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    The Taj Cafe

    4.6 (2k reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

    Order The Taj Cafe Takeout or Delivery

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    Business Info

    THE TAJ CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - The Taj Cafe

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    Genezaret C.

    Every time I eat here, I am impressed. So many delicious entrees, appetizers and desserts! If this restaurant was closer I would come here more often. The staff is super friendly and comes to check on your group. Vibes are relaxing (especially with the music playing) and chill.

    Small rice portion
    Reta B.

    So I had been here before and I enjoyed the food. My husband and I decided to come New Year's Day and gather with friends. So I called at least 1.5 hours before getting there and made a reservation! When we got there which was on time, they Didn't have a table for us! The hostess was RUDE! When it's their fault for not honoring our reservation! So he's like you have to wait, at least 20-30 mins! Excuse me! Whats the point of having a reservation then! Anyways they moved a couple to seat us! We had 7 adults and 1 kid! Food took over 45 mins! I had the samosa chat which I recommend and the chicken korma medium spice and also good! They took forever to bring the food, and someone else had the Korma and so they mixed it up though one was chicken And the other Lamb! Other people in the table had the combo, they were 2 sitting next to each other. So they get Garlic Naan part of the combo. Only of them got the garlic naan, so toward the end. We asked, hey we're missing the garlic naan for this meal. Their response was, it was mixed with the other person who has the combo. Anyways it wasn't much garlic naan so they brought one and made it sound like they brought one to replace that. Instead after I got home I realized they charged for their garlic bread they brought. Also the food portions are small for what they charge! They charge $3.99 for soda and $1.99 for refill for soda! What? Who does that? It's just SODA! Secret for that many reviews! They bribe people! After dinner, they bring you " free rice putting" and right after before brining the bill, they bring you QR code to rate them!! So check comes and they have 6% charge! RSC! So we ask what is this? Restaurant service charge! That's usually done in big cities such as LA which I have not seen! " to cover their employees" and! Hows that my problem! They had already charged 20% for service! Which was HORRIBLE! I should have made them take that out! Since I was not happy w their service for seating us late and for taking forever to get food ready and on top of it charging for unnecessary items! Before you dine here. Check everything and the 6% add on plus 20% Service charge! Plus over priced food! Won't return here

    Complimentary dessert- rice milk dessert
    Charlotte C.

    This food was delicious. It was very empty when we got there but it was a weeknight so I wasn't too surprised. While we were there there were a few orders that came in for pick ups or DoorDash, and another couple that came in to eat. So we weren't the only ones that ate there on a random Thursday night which is a good sign. We ordered samosas appetizer, garlic chicken plate and mirchi (spicy) chicken plate. All food was good with a nice spice level! And not just spicy to be hot- it had actual flavor! And the portion sizes were great! The total for the above plus a soda and a masala chai drink was about $114. That includes an 18% tip (not automatic), and the 6% restaurant surcharge. I hate the surcharge but would go back.

    Tanner C.

    Grabbed a quick lunch here and thought the vegan options were great! Nice decor and friendly service, will be back next time I'm in the area.

    Rack of Lamb Tandoori chops dinner (1 person) Shrimp Curry (Doesn't Include Rice)

    This was our 3rd time at the Taj Cafe and the food was excellent. We ordered 2 of their specials and were very pleased. The service is friendly and attentive. We look forward to our next time!

    Aloo Tikki
    Jenna H.

    We got a lot of complimentary items and at the end they requested we write a review.. I would have regardless. All items were delicious. Partner and I split the chicken tikka masala. Perfect for two. A little on the sweeter side that I'm used to but would order again. The garlic naan had a lot of garlic and we loved it. Complimentary chutney sampler. That was alright. Complimentary aloo tiki chaat. That was pretty good. Complimentary Kheer. It's my favorite desert and it was great! We left with a little coupon. The service was good. They checked on us a good amount. I sat on the patio since it was a beautiful day. We did not go inside. We will back!

    free rice pudding
    Sarah C.

    great family-owned restaurant! loved the service and how they pampered us with free appetizers and dessert. the chicken tikka masala and saag paneer included a good amount of protein which was nice. the saag paneer was a bit bland but it feels healthier which is a bonus? :) the chicken naan was a bit dry but it was a huge portion. overall would recommend for indian food in the area!

    Sara W.

    Loveeee taj! A great option for a sit down in downtown Ventura. The food is great.. naan is top tier and love their green chutney sauce so much. Never had a bad dish. They always throw in freebies and complimentary items while dining in which is so sweet. Family owned and very local. The veggie combo is my go to. *note this isn't a fast dining experience so just an fyi

    JohnAndrew R.

