Ambrosia: A Must-Try for Indian Food Lovers! After a less-than-stellar experience at another Indian restaurant in the area, I decided to give Ambrosia a try, especially since it's known as one of the best in Monterey. Located just a short walk from Alvarado Street, it's super convenient. I went around 1 PM on a Tuesday, and they had both a buffet and a menu to order from. The moment I walked in, I was struck by the peaceful and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant was spotless and beautifully decorated, and the staff were friendly and relaxed. We started with the samosas, which were absolutely delicious - a perfect way to kick off the meal. For our mains, we ordered the chicken tikka masala and vegetable biryani, both with a spicy kick. The spice level was perfect, adding a wonderful depth of flavor without being overwhelming. I also noticed they have a wide selection of drinks, including some interesting vodka infusions and imported Indian beer, which would be great for dinner. Overall, Ambrosia is a fantastic spot for authentic Indian cuisine. Highly recommend! read more

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3.5 stars $36.05 + $6 tip. Vegan options! $5 Home made chai was: nice with a slight bitter edge. I didn't add any sugar though. $23 vegan kadhai chicken + $5 garlic Naan was: oily but delicious. Big cuts of bell peppers, onions, Surprised I didn't feel heavier than I did after the meal. Pricing is appropriate for Monterey Peninsula but I'm too cheap to look past it. Regardless, I'd say the vegan options make this a rare bird in the area. read more

Ambrosia India Bistro - Vegan Kadhai Chicken with garlic Naan, and definitely not vegan chai tea. - Indian Near Me - Monterey, California

Well paint me purple and call me Tinky Winky if this isn't one of the best Indian restaurants around. The chicken chattinad was delicious and superbly spiced, with fresh and tasty thin strips of ginger that really bring out the flavors. My wife ordered chicken pasanda. Both dishes were rich and more-ish and beautifully cooked with moist dark meat and light meat chicken. Onion bhaji also came with great tasting accompaniments. The staff were also wonderfully attentive and professional. The building itself is very attractive and even has an illuminated water garden to the rear which was a lovely setting for stuffing our greedy faces with sumptuous Indian food. Definitely recommend this restaurant. read more

Really kind of sad as a restaurant. Came for lunch on a weekday. Service was inattentive at best, server came by once, and we asked for water glasses and wanted to order something off the menu. Never saw him again after. Decided to get the lunch buffet ... even that was fairly sad at best ... overall this restaurant is just okay. I'd suggest another place if you are considering dining here, lots of better places to dine at for Indian or otherwise. Ambience was quiet with Indian instrumentals ... read more

The art inside is cool, it provides a good cultural and authentic atmosphere. And there's a lot of it, which I don't often see at other Indian restaurants (meaning, not as much art as this one). There's a cool fountain outside that we sat right next to which added to the ambiance. They play Indian music. The food. We asked for extra spicy. We think it could have been spicier than what we got. But aside from that the flavor of the chicken and the accompanying sauces were delicious. The chicken was sooooo tender that a fork was able to easily cut/split the chunks into smaller pieces. Really top Indian place this! Service: no issues. Took our orders in a timely manner, kept ensuring we had water, and our food came out at a good space from the appetizers (allowing the apps to settle for a few minutes). One of the servers noticed a small issue and immediately remedied it, which shows initiative and a desire to provide excellent service to the customers. Not from here so may be a long time before coming back, but when I do this will be a stop. read more

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One of our favorite Indian restaurants! The spice levels are just right -- flavorful with a good kick but perfectly balanced. The mood and vibe are very romantic, and the decor adds to the whole experience. The servers are attentive and friendly, and the service is always top notch. Definitely a go-to spot for a great Indian meal. read more

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After all it's all about relaxing ambiance, great food and courtesy service while dining any restaurant. With best Indian restaurant tag for 2025 also by Monterey Weekly, Ambrosia definitely delivers that promptly to each customer like me. Thank you again Ambrosia we are your life time customers. Here is the picture of their 2025 best Indian restaurant by Monterey Coast weekly read more

