Best Indian Restaurants in Santa Clara, California
1
Star Chaat Cuisine
Address: 3590 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051
Star Chaat Cuisine in Santa Clara, California offers an extensive menu of authentic North Indian vegetarian dishes in a vibrant, chandelier-lit setting with bold orange walls. The restaurant specializes in street food favorites like pani puri and papdi chaat while also serving fresh house-made breads and traditional curries prepared without excess oil or spices. Their attentive staff provides quick, friendly service with a smile while keeping prices reasonable for the Bay Area, making it a welcoming spot for both casual dining and special occasions.
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviewers comment on the affordable prices, describing them as reasonable or economical.
Numerous reviews highlight the friendly, attentive, and hospitable service provided by the staff, frequently naming specific employees.
Reviews mention the restaurant is in a plaza with available parking.
Multiple reviews mention takeout or ordering food for later.
Several reviews explicitly state that the restaurant offers vegan dishes and clearly marks them on the menu.
2
Shahi Darbar Indian Cuisine
Address: 2155 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Located in Santa Clara, California, Shahi Darbar Indian Cuisine offers an authentic North Indian dining experience with a menu that features expertly prepared classics like butter chicken, tandoori specialties, and fresh naan bread. The restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere is complemented by attentive service staff who guide diners through the extensive menu while accommodating special requests and spice preferences. The generous portions and reasonable prices make this a popular spot for both dine-in and takeout, with highlights including their signature dishes like goat curry, chicken biryani, and various vegetarian options served with house-made chutneys.
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviewers comment on the reasonable prices.
Numerous reviews highlight the friendly and attentive nature of the staff.
Many reviews mention the availability of parking.
Many reviews mention ordering takeout, indicating that it is available.
Several reviews mention vegan options or the staff's willingness to accommodate vegan requests.
3
Ulavacharu Tiffins
Address: 3530 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051
Ulavacharu Tiffins in Santa Clara, California serves up authentic South Indian cuisine with a particular focus on their crispy dosas and signature chutneys. The casual eatery dishes out fresh vegetarian fare including podi idli, various types of dosas, and traditional breakfast items accompanied by four distinct house-made chutneys. While the restaurant can get quite busy during peak hours with long wait times, the quick service and reasonable prices keep locals coming back for their fix of homestyle South Indian cooking.
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviewers found the prices to be reasonable or affordable.
While many reviews praise the service as friendly and fast, some criticize it as rushed, inattentive, or even unfriendly. Thus, the overall friendliness and attentiveness of the staff is mixed.
Many reviews mention parking availability, although some note that it can be limited, especially during peak hours.
Many reviews mention ordering food to go or for takeout.
Some reviews mention vegan options, and the menu is described as having items marked as vegan. However, there is also criticism that ghee is used in most dishes. Thus, the range of vegan options needs clarification.
4
Deedee's
Address: Wellness Center, 341 Lafayette St, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Deedee's in Santa Clara, California is a welcoming vegetarian Indian restaurant known for its authentic home-style buffet featuring rotating regional cuisines from different parts of India. The establishment serves freshly made rotis and an array of traditional dishes including dal, kadhi, and various curries, with their shrikhand being a particular standout among regulars. The friendly staff provides attentive service in a casual setting, maintaining the restaurant's reputation as a go-to spot for those craving genuine Indian comfort food at reasonable prices.
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviews refer to the restaurant's reasonable prices and affordability, although some mention the price being slightly high for the ambiance.
Numerous reviews highlight the friendly, attentive, and accommodating nature of the restaurant's staff.
Parking is not explicitly discussed in the reviews.
Several reviews mention the availability of takeout containers and the option to take food home from the buffet.
Several reviews specify that the restaurant offers vegan options and caters to vegan dietary needs.
5
Bay Area Pizza
Address: 2898 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95051
Bay Area Pizza in Santa Clara, California offers a unique fusion of Indian and Italian flavors, specializing in creative combinations like Tandoori, Butter Chicken, and Bollywood-style pizzas. The casual eatery serves up freshly made pies with generous toppings, along with Indian-style garlic bread that has become a local favorite. While primarily known as a takeout spot rather than a dine-in destination, the restaurant has built a loyal following thanks to its innovative menu and the ability to customize pizzas with various Indian-inspired toppings and even vegan options.
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviews describe the prices as reasonable or affordable.
Many reviews highlight the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff.
The reviews do not provide information about parking availability.
Multiple reviews explicitly mention ordering takeout, indicating that takeout is available.
Several reviews specifically mention vegan options and customization for dietary restrictions.
