Naturally Desi Cafe 'n' Catering — Restaurant in San Diego

I'm thrilled to update my review of Natural Desi, a hidden gem in San Diego's Indian food scene. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I've noticed significant improvements in 2024 compared to my previous visits in early 2023.

Quality, Quantity, and Options Upgrade The quality of food has noticeably improved, with more generous portion sizes and an expanded menu offering a wider variety of options.

Chaat and Snacks Excellence Natural Desi still shines with its mouth-watering chaat options, such as panipuri, pav bhaji, and crispy spring rolls. These dishes are a must-try!

Main Course Enhancements While the main courses previously fell short, I've noticed a welcome increase in flavor and excitement. Dishes like paneer, baigan bharta, and soya chaap now showcase improved depth and complexity.

Top Indian Restaurant in San Diego Considering these upgrades, Natural Desi has secured its spot amongst the top Indian restaurants in San Diego.

Recommendation For those seeking authentic Indian snacks and appetizers, Natural Desi is an excellent choice. While it may not offer an extraordinary fine dining experience, it's perfect for satisfying cravings for delicious, homemade-style Indian cuisine.

Rating: 4.5/5

Will I return? Absolutely!"

——————————————————————- I recently tried out Natural Desi, a San Diego restaurant known for its authentic and flavorful Indian cuisine. I must say, I had a mixed experience overall.

Starting with the appetizers, the chat menu at Natural Desi is quite impressive. I particularly enjoyed their panipuri, pav bhaji, and spring rolls. The flavors were well-balanced, and the panipuri was a burst of tangy goodness. The pav bhaji was rich and flavorful, while the spring rolls were crispy and filled with delicious fillings. These appetizers definitely set the tone for the meal and left me excited to try the main course.

Speaking of the main course, I found it to be rather average. The paneer dish was decent, but it lacked that extra oomph that would have taken it to the next level. The baigan bharta, although well-cooked, tasted a bit bland and could have used some additional spices. The soya chaap, while a unique choice, was not very remarkable and left me wanting more in terms of flavor and texture.

The ambiance of Natural Desi is pleasant, with warm lighting and comfortable seating. The staff was friendly and attentive, ensuring a smooth dining experience. The service was prompt, and the waitstaff was helpful in suggesting menu items.

In conclusion, Natural Desi is a decent Indian restaurant in San Diego, particularly known for its delicious chaat options such as panipuri, pav bhaji, and spring rolls. However, when it comes to the main course, the dishes like paneer, baigan bharta, and soya chaap fall short in terms of flavor and excitement. It might not be the top choice if you are looking for an extraordinary dining experience, but it can still satisfy your cravings for Indian snacks...

Updated review 2/19/2023: Came here for lunch. This is my 3rd time visiting the restaurant. Food is always delicious and service is fast. However, today we were the only customers there at around 12pm. Again the food was delicious but the young man serving us (17 to 20 years old) seemed like he really didn't want to be working or helping out there. He served us our food and then went back behind the corner to play on his phone. We had no silverware or plates to eat with. My husband then went up to the front to flag the girl down that took our order to request plates and utensils ( the young man never looked up from his phone). When we were getting ready to leave my husband paid our bill, the waitress then asked us to leave a cash tip if possible. We only had a $20 bill and when requesting change to make smaller bills, they didn't have it in the register. That brings me to another issue...we had already signed the check from paying with our debit card and had to reconfigure the check for the tip. Normally we leave tips on our card, but due to the request for cash we scrambled to try to dig some up for her. I use to be a waitress and I understand cash tips mean you take money home that night, but you should NEVER ask your customers for it. It's semi on the verge of being rude. My rating a year ago was 5 stars but after today it has decreased. My review from one year ago: We went here last night for dinner. The owner was so sweet and so was our server. The food was absolutely amazing! A lot of love goes into...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Naturally Desi, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. From the moment I stepped inside, the warm and inviting ambiance immediately set the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey.

The menu at Naturally Desi is a masterpiece in itself, showcasing a delightful blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and flavors that left me in awe. The selection ranged from classic favorites to innovative dishes that pushed the boundaries of culinary artistry. Each dish was thoughtfully curated, expertly executed, and presented with impeccable attention to detail.

The service was nothing short of outstanding. The staff members were attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about their craft. They were more than happy to offer recommendations, share their expertise, and provide a genuine personal touch that made me feel like a valued guest throughout the evening.

The attention to detail extended beyond the food and service. The restaurant's elegant decor and cozy ambiance created an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a celebratory gathering with friends, Naturally Desi offers an ideal setting to create lasting memories.

Lastly, I cannot forget to mention the impressive...