Always a go‑to spot for an amazing lunch date with my wife, this restaurant has been a favorite of ours for many years. The lunch buffet is consistently high quality, serving Northern‑style Indian dishes that are incredibly flavorful and infused with aromatic spices. It's also very reasonably priced and honestly one of the best deals in town when you consider the excellent food, friendly service, and inviting atmosphere. The buffet menu changes often, which keeps things fun. Some of our personal favorites include the juicy tandoori and Lasuni chicken, tikka masala, coconut curry chicken, and definitely the goat curry. The side dishes are just as delicious -- like the daal, aloo, and spinach paneer -- and the hot, fresh garlic naan brought directly to your table is always a highlight. Skip the boring chain restaurants and support this local gem! read more

I try going to other Indian restaurants, but nothing hits the spot the same as Mantra. This will forever be my family's go-to Indian Restaurant. In a quiet strip of Jefferson, where the Temecula breezes blow, There sits a temple of the spice, with a warm and steady glow. Mantra, oh Mantra, where the clay oven's fire burns bright, Turning simple grains of flour into Naan of pure delight. From the copper bowls, a steam arises--a gold and crimson haze, The Tikka Masala sings a song that sets the heart ablaze. With Butter Chicken rich and smooth, a velvet, creamy dream, And Samosas crisp and golden, the masters of the scheme. The Lunch Buffet is spread like wealth for any hungry soul, Where Saag Paneer and Chana wait to fill a weary bowl. From the sizzle of the Tandoor to the sweetness of the tea, You bring the soul of Punjab to the valley of the free. So here's to every cumin seed and every cardamon pod, To the chefs who craft the flavors like a culinary god. For a taste of home or travels far, we gather at your door, To feast at Mantra's table and always ask for more. read more

Mantra Indian Cuisine has now become my go-to Indian restaurant because of their fantastic portions and the non vegetarian platter ($18.99). The platter comes with tandoori chicken, chicken curry, palak pander, daal, rice, naan and even one piece of gulab jamun to satisfy your dessert cravings! What a deal! **Food review** Non vegetarian platter (6/5): Honestly, it is a generous amount of food that I couldn't finish. A great deal. Chicken Tikka Masala (5/5): Was creamy, rich and delicious. Chicken Biryani (4/5): I liked it, was more savory and depth of flavor than seafood version. Shrimp Biryani (4/5): Not a lot of Indian places do seafood versions of their dishes so that's the original reason for coming here. I was surprised how different the chicken and shrimp versions were. The seafood biryani was less oily, more refreshing compared to the chicken. Overall, Mantra was fantastic. I will probably stick to this place from now on! read more

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Food is good quality especially for the price, because of that it's me and my partners fav Indian spot. Portions, price, tasty food! Service is direct and straight to the point Ambiance is just a simple diner/buffet kind of feel read more

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15.99 lunch buffet! Can't beat that! Fresh naan and good chicken curry! Spacious, clean, and great service! Will come again! read more

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The food was good. It wasn't the reason for the 1 star. This place is crooked. I paid with one debit card and they guy ran it 3 times before telling me it was declined. I paid with a different card and left. Upon checking my statement on first card a few minutes later I had 2 charges for 21.14 pending. My bill was 17.39. I went back and asked them and was told it was just a hold and would be gone in 24 hours. Now 3 days later the charge changed to 16.91 and is final. So now I've paid almost 35 dollars for this one visit. This is shady and they've stolen my money. Will Never go back there. read more

The food here is amazing I also tried delivery for the first time and it went excellent. Delicious. read more

Mantra Indian Cuisine - Mango Chicken - Indian Near Me - Temecula, California

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Love love love the food at Mantra!! I'm so glad they have their buffet back! The garlic naan is the best and always fresh! My favorite this time would be the Chicken Tikka Marsala & Chicken Curry. My absolute favorite dessert is the rice pudding! I had 5 scoops and it probably gave me a tummy ache. The service was super nice! The waiter was so cool! This location has plenty of indoor seating. It never gets crowded, but it should! It's so good! read more

Mantra Indian Cuisine - Rice pudding - Indian Near Me - Temecula, California

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the BEST indian food i've managed to find in this area. Super traditional layout. I went with my boyfriend for the first time after hearing how good it was. We were immediately obsessed. Like thinking about it a few days after obsessed. we got their non vegetarian platter to share with some samosa and extra garlic naan. We were floored by the naan. And I was in love with the flavorful chicken tandoori that came with. The seasoning on the chicken was perfect and paired nicely with the rice. Honestly everything tasted good with the naan and it was fun trying it out like a sampler. But now I know I want to try a chicken entree next time. The palak paneer also didn't make me too gassy as someone lactose intolerant. The samosas were a perfect crunchy outside and soft potato inside. I want to try their mango lassi next time. And extra naan. It's to the point with this naan that when i make my chicken tikka masala at home i want to buy their naan to go as a pair. read more

Mantra Indian Cuisine - Non-Vegetarian Dinner Garlic Naan - Indian Near Me - Temecula, California

