Avatar Indian Grill

4.3 (625 reviews)

ModerateIndian

Open • 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Updated 3 months ago

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AVATAR INDIAN GRILL ATMOSPHERE

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Quiet

Casual

Good for groups

Good for kids

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Reviews With Photos

Korma meat, rice, saffron chicken and Naan

Tutor- K.

The food was REALLY GOOD! We got Korma lamb and chicken and saffron with rice and butter Naan. It was heaven The young girl who got our order was super nice and helpful

Zarifa A.

If you're in the area and are craving Indian food, COME HERE!! We were visiting from SoCal, which has a lot of amazing Indian spots, but I'd say that this restaurant had some of the best Indian food I've had. My husband and I ordered butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, and garlic naan to share and everything was *chefs kiss*. The food overall was so comforting!! I appreciate how you can customize the spice level you want here--we opted for spicy for both the butter chicken and chicken tikka masala, and let me tell you, it was SPICY!! We really enjoyed the level of spiciness, but both my husband and I have a pretty high spice tolerance, so that's something to keep in mind. One thing I also liked is that the food didn't seem super oily or greasy, which I feel like happens a lot with South Asian food. Portion sizes and prices here are pretty average. The store itself is pretty casual, but has a cozy, homey vibe to it. The server was on the more quiet side, which made him a little difficult to understand, but he was honestly so sweet and kind and reminded me of my own grandpa, which made him endearing (please be patient and kind with him)! The store is located in a large plaza and we had no problems finding parking on a Sunday night.

Jordan C.

Food was food. Happy to have Indian food in Salinas. Sweet old man was the server. They need staff help on the weekends to help with guests and door dash but overall good experience. We will be back.

This is Chicken Curry, Saffron Chicken, Basmati Rice, salad, and Plain Naan.

Martha J.

My friend and I came here for lunch. Today it seems the lunch option was a plate that came with 2 mains and 3 sides. I liked it. Everything was very flavourful and the staff was friendly. The place is small and inviting.

Ruchi B.

Food was decent and quantity was good as well. Reason for lower rating is the service time. Took time to get us a table (we were a big group of 10), took time to take the order, then took time to get the food. We spent around 1.5 hours here. Thankfully, food did not disappoint and we enjoyed our meal at the end. Seating is limited inside, but there is some available outside as well

Jennifer C.

I really love the food from this place but I don't like the service. Certain customers are allowed to order tap water, I asked three times and he still brought me a bottle water. I asked for a salad and got the picture below. I love salad but this one was not my favorite. I would say ordering Togo is the best bet. But I have orders get mixed up and long wait times. I highly recommend hiring another waiter or waitress. Need to be able to communicate with the staff rather than guessing.

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Allison C.

9 months ago

I went there with a friend for the first time recently and first off the elderly waiter speaks no english and it was nearly impossible to understand him. I was wanting some dipping sauce for the nam ( I think that's the name) and he just kept shaking his head when I asked about what my choices were. When the bread came there was little specs of mold on the bread. At first I thought and was hoping it was a seasoning, but unfortunately it was mold. I brought it up to the counter and quietly mentioned it, the waiter and the cook did not apologize and just took it from me and 5 minutes later the waiter brings more of the bread. I did not want it anymore. It ruined my appetite. I told him no, and he just left it there anyway. The food was good but again it was hard to enjoy it after that. My friend and I got to go containers and we did not want to take the bread with us and the waiter seemed surprised! I was charged for the bread which I do not think I should have been but I also was not going to make a fuss over six dollars, especially with the waiter who would not have understood me anyway. I will not be back very disappointing. read more

Business owner information

Avatar Indian G.

Dear Allison,…

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Richard L.

3 years ago

This restaurant is amazing!!! The curry is top notch!!! Get the extra spicy, its worth it. The Naan bread is the best around!!! The service is always amazing. The older gentleman that takes the orders is a great gentleman!! The saffron rice is always good!! Food is always hot unlike some restaurants in the area! This is not a chain. Come and support your local businesses!!! Enjoy your food!! read more

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Anuj A.

266

3 years ago

Food was nice. Masala fries was basically honey chilly fries, and was very good along with Schzewan chutney. read more

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Gayathri K.

Elite 26

3 years ago

Amazing flavorful food! Good ambience. Garlic Naan was so good! And the person who attended to us Mr. Waybee was warm and friendly. We had a good family time at the restaurant! I would highly recommend this place. read more

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Melinda R.

