Fremont, California, takes its Indian cuisine very seriously, as anyone who has visited the area knows. Fremont, which is home to one of the biggest Indian communities in the Bay Area, is essentially a haven for anyone who enjoys strong spices, light naan, and the heady aroma of curry.
Over the past few years, I’ve been moving between Indian restaurants in this area, from family-run establishments that serve traditional dishes to contemporary restaurants with a unique twist. These are the top ten Indian restaurants in Fremont, California, all hand-picked (and personally taste-tested!) for those who are new to Indian cuisine or who have grown up eating it.
1. Chaat Bhavan: Fremont’s Street Food Heaven
Let’s start with the crowd favorite. Chaat Bhavan is where you go when you crave authentic Indian street food, spicy, tangy, crunchy, and absolutely addictive. Everything here screams India’s street flavor. The Pani Puri bursts with zesty tamarind water, the Dahi Puri has that perfect sweet-spicy balance, and their Chole Bhature (fluffy fried bread with chickpeas) tastes just like what you’d get at a Delhi dhaba.
It’s 100% vegetarian, but trust me, even your meat-loving friends will walk out happy. The prices are fair, portions are generous, and the service is fast, which is probably why you’ll always see this place buzzing with families and students alike.
My pro tip: Pair your meal with their Masala Chai, it’s comfort in a cup.
2. Anantara Indian Cuisine: A Little Fancy, A Lot Delicious
Anantara Indian Cuisine is the place to go if you want something a little fancier without being stuffy. It’s one of those establishments that successfully strikes a balance between exquisite dining elegance and traditional Indian flavor. Their Lamb Rogan Josh is incredibly tender, and their Butter Chicken is rich and creamy without being overpowering.
I love that the menu offers both mild Paneer Tikka Masala and spicy Chettinad Curry, which is a lovely blend of North and South Indian flavors. The staff is extremely knowledgeable about their menu, the service is excellent, and the setting is ideal for family dinners or romantic evenings. Additionally, their attention to detail is evident in the consistently fresh and exquisitely presented food.
3. Amber India: For When You Want to Impress
Amber India is one of the most upscale restaurants in Fremont, but in the best possible way. Everything in this place seems to have been carefully chosen, from the plating to the décor. The highlights are their Lamb Vindaloo and Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken), but don’t miss their Tandoori Prawns, which are succulent, smoky, and expertly grilled.
Like classic recipes with a Michelin-star polish, the flavors are genuine but sophisticated. I enjoy coming here on special occasions. Although it costs more than the typical restaurant, the food and service more than make up for it. Additionally, they have one of the best lunch buffets in town, which is a great way to try a variety of dishes without going over budget.
4. Biryani Bowl: Where Every Bite Smells Like Hyderabad
Since I’ve tried biryanis from all over the Bay, I’ll admit that Biryani Bowl is still the best. The authentic Hyderabadi Dum Biryani is layered with love, spicy, and fragrant. The meat is tender, the rice is long-grained and cooked to perfection, and there’s that saffron and fried onion explosion on top? Magic, pure magic. All of the options, goat, chicken, and vegetables, are bursting with flavor.
They also make amazing appetizers; my order list always includes Paneer Tikka and Chicken 65. The restaurant itself is laid-back, excellent for quick dine-ins or takeout, and the prices are very reasonable considering the quality. This is the real deal if you’re craving biryani that tastes like it was made in Hyderabad.
5. Curry Pizza House: Fremont’s Most Fun Food Fusion
Have you ever considered pizza and curry to be a perfect combination? Curry Pizza House demonstrates that it’s not only feasible but also incredible. They are famous for their Tandoori Chicken Pizza. It has a kick you won’t get anywhere else thanks to the spicy Indian marinade, crispy crust, and copious toppings.
For vegetarians who prefer a strong flavor without the meat, I’m also completely smitten with paneer pizza. It’s a laid-back, enjoyable place to spend time with friends or get takeout for a movie night. If you want it extra spicy (which I usually do!), the staff is always happy to adjust the spice levels, and the service is prompt.
6. Sakoon Fremont: Indian Fine Dining with a Modern Twist
Walking into Sakoon feels like stepping into an upscale restaurant in Mumbai or New Delhi. It’s elegant, moody, and stylish, definitely a date-night kind of place. Their Lamb Rogan Josh is a masterpiece, the Malai Kofta (creamy vegetarian dumplings) is divine, and their Salmon Tikka Masala might just be my favorite seafood dish in Fremont. Sakoon’s cocktails are worth mentioning too, the Mango Mojito and Spiced Old Fashioned complement their rich curries beautifully. It’s pricier, sure, but the experience is unforgettable.
7. Madras Café: Simple, Authentic, and Comforting
Madras Café is the place to go if you enjoy South Indian cuisine. The fact that it’s unpretentious, reasonably priced, and consistently busy indicates that the food is authentic. They serve their crispy, flavorful Masala Dosa with hot sambar and coconut chutney. Their South Indian Thali, a platter of rice, curries, pickles, and desserts, feels like a homecoming, and the Idlis, or steamed rice cakes, are fluffy and soft. It’s one of the few places where the food tastes just like it would in Bangalore or Chennai. Pure comfort without any gimmicks or frills.
8. Swagat Indian Cuisine: Cozy and Consistent
Although Swagat is not particularly ostentatious, it is one of those reliable eateries that never lets you down. It is where I go for the best comfort food, including freshly baked Garlic Naan, Dal Makhani, and Butter Chicken. It feels like a neighborhood treasure where everyone knows one another, and the staff is incredibly friendly. Swagat ought to be at the top of your list if you enjoy straightforward, traditional North Indian flavors.
9. Punjabi Tandoor: Where Spice Meets Soul
Strong, unreserved flavors are the hallmark of Punjabi Tandoor. Their lamb curry and tandoori chicken are flavorful and spicy, and their chana masala (spicy chickpeas) adds a traditional home-cooked feel. It’s not a fancy restaurant, but the food more than makes up for it. The portions are substantial, and their lunch combos are excellent value. This is my first choice for a quick and filling Indian meal.
10. Bombay Garden: The Buffet You’ll Keep Coming Back To
Bombay Garden is Fremont’s buffet legend if you enjoy variety. From Biryani, Samosas, and Kheer (sweet rice pudding) to Tandoori Chicken and Paneer Tikka Masala, the spread is enormous.
There is no depressing, overcooked buffet fare here, and everything tastes fresh, and the trays are regularly refilled. It has a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere that’s ideal for office lunches or big gatherings. I’ve visited this place more times than I can remember, and each time I’ve been satisfied.
Final Thoughts
The Indian cuisine scene in Fremont is truly amazing. You can find anything you’re craving here, including light vegetarian fare, spicy curries, and innovative fusion dishes. If you’ve never tried Indian food before, start with street food at Chaat Bhavan or more upscale options at Amber India. Do you want real biryani? All the way to the biryani bowl.
Additionally, Madras Café and Swagat are always dependable for total comfort. Each of these restaurants offers a taste, heart, and hospitality of India to the Bay. Therefore, the next time you’re hungry, forego the chains and explore Fremont’s savory, fiery, and incredibly fulfilling Indian cuisine.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings