Best Indian Restaurants in San Jose, California
Punjab Cafe
Address: 322-324 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113
Located in San Jose, California, Punjab Cafe offers a diverse menu of North Indian cuisine in a casual, no-frills setting. The restaurant is particularly known for its weekend lunch buffet featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including popular dishes like butter chicken, tandoori specialties, and a variety of curries. The welcoming staff provides attentive service while diners enjoy generous portions of authentically spiced dishes paired with freshly baked naan bread.
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Opinions on pricing vary. Some find it affordable, while others find it expensive or high for the quantity of food.
The majority of reviews praise the friendly and attentive staff, but there are some exceptions.
Some reviews mention street parking availability, while others mention lack of parking.
Many reviews refer to ordering takeout or picking up orders, indicating that takeout is available.
Several reviews mention vegetarian options and vegan dishes being available, especially in the buffet.
The Mynt
Address: 5210 Prospect Rd, San Jose, CA 95129
The Mynt in San Jose, California, offers a diverse selection of North Indian cuisine in an upscale dining environment with contemporary decor. Their menu features both traditional favorites and modern interpretations, with their butter chicken and freshly-baked naan bread receiving particular praise from regular patrons. The restaurant's weekend buffet service provides an accessible way to sample various dishes, though the quality and consistency of items can vary depending on the time of visit.
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Reviews mention reasonable prices and affordable food, although some also state the price doesn't match the food quality.
Many reviews praise the friendly and attentive staff, although some mention issues with service speed or helpfulness.
Several reviews mention parking, some stating it can be difficult or that they parked next door, confirming that there is parking, although it might be limited.
Several reviews mention ordering food for takeout or via DoorDash, indicating that takeout is available.
One review mentions lentil soup and pakoras as vegan options, confirming the availability of some vegan dishes.
Sri's Kitchen
Address: 3730 N First St #120, San Jose, CA 95134
Sri's Kitchen in San Jose, California offers a cozy dining experience with a menu focused on homestyle Indian vegetarian cuisine. The restaurant specializes in South Indian favorites like dosas and thalis, while maintaining a casual, no-frills atmosphere that keeps regulars coming back. The establishment prides itself on serving freshly prepared dishes at reasonable prices, though the quality can be inconsistent depending on the time of day and specific menu items ordered.
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Many reviewers describe the prices as affordable, reasonable, or budget-friendly.
Several reviews specifically mention the friendly and helpful nature of the staff.
Some reviews mention parking as a challenge, while another states that parking is available nearby.
Multiple reviews explicitly mention ordering takeout or having takeout, indicating that it is available.
One review explicitly states that the restaurant is a good place for vegan dishes.
Curry Up Now
Address: 3250 Zanker Rd #30, San Jose, CA 95134
Curry Up Now in San Jose, California offers a modern twist on traditional Indian cuisine with fusion dishes and creative cocktails in a vibrant, casual atmosphere. The restaurant specializes in street food-inspired items like their popular tikka masala burritos, naughty naans, and authentic chaat dishes, while also serving classic Indian staples with contemporary presentations. Their trendy space features colorful Bollywood-inspired decor and a full bar, making it a lively spot for both casual dining and social gatherings in the Bay Area.
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The reviews contain mixed opinions on the affordability of the food and portions.
Many reviewers praise the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff, while some report negative experiences.
Reviews mention parking availability but also some difficulty finding parking.
Many reviews mention takeout or delivery orders, indicating that takeout is available.
The reviews indicate a significant number of vegetarian and vegan options.
Talab
Address: 670 River Oaks Pkwy Sute N, San Jose, CA 95134
Located in Talab, San Jose, California, this intimate Indian restaurant specializes in authentic Bengali and North Indian cuisine served in an elegantly decorated dining space. The menu features signature dishes like fish fry with mustard sauce, traditional Bengali curries, and house-made desserts that transport diners straight to the streets of Kolkata. The attentive service and cozy atmosphere create a refined yet casual dining experience perfect for both special occasions and casual meals.
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The reviews are mixed, with some describing the prices as expensive or overpriced, while others find them reasonable.
Many reviews commend the staff for being friendly and attentive.
Reviews indicate that parking is available, particularly in the outside area.
Multiple reviews mention ordering food for takeout.
The reviews do not explicitly state the availability of vegan dishes, although some vegetable dishes are mentioned.