Ambrosia India Bistro - Indian Near Me - Monterey, California

The tandoori chicken was days old and the mango lassi was actually fermented! Horrid food to be avoided

Well, Monterey has two lunchtime Indian buffets and they're both amazing, buttttt this one is #1. I think their food is a little more unique and flavorful here, all the options were really great. None of the meat was dry, the paneer was fresh, and the overall ambience especially in the outdoor seating is really relaxing. Great experience, will definitely be coming here again in the future. read more

Ambrosia India Bistro - Lunch buffet - Indian Near Me - Monterey, California

We return to this place every time we visit Monterrey. The ambience is good. There is street pathing only. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. My husband and our guests enjoyed the food immensely. I asked for onion bajjis, they served onion pakoras instead. I asked for vegan chicken curry and it was sweet! When asked I was told the tomato and coconut make it sweet. In Indian, I cook Indian food and have had Indian food all my life, curries are not sweet . Needless to say, I couldn't eat it. I think I have had the same conversation with them before. I quite forgot since it's been a long time. But the management does not seem to consider these things seriously. But we will return and next time I will make sure to ask before we order. read more

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I was absolutely surprised to see how empty it was ins. I stopped here on for lunch my way to another Indian food spot after I saw the sign for the lunch buffet. The service was incredible and the waiters were very attentive. The food was so delicious! I kept going back up for more of the vegan dumplings in the tomato sauce. Great price of $25 for the lunch buffet with a complimentary drink (I chose pineapple juice). I will be back the next time I'm in Monterey! read more

Ambrosia India Bistro - Tandoori Chicken, chicken masala, veggie dumplings - Indian Near Me - Monterey, California

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First the staff is very attentive and food very good. I liked the out door dinning space but the tables could be better organized to feel less cramped. My only recommendation for those seeking heat, you have to ask for spice to be added. They did not ask me for a spicy level and I assume they are used to patrons with more of a mild palate. Also for the price rice should be included. read more

Ambrosia India Bistro - Butter Chicken, Sag Paneer, Garlic Naan and Basmati White Rice. - Indian Near Me - Monterey, California

Limited choices for Indian food in the area so we ended up here. Interesting decor and extensive menu, but food is lacking. Most of the dishes were served cold/lukewarm and had to be sent back. Service was reasonably good. read more

Ambrosia India Bistro - Butter Naan, Chicken Vindaloo, Bhindi Masala (Seasonal) and Jeera Rice - Indian Near Me - Monterey, California

Paneer tikka- big chunks of paneer, good portion, tangy in flavor (4/5) Dal- good (4/5) Veggie curry- delicious and tangy (5/5) Gajar ka halwa- tasty (4/5) read more

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Beautiful restaurant, incredible food, unreal flavors!!!! This place is a GEM! The customer service is top-notch, if you plan on having a group, I would highly recommend making a reservation, as they get very busy on the weekends for dinner. read more

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We truly enjoyed our family evening here. Vegetable Korma, Mushroom Masala, and Chicken Kadhai were all delicious. Beautiful atmosphere and kind friendly staff. read more

Ambrosia India Bistro - Lychee martini - Indian Near Me - Monterey, California

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Recently went back during their buffet hours. They have a variation of options to choose from. I tend to go for their butter chicken, which is rich in flavor. i also just tried their mango lass which was amazing. They have outdoor seating which i prefer as there is a lot of greenery. read more

Ambrosia India Bistro - Indian Near Me - Monterey, California

food is absolutely amazing The place is beautiful with a patio if you want to enjoy the Monterey weather. I sometimes order online like today‍and my food always arrives hot. I recommend visiting Ambrosia; it's the best Indian restaurant in the area with authentic flavors. Excellent service. read more

Came on a Friday afternoon for early dinner and was seated right away. This has a unique atmosphere. Service was good! The butter chicken (4/5) was good but the chicken biryani (5/5) was way better imo. Serving size was fairly big and was more than enough for me and my bf. The garlic naan (4/5) was also good as expected. Very glad to try this place and would come back if I'm around Monterey! :) read more

