“This place is unbelievably good. Some of the best Indian food I’ve ever had, and easily the best in the Bay Area. My partner and I eat here at least once a week, and we’d eat here more often if we could.Highly recommend the chicken tikka masala and butter chicken.“
“We used to come here periodically before Covid and then hadn't been around for a while. Was a great place, had some great beers. Tried a lot at the little bar in the back.Finally got back here when I was at the vet next door. Looks like Covid may have hit him hard. Freezer was half full (compared to pre-Covid when it was packed). There were beers there that were literally 3 years old. I hope people support this place and get them back on their feet. I took a star off because of the 3 year old beer but the guy who runs this place is a good guy (no place should be selling 3 year old beer for any reason)When they get rid of the old beer and get the freezer back up with good, new beers, we'll definitely buy beers here again.“
“This is my second time order here from DoorDash First order I had the fish the okra and the aloo gobiI'm going to speak only about what I like I just have this to say The Aloo gobi has no business being so good when all it is is potato and cauliflower I'm upset the restaurant is closed for the night according to door dash because I could definitely have a little more and some for breakfast tomorrow I'm removing 1 star because my container wasn't full and the items (potato and cauliflower) are inexpensive so there was no need to skimp“
“I’m a bit baffled at the strong negative opinions since I’ve gone here several times and have always loved the food, friendly service, very fair prices, and bar/back-of-the-store atmosphere that makes you feel very much like a local :).Because it is literally at the back of a liquor store, DON’T expect a typical restaurant experience with waiters checking in on you, it’s much more of a casual vibe. But everything I’ve tried on the menu has been tasty!“
Indian •
“100% Halal meats! This place is delicious, my husband and I got takeout and we ordered the Punjabi masala bhindi (mild) Malai Kofta (mild) Chicken curry (medium) Chilli chicken (mild) Tandoori roti and plain rice The mild is perfect but the medium could be a tad more spicy. Looking forward to trying some more, especially the Indo Chinese.“
“Bruh... Literally the BEST Indian food I've had since I lived in LA. They are ON POINT Best Butter Chicken I have had in 15 years....best everything--including service--attention to detail. Everything chefs kiss Definitely will be going back....“
“My new favorite pizza place in Vallejo. The pizza I ordered was made with care and attention to details. The toppings were evenly distributed, the crust was perfect - not too thick, the cheese and the sauce were applied evenly covering the whole pizza. Great price, generous amount of toppings. I’ll definitely repeat.“
“My girlfriend and I recently dined at Momo Masala, and it was an experience we won't forgey. The menu offered a delightful array of options, but our hearts were set on trying their renowned momos and biryani. Let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The momos were bursting with flavor, each bite a symphony of spices and textures.The biryani was a revelation, perfectly cooked rice layered with tender meat and aromatic spices.What truly elevated our dining experience was the ambiance. Surrounded by lush indoor plants and subtle Himalayan decor, we felt like we were dining in a cozy mountain retreat. It was a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.But what truly set Momo Masala apart was their exceptional staff. Not only were they attentive and friendly, but their prompt service ensured that our evening flowed seamlessly.In conclusion, if you're looking for a culinary adventure that tantalizes the taste buds and soothes the soul, look no further than Momo Masala. It's more than just a restaurant; it's an experience worth savoring.“
Himalayan/Nepalese • $$
“Nothing too fancy. But great food. Tandoori salmon was great! Tandoori chicken was a bit dry. Though they used chicken breast which is usually dry. Dipping the chicken in the tasty Tikka sauce helped. Excellent Naan! Mango lassi was thick and tasty. Lamb tandoori was overcooked. Would come back to try more dishes, now knowing which to avoid.“
“I deeply appreciate the owners dedication to creating a wonderful experience for their customers. Last time we went to Everest Kitchen, we had a hiccup with our Togo order. After learning about this, the owners and staff were quick to resolve the issue! We're glad we got to give them another go because it was well worth it! My husband and I had the veggie korma, lamb curry, garlic naan, mango lassi, and samosas. The entrees were flavorful, and paired nicely with the garlic naan (of course!). The samosas are MUST try. Wow. They were phenomenal!! I love samosas already, but I find that some places tend to over bread them. These were perfect. These had a nice outer shell that wasn't too thick, so you really get to enjoy the flavors. I could have eaten the whole order to myself, they were that good! The sauces that accompany the samosas are also very tasty. 10/10. Lastly, the Mango Lassi was a great treat. It was the right level of sweetness for my husband and I. Overall, after our experience and interactions with the staff/owners, we will definitely be back and thinks it's worth giving a try for those looking for quality food/service.“
