Shalimar
2115 Broad St, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401
Shalimar Menu
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Address :
2115 Broad St
San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401 - Phone (805) 781-0766
- Website https://www.shalimarslo.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 3:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
India is the birth place of Chicken Tikka Masala and Curries. Indian foods are prepared with a blend of finely mixed spices quite popular across the region. The spices develop the rich taste in Indian food enough to boggle your mind. The ever-increasing fan base of Indian food around the New York city is steadily increasing because of the large number of Indians who traveled to the land of dreams. The Indians also brought their very own vibrant, colorful, and aromatic authentic dishes for the people in the West. While most of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian food is great for people who are looking for vegan or vegetarian food option. If you are a Meat lover, don't get disappointed yet. Indian food also boasts of some popular non-vegetarian dishes too. Few examples are the famous Butter Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Indian food has gained reputation all over the world especially in the United States. You can find many places serving the appetizing Indian food across all major cities in the US. India is a diverse country with different food culture originated from different parts of the country. While the Northern region boasts tandoori dishes and korma offering royal taste, the Western Ghats offers sea foods that is made in naturally sweet tender coconut milk. The South Indian food servers a quality of different dishes made from rice accompanied with spicy chutneys, curries and famous sambhar. Also, the Indian sweets are a delight to relish. If you ever want to have a burst of sugar syrup in mouth, don't forget to try few Bengali Sweets. Be it spicy, tangy, or sweet flavor, you can find everything in the Indian cuisine. Be assured that the melody of spices will surely bring delight to you.
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John B.
My favorite restaurant in SLO, the buffet is always awesome and the family that owns it is very friendly. My favorite is the chicken tikka masala with the spicyness a 12 out of 7.
(5)Jackie P.
I come here all the time, and LOVE it. The food is amazing, the service is very polite, and the atmosphere is nice. Sometimes it takes a while to get our food, but since they do season the sauces to each customers taste, I can't really complain about waiting a little bit longer. The chicken saag and spiced lemonade are my favorites.
(5)Karina D.
I brought my husband here for his birthday since he loves Indian food. The service was great. They were so nice and really catered to us. Wherever we eat Indian food we try the chicken tikka masala. Their's was good, but we've had better. But everything else was really good. The paneer makhala was very good and so was their garlic naan. We can't wait to return and try their other items. I definitely recommend this place.
(4)Stella B.
I'm not really sure what happened here but I used to love this place. It's really just mediocre now. The owners are the nicest people and I keep going back wanting to love it but it's repeatedly just okay. If the lunch buffet has tikka masala that's delicious, but wheat bread pakoras at the buffet? Nobody wants deep fried wheat bread. In any case, the other Indian joint in town has much more favor but gave both my husband and I with nasty food poisoning so it's Shalimar or nothing if you want Indian food in SLO.
(3)Rose K.
After hearing the rave reviews about Shalimar we decided to try it for ourselves. We went on Saturday. It was 2:30 and they close at 3:00 so we checked to make sure we could have lunch. They told us if was fine. The waitress said since it was near to closing time we should order the Buffet which we usually do not do. We agreed and promptly went to serve ourselves. It was not tempting at all. Everything looked so dried up and it was the dregs, there was not much of a choice. We served the children rice as usual and they chose to sit at the bar area. I had the palak paneer which looked like a black paste and had a mud like consistency and a dried out potato masala of some sort. My husband had the chicken tandori rice and nan. He left most of the chicken on his plate. The rice pillau was dried out and definitely not fresh, it looked as though it had been made early in the morning and not refreshed at all. We asked for some nan and politely ate our meal. My son came over and said the rice was hurting his teeth. I checked his plate and the rice had the consistency of dried rocks. I brought this to the attention of the waitress who said since it was so close to closing they do not refresh the buffet and that I could of ordered some. ?? She is the one who recommended the buffet as it was so close to closing. Well to say the least we were not impressed. If they are going to have a buffet they need to keep it fresh no matter what time it is, especially if recommending it to their customers. Maybe when you order from the menu it is better. We will never find out as we will not be coming Shalimar again. Our first visit was our last visit.
(1)Steve P.
Definitely a great place to eat. We were well cared for by staff and our plates were quiet tasty. Comfortable and quiet atmosphere. I'll be back for sure.
(4)Phil D.
Delicious Food- very spicy. Incredibly sweet staff- Their honored our yelp coupon, even though we were just picking up food to go. Such a nice family-owned and operated restaurant.
(5)Tom S.
Traveling thru town and were dying for great mexican food, but it appears that it doesn't exist in SLO. We settled for a recommended Indian restaurant, and much to our liking, it was great.Great 'help' , great food, and pleasant surroundings. What else can you ask for ?!
(5)Cassidy S.
Yummy food and friendly staff. I highly recommend the buffet.
(5)Viola L.
So I'm not usually a fan of Indian food. However, my friend wanted to come here and try the food, so went along. I had the chicken masala with naan. The naan was good, but didn't particularly stick out in terms of taste. I've been to some Indian places in the Bay where the naan is to die for. The chicken masala was very flavorful and a little spicy even though I got mild. Service was okay, I had to flag down the server a few times to get my water refilled. But he was helpful in explaining the different dishes to me since I'm so n00b. It's a popular place for Indian families so it can get pretty busy at night. Near the bar, they have TV's playing Indian music videos. It can be quite entertaining.
(3)Issa A.
Shalimar was the first Indian restaurant I have ever been too. I've tried more since then, but it is still my favorite. The staff there are really friendly and accommodating, and they really make you feel welcome. I went to their Monday night dinner buffets a couple times, but they stopped serving Chicken Tikki Masala at dinner (and that is my favorite dish). So instead I now go to the lunch buffet, which is cheaper and has my fav dish pretty much every day! I only have a couple small complaints. Sometimes the chicken has some tough and fatty parts in it, and also the rice can get pretty crispy sitting there for a while (especially when you go near when they are about to close). Also, there's a lot more vegetarian dishes than meat at the buffet, but I understand that is cultural. Lunch used to be $6.95 but they bumped it up to $7.49, and now officially to $8.99. And for some reason we were charged $9.79 each for lunch the last time I went, but we didn't complain because we were embarrassed. They're just soo nice! It's been a while since I've gone for dinner but their prices per entree are about $11-13. But the Monday dinner buffet is $9.99. Their na'an (and garlic na'an) is DELICIOUS! I am curious to try more Indian restaurants and compare though. If my opinion changes after that, I will update this review. ps. Pace yourself! Every time I eat here I leave super full and have difficulty breathing.. It just tastes so good its hard to resist. This is coming from someone who thought I HATED Indian food back in like 2008
(4)Linsey P.
Loved the food and service was great :-)
(5)Geri O.
Very good Indian food for the Central Coast...I am extremely picky about Indian food, and this place gets a full 5-star rating for the SLO area. If I were comparing it to the Indian food in the Bay Area, I would give it a 4-star rating... The Lamb Vindaloo and Chicken Tikka Marsala are delicious. Always, always, always ask for "hot", the dishes taste most authentic when they are spicy, and the friendly owner Assim will come out with his "Magic Marsala" :)
(5)Kasra S.
Definitely recommended! Great food and hospitality. I was with a couple of friends on our way back from SF to LA. We were looking for indian restaurants and found Shalimar on Yelp. They offer a deal of 9.99 for Monday dinner buffet. Their food is very tasty and also inexpensive. Moreover, the staff are very friendly and nice. It was a wonderful friendly dining experience for me. I really enjoyed the rice pudding and Mango Lassi deserts. Lassi was a little too sweet and the rice pudding was exceptional! I will definitely step by next time on my way to Bay area.
(4)Devansh B.
Horrible food and worst service. Ordered Paneer Tikka Masala and Paneer wasn't marinated. Gravy wasn't of Paneer Tikka. Ordered Hyderabadi Birayani and can't even eat a spoon of it. Worst food ever. All of that can be forgiven if my water cup was clean.... Never come to this place. So pissed off and unsatisfied that writing this straight from the restaurant. I have been cooking for last 12 years but haven't cook this kind of food even on my first tries.
(1)Tony C.
5 Star Potential... BUT.... As a college student in San Luis Obispo I feel treated differently at this restaurant. Right when we sit down with our plate of food from the delicious buffet, the check is immedietely placed on our table. I look around and notice other tables get their checks when they are about to finish. I fine this really rude because I've worked at a restaurant for two years and know you should treat all customers with top customer service and equality. I really love the food here and I haven't found better, not even in San Francisco. The buffet has a good variety and is only $8.00. They also freshly make nan for you! Overall, the service is also pretty nice and the owner jokes around with us. I'm coming back
(4)Annie M.
This is right down the street from our house and, honestly, I would eat here everyday if I could. Super delicious, very friendly and welcoming staff. The lunch buffet is awesome!
(5)Aaron P.
I came here for dinner hoping for a nice dining experience since the ratings were so high. I was disappointed. I will say that two of the dishes my group and I ordered were good. But the other dish, the shrimp tikka, had too much onions, and the bell pepper was not cut carefully. There were seeds still attached. Most importantly the shrimp in two of the dishes, including the tikka, was overcooked. I also wish the portions were bigger, considering the price. If your looking for a place to get what you pay for, this is not it. I don't know if they consistently are this lazy about their cooking but I doubt I will return anyway. There is better Indian food to be had elsewhere if you are really serious about this kind of cuisine. I'd give it a 2.5.
(3)Mai L.
Delicious food! Monday night dinner buffet! Awesome selections!
(5)Rachel S.
This place is DELICIOUS!! Their butter chicken is the best I've ever had!! Plus they have a Monday night buffet for $10! There is a really nice family that runs it and the kids are always eating dinner when we're there-- soo cute!! I would definitely try this place if you're looking for authentic and yummy indian in SLO!! :)
(4)Mari G.
I would give Shalimar 10 stars if I could, thats how good this place is!! We have eaten here 4 times already and we travel from Orcutt each time since its well worth the drive. The Chicken Tiki Masala is the BEST!! The garlic naan bread has excellent flavors paired nicely with mango chutney. Surprisingly, their Taj Mahal beer has fragrant sweet flavor like a honey blonde. The owner was fun to talk to. He kept checking to ensure we were enjoying our food. He even asked jokingly if he can pull up a chair! We look forward to Shalimar every opportunity we get.
(5)Florence C.
Had their lunch buffet and loved it!
(5)Geoff K.
I come from England where curry is now the national dish and I love Indian food. Good Indian food is hard to find in the US, I've been here 12 years. I'm in town for a convention and had dinner there last night. Complimentary poppadums were crisp and tasty while I perused the menu. Difficult to choose. I had lamb korma with rice and a peshwari naan. All delicious! Kingfisher beer to wash it down. The waiter was friendly and helpful. He even offered to sit down with me and help me eat it, he was joking, but I should have asked him to share as it was too much for one. I asked for it to be spicy, rather than mild or medium. He said, "how spicy on a scale of 1 to 10?" I said, "Indian spicy or American spicy?" It's important to draw the distinction. He said "American" so I opted for 10, which was great. It was spicy enough so that I knew I was eating Indian food, but not, "OMG where's the water, this tastes of nothing except fire!" hot. I told the waiter it's probably the best Indian food I've had in the US, and meant it. I'm contemplating going back there tonight.
(5)Kevin A.
MORE PAPADUMS PLEASE I really love Punjabi food and Shalimar really hit the spot. First of all their prices are very reasonable for dinner. I'm used to Indian restaurants that charge $16 an entree for dinner so seeing entrees priced at around $11 was a nice change. The food was all very good. First off they bring you a very generous basket full of papadums with the usual duo of dipping sauces. Yum. Papadums are like Pringles for me; I really can't stop until they're all gone. For my main dishes, I ordered the obligatory chicken tikka masala which executed perfectly along with palak gosht which was bursting with the flavor of ginger and coriander. The service was attentive and friendly and I love the Bollywood music videos playing on the TV.
(5)Hans T.
Oh ~ well, not much I can say about this place. The foods here are just so delicious, just knock myself out... If you like Indian cuisine, and just happend you come to SLO for a visit, here is the place to go! And remember to order some Indian beer. Very refreshing!
(5)Tony C.
Shalimar is amazing. First time here and the food was delicious. The chicken Lorna and garlic naan are stupendous. Ate everything clean. The service was very friendly. We will definitely be back
(5)Joni J.
Super tasty and reasonable! Friendly, casual, nice atmosphere too:)
(5)Aretae r.
I used to come here for dinner off and on. Overall, good food, but nothing special. Great service...they handled all our odd special request. Basically happy place to go get indian in SLO. And the kids always roll out of there overfull. Then I had their lunch buffet. OMG!! I've eaten several hundred Indian meals across the last 15 years...Indian friends, Indian girlfriend...lots of Indian food experience, and pretty good spice tolerance. Their lunch buffet the first time we went had 3 dishes I'd never had before. Wow. All really good too. If you're going to eat off-menu...I'd give this place only 4 stars. Decent indian food, great service. On the other hand, if you're going for the buffet...wow.
(5)Andrew F.
Before eating here, I'd only eaten Indian food at a couple of different restaurants in the LA area. My girlfriend loves Indian food, and I was never a big fan of it. I do like the places where we eat in LA (one of them is actually called Shalimar also but they're not related), but I've never craved Indian food. We were in San Luis Obispo for one night and were trying to find a place for dinner. I read about Shalimar on Yelp and knowing how much my girlfriend loves Indian food, I suggested we go here. Now there is actually Indian food that I crave. We started with Naan and Samosas, then ordered Chicken Tikka Masala, Vegetable Korma, and Basmati rice. My girlfriend doesn't eat meat so I had the Chicken Tikka Masala all to myself. At first I didn't think I'd care for it that much, but once I ate it with some rice and naan I couldn't stop. I finished all of it. My girlfriend loved her Vegetable Korma and she was happy because the menu had both vegan AND vegetarian entrees. We ordered more naan and rice and they didn't charge us for it, which was very nice of them. The staff was very friendly and funny. We ended up spending about $30 total which is really cheap compared to what we spend at Shalimar in LA. It's just too bad that this place is so far away from where I live, but I guess it's another reason to drive up to SLO. JAI HO!
(5)J W.
Surprisingly good considering it's in SLO. Chicken Tikka was not dry and I especially enjoyed the chicken marsala. Aloo gobi was good also. I didn't enjoy the lamb biryani and the Gulab Jaman (dessert). Mango lassi is good. Come for brunch buffet. For $8 it includes all the naan you want and drinks (go for the mango lassi).
(4)Blake A.
Super friendly service and great food. Garlic naan, Taj Mahal beer and lamb vindaloo...Boomslam!
(5)Lisa G.
The lunctime buffet is always awesome and the naan is yummy. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Natasha P.
This place was outstanding. The service was excellent and the food was delicious. Yum!
(5)Rohit P.
We stopped here on our way to Santa Maria. We all ordered buffet and it was really good. Food was fresh and place very hygienic. The owner runs the place and takes special care to ensure every customer is happy customer. I would surely recommend this place.
(4)Raizel G.
I was surprised to find such good Indian food in SLO! The family that owns it is nice and they seem to have quite a few regulars. My roommate brought me here because someone asked her to check it out and give him her opinion on it because she's Indian, lol. She was actually impressed with the food! But, she thinks the menu selection wasn't that impressive. I got the chicken tikka masala and plain naan. It was good, but the sauce wasn't as flavorful as I expected. It was very creamy in taste and texture. Maybe I just have to get the spicier one next time ( I got the medium). My roommate is really picky when it comes to Indian restaurants, so that fact that she liked it is a good sign! Plus, it was easy to find parking, yay!
(3)Lisa R.
