Very good service and dishes. Thoroughly enjoyed or meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Viale M
Himalayan Kitchen, an unassuming restaurant in Marin County tucked into a dusty shopping mall, punches well above its weight. Many places in the U.S. that market themselves as “Himalayan” (or, more accurately, Nepalese) end up being little more than watered-down Indian restaurants. That is not the case here. If anything, this restaurant could be called the Consulate of Nepal in Northern California—the food feels true to its origin.
The menu offers a wide range of distinctly Nepalese flavors and preparations. To a discerning diner, these dishes sit on an interesting culinary continuum connecting the Indian subcontinent to parts of Greater China. If you have not experienced that overlap—those spice profiles, textures, and techniques—this is a meal you owe yourself. The wine list is solid (as one might expect in this part of California), and prices are reasonable.
The main drawback is the service. The servers are young and cheerful, but often unprofessional. On more than one visit, we felt rushed to finish our entrées because a server wanted to go home. That would be inappropriate anywhere, but it is especially jarring here given the otherwise welcoming spirit of the place.
With some basic hospitality training—and a stronger commitment to letting diners eat at a comfortable pace—Himalayan Kitchen could become a true gem in Northern California.
As ordinary consumers, we are not paid or compensated in any way for this review.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 2
Kaya M
We are so grateful for the huge and generous meal donated to our team of artists. The food was incredible — I especially loved the saag, tikka masala, and garlic naan! Everyone was truly delighted and satisfied, even with the wide range of dietary needs on our team. Himalayan Kitchen went above and beyond by providing an insulated container, which allowed us to pick up before their dinner rush and still enjoy a hot, nourishing meal later in the evening. Deep thanks for such thoughtful generosity and delicious food. 💛
Food: 5
Service: 5
Arin Wiscomb
The Best! The food is always sooo good and the people are friendly and so kind.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maria Sotiropoulou
Very comforting, delicious and nourishing. Highly recommend it 😍🙏🏼
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erin McBride
I loved everything I from here: chicken Tikka masala, saag paneer, veggie coconut curry, and garlic naan. The owners are kind and beautiful people. I'm definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Avi Dunn
Food was delicious
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Emily Cunnison
Very delicious lentil dal, very healthy and flavorful. I also enjoyed the carrot pudding!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shahar Klein
Superb service and very tasty food. Love this place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sadia Haq
Every single item we ordered was exceptional—truly one of those rare meals where nothing misses. As someone of Asian origin who has actually spent time in Nepal, this food felt deeply comforting and authentic. It wasn’t just “good restaurant food”—it genuinely tasted like a home-cooked meal made with care, intention, and high-quality ingredients, the kind of food your mom makes when she wants to nourish you.
The chicken biryani was fragrant and layered, with perfectly cooked rice and warm, aromatic spices that didn’t overpower the dish. The butter chicken was rich, velvety, and balanced—creamy without being heavy, with a subtle sweetness and depth that comes from properly cooked spices. The chicken korma was equally impressive: nutty, mildly spiced, and incredibly smooth, with tender chicken that soaked up every bit of flavor.
The vegetable momos were fresh and delicate, clearly handmade, and bursting with flavor, while the chicken thukpa was deeply comforting—savory, warming, and soulful, exactly what you want from a Himalayan noodle soup. The Himalayan tea was fragrant and soothing, the perfect finish to the meal.
And the bread—absolutely outstanding. The Kashmiri naan was soft and lightly sweet, while the garlic and cheese naan was indulgent, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, with just the right balance of crispness and chew.
What really stands out is how clean and intentional everything tastes. The flavors are bold yet balanced, the spices are used thoughtfully, and nothing feels rushed or overly oily. This is food that reminds you of home, culture, and comfort all at once.
If you’re looking for authentic Himalayan/Nepali food that prioritizes flavor, freshness, and heart, this place is an absolute must. We will definitely be returning.
consistently high quality, delicious food and great service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
david borge
Wonderful combination of family-like service and consistency in excellent food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Divesh Upreti
Started with warm greetings and complimentary little cups of Dal. Ordered 3 big beautiful meals, got served in under 15 minutes. Momo, chowmein, and biryani, a quintessential Nepali order. All tasted fabulous. Spice levels were offered, a Nepali tongue needs 8+ for mittho spicy levels. Partly because it transported me to 2010s Lhasso restaurant in old baneshwor Kathmandu, I was blown away by the momo platter. Thank you for the pleasant experience, will surely visit again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ted Whitney
This is hands down the best Indian food ive ever had in CA. Lighter, Nepalese style cooking, very fresh and absolutely delicious. Fast, friendly service. This place is a hidden gem, give them a try!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fleche Good
This is my absolute fav’ finning experience, in San Rafael. Down to earth, homey . Super friendly staff. The foods fabulous and reasonably priced. You can even accumulate points. Towards discounted meals. Incredibly generous. Love these people and this place.
