Serving best Indian foods in Berkeley! Due to COVID-19 hours and menus are limited but not the quality of food!!

Had a table for 5, family reunion. We each ordered different dishes, and all were tasty. There are vegan & vegetarian choices as well as chicken & seafood. Beer & wine were available with generous pour, and reasonable prices. Service was helpful and attentive. Easy parking if you are lucky like we were. Decor was interesting and appealing.

Mainly good food, however the lamb chops were not very flavorful. Other than that, everything was really good. The ambience was ok but the staff was pretty friendly.

Lovely lunch menu in a peaceful setting. Generous portions, new things to try, popular standards, and a variety of vegetarian options.

Excellent and unique indian food!

Indian places are hard for me rats highly, I find them over priced and often not very good. Ajanta was on the upper end of process t even for Indian food, and really only two out of four dishes we had were excellent. The other two were borderline good. The naan was fine, but the chapati was not the best, and neither was the alloo paratha - the aloo paratha was actually bad. There are much better Indian restaurants to go in the Bay area and the Berkely area.

I am of Indian ancestry and when I dont want to cook my go to is Ajanta.I am familiar with dining in under the old owner. We even had a celebratory wedding dinner there years ago.They ownership has changed and the food has remained excellent.The new owners seem to be staying with the recipes from the former owner.Because of COVID19, I have only done take out and I look forward to dining in one day.

Great food and great service!

Love this place! Refreshing take on Indian cuisine coupled with dainty plating, soothing music and ambient lighting. Truly a fine dining experience.We ordered veg samosa, eggplant dish (the name escapes me - jaam something), and prawn curry with Goan spices among other things. The chutneys served with the food and palak curry was one of the best ihave had in the East bay. The selection of icecream and herbals is decent.Must visit!

Been here several times, now while up from San Diego to visit our son at Cal. Never disappoints!

Ajanta has definitely become one of my favorite Indian restaurants in Berkeley since I moved here...Very efficient and friendly service...In terms of food quality, they really stand out... The best saag paneer I ever had outside India...Also love their chicken tikka masala, lamb korma, Goan salmon curry, samosa and masala chai!!!

We enjoy eating out. Last night we came to this excellent restaurant which friends told us about. We spent a lovely experience there with fine food and a courteous crew and a distinguished chief cook. We added this place in our list and we will certainly return soon. We highly recommend.

Great atmosphere and service. The food is terrific. We shared four dishes and each was perfect, well balanced flavors, great textures!Desserts were a little less impressive, but this may have been related to our tastes vs the food. I will be returning.

Would definitely recommend trying this spot. Excellent vibes, yummy dishes, fantastic customer service. Great work.

The Best Indian food I have had in Bay area in last 6 years. Flavors are not typical and not tacky. Spices are not overpowering and ingredients are top notch while the prices are extremely reasonable. If you are city or peninsula, its worth the drive , trust me.

Excellent dishes, served rather promptly tonight. But it was a little later in the evening. Desserts were... OK. Nothing spectacular for this western palette.

Yes! This place really developed my taste for Indian food. Its worth making a reservation ahead of time. Its not just a fast food buffet type, so dress business casual. Service is excellent - attentive, and communicative. Food is fresh, spicy, flavorful, and without a flaw. Great place to go when in the East Bay.

Good Indian restaurant. I think the endorsement by the local celebrity chef might have raised their profile and expectations, more than there is to it. Nevertheless food is good. They use fresh and local ingredients. They do play around with the flavors, still not wandering too far away from the norm. Expect a very good evening. Nothing more nothing less.

Amazing experience. The food is delicious, the portions perfectly sized and flavors exquisite. We love Indian food and this is now our favorite Indian Restaurant in the Bay Area.The spiciness level can be selected from 1 to 5, so I went for 2 and it was perfect for an spice lover but without killing the flavors. Everything tasted fresh and it was delivered at a very good pace.The service was great and they helped us select dairy-free options for our entire meal.

