Hidden at the back of a market, past a corridor of coolers full of an amazing variety of quality beer, there lies a hidden gem of Punjabi cuisine. My friend from El Cerrito has been coming here for years and took me to eat dinner here but now a new owner has expanded the restaurant space and upgraded the ambiance. The owner greeted us and the service was top tier, friendly, fast and provided all that we asked for, which of course included some mango chutney. My friend had the Pakora dish with chickpeas and was very tasty and fresh. I had the chicken tandoori which has a Smokey tang to them and the jasmine rice and sauces were all excellent. My chicken was moist and juicy and came out steaming on a hot platter. The serving sizes were generous and the price was very reasonable. The owner offered some tasting of Free Kittens beer and it was also delicious and we ordered some. The beer selection is second to none and had my favorite oatmeal stout ! It was quiet and seating was comfortable. I had leftovers as there was so much to eat despite being hungry from moving furniture all day. The menu is expansive and the food came quickly, a definite return choice in East Bay off the beaten path. read more

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I would come here when it's changed ownership about 3 times same theme just different owners . But overall the quality of food is good and the staff is friendly I tried the tika masala garlic nan and overall doesn't disappoint! read more

Best Indian food in town and at the best price. Free rice with meal! Very friendly staff.

Expecting much more flavor in the dishes we tried; Chicken Makhani - flavorless Saag Paneer - a bit bitter Lamb vindaloo - plain no heat Chicken Tikka - good quality white chicken with no tendons. Yay Cucumber salad - missing dressing Garlic Naan - very good Lamb Somosa - good but missing the punch! Onion Kulcha - very good The main entrees were missing a lot of flavor. Nothing to wow or make you want to come back for again. The deep fried foods and breads were good. The quality of their meat is very good. A shame to not add flavor to them. Another star that they packed everything we ordered! Very customer orientated and detailed. Generous portion size. Just can't get past the flavor issue :( Didn't experience the ambiance we ordered via DoorDash. read more

Great dal and butter chicken! Service was very good. Server helped with options, gave me special hot peppers, and even showed me the grazing deer behind! Ambience is about expected for a restaurant in the back of an Indian grocery. read more

Went in for Indian food. The food was great. The service was great. It's in the back of a grocery store. And there's wine and beer. Maybe even alcohol. Not sure. But my family and I enjoyed it and we will be returning. read more

We're new to the area and this place reminds me of my favorite restaurant in SoCal. The lamb vindaloo, garlic naan, and samosa was great. The service was nice. I will be back. read more

The food is incredible at Punjabi Kitchen!! I ordered take-out and the food came piping hot and packed full of flavor. I ordered the chicken korma and shahi paneer with a side of plain naan. Each dish comes with a side of basmati rice. Great portions and one order of naan was also a large portion. I am so thrilled that there is a place close to home that has incredible Indian food! I am a fan and the slices used are truly fully bloomed and thought about in each dish. I can't wait to try more from their menu! Expand your palate and try a new dish to you! This food is made with care and love. Yum! read more

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The food is outstanding. Hard to believe how much variety and quality the tiny kitchen can make. Really delicious samosa, saag paneer, tikka masala, naan, riata, shrimp tandoori and whatever the okra dish is called. The new owner is moving the seating around, trying to open up the odd space and we were happy to get the comefortable seats, including the banquette. read more

I placed an order last night on Uber Eats at 7:30 pm. The order was confirmed and it said they were preparing the order. Then I got a call from the delivery driver saying he arrived and the place was closed. The hours say until 9pm. Why confirm the order if closed, and why close hours early? Will not return here became a huge pain to get my refund from Uber Eats. Disappointing. read more

Ordered food at this restaurant for the first time last night and it will be the last. Raw chicken is a No! No!. The chicken tiki masalas sauce was too runny for my liking too read more

Punjabi Kitchen - Raw Chicken Tandoori - Indian Near Me - El Sobrante, California

I was looking for a tandoori chicken sandwich! 10 years ago Tandoori USA in El Sobrante Closed. I found the same sandwich here!!! read more

Punjabi Kitchen - Indian Near Me - El Sobrante, California

Amazing Indian food. We have been ordering here for the past four or five years and it has consistently been great. Sure the kitchen is small and tucked away in the back of the market but the chefs are truly skilled and this is as good as a fine sit down restaurant. Great tandori fish , paneers, amazing chana masala. Also the service is great as they prepare the meals on time and work diligently. They deserve your time if you love Indian food. Also amazing vegetarian options. read more

