India is expansive with an extensive range of climates, cultures, soil types, and more that result in a beautifully diverse range of cuisine that falls under the blanket name Indian. Some favorites are naan, tandoori chicken, curries, and masala spice. The 2024 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Lotus Cuisine of India (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Indian food picks see below.
Our 2024 Dining category sponsor is Rodney Strong. View the rest of the Dining category here.
Because there are so many great ones, we’ve broken it down by region: Southern, Central, Northern and Western Marin.
Southern | Central | Northern | Western
Southern Marin
Avatar’s
Sausalito
If you’re on the hunt for innovative, multi-culti Indian fare, head to Avatar’s. Sip masala chai sweetened with brown sugar before digging into Cajun-spiced shrimp on the heated and shaded patio. A curried sweet potato enchilada in the casual one-room restaurant makes a quick vegetarian lunch or dinner.
2656 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.332.8083
Sartaj India Cafe
Sausalito
Established in 1996, owners Basi and Balbir have been bringing the tastes of the Punjabi are of North India to Marin for decades. Try one of their many vegetarian or vegan options and legendary chai tea.
43 Caledonia St, Sausalito, 415.332.7103
India Palace
Mill Valley
Known for its wide variety of North Indian delicacies, Indian Palace serves up a true Indian dining experience.
707 Redwood Highway Frontage Rd suite 66, Mill Valley, 415.388.3350
Prabh Indian Kitchen
Mill Valley
Colorful garlands bedeck the patio (and stand out amidst the natural redwood drapery), but families frequent the downtown Mill Valley restaurant for the South Indian specialties available at lunch (thali, dosa, uttappam) and the house special chicken tikka kabab marinated in a tandoori masala with turmeric, fenugreek leaves, cardamom, mace, red chili and lemon.
24 Sunnyside Ave, Mill Valley, 415.384.8241
Central Marin
Cafe Lotus
Fairfax
Run by Surinder “Pal” Sroa and his son Jyoti Sroa, also founders of the award-winning Lotus Cuisine of India in San Rafael, Cafe Lotus uses organic, local ingredients and fresh spices in their authentic, home-style Northern Indian. Their quality and tasty dishes have made them a local Marin favorite.
1912 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax, 415.457.7836
Lotus Cuisine of India
San Rafael
Take comfort in award-winning Indian cuisine from a long-running, family-run, certified green business with an energy-efficient kitchen and eco-friendly appliances. There is an abundance of organic vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, not to mention their famous all-you-can-eat, everyday lunch buffet, wine and beer. A pet-friendly patio fronts Fourth Street while the family’s adjacent Lotus Market Indian Grocery on Fifth means free parking in the back.
812 4th St, San Rafael, 415.456.5808
Himalayan Kitchen
San Rafael
Serving up traditional and innovative Himalayan style cuisine with natural and local ingredients for high quality, delicious cuisine.
227 Third St, San Rafael, 415.526.3161
Northern Marin
Batika Indian Bistro
Novato
Batika Indian Bistro is the Novato spot for Indian cuisine made fresh daily by a chef of 20 years. It’s the perfect place for authentic flavor with atmosphere, as they offer both indoor and outdoor seating to take advantage of the beautiful Marin weather.
868 Grant Ave, Novato, CA 94945, 415.895.5757
Little Goan
Novato
A western Indian state with a history of Portuguese colonization, Goa’s cuisine reflects unique dishes like xacuti with toasted coconut and regional spices. The vindaloos of Goa are known for their balanced flavor, but don’t come expecting the chef here to lay off the chiles — just be sure to order a vegetable biryani and a side of raita to cool things down.
2007 Novato Blvd, Novato, 415.878.0490
Western Marin
Arti Cafe
Lagunitas
We love the mozzarella-topped quesadilla/pizza/naan cultural mashup that emerges from the tandoor fragrant with fenugreek, chaat masala and fresh coriander leaves and the lamb wrap infused with masala and tamarind chutney, a plentiful repast to be enjoyed on the sunny patio. The gluten-free onion fritters are a must for first-timers, while experienced eaters will savor the mushroom makhani and malai kofta —they’re mild and slightly sweet.
7282 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Lagunitas, 415.488.4700
Best of the County Dining Sponsor
Rodney Strong
Rodney Strong was an acknowledged visionary who understood the potential that Sonoma County’s soil and climate held for producing world-class wines and was one of the first to plant Pinot Noir in Russian River Valley and the first to produce a Chalk Hill appellation Chardonnay.
How can I arrange a tasting appointment?
We are open Thursday through Monday from 10:30am – 5:00pm. We recommend making a reservation but we are happy to host walk-ins when we have availability for tastings until 3:30pm. Please visit rodneystrong.com/visit-us to see our tasting options and to make a reservation.
Where can I find a list of upcoming events at the winery?
Please visit rodneystrong.com/events for our upcoming events.
I’m looking for a wine country venue for an upcoming private event; could I host my event at Rodney Strong Vineyards?
Absolutely! Please visit rodneystrong.com/private-events for more information on our private events.
Rodney Strong | Healdsburg | 707.431.1533 | rodneystrong.com