3 years ago

Service is slow very slow! Ambiance floors are dirty the condiment sauces was dirty and dripping all over the sides of the serving container. Food, was terrible the butter, chicken and chicken tiki masala was nothing but sauce, a bunch of bones and chicken skin maybe two small pieces of meat the tandoori chicken mix grill chicken was dry, but very oily and greasy on the outside it was terrible the worst Indian food I've ever had very disappointed. read more

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Tammy N.

2 years ago

Food was really good! I got the lamb korma and paneer masala with garlic naan and cheese naan. The portions were so big I was eating leftovers for days which made me really happy. The service was great and online ordering super convenient read more

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Rohit R.

2 years ago

Lunch buffet. Food was terrible. Made us wait for Nan for a long time and it was cold when it was served. Server insisted on using soiled plates to refill. Dirty bathroom. Terrible place. read more

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Eric Z.

3 years ago

Garlic Naan was amazing. We got the Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Pakora, Veggie Samosa, and Basmati Rice. It was 60 total 30 each. Definitely will be back supper stuffed and satisfied! read more

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Liz B.

164

3 years ago

Amazing choices for vegetarians. I am now dealing with friends or family members who are vegetarian or vegan, so having a restaurant with choices for vegetarians has become important to eating out for me, especially in places like Salinas where there aren't that many vegans. There is a whole section just for vegetarians. The food here is delicious. I am personally not a vegetarian, so I like all the other items on the menu as well, but I am glad that the vegetarian items on their menu are as delicious as everything else. We ordered the palak paneer, the mushroom masala, coconut rice, and the garlic naan. The food is amazing here. Great service as well! We will be back. read more

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Matthew S.

793

4 years ago

Small but mighty is what I get from this place. More Togo orders than sit downs but we decided to dine in. Food was fresh and tasty. Service was decent. And I mean this in a good way. Staff didn't speak much English but that's how I judge the authenticity of the food, and it was pretty authentic. I would def eat here again. read more

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Tami M.

2 years ago

The butter chicken with coconut rice and garlic naan is unbeatable! It literally melts in your mouth.

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Val M.

148

2 years ago

They are always so sweet and understanding! Best Indian food in the area and it's authentic Always recommend!!

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Ellie G.

2 years ago

I love ordering from this location. The Aloo Gobi is my favorite! The customer service is always great the gentleman in the front is always very sweet and helpful. read more

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Tri N.

301

116

144

4 years ago

Random thoughts. Ordered the lamb vindaloo, butter chicken and aloogobi. Service was really good and there was a nice man who gave us our food. We ordered to go to get home and it lasted us for two meals. Prices are a little bit on the higher side but you get what you pay for. This is definitely better than some of the other Indian restaurants that are closer to the water AKA Monterey area. The non was huge and was not burnt. We also ordered the marsala fries and got three dipping sauces that made it even more flavorful. This is definitely our favorite spot in Salinas now we're both glad that we ordered any food versus Chipotle. We still at Chipotle but it's good to change things up sometimes. Order the lamb vindaloo which is a game changer. Indian food is so good. read more

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Monique G.

2 years ago

Amazing food, amazing service, lovely owner and staff. Quick service as well. I ordered the butter chicken, chicken tiki masala, and basmati rice, and garlic naan. Everything was delicious and warm. I would definitely recommend going here for dinner. I would come here again! 10/10!!! I loved the food. read more

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Linda E.

256

2 years ago

The food was very good. We enjoyed everything we ordered and the server was very polite and helpful

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Mary M.

3 years ago

Someone asked me to write a review for Avatar Indian Grill, so here goes. I have eaten at Avatar. I also had the Chicken. It was very good, the service was spot on. That restaurant is not close to my home so I have only eaten there a few times. I would highly recommend this restaurant. read more

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Dianna M.

Elite 26 All-Star

458

876

4888

6 years ago

I'm grateful that we have an Indian Restaurant sort of close to home and Avatar doesn't disappoint! I usually order the Vegetable Samosas, the Aloo Gobi and the Mattar Paneer, which is all quite good. I always order my food medium spicy and it's usually just right under that mark for my tastes... but still delicious flavors. I've had delivery and have done pick-up since COVID19 and was satisfied with both. The folks that work here are always friendly. read more

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Andres M.

2 years ago

The food is good it has a lot of flavor. The only downside is that the portions are small for what you pay. You don't get very for your money read more

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Beer F.

4 years ago

Service 5/5 Quality 3.7/5 Value 4.0/5 Good Indian food service was great !!!!!!!!!!! read more

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Jacques B.