My husband and I are now fans! We came back for lunch today and enjoyed a much lower sodium content in the food! This time we could taste the flavors and our taste buds were very happy. Thank you, fellow Yelpers, for good reviews that encouraged us to come back. The Chicken Tikki Masala with special punjabi sauce had some heat to it, but not a painful level that ruins the eating pleasure for those of us with wimpy heat sensors in our taste buds! The veggie korma was yummy, as was the eggplant/potato dish. The Tandoori Chicken was flavorful and moist despite its crispy exterior (this is a great heat-free option for those who don't like curry dishes). The sweet fried dough balls are my husband's favorite Indian food dessert, so he was happy to get some today. 4 stars for the food. And 10 stars for the satellite music Ballywood dance videos playing on the huge TV over the bar. I was trying to break a few moves while munching away, and while my husband rolled his eyes. Loved the video with Indian singers/dancers dancing in China - ancient setting in front of a temple, then they were dressed as 1920s Shanghai gangbangers, then modern day China hip-hop Bollywood dancers...too funny! The number of outfit changes in one video is mind-boggling. Next time I need a Bollywood music video fix...we'll be back. And that reminds me, I still need to go see Slumdog Millionaire!
(4)Jon O.
Good service, good food. Really enjoy the food here, and the staff are very friendly and helpful. They have a great lunch buffet that is even open on Saturdays for under $7, you can't beat that for a good lunch in SLO. Give it a try.
(4)Sagan S.
Was passing through, very pleased with food and service. Monday night is a buffet, cant beat it, kids were 1/2 price. Manager is on top of his game and very friendly, will go back again!
(5)Ana P.
Food was delicious. Owner was welcoming. Service was attentive. Restaurant tucked away in a corner building, where top floor are apartments. Decor and ambience were not fancy, but clean and comfortable. Place was busy, but didn't have to wait for a table. Families, couples, and single diners. Lower scores only because prices were a bit higher than expected. Non-meat dishes priced similarly to meat dishes.
(3)Anjelica C.
I really liked Shalimar! The service was great from beginning to end; I imagine the man helping us was the owner. The location is a little bootsy from the outside but it was a really cute place once you stepped through the doorway. We didn't really know what to order so we turned to the waiter for suggestions and he was really helpful in telling us which dishes were most popular. The BF first tried ordering the Chicken Vindaloo, but knowing that we had previously mentioned that we were looking for a mildly spicy meal, the waiter advised him against it, which I thought was really cool. We started with samosas, and I initially thought 2 pcs wouldn't be enough, but they were the perfect appetizer for the two of us. We also ordered the Chicken Korma, Lamb Curry, Garlic Naan, and an order of rice and they were all delicious. I downed a lot of water during the meal, since I'm terrible with any level of spiciness, and our waiter constantly refilled my glass. When our rice ran out before our chicken or lamb did, he offered to refill it, since it was close to closing and he didn't want the extra rice to go to waste. I thought that was nice of him :). At the end of the meal he even asked if there was anything about our dinner that they could have improved on, but we were both pretty satisfied with everything. Then he told us all about their daily lunch buffets and I'm definitely looking forward to trying it. Overall it was a really nice dinner and the food was great. This was my BF's first time at an Indian restaurant and I'm glad he wasn't let down. He seemed to like it as much as I did :)
(4)Tom T.
The best Indian food on the central coast! The owners are so friendly. The price, quality and selection on the buffet is top drawer! I can't recommend this place enough!
(5)Grace O.
a lot of people say its really good but it really isn't for me. the chicken tikka masala has way too much cream in it that it doesn't taste like curry anymore. I feel like its a slightly westernized version of Indian food. its pretty pricey for its quality too.
(2)Jason M.
Excellent malai kofta an vegetable korma. Looks like an old apartment building. Not super sanitary. Yucky bathroom. No ambiance. Too many unmatching things. Clean linens and table super nice manager. Free samosa
(3)Madras T.
I come from the SF bay area where you find many Indian restaurants... Shalimar was authentic north Indian.. The service was excellent...they even prepared a chapati that was not on their menu, for my kid. We were in Pismo Beach and we drove 9 miles to Shalimar and the food was well worth the distance. Nans, biryani and mushroom curry were excellent ...the ambience was good. T'was a pleasant surprise to find such a restaurant in SLO.
(5)sherry h.
Stopped by Shalimar on the drive back from Carmel/Big Sur.... It's a quaint little place...it sorta looks like a run down house...and even though the interior is a bit outdated, you can tell its well maintained. We ordered the plain Naan, Chicken Tikka Masala, Vegetable Korma, Mango Lassi Drink and an Indian beer. Everything was really delicious. Nothing was too salty or creamy or overspiced. The staff was very friendly, attentive and welcoming. And the prices were definitely reasonable. Don't know when I'll be back in SLO, but I'd definitely go back to Shalimar....
(4)LuLu M.
We came here for the lunch buffet which was not that impressive - maybe their regular menu is better because it is fresher, but their buffet seemed flavorless and stale. We tried every dish: chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, paneer, etc. and the fried vegetables but was just not impressed. It is family owned and they were very attentive, but I just could not give it more than 3 stars.
(3)Daniel B.
BOMB DOT com for Indian food on the central coast Doesn't get any better than this for indian food on the central coast. Reasonably priced and very clean (on the inside).
(5)Alex M.
I've eaten here several times and really enjoyed it each time. I'm a fan of Indian, and this ranks among the best I've had. Very flavorful, perfectly balanced spices abound. It's family owned and the service is good, if not 100% attentive when dining in. I mostly have gotten takeout (pretty speedy - 10-15 minute wait tops). Love the (okay, slightly cheesy!) Bollywood movies and music videos playing on their TV. For me, indian is definitely comfort food and Shalimar fits the bill in taste and atmosphere. If you're new to Indian food, or simply don't know what to try, the lunch buffet is a good choice. They include complimentary naan, and as of this review it is reasonably priced at $6.95. The remainder of the menu I find to be a tad on the expensive side. Note - this place is tucked inside an old motel that you would never guess that a good indian place was in. Don't let this deter you. Also, rumor around town has it that the previous occupants also ran an Indian restaurant there, and it was terrible. They are NOT the same place!
(4)Drew M.
Stopped here while driving back from LA to the bay area. Was craving a curry - I definitely was not disappointed by this place. Have definitely thought about stopping there the next time I go through on my way down or home.
(4)Maggie P.
I've had Indian food in New Zealand, Fiji and United States (including dishes sold at Trader Joe's), and this is up there with the best Indian food I've had. The samosas were so good (when you order them, smell them). Oh, the Saag. We also had a chickpea (garbanzo bean) curry and vegetable fritters, naan. All were excellent. I never visited the Jewel of India (same location as current restaurant), but I always felt an uncomfortableness about the place and I'm not the only one. I was also advised by my east Indian friends that it was not the best. Even at Taj Palace (the other place in town), I never felt welcome. But here is there no awkward atmosphere. We were served on a Tuesday by the business owner/manager, who was very pleasant and charming. He gave high fives the the kid at the table next to us and chatted us up about his samosa recipe. Granted, the restaurant has only been running for about a month. But it has great potential to become very popular. I'm going to go eat Indian food once a month now. I'm a big fan of the vegetarian options (though I do enjoy eating meat). Food good. Welcoming, family atmosphere. Lunch buffet. All pluses. Hooray Shalimar!!
(4)Alex P.
10 bucks all you can eat! comes with a mango lassee-thing i go here with my homeslices at least once a week, im kind of sad that they don't recognize me by now....
(5)Sabina M.
Sadly, SLO doesn't have very many good Indian restaurants, or even many options for that matter. Shalimar is decent, and with a $6 lunch buffet you really can't lose, but the buffet is pretty limited, and the food isn't anything to get excited about. The service is friendly, but the location is unfortunate and the atmosphere is lacking. It's really not bad though, if you're craving Indian food--it's just not somewhere I'd go for a special occasion.
(3)Krista K.
Amazing food and CONSISTANT. The extremely low priced buffet always has delicious choices. The people are very friendly and service is great. Best Indian food I have ever had
(5)mike T.
Best Indian food in SLO! Super friendly staff, nice atmosphere, awesome food! Some of the best chicken vindaloo i've had in a long time.
(5)Nicola V.
Yay for Shalimar! I have a Shalimar back home so I was real excited to see one open up in SLO as well. Me and my friends went during their lunch buffet (Tues-Sat 11-230??). Their overall selection of food was good. They had a variety of vegetables, tandoori chicken, some other chicken in a sauce that I don't remember the name, rice, and salad. They definitely were not stingy on the meat so not all of it were vegetarian dishes. The buffet cost $6.95 which I thought was a really good price. I looked on their menu and some of the stuff they had at the buffet cost around 7 to 10 bucks. Also with the buffet comes their naan bread, which during non buffet hours, you have to pay 2 bucks for . In addition, the manager/owner said that the buffet dishes change every other day or so, so their is a good variety and can expect something new each time. Overall I thought Shalimar is a good place to get some Indian food compared to other places in SLO. The surroundings is not the most authentic, but who cares, their food was. note: I am not an expert on Indian food, but from what I have had before, this place pretty much exceeds them!
(4)Peter T.
Great food, friendly staff with a unique sense of humor, and awesome prices! If I ever have a case of the mondays all I have to do is come here and enjoy buffet with my girlfriend and my worries begin to subside. I wish they had the Tikka Masala at the buffet every time, but I am thankful that they keep it fresh and unpredictable. They keep the naan coming and the guy there refers to your fork as your "weapon". Will regularly frequent this place as long as i live in the area.
(5)Philip T.
Good service and incredibly flavorful food.
(5)Valerie W.
It's weird how you can go your whole life without something, and then spend a summer eating that almost exclusively and bam, you're hooked. Just like that, chicken biryani has become my new comfort food. Ethnic food in SLO definitely doesn't compare to that in the Bay Area, so I had to try this place out after passing by it so my times on my way to Chilie Peppers. The chicken biryani was really great. I've tried to make it myself and it just never measures up. The cashews were a good addition, but I wasn't too excited about the tomatoes (but I'm only used to the Pakistani version of this, so perhaps this is typical for the Indian variety). The mango lassi was really good, but I imagine it's hard to mess that one up. :) A little pricey for a lunch, just right for a dinner. They have a buffet Tuesday-Saturday, and at $6.95, which makes a better lunch deal. I'm definitely going to go back! I was excited to find out that they have samosas and chaat. Mmm...
(4)Elise E.
I like the food here. It has a good kick and is in good proportions. the downside is that the prices are a little high and you have to buy any nan or rice separately from the entree which really makes it pricy. It has a nice atmosphere though and for ethnic food in SLO, its good.
(4)Amanda S.
I really like this place! Lots of vegan choices! Good portion sizes. Good prices. The staff is great. The Monday night buffet is a great deal.... 10 BUCKS ALL YOU CAN EAT! And i can eat! You should try it at least once!
(4)David L.
Update on Shalimar Had afternoon buffet and chicken tiki masala was served. Wonderful and creamy and just the way I like it. Wonderful!!!!
(5)Michael M.
We love this place especiall for thie buffet brunch. One of the finest Indian style restaurants in regard to their food, its preparation, presentation, flavor and all round goodness. We stop in anytime we pass through San Luis Obispo. What a treat! Buffet is a bargain too with all you can eat prices and the food is just so delicous and mouthwatering. If you like East Indian food this is the place to go!
(5)isis n.
I brought my husband and family here for dinner the 1 night we were staying in san luis obispo. We walked a long way to get here as it was recommended in our hotel guide. The service was outstanding, always very attentive and we had a good chat with the wait staff and managers afterwards. I thought our waiter was refreshingly funny which made him memorable. The food was great, we ordered way too much and then proceeded to stuff ourselves ofcourse! The dips that came with the pappads were AMAZING!
(5)Hao P.
After a friend's suggestion for Indian food, I came here with high expectations. Finding the hole in the wall was rather simple so the location works well. Getting to the menu, there wasn't a wide selection but then again, Im not a big fan for Indian food. Everything seems like its the same dish just with different type of meats but with the same sauce. The only recommendation for this place is the Garlic Naan with their Yogurt "salad" sauce. I don't think i'll ever go back, maybe for the Garlic Naan in 5 years.
(3)Margie P.
Great authentic Indian food and great service. I highly recommend. Yum! One of my favorites!
(5)Jessica N.
This place was wonderful! We were driving through SLO on our way back to LA and yelped our dinner options. Shalimar got great reviews, plus had a 10% yelp check-in discount, so we decided to try it out. Delicious food!! The most noticeable difference between this place and other Indian restaurants I have frequented is that this food just tastes FRESH. I had the Chicken Korma. The sauce was amazing - I have had some good korma sauces in the past and this one was fantastic! The naan was chewy and fresh and the service was impeccable. We were taken care of both by a waitress and by the owner, who was super friendly, joking around with us and very very attentive. Prices are very reasonable, especially considering the fact that this is one of the only Indian places in town. I highly recommend! I will be back!
(5)Ryan H.
Best Indian food in town. Extremely friendly and funny owners with nice, well-behaved kids. Great atmosphere. Can't wait until my next visit.
(5)ashley v.
Yum! I ate at Shalimar for a birthday dinner with my British boyfriend. He lovesss Indian food and he and I were both thrilled with our whole experience. The serv!ers were very helpful and attentive. The food was flavorful and cooked well. We ordered the spicy and it was actually quite mild.. The Mushroom Masala is a must!
(4)Robert G.
Stopped on my way back to SB from Monterey on a Monday and did the $10 dinner buffet. Awesome food - the chicken curry was a bit spicier than most Indian places, and delicious. There was a good variety of dishes that really provided lots of taste options. I can't speak to the normal menu as I just had the buffet, but I imagine its just as good. Nice people too and a well kept restaurant make this 5 stars.
(5)Stephen H.
My favorite Indian cuisine to eat in SLO. Super friendly service and good authentic food. You never leave this place not feeling full. They offer decently priced dinner, and a super cheap buffet lunch.
(5)Lauren B.
fantastic food, very good service, they are happy to see you, and price is well worth the meal. pretty nice atmosphere too, very different from the place that was previously at this site. Best chicken tiki masala I've ever had, but I'm also not very practiced in Indian food (3 restaurants, 1 fast food place)
(5)Eric E.
Only been here with small groups for the lunch buffet ($7.50?). Food was fresh, great flavors, and kept full. Not a huge selection, but good variety and all good. Great service, almost hovering, rare for a "buffet". Make sure you get some candied anise seeds on the way out.
(4)Sarah S.
We had a great experience here the other night! I have lived in SLO on and off for the last 8 years, and I can't believe I've never tried it before. This is the best, if only, Indian food worth trying in town. We loved the atmosphere, and our waitress was very kind, patient and helpful while we explored the menu, and made lots of great recommendations. We ordered the mango chicken, palak paneer, vegetable korma, lamb curry, and an order each of garlic, onion and cilantro naan. We loved our meal, but felt like we maybe should have ordered more for our group of five. The dishes were prepared beautifully, but were quite saucy, with very little meat or paneer. For example, the mango chicken came with three small pieces of chicken in a bowl full of sauce, which was mildly disappointing as we each only got a small bite. Fortunately, we were able to fill up on rice and naan. I docked one star for the price to portion ratio, but allegedly there is an awesome buffet here on Monday nights and on the weekends, and I think that is where you'd really get a bang for your buck.
(4)Eric R.
I consider myself something of an Indian food connoisseur, and this place is one of my favorites. Since moving to SLO in November 2009, I've been here seven or eight times and have never been disappointed. The service is always great; the waiters/waitresses are always very friendly and attentive; and I'm pretty sure a single family runs the whole place and lives upstairs from the restaurant, which is kinda cool. More importantly, the food is just amazing and the portions are pretty substantial. I've had the chicken tikka masala almost every time I've been, but I've also tried bits of the butter chicken and chicken korma, and everything has been beyond delicious. Their meat is always tender, and their sauces are always very flavorful. The appetizers (pakoras and samosas) and beer selection are good too. Great place!
