Flavor of India image

Flavor of India

Restaurant Indian restaurant Asian restaurant Vegan restaurant South asia restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed Asian restaurants in Santa Barbara


Address

3026 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Website

www.flavorofindiasb.com

Contact

(805) 682-6561

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (694 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 to 9:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 to 9:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 to 9:30 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 to 9:30 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 to 9:30 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 to 9:30 PM
  • Sunday: 12 to 3 PM, 4:30 to 9 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Indian (16) service (15) good (12) vegan (10) restaurant (10) India (9) order (8) time (8) menu (8) great (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 somit b. 1 year ago on Google
    Attention - Avoid this shady place. Having stayed in Bay Area for almost and decade and visiting Santa Barbara for vacation, its awesome to have a place like this. The food quality was good, service was nice. Price little up but I am fine as it's once in a while case. They should broaden the lane to enter the parking, need little space in all. Overall I am happy. Thanks for everything. Edit of 2022 visit - Seems the owners had been wearing a "nice mask" for the customers who order big, are of a particular ethnicity and order directly over the call with them (to avoid paying stakes to the vendors like UberEATS or Door dash). I was travelling with my toddler and a young kid who are picky eaters, so had ordered food via Door dash ( thinking it will save the time of calling). I was notified that the order is ready to pick up and I reached there. After reaching there I showed the order info to the lady at the front desk ( presumably the owner), she asked me to wait for 15-20 minutes. After waiting for more than 20 minutes outside at this cluttered place, I went inside to learn where is the order, the same lady asked me to cancel the order, she stated that she would need another 20 minutes at least (she assumed I was a dasher), that was super rude, she was talking nicely to the natives by the way. But her tone was switching while talking to people of special ethnicity. Anyways, the guy, of below average height passed a really weird smile while his owner was rude with the customers. As soon as the lady learnt that I was not a dasher rather a door dash customer, she asked me to cancel the order and reorder it with the front desk. What kind of shady business is that, why discrimination with door dash or UberEATS customers ?? This lady and her staff (the guy) kept my family hungry. I will go to every possible extent to get this stopped. Humble suggestions to people who are non local and non natives, avoid this place. There are better restaurants around with better behaving people. Food quality - 3/5 (previous experience) Food quantity for price - 1/5 Behavior - 0/5 Shady practices - 10/5 Ambience - 0/5 Ease of parking - 0/5 Possibility of getting infection in today's time - 20 out 5 (cluttered place)
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Langdon 1 year ago on Google
    Great food and quick service, the Lamb Korma and Chicken Makhani were excellent. Everything we got that was marinated was very tender and perfectly cooked. My only complaint is the grilled dishes were somewhat dry. I highly recommend this place.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katharina S. 1 year ago on Google
    Really appreciate the vegan menu (although the prices are outdated on it)! The flavors are different from other Indian restaurants I’ve eaten at so far, but super good! My husband and I ate there two nights consecutively :) also, the water that gets served for free tastes really good, not like chlorine at all!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Rahul C. 2 years ago on Google
    The majority of my trips to Flavor of India are for their lunch buffet, which is reasonably priced and good value even for a student. I'll seldom go for dinner (I think I've only ever been on Diwali), because their entrees are pretty standard. This Diwali, I went and decided to try out their tandoori menu -- I ordered their lamb boti and lamb sheesh kebabs, plain and garlic naan, chicken biryani, vegetable pakodas, and chai -- and was pleasantly surprised that the meat was very fresh and their spice blends in the meat were quite authentic. The biryani was too oily for my taste, the pakodas were pretty dry (stale?), and the chai's flavour was somewhat flat. I still can't recommend any of their entrees, but this is definitely worth a stop for the tandoori options.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Balkar C. 1 year ago on Google
    Delightful buffet, full of vegan options. The service is special, and very proactive. The interior design is very well made, and the outdoor tables are really peaceful. Great experience for a reasonable price. Keep up the great work Rish and team.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Yash D. 1 year ago on Google
    Ordinary food with extravagant prices and small portion size. One of the rarest Indian restaurants that cannot accommodate a Jain diet except daal rice. Loved to see a separate vegan food menu. The ambience was good.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A L. 1 year ago on Google
    I've been eating here for years and it's been consistently great. Lately I've been having it as delivery and it's always really good. The combination meals are the best value and I love the vegetarian samosas.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer V. 1 year ago on Google
    Owning food businesses I know how people are quick to give negative reviews but not so quick to give positive. We visited last night and I must say it was one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. The service was outstanding and the attention to detail was outstanding! The food was presented in a very professional way and the taste was as good. It was a great night and the chai was the best I have ever tasted
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nereida La Sirena R. 8 months ago on Google
    Every time we go to Santa Barbara, California we make sure to stop by this Delicious restaurant. It has wonderful vegan and gluten-free meals that are filling. They are always kind and generous and guiding us to which are the best vegan and gluten-free for our needs. The creamy items are not too milky like in other Indian and the vegetables are cooked where they're still slightly crispy and not too limp. One has the option of how hot and spicy they want their meals from mild all the way to extra spicy 🔥.