134

2 years ago

I ordered delivery today and am missing the rice I ordered. When I called to fix the issue, the person on the other end said they don't deliver and tried ending the call. Unreceptive, would not listen read more

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Tommygun G.

2 years ago

Terrible no chicken in our two orders of Butter chicken will not be ordering again this was a to go order. I'm guessing if you eat there I'm sue it would have more chicken. read more

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Angela G.

3 years ago

I just love, love, love this restaurant. So much flavor in every dish I've tried. I will continue to come back. I favor the garlic naan and butter chicken read more

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Allen J.

2 years ago

Service is slow but the food is legit! If there is better Indian food in Salinas, I haven't found it. Avatar is my go to when I want good Indian food. read more

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Q. M.

2 years ago

I ordered food online from Avatar last night. The food was delicious and it was ready on time for pick up. We had the spicy chicken and veggie samosas for appetizers, yellow lentils and coconut rice, naan bread. Everything was super delicious. I recommend this restaurant. read more

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Moukthika O.

Elite 25

195

235

3 years ago

This was a great place for us! We stopped here on the return from vacation and it was great!! The food is really fresh and they have a wide selection. The owner is just the sweetest person ever!!! Small restaurant but we saw a lot of to go orders! read more

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Margaret D.

2 years ago

I love coming here to eat and also the price is right. I love the chicken tandoori , veggie samosas and garlic Nan. So delicious I highly recommend this place to eat. Posting this review makes me hungry lol. read more

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Jeannie S.

3 years ago

I ordered Lamb korma with saffron rice it was really good the only thing I want to complain is my Lamb korma is very salty saltier than ocean but I finished it all still yummy, Hopefully when I ordered again not salty. read more

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Enrique G.

Elite 24

4 years ago

I wish this place was open in person (FYI only online orders) ! The food was beyond great!!!!!!. Ordered Curry Chicken, Saffron Rice, Chicken Pakoda, and Garlic Naan Was my first time trying India food but definitely not the last. The Proportions for what you pay definitely ratio! Worth the buck and very fast service. Overall would recommend! read more

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Wendy B.

207

3 years ago

The food is beyond delicious. My favorite is the butter chicken and cheese naan. Staff is very friendly. Samosas are good chicken tikka masala is good. A remodel would be nice but it's not too bad and given everything else it's great. read more

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De A.

Elite 23

1039

1196

10098

5 years ago

This was the only Indian restaurant showed up on Yelp in the whole Salinas area. Stopped here while coming back from Monterey. Thought we will take a small break before the long drive. And they didn't have dine-in. Only takeout orders available. We decided to order some Indian Masala Chai, Vegetable Pakoras and Chicken Samosa. Looked like there were a lit of orders, people were keep on showing up to pickup the food. Must be popular around that area. We waited for more than 20 mins for them to get us our food. The food turned out to be a disaster. The Pakoras were not fried properly and half of it were undercooked. And chicken samosas were no different. The chicken was cooked, but the samosas were not fried at all. On top of that they were too oily to eat as well. They went straight to the garbage outside the restaurant itself. The chai was half decent. Overall an unpleasant experience. Their menu is a little expensive and the quality of the food was terrible. read more

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Mayra G.

4 years ago

Delicious food and great customer service. Always excited to dine and/or take out. The food is always fresh and the spices are the best. read more

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Craig V.

4 years ago

If I could give 0 stars I would. I get it inflation has effected everyone including small businesses. However, if you spend over $40 worth of food you expect sauces to be free. They were free before, they should be free now. I don't care if it's just 50 cents each, it's disgusting and a slap in the face for your customers. I will never do business here again. read more

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Vivianne T.

3 years ago

Our go to spot every time we are on the way to Southern CA! We always look forward to going here. The owner here is quite friendly. I personally can't eat spicy food, so when we ask to have it mild here, they do make it mild. Although it is mild, it definitely DOES NOT lack in flavor. Everything we've had were so flavorable. My favorites are the lamb saag, daal makhani, and chicken korma. read more

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John P.

3 years ago

I love this place! I have ordered everything on their menu and everything has tasted so good! I always order through door dash (pick up) and service has always been fast and professional as well! read more

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Samantha S.

2 years ago

My waiter whose name was Prim I believe was probably the kindest waiter I've ever had ! He was so attentive and generous. The cheesy naan was so delicious as was the butter chicken ! The restaurant is very homey and made the experience so much better :) read more

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Mary A.

3 years ago

I've been here 2x, the first time I liked it, and they still had the buffet. The food looked fresh, and it was a nice set up. They don't have that now and it's just ok. The server was a little hard to understand, and the food was just ok. We did like the naan bread. But nothing really wow for us. read more

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Shawn M.

4 years ago

I ordered for delivery in south Salinas. This was the best meal I've had in MONTHS! I keep forgetting that I can order delivery from across town. Definitely ordering again! read more

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Serena F.

3 years ago

Delicious fresh food. Love the palak paneer vegan version with tofu! Yellow dal was the best ever, fresh and not greasy.

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Wazi S.

5 years ago

This place is a joke do not recommend this place the lamp biryani is disgusting two pieces of meet and just rice and very greasy this is the worst biryani I ever had As my background from biryani region I would their menu. Naan is two star, chai not that good read more

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Back

Page 2 of 16

1568 Constitution Blvd
Salinas, CA 93905
Directions
(831) 443-2156
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
https://www.avatarindiangrill.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Avatar Indian Grill open?

Avatar Indian Grill opens at 11:30 AM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Avatar Indian Grill opens at 4:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Avatar Indian Grill opens at 4:30 PM on Tuesday.

What time does Avatar Indian Grill close?

Avatar Indian Grill closes at 3:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Avatar Indian Grill closes at 9:30 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.

Mon, Wed-Sun 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:30 PMTue 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Payment methods

Does Avatar Indian Grill take Bitcoin?

No, Avatar Indian Grill does not take Bitcoin.

Does Avatar Indian Grill take credit cards?

Yes, Avatar Indian Grill takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Avatar Indian Grill have catering options?

Yes, Avatar Indian Grill does have catering options.

Does Avatar Indian Grill have a drive thru?

No, Avatar Indian Grill does not have a drive thru.

Does Avatar Indian Grill have a happy hour?

No, Avatar Indian Grill does not have a happy hour.

Does Avatar Indian Grill serve alcohol?

Yes, Avatar Indian Grill serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Avatar Indian Grill allow dogs?

No, Avatar Indian Grill does not allow dogs.

Does Avatar Indian Grill have TVs?

Yes, Avatar Indian Grill has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Avatar Indian Grill have bike parking?

Yes, Avatar Indian Grill has bike parking.

Does Avatar Indian Grill have outdoor seating?

Yes, Avatar Indian Grill has outdoor seating options.

Does Avatar Indian Grill have parking?

Yes, Avatar Indian Grill has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Avatar Indian Grill wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Avatar Indian Grill is wheelchair accessible.

Does Avatar Indian Grill have free WiFi?

Yes, Avatar Indian Grill has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Serving Healthy Vegan, Vegetarian, Non Vegetarian , Tandoori Kebabs, and authentic Curry dishes with affordable prices. Dine in or try our catering services.

History

Established in 2014.

"Avatar Indian Grill is a fast-casual restaurant dedicated to serving fresh, healthy, and authentic Indian cuisine. Our menu offers a range of options, including vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian dishes crafted with care by Chef Babu Bawarchi."

Meet the Business Owner: Babu Bawarchi B.

At Avatar Indian Grill, our mission is to bring you an unforgettable dining experience that combines the rich heritage of authentic Indian flavors with a fresh, modern twist. I'm the proud owner behind this vision, and I’ve always believed that good food has the power to bring people together and create lasting memories. With a deep-rooted passion for traditional Indian cuisine and a commitment to quality, I strive to bring the true essence of India to every dish, while also catering to modern tastes. Every ingredient, every spice, and every plate served at Avatar Indian Grill reflects my dedication to authenticity and innovation. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Whether you’re joining us for a meal or just discovering us, I hope you feel the love and warmth we put into every dish. Welcome to Avatar Indian Grill—where modern food meets authentic taste!

Ask the Community - Avatar Indian Grill

Do you have lunch buffet on weekdays?

We don’t have a lunch buffet, but we do offer a lunch special.

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Do you take reservations?

Yes

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Is the lunch buffet back yet?

Not yet

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Is the indoor dining open yet?

Yes! I popped in the other day and they had in-service!

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Coconut vegetable curry?

Yes---$10.99

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What days & times are the buffet? How much?

Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. not in the weekend and public holiday

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Namaste India Bistro

Wonderful surprise with this place Ordered butter chicken…read moreand tandoori chicken Both were delicious Will definitely come back and this place seems to be frequented by the locals

We're 3 families, 11 people total including young kids and an infant, playing at the park nearby…read morewhile we waited on a togo order we'd placed in person. Told 40 mins. Ten minutes in, it got too cold for the kids, so I called and asked if we could just come dine in instead. Guy on the phone said sure, come on over, he'd get us a table. So we scrambled, packed up all the kids and diaper bags, and rushed over. We get there and he just shoves our food at us and says we have to leave. No table, no explanation, nothing. Ten minutes earlier he told me on the phone we were good to come sit down, and now suddenly that's not a thing? Then he has the nerve to bring up the 20% gratuity for groups of 10+, in this smug, condescending way, like he's trying to bait me into complaining about money so he can act like I'm the cheap one. That was never the issue. I told him straight up we'd wait the 30-40 mins he'd already promised us. He still said no. Flat out refused, didn't care that we had little kids and an infant standing there. Honestly the food could've been mediocre and I wouldn't have cared. What I won't tolerate is a staff member lying to my face and then acting condescending when called out on it. Completely unprofessional and disrespectful.

Photos

Newly Renovated Dining hall

Butter chicken

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Mango Lassi

Aabha Indian Cuisine

I have GOT to say, WOW. I've now eaten here three times with family. Each time, the food was…read moreOUTSTANDING. This time around we had lentils, butter chicken, lamb korma, chipotle chicken, spicy cauliflower, samosas, and some delicious chocolate nan! (I think I'm forgetting a few dishes lol) it can be overwhelming when I see huge menus, but the staff is so great at making suggestions. I have never liked Indian food, but now I'm a huge fan. The chef apparently studied at a Michelin star restaurant in London for over a decade! The food is bright and colorful, with a ton of gluten free options too. There is also outdoor seating with fire pits, perfect for a date night. This place is a hidden gem, and I don't know why more people aren't talking about it. I can't wait to go back.

We ate the buffet at Aabha Indian Cuisine and it was pretty good…read more This is one of the places serving decent Indian cuisine in the area.

Photos

Gorgeous flame with glass shards

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Garlic naan

Ambrosia India Bistro

Locally owned & operated

18 years in business

Ambrosia: A Must-Try for Indian Food Lovers!…read more 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!

3.5 stars $36.05 +…read more$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.

Photos

Beautiful interior

Bar

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Butter chicken, Malai Kofta, Shahi Paneer, Garlic Naan. Food 3/5, service 1/5

Tadka Indian Cuisine

I was on the fence about the buffet format, but all the food turned out tasty and satisfying. It's…read morekind of a lower price point buffet with fewer options but all well done. The host and waiters were surprisingly friendly and responsive, and the place was clean. Case in point, I noticed the host cleaning at least three times while we were there, and the dining area seemed thoroughly cleaned. Kids under 5 eat for free, but kids 6-10 are about half price. Overall, I would recommend eating here as they have gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian options.

It is nice to have another option for Indian Cuisine in Gilroy. I was starting to feel like Little…read moreIndia was the only show in town , and were price gauging their customers because of it. if I am comparing the two, I prefer Little India's food better, but I feel like you get a little more bang for your buck here at Tadka. The dining room is welcoming , with music videos playing and pictures of delicious food on the wall. For dinner, we opted for the butter chicken and lamb curry. This is probably the worst version of butter chicken that I have ever tried. The chicken was dry despite being covered in the wonderful sauce. The lamb curry was better , but a little fatty in some spots. The aloo gobhi was really good with both the potatoes and cauliflower cooked perfectly. The basmati rice was perfect , and the garlic naan was excellent. Our total bill was about 65.00 not including tip. To be fair we had enough leftovers for a lunch the next day. Solid option in Gilroy, but not quite the can't miss experience I was hoping for. I guess it is back to Little India for me for my Indian cuisine.

Photos

A portion of the buffet.

Paneer Tikka Masala

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Outside

BanRasiya

Came through Gilroy on a road trip recently and tried out BanRasiya with the family. The owner,…read moreMs.Preety was enthusiastic and helped us choose the authentic Banarasi cuisine items which is their specialty. Was blown away by the high quality food, kind service and some unique flavors that you don't get anywhere else in the Bay area that easily. Good ambience for sit down and plenty of nearby parking available. Loved the Litti chokha , Bedmi kachori with potato and the Chana Bhatura. The paan drink/thandai was delicious too. We will definitely visit again when in the area.

Bought 3 of the "pick 2" (sandwich and soup) and 1 whole sandwich. Total was $72. I initially…read morethought that was a lot (prices not posted) but figured the portions must be large. After receiving our food, I realized the sandwiches were pretty small. The soup size was appropriate. Based on what we received, I believe the price was way too high. $18 for a small turkey sandwich is way too much. Unfortunately, we won't be back. The taste of the food was mediocre. Honestly, Panera is way better (and 1/2 the price).