Weekly date nights with my wife are always a pleasure. Fresh food, friendly staff and beautiful ambiance. I hope this place stays around for a long time.

An Indian friend took me for lunch. Everything is served pretty and is delicious. We ordered medium spiciness which was not too spicy, pleasantly hot. The bread was unique, paper thin lentil based. Lamb excellent.

Good variety of Indian food. Many vegetarian options. Warm, elegant ambiance.

Amazing service, with a lot of love and friendliness. The first dishes of aloo tiki and tandoori mushrooms are sensational. Food itself was good but not sensational. A bit expensive but not over the top. Well worth the great experience

Very nice tasting menu with some real outstanding parts. We had the extremely reasonably priced prix fixe, which was plenty of food, but not too much as set meals can sometimes be. The food varied a bit in quality, but the least exciting dishes were good, and a couple items (the tandoori and scallops, for example) were really great.The most outstanding part of this meal was that the flavors were unusual for indian food, very tasty and quite unique.Id recommend it for an interesting and different take on Indian cuisine.As far as service and ambience, the ambience was nice but not fancy, and we found the service to be fine, if not remarkable.

We havent been to Ajanta for a long time and now there are new owners. We read the reviews before going and were so looking forward to eating lunch there. It did not look as beautiful as we remembered, it looked fairly dark except by the windows on a lovely day. We were quite disappointed with our Tandoori , it missed that special flavor . The shrimp nor thesalmon had much taste and the salmon although spicy still had little flavor. But good Tandoori it was not unfortunately.We did enjoy the dahl and pakora .But overall not the experience we hoped for. Farewell Ajanta , we will not be returning.Indian Food Lovers

Its a mixed bag.The service makes you wonder if you offended someone.The hot chutney served as condiment is truly amazing.The chai tastes like it was mildly exposed to tea leaves.The lamb and naan were really good.The chicken chaat was cold (I mean cold like a refrigerator, not even room temperature). Maybe thats how its supposed to be but wasnt expecting it.The gulab jamun was crusty and powdery inside.The ice cream was good.Finally, the check makes you wonder if it was worth it 🤔Truly a mixed bag.

Excellent service and food. Dishes were not oily, and menu was filled with interesting choices. Great place to stop by if youre visiting Berkeley, or looking for a lunch or dinner place on the way to Sacramento.

Good. Service was very nice. Scallops were slightly overcooked. Tandoor dishes should be brought last so they dont overcook.

Nice and friendly place. Appreciate the papadams with chutney and pickles that we got complementary as a starting snack. For mains the Tandoori chicken was the low point in being a little dry but the taste was nice, both the lamb curry and saag paneer was very nice! Finally, they have two wines from India on the menu! We tried the sauvignon blanc which was nice without being special, fun to try though!

Expensive, high-end Indian regional food served in a really beautiful setting with a staff who understands Indian food, and chefs who you can tell go that extra mile in procuring fresh ingredients, and superior spices. Mango Lasse is made fresh, and the Naan is a step above the rest. I highly recommend this place, but be warned. It can get pricey, but its worth it.

Good food, we ordered lamb, mixed vegetables and the lamb was tender and delicious. Be careful with the spice level, the low medium is spicy so would recommend very mild if you heat tolerance isn’t high

Great food, friendly service.

Horrible experience! Serve 5 small pieces of chicken tikka for $ 19 and above that chicken pieces were cold and hard. Rice was poor quality and food was so bland. Overall, the food is overpriced, low quality and quantity.Go to another Indian restaurant and you will get over 10 pieces of chicken for under $12-14.This is the first Indian restaurant I found that is made strictly for American only. If you like bland and tasteless it’s made for you. (Coming from an Indian).

Im addicted. I love this place. I would say its better as takeout because it is easier to mix things.

Horrible for vegetarians. The items are smelling as if it has been prepared 2 days earlier.Worst worst and worst. If I would have been given a chance to chose 0 rating, it would be helpful to rate this hotel accurately here. Please dont go. It sucks !!!

