If someone is looking for authentic flavorful Indian food, Ajanta is not the place to go. Other than the garlic naan, the rest of the food was bland. It may be ok for the locals that live there. But, it wouldn't satisfy anyone looking for authentic Indian flavors. The restaurant is expensive yet run down and in need of updating.
JohnK
Good Indian Food in a cozy atmosphere. Outstanding pakoras paired with yummy chutneys, Excellent Lamb with onions, ginger and coconut. Tandoori Chicken was disappointing-dry, overcooked. Best to change this to chicken thighs or way shorter cook time!
I enjoyed this elegant restaurant. The service was beyond great, and the food was very good. Although it was fairly full, the noise level was low, providing a calming dining experience.
Food was good and quite unique. IMO, there is better Indian food for less $$ on Solano (including House of Curries), but this is a nice white table cloth experience and a unique take on dishes using sustainable ingredients
Ate here for the first time based on a strong recommendation from a friend and was really disappointed unfortunately. It tasted as bad as it looked. Chicken tikka masala, lamb curry, rice, and samosas were all pretty bland and borderline inedible… candidly there are tastier Trader Joe’s microwave meals. Maybe I ordered the wrong dishes? There are much better options down the street.
Food: 2
I was in the neighborhood so I stopped by for lunch. I had Salad and Tandoori Salmon. The salad was organic, it was light and delicious and not laden with too much ranch or fat. The tandoor salmon was really moist, delicious and served sizzling. Tandoori salmon came with basmati rice and aloo palak saag. That saag was light yet flavorful. Overall a very nice meal. I think it is a must try if you are in the area.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
They were very sweet and san Happy Birthday for my son's birthday. They held the cake for us at the back and brought it out with a lit candle. Everyone was sweet. I appreciate them.
Great location and I had ample parking. The staff was very friendly and helpful when I arrived. My guest was late, so the staff decided to bring over some crackers and dip while I waited. The menu was solid and had plenty of choices. We went with the lamb and rice and it was really good. The lamb was tender and a tad spicy which I love. I would recommend this spot and revisit.
The service here was amazing. Our server Prab went above and beyond for a great anniversary atmosphere. He went out of his way to bring out a candle and flowers. Plus this was one of the best Mango lassi’s I have ever had! Most definitely recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Wonderful, friendly service. We visited this restaurant with our son after almost 20 years- its still warm, friendly and very good. Loved the homemade chutney, the samosas, fish curry, lamb curry, eggplant. Good level of spice and quantity. Great experience!
I don't eat Indian food often, but really enjoyed both dishes ordered: the mixed Tandoori platter and the Chicken Pistachio Korma. I ordered both of these as very mild spice level and there was no spice, but was warned the low medium spice may be a bit spicy. The restaurant was surprisingly quiet with only 2 other tables filled. Serving sizes were good (these two dishes were shared among 2 people and we finished them without being stuffed or hungry). Prices were a tad high as the total bill including tax and tip, and one drink (Salty Lassi) was $70. The staff was very attentive and friendly.Parking: Parking on a Tuesday evening at 7 pm was an absolute non issue. There was lots of street parking options
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Naan
I don't eat Indian food often, but really enjoyed both dishes ordered: the mixed Tandoori platter and the Chicken Pistachio Korma. I ordered both of these as very mild spice level and there was no spice, but was warned the low medium spice may be a bit spicy. The restaurant was surprisingly quiet with only 2 other tables filled. Serving sizes were good (these two dishes were shared among 2 people and we finished them without being stuffed or hungry). Prices were reasonable. The staff was very attentive and friendly.
Restaurantji Recommends
For those who want an inkling of the taste of Indian cuisine, Ajanta is perfect for its Berkeley location, its decor and ambience and attentive service. Unfortunately the staff are not well trained in offering suggestions and to ensure the heat level of the dishes. The breads were great and so were the raita but main courses we ordered failed to impress.
Four of us had a lovely dinner. We chose the full meal option that included appetizers, main course with naan, rice and vegetable and dessert. Portions were generous but not overwhelming and everyone enjoyed their meal. Service was very attentive, and the ambiance was just lovely—elegant without being fussy.
Have ordered takeaway from this place several times. Probably the freshest tasting curry and bread I've had in the Berkeley area, every single time!
Food: 5
Service: 5
If someone is looking for authentic flavorful Indian food, Ajanta is not the place to go. Other than the garlic naan, the rest of the food was bland. It may be ok for the locals that live there. But, it wouldn't satisfy anyone looking for authentic Indian flavors. The restaurant is expensive yet run down and in need of updating.
Good Indian Food in a cozy atmosphere. Outstanding pakoras paired with yummy chutneys, Excellent Lamb with onions, ginger and coconut. Tandoori Chicken was disappointing-dry, overcooked. Best to change this to chicken thighs or way shorter cook time!