ID Cafe — Restaurant in Pleasanton

You can take a Hyderabadi out of Hyderabad, but you can’t take Hyderabad out of a Hyderabadi! As someone who’s always craving that authentic South Indian flavor, especially Hyderabadi-style, I’ve been on the hunt for something that takes me back home. Finally, my search ended with Idli Dosa Cafe, and I must say, it came very close to hitting the mark.

Let’s start with the ambiance—it’s a notch above the usual South Indian cafes in the area. The open seating is a personal favorite, especially with the string lights hanging above. I can only imagine how magical the vibe would be at night, with the lights adding a cozy yet lively feel.

The dosas here are truly reminiscent of what you’d find in Hyderabad. They’re smeared with all the good stuff—upma, special garlic chutney, karam podi, cheese, butter, paneer, onions, tomatoes, and more. I’ve tried almost all their special varieties, and each dosa has its own charm.

Vijayawada Paneer Dosa was an absolute standout. The flavors were bold and fiery, with chunky, tender paneer cubes coated in a sauce that added the perfect balance of heat and tang. The dosa itself was crispy on the edges and soft in the middle, complementing the spiced paneer filling beautifully. It’s the kind of dosa that leaves a lingering kick of spice, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

Jini Dosa was a delightful surprise, with Amul cheese giving it that comforting homely touch, mixed with crunchy peppers for a Mumbai street food vibe.

Hyderabadi Bandi Dosa was exactly what the name promises—upma, garlic chutney, karam podi, and loads of butter. It instantly reminded me of those bandis back in Hyderabad.

The Matka Dosa was both a visual and culinary treat. The cheesy masala on top of the dosa looked amazing, and serving more masala in a little matka on the side was such a nice touch.

The sambar here deserves a special mention—rich, flavorful, and comforting. The chutneys, while good, left me longing for that peculiar Hyderabadi-style peanut chutney. That said, the mint chutney was refreshingly flavorful.

Coming to the idlis, I noticed a big improvement from my last visit—they’re much softer now and have that lovely grainy texture. The Idli 65 deserves a special shoutout. It’s fried perfectly, sautéed in a spicy curry, and honestly, I couldn’t stop eating it. Definitely a must-try if you visit.

For anyone like me who’s missing the flavors of home, Idli Dosa Cafe is a great spot to check out. While my hunt for the perfect peanut chutney continues, I’ll be coming back here for their dosas, that addictive Idli 65, and of course, the vibe of their lovely open...

As I sauntered into ID Cafe nestled within the confines of Pleasanton's Stoneridge Mall, my senses were immediately titillated by the promise of culinary delights. With an air of anticipation, I embarked on a gastronomic journey that would leave a lasting impression.

First on the menu was the Hyderabad Bandi Dosa, a tantalizing dish that danced upon my taste buds with its intricate blend of spices and textures. Each bite was a symphony of flavor, transporting me to the bustling streets of India's culinary heartland.

Following closely behind was the Sambar Idly, a humble yet delectable offering that showcased the chef's mastery of traditional South Indian fare. The soft, pillowy idlis bathed in rich sambar were a testament to the timeless art of culinary craftsmanship.

And let us not forget the Masala Fries, a delightful twist on a beloved classic. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, each fry was generously coated in a fragrant masala blend that elevated it to new heights of indulgence.

But it was not only the food that left me impressed. The service at ID Cafe was impeccable, with attentive staff ensuring that every need was met with a smile. As I savored my meal in the serene ambiance of the outdoor patio, I couldn't help but marvel at the seamless harmony between culinary excellence and impeccable hospitality.

In conclusion, ID Cafe at Stoneridge Mall is not just a place to satisfy one's hunger; it is an oasis of culinary bliss where each dish tells a story and each bite ignites the senses. Whether you're a connoisseur of Indian cuisine or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, ID Cafe is sure to exceed your expectations with its blend of stoic charm and...

Food is good, the staff is extremely unprofessional. We were a forup of 11 - we called in ahead and asked if they could reserve a table (we had elderly and pregnant people in the group and wanted to avoid any inconvenience for them). We were told they do not take reservations but wait would be ~15 minutes, no more. We showed up and the place was completely empty. They set up our table and we sat down, every single member of our group was bothered by a strange smell.. we all assumed it was from the restroom which was in an alley adjacent to our table. We asked if we could move a few inches to the right and the staff rudely told us that the other side was reserved for a party of 10 (strike 1 - LIES). We said we'd prefer not to sit close to the restroom and the staff again, rudely, told us that the restroom is too far and our request is invalid! We managed to negotiate moving our tables a few inches anyway.. we ordered a few appetizers for the table, and the food arrived without any plates. We asked for plates, at which the waiter practically rolled his eyes.. he came back with very small bamboo plates which he carelessly slid on our table and asked us to just pass it around! Lol.. at this point I was surprised that we're eating there at all - but our group was too shy to say anything at the time.. the rest of the dinner was largely uneventful, sprinkled with more minor rude / unprofessional encounters (ignoring our request for a group picture, no sugars served with our hot beverages, etc.). I was visiting from Seattle, which has a dearth of good Indian food, so was very much looking forward to this.. but alas.. the good food was marred by the...