Photos

Ambience

Three combo Veg Thali

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Berry Berry salad

Ambrosia India Bistro - Aptos

If you have not had the opportunity of partaking the Sunday lunch buffet you are missing out on…read moresome wonderful culinary delights. Two in particular are the fish curry; beyond delicious, white fish bathed in a slightly mellow/yellow-sweet curry sauce--just scrumptious! Eggplant--who would have thought sitting at the end of the buffet table lightly breaded eggplant in I believe an egg batter, leaving a crunchy and soft mouthful of yumminess. This dining experience will leave you feeling all is right with the world. Excellent service coupled to a very clean dining area with piped in music.

we hung out here for solid 3 hrs and with 5 kids in various ages. Thanks to them for letting the…read moretired and hungry kids have fun in the empty restaurant. The place was not very busy when we reached at 6. I personally loved the huge Ganesha idol at the entrance. We will definitely recommend the butter chicken and tandoori roti. Our kid loved the lassi. Vegetarians in the group liked the main dishes but starters were a bit chewy. Sufficient parking around and restrooms were clean. If you are looking to get Indian food near capitola this a is a good option.

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Julia's Vegetarian Restaurant

Good food! Great service! Yellow coconut curry was exquisite! I would visit it next time we visit…read morecarmel by the sea

The wife and I rarely repeat a restaurant on vacation, but we came here for lunch while vacationing…read morein Carmel By The Sea and saw they had a gluten free and vegan biscuits and gravy, so of course we came back for brunch. For lunch, I went with their Big Sur pizza on gluten free crust. The crust was impressive. Not my favorite I've ever had but still a really good job. The pizza was vegan with fried oyster mushrooms, baked white mushrooms, various veggies, and a red sauce with white sauce drizzle. Pizza was great. Really sold me on coming back the next day. As for brunch, they did not have the GF biscuits. The gravy was still vegan and they offered to serve it on GF focaccia bread. However, at $22, I couldn't do it. Besides, I would at least need to add a couple eggs for some protein and I wasn't about to spend all of that on brunch. So instead, I went with huevos rancheros. This was excellent. The poblano sauce was spicy and hearty, the tortillas nice and crisp, and the pinto beans an interesting change of pace. The potatoes were awesome. Place is plain and pretty basic. The outside seating is in the sun and facing a blacktop parking lot, so you don't come here for the ambiance. But the food and service were excellent. Great vegan meals.

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Fried mushrooms and buffalo cauliflower wings. Both are vegan & GF, each served with vegan garlic aioli.

Brunch bowl with crispy paprika potatoes, regular or vegan egg and salad

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Choose your mimosa! Orange, mango or strawberry. Did someone say bottomless?

Little India Indian Cuisine

Hubby and I were coming to this shopping center to go to AJs but it looks like they closed this…read moresite down. So we walked and found this gem. This is a large shopping center with a few competitors but lemme tell you..THIS PLACE IS YUMMY!!!!! We were greeted promptly and with a smile. The lady was so joyful and let us sit wherever we wanted. We ordered samosas to start and the mint and tamarind sauce were so delicious. Just as we were finishing our appetizers out came our food. My husband doesn't like goat which means more for ME!!! We were asked how spicy we wanted our food. Hubby ordered his chicken tikka Masala non spicy. I ordered mine medium but could have went spicier and still enjoyed my food. The lady said next time tell me you want a little kick and I'll take care of you. She made us feel right at home, as if we'd been coming there for years. I love that. I dare you to come in here..eat the food and leave without a happy tummy and a full heart because of how well you were received and taken care of. I can't wait to come back!

I had major surgery on my arm 10 days ago and I am not able to drive. A friend of mine wanted to…read morebuy me dinner tonight and have it delivered. They paid for the food but forgot to select delivery. I have been going to Little India for many years and been a very happy satisfied customer. Tonight the owner drove my order to my house delivering it personally. This is such a fabulous establishment Nicki and her husband are absolutely fabulous. I am so grateful.

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The curry with bell peppers and onions! The best I've ever had!

India Gourmet

Family-owned & operated

Private events

I ordered while hungry, so I ordered a samosa, a chicken vindaloo plate, and an extra garlic naan…read more Everything is so good! Everything taste fresh and the rice is perfect. I'm also glad I have extra naan. Pick up was super fast and easy. I'm afraid that I will be here at least once a week because it's right by my house. So grateful to have fast, delicious and nutritious food so close. You have to eat here!! New gem of Watsonville. Also, I felt like the portions were great

The food was very flavorful and good. I wish they had more items on their menu. The kitchen is very…read moreconfusing to get too. It's in the back alley of the east lake shopping center. I would recommend this place. It was very good & made by order.

