Top 10 Indian Restaurants in the Bay Area

I have been in the Bay Area for almost three years now and I love Indian food.

I’ve traveled multiple states in this country, and let me tell you, the Bay Area has the widest variety of Indian cuisine! Sure, there are a few hits and misses, but when it comes to staying true to the original flavors, this place comes up as true winner!.

For those new to the Indian cuisine, the land has a diversity to offer. From ranging flavors to ranging set-ups, I have tried to sort out the best flavors as well as covered multiple styles like thalis or street foods.

So, let’s get started with the list. I have kept the most unique for the last…

Saravanaa Bhavan, Sunnyvale

This place in Sunnyvale serves amazing South Indian dishes. The vibe of the place is super casual. The restaurant offers very quick services. Along with the South Indian specialities, a few combos from the North Indian parts like Chholey Bhature and Indo-Chinese cuisines like fried rice and hakka noodles are also served on the menu. We especially enjoy the Rava Keshari (a typical south indian dessert) and Filter Coffee.
Honest Restaurant, Fremont

We were super excited for this place to open, and it finally did in 2024! Honest is a big deal back in the western part of India. The restaurant dishes out some seriously tasty traditional and street food. Plus, the vibe is really chill. There’s cool Bollywood music playing in the background, and the setup is nice and tidy—not cramped like a lot of other spots.
Rajwadi Thali, Fremont

If you’re into Indian food, you’ve gotta check out Rajwadi Thali! It’s a cool spot and while there aren’t too many places that serve thalis around here, this one really shines. The food is all kinds of colorful and they’ve got tons of choices. Just a heads up, though—the service can be a bit slow. Loads of folks have complained about that, and we went a while back, so I’m not sure if they’ve improved since then.
Also they have ample parking space.
Chaat Bhavan, Sunnyvale

Chaat Bhavan is a our go-to place for comfort food. If you are looking for a not-so-fancy, affordable Indian food ranging from all parts, then this is where you need to be!
The ambience is humble and you would not leave disappointed by the staff.
Madras Cafe, Sunnyvale

You want South Indian food and that’s all you want, your go to place would be Madras Cafe. It’s a no-frills set-up and quick service. Just order at the counter and wait to be seated (’cause, yes there is huge line!!). The restaurant is right on El Camino Real.
The Yellow Chilli, Santa Clara

If you’re looking to celebrate a milestone in your life with Indian food, you gotta be here!!! Chef Sanjeev Kapoor is a celebrated Indian chef.
It is one of the rare up-scale Indian restaurant. The ambience is posh. Dishes served are rich, creamy and exude amazing flavors.
Plus, the neighborhood is buzzing and has a great energy
Garam Mirchi, Fremont

Garam Mirchi is my go-to restaurant for Rajasthani food in Bay-Area. The decor is quirky and vibrant. You will be welcomed with traditional rajasthani head gear.
The restaurant serves different sizes of Rajasthani thali along with popular appetizers like Mirchi Vada and Pyaaz Kachori.
Wait times are short and services is quick. I am sure you will definitely love it!
Inchin Bamboo, Sunnyvale

Indo-Chinese food is the most closest to what we use to get back in India. They have got the flavors and the recipes bang on!! The setting is pretty upscale. If your romantic date is into Indo-Chinese food, you bring her here!
The candle-light tables and maroon wallpaper gives the place a cozy feel. The portion sizes are value for money.
Mantra India, Mountain View

I am sure you have had Indian lunch buffets at least once in you life time. And if not, This place is what you need to check out!
The spread is amazing for both vegetarian and non vegetarians. You will have a lot of options to chose from.
This restaurant is right in the Mountain View downtown so the vibe is super chill.
Besharam, SF

Chef Heena Patel does an excellent job to fuse the traditional recipes with modern techniques. The food presented is stylish and super appetizing. If you have a quirky bone in your body, this restaurant will surely align with your chakras!!
The space is modern yet cozy. The vibe is super energetic. Your pockets might feel a stretch but you are surely gonna leave with a smile!!