What stood out to me from the moment I walked in is the warmth of each staff member. In India, there's a philosophy that a guest is a form of the divine visiting. They make you feel so welcomed and like their only mission is to ensure an excellent experience for you. The interiors are nice and the patio dining on State St is also a great option. We tried limited items but were excellent in flavors and freshness. Will certainly return to try more! read more

Butter chicken get it medium or no taste Garlic cheese naan Chicken pakor yummy Bow bow bow read more

I need to preface this saying that Indian food is no where near the top of my list in terms of cuisines I like. That being said, I have been to Apna twice, and there isn't a single dang thing I haven't liked, and rather have been wowed by many. I'm pretty much exclusively a Tikka Masala guy, I tried the Korma once, and was hooked. Our table got a few different curries, and everyone agreed the Korma was the best. Get it. We also got the mango chicken, which was delicious. Garlic Naan is always solid. Saag was a great change of pace. The Rice Puff salad was also delicious. While it wasn't that impressive on the first bite, it definitely grew on me and I couldn't stop eating it. I would recommend eating as much as you can early, the longer it sits, the soggier the puffs get. Always end with a khreer, which is also amazing. Will definitely be back anytime we're in town! read more

Went here TWICE in one weekend! The fish nirvana is so amazing. Light, fresh and delicate while also being savory. Soooo so good. Also LOVED their garlic naan. Fair pricing... great quality. read more

10/10 outdoor patio and ambience 10/10 for staff and service 7 or 8/10 for food. Tried the onion bhaji, and gobi Manchurian. The onion bhaji was good, the gobi Manchurian was different, not bad but different than expected. It was super sweet like honey Manchurian. The cheese naan was amazing, garlic naan, garlic chilli naan and the butter naan were all good The paneer masala and chole, based on staff recommendations were good. The paneer was the star, very flavorful but very sweet so keep that in mind despite ordering medium. The chole was decent. The staff offered us chai at the end too, which was very kind of them. Overall a good restaurant in the heart of SB downtown read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - Gobi Manchurian - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Food is amazing. Dropped in from ventura Very tasty. My whole family enjoyed it, and the kids gobbled it up. Had butter, chicken and paneer tikka masala a must try read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - Kids enjoyed the ambience and all wall art and culture - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

My life is changed!!! Popped into this amazing restaurant on a Sunday evening and was sat right away. We ordered butter chicken, vindaloo (spicy but amazing), tandoori chicken and cheesy garlic naan. Everything was hot, fresh and AMAZING!!! It was three of us and we had so many leftovers. Excited to plan our next girls night here. read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - Cheese & Garlic Naan Tandoori Chicken Butter Chicken Vindaloo (Spicy) - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Staff was so nice and everything was so delicious and pretty affordable prices for being on state street! The tandoori chicken was very tender and juicy. They even serve complimentary chai after the meal. read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I'm normally not a fan of Indian food, but Apna changed my whole perception. I came here on a Friday night and the restaurant was packed. We ordered the curry fries, butter chicken, masala curry, tandoori chicken, and garlic and cheese naan. Almost everything was delicious. The only miss was the tandoori chicken because the seasoning coated only the surface of the chicken so the inside was a little dry and bland. The butter chicken and masala curry tasted kind of similar, but the butter chicken was creamier and richer while the masala curry was tomatoey and sweet. The chicken in the masala curry was also way more tender. Both naans were very fresh and doughy, but the garlic one just had way more flavor. Overall, I would definitely come back again. read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Our favorite Indian restaurant in the area. The curry dishes are super flavorful. We tried fish fry today and we all agree that it's now our top fried fish. All servers are very friendly and attentive. read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - Bubbly is super affectionate and she is my mum's favorite. - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

One of the best Indian places I've been to and we ordered takeout. Our food was handed to us less than 10 mins after ordering. The ambiance inside was really nice and they had plenty of outdoor seating as well. The host was very friendly. I loved everything we ordered. I wish more Naan Bread came with our order (only 4 pieces). Definitely recommend this place and prices were very reasonable. Large portions for everything else. Baingan Bhartha: 4.5/5 Garlic Naan: 4.5/5 Punjabi Chole (Chana Masala): 4.5/5 Tikka Masala w/ Fish: 4.5/5 read more