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In between and behind Coffeeville and Staff of Life in the back alley drive-way.

Chicken Tikka Masala Combo Plate (Mild) and Lamb Vindaloo Rice Bowl

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Mango Lassi

Namaste India Cuisine

4.7

(231 reviews)

29.7 mi

LOOK. I was hungry (*'o'*) And I licked every plate clean (…read moreT - T) Every single dish tasted fresh, paired INTENTIONALLY with fragrant chutneys and curry sauces. THE SPICY MANGORITA had bits of pepper in it -- YKNOW SO ITS ACTUALLY SPICY sorry guys, i love spicy. The salad was so good, i went and bought a can of beetroots. don't ask me any questions. I am going to bring all my friends here. beach side indian dishes, with some great music playing. my heart is full and my belly is fuller.

My wife and I (both Indian), went in for dinner, we ordered Chicken Tikka Masala…read more Our server was very rude and didn't ask us if we wanted anything to drink or if we needed anything during our time there. The other server was very attentive to everyone he was serving and helping them as much as he could as well as helping us because our own server barely checked in. We had to call him to order something to drink. What's the point of hiring someone with horrible customer service? Makes you not want to come back. The food wasn't good at all. It had little to no flavor which was very disappointing due to the fact that this place has very good reviews. We should've known this place wasn't good when we didn't see any Indian people eating here. It was a bunch of non Indians as well as in the reviews. We were not able to take pics due to us being really hungry. We were very excited to try this place. It's a shame that we left disappointed.

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The 31st Grill

31st St. Grill did NOT disappoint! The food was very, very tasty. The menu is vast and can…read moreaccommodate all types of eaters! They made my sandwich with grilled shrimp since I don't eat any other meat(s). This place was hopping with customers which is a good indicator that the food, atmosphere and service is sufficient! There was a slight wait for drinks but that's expected when business is booming! Another plus is that they had flavored creamer for my coffee! TIP: The portion sizes are large and shareable! My hubby couldn't finish all of his food.

I'd give it 5 stars, but there are areas they can improve on…read more.. 1. $6.95 for a kid's lemonade is way too expensive. 2. I'm pretty sure they don't offer real maple syrup. The viscosity completely gives it away that it's "table syrup". That's okay. But why not offer real maple syrup as a chargeable option? 3. The pancakes are very good. But they don't offer fresh blueberries. They offer some kind of berry mix. I don't like blackberries. To me, blueberries are typical standard fare that most breakfast places with pancakes offer. The service is generally excellent. The place is very clean and bright. We will probably be returning. But hope they can make some needed improvements.

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Our view for breakfast

Yummy baked goods will entice you!

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Storefront

El Charrito

Locally owned & operated

Grab-and-go

The new Marina location is really good! I ordered the chile verde burrito and rated it 4 out of 5…read morebecause it was still missing a little of the sazón that makes the Salinas location so special. That said, the restaurant is super clean, including the bathrooms, and the space feels cute, modern, and welcoming. Nothing will ever beat the Salinas location for me, but this new spot definitely deserves 5 stars for the overall experience. Ordering online was quick and easy, and everything was ready on time. Great addition to Marina!

Located in the heart of Salinas and a local staple to community. El Charrito brings flavors that…read morecome from tradition and years of experience. It's a must have and always part of the detours when I'm driving near the area. The first touch is everything of the burrito. Your fingertips meet the surface and pick up a whisper of the flour. fine, almost silky, clinging just enough to remind you this was made by hand, not machine. It dusts your skin like a memory and suddenly, you're not just standing in your kitchen anymore. You're back with your mama or your abula kitchen. 10/10 on of my favorite places in the area and always worth the detour

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Burritos made with tortillas right off the grill

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Samurai

Dined here for an early dinner on a weekday evening and it was not too busy. Service was warm and…read moreefficient. Lots of options to choose from as the menu itself already provides an abundance of items, but there is an extended menu of more specials and sushi rolls posted on the walls all around the restaurant. We shared the Street Fighter Roll, the Sushi Combo - Samurai, and I had a side salad and miso soup. I would agree with some of the other reviews here that the sashimi was fresh and the cuts were generous. I also appreciate how the sushi rice ratio wasn't an overkill so we were able to enjoy more of the sashimi and sushi toppings. Would definitely return to try other menu items!