Soleil Ho turned the Bay Area on to Punjabi Kitchen, billing it as one of the most unique restaurants around! So I had to check out this strip mall eatery for myself.. it's located in the back of Bottles Beerzaar, a combination Indian grocery, craft beer, and spirit/wine store, and it featured both a bar area (with sports playing on the TV) and an area with tables/seating. The menu featured a list of authentic North Indian dishes, from appetizers to tandoori breads/meats to biryanis and curries. The Chicken Tikka was large, boneless chunks of chicken in a deep red marinade, cooked in a tandoor oven and served over onions and peppers on a sizzling metal plate. We also got the Butter Chicken, made of boneless tandoori chicken in a spiced tomato cream sauce; and the Rogan Josh, made with chunks of tender lamb in a mild onion gravy. Our vegetable dishes included the Mushroom Korma, made with sliced mushrooms in a surprisingly spicy sauce made with nuts. And to attest to how fresh the food here is, after we ordered the Bhindi Masala, one of the cooks went to the front of the grocery store and came back with a metal bowl full of fresh okra for our dish. The sliced okra was covered with a thick layer of chopped onions and was surprisingly spicy. Each of the entrees came with a serving of basmati rice topped with cilantro, and we also ordered a bunch of tandoori breads on the side, including the Dhaba Special Naan (filled with raisins, nuts, and coconut); the Punjabi Parantha (a layered whole wheat flatbread); and my favorite, the Keema Naan (stuffed with minced lamb). Each of the breads was freshly baked, had a perfectly chewy texture, and went great with all the different curries we ordered. They did not hold back on the spice level of anything, and the flavors were explosively delicious! The service was also especially friendly and attentive, and the sports bar vibe made for a nice, casual, chatty atmosphere. read more

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I think I like the chicken tikka masala here better than Zareen's. No more needs to be said there. Sometimes I feel like it can be a bit inconsistent when it comes to the rice, but overall, this is some of the best chicken tikka masala you can get in the bay imo. read more

Punjabi Kitchen - Chicken tikka Chicken Tikki Masala - Indian Near Me - El Sobrante, California

10 of us walked into Punjabi Kitchen for lunch on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving with no reservation, on my sister in law's recommendation. We were excited to find this little restaurant in the back of a grocery store near us in El Sobrante. There was no one else sitting in there right then and we were able to squeeze in at one long table and get our very large order in and made before the kitchen closed at 2. Great of them to accommodate. We ordered probably 12 different dishes and it was the BEST Indian I've had in the East Bay -- and we've tried a lot of places. Everything delicious and well made. Served on nice dinnerware and kindly. The mushroom korma was especially memorable. Dishes are individually a bit small but that seems par for the course. read more

Forgot to take a picture but wow that was amazing. I always ordered on DoorDash and I am so glad I came in. Even better in person! Truly one of the best Indian restaurants in the bay! Don't sleep on this hidden gem. read more

Punjabi Kitchen - Indian Near Me - El Sobrante, California

After trying the Paradise Indian restaurant,we came here and ordered their lamb chops for 18 dollars for 5 pieces. They were huge pieces and super meaty with tons of flavor, maybe a little too salty. We also ordered their Aloo Ghobi which is cauliflower and eggplant. That was good but they didn't mix it well and we ended up with all the potatoes at the bottom. Good flavor but a bit expensive for potatoes and cauliflower. Definitely will go back for their lamb chops. read more

This has been my go-to spot for takeout when shelter in place started. Though I have not ate inside this restaurant, this review is all about the flavors! My favorite dish is the chicken mushroom korma with basmati rice. The services are plenty and the food is delicious! The chicken is so juicy and anything with mushrooms has my heart. There are so many choices and I'm having fun eating my way through the menu. Their samosas are HUGE and crispy! Not in my picture because I ate it too fast. I would recommend this place to everyone. It's quick, efficient, and a great value! read more

Punjabi Kitchen - Chicken Mushroom Korma and Plain Naan - Indian Near Me - El Sobrante, California

