Best Biryani in San Jose, California
1
Gulzaar Halal Restaurant & Catering
Middle Eastern restaurant, Afghan restaurant, Halal restaurant, Indian restaurant, Kebab shop, Pakistani restaurant, Restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 1880 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95128
Gulzaar Halal Restaurant & Catering in San Jose, California offers a delightful fusion of Afghan and South Asian cuisine, particularly known for their tender meat dishes and flavorful biryani. The family-owned establishment serves consistently delicious fare including their popular kebab sandwiches, chicken tikka, and traditional sides like samosas and hummus. The intimate, no-frills space is kept spotlessly clean, with the hospitable owner providing warm and attentive service to all guests.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Reviews are mixed regarding portion sizes, with some describing them as generous and others as tiny or small, especially considering the price.
Prices: Customer opinions on price are mixed; while some find the food reasonably priced or worth the cost, others consider it expensive, particularly given the portion sizes.
Parking: Parking is mentioned in a few reviews as limited or requiring a walk from a distant spot; therefore, the parking situation is considered inconvenient by some.
2
Karimi Restaurant
Halal restaurant, Indian restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 1086 N First St, San Jose, CA 95112
Located in San Jose, California, Karimi Restaurant serves authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine in a welcoming casual dining atmosphere. The menu features flavorful dishes like tender kebabs, aromatic biryanis, and classic curries, all prepared with traditional spices and halal ingredients. The restaurant earns praise for its generous portions and attentive service, making it a reliable spot for those seeking authentic South Asian flavors in a family-friendly setting.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviewers comment on the generous portion sizes, particularly regarding biryani and other rice dishes. Some also mention the large sizes of the kebabs. However, a few reviews mention concerns about portion sizes being smaller or not large enough for the price.
Prices: Reviewers frequently mention the affordable prices and good value. However, some also mention that the prices were higher than expected.
Parking: Multiple reviews mention the availability of parking, either in a nearby lot or on the street. However, some reviewers also note limited parking or parking difficulties.
3
Pepper Tales | Swaad Indian Cuisine
Indian restaurant, Buffet restaurant, Catering food and drink supplier, Delivery service, Family restaurant, Halal restaurant, Takeout Restaurant, Pakistani restaurant, Restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 498 N 13th St, San Jose, CA 95112
Pepper Tales | Swaad Indian Cuisine in San Jose, California, offers an authentic Indian dining experience with a focus on traditional dishes like biryani, tikka masala, and fresh-baked naan. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating options in a cozy neighborhood setting with a park nearby, though recent ownership changes have led to mixed experiences from longtime customers. While some diners praise their flavorful sauces and warm chai, others note that portion sizes and consistency can vary, making it a spot that delivers a typical Northern Indian restaurant experience.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Reviews on portion sizes are mixed. Some reviewers find the portion sizes to be laughably small, particularly the amount of chicken in the chicken tikka masala. Others mention great portions.
Prices: Reviews on price are mixed. Some reviewers find the prices affordable, while others find them expensive given the portion size and quality of the food.
Parking: One review mentions that parking was available but could be challenging during dinner hours. There is no further information on parking from other reviews.
4
New Tandoori Cafe
Indian restaurant, Halal restaurant, Pakistani restaurant
Price Range: $
Address: 405 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129
New Tandoori Cafe in San Jose, California offers authentic Indian and Pakistani cuisine with a range of flavorful dishes including tandoori specialties, curries, and biryani served in a casual dining atmosphere. The restaurant prides itself on using a genuine clay tandoor oven to prepare fresh naan bread and kebabs right in front of customers, while also offering complimentary chai tea to enhance the dining experience. The establishment maintains a clean, welcoming environment with ample parking and friendly staff who provide attentive service to both dine-in and takeout customers.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Several reviews comment on generous portion sizes, noting that dishes are "filling" and can comfortably feed multiple people. However, some recent reviews mention smaller portions at the new location.
Prices: Customer opinions on affordability are mixed. Some praise the affordable prices, while others note a recent increase in prices and express concerns about value for money.
Parking: Multiple reviews mention ample parking availability, with some specifying the presence of a larger plaza nearby offering additional parking.
5
Hajis Restaurant & Catering
Halal restaurant, Biryani restaurant, Indian Muslim restaurant, Indian restaurant, Pakistani restaurant, Vegan restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 1185 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
Hajis Restaurant & Catering in San Jose, California offers an authentic blend of Pakistani and Indian cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere located in the charming Willow Glen neighborhood. The menu features a variety of flavorful dishes including their popular biryani, kabobs, and curries, all prepared from scratch using traditional spices and cooking methods. The family-owned establishment prides itself on friendly service and a cozy dining experience, making it a welcoming spot for both newcomers to South Asian cuisine and those seeking authentic halal food options.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Reviews on portion sizes are mixed. Some reviewers found the portions to be small or on the smaller side, while others described them as generous or reasonably good.
Prices: Reviewers' opinions on pricing are mixed; some consider the prices reasonable or affordable, while others feel they are slightly overpriced, particularly considering the portion sizes.
Parking: Parking is discussed by a few reviewers. One reviewer mentioned that parking was not an issue due to a nearby parking lot, while another noted that parking is generally difficult to find in the Willow Glen area.
6
Taste of South Asia
Grocery store, Halal restaurant, Takeout Restaurant
Address: 2824 S White Rd, San Jose, CA 95148
Taste of South Asia in San Jose, California, is a cherished halal establishment offering a diverse selection of South Asian cuisine and fresh halal meats. The restaurant-grocery hybrid specializes in Bengali dishes like biryani and chicken roast, while also maintaining a well-stocked inventory of spices, groceries, and imported fish. Beyond their retail offerings, they've built a reputation for quality catering services, though customers note varying experiences with pricing transparency and service consistency.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: The reviews do not directly address portion sizes.