(5)L D.
LOVE their vegetable biryani and garlic naan. YUM! There are times I crave it. It's the best I've had anywhere. The buffet is also very good and a great deal. The staff are all so nice & funny. They seat you right away and check on you regularly.
(5)Andrew H.
Nice decor and an incredibly friendly staff. The samosa were good and the chutneys stellar. They served both a mango chutney that was sweet without being cloying and a nawabi (mint) chutney that was bright, fresh and just a little spicy. Brilliant! We ordered the chicken tikka marsala and asked for it spicy hot, and the bangan bartha (eggplant curry), mild. They were both excellent. My girlfriend is a vegetarian but liked the tikka masala sauce so much she tried chicken for the first time (by mistake I think). The gravy was rich and the spicing hot but with excellent depth and richness of flavor. I don't know how this was achieved, because usually hot spicing has to be cooked in from the beginning to achieve that depth of flavor. The eggplant curry had a subtle smokiness balanced with a sweetness from the peas and onions that was exquisite. The menu is mostly punjabi standards, but there were some interesting options on there which we'll explore on our next visit. One of the orders of papadum was a little overdone but otherwise I can't find fault with this place. The portions were generous: we ordered two dishes and had leftovers. The prices were affordable at about $11 per main dish. I've had better Indian food in India, but I've never had better outside India, and I have lived in Toronto. We will definitely stop here again!
(5)Heather M.
Ummy food and a great staff, with warm smiles. Authentic spices with a home made feel. What more could you want?
(5)Nisaa K.
This was such a great find on our drive back to the Bay Area. It's super busy on Friday at 6, so you may have to wait a but for a table. Warning for spice wimps like me: their mild chicken tikka masala was on the edge of my ability to eat it but was really, really good. You may have to order some raita to cool the spice down.
(5)Matt C.
My Number One pick for Indian buffet in SLO. I've tried Taj Palace twice for comparison, and Shalimar definitely is the superior choice. First, Shalimar offers a good number of really interesting vegetarian choices -- chickpeas, turnips, carrots with green peas, potatoes, plus fresh salad. Second, the nann and rice both are outstanding (and what's Indian food without these staples?). I wish only for a few more condiments in addition to the raita; a little onion or tomato chutney would be nice additions.
(4)Claire H.
Tonight was my second time at Shalimar, and I have to say that I'm glad I came back. I was not super impressed by the food the first time I was there, but it was close to the end of the night and I think maybe I was getting the dregs of the cook pot or something. The food tonight was much, much better and I even took my leftovers with me. Both times, the service has been fantastic; the staff really likes to take excellent care of the patrons. The price is just a little high for me to make it a regular dinner spot (around $12 per entrée), but totally reasonable for good Indian food. The only thing that I would have changed was their chai, which is not as spicy as I'm used to. The naan is wonderful, and the lamb vindaloo was prepared perfectly. I hear that their lunch buffet is cheap and great, but I have only been in for dinner. Open until 10PM on the weekends.
(4)Faika K.
This place is a total surprise. I was expecting a small takeout place but it turned out to b a real treat. Clean,upscale and v modern. The food is as good as the decor. The owners were friendly and made sure we got what we needed. Tried seeks kebab,Karahi and tikka masala. All were really tasty. Don't miss this place if you are in the neighborhood
(5)Du T.
This was a lot better than I was expecting. Went there for the lunch buffet and was impressed by the food selection. For $7 it was a really great deal. Chicken masala and chicken tandoori were good. Will have to try there menu dishes next time I go.
(4)Kyra G.
Nice ambiance, tasty food and a very friendly owner = a very pleasant dinner. My husband and I tried Shalimar tonight for the first time and finished dinner feeling that the restaurant is a very solid 4/5. The chicken tikka masala is creamy, slightly sweet and spicy. The chicken itself is super tender, which is a must for me to really enjoy a dish. Hubby had the chicken vindori (?), a potato and chicken dish. Again, the dish was well spiced and the chicken was very tender. We'll definitely be back again!
(4)Marta B.
I usually love this place, but my last experience was not good. Had the buffet for lunch on Friday March 18th - the cheese in the palak paneer was horrible - tasted "overdone" burnt & chewy. Some of the other dishes were okay (like the chicken tikka masala) but the palak paneer is usually one of my favorites & I was very disappointed this time. I hope my next visit is better!
(2)G to the M.
I first heard of Shalimar though a co-worker who recommended the lunch buffet. It was amazing! Not only was it affordable but the service was great. Although it has very clean and modern decor, the building in which Shalimar operates is a bit weathered which give it a "hole in the wall' feel. There's also Bollywood movies and music videos playing on the two big screen TVs which is endlessly entertaining. I've gone on several lunch dates here (perhaps too many) and am always well satisfied. I highly recommend it.
(5)Jeff B.
Buffet price is now $7.50. The dishes taste even better. The yogurt salad was superb this time around.
(5)Heather G.
Great! Shared the chicken tikka masala and lamb tikka botti, rice and naan with my boyfriend. Couldn't completely finish any dish, but everything was good. My boyfriend didn't think he liked Indian before. Now he's a believer. Mmmmmmmm lamb tikka...
(5)Jackie L.
Everyone is always super nice here and I love the Indian music videos they are always playing! Food is sooooo delicious I LOVE the naan & chicken tikka masala and their all you can eat buffet nights ($7.95-10.95 Sun & Mon?) are the way to go!
(5)Timmer D.
Pretty good for the central cost. It's not in the same league as Shalimar in Fremont, but they have a good lunch buffet and excellent Nann.
(4)Urvi P.
Good Indian food, very nice family owned restaurant.
(5)Patrick T.
Food was excellent! Go for the lunch buffet, the prices were reasonable (for us college students), and the service is excellent as well! The chicken tiki marsala is the best on the menu topped with rice. Sooo Good!
(5)Nicole B.
Our favorite Indian place on the central coast! Best lunch buffet and Monday night buffet......fresh food, great spices, great service!
(5)Susan H.
Love eating at your restaurant!! the one and only thing I would change is the cleanliness of the ladies bathroom.....it's pretty bad.....and does not reflect the better intent of your restaurant.....!!
(4)Meggan R.
Shalimar is a welcome addition in a town that is (in my opinion) somewhat lacking in good-quality ethnic eateries. The menu offers typical Indian fare--tikki masala, vindaloo, tandoori-cooked meats, as well as a wide selection of vegetarian dishes. My favorites (so far) are the chicken korma (nice and creamy) and the garlic naan (I could seriously eat an obscene amount of the stuff if left unsupervised). The dining room is casual yet elegant, and boasts a big screen TV that's constantly playing fun Bollywood-esque music videos. To get your most bang for your buck (and to try a variety of dishes on one occasion), try the lunch buffet, which changes daily. Oh, also this place serves alcohol (yay!).
(4)Matt R.
buffet for $6.95 is a good deal. nothing is extraordinary, but it cures a craving. mango lassi was just alright, i've had better.
(3)C D.
One of my all-time favorite restaurants! The meals are delicious, and the staff is the most friendly. They catered lunch at my company once, and I just about died from all the delicious flavors. The lunch buffet is amazing (only $6.95) and dinner is also reasonably priced (~$11 per person). My favorites so far are the chicken tikka masala and vegetable korma... don't forget the naan bread! Like I said, the staff is warm and friendly, and very eager to please. They also play Bollywood music videos on a large TV.
(5)joe c.
Wow! This is a real winner. The thing we have missed in SLO has been great Indian food. Not any more! This is as good as any place we go to back home. The buffet lunch is $7! And it's great. We will be stopping here every time we're in SLO.
(5)Nathan K.
I had the buffet lunch here with my family, when my flight out of SLO was delayed by a couple of hours. Lucky for us! This place hit a homerun in almost every respect: excellent food, excellent prices, and surpassingly warm, friendly, and excellent service. Very accommodating of vegetarians and vegans, too. I will definitely be returning here the next time that I'm in SLO!
(5)Samantha B.
I went to Shalimar for the first time last night for dinner, and I was hesitant because I had never had Indian food before. I was AMAZED the food is delicious and one of the owners was our server and he was so nice. The fresh naan was incredible and I will be back again soon!
(4)Honeybee s.
OMG!!!! Its a pretty simple restaurant, but the food was amazing. Hit the spot, a must try. I would suggest the paneer tikka and the paneer tikka masala....YUMMO. I wish they we had something this good in Orange County.
(4)rachel g.
Definitely the best Indian food in town. Great service and authentic meals. This is the same location as the previous restaurant "Jewel of India", but owned by a new family with improved food, atmosphere, and service. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food. PLUS, there is a lunch buffet for only $6.95 with NAAN INCLUDED. Be SURE that you order naan with you meal. It is amazing.
(5)d. h.
the food at the lunch buffet was excellent. we love different types of food, and they did not fail us. the selection was perfect for a lunch (vegetarian if you choose) and was an all you can eat. the food was a bit mild but it really seemed to appeal to a great cross section of diners at the different tables. blue collar to students to yuppies, and elders. we will go back for a dinner to see if one is able to get a bit spicier menu. the diversity of the clientele was impressive. we had dined at the location when it was under another owner and were thrilled to see such an updated dining room. we will definitely return! this is my first yelp rating, and it is testament to how strongly i feel about the yelp rating system, and the restaurant! also the naan bread was about the best i have eaten. freshly made after you are seated. excellent staff, so sweet! update...due to the fact we ate dinner there the other evening!! wow! wonderful, taste was light and flavorful. we were querried whether we wanted low, medium, or hot level on the food. we chose medium, a bit too mild, go hot if you really like hot on curries and vegetables. the lentel vegetable dish was outstanding, as was, really, all the food. great place
(5)Luke W.
So I've been back a number of times since my first review, and I have not tired of the smiling owners, the friendly quick service, the good food and the speed at which it comes out. The Monday dinner buffet is $10 and offers a chance to try some more fancier options, more lamb and fish choices, and the vegetable korma...wow! It gets packed dinner time on Monday's so come early. They do offer to-go on the buffet too which is a nice touch, I've seen some people do that, and it seems like a good deal. I think they do cater to a more American pallet, which is not bad, just something to note. The naan is really good and always fresh. This is clearly a family business that is doing well, they recently hired some more wait staff to make sure people are getting drinks refilled, plates cleared and quick service at all times. Great job! Do check this place out.
(5)Diana B.
Not sure if I'm spoiled to have grown up in Fremont where there is an abundance of tasty and cheap Indian food, but I was not impressed with Shalimar. Yes, their restaurant is clean, polite and efficient service, thoughtful arrangement and presentation of dishes, but food was nothing i'd drool over. I ended up spending over $50 between me and my boyfriend which baffles me since I have never spent so much on Indian food in my 10+ years of dining out. I understand there it is a shortage of these restaurants in SLO, but I will hold out on eating Indian food here again and wait until I go back home to the Bay where the food is just as good for half the price (at most).
(2)Tinie T.
I wasn't a fan, but my dining companion was! He LOVED the food here. I've enjoyed Indian cuisine more at other restaurants that I've been to. I did really appreciate the service (attentive, helpful, courteous), and the ambiance makes it great for dates or just having a nice meal out on the town. Also, lots of vegetarian and vegan options! Yay!
(3)Ethan Z.
Shalimar's food is outstanding - tasty and fresh - while the owner's and staff are friendly and attentive. My family and I love Indian food and consider the food here to be among the very best we have had from San Francisco to Sacramento and everywhere in between. Eating here has become something of a family tradition for us and our Cal Poly kids. We have been here many times for the lunch buffet and we have also ordered ala carte. As is to be expected the ala carte dishes are tastier and fresher than the buffet food, but the buffet is still very, very good. Actually, their buffet quality and selection is among the very best. Because we like Shalimar so much we have never tried the other local Indian restaurant, Taj Palace, and so cannot give a relative comparison. If you are ordering from the menu as opposed to the buffet make sure you try the chole batura here, it is amazing! And the Sunday brunch comes with your choice of champagne or a lassi. They have Yelp deals too, so make sure you check in.
(5)Peggy G.
I would have given this place a much higher rating a couple of years ago. The buffet is a great deal, but I usually ordered the chicken biryani off the regular menu. Over the past year, the chicken has become very dry and sparse (even through it is a $14 item) and I was appalled the last time I ordered it--because I was certain they had made the dish from leftovers from the buffet. That was a huge turn off to me, and I never went back.
(2)Alec T.
Shalimar is the bomb. Yes. Yum. They made delicious authentic Indian food. And they make it really mild (they know I can't hang with the spice). Food comes out of the kitchen impossibly fast, we were sitting for maybe 7 minutes and they had our meal out. Beer was delivered bottled straight from India with a frozen stein glass maybe 10 seconds after we ordered it. The interior is kind of hodgepodge, everything is clean but seems dated. They do accept chip credit cards, which is a nice touch. And for all you loyal Yelp! Check Iners (proper title?), you get 10% off your order if you check in! My favorite dish is the Chicken Tikka Masala and rice, make sure you get naan. I really like the garlic naan, $2.50 for a basket of delicious hot bread. They also have a BOMB lunch buffet, $9.99 for endless everything.
(4)Jenni K.
Came here once for the Monday night buffet. All the food I had was great! It wasn't a small selection, but not large either. They have the typical tandoori chicken, saag paneer, chicken tikka masala, vegetable korma, vegetable samosas all for a good price. The service was fairly attentive, though it's usually pretty busy on Monday nights. They brought out drinks and naan pretty quickly but waving them down for refills wasn't easy when they were so busy. If you aren't looking for a deal, then Monday night probably isn't the night for you.
(4)James J.
Visited for dinner tonight, wow, what a fun experience. Very friendly, attentive, and informative on questions. We enjoyed samosa appetizer and "Chicken 65" OMG, delicious! We ordered spicy and it was excellent. We had the vindaloo (we asked to substitute chicken rather then shrimp, no problem said our friendly and polite waiter). We weren't disappointed. Papadom, Naan, rounded off our experience. Highly recommend this, we're going back soon.
(4)Troy S.
Moved here a few weeks ago...this place offers the best Indian food hands down. Owners name is "Awesome" go figure. I'd suggest you come try the buffet for your self. You'll probably see a big ginger man creeping hard in the corner. Just act like its normal.
(5)Reina P.
Wow do not judge a book by its cover. This is where it's at! We celebrated my bfs birthday here because he is British and loves a good curry. We ordered chicken tikka masala and rice with garlic naan, tikka prawns and onion fritters. Everything was excellent. Great flavors. The chicken tikka just melts in your mouth and the curry is very well seasoned and delicious. The naan was crispy and perfect for scooping up the sauce. The shrimp came out like fajitas style , in a hot sizzling pan, very dramatic. We loved it. Not a big fan of the onion fritters though. They were more like onion rings and not the usual balls. Nonetheless, everything was perfect. Try their Chai Tea over ice also delicious. Definitely try this place out. It will not dissapoint.
(5)Al L.
I've eaten here twice!! I love the food! Butter Chicken, Garlic Naan, Basmati, Baingan Bharta, Paneer Masala! Delish!
(5)Peter A.
The Best Indian Food Around!! Always Delicious and the Owners are Awesome!! My family and I love Shalimar's
(5)Mike A.
Awesome buffet! We have tried quite a few Indian buffets and they never seem to have the most popular dishes. This buffet totally nailed it. Just about any dish we would normally order was available and they were all done very well. For the price and selection we will definitely be back. Customer service at a buffet is usually only a plus but the team here went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and comfortable. Thank you!
(4)Kason G.
If you are looking for a place without pretense in San Luis Obispo, go here!!! We went on a Friday for dinner. Its like walking into your Indian neighbor's house and getting a complex and fresh home cooked meal. The staff are genuinely friendly and quite funny. The establishment is simple and very clean and the food is comparable to some of the better Indian restaurants in other major metropolitan areas like the Bay Area. A unique cultural gem whose owners take pride in their service.
