Shalimar, Dublin: 2026 July 12 (5 of 5) Let's Meet for Lunch When a handful of friends reunite, time seems to disappear. This get-together is at Shalimar Restaurant in Dublin. Shalimar serves authentic Pakistani and Indian food. The atmosphere here is casual and unassuming. It's an open eatery with community tables and chairs on both sides of the tables. There are also booths and benches for those who need some privacy. This canteen-style eatery focuses on food. You order and pay at the counter. They get your name, and your order is served fresh and piping hot. Everyone ordered something different: Tandoori Chicken, Fresh Baked Naan, Goat Biryani, Fish, Okra, Goat Karahi, Biryani Rice, and several other dishes. The dishes were placed in the middle of the long table and we all got to taste everyone's food. Every dish was flavourful and the seasoning on each dish was on-point. Their naan is baked daily - and you can taste the freshness of the bread. The vibe was strong because it's been an absolute age since we last met up. All nine of us picked up where we left off. As we filled our plates with delicious eats, conversation flowed while we joked and ate. The short reunion came to an end when Shalimar breaks for two hours before it opens again for dinner. We bade goodbye as we went our separate ways. Until the next chapter... read more

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Once again let a friend pick this spot for food, and guess what the best chicken kofta in gravy, their chicken baryani was the best. Don't judge the place, if you are a foodie. The garlic naan which was made slightly different than regular naan tasted so good with chicken kofta. Raita was delicious too. They have sauces, onions, and seasonings to go with food. Also cha is complimentary. One of best smelling and tasting food. read more

Shalimar - Naan and Raita - Indian Near Me - Dublin, California

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Let me start with what keeps me going back there: Kababs. They are consistently good. Everything else is a disappointment for me most of the time. Customer service is non existent. Hygiene is questionable at best. These days I dread walking into this place. I think I need to find another Kabab spot :). read more

Very friendly staff. Inside the restaurant is pretty casual and unassuming. Just some tables and booths. The chicken breast and the beef kabob are very good and a great value. read more

Shalimar - Beef kabob - Indian Near Me - Dublin, California

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I was pleasantly surprised by the Beef Shank Nihari and the Shalimar Rice. Seasoning was on point and really enjoyed the flavor, texture of the Nihari. That being said the portion was small, although I enjoyed the Nihari sauce - it was 80% of the dish. Solid place to DoorDash from read more

Shalimar - 25. Nihari - Indian Near Me - Dublin, California

For food review you can read my review for the Fremont branch. I had no idea that Shalimar has a new branch here in Dublin but I'm always glad when my favorite restaurants are doing well. They closed down a couple of branches so I'm glad they opened one here even though it's kinda far for me. It's a standalone building with its own parking spots and instead of giving you a stand with a number all the seating areas are labeled with numbers. The restaurant is not small but probably best suited for party less than 6. The chicken is still phenomenal and everything tastes the same as the one in Fremont which basically means wonderfully delicious. Just order the chicken legs if this is your first time. Otherwise you'll know what to order. read more

Shalimar - Indian Near Me - Dublin, California

Super dirty place. I ordered through DoorDash. I waited for over 2 hours to pick up food. The people at the counter and servers were rude to me and most people waiting. There was chaos here of people waiting. I finally walked out without the food. I recommend people not to order from here especially on Fridays. read more

Best and consistent Pakistani food. The restaurant is no frills. The service subpar but the food will make you comeback over and over. read more

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Terrible service. I placed an order on a Friday evening, I was told it would ready after 35 mins. I wasn't ready even after an hour. Made me wait at the store for 30 minutes. read more

Went Monday evening to Shalimar, not having any particular expectations. The food was totally a 5/5 this visit! Everything was sizzling hot, very fresh, and really delicious! I recommend the leg and thigh chicken tikka (we ordered 2) the amazingly fresh and fabulous naan (we ordered 2), and the spinach with potatoes and fenugreek. Then take a side of raw onions and the yogurt mint chutney (complementary in the refrigerator for guests to help themselves). Add a cup of complementary hot chai (help yourself). Lovely relaxed dinner for two in under $35! Just fyi: this is a super casual, hole in the wall. But if you're in for an authentic experience, and really care about well prepared food, this is your place. Ignore the decor and enjoy the food! It's self service. Polite, matter of fact service. Go up to the counter and order, and your food is brought to your table. read more

Excellent and authentic Pakistani Food that you will enjoy and come back to again and again!!!