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Saturday, 9-13-2025: One of many overdue reviews! I met with a good friend here from the USAF. We ordered 3 chicken dishes: Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Curry, and Chicken Korma, plus samosas and garlic naan. We thoroughly enjoyed the food and the friendly & attentive customer service. I will definitely return. Unfortunately, I forgot to take photos since my friend and I had to catch up. read more

My husband loves their chicken korma...sauce was smooth. My fish tikki masala was good too. The rice pilau was super duper delicious. The garlic naan was great. I ordered a mango lassi and my husband ordered an iced tea. I like the idea of a mango lassi but not necessarily like to drink it because it's sweet and thick. My husband thought the ice tea tasted funny. Service was great. And the ambiance was nice. We will be back. The total was $62 something read more

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Traveling and we were on our way to get a burger for the road but saw the sign for Mantra. Made a U-turn and we were so glad we did. Best Indian buffet we've had in a long time. Even the pilau rice was very flavorful which it usually is not especially at buffets. The offerings were numerous and varied and all were super delicious. Many times at Indian buffets the spices in the foods are all the same. Not so here. Each dish had its own different array of spices making each dish an adventure of the palette. To top it off we were taken care of by Monty with his warm, thoughtful, and welcoming presence. Indian food buffets are often "dumbed down" for the masses. Here the art of Indian cooking is on full display, showing all that it can be. read more

The buffet is back! Food is still great but the choices are fewer. Service not as attentive as before Covid. read more

Yay the buffet is back! Currently the price is $15.99 for adults, & $7.99 for kids. I swear it's better than ever. Everything was flavorful & tasted better than I remembered. I was never a fan of mantra before, but I am now. They had so many options and most of the staple dishes we know and love was all on the buffet. The dishes that was available the day I went: -chicken tikka aka chicken tandoori -palaak paneer -chicken tikka masala -chicken korma -malai kofta -yellow daal -chili chicken -Manchurian (a spicy potato mashed & shaped then fried) -salad bar with the traditional sauces & dips The desserts available the day I went: -carrot halwa -angoori randi Garlic naan is the only thing not physically in the buffet but is included. You just have to order it each time. The restaurant still looks the same, lots of tables, spacious, simple, clean. Everything was so delicious! Great service too! read more

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We were contemplating on a vegetarian entree to order and decided to go with the Vegetarian Plate which ended up being the best deal and meal. This dish cane with three types of dishes (Korma, Paleek, and Paneer I believe) and they were all delicious. It also came with rice and naan. I ordered the meal carryout through Yelp/Grubhub and it was ready in 20 minutes. Outstanding service and I totally recommend this almost hidden spot. read more

A Foodie craving hit us while at work! A few of us hadn't tried Indian before so we all decided to go have some after our store closed for the day. Gotta love when your coworkers are down to eat new foods with you! From being warmly greeted and attended to. To the delicious food. It was all a great experience! It was fast seating and service on a Sunday evening. If you don't like spicy like me, make sure you choose mild on spice level when you can. As it can be a bit spicy. Definitely try the Samosas for appetizers- those were the highlight! There a 3 sauces they serve with them and I thoroughly enjoyed the green one! Of all the great dishes we tried- the Chicken Vindaloo was the favorite! If y'all haven't tried Mantra Indian cuisine in Temecula and are interested in having Indian. Go here! I recommend it! read more

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First time ordered food here it was good service, delicious yummy Paneer, Soft Naan was made how I asked. Two guys was working really polite and welcoming. Thank you. read more

Nice clean restaurant with friendly staff. Food selection is good. We had the buffet and loved everything we had. Great flavors!!

This place is okay. They have a lunch buffet which is great but the food wasn't hot enough. Some dishes were cold which was off putting. The service was great and the people are very nice but the food was nothing spectacular. read more

Love this place ! We always get delivery and it is ALWAYS Had to throw them some love , we have been ordering for 5 years and never a bad time. So good! read more

Great place if you crave some rich Indian spices food. Tandoori Chicken seasoned and cooked to perfection while the Korma chicken was great however still beaten by the one we had in Moreno Valley city. We ordered one Basmati Rice which was enough for 2 people and please order Naan bread here! It's made to order and super delish especially the garlic one. Our waiter was fine, and the place was quite cozy read more

Mantra Indian Cuisine - Chicken Korma - Indian Near Me - Temecula, California

Food was 10/10 and service was very good! Our server was very nice and made sure we were taken care of.

The best Indian food I've ever had. Service is very attentive and prices are reasonable compared to the portion size. The sauces are extremely flavourful and the meat is always fresh and tender. Overall had an amazing experience and make sure to go here whenever I'm in town. read more

Its been a little while since I've been here. Used to be my favorite in Temecula when I was eatting gluten and dairy still. Big fan of their lunch buffet. Great deal! Their chai is fantastic. I wonder if they would make it now with coconut milk instead of dairy. Have to see if thats an option. read more

What can I say? This place is Amazing! The Lamb tikka masala, the chicken, the rice, and the naan... oh my gosh. The food was mouthwateringly delicious, and the portions were generous! The service was great. The atmosphere was warm and inviting with delectable food. read more

