Even though Santa Rosa’s wine country might tempt you to stay vineyard-side, there’s too much culinary magic brewing in town to settle for the same old takeout. That’s why we’ve scouted the 11 most vibrant Indian kitchens – from sizzling tandoori grills to fragrant biryani feasts. All you need to do is decide which aromatic adventure to embark on first.
Himalayan Restaurant
$$ | (707) 838-6746 | WEBSITE
How often do you find truly accommodating Indian cuisine in Santa Rosa? (Not enough is the rhetorical answer we were looking for. Thanks to all who thought it.) Himalayan Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience every day from lunch through dinner where you can explore creative tandoori-grilled salmon, reliable lentil soup, and enjoy a community of friendly staff. Also worth noting: they serve excellent mango lassis with clear menu markings for various dietary preferences as well.
Cumin Restaurant
$$ | (707) 771-8336 | WEBSITE
When you scroll through lists of the best Indian spots in Santa Rosa, you stumble upon some real treasures. We have to tell you about this one: Cumin Restaurant serves what many call the finest Indian food in town. The friendly staff dishes out rich, creamy curries like Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala that keep customers coming back. If you haven’t been before, don’t fret.
This hidden gem is absolutely worth seeking out for its flavorful dishes like Korma, Aloo Gobi, and Chana Masala, all at prices that won’t break the bank. With its excellent service and ability to handle large events, it’s become a trusted choice for any occasion in Santa Rosa.
Himalayan Tandoori & Curry House
$$ | (707) 824-1800 | WEBSITE
Himalayan Tandoori & Curry House is officially serving some of the best Indian and Nepali food in Santa Rosa. Unfortunately, the rice sometimes arrives a bit overcooked, which can be a minor letdown. If you’re looking for an authentic Himalayan dining experience – try their Chicken Tikka Masala served with garlic naan (which is prepared with fresh ingredients and wonderful flavors). Friendly, personal service from the staff creates a welcoming atmosphere.
So arrive hungry with an appetite for generous portions – the menu includes tandoori roti, paneer tikka, and baingan bharta, and they serve excellent chai and Thai iced tea for a relaxing meal.
Taj Cafe
$ | (707) 308-4190 | WEBSITE
This year’s Santa Rosa Indian food scene actually spans eleven standout spots, from a cafe specializing in Himalayan flavors to one of the best butter chicken destinations in all of Sonoma County – where you can stop by for $15 or $25 plates that include at least a main dish and fresh naan. That is way too many restaurants to wrap anyone’s head around. To help you narrow your options down, we’re highlighting Taj Cafe as one of our favorite spots for authentic Indian cuisine this season.
Shangri-La Cafe & Grill
$ | (707) 793-0300 | WEBSITE
The Rohnert Park favorite, Shangri-La Cafe & Grill, is serving up some seriously craveable Indian classics that keep locals coming back for more. Swing by any weekday lunch for their special deals that are absolutely worth every penny. You’ll find yourself diving into massive portions of lamb tikka masala with that perfect slow-burn heat when ordered hot, chicken curry that’s rich and comforting, and chicken tikka masala that’s simply excellent.
Don’t even think about skipping the naan—the garlic version is amazing, the aloo naan gets rave reviews for its exceptional flavor, and the plain naan has that ideal chewy-yet-soft texture. The biryani is another crowd-pleaser, and everything comes out fresh, hot, and definitely shareable. It’s a small spot with terrifically friendly owners and staff who make you feel right at home, whether you’re popping in for a quick lunch or settling in for a relaxed dinner.
Turmeric cuisine of India
$$ | (707) 708-2982 | WEBSITE
Every weekend, this Santa Rosa restaurant serves a buffet called the Weekend Feast at noon where you can eat and decidedly not worry about the bill. Depending on the day, the buffet might be happening with unlimited mimosas or just the regular spread. So only visit on Saturday if you’re prepared for both.
Everest Indian Restaurant
$ | (707) 843-7441 | WEBSITE
One of our favorite Indian spots in Santa Rosa announced that they’ll be serving their pumpkin curry with a unique flavor profile for the first time on Thursday, December 30th. Each Thali platter is made with perfectly seasoned dishes like dal and naan, served in traditional Indian bowls. We recommend showing up as close to 11am (when they open for lunch) as you can since there’s only a limited amount of the medium spicy masala.
Namaste Kitchen
$$ | (707) 329-6965 | WEBSITE
This Sebastopol gem is serving up consistently delicious Himalayan and Indian food with a variety of gluten-free options available. You can enjoy big portions at fair prices, with standout dishes like tikka masala, malai kofta, and fish kabab from the tandoori oven. The service is fast and hot, delivered by personable, welcoming staff and owners who create a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere.
If you’re planning a special occasion, Namaste Kitchen offers a large private dining room for events or gatherings. With its reliable quality and excellent ambiance, this spot is a must-visit for anyone seeking great food in the area.
Everest Restaurant
$ | (707) 795-7680 | WEBSITE
Last month the chefs of popular spots, Everest Restaurant, announced they were expanding their menu with new Nepalese specialties, highlighting a commitment to quality and exceptional service. This coming weekend, they’re already welcoming guests with their signature dishes at their Santa Rosa location for a memorable dining experience. You can stop by for walk-up only service starting at 5pm on Friday, December 26th and Saturday, December 27th.
Kafal Restaurant
$$ | (707) 595-3311 | WEBSITE
One of Santa Rosa’s most beloved Indian spots – a restaurant tucked away with reasonable prices and a wide variety of dishes – serves up authentic cuisine that gives off a strong cultural vibe. Which begs the question, has fancy ambience become overrated? While we think on this, you can savor vegetable pakoras and chicken korma at Kafal’s welcoming dining room this evening (and every evening). Parking is available but paid across the street Monday through Saturday.
Masala Express
$ | (707) 909-7377 | WEBSITE
There’s a standout lamb vindaloo right on the menu at Masala Express that’s tender and well-spiced. This may be perfect timing, considering you have definitely lied about saying you’ve tried authentic Indian food before. If you’re looking for more flavorful options around Santa Rosa this week, close your tabs because the creamy mango lassi and aromatic garlic naan complement the meals perfectly.