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Placed a quick takeout order for their butter chicken with basmati rice (call me basic, but it's a classic!) and it was really creamy and flavorful! The portion size was generous and was great to split between me and my friend. I can't speak to the vibes much since we didn't eat inside, but the food speaks for itself! My friend, who is a Central Coast local, holds this restaurant in high regard and highly recommended it, and I was definitely not disappointed.
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
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
I came in for lunch on a Tuesday and had the fish fry which was delicious! The sauces were incredible and the fish was hot and tender. The service was timely and I enjoyed sitting outside on the parklet.
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.
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
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.
4 months ago
Had a good time during lunch on a weekend here. The ambiance was good and we were able to get a table quickly. The service was really good and timely. The food was tasty, we had the garlic naan, punjabi chole and aloo tikki. Aloo tikki was a bit surprising to see at first as it was mostly covered with cabbage. Naan and chole were really good and filling. One suggestion to the business would be to mention while ordering or on the menu that rice is included with the dishes as our rice went to waste since we ordered the naan and roti read more
5 months ago
I've never been so impressed by the service I received. Every staff member was so welcoming and polite. I stopped in for lunch and tried the chicken vindaloo spicy, and the garlic naan. They also offered me complementary chai tea and it was the perfect combo to go with my meal. My sinuses were so clear after eating my food, so just know if you ask for spicy, they will oblige haha. I want to go back and try the tikka masala next time. Also their bathroom was spotless, and smelled amazingly fresh and clean so extra brownie points. Thanks again! read more
3 months ago
Placed a quick takeout order for their butter chicken with basmati rice (call me basic, but it's a classic!) and it was really creamy and flavorful! The portion size was generous and was great to split between me and my friend. I can't speak to the vibes much since we didn't eat inside, but the food speaks for itself! My friend, who is a Central Coast local, holds this restaurant in high regard and highly recommended it, and I was definitely not disappointed. read more
1 month ago
4 months ago
10 months ago
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
10 months ago
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
1 month ago
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
1 year ago
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
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
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
5 months ago
I came in for lunch on a Tuesday and had the fish fry which was delicious! The sauces were incredible and the fish was hot and tender. The service was timely and I enjoyed sitting outside on the parklet. read more
1 year ago
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
2 months ago
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
20 days ago
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
6 months ago
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
4 months ago
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
7 months ago
Yummy! Delicious! Taste authentic. So good we forgot to take pic of before. Service was amazing. read more
3 months ago
1 year ago
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
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
11 months ago
10 months ago
4 months ago
Good service an food is delish. We had the tika mashala and samosas and the vibes are very good like cali Colombia read more
1 year ago
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
7 months ago
1 year ago
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
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
5 months ago
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
5 months ago
My boyfriend found Apna while we were in Santa Barbara a few weeks back. The food here is too good! And service was great. We will be back!!! read more
1 year ago
We were seated right away, the server was very attentive. The food was delicious! I would visit again! Their samosas are amazing read more
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More info about Apna Indian Kitchen
718 State St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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(805) 770-8479
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http://www.apnasb.com
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Ask the Community - Apna Indian Kitchen
Do they take reservations? Sunday lunch about 1 pm ? Is is very busy?
Do they do lunch buffet?
No but masala spice in Goleta does, and I think Flavor of India on upper state might
Can they accommodate someone with celiac disease (gluten allergy) and dairy intolerance? In other words, vegan and wheat free?
Yes, please let them know of your food allergies and they can accommodate/make recommendations that meet your dietary needs.
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24 reviews that are not currently recommended
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