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Yummy! Delicious! Taste authentic. So good we forgot to take pic of before. Service was amazing. read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - All gone! Yummy! - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Cute little place in downtown Santa Barbara with desi Punjabi flavors, we had a great time in the outdoor patio facing the lively pedestrian area. The staff is very attentive and helpful. When you're in places where you're so deprived of Indian Khana and you see this place and you can fulfill your craving! Ok so the food - I loved the Chicken korma most - don't miss this. Just get this with a chilli naan if you are by yourself. The curry was deeply flavorful, not usual cream in everything, not greasy and tender pieces of chicken. I got hints of pistachio? Was really good. The chicken tikka masala, dal tadka (that came in a cute bucket), fish tikka, various naans were all yummy. They also serve a fluffy rice pulao but I'm a naan person. Get some pyaaz and aachar and you're set. They also have roohafza, nimbu pani, Indian beers along with the standard mango lassi (it was very good) and desi sodas. The steel plates are also cute! The food is tad balanced for non-Indian palates but it's done in a very clever way to embrace the best of both worlds. Like Amritsari fish had panko coated for crunch and had the amazing ginger, garlic flavor. Great way to balance. The curries do not compromise flavor at all, they just tone the spice so that other flavors can speak. Most other places rely on cream, sugar and overdoing tomato. If you like spicy you can mention it to them upfront but I'd recommend you don't and keep at medium and just enjoy! read more

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Authentic, fresh, quality, everything made to order. You must order th Garlic Naan (several times as you will want your own order). Staff is courteous and prompt. An amazing Indian restaurant, top knotch food. The Indian Gem of State Street. ***If anyone does not like this place they are used to Indian food at the mall food courts or frozen Indian meals, and have no business leaving negative reviews.**** I am an Indian food connoisseur (I have tried Indian food on different continents & in different countries) and this place is 5 stars every....single...time. read more

I can't believe I lived here for 4 years and didn't try this place sooner. The paneer masala, butter chicken, garlic cheese naan, curry fries, mango lassi... all SO delicious. I have leftovers that last me up to three meals. Truly the best. read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - Curry Fries - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

We visited on Sunday March 16, 2025. 3 adults and 2 small kids. For lunch. They were not busy at all. We were the only customers until 2 other people came in later. it's wood booth seating. . The restaurant occupies a narrow single bay space and it felt claustrophobic for me. There's a shared bathroom in the back with no seat covers and it has a urinal for the guys. I'm not a fan of shared bathrooms. I don't appreciate looking at a urinal while I pee! And I missed having seat covers. Service was ok except all our food was delivered but zero rice. It was late. We asked 2 people and finally it came. No one wants food getting cold waiting on rice. Raita was an expensive $4.00. Mint chutney was free. We ordered chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, saag paneer, Nan bread, and tandoori chicken. It was all good except like most Indian restaurants lots of sauce and not enough chicken. Next time I'll try another Indian restaurant as I want a larger more luxurious experience. I don't know of this exists for Indian in Santa Barbara. This is my second Indian restaurant attempt so far. But as far as food other than needing more chicken in the sauce it was good. Oh there is free tea read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - Lunch menu March 2025 - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Came here for dinner and had a great experience overall! We didn't have reservations so we did have to wait awhile to get seated, maybe 20 minutes. Once we got seated, we were served menus and waters. Mango lassi (5/5): Really good, flavorful and creamy! Really liked this drink and paired well with the food. Chicken tikka masala (5/5): So good, the sauce was so flavorful and creamy and the chicken wasn't overcooked. Garlic naan (5/5): Delicious by itself but also paired nicely with the chicken tikka masala. It was crispy on the edges but fluffy inside. Overall I liked all the dishes that we ordered and the portions were big, so we were really satisfied after the meal. Service was great and liked the ambience of the restaurant overall. It's also located in downtown SB, so there's a lot of things to see/do around the area. read more

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The garlic and cheese naan and the curry fries were the best! I dipped the naan in the curry sauce, which was exceptional! The server recommended both of those to us, so I appreciated it! We tried the baingan bharta which is eggplant. It's not as known as other indian dishes, but I also liked it especially with the rice. The place had a home-y feel but still elevated and very nice for pictures. read more

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Well it was my first time eating in the restaurant though they have delivered multiple times for me for my business meetings . Food is very good and very tasty . Being on state street it is a popular Indian place as I see with number of customers and take out orders . One thing they can improve is to check periodically with the customers and put Sal and pepper dispensers on the table . It was not on mine . Overall very good place to enjoy Indian food . They have a very appealing menu Indian beers and cocktails. read more