“Low-key best Nepalese restaurant in the East Bay. Excellent meat and veg entrees, very reasonable prices, even in 2023. They have a great thali dinner selection, when thalis (or any combo really) are becoming an endangered species around here.“
“After noticing Guru take over an old Chinese food spot, have been trying to have a meal for a couple of months now but we keep trying to eat dinner at 430pm . Finally made it in and I think it's my new fave Indian spot in the area (sorry Cafe Raj). Friendly service, clean dining room. Quick service! The best chicken I've had in a curry in that it wasn't dry and over cooked; same with the prawns- perfectly cooked! We had aloo palak, chicken coconut curry, prawns tikka masala, veggie biryani, onion naan and chicken momos- after tax = $83! Great value!“
“Good food from friendly people. The room is not bad, but not ' special date' nice. The heater near the door helped make us cozy. You can see by my photo how good the food was;-)Vegetarian options: Typical vegetarian Indian food dishes, but the Johi Momo was new to me, and yummy!Parking: BevMo parking lot, I think, is shared with Aangan. At least part of it anyway. Usually nearby street parking too“
“As an Indian who is often skeptical of the restaurants around the Bay, I was quite impressed by this.Good value for money, overall good flavor (not too whitewashed lol), great service, nice ambiance.Wish the best to this restaurant and hope they include more South Indian dishes in the future!“
“Charming little spot with cheerful decor and welcoming staff. Probably best suited to small groups as it's quite cozy. Went for my birthday with family, including elderly-ish mom who enjoyed the food and was treated very kindly by the staff.“
“Hands down one of the best Indian pizzas I've ever had. We ordered the Spicy Bread, Chicken Pizza Masala & Mango Monsoon. I felt like I couldn't eat it fast enough! Definitely worth the food coma. Ty for the good vibes and delicious noms ??“
“Honestly, all things considered this is probably the best indian food you will find nearby UC Berkeley, at least at an affordable price. For $16 they have an all you can eat lunch buffet with solid quality. The service was also great and everyone there was extremely nice. Worth checking out if you're craving some indian food and can't make the trip to SF or South Bay.“
“A couple of the bands I'm in played here (Sakful and Chino's burning).The Pa system is awesome.The engineer (Paul Shortridge) is very knowledgeable and has the house tone dialed in for any band expressing their style on stage.I was so impressed by the place I started going to the open mic nights on Mondays.And to top it off, the food is freaking awesome!This place is a must if you like good original music, great good and a super friendly atmosphere.“
“An impressive array of vegan options (3.5/5 Green Stars)Tigerlily opened in 2015 with Chef Joel Lamica (former chef of the Ramen Shop in Rockridge) running the kitchen, but has new management since 2019. I’ve been twice – once in the good old pre-lockdown days, before the management changed, and then a couple of months ago. And I have to say, I really enjoyed the food both times. Congrats to the new management for maintaining standards. They could do a better job at providing more info on their website, though. The original team favored organic ingredients but that’s not clear anymore. They do serve a lot of vegan dishes, so thumbs up for that.We had two of my standard Indian dishes – veggie samosas and veggie korma. Tigerlily’s versions of these two were possibly the best (samosa) or among the best (korma) that I’ve ever had. This is significant, given that I’ve had many samosas and kormas in my time. The veggie korma ($21.50) includes rice and garlic naan and has a good balance of spice, heat, creaminess, and tasty veggies. The veggie samosas (delicious pastry, not greasy, very filling) are normally $10 but note that both korma and samosas are on the happy hour menu, so avail of that if you can (4:30 to 5:30 every day). We also had the Sesame Avocado Flatbread ($13.50), made with fennel seed, turmeric, sprouts, parmesan & chili oil. Staff members were very friendly and I highly recommend trying it out during happy hour while it’s not too busy.I’m giving Tigerlily 3.5 out of 5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact, for these reasons:• Even though there are several meat dishes, I was impressed by how much of the menu is not just vegetarian but vegan. Adopting a plant-based diet is the top thing you can do to mitigate climate change and deforestation, besides avoiding animal cruelty and the negative impact of the meat industry on society.• Of course, your own footprint will depend on what you order, from vegan dishes at one end of the scale and lamb dishes at the other end. Like beef, lamb has one of the highest carbon footprints of our food options.• If Tigerlily wanted to step up and improve on its social and environmental impact then switching from lamb to a vegan substitute would be the most effective steps.• More information on food sourcing should be provided.• Local beer is available on draft, mitigating packaging and transportation impacts.“
