MomSkoop
California’s vibrant food scene includes some amazing Indian restaurants that bring authentic flavors from across the subcontinent. From spicy curries to tandoori specialties and street food favorites, these establishments offer genuine tastes that transport you straight to India. Whether you’re craving North Indian butter chicken or South Indian dosas, these ten restaurants deliver unforgettable dining experiences that showcase the rich diversity of Indian cuisine.
1. Rasa – The Michelin Star Experience
Tucked away in Burlingame, Rasa made history as California’s first Indian restaurant to earn a Michelin star in 2015. Chef Ajay Walia’s menu spotlights South Indian flavors with modern techniques that elevate traditional dishes to fine dining status.
The restaurant’s specialty is their seafood, particularly the butter pepper prawns that burst with aromatic spices. After a brief hiatus, Rasa reopened in 2024, continuing its legacy of culinary excellence.
The elegant ambiance complements the sophisticated menu, making it perfect for special occasions. While prices range from $50-100, the extraordinary flavors and impeccable service justify every penny spent.
2. Khan Saab – Halal Fine Dining
Khan Saab in Fullerton breaks the mold with its upscale approach to Halal North Indian and Pakistani cuisine. This Bib Gourmand recipient crafts dishes using 100% halal meat, including some of the finest dry-aged cuts available in Southern California.
Founded in 2020, the restaurant quickly gained recognition for its bold flavors and artistic presentation. The tandoori mixed grill showcases their mastery of traditional cooking techniques.
What sets Khan Saab apart is their unexpected fusion elements – like their famous Wagyu beef nihari that combines luxurious ingredients with homestyle cooking. The rustic-chic setting features warm woods and traditional artwork that transport diners to another world.
3. Cali Chilli – Where Fusion Meets Tradition
Chef Manjunath Mural’s culinary playground in Long Beach brings together unexpected flavor combinations that somehow work brilliantly. Launched in 2022, Cali Chilli marries traditional Indian cooking techniques with Mexican and Italian influences for truly unique dishes.
The restaurant’s signature creation – masala pizza topped with butter chicken – perfectly represents their innovative approach. Bright, airy interiors with colorful accents reflect the playful nature of the menu.
Despite the fusion concept, Cali Chilli maintains authenticity where it counts, using traditional spice blends and cooking methods as the foundation for their creative dishes. The reasonable prices make this culinary adventure accessible to adventurous eaters looking to expand their palates.
4. BADMAASH – Modern Indian with Attitude
Brothers Nakul and Arjun Mahendro, along with their father Pawan, created BADMAASH as a rebellious take on Indian dining. The Downtown LA hotspot’s name – meaning ‘rascal’ in Hindi – perfectly captures their playful approach to traditional cuisine.
Street art adorns the walls while hip-hop plays overhead, creating an atmosphere unlike any other Indian restaurant. Their menu features unexpected hits like chili cheese naan and tandoori-spiced pork belly that draw crowds of food enthusiasts.
The ghost chili honey chicken wings demonstrate their fearless approach to flavor – fiery hot yet irresistibly addictive. BADMAASH proves that authentic Indian food doesn’t need to be served in a traditional setting to capture the essence of the cuisine.
5. Vik’s Chaat Corner – Street Food Heaven
What began as a small grocery store in Berkeley has evolved into a beloved institution for authentic Indian street food. Since 1989, Vik’s Chaat Corner has served up the most genuine chaat experience outside of Mumbai’s bustling streets.
The warehouse-style space buzzes with energy as customers line up for specialties like pani puri – crisp hollow shells filled with spiced water that burst with flavor in your mouth. Their dosa menu features over a dozen varieties of the crispy rice and lentil crepes.
Don’t miss their weekend specials when regional dishes rarely found in American restaurants make appearances. The casual, cafeteria-style service and budget-friendly prices ($5-15 per item) make this an accessible entry point to authentic Indian flavors.
6. Anarbagh – Multiple Locations
For those craving authentic Indian flavors in Southern California, Anarbagh has become a household name. With locations in Encino, Beverly Hills, Woodland Hills, and beyond, this restaurant group delivers consistently flavorful dishes that keep locals coming back.
The menu highlights all the classics — from buttery, rich Chicken Tikka Masala and fragrant Lamb Biryani to smoky, perfectly charred Tandoori specialties. Freshly baked naan from the clay oven rounds out the experience, making every meal feel like a feast.
What sets Anarbagh apart is not just the food but the atmosphere. The dining rooms strike a balance between cozy and elegant, with attentive service that makes guests feel at home. It’s a favorite for family dinners, date nights, or simply anyone craving authentic Indian cuisine with a polished touch.
7. Tumbi – Coastal Flavors with Modern Flair
Santa Monica’s Tumbi stands out for its focus on India’s coastal cuisines, particularly highlighting seafood dishes from Kerala and Goa. The sleek, minimalist space with concrete walls and Edison bulbs creates a contemporary backdrop for traditional flavors.
Chef Imran Ali Mookhi draws inspiration from his grandmother’s recipes while incorporating California’s fresh produce. Their butter garlic crab masala showcases the restaurant’s specialty – taking familiar Indian flavors and presenting them with refined technique.
Tumbi’s cocktail program deserves special mention for creative concoctions incorporating Indian spices and fruits. The restaurant’s name comes from a traditional Indian drum, reflecting their mission to create rhythm and harmony through food that bridges cultural divides.
8. Punjabi Dhaba – Trucker-Style Roadside Eats
Modeled after the roadside eateries that feed truckers across Northern India, this no-frills Sacramento spot delivers authenticity in massive portions. Metal thali plates overflow with hearty curries, freshly made rotis, and pickle accompaniments – just as you’d find along highways in Punjab.
The restaurant’s utilitarian decor – plastic chairs and functional tables – reinforces its commitment to substance over style. Their butter chicken, rich with tomato and cream, has developed a cult following among locals.
Open until midnight, Punjabi Dhaba serves as a gathering place for taxi drivers, students, and night shift workers seeking filling, affordable meals. Most dishes cost under $15, making this humble eatery one of the best values for authentic flavors in the capital city.
9. Eylan – Menlo Park
The Bay Area has no shortage of great restaurants, but Eylan in Menlo Park has quickly set itself apart with a fresh take on Indian cuisine. Opened by chef Sri Gopinathan (of Ettan and Copra fame) and owner Ayesha Thapar, Eylan blends traditional Indian flavors with a wood-fired cooking approach that feels both modern and deeply rooted.
The menu showcases beautifully crafted dishes like spiced scallion-crusted sea bream, ten-grain lentil kitchadi, and other creations that highlight local Bay Area ingredients while staying true to Indian culinary traditions. Each plate feels refined and thoughtful, yet comforting — a perfect balance for food lovers seeking authenticity with innovation.
With its upscale yet inviting atmosphere, Eylan isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary experience that redefines what Indian dining can be in California.
10. Bollywood Indian Street Food – Fresno
If you’re craving the vibrant flavors of Indian street food, Bollywood Indian Street Food in Fresno is the place to be. Led by chef Sonu Mehra, this lively spot brings the energy of India’s street markets straight to California’s Central Valley.
The menu is colorful, bold, and fun, with dishes like naan tacos, chaat platters, and crispy samosas that perfectly capture the grab-and-go spirit of Indian street eats. While the flavors are authentic and traditional, the presentation often comes with a modern twist that makes the food as exciting to look at as it is to eat.
Locals rave about Bollywood not only for its taste but also for its creativity — and it’s earned recognition with awards like “Best in the Valley 2024.” It’s casual, affordable, and packed with flavor, making it a favorite for anyone looking to try something new and delicious.