Ambrosia India Bistro - Chicken Biryani (top left), Garlic Naan (top right), and Butter Chicken (bottom left) - Indian Near Me - Monterey, California

This might be the only Indian restaurant in the area, and while the flavors are decent, the experience is a bit mixed. The decor is simple, and the ambiance leans toward the darker side. The portions are generous, so it's a good idea to order less unless you're really hungry--otherwise, a lot of food tends to go to waste if you don't plan ahead. One standout dish is the eggplant from the vegan menu, which is definitely worth trying. On the plus side, the restaurant offers a solid variety of vegan and vegetarian options. However, they don't seem to be very flexible with modifications, and many dishes appear to be pre-made. read more

Ambrosia India Bistro - Indian Near Me - Monterey, California

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Tandori chicken a favorite. The sauces are pretty robust and plentiful. Coconut rice is ok, not enough coconut flavor on it's own,,,,needs a sauce. Service is kind and helpful. read more

We tried the buffet and there was only two veg options at the buffet and they were malai kofta and aloo chilli something and those were okayish and nothing else. The varieties of food is not at all there and taste was okay not the best. I wouldn't recommend one come here and have a buffet and it isn't worth the money as well. read more

Decently priced, friendly staff, and delicious food. No reason not to come back! I went with some family friends who are from India and say it tastes just like back home read more

Ambrosia India Bistro - Indian Near Me - Monterey, California

Not a very polite staff! Ok food. But great ambience and music on point. This should be worked on properly. read more

Came from ventura ca for the first time had great customer service and food was great

We love Ambrosia India Bistro!!! The food is absolutely delicious! Our go to is the butter chicken, it is absolutely delicious and truly hits every taste bud. The sauce is rich and velvety with a perfect balance of savory flavor, gentle sweetness, and warm spices that come through in every bite without overpowering it. It feels indulgent but still well-balanced, and you can tell a lot of care went into getting the flavors just right. I also love how I feel after eating their food. I'm full and completely satisfied, but I don't have that uncomfortable, bloated feeling I sometimes get at other restaurants. It's honestly the perfect balance -- satisfying without being too heavy. To me, it's simply perfection! read more

Samosa - nice crisp, a little doughy, potato and peas were good Mango Cadillac margarita - pretty strong, it's like a mango lassi with alcohol Lychee margarita - not much lychee flavor, taste like candy Butter chicken - good level of heat, chicken was super tender, solid flavor Chana masala - a sweeter version, a nice break from the other flavors, cooked pretty well Tandoori chicken - came out sizzling so plus points, got good char, dry and juicy at the same time Garlic naan - just garlic naan Basmati rice - very good rice Potato naan - kinda bland but the potato was very velvety Prawn birriani - flavors are one dimensional, pretty good tho Service - pretty attentive Ambiance - very nice and quaint read more

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The best Indian restaurant on the Monterey Peninsula. The service has gone downhill over the years, but it's still okay. The food is good. The ambiance is very pleasant. read more

Good food and cocktails. Nice variety. Gluten free clearly marked on menu. Cute decor and ambiance. Friendly staff.

1/2 - A Tasty Experience with a Minor Bump Ambrosia Indian Bistro in Monterey is easy to find and offers a welcoming outdoor dining area with a clean, relaxing atmosphere--perfect for enjoying a California evening. I started with a spicy mango drink that was flavorful and refreshing--definitely a highlight. We ordered a few appetizers that were decent overall, though we did find a hair in one of the shrimp dishes. To their credit, the staff handled it very professionally and removed it from our bill without hesitation. The main course was excellent. I had the Rogan Josh lamb in brown gravy, and it was rich, tender, and deeply satisfying. The Butter Naan was fresh and perfectly cooked--ideal for soaking up the sauce. One standout was the coconut mushroom soup, which had a clean heat and an incredibly fresh, bold flavor that I'd happily order again. I've eaten at restaurants around the world, and while finding a hair in your food isn't ideal, it's more common than many realize. What matters is how a restaurant responds--and Ambrosia did well in that regard. Despite the minor issue, we enjoyed our meal and I'd return if I'm ever back in the Monterey area. read more