(4)Ryan T.
The food here was very good, but also very expensive. I did not like how none of the food came with bread or rice. For the price, they should be able to include rice for meals that require it, like a curry. I ordered chicken tikka masala that was actually quite good though, but after that and half an order of rice, I was still not full, and I spent a lot of money on that meal so I should have been full. Despite this, I found out that they have an all-you-can-eat buffet on Monday nights for dinner, so if I went there for that it would have been worth it, which is why I give this place 4 starts rather than 3 stars.
(4)Daniel D.
Okay, so Shalimar may not be as great as Indian food that can be found in Los Angeles or San Francisco, or even Santa Barbara. That being said, it is probably the best Indian food that San Luis Obispo county has to offer. The service is friendly, if otherwise unremarkable. The buffet is very reasonably priced and a great lunch option. Ordering off the regular menu becomes considerably more expensive when you factor in bread/rice and appetizers. I'd probably be disappointed paying $20.00+ for a meal off the regular menu, but the $10.00 buffet is a good deal.
(4)Kristina V.
Over 3 years later and still great service and great food. Well worth the price and the owners are so awesome. Love love love.
(5)Paul B.
Oddly enough, I found myself in an Indian-food drought over the past couple months. So when my friend asked if I'd like to make the drive down to SLO to experience Shalimar's lunch buffet [after a looooooong night out], I aspired to wake from my "morning after" coma and make the trip. And the doctor couldn't have prescribed anything better! What an amazing spread of veg dishes and halal [the islamic equivalent to "kosher" clearance] meats, bottomless papad and naan and one complementary glass of champagne or lassi! After an indulgent day of Pho sampling, I decided to "flex" toward veg, despite seeing the delicious looking tandoori and masala chicken options. I pilled my plate full of dal, pakora, aloo gobi, saag paneer, malaysian-style noodles and mint chutney. The food was well seasoned, mildly spicy [as is to be expected with a buffet] and very fresh. I felt reconnected, not only with one of my favorite foods, but also to a family that extends TRUE hospitality to their patrons and reminds me of why I support local businesses, whenever possible. So if you ever are in SLO on a Sunday and decide to give Shalimar a shot, it is highly likely that you will see me, perhaps in the buffet line with my second plate in hand.
(4)Reid C.
Great food great service! Love this little out of the way restaurant. The family that runs it is super cool and make great stuff. Killer garlic nan and epic curries. If you are in the neighborhood stop and have dinner, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Ashwin D.
Bad customer service.. We were in almost 15-20mins before close time for lunch and the only option we had was for togo. All the food in lunch buffet was over. So we had to order from the menu. Staff was not courteous at all which was our biggest problem here. Vegetable biryani which we later got after a long wait was just okay. Won't recommend this place.
(1)Mike N.
Go to the lunch buffet! So many options. I could eat the orange saucey chicken stuff for the rest of my life all day everyday. With a glass of water because its a bit on the spicy side. The rice balls weren't my fav.
(4)Chris P.
Shalimar is most certainly the best Indian restaurant in San Luis Obispo. The food is amazing, and always tasty! I visit a few times a month with both friends and family. Shalimar has a nice lunch buffet that is reasonably priced. They bring naan out to you when you sit down, and you are able to start making your rounds at their two serving stations. One of them is complete with fruits, salad fixings, and dessert; where the other one is made up of the actual course offerings. The types of food you will encounter on a given day are their Tandoori chicken (chicken wings and thighs); which is rather delicious and not too messy, chicken Tikka Masala, Basmati Rice, and other vegetable offerings. If you are going for dinner or any other time of the day where the buffet is not being offered they have many other dish options (which can be ordered during buffet time, too, but why would you do that?). My personal favorite is their chicken Vindaloo, the spices are heavenly, and the dish is complete with their chopped potatoes. The one thing that most every other patron and reviewer mention is that they do not offer a basket of naan or bring rice out complimentary with your meal, which most other Indian restaurants do. While this does not personally affect me, as I always go for the garlic naan, it is disappointing that they do not even offer these common staples as the main dishes have nothing more to them, and you are paying a reasonable price for each dish ($11-$15ea). The atmosphere of the restaurant is nowhere near posh, modern, upscale, or romantic. With that said though, it's very "authentic", the dining room is rather small, with about eight or ten tables. Varying wall colors, old pictures representing landmarks and landscapes of India, and most notably a large fish tank when you walk in the door and the tv on in the background playing classic bollywood movies. The owners always seem to take care with making sure everyone has water and that you are enjoying your meal, which is a huge plus. I would definitely recommend a stop in.
(4)Michael J.
I'd like to begin by saying that I've been to several Indian restaurants, including another in SLO. My experience was of the Monday night buffet which I was told was quite good. I was completely disappointed. None of the food was hot, and most of it was actually cold. All the food was bland and had very little spice. The vegetable korma, which is usually a favorite, was terrible. It was bland and looked like it contained some cheap frozen vegetables. The naan was ok, but not great. I went back to the buffet after they brought out more food, thinking this would be nice and hot and fresh. Sadly no. The only thing that was hot was the vegetable samosa, and those were only mediocre. Bottom line, avoid Shalimar. Go to Taj Palace instead if you want some real Indian food.
(1)Kano K.
Hands down the best Indian food in SLO. I absolutely love this place and would eat here daily if possible. Ive eaten here a number of times and have yet to be disappointed in the least. Not only is the food great, but so is the atmosphere and hospitality. The manager and hostess(es) really seem to enjoy and appreciate your buisness and really do their best to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Highly recommend you stop here.
(5)Ryan C.
Yelp saves the day again. We were in the area to go balls out crazy on some ATV's and needed something filling before the adventure. The wife and sis in-law were craving Indian. Yelp, tell me where to go. Yelp says, Ryan take your behind to Shalimar! What a good call. This place is delicious. We happened to get here right at opening, which is 11:30. We had a a large party and we were seated together. Every day they have a lunch buffet, which was perfect. This was my first Indian buffet and everything I had was killer. There is parking in the rear that they share with another restaurant. The building is nothing for ooohs and ahhhhs and the seating capacity is probably right at 50. I have to do my routine inspection before eating and this place gets a 4/5 for cleanliness. The dining area, bathroom, and buffet were all clean. There is a spot by the host table that could use some cleaning. Just a little too much clutter. But otherwise, this was a family that cares about their place of business. For a family run establishment the service was great. They were attentive and the owner had a very whimsical sense of humor. He even gave my daughters a plastic pale for play time at the beach. They were prompt to give us new plates. The naan came fresh and piping hot. All of the food was delicious, from the salad to the tikka masala. All of this for $9.99!!! Really, I was skeptical about an AYCE Indian restaurant but this place was a definite score. I loved it and will go back when I'm in town. I was full all day long
(5)Janet F.
I come here so often the owner recognizes my boyfriend and I. I never get tired of Shalimar, their food is always so delicious and authentic! Their Chicken Tikka Massala is by far my favorite from every Indian Restuarant I've been to (& I'm from LA). Their naan and mango lazi is also to dieeee for. I tried TAJ palace the other day and let me tell you, it does not compare!! Give Shalimar a shot and you'll not regret it, I promise!
(5)Dorothy W.
This place is fantastic, the food is amazing and the staff are very nice. We got our food for pick up this time and it's mouth watering and the owner was very happy we came in and very gracious.
(5)Anita I.
Tasty flavorful food, especially the fresh onion kulcha, rice, saag paneer and bhindi. Service was okay.
(4)Devin S.
Their lunch buffet is quite good for a buffet. The dal is a mung dal, as opposed to many That are lentil based dal, and is exceptional. A family was working there, they were very friendly and attentive. I'm assuming they are part or full owners. The naan was quit food as well and offers freely with the buffet.
(4)Rita H.
I have to say I was really really disappointed. I had high hopes with the 4-star rating for some decent Indian food. First off, when we were discussing the menu, the waiter apparently was listening in the whole time behind our backs. It was so odd because instead of asking us what we wanted, he just assumed. Second, they charge for rice ($3) and naan ($2). How else can you eat the curry unless you get rice? Third, the curry was really salty, unappetizingly so. The chicken in it was overcooked and dry as if it wasn't freshly made to order. Fourth, the naan came out thin and crispy rather than the doughy deliciousness it should be. It was like eating dry crumbly crackers. Overall, food is no good. I'd steer clear. It's edible but why pay for food that is only edible?
(2)Andy A.
I give them 3 stars only because service is amazing. I ordered delivery and food was at my door in 15 min. As for quality and taste not up to par to other indian food I've had. I got tandoori shrimp and that was salty, shrimp size was small as well. Lamb Vindalo was nothing special. Meat was on the tough side. Sauce hardly had potatoes not enough tomatoes. Hope they can correct the quality since they all are very nice family.
(3)Nicole D.
Heading up operations at Shalimar is one genial husband and wife duo. Shalimar dishes up authentic North Indian and Pakistani cuisine in a casual and relaxed setting. We shared our Indian staples of chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, basmati rice and a couple orders of the garlic naan and the cheese naan. We ordered our dishes with a heat level of mild and they came out extremely spicy. Our server, the owner, offered us some of their housemade yogurt to help quell the heat. It really did the trick...and what an amazing yogurt (raita); so cool and creamy with flecks of vegetables and spices. Apart from the high heat, everything was expertly crafted with a beautiful blending of Indian spices, herbs and preparation. You must order one of the oven-baked naan breads, which comes in a wide array of flavors like cilantro, garlic, cheese, lamb and nuts and raisins. Sample exotic flavors and fragrant curries and meats at this popular SLO restaurant. Value-seekers need to get over to their lunch buffet for only $8.99, available everyday between the hours of 11:30-2:30. Check in on your Yelp app and receive 10% off your order. I will definitely be back!
(4)Rrr X.
Ok the fishtank is a big deal and the family run restaurant backs it up with pretty good dishes. But the salt water fish and coral tank is really cool. And if you behave the owner will let you feed the inhabitants and watch the feeding frenzy. This is certainly adds a lot to the dining experience especially with kids!
(4)Joshua J.
As far as Indian cuisine is concerned, I've had a lot better and a lot worse. So far, the only Indian I have tried in the area, and it will do in a pinch if I get a craving. As for the service, very friendly and welcoming. That's almost more important in my book. Almost.
(3)Naomi T.
Wonderful food and service! Our server had a great sense of humor and made our dining experience enjoyable. Had chicken tikka masala and Tandoori chicken which were great dishes. I am so glad that we have access to delicious Indian food in the central coast!
(5)Nina R.
I've been here twice, and I have loved the food both times. I love having Indian food in this small town of ours! The butter chicken and saag paneer were amazing. The only negative comment I have is the lighting, which is really harsh and my whole party noticed it. Overall, a great experience.
(4)Leslie T.
Waited for 45min at the table for our 2 appetizers and 1 entree. We had a table for 2 and we had 2 other parties of 2 who came in after us who were served and paid before we got anything. This is the slowest place in SLO!
(1)Fatima K.
We were driving down from San Jose to LA and we saw that there was a halal place on the way. We were already getting late so I called them and asked of they had a kabob roll so we could just eat it on the way. The guy that picked up had no idea what a kabob roll was! So I asked if I could speak to someone more "ethnic", it wasn't a big deal. Anyways the woman who I spoke to was very nice and asked the cook if he would make us a kabob roll and he agreed so that's what the two stars are for. I ordered 2 kabob rolls and 1 chai(milk tea). Here's where it starts to go downhill. My husband got out of the car to pick up the food bc it was raining and we didn't want to take our toddler through the rain. When he went inside the lady told him EACH roll was $12.00!!! A kabob roll is NEVER over $5.00! It's a piece of naan with a half skewer of seekh kabob and some onions, cilantro and lettuce and some yogurt(raita). It came out to be $12.00x2=$24.00 and get this $3.00 for a cup of chai. We ended up paying $30.00 for 2 naans, 2 kabobs and a cup of chai. My problem wasn't with the price it's that kabob rolls are kind of like grabbing a sandwich to go or a Burrito. Anyone would be shocked to walk away with 2 measly sandwiches and a cup of tea for $30.00. Maybe if they were half way decent I would have been okay with the price. They were gross. I mean GROSS. The meat was smelly lamb, I've had my share of lamb but these kabobs were smelly(like gamey smelly) and the taste was weird. The texture was crumbly. The sauce whatever sauce it was I'm guessing it was their take on raita was SWEET! I understand that some dishes like orange chicken is meant to be sweet but Indian food is NEVER sweet. It's just not part of the cuisine. Bad prices, bad food, just gross. Skip this at all costs unless you want just naan.
(2)Charlene T.
Ordered to-go: Chicken Tikka Masala with brown rice (spiciness level 8) : very flavorful and made with thigh meat. Sauce was nice and creamy. The brown rice also had peas in it (bonus!). Garlic Naan: aromatic and tasty! perfect for dipping the tikka masala Only negative was that when I reheated the tikka masala there was a thick layer of oil... but I guess that's what makes it so delicious! ;)
(4)Sarah U.
Okay so, I've driven by this place for years, and I've sorted through great reviews about this place also for years. But I never stopped in cause I always figured I wouldn't like Indian food. But I'm a foodie, why wouldn't I?! I am soooo glad I finally went! I saw a movie with a lot of Indian food flavor, and it brought this restaurant back to mind. Arrived on a Saturday evening around 6pm for two, seated right away. Great staff, very attentive. I was worried about that from other reviews. But they were wonderful. Food: Appetizers: vegetable samosas - 2 yummy large samosas with dips! Chana samosas chat - it's hugeeee and good! Looks like a mound of stuff, but so flavorful in your mouth! Mmm Stuffed at this point but must keep eating! Entree: chicken tikka masala (cause this seems to be a traditional/clutch Indian dish I've never had!) - omg get this. Creamy, flavorful, the sauce all over rice will make you cry. So good. Tender chicken Chicken vindaloo - spicy and we ordered mild. Strong cilantro flavor. It was really good too!! Tender chicken and potatoes Aloo gobi - vegan dish, wasn't bad at all, but compared to the other dishes I felt it wasn't as flavorful! But you need your veggies, so just mix it with some of the other sauces and your good to go! Then the bread, we picked the garlic naan! Said it was garlic stuffed, but really it was just garlic and seasoning on the top of naan. It was perfection. I could eat that daily. Left overs bomb the next day! Not gonna lie, this is an epic restaurant in slo, and I will be back often!!! Total comfort food.
(5)Daniel C.
Gosh I hope I don't get sick. The chicken, be careful of the chicken! I opted for the Monday night buffet which was what I expected it to be. Didn't want to soil the cloth napkins with a mouthful of raw chicken so excused myself to the restroom. The only item on the buffet that really impressed was the saag paneer. It had plenty of flavor and just the right texture. My father opted for a more traditional dish, the lamb shish kabob. The dish looked great, lamb over a bed of onions. It sounded even better, sizzling on a hot skillet. Bummer he found it overcooked. I truly wanted to like this place and give it a few more stars. The manager was friendly, the staff attentive, the atmosphere friendly... But eating raw chicken just makes my stomach churn!
(1)Ahad W.
One star for the waitress, the chicken tika masala, and naan. Everything else was horrible including the so called owner/manager whom seemed more interested in his playoff game than his customers! My wife had a dirty plate so she got up herself to switch it out, the owner saw her and went to the plate area to pick up the other plate, looked at us with a dirty look and walked away...an apology would be nice shit head! Anyway place needs cleaning, better customer service, and a more attentive owner/manager!
(1)Shugufa A.
Great food and outstanding service. The owner was friendly and very interactive with guests in the restaurant. Family owned business. I went there for lunch during a work visit and found them on yelp. They are definitely a must try. The lunch buffet was great. Quality meats. Thanks Aasim!
(5)J.c. R.