Very good service and dishes. Thoroughly enjoyed or meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Himalayan Kitchen, an unassuming restaurant in Marin County tucked into a dusty shopping mall, punches well above its weight. Many places in the U.S. that market themselves as “Himalayan” (or, more accurately, Nepalese) end up being little more than watered-down Indian restaurants. That is not the case here. If anything, this restaurant could be called the Consulate of Nepal in Northern California—the food feels true to its origin.
The menu offers a wide range of distinctly Nepalese flavors and preparations. To a discerning diner, these dishes sit on an interesting culinary continuum connecting the Indian subcontinent to parts of Greater China. If you have not experienced that overlap—those spice profiles, textures, and techniques—this is a meal you owe yourself. The wine list is solid (as one might expect in this part of California), and prices are reasonable.
The main drawback is the service. The servers are young and cheerful, but often unprofessional. On more than one visit, we felt rushed to finish our entrées because a server wanted to go home. That would be inappropriate anywhere, but it is especially jarring here given the otherwise welcoming spirit of the place.
With some basic hospitality training—and a stronger commitment to letting diners eat at a comfortable pace—Himalayan Kitchen could become a true gem in Northern California.
As ordinary consumers, we are not paid or compensated in any way for this review.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 2
We are so grateful for the huge and generous meal donated to our team of artists. The food was incredible — I especially loved the saag, tikka masala, and garlic naan! Everyone was truly delighted and satisfied, even with the wide range of dietary needs on our team. Himalayan Kitchen went above and beyond by providing an insulated container, which allowed us to pick up before their dinner rush and still enjoy a hot, nourishing meal later in the evening. Deep thanks for such thoughtful generosity and delicious food. 💛
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Best!
The food is always sooo good and the people are friendly and so kind.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very comforting, delicious and nourishing. Highly recommend it 😍🙏🏼
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I loved everything I from here: chicken Tikka masala, saag paneer, veggie coconut curry, and garlic naan. The owners are kind and beautiful people. I'm definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was delicious
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very delicious lentil dal, very healthy and flavorful. I also enjoyed the carrot pudding!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Superb service and very tasty food. Love this place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Every single item we ordered was exceptional—truly one of those rare meals where nothing misses. As someone of Asian origin who has actually spent time in Nepal, this food felt deeply comforting and authentic. It wasn’t just “good restaurant food”—it genuinely tasted like a home-cooked meal made with care, intention, and high-quality ingredients, the kind of food your mom makes when she wants to nourish you.
The chicken biryani was fragrant and layered, with perfectly cooked rice and warm, aromatic spices that didn’t overpower the dish. The butter chicken was rich, velvety, and balanced—creamy without being heavy, with a subtle sweetness and depth that comes from properly cooked spices. The chicken korma was equally impressive: nutty, mildly spiced, and incredibly smooth, with tender chicken that soaked up every bit of flavor.
The vegetable momos were fresh and delicate, clearly handmade, and bursting with flavor, while the chicken thukpa was deeply comforting—savory, warming, and soulful, exactly what you want from a Himalayan noodle soup. The Himalayan tea was fragrant and soothing, the perfect finish to the meal.
And the bread—absolutely outstanding. The Kashmiri naan was soft and lightly sweet, while the garlic and cheese naan was indulgent, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, with just the right balance of crispness and chew.
What really stands out is how clean and intentional everything tastes. The flavors are bold yet balanced, the spices are used thoughtfully, and nothing feels rushed or overly oily. This is food that reminds you of home, culture, and comfort all at once.
If you’re looking for authentic Himalayan/Nepali food that prioritizes flavor, freshness, and heart, this place is an absolute must. We will definitely be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Momo Platter, Butter Chicken Lunch Special, Chicken Biryani
Restaurantji Recommends
consistently high quality, delicious food and great service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful combination of family-like service and consistency in excellent food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Started with warm greetings and complimentary little cups of Dal. Ordered 3 big beautiful meals, got served in under 15 minutes. Momo, chowmein, and biryani, a quintessential Nepali order. All tasted fabulous. Spice levels were offered, a Nepali tongue needs 8+ for mittho spicy levels. Partly because it transported me to 2010s Lhasso restaurant in old baneshwor Kathmandu, I was blown away by the momo platter. Thank you for the pleasant experience, will surely visit again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is hands down the best Indian food ive ever had in CA. Lighter, Nepalese style cooking, very fresh and absolutely delicious. Fast, friendly service. This place is a hidden gem, give them a try!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is my absolute fav’ finning experience, in San Rafael. Down to earth, homey . Super friendly staff. The foods fabulous and reasonably priced. You can even accumulate points. Towards discounted meals. Incredibly generous. Love these people and this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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