Chaat Cafe
Address: 834 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95123
Chaat Cafe in San Jose, California, stands out as a bustling quick-service Indian restaurant known for its diverse menu of street food favorites and traditional curry dishes. The establishment has earned a reputation for its consistently fresh naan bread and flavorful wraps, while also specializing in authentic chaat items like dahi batata sev puri and samosa chaat. With swift service and generous portions, this casual eatery delivers a satisfying dining experience whether guests are craving quick bites or hearty curry meals with all the traditional accompaniments.
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Many reviews comment on the affordable prices, while others mention the restaurant being overpriced.
Reviews are mixed regarding staff friendliness and attentiveness, with some praising the staff and others describing them as rude or inattentive.
Some reviews mention finding parking easily, while others do not address parking.
Multiple reviews explicitly state that takeout is available.
Several reviews indicate that vegan options are available upon request or by selecting vegetarian curries without dairy products.
Naan & Curry
Address: 375 Saratoga Ave E, San Jose, CA 95129
Naan & Curry in San Jose, California offers a diverse menu of traditional Indian dishes with varying reviews on their signature items like butter chicken, biryani, and naan bread. Their extensive menu features everything from classic curries to street food favorites, with particular praise for their chicken tikka masala and vegetarian options like samosas and chole bhature. The establishment maintains a casual dining atmosphere where customers can expect friendly service and reasonable prices, though consistency in food quality can sometimes be hit or miss.
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Many reviews cite affordable prices as a positive aspect of the restaurant.
Numerous reviews describe the staff as friendly, welcoming, and attentive.
The reviews do not provide information about parking availability.
Multiple reviews explicitly mention ordering takeout or that they got their food to go.
Several reviews mention vegetarian dishes, indicating the restaurant offers vegan options.
8Elements
Address: 1781 E Capitol Expy, San Jose, CA 95121
8Elements in San Jose, California offers a diverse menu of North and South Indian cuisine with a popular lunch buffet that draws locals and families alike. The restaurant's specialties include everything from crispy dosas and fluffy naans to flavorful biryanis and rich curries, all served in a casual dining atmosphere. The establishment maintains reasonable prices for generous portions while providing friendly service, though it can get quite busy during peak hours.
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Many reviews describe the prices as reasonable or affordable, indicating that the restaurant is generally considered reasonably priced.
Numerous reviews praise the staff for their friendliness, attentiveness, and helpfulness, although some negative comments about staff behavior exist.
One review mentions plenty of parking, while another notes that parking can be an issue at busy times.
Several reviews explicitly mention ordering takeout, indicating that this option is available.
Several reviews mention the availability of vegan options, such as vegan appetizers and sides.
Rangoli
Address: 3695 Union Ave, San Jose, CA 95124
Rangoli in San Jose, California, offers a diverse menu of North Indian cuisine served in a spacious dining room with high ceilings. The restaurant specializes in traditional dishes like butter chicken, samosas, and various paneer preparations, with portion sizes that tend to be generous especially for takeout orders. While the lunch buffet provides an opportunity to sample multiple dishes, the dining experience can be hit-or-miss with varying reports on service quality and food consistency.
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Some reviews mention high prices, while others find the prices reasonable, depending on the meal.
The reviews regarding staff are mixed, with some praising friendly and attentive service and others reporting poor service.
The reviews do not provide information about parking availability.
Many reviews refer to ordering takeout, indicating that this option is available.
Several reviews mention vegetarian options, including vegetable biryani and many vegetable dishes in the buffet.
Jewel of India
Address: 2634 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116
Jewel of India in San Jose, California offers a diverse menu of traditional Indian dishes ranging from tandoori specialties to rich curries and fresh-baked breads. The restaurant combines both dine-in and takeout options in a casual setting, with many regulars praising their garlic naan and butter chicken as standout items. The establishment also features an array of Indian sweets and snacks, though portion sizes and pricing can vary depending on the dish.
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Reviews are mixed on pricing; some find it affordable, while others find it expensive.
Reviews are mixed, with some praising the friendly staff, and others mentioning rude or inattentive service.
One review mentions the availability of parking.
Many reviews mention ordering food for takeout, indicating that takeout is available.
Reviews mention vegetarian dishes, but don't explicitly state if they offer dedicated vegan options.
New Tandoori Cafe
Address: 405 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129
New Tandoori Cafe in San Jose, California offers an authentic dining experience with their clay oven-cooked specialties and diverse menu of Indian and Pakistani cuisine. The restaurant is particularly known for their expertly prepared naan bread and kebabs, with many regulars praising their butter chicken and biryani dishes. The casual eatery combines friendly service with generous portions, though the atmosphere remains simple and unpretentious with both indoor and outdoor seating available.