Great place in SLO if you're craving some Indian food. The environment is very comfortable and cultured. The workers there have always been very helpful and attentive. I have gone here plenty of times with large parties, and they always accommodate. There is a back room for large party reservations, just in case you think their building is too small. As for the food, I'm a sucker for spice and they don't disappoint. Their buffet has a decent sized selection, so you might exhaust your options with 2-3 plates. I'm definitely not an expert on Indian cuisine, but I love their naan the most out of all the Indian joints in SLO. I say go check it out for yourself. It's good Indian food for a great price.
(5)Eric S.
This place is right down the street from me and so is very convenient. Ordered Chicken Tikka Masala for takeout (one of my fav's) and the curry was very tasty and spicy as I had requested. People are very friendly and as has been said by several others they will treat you as part of the family. Minor complaints: $20 for a single dish takeout is fairly pricey. The chicken seemed like it was cooked off earlier (baked?) and reheated with the sauce. Not a huge deal, but at that price I would kind of expect freshly sauteed chicken. I will be back, but it will have to be a once in a while treat I'm afraid.
(3)Preston K.
Went the Shalimar for their lunch buffet. Was not disappointed. You walk in, grab a plate and utensils and start picking what you want from the numerous tasty selections. Make sure you bring your appetite, as there is far too much to choose from (just more reason to come back again). This is perfect for that quick lunch during your work day. You don't have to wait to be seated, wait to be served, and finally wait for a check. You go at your own pace and serve yourself. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable which makes Shalimar a win win. I will definitely be back for more.
(4)Nikki D.
I went here for a birthday dinner on Saturday night. I had never been here before, but it was the Birthday Girl's favorite place. I had (selfishly) tried to sway her to go elsewhere with a little bit more "atmosphere"... I was so pleasantly surprised! From the second we walked in, we were greeted as if we were one of the family. OUTSTANDING customer service.They took our birthday cake that we brought in as soon as we arrived, and brought it out at exactly the right moment after our dinner ended, complete with candles. :-) Aside from the great service, the food was AHH-MA-ZING! We shared the Dal Makhani, the Palak Paneer and the Karahi Chicken... SO GOOD. We ate everything that was set out in front of us in ten minutes flat (ok, that is more inhaling than eating!)-but SO GOOD. We washed it down with Indian beer, which I had never tried, but it was pretty good, as well. Who knew?! I am definitely returning for their lunch buffet and will try even more of their selections especially the Chicken Masala, which I heard was great, but didn't try! They also had a large flat screen TV and I was able to catch part of NLCS game in the middle of the revelry. To recap: GREAT parking (so important in SLO), GREAT service/atmosphere- and DELICIOUS food. Happy Birthday to my new "relationship" with Shalimar.
(5)Michelle B.
Isn't much to look at from the outside but pleasantly surprised once we were seated. Have only been to Indian food up in San Jose so my expectations were high. The owner greeted and seated us. The service was outstanding as was the food. Best chicken vindaloo I've ever had! Will definitely be back!
(4)Anita P.
DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT INDIAN FOOD BUT I AM NOW AN INDIAN FOOD FANATIC. Will absolutely force my picky eater friends to come with me next time (tomorrow?) Our waitress's name was Pria? Priya? Prya? Prea? Preah? Preyah? Priyah? I'm sorry, I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO SPELL, but something I dod have an idea about...IS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU. YOU DO YOU GIRL. Thanks for all the help. Thanks for the food Shalimar. Thanks for the Memories (Fall Out Boy reference for those of you who don't know.) SEE YOU TOMORROW SHALIMAR!
(5)Kevin Y.
The food was pretty decent! It wasn't amazing and delicious, but it is good enough to enjoy. The location is a bit hard to get to since I ride a bicycle, but it's good exercise. The flavors in this place were very pleasant if you like Indian food! There weren't many people when I went inside with my group of friends. The lighting was a bit dim for such a big space.
(3)Sara V.
We really did not enjoy our lunch here. The restaurant is bare-bones.. no decor, simple buffet. However, the stars come off because the food was just meh. The naan was undercooked and the center was doughy. The dishes were all basic. not too tasty, nothing special. Would not visit again!
(2)What's in a nam e.
It's a cleaner, more spacious location than other Shalimars (the other ones I've visited are in SF and Sunnyvale). But the food left much to be desired... fairly bland and not the usual hot-and-spicy Pakistani food I have come to expect from Indo-Pakistani places. The veggie pakoras were good.
(2)Casey A.
One of my all time favorite restaurants in SLO! The food is great and is always fresh. It is packed full of flavor and is very authentic. The staff is always courteous and they even throw a few jokes around, which is always fun. Sunday Brunch is delicious and you get to taste a sample of foods while washing it down with a mimosa. Every time I leave I can't wait to go back.
(5)Nestor G.
Being a former Cal Poly student, this placed was da bomb!!! Sunday buffets??? Yes sir! Oh man, my friends and I feasted on all you can eat with naan bread! Just delicious options! I have also tried lamb dishes and curry and they were really flavorful, but not the best lamb I've tried. The owner and his son are really funny. I had buffet one time and just finished my second plate and the son comes over and says, "Give up? Come on man!" Funny guy and very attentive to our services. Food here is delicious, outside and inside seating available, superb service, and great price! If I am back in SLO again, I would love to visit this place again!
(5)Brianne L.
Best Indian buffet I've had. Food is so flavorful and good every time. Very reasonably priced for the lunch buffet! I recommend this Indian place over any other one in town
(5)Manisha S.
We tried the Friday Lunch Buffet: Aloo gobi and dal maharani = ok palak paneer = not upto mark malaysian noodles = more of Indo-chinese touch rather than Malayasian; was not that bad. Overall, I have had better...service is poor. P.S.: I am vegetarian.
(3)Airwolf X.
This is the only halal Indian restaurant in San Luis Obispo according to yelp listing. Once I arrived at the restaurant, I have also noticed the list of Indian beers being offered! The buffet was disappointing as it seemed to be focused more on vegetarian dishes. Only meat dishes were Tandoori chicken and chicken tikka masala. Also included in buffet are brown rice and plain rice. If you are looking for authentic flavor, this is not your place. It's alright for a quick bite if you are on the from LA to San Francisco.
(3)Mindi T.
Great food! They offer brown rice in the buffet, have a wonderful offering of different entree's and include naan! All for under $10 for lunch! You can't do better!
(4)Michelle M.
They have an excellent Indian cuisine. The owners are very friendly and want to make sure that you enjoy your visit there.
(5)Keith B.
Indian food is one of my favorites. When Shalimar first opened, the food was good and it was nice upgrade to the indian restaurant that they replaced. Unfortunately, it's gone downhill. Tonite, my wife and I went to the Monday dinner buffet. There wasn't a single dish that tasted good. Very disappointed. The employees like to watch TV. I've always noticed this and tonite it was really bad. One man sat and did nothing for all the time we were there. We waited about 10 minutes after our plates were taken away and no check was brought and no one every came by that we could ask. The server was too busy watching the TV. Seems like they don't care about the customers or their business. Rip the TV out and focus more on the quality of your food and your restaurant. After our recent visit, there's nothing to make us want to go back.
(1)P. M.
Its ok. I've had better. Its very mediocre. Buffet food is rarely superb. You have to go early because the later you go the fewer times the food is replenished. If you want kick ass Indian food you have to make a trip down South or up North.
(3)Caligrrl G.
By far, the best Indian food in town! Sometimes they can be inconsistent with heat levels, but their food is always tasty! Plus, the owners are super nice and warm. They don't deliver, but you can take out.
(4)Mark L.
Shalimar is probably the best Indian food in San Luis Obispo. Taj Palace used to be my go-to place, but now that I'm no longer a student, my taste buds have matured. Lunch buffet is the way to go. For under $9, you cant beat it. Here's a breakdown of the food I had. Basmati rice - pretty standard at all Indian buffets. Indian fried rice - something I haven't seen before. Nice change of pace. Tandoori chicken - Good, but kind of dry. Chicken tikka misala - tomatoes and cream taste the same wherever you go. Spinach with housemade cheese - not a big fan of the cheese, but the spinach with a little of the tikka misala, all topped off on a piece of naan is delicious. Naan - came out hot. And the kicker... I'm a huge fan of the rice pudding. Not going to lie, I had two cups. Creamy and sweet, but not too sweet. No overpowering cinnamon flavor. Just a nice rice pudding.
(3)Megan B.
Beautiful and delicious food! Kind and attentive service. So reasonably priced. Dinner after The Hundred-foot Journey with a great friend - this place is wonderful and we will definitely be back!
(5)Hugo B.
This is a great place to eat. The owner(?) with the name which sounds like "Awesome" (may be that's Assam or something like that) is a great guy. He is friendly, welcoming, helpful. He has hundreds of funny things to say, while serving food. He seems always in good spirits! The food is served fast and its delicious. My favorite was tenduri chicken and chicken byriani (pardon my spelling). We've been at this place several times and will come back. Thank you Awesome!
(5)Shan S.
Baykar khana. If you know what Indian food is supposed to taste like, you will be sorely disappointed. I couldn't finish one plate of an all you can eat buffet. This is watered down cheap stuff, and randomly mixed with Chinese food which doesn't make sense. No taste, no flavor, no spices.
(1)Bill G.
Oh my god! This is the best Indian food I've ever had! (And I've had a lot of Indian food.) we loved everything, but especially the chana samosa chat. I don't think that you can go wrong here.
(5)Ann M.
So I came here for Valentine's day with a couple of friends and my boyfriend. We got two chicken tikka masalas and one of the lamb curries with naan and garlic naan. My main complaint, as a college student especially, is that this place is pricey. $12 for curry, and you have to pay $2/$3 extra for every plate of naan. Other places give the naan for free! The taste was creamy and overall yummy. The naan was my favorite part. One of the people working there came and took our stuff without asking which bothered me because sometimes we weren't done or just weren't ready. Basically, she was an eager beaver. I don't know I'd come back to Shalimar for their regular priced food. I'd probably come to try out their buffet for lunch but that would be all. Too expensive for my cheap college ass.
(3)Jennifer H.
Sunday buffet for 9 dollars :D and there's also a yelp check in for 10% off! I really only go here for the buffets because I always get my fill! It's delicious :) They have usually a selection for salads and fruits to start off if you would like and desserts for the end, something along the lines of tapioca pudding. And for the actual Buffet, they have about 6-7 different dishes including the rice for you to choose from! I LOVE THE CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA :D it's so rich and delicious, the chicken is super tender, and I love eating it with a ton of rice! soooo good! I usually like their other choices too because i love spices but some of their dishes can be a little on the spicy side! The buffet also comes with a basket of Naan! And their Naan is yummy :) It's nice doughy but at the same time crisp, sooo good with the chicken tikka masala sauce! In addition to the basket, you can either get mimosas if you're of age or you can get the Mango Lassi! The mango lassi is really rich and creamy and kind of thick, so I would avoid drinking too much of it or else you won't have room to eat your food! Definitely come here and try out the buffet :) Best place to get Indian food in SLO!
(4)Bogdan G.
Awesome staff and great tasting food. The servers were really nice, especially the girl named Olga!
(5)Kathy A.
Delicious food. Priya was such an amazing waitress, she is always there when we needed her. It was fantastic and we've been coming for years and highly recommend it!
(5)Jhon J.
We went for dinner to this restaurant, which we got our food packed and went to the Gondola to eat it. The food was really good in taste, and fresh. Its a very popular
(5)Swamp D.
Excellent collection of Indian Breads. Excellent collection of Indian dishes. I haven't tried them all but the owners are always friendly and treat you like a family member. Owners are Pakistani-American and not Indian if that matters to you. The lamb dal is excellent and the wait staff are pretty attentive. Atmosphere and ambiance are acceptable although not fantastic. Give it a try.
(4)Lauren B.
This place is incredible. My husband and I were heading over to eat at Chillie Peppers, (which is pretty delicious for a cheap burrito, hmmm...maybe I'll write a review) but were sucked in by the delectable Curry & Sweet smelling aroma of the indian food place next door. Oh man, I am so stinking thankful we made that detour. (No hard feelings chilie peppers). We were fortunate enough to have landed there on a Monday night, which is their local famed buffet night. Most (as do I) usually cringe at the thought of a buffet. This my friend, is no ordinary buffet. It is boasting full of flavorful, fresh, and just down right delicious Indian treats. Just so dang yummy. We ate there two nights ago and are already saying we should go back tonight. Definitely make is a weekly haul coming from Cayucos into SLO on Mondays for the buffet. Well worth the trip. Plus the staff are very accommodating and nice.
(4)RAAD S.
Absolutely AMAZING! I ordered take out around 8 pm. The staff was nice, complimented my hat, and she was very beautiful. Chicken tikka masala, garlic nann, & basmati rice for 19$. Normal for indian food. I read someone being upset about paying for rice and I wonder, is this your first time eating at an Indian restaurant? Almost every place I've been to does that it's not Panda Express rice, it's basmati. Chicken tikka ordered spicy was piping hott and extremely flavorful, the bread was doughy with a great crispy texture. The rice came with peas. I gave a little to my friends and they are going to visit now. Thank you for the good food.
(5)Monica W.
Great service and amazing food!! Was visiting from out of town and wish I lived closer. Enjoy local SLOs. ;-)
(5)M. T.
This is one of my fiancé's and my favorite places. We're addicted to the saag paneer and garlic naan. The owners are amazingly sweet individuals and it is apparent how much love and energy they put into the restaurant. I've tried just about every vegetarian dish on the menu and they are all well seasoned and nicely balanced. The buffet is a fun way to try new items (but I always go back to my favorites).
(5)Liana P.
Delicious food, super friendly staff, Bollywood and a $10 lunch buffet... absolutely perfect :-)
(5)Jim M.
Birthday dinner. Food was FANTASTIC. Staff was very helpful. Best Indian food I've had in a long time...
(5)Denise M.
First time having Indian food. Won't be my last! I honestly feel this is the only place in SLO where the food is worth its price. Broke college students rejoice! $8.99 for all you can eat lunch buffet. Amazing. And 10% off with a Yelp check-in?! Excellent service and FREE naan bread that they make in house. You won't regret it!!
(5)Sam C.
There aren't many options for Indian food (or ethnic food, for that matter) in downtown SLO, so I was weary about coming to Shalimar, but it was surprisingly good! When I first walked in, I felt like I was in a movie at some out of place ethnic restaurant in a vanilla town -- hmmm, maybe that's just reality? Menu has a good variety of typical Indian dishes (curries, masalas, samosas, naan breads). You can adjust the level of spiciness for your dishes! Food really is delicious. I already forgot what we ordered, but it was good! I love naan bread, and their garlic naan was fresh and amazing. I know they have a buffet special, I would try that out next time I'm visiting SLO, just so I can sample more stuff. Great service, plenty of seating area. It's a cute restaurant and an unexpected surprise.
(4)Ray A.