“It was raining and I was craving samosa & chai so we got samosas as an appetizer, they were freshly made and crisp on the outside & the filling was hot and spicy inside. For our mains we got butter chicken with rice and garlic naan, it was delicious. The color of the butter chicken was so red I thought it would be crazy spicy but I guess that’s just the food coloring because it wasn’t. Topped dinner off with mango lassi- probably my favorite part of the whole meal. Thick, flavorful and decadent just the way I like it. We got food delivered through DoorDash and it was packed up really well, no leaks or spills. The samosas came with tamarind and mint coriander chutney. They sent a little flyer saying they’re a small business and we can order directly instead of DoorDash/grubhub. I would like to get chicken biryani next time when I order directly.“
“This is hands down the best Indian food in the East Bay. The staff are very friendly and the chefs are always on point with their cooking. The taste of the food is never inconsistent and tastes exactly the same each time we come. My favorite go to plates are the chicken tikka masala, baigan bharta, and chana masala. Great appetizers that I go for are the papadam, roti with garlic, and veggie pakora. They also have great Nepal plates like Momos which also come out really great. The portions are great for the price. I Highly recommend this restaurant if you’re looking for great Indian/Nepal cuisine.“
“This is THE best Indian restaurant in Berkeley. We only order to-go and they give generous portions that I can eat over the next two days. This is our go-to place and have yet to find another restaurant that blows us away as much as Mehak does.“
“Went here for some drinks and to watch the Tennessee Vols football game (visiting from out of town). Staff was very friendly, and Eddy was great! Enjoyed talking to him, and he put the game on for us and was overall wonderful. I wish we hadn’t eaten lunch before going there, because the food looked great. We did have the fries which were perfect.“
“Party of 4 for mid-week lunch on quiet large patio Food + service very good. Chicken biryani was large ( took some home for dinner) + chicken was tender. 2 persons had the veggie tandoori appetizer of mushrooms + asparagus. Garlic Naan ordered-delicious as was the mango drink“
“Brief Summary: - Good portions, one dish fills up- Low-spice tolerance, mix of "not so spicy" and "I need some water"- Located past the North gate of the university campus- Places to sit and eat insideFeeling like eating Indian, we headed for Bollywood Cafe. The interior is like a narrow hallway and it opens up to a cluster of tables and chairs. The staff walks to and fro the narrow hallway to take orders from guests and to the lower kitchen. We took a seat inside. While we did get menus, this was served by a standee card menu, so we gathered around and chose what we wanted to eat that day. The staff was kind and helped answer our questions. From my memory, there aren't many places that serve dosa, so I'm happy that this cafe serves this dish. I ordered the paneer dosa, the masala dosa, and the vegetable curry over rice. For the curry over rice, we got to choose 2 of 3 different curry sauce options, so we picked the paneer and chickpea.The dishes came at different orders: the curry over rice arrived first, the masala dosa came next, and mine arrived last. I took photos of the three dishes, but looking back the two dosas looked identical. Speaking of dosa, they come with two sauces: coconut chutney and the other, which I don't recall the name but it tasted like very spicy pea soup.The paneer dosa wasn't spicy at all but as I was eating the pea soup it grew spicy. The masala dosa was on the spicy side, so I was able to take a few bites. The curry and rice dish was nice as well; not spicy either but this depends on the curry sauce -- and the person. One of my relatives has a higher spice tolerance, and they didn't think the dishes were spicy.I ate this during dinner time and we were starting to grow hungry, and eating one dish made us pretty full. The portions are perfect for lunch or dinner, so we were happy after we finished our dishes. Conveniently located near the university campus, I might come here again.“