    A Comforting Go-To at Taj Cafe - A Ventura Favorite My family and I made another visit to Taj Cafe in Ventura, a place we go to so often the servers know us by now. With our third son on the way, we were looking for something comforting, familiar, and stress-free--and as always, Taj Cafe delivered. Food: I ordered the tikka masala lamb combo meal, and my wife went with our usual favorite, the butter chicken--our go-to dishes every time. Both were excellent. The lamb was tender and flavorful, coated in a rich tikka masala sauce that's perfectly spiced without being overwhelming. The butter chicken was creamy, comforting, and consistently delicious, which is why we keep coming back. The combo meal was filling and a great value. Experience: What makes Taj Cafe special for us is the consistency. The food is always fresh, hot, and satisfying, and the relaxed pace makes it an easy, enjoyable stop--especially on busy days. It feels familiar and comfortable every time we visit. Service: The staff is always friendly, welcoming, and attentive. Being regulars, it's nice walking into a place where you're recognized and treated like family. They make sure everything is just right and genuinely care about their customers. Overall: Taj Cafe in Ventura isn't just a restaurant for us--it's a trusted favorite. If you're looking for reliable, comforting Indian food with great service and a welcoming atmosphere, this place is hard to beat. Highly recommended.

    Jade H.

    Amazing amazing amazing!!!! The service here is exceptional the food is so flavorful. Only reason I came here was because my usual Indian restaurant was closed and I was really craving it. I'm definitely glad I came here. They provided me with complementary items to get a little taste of what they offer and let's just say this. I will most definitely be coming back here. Give this place a chance I promise you you will not be disappointed.

    Garlic naan

    Excellent food and service! The best lamb tiki masala and garlic naan! Always good service!

    Ryan M.

    Phenomenal Indian food. My friend from India recommended this to me as this is his favorite authentic Indian restaurant in the area. We ordered a whole bunch of different dishes, and everything we got was exceptional. I would highly recommend the butter chicken, chicken vindaloo, saffron rice, and samosas. If you're in Ventura and looking for some good Indian food, The Taj Cafe is the way to go. We ordered takeout, but the location on Main Street and ambiance is ideal.

    Dean K.

    It's been quite a few years since I've been in the area during lunchtime. The lunch buffet is no longer offered. Instead, they have lunch specials that are amazing. Freshly grilled chicken and classic vegetable side dishes. Fresh baked garlic nann and all the sauces. Chai tea and ice water with lemon in a glass. I highly recommend the Taj Cafe for lunch.

    Complimentary rice pudding at the end of our meal.

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    7 days ago

    Great food with plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten free. We ordered different plates and shared.

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    3 months ago

    We tried and thoroughly enjoyed a couple of new dishes: mixed veggie pakoras and saffron chicken . The service was excellent as usual.

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    3 months ago

    The food here is fantastic. A treat for the senses! Complimentary rice pudding also!

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    Page 1 of 51

    The Taj Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Taj Cafe

    Has the buffet come back?

    We have started Lunch Specials now. Please ask for them when you come for lunch,

    Will you resume/restart your lunch buffet now the COVID restrictions have been lifted since June 15th and many people have been immunized/vaccinated?

    No more buffet

    Does rice come with the food items or do u have to order separately?

    The dinner specials come with rice, naan, vegetable curry and cucumber salad

    Is there food halal?

    I'm sorry, I looked up the term and I can't say yes or no. But I can say it was fresh not processed foods. Everything was made to order like a good Indian restaurant does. I did notice they only offered beef, lamb or chicken for their meats. I hope… 

    Taj have beautiful patio?

    It's a big open space and yes it's nice. They don't have the buffet right now because of COVID but the food is still amazing!

    Is Taj Café open?

    We will be opening very soon, most probably within a week. Thanks a lot for your love and support.

    Are you open for take out and/or dine in? If so, what are your hours?

    We are doing some repairs in kitchen. We will be opening in a couple of weeks or so. Thanks a lot for your business and support.

    Have you opened back, yet?

    I don't think so. And with all the restaurant closures now it may be a while. Call and check but last I looked they were still closed.

    Went there twice, but the place was closed. There's a sign on the door says, temporary closed because of plumbing problems. Are they opening back soon?

    Hello Dear Patrons, Unfortunately we had a fire in restaurant and about a month ago both the owners met an accident requiring hospitalization. We are working our level best to… 

    Is the buffet also available on the weekends and how much is it per person?

    Yes, the buffet is available I believe the buffet is around $14, but I'm not certain.

    Is there a discounted price for children for buffet?

    Hi, May be you can call and check out before going in.… 

    Hi, can you please label your vegan options? Only one is labeled, but you're listed as having vegan options so I hope that's not the only one. Thanks!

    VEGAN options on the lunch buffet were clearly indicated on cards below each selection as of 3/10/19. Identifying descriptions offered in ( ).… 

    Do they have lamb bhuna?

