Best Indian Restaurants in San Jose (2026)
Best Indian Restaurants in San Jose (2026)
San Jose’s South‑Asian community is thriving, and food is the heart of that vibrancy. Whether you’re craving comforting dal, fiery tandoori, or a quick chai‑filled snack, having a reliable guide to the city’s Indian eateries makes every meal a celebration of home. This list pulls from Desi.Net’s verified directory, highlighting spots that locals trust for authentic flavors, convenient locations, and welcoming atmospheres.
1. Mantra India
Known for its classic North‑Indian gravies and tandoor dishes, Mantra India offers a menu that feels both familiar and festive. It’s situated in the bustling downtown area, making it a convenient stop after work or during a weekend stroll.
- Address: 288 Castro Street, San Jose
- Phone: +1-650-960-1000
- Website: mantraindiausa.com
2. Chaat Bhavan Express
A go‑to for street‑style snacks, this spot serves up crisp samosas, tangy chaat, and hearty thalis that capture the bustling flavors of Indian bazaars. Perfect for a quick lunch or a late‑night craving.
- Address: 544 Lawrence Expressway, San Jose
- Phone: +1-408-773-1101
- Website: chaatbhavan.com/location/chaat-bhavan-express/
3. Punjab Cafe
Punjab Cafe is beloved for its buttery naan, robust butter chicken, and generous lunch buffet. The extended weekday hours make it a reliable choice for both dinner and office lunches.
- Address: 322 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose
- Website: punjabcafesanjose.com
- Hours: Sun‑Sat 12:00‑21:30; Mon 11:30‑14:30 & 17:00‑21:00; Tue‑Fri 11:30‑21:30
4. Hajis
Hajis serves a mix of traditional and contemporary Indian dishes, with standout biryanis and seasonal specials. It’s tucked into a quieter neighborhood, ideal for a relaxed dinner.
- Address: 1185 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose
- Phone: +1-408-294-2919
- Website: hajisrestaurant.com
5. Aurum
Aurum offers a refined Indian dining experience, featuring aromatic curries and a lunch menu that highlights regional flavors. The sleek downtown setting makes it perfect for business lunches.
- Address: 132 State Street, San Jose
- Phone: +1 650-383-5221
- Email: letseat@aurumca.com
- Website: aurumca.com
- Hours: Sunday‑Thursday 11:30 am – 2:30 pm (lunch)
6. Dosa Hut
Specializing in South‑Indian dosas, this spot delivers crisp, paper‑thin crepes filled with spiced potatoes, paneer, or chutney‑drizzled sauces. Their limited weekday hours keep the crowd manageable for a focused brunch.
- Address: 39180 Paseo Padre Parkway, San Jose
- Website: orderdosahut.com
- Hours: Tuesday‑Thursday 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
7. Anjappar Chettinadu Indian Restaurant (Milpitas)
A branch of the well‑known Chettinad chain, this restaurant shines with fiery peppercorn chicken, mutton kurma, and a seafood selection that reflects the Tamil coast.
- Address: 458 Barber Lane, San Jose
- Phone: +1 408-435-5500
- Email: milpitas@anjapparca.com
- Website: anjapparca.com
- Hours: Mon‑Thu 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
8. Rangoli
Rangoli’s menu balances North‑Indian classics with a few Gujarati twists, and its Sunday brunch is a community favorite. The spacious dining room makes it suitable for family gatherings.
- Address: 3695 Union Avenue, San Jose
- Phone: +1-408-377-2222
- Website: sanjoserangoli.com
- Hours: Sun 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
9. India Garden (Pleasanton area, serves San Jose)
A family‑run spot known for its wholesome thalis and fresh paneer dishes, India Garden provides a relaxed vibe and generous portions that feel like home‑cooked meals.
- Address: 210 Rose Avenue, San Jose
- Phone: +1 925 485-4800
- Website: indiagardenpleasanton.com
- Hours: Sun‑Thu 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
10. Mylapore South Indian Vegetarian
Mylapore offers a pure vegetarian menu packed with idli, sambar, and a variety of dosa styles. Open long hours, it’s a reliable pick for early breakfasts or late‑night cravings.
- Address: 4825 Hopyard Rd, San Jose
- Phone: +1-925-425-7305
- Website: mylaporepleasanton.withbites.com
- Hours: Daily 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
How we built this list
Desi.Net maintains an up‑to‑date, verified directory of South‑Asian businesses across the Bay Area. This list draws exclusively from our database, selecting Indian restaurants that have confirmed contact details, operating hours, and a clear focus on Indian cuisine. We also consider community relevance—restaurants that are frequently mentioned in local gatherings, food groups, and word‑of‑mouth recommendations. In total, we evaluated over 30 Indian‑focused eateries and featured the ten that best meet reliability and variety criteria. If you know a great spot that’s missing, or you’d like to claim your restaurant’s listing, please contact us through Desi.Net.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which restaurant is best for a quick lunch near downtown? A: Punjab Cafe on East Santa Clara Street offers extended weekday lunch hours and a buffet that’s both fast and flavorful.
Q: Where can I find authentic South‑Indian dosa in San Jose? A: Dosa Hut on Paseo Padre Parkway focuses on traditional dosas with crisp edges and generous fillings.
Q: Are there any Indian places open on Sundays? A: Yes—Rangoli (Sunday brunch), India Garden (Sun‑Thu lunch), and Mylapore (open daily) all serve Sunday diners.
Enjoy exploring the flavors of India right here in San Jose! 🍛