Venus solano

1889 Solano Ave, Berkeley
(510) 679-5135

Recent Reviews

Ray B.

We showed up for a late Sunday brunch. The service was a little slow, but it was Sunday, and we weren't in a hurry. The food was good enough, but I feel for me to get the authentic experience, I'll have to return for dinner and try the Indian food. Well, I returned, and I have to say brunch is not their thing. There are plenty of average brunch places you can go to in the East Bay and be completely satisfied. Anyone reviewing Venus as a brunch place is missing out on outstanding Indian cuisine. The food is excellent, and Deepak (the same guy that served us brunch) was also working the dinner shift ( when does this guy sleep??) Deepak is a great server and host, making everyone feel welcome. I'm not sure if he's part-owner of this place, but there's passion in his voice when he talks about the restaurant and its food; it's the voice of a representative, not a server. All of the food was delicious, but I particularly liked the gulab jamun for dessert; it was the best version of that dish I've ever had. I believe I found my Indian restaurant for the East Bay! BB

Niketa R.

The brussels sprouts here are one of the best things I have ever eaten. Their naan is amazing too! I also really like the tamarind ribs that come with deviled eggs. The server (maybe it is the owner?) who has served us both times we have eaten here is also very kind and helpful to help us decide what to order! I love this place. Great location to watch people and dogs pass by outside as you enjoy your dinner or lunch. 5 stars :)

Bolo B.

The space is charming--colorful and warm. There even semi-private booths in the back for slightly larger parties. But the food is entirely without flavor. There were four different things on my Indian Breakfast plate and not one was sufficiently seasoned, and no amount of added salt or pepper seemed to help. I had the biscuit off my friend's Country Breakfast and unfortunately it was dry (not served with any butter or jam.) Potatoes were not cooked enough either. Breakfast for four people with one coffee, one tea, one juice and tip cost over$100.

Amara C.

We had a lovely date night here! The atmosphere is really nice and I love the new decorations. All the food we ordered was delicious! We had the coconut chicken curry dinner and the karahi chicken dinner! The chicken was juicy, the sauces were so flavorful, and the naan was fresh! Be prepared for large serving sizes for the dinner! My only recommendations for the restaurant would be for them to serve the water cold, and I also think they should play music from Indian as the background music.

Will W.

Wasn't friendly lack warmth and personality.. we left after 3mins Places looked close we was the only guest which seem wire being Saturday..

Sorayya Carr

Both the brunches ("American eclectic") and the Indian foods are delicious. I love the fresh hot naan. For breakfast I especially recommend the challah French toast (get it with the berries!), the lemon-ricotta pancakes for a really rich indulgence, and the farmer's omelette, which is chock-full of vegetables and easily makes two meals. The Indian brunch plate is an interesting and tasty option if you're looking for something really different for breakfast. They have just started serving very reasonably priced delicious lunch specials including a rice plate, a naan wrap, and a naan pizza. The interior is being reorganized during the pandemic to-go-only period, and it looks like the buffet table isn't coming back. Please bring it back, you guys! I loved that buffet!! The owner, Deepak, manager Jaggi (sorry if I'm misspelling the name), and the other staff members are really customer-friendly and welcoming.

Frank A.

Their vindaloo and tikka masala were really tasty, we loved their spice flavor combinations. We had the lamb versions, and the meat was tender, juicy, and succulent. It came with generous helpings of brown or basmati rice, and roasted broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and sweet yams. I would happily go back to this restaurant and try out their other dishes!

toby miller

Should up mask educate. Lots of nose out

Damari Brennan

I simply enjoy their food. I always get excellent customer service there. The place is clean and the cashiers are always kind. Would recommend to others.

Tommy Abrego

I really enjoy their dishes and customer service, excellent location next to my house. The staff members are always very friendly. Would recommend to others.

Gabriel W.

Indian food is very good, DONT COME FOR BRUNCH. Super disappointed especially considering the food is quite expensive. They gave me BERRY PANCAKES WITH BALSAMIC VINEGER. I order the country breakfast eggs sunny side up, the eggs were cooked through dry, crisp on the outside. I also ordered the veggie sausage ($5) and didn't receive it. Potatoes and biscuit were good.

Christine

This has quickly become my favorite eatery for wonderful Indian food with lots of alternatives for people with restricted diets, like me. My favorite is the warm salmon kale salad. Delicious! It's so good, that's all I ever order, although tonight I added the vegan asparagus soup, which was fantastic. My friends and family say the traditional Indian dishes are fabulous, as well. I have not tried them myself.We are always greeted with a big welcoming smile and receive outstanding service.Thank you Venus!

Loni A.

This is my second time getting food from here. This time I got the lemon ricotta hot cakes, very tasty! I've never had a hot cake before so I don't know what to compare it to but it tasted great.

Brian S.

I've been going to the location on Shattuck for well over a decade. I've been trying to support them during the covidocalypse but every time I get takeout the Solano location only has one poor guy running the kitchen and taking orders, sometimes with a line out the door. Where are the owners?? The breakfast is still good (I haven't tried the Indian selection yet), so stars for that and the lone guy doing all the work.

Conrad D.

If you like good value, or good food, do yourself a favor and skip this restaurant for Indian food. A friend and I had dinner there and his comment was that he had better Indian food at home in his freezer. I would argue you could do better with Trader Joe's sauces, precooked shredded chicken breast and frozen rice. In either case, they would be much better value. His fish was frozen not fresh, and not cooked well. My chicken was dry and the rice was dry and stale. The sauces were not pleasant. If you want the best Indian food on Solano go to Delhi Dinner (now that Ajanta has changed hands) or, for much better value then Venus, to House of Curries that, while cheaper, is still fresher and better.

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