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Apna Indian Kitchen is a modern twist to classic, comforting Indian cuisine. My friend an I recently it this spot, and I was definitely not disappointed! We got an order of their nirvana chicken curry (medium spice level) and an order of garlic naan to split. Each order comes with a side of rice, which is really nice! The staff were quick to get us seated and to take our order, however it did take 40 minutes for our singular dish to come out for some reason. We were not sure why, as dozens of tables that sat after us got their food (and they ordered so much more than we did!). But that is besides the point, haha! The nirvana curry base was interesting in a great way! It felt like a combination of traditional Indian spices mixed with Thai cuisine. There was a huge emphasis on coconut flavor, which was cool. The chicken was super tender and the peppers throughout the dish were a nice bite. The garlic naan was also fantastic! Super flavorful and a great texture! If you are on State street and have a craving for fun Indian food, definitely check this place out! Their menu features other more traditional dishes too, like Kormas, Chana Masala, and Baingan Bhatara if that's what you are looking for. I totally wanna return to try more things!! read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - Nirvana Chicken Curry, Garlic Naan, and complimentary rice - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Very tasty curries and naan bread! Also got the yummy samosas and curry fries. Can't go wrong with most of the menu, I'd guess. Very reasonable as well. I'll be back read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - Wonderful tikka masala, garlic naan, saffron rice, eggplant - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The workers DEFINITELY could tell we couldn't handle spice lol. Food: If you're looking to eat without sipping on water, get "MILD"! If you think you like spice, GET "MEDIUM". If you think "I could handle spice", GET "HOT" WITH CAUTION!! Otherwise. Simple combo is Butter chicken and garlic cheese naan. Was super filling! Service: workers were fast and answered questions! At first was taken back by their obvious laughter over us ordering Hot, but I would laugh too tbh. Ambiance: Great interior, music, lots of seating. Pretty well air conditioned which is nice for the hot food. read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - Butter Chicken, Tikka Masala, and Cheese & Garlic Naan! - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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I was traveling with my family including toddlers from Bay Area and decided to stop here for dinner. These guys were generous enough to let us in even at 10 mins before they closed. We ordered butter chicken, chana masala, tandoori chicken and requested everything to be mild. such a pleasant surprise to actually have all our orders really mild in spices unlike in the Bay Area. We went in there hungry and left with so much gratitude. People who served us and cooked they were all just so nice and their hospitality was just amazing. Grounded and warm people. best wishes to you guys. Hope to visit this place soon in my next trip :) read more

This place is great! Each dish is very flavorful and we enjoyed it a lot. The samosas are great, the Tika masala was yummy and the aloo gabi was great as well. Lots of flavorful Naan. Multiple varieties read more

Listen. I've eaten a lot of fries in my day. Curly, waffle, crinkle-cut, sweet potato--you name it. But curry fries from Apna Indian Kitchen? Life-changing. I'm talking "hear the angels sing and briefly leave your body" level of good. I would absolutely drive out of my way, past multiple gas stations and at least one emotional support Dairy Queen, just to get these fries. If they asked me to sign an NDA before ordering them, I would. No questions asked. Now let's talk food--because yes, technically, there is more than just curry fries. The chicken tikka masala is my go-to: rich, flavorful, comforting... like a hug from an auntie who's been simmering sauce for 17 hours. The buttery chicken? Insanely good. You'll catch yourself scraping every last bit of sauce off the plate like you've never seen naan before in your life. Service? Top notch. The staff is so friendly I'm convinced they know my love language is "being handed curry fries with a smile." The outdoor seating is gorgeous--perfect for pretending you're in a travel food show. And the inside? Straight-up VIBES. Cozy, colorful, and full of energy. Even the bathroom is cool. Like, weirdly cool. I don't know who designed it, but they deserve a hug and a decorative lantern. If you haven't been yet, go. If you've been, go again. And if you're reading this while eating somewhere else, politely set down your fork and head to Apna. The curry fries await. read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - Curry Fries - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The woman server is horrible!! Bad attitude with serious mood issues!!! lol - reallly this is the best you hire!! The food is mediocre so don't expect exceptional fusion food! I think a reason for high ratings could be that there are pretty mediocre Indian restaurants around the area read more

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From friendly greeting to final delicious swallow Apna hits the high Their logo is Ghandi with glasses, the interior is a calm wood vibe, the food and service ware authentic and as stated prior, delicious. we ate outside and were comfortable by the heater. read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

