Shahi Darbar Indian Cuisine — Restaurant in Santa Clara

This Indian restaurant is a decent option, especially if you live nearby or are looking for a quick fix for your Indian food cravings. We ordered the Malai Kofta, Papdi Chaat, and Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan. The Papdi Chaat was refreshing and had a nice crunch, and the naan was soft and flavorful. However, the Butter Chicken and Malai Kofta, while presented well, could benefit from more depth and authenticity in flavor.

The ambiance is comfortable and the staff is courteous, making it a pleasant spot for a casual meal. Service was prompt, and the overall experience was smooth. That said, the food, while decent, didn’t particularly stand out when compared to other Indian restaurants in the area. For those who have grown up with or are deeply familiar with authentic Indian flavors, the dishes might feel a bit toned down or lacking in the rich complexity typical of traditional Indian cuisine.

This place has potential and could certainly become a local favorite with a bit more attention to flavor balance and spice levels. If the restaurant aims to appeal to a broader Indian diaspora or more discerning foodies, refining the taste and staying true to the traditional recipes would go a long way.

In summary, it’s a convenient and friendly option if you’re nearby, but there are certainly other Indian restaurants in the region that offer a more authentic and flavorful...

Im writing reviews after trying 4th time First 3 times i was like might be new place it took time to setup 1st time food was tasty, delicious but poor customer service both guys completely ignore customers 2nd time totally ignore customer arrive late to take order and was extremely slow with everything 3rd time it was busy and poor ventilation if you hate food smell i wouldn’t recommend this place might need change clothes after visiting place again poor customer service food was okay 4th time extremely food smell while entered food came quickly after order breads were soggy not fresh 100 sure plus main course was not that delicious it was tried before.

• i will not come again. Guy was taking out garbage bags with gloves on took out gloves and garbage it in same bag and put new bag in mean time quickly after grab service tray n serve it no hand wash no use of sanitizer then again i saw he was cleaning no hand wash again. If you need date n time i can provide can check cameras. I tried to talk to him raised hand few times he completely ignores like completely ignore i don’t know you giving them lessons of customer service.

Overall experience lot of other surrounding...

This place is not going to make it far. Serious issues with food quality and service.

Went on a weekday dinner with family Worst food Ordered Mix Veg and Mirchi Bhajji plates. Mix veg bhajji were not at all fresh. They used leftover fries instead of potato slices.

Mirchi bhaji was ok

Paneer tikka masala - watery yellow gravy which wouldnt hold itself together Malai kofta - same story watery yellow curry and reused bunch of koftas tasted stale. Naans and kulcha were ok

Service- one guy who took our order, cleaned other tables , brought food to table was textbook “hated his job”. Never smiled never cared to ask how was food or never acknowledged the presence of customer table of 5 people.

Surprising thing i saw in US for first time:

Other guy who seemed like his boss / manager took a table for himself when 3-4 of his buddies walked in to say hi to him. Got that other guy to serve water etc for him and his buddies while not at all caring about food quality being served to others. Dont waste your money and take your business just...