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Some reviews mention affordable prices, while others note that prices have increased, resulting in mixed opinions on affordability.
While some reviews praise the friendly and attentive staff, others mention a lack of service and less than welcoming staff, resulting in mixed feedback.
One review mentions ample parking, while another suggests using the nearby plaza if necessary.
Multiple reviews explicitly state that takeout is available, and many reviews mention ordering food to go.
While the reviews don't explicitly state vegan options, some vegetarian options are mentioned, but further information is needed to confirm vegan-specific dishes.
Rajjot Indian Cuisine
Address: 3327 San Felipe Rd, San Jose, CA 95135
Rajjot Indian Cuisine in San Jose, California, is a casual to-go spot offering traditional Indian dishes alongside a variety of house-made sweets and snacks. The restaurant specializes in North Indian favorites like butter chicken, various curries, and freshly baked naan bread in different flavors. While primarily a takeout establishment, they maintain a diverse menu featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with particularly noteworthy paratha and pakora offerings.
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Reviews are mixed on pricing, with some considering it affordable and others mentioning high prices relative to quality.
Many reviews criticize the staff's friendliness and attentiveness, citing rudeness and unresponsiveness.
One review mentions that the parking lot is frequently crowded, implying that parking is available.
Multiple reviews explicitly state that takeout is available.
Several reviews mention vegetarian dishes such as aloo paratha, makki roti, and vegetable curries, suggesting the availability of vegan options.
Shan Restaurant
Address: 4140 N First St #30, San Jose, CA 95134
Located in San Jose, California, Shan Restaurant offers a blend of Indian and Pakistani cuisine with a focus on traditional favorites like tandoori chicken, biryani, and various curry dishes. The casual eatery provides a modest dining atmosphere where customers can enjoy both vegetarian and meat options, from classic chicken tikka masala to paneer dishes and freshly baked naan. While known for their quick service and reasonable prices, the restaurant particularly shines with their kebabs, wraps, and signature curry dishes that keep regulars coming back for more.
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Many reviews describe the food as "cheap" or "affordable."
Reviews on staff friendliness are mixed; some praise the staff while others report rudeness.
One review mentions parking is available nearby.
Takeout is mentioned in several reviews.
The reviews don't specify vegan options, although some vegetarian dishes are mentioned.
Inchin's Bamboo Garden
Address: 55 River Oaks Pl #70, San Jose, CA 95134
Inchin's Bamboo Garden in San Jose, California offers an eclectic fusion of Indo-Chinese cuisine in a modern dining setting. The restaurant serves up a diverse menu ranging from classic Chinese dishes to Indian-inspired flavors, though recent reviews suggest inconsistent food quality and portion sizes. The establishment features both indoor dining and takeout options, with ample parking available in the retail garage, though service experiences can vary significantly depending on the visit.
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The reviews are mixed; some find the prices reasonable for the portion size and quality, while others feel the prices are too high for what they receive.
Reviews on staff are extremely mixed; some praise the friendliness and attentiveness of certain staff members, while others report rude, inattentive, or slow service.
Many reviews mention ample parking, either in a nearby garage or on the street.
Multiple reviews mention ordering food for takeout.
Several reviews indicate the availability of vegan and vegetarian options, including vegan Indo-Chinese dishes.
Kadhai Kitchen
Address: 2678 Cropley Ave, San Jose, CA 95132
Kadhai Kitchen in San Jose, California, is a cherished spot specializing in authentic Maharashtrian street food with their house-made bread being a standout feature. The cozy establishment offers a focused menu of freshly prepared items like vada pav, pav bhaji, and dabeli that consistently earn praise for their genuine Mumbai-style flavors. While primarily a takeout spot with limited seating, the family-run restaurant maintains high quality standards and delivers warm, expertly-prepared dishes that keep locals coming back for more.
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Opinions on pricing are mixed; some find the prices reasonable given the quality, while others consider them high.
Several reviews describe the staff as friendly, nice, polite, and attentive.
The reviews do not provide information about parking availability.
Multiple reviews explicitly mention takeout orders being placed and received.
Some menu items like dabeli and vada pav can be made vegan by omitting dairy products, however, there is no explicit mention in the reviews about dedicated vegan options.
Hajis Restaurant & Catering
Address: 1185 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
Hajis Restaurant & Catering in San Jose, California, offers an authentic blend of Indian and Pakistani cuisine in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere nestled in the heart of Willow Glen. The scratch kitchen prides itself on freshly ground spices and made-to-order dishes, including customer favorites like their aromatic biryani, rich butter chicken, and perfectly spiced tikka masala. The attentive staff provides warm hospitality while serving up both traditional classics and modern fusion dishes, making it a welcome addition to the neighborhood's dining scene.
