The Taj Cafe — Restaurant in Ventura

The BEST Indian Cuisine in Ventura County – The Taj Café

Food: The Taj Café in Downtown Ventura offers one of the most authentic and flavorful Indian dining experiences in the area. From the start, we were welcomed with complimentary Papadums with chutney dipping sauces, Aloo Tikki, and Kheer — a thoughtful and generous touch that set the tone for the meal. The Papadums were crisp and light, perfectly paired with a trio of chutneys — ginger and herb, tamarind, and tomato — each bringing its own layer of flavor. The Aloo Tikki, seasoned potato patties, were cooked to perfection, while the Kheer, a traditional rice pudding, was smooth, comforting, and delicately sweet.

For my entrée, I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala (spicy), served with Pullao rice, salad, lentil soup, and butter garlic cilantro naan. Every bite was bursting with flavor — the sauce was rich, creamy, and beautifully spiced, with just the right amount of heat. My wife ordered the Butter Chicken (medium), which came with the same sides and freshly made butter naan. She called it her favorite Indian restaurant she’s ever been to, and it’s easy to see why.

We also ordered Raita, a refreshing yogurt dish mixed with finely sliced vegetables. It perfectly complemented the meal, balancing the spices and adding a cool, creamy contrast to the bold flavors of the curries. Every dish was vibrant, balanced, and full of authentic taste.

Service: The customer service was outstanding. The staff were attentive, friendly, and made sure everything was perfect throughout our visit. They were knowledgeable about the menu, quick to accommodate, and genuinely welcoming — qualities that elevate the entire dining experience.

Ambiance: Located in the heart of Downtown Ventura, The Taj Café provides a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior blends traditional Indian touches with a relaxed, comfortable vibe that makes it an excellent spot for both casual meals and special occasions.

If you’re in Ventura County and looking for authentic, flavorful Indian food, The Taj Café is a true gem. From the expertly crafted dishes to the exceptional service and inviting atmosphere, every detail reflects quality and care. This isn’t just the best Indian food in Ventura — it’s one of the best dining experiences the city has to offer.

A flawless experience from start to finish — 10/10....

As a long-time patron of The Taj Cafe, I’ve come to appreciate its consistency and comforting dishes. Unfortunately, recent experiences have left me disheartened and questioning whether the restaurant still upholds the standards it once did.

During a recent visit, the quality of the food was notably lacking. The butter chicken was over cooked and the rice, typically fragrant and well-prepared, had an odd aftertaste that lingered unpleasantly. It felt like a deviation from the kitchen’s usual care and balance. They had also brought out the wrong dish for my date and took it after she had taken a couple bites. I don't know what they did with it or why she couldn't just keep it. It wasn't enough to make me want to stop going.

I decided to give it another chance. On my next visit, I ordered two butter chicken dishes, medium spice. What arrived, however, was overwhelmingly hot, to the point where it was difficult to enjoy. It almost felt like a prank. I also had ordered a hot chai that became undrinkable with this meal. When I asked the server if the dish was prepared at the correct spice level, I was met with a vague “I don’t know sir,” and no effort to resolve the issue.

The experience declined further when I requested a to-go container. The one brought to me contained a visible hair. After pointing it out, the container was taken away—only to be returned with the same hair still inside. Whether out of carelessness or disregard, it was an unfortunate gesture that spoke volumes.

Ironically, the evening concluded with QR codes placed on the table, accompanied by a polite request for a review. And so, here it is—an honest reflection of a once-reliable establishment.

I won't...

My husband and I stopped by Taj Cafe after a day of adventure in Ventura, visiting from Houston—and wow, what an eye-opening experience! Being Indian and having tried countless Indian restaurants back home, I can confidently say I’ve never had such authentic, flavorful, and soul-satisfying food like we did here.

From the moment we walked in, the service was exceptional. Everyone was so warm, kind, and welcoming. Our waiter, Ravi, was especially wonderful—so kind, helpful, and attentive. He checked on us multiple times and made sure we had everything we needed. We were also generously offered several complimentary dishes, which truly added to the experience.

The ambiance was beautiful and inviting, and everything—from the taste and quality of the food to the timing and service—was simply perfect. The owner even took time to come speak with us personally, which made it feel even more special and memorable.

We genuinely wish we lived closer so we could come here more often! We’ll definitely be back the next time we’re in Ventura, and we’re already recommending Taj Cafe to all our friends visiting California.

If you’re looking for real, heartfelt Indian cuisine and an unforgettable dining experience, this is the place. Thank you, Taj Cafe, for such a...