Sapphire Indian Cuisine — Restaurant in San Diego

Lamb samosas delicious if a bit salty.

Paratha seemed more like naan bread than what I was expecting.

Chicken dishes were quite saucy and salty, with not a lot of chicken for the price.

And that brings me to the next thing which is that if they are going to survive in the competitiveness of being one of six or seven Indian or Pakistani restaurants just in the tiny one or two square miles that comprise Rancho Bernardo, Sapphire is going to need to step up the game.

The lunch crowd that would want to eat here typically are going to be very Americanized, and they must quickly learn that we don't want to pay $15-$20 for just a tiny tiffin of chicken, and then have to separately order and pay for naan, rice, or any extras.

2 other Indian restaurants in the area tried that when they first opened, and quickly learned they'd go out of business that way!

YOU MUST HAVE LUNCH SPECIALS TO SURVIVE HERE!

Why would we pay $16 at lunch for a few tiny pieces of chicken swimming in sauce when for the same price at another Indian restaurant in the same plaza, one across the street, and 3 up the street, we can get a lunch special that INCLUDES naan, rice, daal, salad, etc?

I did still give Sapphire 3 stars because the restaurant itself is very clean and lovely, and the service is very warm, friendly and attentive.

But if they want to survive, they're going to need to advertise, have local coupons (at least initially) and they must have lunch specials, or they will not be able to compete with Curry & More, Desi, Spices of Himalaya, Tandoori Xpress and one other (all in RB) or Delhi Kitchen up the freeway.

The alternative would be to become a lunch buffet, as none of these others (except for one in Poway) have a buffet.

Without this, I don't think this restaurant will make it to the new year.

Take these tips to heart, and Sapphire will...

We ordered take out food from Sapphire Indian Restaurant in Rancho Bernardo on a Saturday evening. This restaurant is located in a very quiet shopping mall. Plenty of parking available. The interior looks clean, modern and spacious. Casual elegant atmosphere and no Indian decor was found. There was a party held in one of their banquet rooms when we were there. This restaurant is large with plenty of room to host parties and banquets. We ordered chicken coconut curry, chicken tikka masala, lamb Rogan Josh and sweet rice pudding topped with dry fruit and nuts (Shahi Kesar Kheer). They gave us a big container of rice plus an extra box of rice to go, very generous of them. Food was delicious, rich in flavor and not heavy in fats. Loved their naan bread which was warm, tangy, chewy with the perfect elasticity and with the traditional smoky flavor. The lamb samosa appetizer was a little dry but it paired well with the mint and tamarind sauces. The rice pudding was too sweet and the texture was not creamy; not our favorite. It’s nice to have an Indian restaurant serving authentic and delicious Indian food in Rancho Bernardo. We will definitely come back to this restaurant to try...

I had the pleasure of dining at Saphire Indian Cuisine, and it was one of the best Indian culinary experiences I've ever had. Every dish was incredibly fresh, showcasing authentic Indian flavors. The restaurant is spacious with beautiful lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. They also have a venue perfect for hosting large gatherings.

I highly recommend trying the following dishes:

Chicken Vindaloo: A spicy and tangy dish with tender chicken marinated in vinegar and aromatic spices.

Lamb Rogan Josh: A rich and flavorful curry featuring succulent lamb cooked with yogurt, garlic, and a blend of spices.

-Pani Puri: A delightful appetizer with crispy puris filled with tangy tamarind water, spicy potatoes, and chickpeas.

Tandoori Lamb Chops: Juicy lamb chops marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, cooked to perfection in a tandoor.

Yamato Halwa: A delectable dessert made from grated yam, cooked with ghee, sugar, and flavored with cardamom.

Overall, the experience was amazing and I would highly recommend you give this...