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Reviews are mixed on affordability. Some describe prices as reasonable or very reasonably priced while others mention high prices and smaller portions.
Many reviews specifically praise the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff.
Reviews mention parking availability nearby, although one review notes it can be difficult to find parking in the area.
Multiple reviews mention ordering takeout or catering, indicating takeout is available.
Several reviews highlight the restaurant's vegan options, including vegan tikka masala.
Idly Express - Almaden
Address: 4750 Almaden Expy suite 104, San Jose, CA 95118
Located in Almaden, San Jose, California, Idly Express serves authentic South Indian cuisine with a focus on takeout service and limited outdoor seating. The restaurant is known for their perfectly steamed idlis, flavorful sambar, and variety of traditional breakfast items like vada and uttapam, all served in a casual counter-service setting. While the dining space may be compact with just a few tables, the establishment makes up for it with quick service, generous portions, and a dedication to maintaining consistently high food quality that keeps locals coming back for their South Indian comfort food fix.
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Many reviews describe the prices as reasonable or affordable.
While some reviews mention unfriendly or rude staff, others praise the staff for being friendly and courteous.
Reviews mention parking availability, although one review notes that parking can be full at times.
Multiple reviews explicitly state that takeout is available, and many reviewers mention ordering takeout.
Several reviews mention vegan options, such as vegan filter coffee.
Taaza Thindi (PRE ORDER ONLY)
Address: 336 Commercial St, San Jose, CA 95112
Taaza Thindi in San Jose, California, is a cloud kitchen specializing in authentic Karnataka-style South Indian cuisine, particularly known for their expertly crafted dosas and idlis. The establishment serves up crispy, flavorful dosas made fresh to order, featuring specialties like the Mulbagal and Davangere Benne variations that transport diners straight to the streets of Bangalore. Though it's a takeout-only spot requiring advance orders, the restaurant has earned a reputation for their perfectly balanced chutneys, soft thatte idlis, and commitment to traditional cooking methods that keep customers coming back despite the wait times.
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Some reviews mention prices being high, others don't mention price at all.
Many reviews comment positively on the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff.
The reviews indicate that the restaurant is a takeout-only cloud kitchen, implying parking is available nearby but not directly at the restaurant itself.
The reviews repeatedly state that this is a takeout-only establishment.
Several reviews mention vegan options, or options easily adaptable to a vegan diet.
Himalayan Magic Masala
Address: 1600 Saratoga Ave #203, San Jose, CA 95129
Himalayan Magic Masala in San Jose, California is a welcoming restaurant that blends traditional Indian and Nepalese cuisines in a modern setting at Westgate Mall. The establishment has earned a reputation for its diverse menu featuring everything from authentic momos and biryani to curry dishes and fresh naan bread, with many praising their tandoori specialties and flavorful masalas. The restaurant's attentive staff and comfortable atmosphere create an inviting dining experience, complemented by generous portions and reasonable prices that keep locals coming back for more.
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Reviews suggest that prices are reasonable or affordable.
Many reviews highlight the friendly, attentive, and courteous nature of the staff.
Multiple reviews mention ample parking at the restaurant's location in a mall.
Multiple reviews mention ordering food for takeout.
While some vegan options might exist, the reviews don't explicitly state it.
Dawaat Indian Cuisine
Address: 4472 Pearl Ave, San Jose, CA 95136
Dawaat Indian Cuisine in San Jose, California offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere tucked away in an unassuming strip mall location. The restaurant specializes in authentic North Indian dishes with generous portions and reasonable prices, consistently delivering flavorful curries, fresh breads, and well-spiced biryani preparations. The attentive staff provides quick, friendly service while maintaining a clean dining space that has quickly become a neighborhood favorite for both dine-in and takeout orders.
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Many reviews describe the prices as affordable, reasonable, or good value.
Numerous reviews commend the staff for being friendly, attentive, and providing excellent service.
One review mentions the restaurant is tucked away in a parking lot, implying parking is available.
Multiple reviews mention ordering takeout, indicating that it is available.
Several reviews mention vegetarian dishes, and at least one review specifically states that they ordered several vegetarian entrees. Also, some reviews mention that the restaurant accommodated requests for mild dishes, which may include vegan options. However, the reviews don't explicitly state that they offer vegan options.