We come here a lot. Good pumpkin curry which we order with unfried tofu. Nice specials, often a mango salad.

Still the best Indian food in the East Bay!

This is truly an amazing Indian restaurant , I cant think of any North Indian restaurant in the US that is nicer than this. parking can be a challenge but no complaints. go by the staffs selection. The tastes are truly awesome, every item on the plate was awesome, we thought the quantity was less but it was a full course mean i would say it was an expertly put together full course menu with precise quantities enough to fill u up but at the same time create an interest in the next course.It was along drive for us but everyone was delighted the flip side was every meal we ate after this felt average. The service is truly personnel, will say dont judge just experience. it is exceptionalThere is a nice little super market behind this place just walk over.

To be honest, I am incredibly weak so almost everything on the menu isnt for me, however the food that I have has is really wonderful. My parents still go there for date nights every few months and they absolutely adore it, suggesting it to all their friends.

Food is very good and its not spicy at all. I had to have them give me green peppers on the side to get my spicy on.

Ive given Ajanta 3 stars mostly for the style and ambiance of the restaurant, which is just what an Indian restaurant should be. However, sadly, the food disappointed, with watery sauces, fatty chicken and limited flavour. Im sure they can do better.

Very nice flavors at this upscale Indian restaurant. The portions are small compared to most other places in the bay area, but the food is excellent, if pricier than other places as well. Excellent service, and a good place for groups. The decor is classy - carpet, wall hangings, nice furniture, and the place feels intimate.

Flavor and spice with a cozy atmosphere. Great for date night or small group of friends.

Ordered via uber eats on friday night. The chicken tikkas were raw ( uncooked ) and not exactly cheap. We had request em to be spicy but turned out to be very bland. Not sure what the hype is and why it’s so $. Probably best to eat at the restaurant. Only saving grace was the dal makhani which was tasty.

I went to the restaurant with a female friend. My food arrived barely warm and when I told the waiter, he put his finger into my rice to check the temperature. His attitude was arrogant, that perhaps I was lying, he did not believe me.The plate, of which I had taken one small bite of rice, was returned to me after microwaving. UGGGG he had touched my food. I was fearful of returning it again since the waiter acted so rude. Was it because we were females???? Was I a lower cast???Also the chickpeas which are served with the vegetarian meal were hard, a bit crunchy and I my opinion undercooked.Servings were small and even with an appetizer, I was able to finish my full meal (I weigh 110lbs and am a small eater, often not able to finish even half a meal at other restaurants.Needless to say, I will not return.

Definitely one of the better Indian Options in the area. Veggie and GF friendly. We opted for the prix fix. For the appetizer, they accommodated gf requests which was made us feel special given the menu was set. The mushrooms were a highlight appetizer.The rice was very aromatic and fun with a few veggies- something other Indian restaurants often miss. All four of the main dishes were incredible. The eggplant was amazing as well as the dairy based curries. Desserts are also standout including a sweet condensed milk variety with a few tapices and pistachios.The portions are on the slightly larger side -be green and bring your own takeaway containers... Also good selection if beers and wines, all reasonably priced.

Delicious Indian cooking with a subtle hand on the balance of the spices in every dish. They always have the standard favourites, but they mix up the menu to take advantage of local/seasonal produce. Definitely my favourite Indian restaurant in the Bay Area. The staff are friendly, the takeaway service is efficient, and theyre one of the few Berkeley restaurants that will do delivery (through ezdineinn).

This most flavorful of Indian restaurants in the Bay area-- with unusual dishes from many regions of the subcontinent-- is still excellent.

A restaurant is like a spaceship and sometimes they depart for lands none of us would want to visit. This crew has been stewing in their own juice for so long that they all lost all contact with planet Earth. But where did they go? I am not quite sure but my guess is planet Garlik in the Révolta nebula. The pungent, bitter to the point of acrid smoke taste of old garlic permeated their signature eggplant dish, to say nothing of the garlic naan. Appetisers were mediocre to average, portions on the meager side. Main dishes unremarkable and overpriced. The service was ill timed and intrusive since the waiter kept removing dishes while we were bravely trying to chew our way to the bitter end. If you want to pay top dollar for a space trip to Tandoori Bizarro, Ajanta will get your there, guaranteed.