Punjabi Kitchen is most certainly a hidden gem that serves exceptional food at the back of what appears like a convenience/grocery store. The setting is very casual yet comfortable with a bar on one side and some tables on the other side right next to the kitchen. As such the smells spill out from the kitchen creating a fragrant aroma that really does whet one's appetite. The servers here are very friendly and accommodating, recommending certain dishes and also checking in to see how our meal is going. Being here in a group of 4, we decided to order a variety of dishes such as entrees and naan. Each entree came with a bowl of basmati rice which worked out quite perfectly. They have a nice variety of naan options such as ones with onion, mint, cheese, or lamb. That being said, I enjoy dousing my naan with curries and sauces; so to be honest, I was not able to differentiate one with the other as my tastebuds were completely focused on the creamy goodness covering the naan as opposed to the naan itself. That naturally leads me on to talk about their entrees which were all exceptional. Their mushroom korma was one of my favorites, having a very creamy yogurt-esque sauce that was surprisingly spicy yet very flavorful. It paired perfectly with the cup of hot chai that I ordered. My favorite entree was their Bhindi Masala which was covered in a variety of Indian spices and a nice spicy kick to it. Especially if you like okra, that is definitely the dish to get. That being said, it is hard for me to believe that any orders here could be bad. They know how to cook anything with purpose and flavor. read more

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My fiancé and I come here often! Our go to dish is the chicken tikka masala (medium spicy) with garlic naan bread. Soooo bomb!! I used to know this place as bottles. It's an Indian food market, that also serves limited selection of alcohol at the front of the store and beer. In the back they have a few tables and a small bar with beer on tap. If you're looking to support a family owned spot, this is it. Sandy is a great person. Very nice and kind. Food has always been great! Good choice of beer! Definitely my go to spot for Indian food around the area. read more

Punjabi Kitchen - Chicken Tikki Masala - Indian Near Me - El Sobrante, California

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Needed a beer and to kill some time. Small, friendly and well lit through the store (Bottles) and in the back. Food smells good. I'll keep you all posted. Good list of beers that are rotated often. Sitting on comfy chair watch a sporting game on Monday. Good stuff. read more

Punjabi Kitchen - Goodly size beer list or grab some beers in the cooler. - Indian Near Me - El Sobrante, California

Had a craving for some Indian food, and saw this as an option; seeing as I hadn't yet tried this restaurant yet, I decided to give it a go. We managed to try the following: - Saag Paneer - Chicken Tikka Masala - Garlic Naan - Cheese naan Both the saag paneer and chicken tikka masala came with a serving of rice. The saag paneer tasted delicious; it was well-pureed and almost tasted fluffy. The chicken tikka masala was a bit creamier than I'm used to, so I didn't get as much of a tomato flavor I was expecting. As for the naans, I thought that both of them were super fluffy and light, which was great. However I think both of them could have been better. The cheese naan had small bits of salty cheese dispersed within the naan, while I was expecting something like mozzarella cheese (cheese-pull, anyone?). I also thought that the garlic naan did not hold enough garlic flavor. Overall, I liked both the chicken tikka masala and the saag paneer. However, the naans I tried weren't my favorite; luckily, Punjabi Kitchen offers a really large selection of naans, so next time I can try something else! read more

Punjabi Kitchen - Garlic naan and cheese naan - Indian Near Me - El Sobrante, California

The lady bartender or owner was so rude. I cancelled my soda becoz for a glass its 4.99. And she went on telling me abt all restaurants charge $5 for a soda i said no i dont think so and i just said if i can just get a water. She said if i dont like it i can walk out. And if i know how much rent they pay. I dont need to know that since im paying and also its not my problem. Just coz i wanted a water instead of their expensive $4.99 soda. Its not even a real restaurant its in the back of a grocery. Way too dirty and i had a glimpse of their kitchen its dirty. It was my first time and i did walked out and will never come back! read more

This was okay, just okay. Ordered chicken tikka masala and spicy butter chicken. Both tasted some what bland due to the runny texture, as if it was watered down. Not as thick as other places. Ordered garlic naan bread on the side and it was a little soggy and didn't have much seasoning or a spread of garlic on it. To be be fair a 2.5 out of 5. read more

I've been here a few times so I'm a little late in writing this review. I've had my fair share in tasting the food and the different beers on tap. I came here for lunch today and everything was on point. Came in hungry and left completely satisfied. I will definitely be back. read more

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Good food in a low key atmosphere. Even went there for my last birthday with friends!

The food is amazing. Authentic, delicious and they'll make it to your spice preference. The beer selection is top notch local breweries. The staff are friendly and extremely hard working! All I can say is EAT HERE! read more

Oh Yelpers, I Love You!!! I would never found the restaurant in the back if you didn't rave about it. You are right. The butter chicken is sooooo fricken good!!!!!! I should have only got that. I had naan which is really light and fresh. And saag paneer. That was a bit different from what I'm used to and I didn't like their style of it. But who cares when the butter chicken was to die for!!!! They also have beautiful saris for a reasonable price. I tried a couple on and am going back today to get one. The woman who helped me was lovely. They do custom fitting and I think will make things from scratch. What a lovely treat in the middle of a inconspicuous shopping center. read more

So I had been to this store before to buy some Krispy krunchy chicken which they have all the way in the front. Never did I suspect that there would be a tap room and restaurant in the back. So of course when I heard about this I couldnt believe it, as I had been to this store a handful of times already and had never seen anything. Tonight I had an Indian food craving and so was the perfect time to check it out! I'm very happy I did! The space is quite small but perfect for a few tables. The Food was very tasty and fresh and came out relatively quickly. My husband and I shared the lamb vindaloo and the chicken tikka Masala with garlic Naan which was deliciousl! I will definitely be back! read more

Punjabi Kitchen - Indian Near Me - El Sobrante, California

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Let me be another voice in the chorus- this is some of the best butter chicken I have ever had! So rich and creamy and buttery, with lots of spices and that little sweet note at the end! The lamb Korma is also amazing, so tender, as is the paneer matar. Garlic naan is light and crisp, but not burnt. Rice is perfectly cooked. A culinary triumph in the back of a market, complete with random ATM machine and a mop bucket. Wow! I mean, this place needs to be on the map. You have to look for the little sign at the market front, as it doesn't have it's own front. read more

Punjabi Kitchen - Indian Near Me - El Sobrante, California

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I ordered take out from here and it was amazing! I didn't take a picture but I got the tikka masala & naan. Soooo good it came with rice too! read more

I love Punjabi kitchen. Everyone in there is so friendly every time I've been. Everything I've gotten there has been delicious! Butter chicken, aloo tikkie, plain naan, bhuttura, Keema naan, chicken biryani, and chicken methi were all delicious, and I know that I'm forgetting a couple dishes I've tried. Definitely worth giving it try, you won't be disappointed! read more

Very good food with a very friendly staff, excellent (really excellent) beer selection. I make a plan to be hungry whenever I am nearby. Prices are reasonable and service outstanding. This place is legit. read more

Absolutely love Punjabi Kitchen. They have the best chutney. The food is prepared quick and always tastes fresh. I wish they were open every day of the week. read more

I'm so glad I found this place! I moved to San Pablo a couple months ago from the city, and I was missing a good tiki masala. I tried a place closer to home but it was not good. So I found this place , it's a bit farther from my home but it's worth it! I try the chicken tiki masala today and it was everything I was expecting and more, delicious, creamy , flavors were great, the rice also amazing , and the naan bread was hot and fresh. Prices are very fair too, the guy that help me was very nice, I was waiting for my food to be ready outside and he brought it to me, very helpful. Overall I had a great first experience, and hope to be returning here a lot and try the rest of their dishes read more

We went there Tues 3/7/23, after reading they were open until 10pm only to find a sign on the door saying they're closed on Tues... please fix your Yelp, and Internet business to reflect this... it says you're Closed on Monday only Mon Closed Tue 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM - Open now Wed 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Thu 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Fri 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Sat 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Sun 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM read more

Very good value, friendly wait staff Enjoy food: chai, garlic nan, mixed appetizers plate, tandoori lamb. Lamb was star of dinner; it had good quality quantity and flavor, without fat bone or grisle. If marinated longer would be 5 stars. Located at the back of an Indian grocery store. Located near Bar, were big screen, stools, also tables. Definitely will return to sample more of their menu. Not a fancy place for date night. Lots of take out orders, still our service was prompt. Seemed more towards northern Indian style. Fyi like many restaurants after covid, IRL prices are a bit higher than yelp menu suggests. They take credit cards!!! read more

This place is in the back of a liquor store/ Indian market. I didn't flinch when the Indian woman at the front did a double take when I walked in and headed on back to pick up my order that I had door dash ordered. We had the basics, app plate with a samosa, and a few other fried treats. Mixed veggies, chicken tikka masala and aloo goobi and some naan and rice. Each dish was good. My husband wanted a little more ghee in the tikka, I thought it was fine. The naan was delicious. It's a pain to roll to Berkeley for Indian food, so this maybe our new spot in the area. We'll give it another try and see if it's consistently good. read more

Excellent food, I try to get something new each time. Conveniently if you cook Indian at home as well as they have a grocery right there. Everything I've gotten has been fabulous. read more