Best Chana Masala in Berkeley, California
1
Jot Mahal Palace of Indian Cuisine
Address: 1543 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709
Jot Mahal Palace of Indian Cuisine in Berkeley, California offers a welcoming atmosphere with authentic North Indian dishes served in a cozy setting. The restaurant is known for its flavorful curries, freshly baked naan breads, and generous portions, with many customers particularly praising their butter chicken, biryani, and tandoori specialties. The family-owned establishment provides warm, attentive service and often delights guests with complimentary desserts, making it a cherished neighborhood spot for both dine-in and takeout.
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Prices: Many reviews mention the affordable prices, describing the food as good value for money. However, some mention that the low cost does not guarantee high-quality food.
Staff: Most reviews describe the staff as friendly, attentive, and generous, often mentioning complimentary desserts or extra service. However, a few reviews mention negative experiences with staff attentiveness and behavior.
Parking: The reviews do not provide information about parking availability at the restaurant.
Takeout: Many reviews discuss ordering food for takeout, indicating that this option is available.
Vegan: Several reviews highlight the availability of vegan dishes, indicating that the restaurant caters to vegan customers.
2
Taste of the Himalayas
Address: 1700 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709
Taste of the Himalayas in Berkeley, California offers an intimate dining experience with warm, inviting decor featuring beautiful murals and traditional artwork. The restaurant serves authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine, with standout dishes including their perfectly spiced curries, tender tandoori specialties, and freshly baked naan bread that consistently receives high praise. The attentive and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere while serving generously portioned dishes that can be customized to each diner's preferred spice level.
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Prices: Reviews are mixed on pricing; some find it reasonable while others mention high prices for small portions.
Staff: The overwhelming majority of reviews describe the staff as friendly, attentive, and welcoming.
Parking: The reviews provide no information about parking availability.
Takeout: Multiple reviews mention ordering takeout, indicating it is available.
Vegan: Several reviews explicitly state the restaurant offers vegan options.
3
Viks Chaat
Address: 2390 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710
Viks Chaat in Berkeley, California serves up authentic Indian street food in a bustling cafeteria-style setting attached to a well-stocked Indian grocery store. The restaurant is particularly known for their chaat dishes and crowd favorites like chole bhature, though quality can vary during peak hours when the venue gets packed with hungry patrons. The casual eatery offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, with generous portions at moderate prices, making it a popular spot for both quick bites and family-style dining.
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Prices: Opinions on pricing vary widely, with some describing prices as reasonable and others as overpriced or expensive.
Staff: Reviews on staff friendliness are mixed, with some praising the staff and others describing them as rude or inattentive.
Parking: Many reviews mention the availability of parking, both on-site and on the street.
Takeout: Many reviews mention ordering food "to go", indicating takeout is available.
Vegan: Several reviews mention vegan options, such as sev puri.
4
JOT MAHAL INDIAN CUISINE
Address: 3211 College Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705
Jot Mahal Indian Cuisine in Berkeley, California, is a family-owned establishment offering authentic North Indian dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is particularly known for its generous lunch buffet featuring fresh-made naan, aromatic curries, and both vegetarian and meat options that keep locals coming back. The friendly staff and owner provide attentive service while serving up consistently delicious dishes, from their popular tikka masala to homestyle specialties made with locally-sourced ingredients.
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Prices: Many reviews describe the restaurant's food as having excellent value and affordable prices.
Staff: The majority of reviews praise the staff's friendliness, attentiveness, and excellent service.
Parking: The reviews do not provide information about parking availability at the restaurant.
Takeout: Several reviews explicitly state that they ordered takeout from the restaurant.
Vegan: Multiple reviews highlight the restaurant's vegan options and willingness to accommodate dietary restrictions.
5
Ajanta
Address: 1888 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707
Ajanta in Berkeley, California offers a diverse menu of traditional Indian cuisine in a quaint setting with attentive service from long-tenured staff. The restaurant specializes in classic dishes like chicken tikka masala, biryani, and tandoori specialties, with customizable spice levels to accommodate different palates. The establishment has been serving the community for over three decades, with a cozy atmosphere that makes it suitable for both casual lunches and intimate dinners.
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Prices: Reviews are mixed; some found the prices high, while others considered the lunch special a great value.
Staff: Reviews are mixed; some praise the friendly and attentive staff, while others report poor service.