Very good Indian food. Their tasting menu is good when you want to try lot of different recipes.

One of the best Indian restaurant of California. Original cuisine with renewed choice month after month. Highly recommended

The food here is simple and to the point, and the staff is very nice.

Curries are great. I would have liked a bit of education about the difference.

As a regular for half a decade, I can attest that Ajanta is a cut above every other Indian place I have been to in the Bay Area. To be clear my perspective is that of a non-Indian American. Every dish I have tried has been very good to great. My only criticism is that I have always ordered the spicy level as mild / medium (their desired description), which results in the usual heat level I like, but occasionally is too mild or spicy. This place always gets packed, so plan ahead or be prepared to wait.

Tandoori portabella mushroom appetizer is heavenly! Id go back just for that. Good veg options.

My boyfriend and I dined here this evening for my birthday. The food was so-so at best. I ordered the shrimp, which were boiled and tasteless! My boyfriend had the scallops, which tasted better, though not great. Moreover, both of us ordered our meals with high medium spice, but neither dish tasted spicy. They were both very mild at best. For the price, the portion-size was stingy, each dish arriving with very few (as in 4-5 small- to medium-sized) scallops and shrimp. Finally, the service left much to be desired. The wait staff remained hurried, unattentive, unknowledgable, and at times even rude when asked any questions at all. This is now the third time weve dined at this once renowned Indian restaurant--each time with the same dissappointing experience on a special occasion. It is also our last time. There are far too many better choices than Ajanta.

Your best bang for buck here is a lunch meal.Ajanta has a more upscale but not pretentious dining atmosphere since its pretty casual.Everything here is good, but my all time favorite is the Chicken Makhanwala.Choose your level of spice wisely, they can make your dish mild or hot.If you like things hot, order a Mango Lassi to tame the fires brewing in your mouth

Good food but sugar in the recipes leaves me feeling less-than-great afterwards.

The food is ok but not super authentic. I didn’t find the spices balanced right. But again, everyone’s palate is different. My main gripe was with the chai; it just had too many spices which clashed. Chai is a pretty important detail to get right.

Fine food, friendly service, pleasant atmosphere

As usual delicious food, and I had to have mild which they provide reliably. Pleasant attentive staff.

Horrible experience, People who were serving were not even bothered. Not a good place to eat if you really need authentic Indian taste.

Curry chicken is phenomenal ~you choose the level of spiciness

Upscale Indian cuisine in a lovely environment. Much better than standard Indian food, would happily return!

Best food restaurant.

As an person who grew up Indian food and eaten at dozens of indian reasturants, I found this place unauthentic and bland. If you want real indian food go to South Bay instead

Great food with excellent prices. Small intimate location with very attentive staff and quick service.

Tandoori lamb kabobs were delicious.

Top of the line for upscale Indian dining on Solano Avenue, highly rated. White table cloths etc. The place to take company you want to impress. The food is good but the Khana Peena across the street is just about equally good and is more relaxed in atmosphere and price.

Beryani was not like an indian food. I ate beryari sevral time but this one was the worse one.

Excellent food with some interesting options we havent found elsewhere. But its pricey, and the service was perfunctory.

Great food - always changing menu

It is a better than average Indian restaurant, but price adjusted it becomes just average. Food like most Indian Restaurant is very filling with the curry dishes. Waiters mostly have stern or indifferent faces, not happy campers. Dined there a couple times a year and have never been impressed. Bad wine there.

Delicious place to grab some Indian food. The service staff was very friendly and very thorough. They accommodated our special request for lamb biryani when they only have a fixed menu (chicken biryani) so that was very kind of them. It is a more intimate setting and a great place for a date or an evening meal. They are Zagat rated and the food was delicious!

Always great Indian food in a pleasant atmosphere.