We were seated right away, the server was very attentive. The food was delicious! I would visit again! Their samosas are amazing read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - Samosa - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Amazing service and honestly might be the best food I've had in Santa Barbara let alone one of the best Indian spots I've had in the America. The flavors are so rich and complex in flavor. If you enjoy south cuisine you will love this place Recommended dishes: Butter chicken Wings Curry fries (insane) Nirvana Garlic Naan Punjabi fish fries read more

Ordered take out via DoorDash! The prices were are listed the same as their fine in menu plus you can schedule a pick up! Compared to other Indian restaurants the rice is included with some entrees which is a big plus. The garlic and cheese naan is sooo goood and always a must! Apna was pretty busy and when I went to pick up but the pickup process is very quick and easy. read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - Butter Chicken, Masala Curry (Tikka Masala), Tandoori Chicken, Tandoori Roti, Cheese Naan, Garlic Naan - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Apna has the best Indian food I've ever had in my life. I've been over 20 times (I'm not lying), and even after moving to Ojai, I still make the drive back regularly for my fix. On top of the incredible food, the service is some of the best in the area, hands down. Bublee is the kindest, sweetest person, always so helpful with orders and truly lights up the space. I can't recommend this place enough. read more

Aapna Indian Kitchen is an absolute gem in Santa Barbara. The customer service is beyond amazing, and the food is truly 5-star -- dangerously delicious in the best way. Every dish is packed with flavor and care. Bubblee is the sweetest, kindest lady -- my boyfriend and I always love seeing her. She has the warmest energy and makes every visit feel so welcoming. You can really feel the love that goes into both the food and the experience. Highly recommend -- this place never disappoints! read more

In my opinion Apna is the best Indian food in Santa Barbara. The staff is always friendly and very attentive. I've never had any issues with food here their saag paneer and chicken Tikka are my favorites. If you've never had bhel puri I definitely recommend trying it once. I love dining in for dinner, I especially love all the votive candles that light up the place however if dining in is not your jam their takeout is an excellent option. Friday nights do tend to be very busy so come early or just order takeout! read more

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Came here quiet late and the host was kind enough to let us in. We ordered butter chicken and naan. The chicken could have been more tender. It was just ok. The service was remarkable though and everybody was exceptionally nice. The ambiance was very lively and hip. I am sure the other thing on the menu would be better than butter chicken. The meat was halal as per the host. read more

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Best Indian in town . Butter chicken top notch. Great lunch special. Check it out authentic

Great spot at a great location right off state street. Try the curry fries!! Also they are HALAL!

Absolutely Amazing Indian Food! If you're craving bold, flavorful Indian cuisine, this place is a must-visit! From the moment we walked in, the aromas of spices hit us in the best way possible. The service was warm and attentive, and the staff happily helped us choose dishes based on our spice tolerance. We started with the samosas, which were crispy on the outside and stuffed with perfectly spiced potatoes and peas. For mains, the butter chicken was rich and creamy with just the right amount of heat, and the lamb vindaloo was tender, tangy, and deliciously fiery. The garlic naan was fresh out of the tandoor and absolutely addictive-we had to order a second basket! read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Joke of an Indian restaurant. Honestly the worst, least fresh, and least flavorful Indian food I've had in the United States; an absolute embarrassment to Indian cuisine. The owners ought to be ashamed of themselves and should shut down their trash restaurant immediately. read more

Apna is so good I think about even while eating at other restaurants. I had mouth surgery on Tuesday and had a "final supper" of sorts before a few weeks of soft food. My mom came to town to help and suggested we go to our longtime favorite Apna. Not realizing they're closed on Mondays, we went to a different Indian food spot. The ENTIRE meal we kept noting, "it's good but it's not Apna" or "it's a nice spice and flavor but it's not Apna." We even talked about the service being fine but still... not Apna. Apna... it's true... we're in love with you! Apna perfects the line between flavor and heartiness. Their food tastes like getting a hug from your hero. Their service staff is attentive, considerate, and solid. It's as good curling up on your couch to eat take out as it is to enjoy a patio seat or indoor table. Give yourself the gift of Apna and, when you do, be sure to explore many things at once on the menu. We've never tried something new without being amazed. Worth recognizing-- really amazing GF options for certified celiacs. read more

Both the fried fish and butter chicken were very tasty! Waiter was friendly and helpful. Restaurant was a bit small but cozy! read more

Apna Indian Kitchen - Butter Chicken - Indian Near Me - Santa Barbara, California