“I tried finally some takeout from this place after hearing so much buzz about it. The paneer tiki masala and rice I had was very tasty. The spices were nicely balanced and not too bold. The paneer was slightly chewy rather than the more firm texture I'm used to. At some point I will go back for a sit-down meal there since the dining area looked cozy and inviting. I'm not 100% sure I'd try the paneer again, but menu had all the usual suspects so I'm sure I'll find an alternative. The service was very friendly and fast.“
“Arriving on a rainy weekday just before closing, my family revisited this establishment after many years, formerly a Thai restaurant owned by an elderly couple. We reminisced about our frequent visits until their retirement.Upon arrival, the restaurant was moderately occupied, with most tables already dining and a few finishing up. It took about five minutes for us to be seated, and a bit longer for menus and water, which arrived for two instead of four, despite our party of two adults and two children.Opting for Butter Chicken, Chicken Vindaloo, Beef Sha Bhaley, Chicken Jhol Momo, regular Naan, and Garlic Naan, we placed our order after a slight delay. Despite the lack of rush, service seemed preoccupied.The dishes arrived after a 20-minute wait. The Beef Sha Bhaley stole the show with their juicy, flavorful profile and accompanying sauces. The Butter Chicken impressed with its seasoning and smoky taste, though the chicken was slightly dry and shredded. The Chicken Vindaloo boasted robust flavors and satisfying chunks of meat.The Chicken Jhol Momo had decent flavor but erred on the salty side, although the accompanying sauce added depth. The Naan and Garlic Naan were passable, lacking in garlic flavor.The dhal soup, while offering a good curry taste, lacked substance with minimal split peas and an overly watery consistency, deemed unappealing by the rest of the group.Highlighting the Beef Sha Bhaley and Butter Chicken, I would recommend these dishes. However, the overall service left much to be desired, with lapses in attention evident, such as neglecting to provide plates for all members of our party.“
“$30 for one Lamb Karahi and Garlic Naan including tip and tax. Good sized portion for after the gym.Taste was really good, but I’ve had better Lamb Karahi, of a similar portion, for less money in the East Bay.If the value doesn’t bother you this is a great place.“
“We always order momos from this place, and they never disappoint. Last time, we tried some other dishes, and the noodles weren't great. Still, the momos are the best around, The momos have amazing flavors, and the prices are fair. We usually do takeout, but we're excited to eat in sometime. Despite the noodle issue, it's still our favorite spot for satisfying our momo cravings.“
“Quality and presentation is great and the food is good. However, a great meal (especially the Indian cuisine) isn’t just about sustenance. The Ingredients and Spices are the magical tools, adding depth, warmth, and complexity to every dish transforming ordinary meal into extraordinary experiences. So with that in mind, I recommend the sizzling dishes, we had fish and prawns which were good & tasty. I was not impressed by the Chicken Tikka Masala which is my favorite dish, it was too ordinary and just dull. The Fish curry was ok. The rice is too ordinary and not what I expect for an Indian Basmati rice. Nan/Garlic-Nun are good as well as the Samosas. 3.1/2 Starts for Food.(3= Good, 4= Great, 5= Exceptional.)“
“We are so lucky to have Saffron in Lamorinda. The food is delicious, flavorful, clean ingredients and authentic. Everything is made with so much love. This is the spot to get your dose of Indian food or catering for parties. Full of comminity!!!!! I went to a rad Diwali party at Saffron and left high on life.“
“Some of the best Indian food I've had in my life. It's a little complicated-- you either have to order well ahead of time or walk in for their modest take out menu, which has like only 5 items or so. And then after you walk in, it takes another 20 min or so( it's a tiny place, no seating). But everything we got was exceptional---“
“One of the few Indian restaurants in Berkeley that stays open late. The food and drinks are incredibly good. However, it's quite difficult to get a table unless you're willing to hang out at the very loud trendy bar for an hour or more with the young hipster college crowd.“
“I love the menu here there’s always something different as the menu changes month to month. The specials always have a detailed description that offers context and region to the dishes.Vegetarian options: They had 3x veg dishes n their monthly specials and a number of standard Indian veg dishes as well.“
“Oh Man !!! It was a ' Bomb ' !!! Absolutely ' Hit The Spot ' !!!! I ordered the ' Lamb Vindaloo & Paratha Bread ' !!! It was ' Just Right ' !!! The Lamb was ' Tender & Well Cooked ', & Wheat PARATHA / Leavened Bread ' was like ' Grandma used to Make ' ... I believe that ' Vindaloo ' is a Goan Dish ' from Coastal India .... The Entree was ' Spiced Just Right ' !!! Not too Pungent so as to bury all the Spice Flavors. Potatoes were ' Ample n Well Cooked !!! Cheers n Njoy this Albany Gem that stays Open till 11 p.m. en General ....“