Was our favorite Indian. Kitchen has lost excellence with new team. Disappointing!

Pretty good indian food, a step above the carry-out/delivery/buffet stuff you see so much around Berkeley. Nice ambiance.

Very good food though a bit pricey. Reservations needed on weekends.

Extensive detail in preparation with exquisite results, will continue to visit.

Literally my favorite Indian restaurant on the planet. Great service, decent prices, wonderful location, nice ambience, and phenomenal food.

Drive across Berkeley for this spot... Do yourself a favor, and have a hot cup of fresh chai.

Excellent Indian food with a nod towards traditional.

Unbelievably GREAT. For someone who doesnt like curry, I can find a MYRIAD of wondrous flavors here. Thanks, Sis Patrice, for taking me here!

Lamb khorma was delicious and very well spiced. Reasonably priced, good service. Chicken tikka wasnt as good as everything else. Will return.

Pricy and a little upscale but- oh my god- truly the most delicious Indian food Ive ever had. Baingan bharta, tandoori portobello mushroom and korma are out of this world!

Best Indian food in the Bay Area often prepared with locally sourced or organic ingredients.

Great tasting authentic food & service!

One of the best indian food place in berkely.

Spicy aromas greet you when you open the door to Ajanta. The food is always superb, the service friendly even if crowded. I have a particular fondness for two of their Tadoori specials, the Portabello mushrooms and fresh asparagus, grilled and served with a yummy, fluffy sauce. They have monthly specials that are always worth trying. Finish with the cardamom gelato!

Excellent food, been around forever.

Delicious! Try the mango lassi!

One of the best indian places in the east bay. consistently good with a good if not exciting menu.

The tandoori scallops are out of this world.

Good food and service

Best Indian restaurant in the Bay Area. Menu changes monthly. Great spicing.

The most unique Indian food around, but the staff only seems cheerful when I hand them my crediti card. But, I dont come for the service, I come for to step away from the usual over creamed versions of Indian food that one usually finds at Indian restaurants.

Before I came here for the first time I was adamant about the fact that I did not like indian food. This place quickly changed my mind and I learned that I do happen to like good indian food. :)This has to be one of my favorite places to eat in Northern California - I absolutely cannot recommend it enough to people. I dont think that you can go wrong with anything on the menu, but I tend to lean towards lamb dishes with creamier sauces (read: less spicy, since Im a wimp). I also highly recommend that you try the Kulfi for your dessert. It is out of this world delicious and will rock your world.Yes, this place is a little pricey, but it is absolutely worth every dollar. It is one of the few places that I dont mind paying extra for the decadence of the food they provide. If you are looking to treat yourself or challenge your notion that you dont like Indian food, this is your spot.

Superb food served by a very professional staff at really reasonable prices.

Pros:- chicken tikka masala (not too creamy & not too chunky)- mangalore chicken curry (super tender chicken)- gulab jamun (dense doughnuts soaked in syrup)- entrees come with a plate of rice, palek paneer, and 1/2 naan- extremely attentive staff- fancy decor (especially for the reasonable price of the meal)- very quick service (3 course meal was over in 45 min, although we stayed longer and they didnt mind)- authentic Indian food*Cons:- haha no complaints hereBottom line: My favorite Indian food in Berkeley/Albany. They bring out the food so quickly and the restaurant feels busy, but when you take a bite, time seems to slow down as each layer of flavors melts in your mouth. I always have a great experience here and I cant wait to share this gem with others.* My Indian friend A.P. was visiting family in New Delhi when he stopped to grab a bite at a modest restaurant where ate the best chicken tikka masala he had ever tasted. No other restaurant had come close until he tried the chicken tikka masala at Ajanta. A.P. loved it so much that he took his parents here just 3 days later.

This is some of the best indian food I have ever had in the United States. I live in the UK for 2 years and was privy to best indian food in the world and this is the closest place in the states that I could find. I was traveling to Chabot College to meet a general contractor and had this for dinner. Please if you are a fan of indian food, visit Ajanta!