Our first time in San Luis Obispo and we decided to stay at beach front lighthouse little villa .... Kids are hungry and here we go yelping one more time as usual and we all decide on Indian food so here comes shalimar restaurant with a almost five star ratings. We are excited to have a dinner here. Drove down for 10 miles to find this place expecting a nice place and we arrived to an apartment looking location and my wife was hey this is an apartment complex and I said wait but there is a sign says shalimar so we go in and found ourselves alone there. A guy pops out... Hey folks!!! Welcome to shalimar... We sat down and the guy brings menus for us and I kindly asked if their meat was halal.. The guy replies READ THE MENU!! doesn't it says Halal? I was like yeah I see it... Then he was like then? We ordered chicken Tekka masala a very famous Indian dish and some kabobs and some bread and vegan dish as well.. He seemed very unhappy for being there he takes our order and then goes sits in the bar area and turns on TV and starts flipping channels without even bringing our drinks first. Anyways my kids were like What is this dad? I told the kids relax it's going to be fine and he comes back and asks where were we from and I told him Bay Area and we usually go to shalimar in Fremont area. I asked if they were affiliated with Fremont location and he strangely looked at us and said NO! At that time I knew the food was going to be no good. Oh well too late to change our minds I guess...so the food arrives. Completely tasteless no spices very blend version of Indian food compared to what we have been having elsewhere, the kabobs were not cooked properly and I asked him if I could get the kabobs reheated and get it cooked more he replies I have to go bike ridding with my kids now.... Crazy as it sounds this guy goes to the far end of the dinning area gets his bike unchained, puts a helmet on straps it tied to his chin and yells out to his kids whom popped out of no where and all three of them gets on their bikes and started wheeling out through the floor of the restaurant and just left us there ... Wow !!!! Never ever and ever witnessed something like this before. So now the wife takes over the job all dressed in traditional Indian clothing which was a bit of change but maaaan!! She comes tries to refill our sodas and her scarf dips in to my chicken tekkah... Which was a nasty thing I have ever seen. While we are eating she comes back and she is like there is an automatic 17% gratuity added for the party of 6 or more even tho we were a party of 4...at this point I was like let's wrap up here and leave this place very shady place!! Absolutely will not return to this place at all even if I have to live in San Luis Obispo and will not recommend it to anybody else also.. Bad food Bad quality Bad service
(1)Benjamin T.
We were passing through and were really surprised at how amazing our meal was. The food hit the spot. Would definitely come back whenever we are passing through!
(5)A. D.
Went there during our weekend at Pismo. Family run place. Great food,everything ordered was super fresh.
(5)Hina Q.
Driving down the PCH to LA my wife and I looked online for a great Indian restaurant and found this place that was HALAL. We made it an hour before closing. We walked in, were greeted and seated. There was a buffet which is always a plus so we decided to give that a try. The food was good. It wasn't anything great but was tasty and a buffet so that kind of makes up for the flavor. Naans were fresh and the chicken seemed a bit undercooked. Having tried a lot of Indian restaurants all over I don't rate this as one of my top places but it did the job of filling us up. Even though this place states they are HALAL and have the certificates, I do not understand why they sell alcohol at this place. That was just my observation and while eating I kept contemplating if I should stop and walk out but we had eaten quite a bit already before I really noticed the bar. If ever in the area I don't know if I would ever visit this place again just because of the alcohol in a HALAL restaurant.
(3)Jennifer F.
Where to start.... The service was amazing. Everybody was very nice and friendly. Tried take out after a recommendation to go here. Amazing! Everything was delicious! Ordered the lamb masala and dal makhani with a side of rice and garlic naan. I should have ordered more garlic naan even though I didn't need it. Ate about half of everything between two people and still have plenty left over. Place was filled with people clearing their plates. I will be back for sure!
(4)Jes G.
MMMMmmmm i crave their food all the time!!! And every time I go in there they are soooo nice! I kinda feel like im being welcomed into their home and family every time i go in to eat here! Ive never actually been to India, but i think there food is pretty legit and authentic as well!
(5)Greg W.
Shalimar is a must for anyone who wants Indian food in the area, I drive up from Santa Maria to get it and it's worth the drive. The food is solid, portions are perfect, everything is spicy enough but not too much. As many other reviewers have mentioned the family that owns this place takes great care in ensuring the experience is pleasant and I think this is one of the reasons they have been in business these past few years. I'm definitely a fan, I just wish there was another one in Santa Maria/Orcutt.
(5)O G.
Heaven for my stomach and soul! Best place to get best Indian food and to be surrounded by friendly family atmosphere! Cozy and tasty. My secret place to escape and enjoy evening. Definitely will come back!!
(5)Fatima K.
I love this Indian restaurant. On weekends they offer buffet for $9.99. I'm not Indian and I feel more comfortable to choose my food in buffet rather than ordering based on the menu. Definitely recommend it!
(5)Vinod M.
Very good north Indian food. Ambiance is decent and the food came up quick and tasted quite good. Breads were good a tad extra buttery, but that's the taste. Owner asim was too friendly and offered great customer service.
(5)Mimi S.
I came here on a Sunday for their Sunday brunch. To my delight, we got to choose between a glass of champagne or a mango lassi (went with the champagne) for the buffet. I enjoyed the food. My favorite was the chicken tikka masala. They also had interesting dishes which consisted of squash, spicy Malaysian noodles, etc. I was craving for some butter chicken which they didn't have, but the waiter told us that the cooks usually make whatever they feel like making. The waiter was friendly and engaging. We were also able to use the yelp checkin for 10% off of what was already a deal. I would come back again.
(4)Luke D.
We came here for the weekly buffet night deal so I was able to try most of what they had on offer, SOME ITEMS WERE VERY GOOD, I think it was the Chicken Tikka Masala that was amazing, however others with just disgusting! SOME ITEMS TASTED LIKE A STICK OF BUTTER! I know that's part of what India food is but you can pull it back a little bit. It was quite busy and the back room was kinda of chessy and dank, felt like a bad wedding with all the white lattice and fake ivy. I'd come here again, but I'd pick carefully, it's hit and miss. Oh yeah, the bread was AMAZING!
(3)Jeremy W.
I want to give this place 5 stars, but I can't. The reason why is that what I order during nights when there is no buffet is pretty much the same thing but 2x more expensive. Anyways, about the food. The chicken tikka masala is BOMB. Also, love the naan. Overall, I can never get tired of Shalimar. So delicious.
(4)Yarina V.
This could be a little biased because I love Indian food! But I thought it was great! Good service and good prices. I thought the portions were not as big as in other restaurants, but I was too numbed by the curry to give a damn.
(4)Rob T.
I've only been to their lunch buffets but they sure are good. Lot's of selection. They have some dishes that I haven't seen anywhere else, like Malaysian rice noodles, curry eggs. I love their Palah Paneer and Tandoori Chicken. I also like that they have plenty of mint chutney and mixed pickle. My only complaint is that I always end up over eating and leave with a heavy stomach.
(5)Aaron B.
By far the best Indian restaurant on the central coast. The tandoori chicken is excellent as well as the vindaloo and korma dishes. If you go at lunch a very good buffet is available for $10.
(5)Meredith T.
Try the raita!!!!!
(4)yamina p.
Shalimar is by far my favorite restaurant in SLO! I'm basically addicted to Indian food, and this place is the consistently delicious! Their Monday night dinner buffet ($10.77) is the best thing that ever happened to me... seriously, I go there every Monday!! Although its so hard to choose, my favorite dishes are the turnip masala and the okra. Aasim, the owner, is SO AWESOME and all the staff are friendly and welcome. I have had my birthday celebration dinner at Shalimar. If you haven't been here, go as soon as possible!!!! Who doesn't like curry, rice and naan?!
(5)Kris A.
Probably the best Indian cuisine you can get in SLO. I've only been during their buffet days and I was not disappointed. The chicken tikka Marsala was pretty good and their fried rice with chicken was pretty nice as well. There actually wasn't anything that I DIDN'T like so I suggest trying everything they have, especially the potato cakes at the end of the buffet!
(4)Beverly D.
I have eaten here many times and have always loved it! My nephew and I had dinner here the other night and I have concluded that the food is better and much less expensive at the buffet. I have traveled a lot to England and Indian food is always my first choice, so it was nice to have an alternative to Taj Mahal in SLO(horrible food and dirty) the five stars is for the lunch buffet I have not tried it on Monday night (they also have the buffet then) the owners are very nice and friendly, the restaurant is very clean. I love this place
(5)Mishi J.
Tried an evening buffet on a Monday night and the experience was bad. We were waiting on for naan for over 15 minutes and all we get is a restaurant bill instead. Palak paneer was awful with almost no paneer in it. The staff took a lot of time to refill the vegetables on the buffet counter, most of them were empty all the time. Food was far way off from authentic indian taste. Will not recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Chris D.
My fiance and I love this place! We're going this Saturday in fact. The only Indian place around and they do it right by serving fresh, authentic Indian food with at least reasonable pricing.
(5)Tram N.
I've been here so many times in the course of my undergrad at CP. I love their buffet, although I remember the first time I ate it, my tummy couldn't savor the flavors and needlesstosay, it hurt really bad afterwards. Their buffet is a little more expensive on Sundays but you get "free" mango masala (YUM) or wine with your lunch. I love their hot naan bread and I love eating the tikka masala with fresh cucumbers :)
(5)Robin A.
Nothing not to love about Shalimar! I am a big fan of Indian Food and Shalimar hits a home run with me every time I go! (Unlike others, I skip the buffet as it is too lightly seasoned for me.) I don't think there is anything on the menu that I don't like. As I try to eat more Vegan or Vegetarian lately, I will go for either the Saag (Spinach cooked in ghee) or the Bangan Bartha (Eggplant with peas), usually with a side of rice and maybe Naan or Samosas.
(5)Eve N.
Disappointing. Naan was rubbery. Okra OK. Some dishes were blazing hot, others nearly flavorless. The chicken tikka masala lacked smoky flavor and the sauce was thin and watery. Best part of the meal was the mango pickle that comes out of a jar.
(2)TJ A.
Went for the dinner buffet because I think it's a way to try different dishes. I hate when a restaurant plops a bill on your table as soon as you get your food without even asking how it is or checking in. A restaurant loses major points for using a bag of frozen mixed vegetables mixed with some sauce and loses more points for fruit cocktail. What is it with Indian places and the damn fruit cocktail. I thought that went out in the late '70s. The other dessert was something called "cheese cakes in milk and sugar," which I think was chunks of paneer, but it tasted like chunks of Ivory Soap. I've definitely had better Tikka Masala. This was nothing special because I had to wade through the gristly bits. There was some other dish with mushy okra, a vegetable that should never be served, IMO. I wasn't happy with the house wine, advertised as an "Indian" wine. No frame of reference for that. Overall, disappointed. If I want a decent Indian buffet, I'll drive to Santa Barbara.
(2)Sue P.
This is the best Indian food in San Luis Obispo! I try to eat here as often as I can.
(5)Sam L.
Best place to get Indian in SLO. Everything always is super delicious and authentic. Their prices are super affordable (and the buffet is always a steal!) My last visit I came with a big group of friends and we didn't have a problem getting seated and service was great (I like our server, I'm not sure if he was the owner or not but he joked around with us and was super friendly). I got the Malai Kofta, which is their vegetarian version of meatballs in a cream sauce. It was pretty good. I was disappointed that the meal only came with a 4 small veggie balls, but the heavy cream sauce made it super filling and as long as you order it with their fresh and delicious naans you'll be set. I ordered it in a medium spicy but it wasn't super spicy. I think they had a mix up with our orders of spicy because my friend that ordered mild/no spice felt that hers was super spicy and my friend who ordered medium spicy did not feel like hers was spicy at all. Overall good food and service, worth a visit!
(4)Janet L.
The only things I come here for are the tikka masala and their naan bread. Something about the texture and taste of the naan is so fresh and delicious. The chicken tikka masala has a great kick and flavor to it. It is highly addictive. I came here for a birthday and it was buffet night. I think the majority of our table kept going back to the buffet for the tikka masala. When I came here with my roommates, we had to order the tikka masala. My roommate practically licked her plate clean. However, some of the other menu items I tried were nothing memorable for me to write about.
(3)Memo M.
Living in an area with a large amount of Indian restaurants to choose from, I can tell what's good and what's not. This place does not live up to its ratings, both on taste and customer service alike. All of the dishes on the buffet were super bland, weak amount of spices and the naan was hard like a tortilla chip. The guy with glasses who took my drink order got it wrong when we were the only ones there, what really ticked me off was the lady who never said a word to us,drops off the bill while We were still eating. (Not a good way to keep customers coming back ) I guess if you are the only Indian food in town you can be #1. In the Bay Area, this place would be shut down by the competition.
(2)Sarah N.
We've been many more times since my original review and only had extremely positive experiences. For one, we've taken my one year old with us both for eating in and take-out and the staff is nothing but friendly and accomidating to us and our baby. I am still in love with the veggie korma but recently discovered how amazing the chana masala is as well. Hubby found the shrimp and fish curries to be more to his liking than the tikka was, so he agrees with the 5 stars. I have not found any of the dishes to be overly spicy, just full of flavor. We will definitely continue to stop here probably every visit to SLO unless they get around to opening another restaurant in Santa Maria.
(5)Cat S.
My favorite Indian restaurant. Love saying hi to everyone working there and bringing them cookies. The atmosphere is comfortable, classy and true to its roots. I melt eating the rice pudding...It's so good. The butter chicken is delicious as well as any of the kormas (my favorite is chicken). The naans are all very fresh. Honestly you could blindly point to something on the menu and not be disappointed. You really can't go wrong.
(5)Curtis A.
Ate dinner for my first time here. Service was great. Reasonable wait for food to come out. Best chicken tikka masala I've tried so far. The lamb curry was also good. The garlic and cilantro naan were fresh and perfect. And to top it off, some rice pudding to top it off. Only thing is that the dishes are small in portions for the price. Will definitely eat here again.
(4)SLO L.
Visited the lunch buffet yesterday and was enchanted anew. We left a generous tip, as the quality of the food made a mockery of the posted price. Also, new since my last visit- a saltwater reef tank, wherein I watched the world's tiniest crab, no larger than a dime, guiding slivers of algae toward his mandibles with a set of claws dainty as jeweler's tools. Delightful.
(5)Laura Lu M.
Came here a second time and ordered off the menu, and this time the Chicken Tikka Masala was awesome. It was thick and spicy and yum! We started with the Lamb Samosas, and I really loved it and would definitely get it again. The people are super friendly...........I will be back for sure!
(5)Jin L.
Absolutely delicious. I got the Chicken Tikka and the spinach. Creamy and mouthwatering, will return many many times. The decor is also very pleasing, the red and the yellow mix well together and is a theme through out. My only qualms would be that the service is sometimes a bit a slow and that the food is very expensive if you are ordering a la carte.
(5)Anthony R.
This place is so consistent it's scary. Always good, hot and fresh food with super friendly staff. I'm a big fan of a fast good lunch and this is on the list of usual suspects. I think I had to wait for a few minutes once in the last three years. What a gem.
(4)Tess S.
The only Indian worth having in this area. I love to come here when I'm in a hurry for lunch, because it's quick and cheap. They usually have some variety of popular dishes palak paneer, vegetable korma, chicken tikka masala is always there, as is tandoori chicken. Their raita is always fresh and I think they make the pickles home made. Whatever you do- make sure you have dessert! They make the most fabulous desserts out of odd ingredients like carrots. Everything is delicious. I only wish they would have samosas in the buffet once in a while.
(4)Jay Y.
I always get super stuffed after eating at Shalimar. I usually go to the their lunch buffet for $9.99. Their naan bread naan bread and chicken tikka masala are really yummy. But I wish they had more meat dishes for their lunch buffet.
(4)Alicia B.
Wow. Just wow. Some of the best Indian food I have had EVER. My husband and I have been here 3 times. It is great spot for a date night. We love all the food we've tried here- chicken tikka masala, mango lassi, naan, and a bunch of amazing veggie dishes that I don't remember the names of. All are super delicious. The servers here are superb and funny. Atmosphere is chill, quiet, they usually have some awesome Bollywood music playing. We still have to try the buffet, we'll definitely be back!
(5)Subina M.
Worst indian food for Indians. ..had no taste in tandoori chicken. ..the mango pudding n mango lassi taste same n is of same consistency. ..the turnip Masala tastes sweet n funny..
(1)Manas G.
Buffet!
(3)Camellia S.
Shali, Shali, Shali (instert classic Indian headshake here) Love this place! Thank you for bringing a little spice to San Luis Obispo! The family that owns this place are welcoming, kind, and make me feel like im hanging out with my own fam! The food is great, best chicken tikka masala I think I've ever had! and their naan ohhhh myyyy. The dessert choices could be a bit better but it's still an A+ spot! Great lunch buffet that literally gave me a stomach ache (my own fault)! I literally couldn't eat until 24 hours had passed! But I loved it! Can't wait to go back and stuff my face with chicken tikka masala and naan!
