Pista House (Biriyani-Haleem-Kababs) — Restaurant in San Diego

We recently ordered several family pack biryanis for a small gathering and felt compelled to write a review—especially since vegetable biryanis often don’t get the attention they deserve.

Appetizer Each family pack comes with a complimentary appetizer, typically a samosa. Let me just say—this is hands down the best samosa you can find in San Diego. Crispy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. I can personally vouch for it.

Gongura Paneer Biryani (Regular Size) We tried the Gongura Paneer biryani, and it was a delightful throwback to authentic Andhra flavors. The paneer was soft and well-textured, and the gongura added a tangy, spicy punch that was just right. Highly recommended for anyone craving a taste of home.

Veg Biryani (Family Pack) The vegetable biryani was well-balanced with a generous mix of vegetables—neither too few nor overwhelming. Everything was cooked to perfection. The default spice level is medium, which might be too hot for those unfamiliar with Indian or Andhra spice levels. If that’s you, I’d suggest requesting zero spice.

Egg Biryani (Family Pack) This one comes with a rich, spicy masala but no vegetables—just a couple of eggs, which felt a bit sparse for a family-sized portion. If the restaurant team is reading this, a few more eggs would really elevate the dish. Totally understand the egg shortage, though!

We also ordered an egg biryani with zero spice for an American friend who avoids spicy food, and he was quite pleased with it.

Salan (Gravy) Now, the real surprise was the salan. I usually skip it, but this one was exceptional—easily the best salan I’ve had in San Diego....

Comment: I have come here twice and was a little sad as the previous owners had a delicious mushroom curry with coconut milk that I was very fond of and would come here specifically for. At it is now, there are very few vegetarian options and only one vegan option (chana masala).

Scoring:

Service: The owner gave me the biryani dish (shown) on the house as part of their grand opening. I thought that was stellar and I appreciate such service very much. (5) I do regret that I had stated I was looking for a vegetarian dish and it seemed that the dish was originally a chicken biryani that had the majority of the meat picked out as I found some chicken meat along with some bones in my food and while I was chewing. (2) (3.5avg)

Food: Spice-wise, the food is great but it is too salty for my tastes. I prefer to have to add salt vs. the alternative. (3) However, if the salt was controlled better, I would be overjoyed at the portion size. I think it is great. (5) (4avg)

All in all, I think this is a good place to try out for yourself. The paneer dish that I ordered the first time I came was quite good and I really liked the way the paneer was made. It was firm but not rubbery. It seems the staff is attentive to the contents of the reviews and that also influences my opinion of this place.

Overall 3.75avg, bumped up to 4, but certainly not a 5. I would be interested in coming back if more vegetarian/vegan options were installed...

I'm thrilled to share my outstanding experience with Pista House, a true gem in the world of Indian cuisine! Their impressive food selection, exceptional quality, and remarkable catering services have left me in awe.

The Aloo Gobhi is a masterpiece, with perfectly cooked cauliflower and potatoes in a rich, flavorful sauce. The Malai Kofta is a creamy delight, with tender dumplings that melt in your mouth. The Amravati Chicken Biryani is a game-changer, with aromatic spices and juicy chicken that will leave you craving for more. The Fried Rice and Noodle dishes are equally impressive, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. And the Chicken dishes? Absolutely divine!

But what truly sets Pista House apart is their exceptional catering service. I recently used their services for a housewarming party, and they exceeded my expectations in every way. The food was delivered promptly, and the presentation was stunning. The staff was courteous and professional, ensuring that everything was perfect. My guests were raving about the food, and I was beaming with pride.

In conclusion, Pista House is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves Indian cuisine. Their food is exceptional, and their catering services are top-notch. Don't miss out on this...