6
Indian Sizzler
Address: 4150 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Indian Sizzler in Santa Clara, California offers an extensive buffet experience with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options in a spacious, modern setting. The restaurant stands out for its diverse menu featuring North Indian, South Indian, and Sri Lankan dishes, including fresh-made dosas and naan brought directly to the table. The attentive staff and welcoming atmosphere complement the flavorful food selection, while the dessert station provides multiple traditional Indian sweets and ice cream to complete the dining experience.
Known For
Not Noted
Reviews generally describe the prices as reasonable or affordable, especially considering the quantity and quality of food offered in the buffet.
Numerous reviews emphasize the friendliness, attentiveness, and helpfulness of the restaurant staff.
Many reviews comment on the ample parking available at the restaurant.
Several reviews mention ordering food for takeout.
Several reviews mention vegan options being available, specifically noting the manager's assistance in identifying vegan choices from the buffet.
7
Chennai Tiffins Indian Restaurant
Address: 2690 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051
Chennai Tiffins Indian Restaurant in Santa Clara, California offers a diverse menu of authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine, specializing in unlimited dosa nights and breakfast buffets that feature fresh-made items. The casual eatery is known for their extensive variety of dosa preparations served with traditional accompaniments like sambar and chutneys, though service and ambiance receive mixed reviews. The restaurant maintains affordable pricing in their strip mall location, making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking traditional South Indian flavors in the Bay Area.
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviews describe the prices as affordable, reasonable, or good value.
While some reviews mention slow service or inattentive staff, others describe the staff as friendly, attentive, and helpful.
Several reviews mention the availability of parking.
Several reviews mention ordering takeout.
One review warns that the restaurant is not suitable for vegans due to the use of ghee, butter, and milk in most dishes.
8
Great Indian Cuisine
Address: 2026 Agnew Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Great Indian Cuisine in Santa Clara, California offers a cozy dining experience with their popular all-you-can-eat buffet featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian North Indian dishes. The restaurant specializes in classic favorites like butter chicken, goat curry, and chicken tikka masala, while also serving fresh naan bread and traditional appetizers like samosas and pakoras. The family-owned establishment maintains a casual atmosphere in their modest-sized dining room, where patrons can enjoy consistently flavorful dishes at reasonable prices under $20 for the buffet.
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviewers find the prices reasonable and affordable, especially for the buffet.
Reviews are mixed, with some praising the staff's friendliness and attentiveness, while others report negative experiences with rude or inattentive staff.
Reviews mention the restaurant has a small parking lot, but also parking on the sidewalk.
Multiple reviews explicitly state that takeout is available, and others describe ordering food for takeout.
Some reviews mention the presence of vegan options, such as dal and vegetables in the buffet.
9
iGrill Indian Cuisine, Buffets & Banquet Hall
Address: 3170 De La Cruz Blvd #131, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Located in Santa Clara, California, iGrill Indian Cuisine, Buffets & Banquet Hall serves up authentic North Indian cuisine in a spacious venue perfect for events and gatherings. The restaurant is particularly known for their flavorful biryanis and tandoori dishes, with many guests praising the consistently high quality of their kebabs and curries. The establishment features both regular dining service and a banquet hall equipped for hosting parties and celebrations, with attentive staff who help coordinate events while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviews mention the affordable prices, while others indicate pricing as a drawback.
Several reviews highlight the friendly and attentive nature of the staff, mentioning specific staff members by name and praising their helpfulness.
The reviews do not provide information about parking availability at the restaurant.
Many reviews discuss ordering food for takeout, confirming that takeout is available.
While some dishes might have vegan options, there's no explicit mention in the reviews of any dedicated vegan dishes or options.
10
Shan Restaurant - Santa Clara
Address: 3739 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051
Shan Restaurant in Santa Clara, California, offers a casual dining experience with a diverse menu of North Indian and Pakistani cuisine that has been serving the community for many years. The restaurant is particularly known for its tandoori specialties, including their signature chicken dishes and freshly baked naan bread which consistently receive praise from regular patrons. Despite mixed reviews about consistency, the establishment maintains affordable prices and generous portion sizes while offering both dine-in and takeout options for guests.
Known For
Not Noted
Several reviews highlight the reasonable and affordable prices of the food.
Many reviews commend the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff.
The reviews do not provide information about the availability of parking.
Many reviews mention ordering takeout, indicating that it is available.
While some vegetarian options are mentioned, there is no specific mention of vegan dishes.