At Samurai Japanese Sushi Restaurant..!!! We Haven't Been Here In Awhile..!! Been Craving Their…read moreFood..!!! So I Ordered The Two Item Bento Box Lunch I Got The Beef Teriyaki And 3Pc. Tuna Sashimi Comes With Rice And A Salad. My Fiancée Ordered The Melissa Sushi Roll..!!! YUMMY..!!! And To Wash It All Down I Ordered A Small Sapporo Beer And My Fiancée Ordered A Pelegríno Sparkling Water.

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Salinas City BBQ

We had the tri-tip, brisket, coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, corn bread (get the corn…read morebread) and a hot link. Everything was delicious!

My experience with Salinas City BBQ for our recent family gathering. I ordered online through their…read morewebsite, and the whole process was super easy. I really appreciated how clear their portion sizes were, making it simple to know how much to order for our group of 30 hungry adults. I opted for a pick up order although they do also offer delivery. My order was ready on time, and packaged well. --everyone was really happy with the portions and the flavors. I definitely recommend Salinas City BBQ if you're looking for real good food and friendly service!

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Celebrating the PIG

Port Rib and Half Garden Salad with Tri Tip steak. Half size s Good size salad for lunch. I liked BBQ pork rib is not too much bbq sauce .

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Berry cobbler outstanding

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Shyama D.

3 years ago

The best north indian food in the bay area, hands down. Went with low expectations on a road trip while returning back, but this gem of a place surprised us. The palak paneer, veg coconut curry were yum, including the texture of the paneer. We also ordered tandoori roti and it was so perfectly made - thin, rightly baked. Also got a raita side order - I think it was the best creamiest raita I ever had. All this being mildly spicy upon request, which my kid could also eat without any problem. The owner is a very simple old man, who came up to have such a lovely conversation. I hope they open up a Fremont branch, so we can regularly visit. Respect earned! read more

Arnie V.

12 years ago

We ordered Keema and Garlic Naan, which we enjoyed. My wife liked the Rogan Josh (lamb). I ordered the Meal Deal, which was a little disappointing. While the food tasted good, there wasn't enough meat in the Lamb Vindaloo. The Fish Curry only had two small pieces of fish in it. The entrees portions look big, but it is MOSTLY SAUCE. The rice portions look huge, but it's actually spread out thinly. The mango lasi was good, although the serving was in a small plastic cup. The customer service, on the other hand, was outstanding. This restaurant is worth going to, but ONLY ONCE. read more

Martha L.

1 year ago

Not sure if they take reservations but looking forward to visiting my daughter today with my two grand children and would like to know if there will be a big enough table for us and a high chair for my one year old grandson...I left a message on the reservation in box in case someone doesn't see that message. Please notify me as quickly as possible. Thanks, Martha Luna read more

Raahi P.

7 months ago

This place is an absolute gem! The owner is incredibly sweet and genuinely makes you feel welcomed every single time. The food is always a hit consistently delicious, flavorful, and clearly made with care. They actually make the Indian food spicy. Every dish hits the spot, and I've never been disappointed. Highly recommend the biryani! read more

Avatar I.

9 months ago

What a feast! Every dish at Avatar Indian Grill exceeded my expectations. The chicken curry and chicken tikka masala were packed with authentic flavors, and the daal makhani was slow-cooked to perfection - creamy and satisfying. Paired with their cheese naan and garlic naan, it was the perfect meal. I'll definitely be a regular! read more

MariaMartha R.

6 years ago

The Roasted Red/Orange Chicken is delicious! Chicken is juicy and flavored. Truly loved the atmosphere of the workers when walking in! All employees were happy and smiling with their eyes (since they all wore masks) and I enjoyed hearing the cooks sing along with passion their ethnic music! read more

Stormy's G.

7 years ago

This place is an absolute must if you are in Salinas or anywhere nearby period from the moment we like and we were treated like royalty. We came here because they had many vegan options and all were amazing.. I highly recommend this place. read more

Ricky C.

11 years ago

Avatar catered our wedding and did a fantastic job. They are very professional and easy to work with. The food was delicious and they were accommodating of different dietary needs. Best Indian food in the area. read more

Bryson S.

102

8 years ago

Great food here. I would highly recommend it. I got the vegan dishes and it was wonderful food. They have a lot of good vegan options and non vegan options as well. read more

Mrna B.

1 year ago

This is a local business, the only Indian food place in Salinas as far as I'm aware. The food is always good. We were greeted and served by an older gentleman. read more

Carlos M.