Good quality ingredients and service is excellent There are many vegetarian options read more

This restaurant has great tasting dishes with a variety of meats and vegetarian options. Service is friendly and attentive. The ambience is calm and relaxing. Very peaceful! Buffet is available as well at a much affordable price from 11:30am to 2:45pm a must try for those who are looking to explore new options. My son said it's the best place in the world, he is 8 years old:) Seating is available inside and out with a garden patio. read more

Loved Natalie and Stephanie ! Amazing hospitality! Drinks were great ! Definitely coming back ! read more

A lovely restaurant tucked away in a quiet pocket off the main road. Please come at night for dinner - sitting outside on their patio, surrounded by the fountain and decor and string lights, was super magical. And they even brought out a heat lamp because I'm apparently a wimp at 70 degrees. WIN! Our server was so friendly and knowledgeable. We asked for suggestions and took a bet on the whole meal. He was spot on. Started out with veggie samosas. Delicious, HUGE samosas with tasty potatoes and peas. We split one because they were so big! My mango lassi came out and someone took a sip and got jealous, so we ended up ordering a second. Delicious! It was a little sweet for me (everything's a little sweet for me), so I did commit a felony and watered it down a bit - so it's like I ended up having 2 mango lassis for myself and that was a treat all on its own. We got the baigan Barta and the kandhari prawn curry for mains with basmati rice and garlic naan. Honestly some of the best Indian food I've ever had anywhere on this planet. Easily falls in my top 3 - and my top 2 are both in the UK. The eggplant was smoky and oniony and creamy. And the flavor of the spicy curry on the shrimp went perfectly over rice and with naan. And don't even get me started on the chutney. I'm still drooling. I would come back in a heartbeat. Thanks for a delicious, memorable experience!! read more

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Best Indian restaurant in Monterey downtown close by wharf. Just had Sunday brunch here.Very good vibes with water fountain and the patio with green natural flowers and lighting.even can order Momo (dumplings) too.Will definitely try it in next visit soon.Lunch buffet was great with combination of food selection. Their cocktails were delicious too. Service was excellent. Highly recommended for people who visiting the Monterey and the surrounding area. read more

Ambrosia India Bistro - Special house cocktail - Indian Near Me - Monterey, California

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They have quite a few vegan options and the vindaloo and masala were excellent. Prices are reasonable and the service was great. Outdoor seating is nice, too. read more

I had the pleasure of dining here recently. This is one of those places that leaves an impression long after the meal is over. I have tried many Indian places before, but the food here is Fantastic. Every dish we tried was flavorful, fresh, and thoughtfully presented. The menu offers a great variety. The service is exceptional with very attentive staff. I have to mention the decor as well, it has a lovely Zen indoor garden and a really cozy outdoor seating area, a  perfect hitting gem and a must try when you're in Monterey. this place is enough to satisfy both traditional cravings and adventurous pallets. read more

Ambrosia India Bistro - Outside space - Indian Near Me - Monterey, California

Absolutely the best Indian cuisine I've ever had! We tried four different dishes--grilled chicken, beef kabob, butter chicken (a great option for kids), and biryani. Every single one was amazing. The flavors were rich, authentic, and perfectly balanced. The ambiance adds to the experience, too. They have a cozy fire pit, beautiful lighting, and an overall welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to stay and enjoy your meal even longer. Highly recommend! read more

Ambrosia India Bistro - my daughter love the chicken - Indian Near Me - Monterey, California

Ambrosia is our favorite restaurant. The food is delicious, the place inside and out is beautiful and cozy, and the service is excellent. I recommend this place. If you want to have an evening with good food and music that relaxes the soul, then this is the place. read more

Ambrosia India Bistro - Indian Near Me - Monterey, California

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Very good food, servers are pretty attentive and has a really nice patio. Buffet has a really good price and if you go for dinner, the fire pit tables are awesome! I'd recommend this place to my friends and family read more