(4)Rebeka L.
Ah Shalimar - the best Indian food in SLO, even if it doesnt quite compare to Bay area. The waiters are all wonderful and the owner frequently walks about greeting customers and checking to see if they are enjoying their meal, which is nice. Also you get to enjoy bollywood and Indian music videos which makes the place fun and colorful. Plus, you can't beat their buffet (lunch every day incl weekends and Monday nights) which has a great selection of different options to choose from and is very affordable (between $8-10 depending on when you're going). I was a regular since they opened until I moved. If you want Indian food in SLO, go here. Taj Palace doesnt hold a candle to it. Also, best dishes are chicken tikka masala, palak paneer, and veggie korma
(5)Vedanta B.
Tried the buffet... By SLO standards I would say this is just okay, the city itself does not have many Indian restaurants, so its not hard for an Indian restaurant that serves mediocre food thrive. You will not be disappointed if you have that mindset before entering this place.
(2)Jenelle S.
This place is great! we got the delivery service and the people were so nice! they brought the food right to our hotel room right when they said they would be there. The food was delicious! Just enough spice and flavor! If I get into San Louis Obispo I will be eating here all the time!
(4)Brian D.
Best Indian cuisine in town! Owner is friendly and amicable, as is his lovely wife and family. Food is always well-prepared and spiced according to the guests' desires. Very nice vegan and vegetarian selection of items - great for those folks or us omnivores that occasionally fast from meat and dairy. The Mango Lassi is a great yogurt shake, but filling. Many people over-eat when here, especially the lunch buffet, but there are some nice health choices if one doesn't want the typical creamy sauced meat-laden entrée. I bring all my friends and family here when they visit, and it's always a hit. Great salt-water fish tank in there as well! You can always tell how tight a place one runs by how well they keep their fish tank.
(5)Erin L.
Always a fan of Shalimar! They have an amazing buffet, and the servers are very friendly (quiet, but friendly). I ordered a mango lassi once, and it was very good! Great place to eat awesome Indian food, and not that expensive!
(5)Carlos Y.
The best Indian food on the central coast.. Tandoori Chicken was spiced to perfection. I had mine with some garlic naum and my date had the Tikka Misala. It exceeded my expectations.
(5)Kyle G.
Went here for a lunch meeting recently. I was at this location before when it was Jewel of India, so was excited to try a new place. First thing that happened the owner (and chef) shakes my jand and greets me, I was surprised but appreciate that. Then a smiling waitress sat us and we were given waters and ordered drinks. I looked around and noticed that its buffet style so that surprised me a bit, but the owner knows what he's doing. Loved all the buffet food, I think I tried everything. Wish I could remember the dishes names! It was all good, and I didn't walk away too full. Will go again.
(5)Let Us Feast G.
I Love Shalimar! It has been years since I had Indian food and this is the best place to have broken that streak. Lamb Boti Masala. Lentil chicken soup. Garlic naan. If u are disappointed I will pay ur bill.
(5)Alix S.
I've tried a lot of different Indian restaurants, but this is my favorite one, ever!! My recommendation would be to go to the buffet! You can try a bunch of different things and it's very worth the price. Love the food and all the employees are so nice. =]
(5)Elizabeth S.
My bf and I found this place through yelp and decided that it was the perfect place to have my "last night in SLO" celebratory dinner here. I love paneer and he loves chicken tikka masala, so it was a hell of an easy choice. The place is cute/romantic, but kind of small (size of a small house). The waitresses all wear gorgeous saris and pretty much everyone that's back in the kitchen is Indian, which says something about the food! As anticipated, I ordered a paneer vegetarian dish and my bf got the chicken tikka masala. Unfortunately, their dishes don't come with rice or naan so you have to order it on the side ($1.99 for regular naan, $2.49 for basmati rice). Don't worry though, as one side of each is definitely good enough for two people. A really nice thing about this place is that they ask you the spice level that you prefer. I got mild expecting it to have a subtle kick but there was hardly any. My bf got medium which turned out really nicely (not nasty face sweating spicy). Other than the lack of spiciness, my paneer was really good, but it was similar to paneer that I've had back at home (I live right next to India central a.k.a Pioneer Ave in Cerritos). My bf however, almost creamed his pants because his chicken tikka masala was the best he's ever had. Luckily I did get a chance to steal a bite or two from his! (I did not cream in my pants but it was still pretty damn good). Please excuse my vulgar speak, I am tipsy off of two beers from Gaslight lounge (right next door!) With two entrees, one side of rice, and one side of naan, the meal came out to be about $28. Overall, I'm pretty impressed that a gringo town like SLO has some good and authentic Indian cuisine. 4 stars!
(4)bahram k.
Oh god I ate so much!
(5)Jessi B.
amazing food! Amazing service! Had them cater an event for 60 plus and everything was perfect!
(5)Winnie T.
I think it's the only Indian place in SLO, I've been here twice thus far. I love the Chicken Tikka Masala anywhere, but I think it's a bit too pricy here (~$11), and plus naan ($1.99). But it's still yummmmy! It is owned by a nice Indian family. I still want to try the buffet!
(3)Sky R.
Another great meal at Shalimar. I enjoyed the Vegetable TIkka Masala and the wonderful host. I just feel at home in this restaurant. Things I think need improvement are maybe to overhaul the restrooms, they just don't cut it.
(4)Kirsten M.
We ordered delivery. It was quick. The rice was normal. Overall I felt like the food lacked flavor. I ordered most food mild and it was really hot. The food looked good but lacked flavor and had too much heat.
(3)Wicked B.
Really good Indian food. My kid had never really had it before, and this was a good intro for him. I had the tandoori special, which was chicken, lamb, and fish, and he had the lamb curry. The meat was well seasoned, tender, and flavorful. And these people really know how to make garlic naan. This is the best garlic naan I've ever had.
(4)Jacque N.
My husband and I loved the chicken tikka masala, aloof bangan, and the naan. Everything is seasoned very nicely, and none of it is over powering. If you love indian food and your in San Luis Obispo, I highly recommend it.
(4)Tony J.
Don't go during the buffet, order from the menu the food seems to taste more fresh and tasty. The chicken and shrimp tandoori is delicious. Make sure you also get the garlic naan too, but don't eat too much or you will be full before the entree.
(3)Mrj U.
Like the taste of foods and price as well. Buffet was good. Highly Recommended .
(4)Rebeccah W.
Cannot beat the lunch buffet at $8.99! I like to get it to go (which comes with naan) and eat it in the park. I'm not that big into the spicy stuff, but their chicken tikka masala is the best!
(5)Mrs. B.
You know what I love about people that drive company cars with the name emblazoned on the side of their car? When they suck at driving I make a mental note to hate their business, never support them, and publicly humiliate them on Yelp. So, if you suck at driving, either take off the Shalimar sign on your car, or don't try to run me over when I'm walking in the damn cross walk. Also, your food smells like my trash can after I've forgotten to take it to the curb for 3 weeks and all the dog shit has heated up and is marinating at the bottom of it. And to make the Yelp people happy so that this review can stay for all eternity to shame you, yes, I have actually tried the food and no, I don't like it. And I like it even less now.
(1)Lucy S.
The best Indian restaurant in SLO. I have been here both for lunch buffet and regular dinner. Since Indian food has a strong flavor (but GOOD), I usually feel one meal every once in a while satisfies me for a long time. This place is different. Their food makes me want to come back soon. When I am pretty hungry and want to eat a little more than my set limit, I usually eat meal without rice. So I wouldn't feel guilty afterwords and that works! Their curries are eatable without rice or naan. They are always busy during lunch time so make sure to get there before 12pm so you will get seated right away :) RECOMMENDED ~**
(5)Aaron K.
Excellent food and friendly service at a good price, especially their daily lunch and Monday dinner buffet.
(5)Katherine C.
I really like their lamb curry and naan. I've been here twice for dinner, but never got to try the lunch buffet. The curry can be pretty spicy, but it's so good. It's not the kind of food that I can eat often because it's so rich with spices. My friends and I always try the different kinds of curry. Their garlic naan is probably the best type there.
(4)Brandi S.
There is not a lot to choose from in terms of Indian in SLO County, so it's a blessing that Shalimar is here. It's a lovely atmosphere, friendly staff and clean bathrooms. The food is solid with a lengthy selection for vegetarians and vegans. Just solid cuisine. No complaints about the samosas, chicken tikka masala, etc. Service was a little slow, but the place was insanely crowded and the staff was doing the best they could. Would definitely go back and keep exploring the menu.
(4)Kent W.
Come for the buffet! I love eating here. One of my favorite places in the area. The family is very nice and the owner is friendly. The tandoori chicken is never dry! The naan comes out hot and fresh every time. I really enjoy everything they make here. Very flavorful and fresh tasting. Their mango lassi is great to wash down the spices and refreshing on a warm day. Don't forget the rice pudding(?) dessert! It's nice and cool and not too sweet.
(4)Mitu C.
I would give it 3.5. We were in near by Pismo Beach. It was windy and chilly and we were craving hot tea, Indian style. Looked up for Indian places nearby and found Shalimar a few miles away. We got here just as it was opening for dinner and ordered tea and a host of appetizers - samosas and pakoras. Everything was quite good. The next day, we decided to eat the lunch buffet. And that's where I am deducting a half star. The food was quite good but it was a bit too spicy. Overall, its nice and the staff friendly. If you are in the area and want to try Indian food, its a good choice. But be prepared to tackle the spice level.
(3)Nichole R.
They have a great lunch buffet, every day, which is great. The food is awesome, but I wanted to write a review regarding the hosts. They were so welcoming. It is by far the warmest welcome we have received at a restaurant since the birth of our daughter (now 10 months old). When they seated us, the owner took care to move the stuff on the table far out of baby reach. Then, as my husband and I were taking shifts eating/baby entertaining, the owner pulled out a stool for us to take turns showing her the fish and even carried her for a bit. Great food, amazing service!
(5)Joey H.
Amazing food. Buffet items are always stocked up and all the items are available. Excellent service. Definitely recommend for family.
(5)G G.
If you've never tried Indian food, come here and order the Chicken Tika Masala and some naan bread. You'll be hooked! It's a family-owned restaurant that offers everything from mild to wild. I strongly recommend the lunch buffet. Try a little bit of everything and see what you like.
(5)Bekah G.
The food is delicious here. Wonderful family owned business. The owner Asim, is a great guy and takes pride in what he does. We had his food at our wedding and everything was fantastic. Support this local business and enjoy some great food, if you are not a fan of spicy, they will gladly cater to your taste buds.
(5)Emily W.
Favorite places to eat. Excellent food with flavor and spice. Even better service, family owned local place. We personally love the palak paneer, chicken tiki masala, chicken manchurian. But seriously everything is good!
(5)Andrew V.
Get the chicken tikka masala with rice and garlic naan. Awesome!
(4)Mav S.
So, we decided to go there after reading some really good yelp reviews. The food was not that good. I had one of the worst tasting chana masala at this place. Also, they took our order of naan and then never showed up with it! Not recommended if you are in mood for some good indian food.
(2)Jen I.
I somehow forgot that I need to eat to stay alive, to prevent death, whathaveyou. On the drive back to the B&B after a day in Santa Maria I felt my blood sugar dropping. The sun was pretty much gone and I had forgotten that we had last eaten six hours ago. I sat in the passenger seat of the car grateful that it was dark so the dr. could not see my eyes rolling into the back of my head as I tried to hold it together. We exited the freeway early to check out Pizza Fusion but as we pulled up to the strip mall I sorta knew that vegan pizza would not be in the cards no matter how many Hail Mary's I recited. GUESS WHAT VEGANS, PIZZA FUSION IS RENOVATING AND THEY'RE CLOSED. DON'T COME HERE HUNGRY. YOU WILL BE SAD. Unable to get any solid vegan Yelp help on the iphone we found ourselves close to the B&B so we decided to park and look at the big internet (as opposed to the little hand held internet). The dr. parked and I practically ran into our room to shove pretzels into my mouth before my life started flashing before my eyes. I don't want to die in SLO. I'd like to live please. Pretzels did their job but can only take you so far. This is how we ended up at Shalimar. Standard Indian Vegetarian fare. They had a Mushroom Masala that can be made vegan (without cream) if requested, but they were out of mushrooms tonight. We settled for the Roti (no butter), Veggie Biryani, Channa Masala & Mutter Aloo. And just because, the Lentil Soup. The Lentil Soup was interesting and by interesting I mean it was good and not quite what I expected. It's more soupy then mushed beany. The flavor and the spices were nice. Salt, cilantro, various indian spices. Lovely. The rest of the meal was pretty good too. Much like our experience at Thai Palace, it's nothing to really write home about though we stuffed our faces and took our leftovers with us. I added an extra star though for the super friendly waitress. Must remember to carry food with me at all times.
(4)Erin B.
I just love this place and even the Monday night buffet the other night was awesome. There is something very happy about this place and I am of the sincere mindset that love and family makes food better. Family is always here, the kids, grandma, everyone. Love, love, love.
(5)Butterfly I.
Pakistani restaurant on the name of Indian food.. Oh my god, there were bunch of pakistanis who serve food on the name of indian food... To all non-indians, this is not an indian food at all... just look... how oily this food is? - I tried kheer in their buffet, it was sour... must be a week's old... - Tried egg curry, eggs were smelling so bad..... must be rotten.. Hated the food...
(1)Logan S.
Get: Tikka masala Garlic naan BUFFET Pass: Chicken saag NON-buffet So, i have been here a couple of times for the buffet, but this was my first time for a real dinner. Lia got the Chicken tikka masala, which was really good, like usual. I got the Chicken saag - spinach and boneless chicken with onion based curry. It was green and goopy and very bland tasting. I just ate off lia's plate. The roti was good and the garlic naan we got was super good. I would definitely say the buffet is a better value.
(3)Cindy C.
Came here for the brunch buffet on Sunday. I'm just glad I didn't get sick afterwards. The curries were not good at all and the chicken tikka masala was very bland and so was the tandoori chicken. Dessert looked sketch. While there, it felt like I was mystery globs of food, none of which was tasty. Too bad; I was hoping there'd be some good Indian food in SLO.
(1)John C.
Oh Shalimar! My now at least once a week lunch buffet. I'm not Indian, but whenever I eat here I find myself wishing I had an Indian Grandmother who cooked this well. Their Chicken Tikka Masala is absolutely amazing - the best I ever had, and I grew up in Queens just blocks away from the biggest Indian neighborhood in the US (Jackson Heights) and have had plenty of other versions of this dish over the years. ALL of their food is great. Although I fill up on the masala, I always make sure to try anything I haven't tried before and I am always impressed. Their Naan is also superb. As I have become a regular I have gotten to know the employees. The manager called me his "brother from another mother" last time. I liked that, and I like him and his wife. They are super nice, helpful and accomodating, and I am proud to repeatedly support their restaurant frequently.
(5)Dick G.
Great lunch buffet. I had not been back in awhile, but we had a great lunch the other day. Enjoyed a Flying Horse beer.
(4)Stephanie J.
There seem to be not a lot of Indian food restaurants in SLO but Shalimar is definitely at the top of my list. Their all-you-can-eat buffet is fabulous! Their Chicken Tikka Masala is the best. They'll even let you hit the buffet and take it to go, giving you plenty of containers to get a lot of food, as well as a naan bread to go. Their staff is always friendly and helpful. I would definitely go here if you're looking for good Indian food.
(5)Sam H.
Great lunch buffet! The family that owns the restaurant is SO cool! I love that they are always joking and wanting to know if they can improve.
(5)John M.
