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Pakoras and Dal Makhani in California

A kitchen that prepares pakoras and dal makhani with equal attention to spice and texture rather than favoring one over the other.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Indian restaurant

Small Indian restaurant with cozy seating and a warm, welcoming vibe. Atmosphere suits quick meals or late-night dining, open until 2 AM on weekends. Known for authentic North Indian flavors and reasonable prices.

Paneer Pakoras come out crispy outside and soft inside. Pakora fish uses salmon, adding a rich flavor to the dish.

Creamy texture and perfect slow-cooked spices define the dal makhani here. It captures authentic Punjabi flavors with a buttery, comforting richness.

People are saying

"The Tandoori Chicken here is flavorful, juicy, and has a tiny kick."

"The Dal Makhani here is creamy and perfectly spiced."

"These pakoras taste like home-style cooking."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 2 AM on weekends, perfect for late-night dining.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially on weekends, with potential wait times.

3

Parking is readily available near the restaurant.

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Large, airy dining space offers both indoor and dog-friendly outdoor patio with heating. Warm, welcoming atmosphere features Punjabi music that energizes the setting. Clean, spacious environment complements authentic Indian cuisine known for standout dishes like butter chicken and korma.

Crispy pakoras come with a flavorful chutney that pairs well. Paneer pakora stands out as a memorable vegetarian option alongside vegetable pakora and other vegan dishes.

Rich and authentic Dal Makhani stands out with deep, flavorful spices. It pairs well with garlic naan and complements other dishes like Shahi Paneer and Gajar ka Halwa.

People are saying

"The food recommendations from Joban were excellent."

"The Dal Makhani here is amazing, thanks to Joben's polite and attentive service."

"I thought the vegetable korma was flavorful with the right amount of spice."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available daily from 11am to 3pm.

2

Expect a casual dining atmosphere with no strict dress code.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

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Indian restaurant

Large space with bold orange walls and a live pani puri counter creates a vibrant setting. Atmosphere is family-friendly with Punjabi music playing, sometimes loudly. Seating is comfortable and the vibe suits small gatherings well.

Vegetable pakoras stand out with a crispy texture and fresh flavors. The mix veg pakora pairs well with the chat basket, making both solid choices for a snack.

Rich and deeply delicious, the dal makhani stands out with its creamy texture and robust flavor. It pairs well with dishes like paneer tikka masala and butter naan, offering a satisfying experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the Amritsari Kulcha."

"I found the Dal Makhani to be rich and deeply delicious."

"I thought the vegetable pakoras were the best I've had in the US."

Good to know

1

The restaurant just opened today, offering a fresh menu.

2

Monthly specials feature unique dishes not available regularly.

3

The restaurant is completely vegetarian, catering to plant-based diets.

04
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Indian takeaway

Food truck with outdoor seating under a shaded tent offers a lively atmosphere that feels like authentic India. The space is clean and inviting, with a small sit-down area that allows enjoying the roadside view.

Fish pakora stands out with its freshness and great taste. Chaap also pairs well, both offering tasty options among the pakoras.

Rich and creamy dal makhani stands out with its smooth texture and deep flavor. It pairs well with roti and garlic naan for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was the best in Fresno."

"The fish pakora and chaap here are so tasty."

"I must recommend the Dal Makhani."

Good to know

1

Prices are high, with four plates costing around $78.

2

They charge $2 for extra condiments like mayonnaise.

3

Hygiene standards appear to be low, with reports of a dirty environment.

05
Luv Punjab image 1
Indian grocery store

Indian grocery store with a small, spacious dining area at the back offers authentic street food and lively music. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with tables named after Punjabi cities creating a connected vibe. Staff are friendly, and the setting suits casual, group dining.

Paneer pakoras stand out with their delicious flavor. Chicken pakora offers a tasty option alongside other fried treats.

Rich and creamy dal makhani pairs well with tandoori roti and garlic naan. The dish offers authentic flavors and a smooth texture that stands out among other Indian dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is really tasty and delicious."

"I thought the Dal Makhani here was the best in town."

"The paneer pakoras here are delicious."

Good to know

1

Parathas are not available after 2 PM.

2

The prices at Luv Punjab are affordable.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for small orders.

06
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North Indian restaurant

North Indian restaurant offers beautifully designed interiors with cozy dรฉcor and well-planned seating in a small space. Atmosphere blends upscale and family-friendly vibes but can become noisy and congested during private events. Authentic flavors stand out with rich, flavorful curries and a variety of traditional dishes.

Amritsari Fish Pakora stands out with its crispy texture and pairs well with chai. The menu also includes other pakora varieties alongside a range of Indian dishes.

Rich and flavorful, the dal makhani stands out with its creamy texture and deep spices. It pairs well with various breads like aloo paratha and methi paratha.

People are saying

"The Garlic Naan is so good, I couldn't stop dipping my naan into it."

"The Amritsari Fish Pakora is crispy and well-seasoned."

"The Dal Makhani here is rich and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Special buffet items are available on Saturday and Sunday.

2

Raunak offers a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian buffet options.

3

The restaurant has enough parking space available for guests.

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Indian restaurant

Remodeled space offers diverse seating options including a back garden and views of a historic street. Atmosphere stays cozy and relaxing with a quiet vibe. Authentic Indian flavors attract locals seeking vegetarian-friendly dishes.

Pakoras come with a sprinkle of chaat masala that adds a tangy kick. They pair well with amazing chai and have a fresh, flavorful taste typical of Delhi style vegetarian snacks.

Dal Makhani appears as a common main dish alongside paneer tikka masala and chana masala. It serves as a decent option but does not stand out strongly in flavor or texture.

People are saying

"The Indian food here is spot on and delicious."

"The Dal Makhani here is just okay, nothing special."

"I enjoyed the amazing chai and pakoras."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers vegan and dairy-free options for dietary restrictions.

2

A mandatory gratuity charge is added to all bills, regardless of service quality.

3

Expect to pay around $10 for a paratha, which some may find overpriced.

08
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Indian restaurant

Open kitchen design creates a unique dining experience with authentic Indian music playing on large screens. Atmosphere varies from peaceful for conversation to occasionally disrupted by loud, off-sync videos. The vibe blends cultural authenticity with a casual, lively energy.

Paneer pakora comes with sauces that enhance its flavor. Fish pakora stands out as a recommended choice.

Rich in flavor and perfectly cooked, the Dal Makhni stands out with its authentic taste and comforting richness. It pairs well with fresh naan and complements other dishes like Lamb Tikka Masala.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great, fresh, and tasty."

"I found the Pakoras here to be the most authentic Indian taste."

"The Dal Makhni was the highlight, rich and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The buffet is available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11am to 2:30pm.

2

The weekend lunch buffet costs $20.99.

3

Happy hour features drinks and appetizers at discounted prices.

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Indian restaurant

Decor reflects a traditional Punjab home with tapestries and sequined curtains, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Seating includes traditional manje cots and regular chairs, accommodating both casual and group dining. Energy varies from peaceful family-friendly to lively with DJ and karaoke events.

Crunchy and yummy vegetable pakoras stand out here. The Amritsari fish pakora is excellent and pairs well with other dishes like kadai lamb and bullet naan.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious with rich flavors."

"The dinner spots here have such a great, cozy ambiance."

"I thought the Dal Makhani was especially good."

Good to know

1

The buffet is available daily until 2:30 pm, except on Tuesdays when the restaurant is closed.

2

A 20% surcharge applies for large parties without prior notice.

3

The kid's menu offers both Indian and American cuisine options.

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