Parking: The reviews do not provide information about parking availability.
Takeout: Multiple reviews mention ordering takeout, indicating its availability.
Vegan: One review explicitly describes the restaurant accommodating a vegan customer, indicating vegan options are available.
6
Mehak Indian Cuisine
Address: 2449 Sacramento St, Berkeley, CA 94703
Mehak Indian Cuisine in Berkeley, California, offers a diverse menu of traditional Indian dishes with generous portions at reasonable prices. The restaurant specializes in popular items like chicken tikka masala, garlic naan, and various vegetarian options, consistently delivering flavorful curry dishes to their loyal customer base. While primarily known for their takeout service, the cozy establishment maintains a family-run atmosphere and provides quick, reliable delivery options for those seeking authentic Indian flavors in the Berkeley area.
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Prices: Many reviews describe the prices as affordable, great, or fair.
Staff: While some reviews mention kind or friendly staff, others describe rude service. The reviews are mixed.
Parking: The reviews do not provide information about parking availability.
Takeout: Many reviews mention ordering takeout or delivery, indicating that takeout is available.
Vegan: Several reviews highlight the availability of vegan options like aloo gobi and chana masala.
7
Udupi Palace
Address: 1903 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
Udupi Palace in Berkeley, California serves up authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine in a casual, homey atmosphere. The restaurant is particularly known for its extensive selection of crispy dosas, hearty thalis, and fresh chutneys that transport diners straight to the streets of South India. The generous portions come at reasonable prices, and the menu caters well to both vegetarian and vegan diners with clearly marked options.
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Prices: Many reviews describe the prices as affordable or reasonable.
Staff: Many reviewers praise the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff.
Parking: One review mentions difficulty finding parking.
Takeout: Multiple reviews mention takeout or ordering for delivery.
Vegan: Several reviews highlight the availability of vegan options.
8
Munch India
Address: 3015 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705
Munch India in Berkeley, California is a beloved takeout-only establishment known for serving some of the most authentic Indian cuisine in the Bay Area. The restaurant's rotating menu features expertly prepared dishes like butter chicken, tandoori specialties, and traditional vegetarian options, all crafted with perfectly balanced spices and fresh ingredients. Despite its smaller operation model, this hidden gem has earned a loyal following for its consistently high-quality food and attention to detail in every dish they prepare.
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Prices: Reviews do not provide information on the affordability of prices.
Staff: Multiple reviews highlight the friendliness of the staff.
Parking: Reviews do not provide information about parking availability.
Takeout: Multiple reviews confirm that the restaurant offers takeout.
Vegan: Reviews don't provide enough information to confirm whether vegan dishes are available.
9
Mt. Agni
Address: 1829 Euclid Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709
Mt. Agni in Berkeley, California, offers a cozy dining atmosphere complete with complimentary chai tea and attentive service that makes guests feel right at home. The menu features a variety of Indian and Nepali dishes, with their momos and curry selections standing out as particular favorites among regular patrons. The restaurant provides good value with their lunch box specials and maintains a peaceful environment that's perfect for both quick bites and leisurely meals.
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Prices: Many reviews describe the food as affordable or good value for money.
Staff: Many reviews positively mention the friendly and attentive staff.
Parking: The reviews do not provide information about parking availability.
Takeout: While not explicitly stated in all reviews, multiple reviews suggest the possibility of takeout or online ordering, implying takeout availability.
Vegan: One review specifically highlights the restaurant's good vegan options, such as saag chana.
10
House of Curries
Address: 3136 Sacramento St, Berkeley, CA 94702
House of Curries in Berkeley, California offers a casual, no-frills dining experience with a cozy neighborhood vibe. The menu features traditional Indian dishes including chicken tikka masala, various biryanis, and their popular garlic naan, along with complimentary chai tea for dine-in customers. The restaurant maintains a welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff and generous portions, though the quality can be inconsistent depending on what you order.
Known For
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Prices: Reviews contain mixed opinions on pricing; some find the portions or value for price disappointing while others mention reasonable prices. There is not a clear consensus.
Staff: While some reviews praise the staff's kindness and sweetness, others mention poor service. The reviews are mixed.
Parking: One review mentions that there is parking available.
Takeout: Several reviews mention takeout, indicating that it is available.
Vegan: Several reviews mention vegetarian options, including eggplant and paneer dishes.