  • 2/5 Sarah M. 1 year ago on Google
    Ok food, terrible service. If you are still in the restaurant at closing time, finishing your meal and conversations, they will start "cleaning up", meaning using an actual leaf blower inside the restaurant. A simple "sorry but we are closing soon" would have been much better received...

  • 5/5 Kurt C. 11 months ago on Google
    Delicious Indian cuisine at an affordable price. The Shrimp Biryani was superb, with the perfect blend of spices. Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 Mindyjaz 1 year ago on Google
    This place is my favorite Indian restaurant in town!! They are super vegan friendly and even have a separate menu if you are vegan. You are able to choose your spice level and they can get very spicy. The tofu Tika is my favorite with added spice. Highly recommend if you are looking for an Indian restaurant in town. You will not be disappointed. They have great service and are very welcoming. They give great recommendations if you don't know what to get!

  • 3/5 Aarti 7 months ago on Google
    The food was good not that authentic taste. Quantity and quality of food was ok. We ordered chicken biryani, vegetable pakora, samosa, paneer tikka, tandoori chicken, matar paneer. I liked vegetable pakora.

  • 5/5 Torben N. 8 months ago on Google
    Traveling from Canada 🇨🇦 And we love our Indian food 😋 This place was a gem 🥰Highly recommend 👌

  • 5/5 Simran K. 5 months ago on Google
    The food was really good. Menu had a lot of variety. Definitely recommend. Plus the service and atmosphere was great.

  • 5/5 Krish S. 6 months ago on Google
    Best vegan options around the town. Brilliant and professional service. Loved the flavor on the all the food ordered.. definitely true to the name - " FLAVOR OF INDIA" I was reminded of my home at a place which is now my home away from home 😊

  • 5/5 riya r. 8 months ago on Google
    The ambience at Flavor of India is cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed dining experience. The menu offers a wide variety of flavorful Indian dishes that are sure to satisfy any craving. The staff is friendly and attentive, providing excellent service throughout your meal. Highly recommended🍽️❤️

  • 5/5 Vansh M. 6 months ago on Google
    I went there on my birthday with my family it was one of the best restaurants i have ever been to the customer service was excellent the food was to die for and the overall vibe of the restraint was really good.

  • 5/5 sarita m. 6 months ago on Google
    The food here is very delicious and there are a lot of good options. i loved the service and would definitely stop by more often.

  • 5/5 Vidhi M. 5 months ago on Google
    I am beyond impressed.This place is the literal gem of Santa Barbara , serving up some of the most flavorful and authentic Indian dishes I've ever tasted. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy atmosphere that sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. The menu at Flavor of India is a culinary journey through the diverse flavors of India. They offer a wide range of dishes, from classic favorites like butter chicken and lamb biryani to unique regional specialties that will tantalize your taste buds. Each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail, ensuring that every bite is bursting with aromatic spices and rich flavors. 🌶️ The staff at Flavor of India is incredibly friendly and attentive, making you feel like a valued guest. They are always ready to provide recommendations or accommodate any dietary preferences or restrictions you may have. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or have specific spice preferences, they will make sure you have a delightful dining experience. So, gather your friends or family and head over to Flavor of India for a delightful dining experience that will transport you to the vibrant streets of India. Enjoy! 🌟

  • 5/5 Chantal B. 2 years ago on Google
    The food & staff here are delightful. I've tried at least half the menu by now and it's all so delicious. Definitely a must to come here if you're craving some tasty Indian cuisine. Mango lassie is also my favorite to drink to go along with any of their dishes. Whatever you order you'll enjoy it here! Also if you're GLUTEN FREE or VEGAN this is the spot to be! So many options!!

