Oakland’s Indian food scene is having a moment—and it’s delicious. From fiery curries to delicate dosas, new spots are popping up faster than you can say ‘garam masala,’ while classics are reinventing themselves with bold twists. You won’t struggle to find decent Indian food here, but tracking down the truly exceptional spots? That’s where we come in. Whether you crave a quick lunch or a feast fit for royalty, this guide has you covered.
Raj Indian Cuisine
$$ | (510) 601-9922 | WEBSITE
When your friend suggests grabbing “some good Indian food” on a Tuesday night, don’t start searching for a fancy spot with white tablecloths—they’re probably talking about Raj Indian Cuisine in Oakland. It’s a straightforward, no-frills restaurant perfect for a weeknight dinner or takeout, enjoying authentic flavors like tandoori chicken and garlic naan, and experiencing intentionally-prepared meals that actually taste nourishing.
Plus, everything here feels much more satisfying than what you’d get at a generic chain restaurant, where your options are limited to bland curries and reheated naan.
Taava Kitchen
$ | (510) 808-7665 | WEBSITE
Taava Kitchen looks like it could host a cooking competition, which automatically makes it a good place to do a lot of eating. But we wouldn’t tell you to come here just because of the perfectly balanced spices – the menu has everything from butter chicken to spicy Chana Masala to baingan bharta to stuffed naan with chicken tikka. Also, the tamarind chutney is really f*cking good.
Curry Up Now
$ | (510) 398-4683 | WEBSITE
Curry Up Now is in a lively Oakland neighborhood. Don’t let the huge portions intimidate you – focus instead on trying to share everything while you’re here. That’s not too hard to do, given that their well-spiced Indian street food is pretty reasonably priced. The tikka masala burrito might not be your thing, but you’re going to need the ‘butter chicken burger.’
Namastey Patio Nepalese and Indian Cuisine
$$ | (510) 922-9014 | WEBSITE
Namastey Patio is an Oakland gem that never disappoints. Dining here feels like enjoying a home-cooked meal made by your friend who loves to cook, only it’s actually exceptional. There’s a warm, inviting atmosphere with pleasant aromas wafting through the air, the dining area opens up to a beautiful patio, and traditional Nepali and Indian music sets the perfect mood.
The best part about Namastey Patio is that it’s delightful in all situations—when you want a quick, satisfying meal, the service is fast and kind, and when you want to linger, you can enjoy a cold Barasinghe on that lovely patio. Plus, there’s the bonus of wonderfully packaged takeout orders that travel perfectly.
Khana Peena Indian Cuisine
$$ | (510) 658-2300 | WEBSITE
Khana Peena Indian Cuisine just f*cking gets it. The whole place has maybe two dozen tables, it’s decorated with beautiful artwork, there’s always a sizzling dish coming out of the kitchen, and amidst the Chicken Tikka Masala, Fish curry, and generous portions, there’s also a beautiful patio. It’s the closest you’ll (probably) get to eating in a vibrant Indian market, and you can choose to share this experience with your family or your friends—either one fits in just fine.
The menu picks are a great mix of familiar things like Samosas and “huh, what’s that?,” and there’s also a welcoming atmosphere with friendly, attentive staff.
Guru Curry House
$ | (510) 444-0240 | WEBSITE
Guru Curry House is a beautiful union of a culinary treasure hunt and the bustling family kitchen of your friend who moved to Mumbai and brought back all the secrets. That means there are a lot of ways to do Guru Curry House right, and very few ways to do it wrong. Pick something sublime from the spiced menu, or have the helpful staff guide you through the vegan choices and spice levels marked clearly for the taking.
Every time you dip the complimentary papadum, you can almost taste the generations.
Biryani Kabab Halal Indian and Pakistani Cuisine
$ | (510) 835-3777 | WEBSITE
If the upscale Indian spots are the formal dinner parties and the quick-service joints are the rushed lunch breaks, Biryani Kabab Halal falls somewhere in the middle. It’s one bright, clean space with simple tables and a chill neighborhood café feel, but you can still savor complex biryanis while chatting with friendly staff and marveling at freshly baked naan arriving at your table.
The halal Indian-Pakistani classics are consistently excellent—the samosas with chutneys are fine, but the goat biryani is insanely flavorful, as is the chicken makhani. And, after a few bites of that garlic-cheese naan, so is anything from the menu, especially the creamy palak paneer and the fragrant veggie biryani.
Delicious Curry House
$ | (510) 836-4444 | WEBSITE
Delicious Curry House is perfect for satisfying your curry cravings. A meal here done correctly will be a very flavorful experience, thanks to affordable chicken tikka masala, garlic cheese naan that’s soft and gooey, and generous portions that leave you stuffed. We’d advise fully embracing the spirit of Delicious Curry House by customizing your spice level and tearing into that crispy fish tikka masala.
Shaan Indian Cuisine
$ | (510) 531-1172 | WEBSITE
Say what you will about it being a bit predictable, but Shaan Indian Cuisine is the go-to spot for Indian food for a reason. The generous portions and extremely flavorful dishes (especially the popular Chicken Tikka Masala and Aloo Gobi) make for a satisfying meal, whether you’re dining in or taking out. You can adjust the spice levels to your preference, and your kids are welcome, too—we see lots of families enjoying the Gulab Jamun here.
Marigold Indian Eats
$ | (510) 817-4793 | WEBSITE
Marigold Indian Eats, from the same people as the popular Marigold Bistro, is a restaurant with a very simple interior—making it a charming spot for Indian food eating. There’s a straightforward dining room with tables, a small counter with a few seats, and a cozy corner with booths. No matter where you decide to sit, it’s great for a casual meal or group dinner over something flavorful from the kitchen and some naan or korma.
Biryani Tika Kabab (برياني تكا كباب حلال)Halal Indian & Pakistani Cuisine
$ | (510) 238-8883 | WEBSITE
Biryani Tika Kabab is one of the standout Indian spots in Oakland, and you’ll want to settle into one of the cozy booths here when you’re craving something hearty. You can stick to the classics, but we suggest diving into the more adventurous dishes. We also suggest ruining your appetite with the generous portions. Get the Chicken Biryani.
Royal Kitchen
$ | (510) 569-6000 | WEBSITE
Royal Kitchen is the perfect place to take your friends (and your friends’ appetites) before or after exploring Oakland. Come here for a low-key night tasting plates of delicious Indian cuisine like lamb curry and chicken tikka masala, garlic naan, and a creamy chicken tikka masala that tastes like comfort food. The lamb curry is a standout, with tender lamb and excellent seasoning. The chicken tikka masala is rich and flavorful, with juicy chicken and a creamy sauce.
The garlic naan is soft and perfect. The restaurant offers generous portions at a reasonable price. Many customers praise the food for its perfect balance of spice and taste, and some have called it one of the best North Indian restaurants around. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making it a great spot for a meal.
Noor Indian Fusion Kitchen
$ | (510) 903-5001 | WEBSITE
Noor Indian Fusion Kitchen feels like it was designed for comfort—with warm lighting, vibrant spices on display, an open kitchen that makes the dining room fragrant and inviting, and an overall cozy feel. But it’s pretty great any time of the day. They have a solid menu of Indian classics to go with dishes that range from butter chicken and shrimp tikka masala to vegetarian favorites like Tofu tikka masala. Plus, they have great service.
