BAHAR Indian Restaurant & Catering — Restaurant in Poway

I had the honor of being the very first customer (receipt attached) to walk into BAHAR Indian Restaurant on its grand opening day, July 19, 2025, and I can honestly say this place is a game-changer—not just for Indian cuisine in San Diego, but for the entire U.S.

After hearing about the 16 months it took to build and perfect this restaurant, I was excited to finally check it out. And let me tell you, the wait was absolutely worth it. From the moment I stepped inside, I was amazed by the atmosphere. The interior is stunning, combining modern elegance with traditional Indian touches. Intricate wooden carvings, soft lighting, comfortable seating, and vibrant artwork all work together to create a space that feels luxurious and inviting. It's the perfect spot for a family meal or a special night out.

To celebrate the occasion, we ordered a true feast: Zafrani Mutton Dum Biryani (family pack), Mutton Rogan Josh, Chicken 65 Biryani (regular size), Chilli Chicken, and a classic chicken curry. Every dish was packed with flavor. The biryanis were absolutely phenomenal. The Zafrani Mutton Dum Biryani, in particular, was melt-in-your-mouth amazing. The saffron aroma and richness took it to another level. The Mutton Rogan Josh had a deep, slow-cooked gravy that clung to every tender piece of meat. The Chicken 65 Biryani offered a crispy, tangy twist that was so addictive, we couldn’t stop eating it. Even the Chilli Chicken was on point—crispy outside, juicy inside, with a perfectly balanced, flavorful sauce.

This is hands down the best Indian food I’ve had in the U.S. The flavors, the presentation, the quality—it all speaks to the care and authenticity behind every dish.

One quick note about the halal status: BAHAR only uses hand-slaughtered zabiha halal meat. Don’t be misled by the false reviews floating around online claiming otherwise. A lot of those seem to be coming from jealous competitors—some even link back to other restaurants. Ignore the noise, most of them are posted even before the restaurant opened for business. BAHAR is 100% legit.

If you’re in the San Diego area, do yourself a favor and stop by BAHAR at 10436 Craftsman Way, Suite 109, San Diego, CA 92127. Whether you're craving biryani or just looking for a great dining experience, you won’t be disappointed. Five stars all the way—I can’t...

Just finished an excellent lunch here with 2 British friends (one of Indian descent), and 2 other friends (one of whom is a food nut like me and the other who is a private chef). We all agreed this has to be the best Indian restaurant food we've ever had in San Diego county. Elegant dining room where you could definitely celebrate a special occasion. Also a more casual vibe on the patio where we sat. Can accommodate big groups.

Here are the dishes we got, which were served suspiciously quickly within minutes of ordering but all tasted perfectly fresh and homemade:

samosas (didnt try), chilly paneer app (tangy, crispy, the spiciest dish of all - YUM), mutton rogan josh (not a big red meat eater so didn't try the lamb chunks but loved the rich dark sauce with our garlic naan), chicken biryani (gorgeous, tender chunks burried in saffron-studded moist rice), aloo gobi (big portion, tons of flavor), vegetarian kebab (fried green patties made of a soft mixture of grated paneer, spinach, other veggies plus spices including cinnamon and cardamom - so unique!), chicken kebab (the highlight - skewered, moist tandoori chicken thigh with perfect amount of light char).

We also tried a couple desserts including homemade paan which I'd never had but our Indian friend ordered for us to try since she doesn't know anywhere else around you can find it. Total with auto gratuity included was $32 per person with enough leftovers for a couple of us to take home another meal's worth.

I cannot wait to go back for the buffet or a special celebration meal and enjoy this place and its great genuine service with more friends who share my desperation for more authentic, flavorful, spicy Indian food. I just wish there were one closer to downtown/balboa park! Regardless,...

Dining at BAHAR was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we stepped in, the high in class dine in gives warm ambiance transported us straight to the heart of India. 100% ZABIHA HALAL. Saw certificate to confirm.

The food was absolutely divine. Every dish we ordered was rich in flavor, perfectly spiced, and beautifully presented. Moctails, appetizers, main course and desserts, finished meal with sweet pan.The butter chicken was creamy and tender, the paneer tikka had just the right smoky char, and the dum biryani was fragrant and packed with layers of flavor. Even the naan was hot, fluffy, and the perfect companion to the curries.

The service was equally impressive. The staff was incredibly courteous, knowledgeable about the menu, and happy to guide us through recommendations based on our preferences. They paid attention to every detail and made us feel genuinely cared for throughout the meal. First full dine in high quality restaurant in San deigo with unique dishes like Rogan mutton and talawa gosht. Authentic Hyderabadi dishes.

What really sets Bahar apart is their catering service. We recently used them for a family event, and they were flawless from start to finish. The food arrived on time, hot, and impeccably packed. Guests couldn't stop raving about the chicken 65, dum biryani, tandoori chicken and chicken tikka — several even asked for Bahar’s contact info afterward!

Whether you're a longtime fan of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, BAHAR delivers an authentic and satisfying experience. We left full, happy, and already planning our next visit. Highly recommend, VIP room and patio sitting with ambient space to accommodate for large...