Mantra Indian Cuisine - Indian Near Me - Temecula, California

We love the Karahi Chicken, Chicken Tikka, Lamb Biryani, Palak Paneer, the Naan bread, and the Mango Lassi. Honestly, I can say I just like about everything about this place. So much flavor, such good Indian food. The best in my opinion in the area. The restaurant itself is clean and well maintained, great for dates or small to large parties. Service is very quick. We also order take out here and they always have our food ready for pick up. Highly recommend! read more

I went there today for the lunch buffet. I really love Indian food and I've been to many Indian buffets however Mantra was extremely limited on the choices. I also felt some of the items were very low spice, and some of them were medium plus spice. So wasn't so good for us Not a good selection of vegetarian dishes to speak of and I did not feel that the chicken dishes were that extraordinary.. This place has gotten rave reviews, but I don't think I'll be coming back. Fees were reasonable, but it doesn't mean anything to me. When I didn't like the quality or the variety of the food offered. They should at least have raita and some sweet flour balls as well.. Waiter did not at all. Ask how armia was doing. And if he could get us anything. So a bit disappointed with the professionalism of the service. read more

While there wasn't really anyone in the restaurant (it was a Wednesday night) the service was attentive and the food was amazing. read more

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The food was very cold not a good customer service the food it looks like left over from last nigh ! read more

I usually visit Mantra Indian Cuisine for their lunch buffet because, to be honest, their dinner prices are out of my budget unless it is for a special occasion. The buffet, however, is always a great deal with a good variety of flavorful dishes. Last time I dined in, I brought a friend along, and he was impressed with the food selection. The chicken tikka was juicy, the butter chicken was rich and creamy, and the rice was perfectly cooked. They also bring out fresh garlic naan to the table and keep the drinks refilled, which is a nice touch, especially for non-desi guests who need help handling the spice. One thing I do think they could improve is having a mix of male and female servers. Some Desi women I have taken out in the past felt a bit awkward about the lack of female staff. While it does not bother me personally, it would make the atmosphere more welcoming for everyone. That said, if you are looking for a solid Indian buffet in Temecula, Mantra is worth checking out. Rating: 5/5 - Great buffet, friendly service, but could use a few adjustments. read more

Mantra Indian Cuisine - Buffet done right--chicken tikka, butter chicken, spiced rice, and fresh naan. - Indian Near Me - Temecula, California

came here with my family and gf for birthday dinner. food was amazing, customer service was great, super friendly, food got there quick, the scenery and music was nice. good portions and verry affordable. read more

Best Indian food in the Inland Empire we have had. Their Indo-Chinese dishes, like the Gobi Manchurian, had all the right spices and textures. Their butter chicken was the perfect buttery-ness. Rice was the right firmness. Overall just an amazing meal in a great place to eat with friends. Want to come back to try their lunch buffet. read more

Mantra Indian Cuisine - Butter chicken - Indian Near Me - Temecula, California

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The food itself was good, and that is honestly the only reason I am giving two stars instead of one. Unfortunately, the service completely overshadowed the experience. From the moment we were there, we felt disrespected and uncomfortable. At one point, staff members pointed at our table and laughed; this happened twice. Whether intentional or not, it was incredibly unprofessional and made us feel unwelcome. No customer should ever be made to feel mocked or singled out while dining. Good food cannot make up for poor treatment. Dining out is about the overall experience, and being treated with basic respect is the minimum expectation. I hope management takes this seriously and addresses staff conduct, because the food has potential, but the service does not reflect it. read more

We ordered take out for our first time at this place. We got the tiki Masala, Butter Chicken and one other dish that is escaping me. IT WAS SOOOO GOOD! Absolutely delicious food. We'll be back again for sure. Go check them out! read more

I love the food here the Masala Chicken is stupendous, and the roasted shrimp is out of the world. The restaurant portrays a very warm family atmosphere and comforting for conversations with friends. The front greeter and the entire staff are very nice courteous and attentive to our needs. A definite place to return over and over again. Thank you Varun your hospitality has always been a pleasure. read more

Their lunch buffet is amazing at the price of $15.99 each! Mouth-watering paneer, tikka masala, and curry are delectably sumptuous! They even give you fresh Nan bread! They gave us a royal treatment as we arrived when they opened their restaurant for the day. I hope this business stays open forever for generations to appreciate Indian cuisine! read more

Lunch Buffet is Beyond expectations. Fresh & Delicious! Monty who is the customer service representative is Welcoming!. Ambiance is Delightful with Clean space & Music . read more

This place has brought back their amazing buffet that doesn't disappoint. The service is amazing and the decor is quite nice. read more

Mantra Indian Cuisine - Indian Near Me - Temecula, California

Best Butter chicken Ive ever had in the IE. The service is always good and the portions are always plentiful, HOWEVER the fish curry was solid but the competitors(Zen curry, Himalayan taste, etc...) might have the edge, also every other Indian cuisine restaurant comes with rice as part of the meal. I acknowledge the restaurant is not at fault and we should have inquired but nonetheless my partner and I had to make our own rice which took away from the experience a little nonetheless we would definitely dine here again read more

Always great food here, love their tandoori chicken and nan breads, service is great too