Craving for A Flavorful Dish with The Right Balance of Sweet and Sour Notes? Try These Indian Restaurants in San Jose, CA

The nostalgia of a flawlessly soft naan paired with butter chicken is a dish that speaks volumes about the Indian culture. Furthermore, Indian cuisines are known to straddle that unique line between being a great comfort dish and amazingly delicious upscale restaurant food.

Whether you’re looking for high-end tasting menus, homey options, traditional dishes, and more contemporary takes on Indian food in San Jose, we have a wide variety of eateries for you to try. While it may be difficult to figure out exactly where to go, we will help you narrow down to the most favorites spot. Here are seven Indian spots in San Jose that you can visit today!

As you make your way to these top Indian restaurants, why don’t you surprise a friend today and tag them along on your feasting escapade? The best way to surprise them is by getting them a virtual GiftYa card to enjoy an Indian meal in some of these local restaurants in San Jose. They can redeem anytime and at a restaurant of their choice, and not worry about forgetting the card at home! Now, go out and enjoy that Indian dish you’ve been craving for!

Curry On

Enjoy an extensive selection of traditional, family-style Indian cuisines in this casual restaurant!

241 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113 curryonindiancuisine.com

Looking for a fun and easygoing spot to enjoy authentic Indian-style food? Stop by Curry On restaurant. Here, all the food is made from the freshest ingredients and served in an elegant setting.

On the menu, you’ll find everything from appetizers, rice bowls, vegetables, chaat corners, tandoori specials, combo meals, and many more. Other dishes such as chicken wraps, Kathi rolls, and a wide selection of biryanis especially the lamb and chick biryani make the best dishes you can ever have.

If you want a little bit of Italian and Chinese mix, then you can go for options such as chili and marinated chicken in spicy sauce, gobhi Manchurian which is crispy cauliflower florets, soy sauce and garlic, or spring rolls filled with fresh vegetables.

If you’re into desserts, then a wide selection awaits you at this restaurant. Drinks are also in plenty to go along with your main dish. With all these options, make sure to stop by Curry On for some of the best Indian dishes.  

Punjab Café

Bustling Indian eatery offering diners traditional meals in a casual dining room!

322-324 E Santa Clara St #1909, San Jose, CA 95112 punjabcafesanjose.com

There is always something to talk home about a restaurant that has retained the traditional culture of preparing Indian meals. That’s what you get at Punjab Café. At this restaurant, you get to choose your favorite Indian dishes directly from the menu.

Speaking of your favorite food, their special entrees are a must-try when you come here. You can either choose to have Shahi Panner – the homemade cheese cubes sautéed with fresh garlic, ginger, and onion garnished with nuts and raisins, or the Punjabi kadhi pakora which includes fried onion pakoras dipped in sour and creamy yogurt. Don’t stop there, go ahead and try other entrees such as chicken, vegetables, lamb, and of course the seafood entrees.

Delicious options such as Tandoori special served with basmati rice, bread, rice dishes, soups, and great sides are also available to pair with your main dish. Flavorful desserts such as Badami kulfi and kheer are also served here. End the day on a high note with one of their many sweet beverages including iced tea and coffee to keep you energized throughout the evening.

Emperor of India

Dig into mountains of Indian dishes at this laidback restaurant and also enjoy curries, kebabs, and a lunch buffet!

5825 Cottle Rd, San Jose, CA 95123 emperorofindiausa.com

How about a buffet for lunch and you get to choose from a wide selection of Indian dishes? That’s what you get at Emperor of India restaurant and on top of that, you get everything customized based on what you need.

Emperor serves imaginative Indian food with delicious choices such as appetizers, clay oven options, classic lamb dishes, seafood options, and different types of vegetarian dishes. By cooking up all their food using the freshest ingredients, a meal at this restaurant won’t only satisfy your cravings, but it will also be as healthy as you want it.

When you come here, make sure you order their signature chicken tikka masala that comprises of breast chicken pieces roasted in tandoor and well-cooked in the tasty creamy tomato sauce, butter naan – the leavened bread served with butter, curries, or the three small crispy pieces of samosa veggies. They also have an extensive list of sweet drinks to pair with your main dishes.

8Elements

Indulge in some tasty traditional Northern and Southern Indian cuisines served in a stylish setting!