Actual: 2.5/5 Ordered takeout from here on Christmas eve. It was very busy, which was expected. However it was an abnormally long wait time, we ordered at 6:15 and food was ready at 8. The restaurant itself isn't anything fancy and I wouldn't recommend it's dine-in experience. There's usually a long line of people waiting for takeout since that's what the norm is here. The parking lot is small and can be a bit difficult to navigate. The food itself is pretty good. We ordered the chicken seekh kebab which was flavorful, juicy and easily my favorite! It came with a refreshing green chutney. The onion kulcha was soft and paired well with the chicken tikka and ginger chicken. Note that the curries are very oily and I personally didn't love the chicken as it was kind of chewy, but the gravy is yummy. The tandoori chicken was tender and tasty. This was a fairly expensive meal given portion sizes. Overall -- know what you want, call and order takeout and ask for an ETA so you can plan what time to pick it up. read more

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Horrible service, cleanliness is non existent. I don't understand how the city of Dublin lets this business stay open.

Just get your food for take out and forget about ambience and service and you should be okay.

I came here for iftar during Ramadan and honestly, the experience was disappointing from the moment we walked in. The owner (wearing a black shirt) didn't greet us, didn't acknowledge us, and made us feel completely unwelcome. When we politely asked if there was any seating available, instead of helping, he rudely said, "Look for it," with attitude. No hospitality, no basic customer service , especially during Ramadan when you'd expect warmth and respect. As for the food, it didn't make up for the service. It was underwhelming and not worth the price. We wanted to give this place a fair try, but the combination of rude behavior and mediocre food made it a regrettable experience. I would not recommend this place to anyone. There are plenty of restaurants that treat their guests with respect and value their customers ,unfortunately, this isn't one of them. I won't be coming back. read more

Shalimar - Owner - Indian Near Me - Dublin, California

My go-to Pakistani restaurant in the TriValley. Good value, tasty food, and fast service, but the dishes can be quite oily. I typically get the Nihari (beef stew) and daal with naan to go. Pro-tip: try the tandoori dishes, and eat on site if possible, especially if you're ordering naan, which is best eaten fresh. read more

Shalimar - Clockwise from top left: Nihari, Haleem, Raita, Chicken Tikka Masala - Indian Near Me - Dublin, California

got chicken biryani to go, they put my biryani in a divided takeout plate. on top of that the rice wasnt mixed properly, it was still white. Worst biryani ive ever had, 0/10. food and service/packaging was terrible. read more

I just cannot believe this place is allowed to operate. The conditions are so unhygienic bathrooms are dirty with overflowing filthy floors, out of order urinal D should be closed until then through the hygienic condition read more

Food is pretty good and service isn't terrible but the place is disgusting. It's so dirty, I don't know if I can trust their kitchen. But then again, as anyone with food service experience knows, most kitchens are pretty gross, that's why customers aren't allowed to see them. At least you can see it upfront here! read more

I must add an update in order to be fair to this establishment. Today was my third visit here and again the food was spot on hot, fresh and delicious. Even with their shortcomings noted in my last review, the food is well worth the 40 minute drive. This is coming from a yelper that does not enjoy eating out. Therefore.. Lt. General Shalimar has been promoted to Acting Four Star General. Congratulations General. Now your first order of business is to have a private Clean The Latrine! read more

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For the love of God....don't waste your money, time, or mental health coming to this sad excuse for a restaurant. Waited almost an hour for our large order and management had the audacity to cop an attitude. The food was mediocre, the service was horrendous/racist. If you love authentic Pakistani food go to Zareen's. Honestly, I don't know how they passed their food safety inspection and tax audits. read more

Shalimar - Nastiness - Indian Near Me - Dublin, California

The food flavour is closer to something you would get in a Pakistani market. Super flavourful, we always make sure to stop here when in California. The service is good, but you order at counter and they will bring your food. The place is spacious. The place and bathrooms can definitely be more clean. It's halal! read more

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1 star. Had the most infuriating experience at Shalimar in Dublin tonight - the staff's rudeness was off the charts right from the entrance. They snapped at me with a booming, condescending tone and snarky attitude: "If you can find a seat yourself, then you can sit!" - treating me like some unwelcome pest instead of a paying customer. No warmth, no guidance, just pure hostility that killed any appetite I had. Steer clear of this dump! read more

Food is still amazing. I think they have the best naan in town too. Barbecue is great. Service has improved (as in the speed of delivery). But I don't do takeout anymore. The ambience is family friendly. It really hasn't changed in the years, but I'm appreciating the vibe now. It's been over a year and we had not one single case of food poisoning amongst our circle of friends. We all agree that the quality has improved. read more

You don't go to Shalimar for the ambiance, you go there for the food. Shalimar in Dublin was as good as their SF location. I love their Chicken Tikka Masala and saag chicken. I'm glad they haven't changed their recipe after so many years. read more

Terrible service, long lines, rude customer service. Would give negative reviews if I can.