    Yes

    View All 15 Questions

    La Jenelle Natural Cafe

    La Jenelle Natural Cafe

    4.8
    (128 reviews)
    9.4 mi

    Such a lovely find in Oxnard. La Jenelle Natural Cafe sits right by the channel near Silver Strand…read moreBeach, and it's got that laid back port city feel, salty air, boats nearby, nothing pretentious about it. Great spot to grab food and just sit outside for a bit. It's fully vegan, and everything tastes like it was made with real care, not like generic "vegan substitute" food. The menu is small, but that's clearly because they're making things in house rather than pulling from a distributor, and you can taste the difference. The person running the place was genuinely warm and accommodating, happy to answer questions and make suggestions. It's the kind of small business energy that's rare to find these days. Highly recommend if you're in Oxnard and want honest, thoughtfully made plant-based food. I'll be back.

    We really should have left directly after walking in. But, we traveled pretty far to try this place…read moregiven all the five star reviews. The one good thing is they have a screen flap door which seemed to keep the flies out. The interior was hot and dirty. That aside, the grab and go items in the cold case cooler were warm. I asked the woman who took our order if she knew the case wasn't cooling the items. She said the fan has recently broken and she would eventually have to remove the items. It was sketchy because the items were warm, the room was hot, and I'm not sure she knew how long they'd been like that. The house made pesto and rice pudding were super concerning sitting there without refrigeration. My experience trying the Shoreline Burrito fell short of what others have said. Mine was bland and dry. The Nachos were ok and the pesto garlic bread was tasty. I am not inspired to order any of these items again. I will happily never visit this eating establishment due to food safety concerns and bland flavors.

    Photos
    Counter
    Counter
    Decent burrito healthy, but on the small side
    Decent burrito healthy, but on the small side
    Hours of operation

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    Hours of operation
    Hip Vegan

    Hip Vegan

    4.5
    (704 reviews)
    12.0 mi
    $$

    Hip Vegan is one of our family's FAVORITE restaurants! My partner's family is from Ojai, and…read morewithout fail - every single time we visit, we make it a point to come here. It's a beautiful, relaxed, positive, and unpretentious space where the team is welcoming and the food is delicious. We have tried so many things from the menu and have never found anything we don't love. Their drink (both NA and alcoholic) selection is also really well curated. We love the kombucha they stock here. My fiance's all-time favorite meal is the veggie sandwich with cheese on the side. We always share the gunpowder fries! Ben and his team catered a private engagement party for us this past weekend at our home, and everyone was raving about the food! They were a delight to work with, extremely professional and kind, and we could not recommend this place more.

    We came across this location while researching vegetarian-friendly spots in Ojai and I am so glad…read morewe decided to try it. Everything tasted fresh, flavorful, and honestly exceeded expectations. We ordered the gunpowder fries, tacos, and the tiger bowl - and the bowl was so good that I literally tried recreating it at home afterwards because I couldn't stop thinking about it. The flavors were unique, balanced, and super satisfying. It's a self serve style of place, where you order at the counter and then grab your own food. The person helping us was super friendly and provided her recommenations. The overall vibe of the place is pretty relaxed and welcoming. It has indoor as well as outdoor seating and parking was manageable. Definitely a spot I would go back to if I am back in the area.

    Photos
    Get your eating tools and water station.
    Get your eating tools and water station.
    Deliciously cooked fries.  Crispy greatness. 4/19/26
    Deliciously cooked fries. Crispy greatness. 4/19/26
    I love the entrance!

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    I love the entrance!
    Hummus Republic

    Hummus Republic

    4.1
    (129 reviews)
    4.0 mi
    $$

    I was looking for somewhere new to eat in the Ventura area and I came across Hummus Republic. I've…read morebeen to this plaza many times I've been to all the stores next to it and used to come here when it used to to be another business. To be totally honest, I was a little bit intimidated by how the process works. But I assume caught on that. It was almost like a chipotle kind of style place. I decided to go with a bowl. I was able to choose between three types of different bases, and I went with the basmati rice and the couscous was able to choose a couple of salad options as well. Luckily, we were able to mix and match since I can never make a decision on getting All three types of greens that they have. Then moved over to the hummus section and I was able to get the three most popular hummus flavors, which I actually don't remember what I got. I know one of them was an olive flavored one and another one was a little more spicy. Then over to the protein side of things, you can mix up to two different choices, and some of the other options there is an upgrade fee. Then removed over to the toppings and these are all unlimited and so I was able to get feta cheese, tomatoes, olives, purple cabbage, everything was so endless and amazing At the very end, you're able to choose two different kind of sauces and at the very end, my bowl was actually pretty heavy in weight but most importantly it was very delicious Thank you to the team member here that was very helpful and walked me through the process. I think I might've been too overwhelmed. Otherwise I might've just opted for the burger which I may still have to try next time. The sweet potato fries also look very good and I will have to try those next time for sure. There's a ton of parking spots right outside. I can't get a little bit busy here so she'll be so many different food options but generally, I haven't really had an issue with finding a spot.

    Food is great for the first couple of bites, but the gets extremely salty. Is anyone's else's food…read morelike this too? We had the ultimate shawarma bowl

    Photos
    Hummus Republic
    Hummus Republic
    Hummus Republic

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    The Taj Cafe - indpak - Updated August 2026

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