1781 E Capitol Expy, San Jose, CA 95121 eightelements.net

When it comes to authentic and top-quality Indian dishes, you can satisfy your cravings at 8Elements Indian restaurant. Curries, traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, sandwiches, bread, rice, direct from the clay oven options and desserts are available on the menu.

8Elements also offers delectable South Indian flavor such as masala dosa which is rice crepe with spiced potatoes and onions, egg dosa that are mildly spiced and spread inside dosa with chilies and onions, or the chopped paratha grilled with vegetables and onions served with Raitha.

Still not sure what to get, you can order the organic Tandoori chicken that is marinated in homemade ginger, yogurt, and spices or the chicken tikka kebob that includes boneless breast marinated in tandoori masala and grilled. Pair that up with the house’s favorite crafted beers and wine selections and we guarantee you will keep coming back to enjoy the whole experience again.

The Mynt

Try the scrumptious and spicy Indian dishes and lunch buffet at this restaurant rocking hardwood-themed floors and dark walls!

5210 Prospect Rd, San Jose, CA 95129 themyntsj.com

With its masterpiece culinary inventions, friendly customer service, and nautical ambiance, The Mynt takes guests on a memorable culinary journey all the way to India.

A quick glance at the menu, you’ll realize that there are different varieties of both classic and traditional options, as well as contemporary culinary joys. Among the favorites include Chef Special Teen Mirch Seabass Tikka, Kaffir lime, and Mango Bean Sprout salad, Mynt lamb shank vindaloo, paneer tikka masala, Jeera brown rice, plain naan, just to mention a few. You’ll also find varieties of desserts such as Kesari ras malai, assorted sorbets, mango crème Brulee, and more.

The Mynt also offers a fine variety of signature beverages including sweet or salty lassi, mango lassi, chatpata nimbu pani, and a selection of hand-picked wines to go along with your magical meal.

Gulzaar Halal Restaurant & Catering

A family-owned restaurant known for its naan, tandoori, curry, as well as traditional Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines!

1880 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95128 gulzaarhalaal.net

When a restaurant is dedicated to deliver on its specific mission and do that for over five years, you know that you’re about to experience the real treat of a century when you visit them. Gulzaar Halal Restaurant has been serving the Greater Bay area for over six years now offering a quality blend of Middle-Eastern, Indo-Pakistani and Afghan Cuisines.

Now to the most popular dishes that you can enjoy while dining in this restaurant include specialties such as zaatar with jebneh (veggie), biryani rice with tikka, mix plate with biryani rice, chicken wrap, beef kebab sandwich, and a delicious selection of desserts.

There is also a list of sweet beverages such as yogurt, mango lassi, soda, and signature juices. So, if you’re excited to try something new on the day’s menu while in San Jose, stop by Gulzaar Halal Restaurant today!

Annapoorna Authentic Indian Cuisine

Laidback restaurant serving traditional vegetarian Indian fare including roti and curries!

770 E Tasman Dr, Milpitas, CA 95035 myannapoorna.com

Feeling a little adventurous and want to try something different from the norm? Why not try Annapoorna Indian Cuisine for a wonderful array of delicious options!

At Annapoorna, the specialty is Maharashtrian cuisine that includes traditional and contemporary options as well as meals for every festival and occasion, and Bombay-style street food which comprises Paybhaji, VadaPav, and Misal. When it comes to the fusion menu, there are plenty of Indo-Chinese cuisines, delicious wraps, and an extensive variety of chaat items.

They also offer varieties of North Indian dishes such as appetizers, a variety of entrees such as veggies and paneer, daal, rotis, a variety of rice, and desserts.

If you decide to make your order on any menu, prepare to share since the meals arrive in generous proportions. In fact, they have a serving for parties and events for as many as 25 guests or more. The best part is that they come customized based on your taste and needs.

All their food is prepared from freshly sourced ingredients so you don’t have to worry about the quality and purity of your food. No worries about bringing your kids along as they have a kid-friendly menu as well.

From curries to naan bread and different varieties of rice, there’s no reason not to love Indian food. When you come to San Jose, you’re in for a treat of the best Indian dishes you’ve had in ages at these top restaurants. Find a table with friends, family members, or even a large group and enjoy the best of Indian cuisines served just the way you want. These restaurants will definitely give you a reason to come back next time!