Poisoned while eating there ! ! Beware !! My wife has a wheat alergy, and when we arrived and spoke to a man and a woman at the front counter. Both of them assued us that NOTHING on the buffet had any wheat product, and that only the naan was made with wheat. She had about half a pakora and then gave me a puzzled look... she looked at the center and asked me, "Does this look like bread?" I called over the waitress and asked if there was bread or wheat in the pakora." The older woman just smiled and repeated back my words to me and smiled.... obviuosly she did not undersatnd my question. I beckoned the woman that I had spoken to earlier... and asked her what was inside the pakora. She replied, "White toast". WTF !! I stammered to her, "What ! You said there was no wheat on the buffet." She looked at me and replied, "its white bread..." Is she serious ? It's still wheat ! OMG, now my wife is in a panic and has to go into their bathroom where my 7 yr old daughter holds her hair while she throws up every bit of food in her stomach so we hopefully dont have to rush to the hospital !! And they still charged us for her buffet and were completely unapologetic for their actions. I'd stay clear of this place if you have any food allergy, becaue they either intentionally lied to us, or are ignorantly negligent.
(1)Jamie T.
I'm obsessed with the chicken tikka masala (I like the medium and the spicy). I could eat it every single night for the rest of my life! I always get it with a side of rice and, of course, naan! YUM!
(5)Heather W.
Amazing, Amazing, Amazing. Amazing food, Amazing family, and did I mention the Amazing food! I love this place great atmosphere awesome Indian food. It's perfect.
(5)John G.
Best Indian in SLO. Dine in, buffet, or take out - it's all great. The owner's and wait staff are very personable and attentive. They always seem to remember me with my take out order. Favorite orders: Chicken Tikka Masala, plain rice, 2 naan bread. Palak Paneer, plain rice, 2 garlic naan bread.
(5)Garrett F.
Best Indian food in SLO. The buffet is excellant for the price, I can literally eat till I'm stuffed. The naan is really good too, and I like all the spices they use. Granted it is SLO, but I think this place is great. Oh yeah watching cricket and Bollywood films are great, and the staff is nice too. Cool decorations as well. Good place to go.
(5)Anne B.
Mmmmm, I crave Indian because I worked at a really good Indian place and got very spoiled on the food. I was pleased with this place, super friendly family runs it, and since my place is family owned and operated, I have a soft spot for that. The lamb curry was tender and spiced perfectly, the butter chicken was even better and not too heavy on the fenugreek so that it didnt upset my stomach later. The cheese naan was fluffy and delightful. I was a bit dissapointed with the plain pratha, but like I said I was spoiled by working at a fabulous place that made the flakiest, buttery layered caraway pratha.... The saag was ok, more like a puree, would get a dal or bartha dish next time. Overall, definitely a place I will come back for, since I'm newly moved to SLO, I'm happy to find places I want to be a regular at!! This is definitely one of them
(4)Carlos M.
10% off with check in. They have an amazingly good buffet on Mondays.
(5)sameer s.
The food is good. We had issues with the owner. The servers are usually very nice, but in my last visit the server did not tell us that getting Rotis instead of Naan for the buffet would be charged extra. When paying the bill, the owner started telling us stories about how he has to travel to San Jose to get food.
(1)Ashish S.
Food is terrible here especially for those who have an understanding of Indian cuisine! We bought chicken biryani and it tasted like pulao mixed with chicken. Absolutely no flavor! The quality Of rice was horrible! The Palak paneer did not seem like it had real spinach! It was basically paste...DEFINITELY would not recommend. Take it from someone who eats and cooks Indian cuisine regularly. Would not even give 1 star but yelp doesn't allow it.
(1)Ellie N.
Staff is friendly and helpful from the get-go. Went for dinner so the buffet was not available. Everything from appetizer to meal to dessert was excellent.
(4)Raj M.
I was returning for Santa Barbara to SJ and I wanted to have quick dinner. I called them when I was 25mi from this place and told them what I wanted. By the time I reach there every thing was ready took the quick bite of there delicious food and I was back on road again. The best part it is very close to 101 and if I am going that way I will sure visit you again,. Its owned by young Indian family. The food is great and owners are very accommodating and welcoming. I used the same query "Indian" in both Google Maps and Yelp. Google dint find any Indian restaurant near by but Yelp showed it to me, Kudos to Yelp. This place has great reviews on yelp and it deserves it.
(5)Osvaldo D.
I consider myself a connoisseur of Indian food having eaten it all over the world and I must say that Shalimar did not disappoint. Definitely top five amongst Indian restaurants on my list. From the garlic naan to buriyani to the ubiquitous Chicken Tiki Marsala...its quite delicious. The wait staff is impeccable and attentive. I must recommend.
(5)Cristina H.
SO GOOD! It is truly hard to find great Indian food but this place knocks it out of the park! My husband and I were staying in SLO one night on our honeymoon and read the Yelps here and they seemed okay so we went for it and I'm so glad we did! I used to live in Houston which has countless amazing Indian restaurants and have yet to come across any good ones in the OC so it was a total delight to find Shalimar. It was very clean, the staff was friendly and helpful, we didn't have to wait for refills nor did that come too aggressively, and the food was outstanding. I had the chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, vegetable korma and rice as well as the mango pudding and a few others. The spices were great and the chicken was lean. So so so glad we caught the Monday night buffet. Yummo! Highly recommend!
(5)Michelle C.
I'm British, and I was delighted to find a great Indian restaurant in San Luis Obispo. The Monday night buffet is incredible! They put out 2 or 3 meat dishes and 4 or 5 vegetarian dishes and rice, salad, fruit salad, desserts - and it's all excellent quality. I've ordered from the menu before and had delivery - the food was still hot and fresh when it arrived. If you like to turn up the spicy they will make to order (Spicy1-7!!) :) The entire family are really friendly and you feel well looked after.
(5)Andrea C.
I'm giving it 5 stars because so far of all the Indian restaurants i've tried, this one has been my fav. the sees took us here on one of our visits to slo. lunch buffet was about $8. i've had tandoori chicken before and i was not crazy about it at all so i was hesitant about trying it again but i'm glad i did because the tandoori chicken here was sooooo good! tasted perfect- nice and juicy. i also really loved their chicken tikka masala. yum yum yum. i was so full but i wished i could just keep eating cuz it was so good. can't wait to go back to slo and eat here again! :)
(5)Sheri S.
In town for just one night, we ended up at Shalimar after a Yelp search. The food was delish and the service was great. Oddly enough, the place was pretty empty...when we arrived at 7pm we were the only ones there and in the time that we were there only two other couples came in. Maybe everyone was at the Farmers Market since it was Thursday night. Anyhow, we had chicken tikka masala (doesn't everyone?!) and lamb curry, both were excellent. We also had the saag paneer and it was one of the weirdest ones I've ever had, the spinach was pureed like baby food and had the oddest texture. It tasted fine but it was bizzare. The naan was good too. Oh, and we got 10% off for checking in on yelp! Bonus!
(4)Fidel A.
i love this place! it is clean and a great food. they have the best food in town and you cant beat the$8.99 lunch buffet!
(5)Andy D.
First of all, this is NOT an Indian restaurant but this one is a Pakistani restaurant run by the a Pakistani owner who sells food with the Indian tag. Have you seen anyone in America raving about Pakistani food?? We had bad experience at this place and here are our comments - Extremely expensive food - Biased customer service (good service for Americans but Indian are not greeted or welcomed here) - The server was rude, and hard to understand - Food had a questionable aroma - Appetizers, desserts are expensive and quantity served was not much - they made horribly spicy and oily food despite requesting low oil and mild spices You should go here if you like oily, hot, unhealthy and crappy service and if you have too much money to waste ..... This place is surely not good for Indians who know the difference between good and bad Indian food .. ....
(1)R A.
I am an avid Yelp follower and I often critique restaurants for the quality of food, service, hospitality, and value. I will reiterate once again on the excellent service I get every time I come to this Shalimar. With that said, I felt compelled to write and provide some context surrounding a comment I saw posted by a 'Mr Suraj' recently. This gentleman lacks a sense of humor and what should be otherwise preserved as friendly banter was confused for rudeness. If you visit this fine establishment, you will appreciate the warm, welcoming nature of the entire staff, and I assure you that you will not get the same hospitality any where else. The reason I keep visiting Shalimar is because the food/service is excellent, the staff is hospitable, and owner will treat you like family. I have and continue to recommend Shalimar to my colleagues and customers. To my fellow "jovial" foodie's, go to Shalimar and you can judge for yourself!
(5)Shay R.
I am giving One star because I couldn't found the option of less then ONE STAR. They don't deserve more than 3/4 Star(1/2 for Indian beer and 1/4 for Coke)....don't wanna be a bulley so not writing anything after this.
(1)kelly f.
We go here at least once a week. Always good food, always good service. Great vegetarian food - haven't tried the meat. But the veggie dishes are always yummy! Buffet is awesome, especially Sunday's when you get mango lassi or champagne. The owner and his family are super nice to us and have even done special orders for something not on the menu.
(5)Ryan C.
San Luis Obispo doesn't have very many Indian places, but this is probably my favorite. The service and food are good. I've been here a few times for the lunch buffet. It is okay. I think most would like it more than me, I just have pretty specific tastes when it comes to Indian. The buffet, obviously, doesn't have a huge selection of items. I prefer coming here for dinner. The menu has a lot of items to choose from - and they even made an off-menu dish for me! That was surprising. I had asked the waiter if he could recommend anything on the menu that was similar to Shahi Paneer (my favorite dish). He responded that they could just make Shahi Paneer for me. I was quite happy, I hadn't had it in a long time. The food was quite good when it arrived. My girlfriend ordered the Paneer Tikka Masala, and we shared two orders of naan (one garlic, one cheese). My Shahi Paneer was creamy and delicious, and my girlfriend liked her dish as well. Good stuff, recommended.
(4)Patrick Z.
I was traveling on business and hungry for Indian food. Yelp told me that this place was about 20 minutes away. I took the drive and I'm glad I did. I liked the atmosphere. They had some Bollywood music videos playing. Those are fun to watch. The place smelled amazing from the parking lot. I got some cheese naan, chicken vindaloo, rice and an appetizer. I think my eyes were bigger than my appetite. Anyway, it was all delicious. The wait staff were fast and efficient. I used the WiFi to check in with Yelp using my Android phone and got 10% off my bill. This will be a regular stop on my visits to SLO.
(4)Danielle E.
This was the best Indian food, Ive ever had! No joke! All the sauces, were creamy, full of spice, and had just the right amount of kick. I ordered the Chicken Tikka MasalaI and Shahi paneer. Both were outstandingly delicious! I ended the night with Kheer. Usually, I'm not a huge fan, but this was to die for. Everything had the right balance. The service was fantastic and the server was very funny. I will most defiantly be coming back, its worth the drive!
(5)Marideth W.
This place is great! I love their Mango Chicken! Especially if you order it with rice and naan. The spices are amazing! It is by far the best Indian food in SLO. Make sure you check out their buffet as well which is very reasonably priced at around $8.99-$9.99!
(5)Jordi P.
I wasn't impressed by this place whatsoever. They're food was just okay. Of all the Indian food places I've been to, this was one of the less than great places.
(2)Harvey W.
I enjoy trying new (to me) cuisines. A coworker recommended this restaurant so I decided to give it a try. Unfortunately we arrived at closing time, still since it was the 4th of July, we were thankful they were open. It happened to be a Monday which is the only day they have buffet for dinner so that turned into another plus. There seems to be some debate about whether their food is truly Indian or instead Pakistani. Not having knowledge in either food I did some research about the different cuisines on the internet and I feel safe in saying they serve both. Two things I do know; when food tastes good, and restaurants that serve buffets are usually casual dining as opposed to fine dining meaning the quality is not as refined. Also ethnic buffets do trend to being more "Americanized". First impressions: the tables were attractive, the space felt a little confined. Parts of the décor were pleasing other parts seemed less organized. When I first saw the buffet table tucked away in the corner of the dining room, I could tell this wasn't their focus giving me some reservation regarding the quality of the food being served. The staff was friendly, though obviously in a hurry to close and leave for the pending fireworks. Surveying the buffet: Keep in mind I'm not used to Indian/Pakistanis cuisine. With my small Styrofoam container in hand I cautiously approached the buffet offerings. There was a large variety of items to choose from. Some of the items didn't appear appetizing at first glance so I read the labels on the overhead glass. These succinct descriptions gave me more confidence to try the unrecognizable in modesty. The potato, rice and chicken dishes were more appealing because I could recognize and therefore took larger portions. The taste test: After leaving the restaurant and finding a nice park in the area, time came to try this new adventure. I decided to take small samples from each creation, savoring each flavor, and then focusing on those that inspired my pallet the most. I can't tell you the names of all (7) items I tried, but I can tell you, "it was all good". Not a disappointment in the mix. Some were spicier than others, some had more robust flavors, but they were all good. Three stars for the food experience. I will return another day to get a better feel for the total restaurant experience and update this review.
(3)Justin B.
The naan, rice, and chicken was very good but their sauces were too mild and creamy we thought. Beer was cheap and good. Overall we were happy with our experience and enjoyed the service too.
(4)Cory H.
I'm from out of town and was looking for some great Indian food. Guess what I found?!? GREAT INDIAN FOOD!!! We ordered a veggie samosa for our appetizer. It was wonderful, only a little cool on the inside. Entrees were Chicken Vindaloo and cabbage mutter. Both were excellent. Our garlic naan was hot and very tasty. As far as customer service that too was great. They made you feel right at home. The restaurant very clean and nice. I do suggest this place if you love Indian food. I definitely will be back the next time I'm down here.
(4)Dawn O.
My favorite Indian food place in SLO. There's not much competition, but this place is really amazing. The family that owns this place is precious, they know me by name because I came here almost every week when I lived here. I've been here for dinner once, had the eggplant curry (Bangan Bharta) and the Lamb curry (not sure which specific type) and was really satisfied. Other than this one time I've ALWAYS had their lunch or brunch buffet (they are the same, but the brunch buffet is on Sundays and it comes with a glass of bubbly or a mango smoothie-type drink). Their buffet has new and different dishes every time I go, and everything is always fresh and delicious. Their naan is always fresh baked and authentic too. Their chicken tikka masala is heaven, very rich and creamy and always on tap during their buffet. I miss this place so much! It's definitely worth a stop in SLO on a road trip, it's not a bad first date spot too :). I love Shalimar and cannot wait to go there the next time I'm in SLO!!!
(5)James E.
Excellent buffet!! Get yourself one of everything and pace yourself!
(5)Kem K.
Papadums tasted old and overcooked, tandoori chicken seemed undercooked and lacking flavor, but the sag paneer was great. Last time I was here I remember enjoying it much more. Possibly it was a bad day. I won't be coming back again.
(2)Lucy D.
I was pleasantly surprised by Shalimar. I normally don't like eating too much Indian food but I really enjoyed the dinner buffet and the mango chicken from another occasion. The dinner buffet on Monday nights serve mostly chicken in terms of meats and the curry isn't too spicy. Plain naan is unlimited but with plain basmati rice and chicken basmati rice to eat your curry with, you don't really need that much naan. The tandori chicken wasn't dry but it's on the plain side so you'll probably want to dip it in a little of the 3 sauces available. There's no need to order a mango lassi because they offer a mango pudding dessert that tastes pretty similar to the mango lassi. So if you're on the cheap side, just ladle yourself a couple bowls of the mango pudding and you're good to go. For $10.88 after tax, this is such a steal. I guarantee you'll be completely stuffed if you're a fan of Indian food on a normal basis. The mango chicken I had didn't really have much mango taste to it. I was considering getting the chicken tikka masala since it's usually one of the safer bets for people not too big on Indian curry. I'm glad I ended up ordering the mango chicken because my friend's chicken tikka masala was super salty. My recommendation is to try one of the buffets first because they're super cheap. Overall the people who work there are very friendly.
(4)