“I ordered two veggie biryani's and palak gosht. I have tried tikka masala at Kabana as well. I love the spinach They have lunch specials as well during weekdays. I was a regular at indus village for years. They closed, unfortunately. Kabana is good quality.“
“Super solid and very substantial meal for the money! There isn't much (if any) sit down space, so it's definitely a grab and go option (they're on Snackpass too if you want to order ahead). You build bowls/burritos by specifying the main protein and all the sides, very similar to Chipotle, but for Indian food. It's certainly not the best Indian food you can find in Berkeley, but seeing as it's a fast-casual restaurant, the quality and price are quite good. Just a note that they will fill your burrito with so much filling that it barely closes - sounds good at first due to the volume of food, but it's impossibly messy to eat. I stick with the bowls now, which makes it easier to save the remainder to eat later vs. a burrito, which will get all soggy and disintegrate. You've been warned :D The lunch rush can bring some long lines, but since most of the food is already cooked, the assembly is quite fast. At peak lunch rush, you should anticipate a 15 minute wait, or use Snackpass to order ahead.“
“Good food. Consistent in quality. Very nice staff. Plenty of dining space and options on the menu as well as weekly specials. Food is fresh and served hot. It's a order at the counter and seat yourself place. Free delicious tea with dine in service. Parking can be hard sometimes but not terrible. A true staple in the community.“
“Dining at Kathmandu Restaurant was a culinary experience I'll never forget. My meal, the Chicken Tikka, was a masterpiece of flavors, perfectly cooked and richly seasoned, making each bite a delight. Accompanied by their garlic naan, which was soft, buttery, and infused with just the right amount of garlic, it was a combination that I found myself savoring long after the meal had ended.What truly elevated the experience, however, was the service, particularly from our server, Daniel. His friendliness and attentiveness were unmatched, making us feel welcomed and valued throughout our visit. His recommendations were spot on, ensuring that our meal was not just food, but an experience to remember.Kathmandu Restaurant's commitment to authentic Nepalese cuisine, coupled with outstanding service, makes it a must-visit for anyone in Albany looking for an exceptional dining experience. It's not just about the delicious food, but the warm hospitality that makes you feel like part of the family. Five stars are well deserved for this gem of a restaurant.“
“My go to indian restaurant. Flavors of India has the only good paneer pakoras around, and the veg somoasa chaat is equally as good. Furthermore, I ordered flavors of India for my boyfriend (who is Indian), and he agreed that the appetizers were not bad. However, I’ve tried the paneer tikka masala and was disappointed. In general, I’ve struggled to find good Indian restaurants in the area, and although the paneer tikka masala was disappointing, I am happy with everything else that I’ve tried. That being said, I would highly recommend their appetizers.“
“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.“
“The cocktail I had was beautiful and tasty. The secret speakeasy room was such a disappointment, though. It was a small room that was hot, smelled gross, and didn't even have any music. It was so weird, we just left the room and went back to the outer bar.Wheelchair accessibility: No stairs“
“This place is great. The staff there are so friendly, it's really well priced, and the portions are filling. We typically get their chicken tikka masala, vindaloo, or curry. I really enjoy their fresh naan, and also appreciate that they have gluten free mains which is important for my partner. They offer a small tasting sample if you need it, as they have many options and you may want one before deciding. My only wish, and I agree with some other reviews on this, is that you could order something extra spicy. Enjoy!Dietary restrictions: I was told all their main pot dishes, salad, and rice were gluten free! This is great news for my household.“
“Stopped in to try the food while visiting a friend in Pinole. The food was excellent, (not spicy enough for me) though I did ask for spicy.The service and hospitality was great and the treats were also very excellent.I will definitely be coming back in the future.“
“The food was really delicious and I really appreciated the fact that it was open later than 930 which is when everything it feels like in the bay closes by…. The service was great and it didn’t take too long to prepare the food. They also had large serving sizes so my boyfriend and I could eat family style. I’m very glad I got to try this place and would definitely recommend.“