Chatori Chaat Food Truck
Address: 2369 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Chatori Chaat Food Truck in Santa Clara, California serves up authentic Delhi-style street food with a warm, family-run atmosphere. The menu features a variety of chaats including their popular pani puri and aloo tikki, along with comfort dishes like rajma chawal and tandoori specialties that transport diners straight to the streets of North India. The owners provide exceptional hospitality with their homestyle cooking and attention to detail, while offering both outdoor seating and convenient takeout options for customers to enjoy their flavorful vegetarian fare.
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviews refer to the restaurant as "budget-friendly" or having "good prices," indicating affordability.
Many reviews highlight the friendliness, attentiveness, and welcoming nature of the staff and owners.
Multiple reviews mention the availability of ample parking nearby.
Multiple reviews mention ordering food for takeout, indicating takeout is available.
One review mentions a soya chaap dish, and another mentions the possibility of a fully vegan option for their live grill, suggesting that vegan dishes may be available or in development.
Flying Idlis
Address: 2369 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Flying Idlis in Santa Clara, California, is a vibrant South Indian food truck known for its authentic street food offerings and signature soft, fluffy idlis served with flavorful chutneys and sambar. The menu features an array of affordable dishes including crispy dosas, traditional puri chana masala, and specialty items like punugulu and Irani chai, all served in a casual outdoor setting with covered seating. Although wait times can occasionally be long during peak hours, customers consistently praise the authentic flavors and reasonable prices, making it a popular spot for those craving genuine South Indian cuisine in the Bay Area.
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviews state that the prices are affordable and reasonable.
Many reviews describe the staff as friendly and attentive.
Several reviews mention ample parking.
Multiple reviews explicitly mention takeout or to-go orders.
Several reviews mention vegan options such as idlis and dosas without fillings.
Momo Hub
Address: 1686 Lafayette St, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Momo Hub in Santa Clara, California, is a cozy Nepalese restaurant known for its authentic dumplings and flavorful curries served with an array of house-made sauces. The family-owned establishment specializes in both traditional and creative variations of momos, from steamed to fried versions, alongside other South Asian comfort dishes like chow mein and naan bread. The welcoming staff creates a homey atmosphere where diners can enjoy fresh, made-from-scratch dishes at reasonable prices, making it a cherished spot for both casual dining and takeout.
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviews describe the prices as reasonable, affordable, or great value for the quantity of food.
Many reviews describe the staff as friendly, kind, generous, and attentive.
One review mentions that parking is "an adventure", implying that parking is available but potentially challenging.
Multiple reviews explicitly mention ordering food for takeout, indicating that takeout is available.
Several reviews mention vegetarian options, including vegetable and paneer momos. One review specifically notes "plenty of vegetarian options."
MR. CHEF KITCHEN
Address: 1686 Lafayette St, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Mr. Chef Kitchen in Santa Clara, California, is a charming establishment that serves up a delightful fusion of authentic Indian and Nepali cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is particularly celebrated for its expertly prepared dishes including butter chicken, crispy garlic naan, and flavorful biryanis, all crafted with fresh ingredients and genuine care. The attentive staff and passionate chef create an inviting dining experience, where generous portions and consistently delicious meals make this hidden gem a standout choice for both casual dining and special occasions.
Known For
Not Noted
Several reviews mention reasonable or good prices, while one suggests prices might be a bit high for smaller portions.
Many reviews describe the staff as friendly, attentive, and welcoming.
Reviews mention limited parking, suggesting that some parking is available, but it may be on side streets.
Multiple reviews mention carry-out or take-out options, indicating that takeout is available.
One review states that the restaurant made a vegan option for a customer.
Calcutta chaat & Chinese
Address: 1480 Halford Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051
Calcutta Chaat & Chinese in Santa Clara, California, serves up an authentic fusion of Bengali street food and Indo-Chinese cuisine from their conveniently located food truck. The establishment is particularly renowned for their expertly prepared fish fry, egg rolls, and Kolkata-style Chinese dishes that transport diners straight to the streets of West Bengal. While operating as a pickup-only spot with ample parking, they've managed to create quite a following among locals seeking genuine Bengali flavors and classic street food favorites.
Known For
Not Noted
One review mentions that the food offers great value for money, suggesting affordable prices.
One review specifically mentions great customer service from Suman, who operates the food truck. Other reviews don't directly address staff attentiveness, but the overall positive tone suggests a generally positive experience.
Several reviews mention ample parking being available near the food truck.
Multiple reviews mention ordering food via delivery apps or taking it out, indicating takeout is available.
The reviews do not specify any vegan options.