  • 1/5 Rafia S. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a sad excuse for a biriyani. Like if you murder biryani and send it to Jesus but then Jesus also kills biriyani again just for fun then you would end up with whatever this restaurant cooked. We wanted our biriyani in take-out boxes and they packed the biriyani in popcorn boxes 🍿, no plates and no napkins. I am so curious like how someone came up with the idea to pack biriyani in a popcorn box? Do they eat biriyani like popcorn? But kinda makes sense though since the biriyani was as tasteless as unsalted popcorn. Very good white people food though. So white that all indian ancestors were crying when this restaurant made this biriyani.

  • 1/5 Ruchi B. 1 year ago on Google
    If I have to rate this restaurant I would give no stars . Horrible food and ambience. Wondering why did they charge us 10$ for service? I would definitely 'NOT RECOMMEND ' this restaurant to anyone. Tasteless food with a hole in the pocket . "FLAVOURS OF INDIA pls rename it to "FLAVOURLESS OF INDIA".

  • 5/5 Justin R. 1 year ago on Google
    Flavor has been around a long time and seems to just keep getting better. Exceptionally friendly and helpful wait staff; authentic and downright tasty food covering all the bases you'd expect in North Indian cuisine. Easy to pay the bill with automated web-based system brought to your table.

  • 5/5 Sandy C. 1 year ago on Google
    I don’t normally leave reviews, but this experience warranted one. From the time of arrival, I was treated as if I was their only customer. The staff at this restaurant goes above and beyond to ensure that their patrons are enjoying every moment. The FOOD is absolutely authentic!! This is home cooking at its best!

  • 5/5 Abhishek M. 1 year ago on Google
    Every dish we ordered was by far some of the best Indian food we’ve ever had. Generous portions, great service. Cannot wait to go back! They have a vegan menu (you need to request it) that takes all the guesswork out of ordering. Perfect. I want to give it 5 stars. Flavor of India offers lamb and chicken entrees.

  • 5/5 Ana T. 1 year ago on Google
    Indian food highly recommended!! Travel to time end it in here trying this beautiful Indian food, and by talking with the owner learn a beautiful history of India. The food is amazing. 🙂

  • 1/5 R K. 1 year ago on Google
    Ordered a chai and it was bad - not really an Indian masala chai. For an overpriced place like this, they can atleast make it fresh instead of making it hours ago and serving it from a flask! They didn’t look like someone who would be willing to take feedback either!! 😱

  • 5/5 Racheal M. 1 year ago on Google
    Had the opportunity to dine here recently and LOVED it! I’m picky and know my Indian food. Best tikka masala ever! Will certainly come back again and again. Staff could not have been more attentive or professional. Totally enjoyable in every way. Definite must try!

  • 5/5 Bldv S. 1 year ago on Google
    What an incredible place! Firstly the asthetic is amazing and homely, you just feel like you have escaped Usa.Secondly all of the Food is brilliant, hands down the best Lamb I have ever tasted and so authentic! It also came very fresh, and the service from all of the friendly staff, was exceptional!!! To put the cherry on the cake the prices are so affordable and portions are huge - will be visiting again the next time I come, or perhaps even before I go home - it was so great

  • 3/5 Jack M. 2 years ago on Google
    It was overpriced and pretty bland. I ordered chicken tikka masala and the sauce had no viscosity to it, it was runny like water, and they gave me a very weak portion of garlic naan. It wasn’t terrible but definitely not worth returning unfortunately

  • 5/5 isa k. 2 years ago on Google
    Great service. Awesome food and reasonable price. According to Zabihah their chicken is halal.

  • 3/5 AA A. 2 years ago on Google
    It’s been a few years and thought would give them another try. Food wasn’t the greatest. Food was just bland.


Call (805) 682-6561 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ All you can eat
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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