Prices: Reviewers have mixed opinions on pricing, with some finding it expensive and others not mentioning the cost.
Parking: The reviews do not mention parking.
7
Sophie's Mediterranean Grill
Mediterranean restaurant, Banquet hall, Caterer, Halal restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 4035 Evergreen Village Square #20, San Jose, CA 95135
Sophie's Mediterranean Grill in San Jose, California offers a diverse menu of authentic Mediterranean and halal dishes, from succulent gyros and tender lamb shanks to fresh falafel and homemade hummus. The casual eatery provides a welcoming atmosphere with both takeout service and a banquet hall for special events, though some diners note the ambiance could use improvement. The restaurant has built a loyal following thanks to its friendly staff and consistently well-prepared dishes, particularly their popular gyro plates and falafel wraps that keep customers coming back weekly.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Reviews offer mixed opinions on portion sizes. Some found them satisfactory, while others felt the gyro wrap, in particular, had an insufficient amount of meat.
Prices: Opinions on affordability are mixed. Some reviewers considered prices reasonable or acceptable, while others found them a bit pricey.
Parking: The reviews do not provide information about parking availability or the parking situation at the restaurant.
8
Halal Gyro Express & Kebab
Halal restaurant, Afghan restaurant, Gyro restaurant, Kebab shop, Mediterranean restaurant, Restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 2567 N First St, San Jose, CA 95131
Halal Gyro Express & Kebab in San Jose, California serves up generous portions of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare with their signature blend of flavorful meats and aromatic rice dishes. The casual eatery is particularly known for their New York-style chicken and lamb over rice platters, accompanied by their popular white and spicy orange sauces. While the no-frills atmosphere keeps things simple, the restaurant delivers consistently tasty halal food at reasonable prices with efficient takeout service.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviews emphasize the generous portion sizes, describing them as "giant," "huge," and providing "a lot of food." The large portions are frequently praised by customers.
Prices: Reviewers frequently comment on the affordable prices and good value, especially considering the portion sizes. The restaurant is often described as a "bargain" and offering "great prices."
Parking: The parking situation receives mixed reviews. While some reviewers mention a busy parking lot and smaller parking spots, particularly during lunch hours, others have generally had positive experiences finding parking.
9
Lahori Restaurant
Halal restaurant, Pakistani restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 1202 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95116
Lahori Restaurant in San Jose, California serves up authentic Pakistani cuisine in a humble, self-service setting where complimentary chai flows freely for all guests. The menu features a range of flavorful dishes including their popular tandoori specialties, rich curries, and various biryani options, all served in generous portions at reasonable prices. The casual eatery has earned a reputation for its friendly service and commitment to traditional flavors, though parking can be challenging due to its downtown location.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviews highlight generous portion sizes as a positive aspect of the restaurant.
Prices: The reviews indicate affordable prices and good value, although one review described the prices as too high for the portion sizes.
Parking: Parking is mentioned as difficult to find and limited in several reviews, making parking a potential concern for some customers.
10
Biryani & Beyond in San Jose, California offers a diverse selection of authentic Indian cuisine with their signature biryanis taking center stage. The restaurant's menu features everything from flavorful butter chicken and vegetarian options to appetizing starters like Gobi 65 and samosas, all served in a welcoming atmosphere. The establishment has earned a reputation for its aromatic rice dishes and curry combinations, though portion sizes and consistency can vary depending on the dish ordered.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Reviews are mixed regarding portion sizes. While some praise generous portions, at least one reviewer complains about a small portion size for the price.
Prices: Reviews are mixed on price. One review mentions a small portion size for $17, suggesting concerns about value. However, other reviews express satisfaction with the prices.
Parking: One review mentions a lack of parking during the daytime.
San Jose Halal Market
Grocery store, Halal restaurant, Pakistani restaurant
Address: 175 S Capitol Ave, San Jose, CA 95127
San Jose Halal Market, located in San Jose, California, is a longstanding neighborhood butcher shop specializing in quality halal meats and authentic South Asian cuisine. Their signature biryani dishes have earned quite a reputation among locals, with perfectly spiced rice and tender meat cuts that keep customers coming back. The market also stocks a variety of specialty ingredients for curry preparation, making it a one-stop shop for those seeking authentic halal ingredients and prepared foods.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Portion sizes are not discussed in the provided reviews.
Prices: The affordability of prices is not discussed in the provided reviews.
Parking: Parking is not mentioned in the given reviews.
Lahori Restaurant
Halal restaurant, Pakistani restaurant
Price Range: $
Address: 2565 N First St, San Jose, CA 95131
Lahori Restaurant in San Jose, California serves up authentic Pakistani cuisine in a welcoming diner-style setting with complimentary chai tea. The menu features a diverse selection of dishes including tender kebabs, aromatic biryanis, freshly-baked naan breads, and specialty items like brain masala and nihari. The restaurant maintains a casual atmosphere with generous portions at reasonable prices, making it a popular spot for both traditional Pakistani comfort food and classic curry dishes.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Reviews are mixed regarding portion sizes. Some mention generous portions, while others note small portions, particularly for certain dishes.
Prices: Many reviewers find the prices reasonable or affordable, especially considering the portion sizes and quality of food.
Parking: One review mentions that the restaurant has plenty of parking.