I used to come to this place alot but have not been back . Feel like the workers are little judgmental ,especially towards white people. Just see little different treatment towards me and other people that go in based on nationality. They should be happy other nationalities are eating their food. read more

We really like their beef and chicken Shish kabab and saag (spinach) chicken dish, and naan. Their free Pakistani tea is good tasting as well. They tend to add lots of oil to their dishes, we usually drain it before serving at home. The place does not seem very clean, but that did not stop us from coming here regularly for the food. We usually take it to go. Service is ok, and ambience or great given the cleanliness. read more

They serve halal food chicken leg was tasty, chicken sheesh kabob needs improvement, mango lassi was good. Samosa was not good at all.

I used to like their Goat Biriyani . But of late they are not using goat , instead lamb and also the meat is not fully cooked.

It was a "Take out" order. We ended up eating it in the car lol Haleem 10/10 Chicken mince kabob 10/10 Must eat with Onions and Nan read more

Came here with my family because my dad wanted to eat maghaz. Ambiance is very mediocre. Service is okay. Food came out quick and was hot and fresh. It was just okay, however, in terms of taste. We got the chicken tikka masala, brain masala, chicken kadhai and seekh kabab. I probably wouldn't willingly come back. read more

Food is amazing, but the staff is rude. Their nahari, chicken biryani, and kadhai chicken are awesome.

They charged me for an item and did not provide it. When I called to clarify, I was met with a very disrespectful and unprofessional attitude. Simply asking whether I could dine in instead of getting the order to go resulted in being yelled at, which is completely unacceptable.Customer service and respect are essential in any business, and unfortunately, both were completely lacking here. Cleanliness was extremely disappointing, and the level of hospitality was nonexistent. It is concerning to see such poor standards in a place that serves the public. To the owner: please understand that a business cannot survive without its customers. Respect and basic courtesy should be the bare minimum. Customers should feel welcomed and valued not disrespected. I strongly advise others to avoid this place and go somewhere else where you will be treated with respect and actually feel welcome. Women in particular are not treated respectfully, which is deeply concerning. Due to this experience, I will be reporting this matter to the health department, as both the service and cleanliness raise serious concerns. Won't be going to this place again. read more

Amazing food. Nice and friendly staff. The place could be cleaner and more organized (can't we all lol) but the flavors make up for it.

(2 out of 5) Ambiance, this place it's a reasturant with a hole in the wall type of teeling. Open doors to dirty areas, and not a very appealing seating area. A back rooms type of feel. Service want the best, some people were nice and respectful. And some were flat out rude! Then the food. Lower tier Indian food for sure, tandoori chicken quality was good, but the chicken in everything else wasn't good quality, I wouldn't evcoment coming here. read more

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I ordered Uber eats from the Shalimar restaurant in Dublin last night and was happy with my choice of dinner spot. I ordered the Goat Biryani that was on and off the bone that have a very flavorful basmati rice accompanied. It was served with a nice spicy, green sauce and a yogurt dish that was chilled and had a healthy taste to it. I ordered the garlic naan - because why wouldn't you want garlic naan whenever you had the chance - and a Naan E Akbar as it was a special buy one get one free. That naan wasn't as good as I hoped it would be and wish I would have skipped it. I thought the food overall was good but was surprised I didn't have napkins or silverware included in the bag. I needed to do a little searching for those on my own which was frustrating for a hot minute. Regardless I give this spot a high rating and would order through them again if I'm in the mood for little Indian/Pakistani dishes. read more

Person answering phone did not pick up my call many times, and after many calls he finally picked up and I ordered. After i ordered he said it took another thirty minutes until the food was ready. I told the person thirty minutes was too long, and he said that it opened at 12:30 while on yelp, it said they were already open. read more

Food tastes great! It is consistently good. I love their biryani (both goat and chicken options), goat curry, tandoori chicken legs, green sauce from the fridge section, and naan. The ambiance of the place is not inviting. It can be cleaner and the tables and chairs need updating. Some tables wobble dangerously. It's a good place to grab and go. I do wish they had a fish dish. read more

I like the food here, few days ago I order food to go, my order included four chicken Shiekh kabab, in which two pices were fresh and two were not too fresh. I even paid tips and felt cheated. my advice to them is if you have left over don't just stick into the to go orders. read more