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Namaste Kitchen
Categories: Restaurants Indian Restaurants Himalayan/Nepalese Indian, Himalayan/Nepalese [Edit]
1390 N McDowell BlvdSte A
Petaluma, CA 94952
(707) 664-9245
- Limit 1 certificate(s) per table.
- Not valid Fridays and Saturdays.
- $15 for $30 promotion lasts for 1 year from date of purchase. After that period, your Certificate is redeemable for the amount you paid, less any value you may have received. Dine-in only. Not valid with other certificates or offers. Gratuity not included; please tip on full value. Only 2 certificate(s) can be purchased for own use. Up to 10 can be purchased as gifts for others. Subject to the Yelp Deals General Terms.
- Reg. Price $30
- Discount 50%
- Savings $15
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Mon-Sun 5 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
54 reviews for Namaste Kitchen
Review Highlights
"...was excellent but the Chicken Tikka Masala was the best."
(in 8 reviews)
"I had the delicious lunch buffet."
(in 12 reviews)
"Their Garlic Naan as great too."
(in 3 reviews)
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54 reviews in English
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Review from samanta v.
Healdsburg, CA
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Recently we have gone gluten free - so Indian food etc. have been on the top of our dining out lists - because of all the fantastic choices.
This place is a little slice of heaven just waiting for you to behold. Everything was good. The Roti was amazing... the sauces were delish and the lamb... Oh my sweet heavens! The Lamb! and the Chicken Vindaloo!
When we told the owner our dining restriction, he told us about all the fabulous items we should try - and none of them were a miss. His salty lassi is also one of the best I've ever had - and I think I can now say, I've had one at every place in Sonoma County that serves them.
This spot is my new 'go-to' place. yum. -
Review from Sonlay V.
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
I surprisingly really liked this place. I came here late one night after a few drinks at Applebees with some buddies and I am glad we stopped by. Their curry is really tasty and their nan is even better.
Customer service was also good. The only issue is the price and booths. Price because you can definitely find some for a more reasonable price and booths because some are really small. If possible get a table instead of a booth. -
Review from Jill A.
Sacramento, CA
10/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wonderful!
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Review from mey m.
Novato, CA
11/4/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Me and my husband decided to go there because of the reviews and the deal they offered.
With the first step we took into this place we started to have second thought, but since we already bought the deal we said we'd give it a fair chance.
The design of the place is cheap.
When we arrived we showed the waiter the deal- but he acted like he didn't know anything about it...eventually after he went back to the kitchen he came back and said it was ok.
The kitchen of this place is open so you can take a look at how they cook your dishes... We were shocked !!! we saw the cook tasting our dish once. we said ok... but then from the moment he start cooking until the dish was served he tasted the dishes about 12 times !!! with the same spoon!!!! how disgusting and rude is that ??!?!?
we were very disappointment and grossed out.
NOT coming back- no way !!! -
Review from maranda w.
San Rafael, CA
3/21/2011
The food here is amazing. NEVER a let down, not ONCE.
Every dish has been made with love. Even my husband-- who never gets sentimental about restaurants-- swears that every dish is made with love, and that you can taste it. This place is ran by a family who really have great standards-- and a great repertoire of recipes to offer.
Also, for someone who is just learning to appreciate spicy foods-- I was surprised by how balanced every dish was-- and the spicy food lovers in my circle love them just the same. -
Review from Maegan B.
San Francisco, CA
3/27/2011
SOO EFFING GOOD.
I really like Indian food. My guy can't have dairy. and finally a place for delivery that is not pizza or chinese food! So exciting. We have gotten food delivered from here twice and it has been great and consistent both times. The chicken vindaloo is to die for!
I will see what the it is like when we finally dine in. Consistency will make or break my love for this place. -
Review from NiKKi N.
CA
8/10/2011
Friendly service and food was OK. We ordered the Tulsi Naan, Chicken Vindaloo, and Prawn Curry. I thought the entrees were small and pricey. Dinner for two was about $40. Maybe I will get more bang for my buck at the buffet lunch.
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Review from Beth B.
Cotati, CA
11/24/2011
Hubby loves the Rogan Josh, I love the Palek Paneer. We both love Naan bread. None of the above is on the buffet, so it takes a little while and is a little more expensive for a lunch.
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Review from Chris G.
Petaluma, CA
8/30/2011
I was looking for a place that delivered and that's why I picked Namaste Kitchen. For dinner I had Chicken Tikka Masala along with an order of plain Naan and the Namaste Mixed Platter for an appetizer. Everything was excellent but the Chicken Tikka Masala was the best. It's as basic as you can get, chunks of chicken cooked in one of the best sauces I have ever had. If you do get the Tikka Masala then you must get an order of Naan so you can sop up all that beautiful sauce.
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Review from Jenny C.
San Francisco, CA
10/4/2010
I love this place.
Sure, it's not the best in the world, but it's much better than you'd expect from a strip mall in Petaluma. The food is always very good and the owners are super-friendly. Since it's close to home, it's an easy choice for nights that my boyfriend and I are just too tired to cook.
Beware when you they ask how hot you want it -- there's a big jump from mild (no spice) to medium (ouch!), and spicy is too hot for my spice-loving boyfriend sometimes. -
Review from Judith F.
Santa Rosa, CA
10/2/2010
Had lunch here with my mom one random day.
Lets say my mom is not a fan of Indian food...but I am! LOL
We both ordered the Chicken Vindaloo, spicy for me. Mild for her.
It was delicious! I was impressed. Their Garlic Naan as great too.
However, I found the Samosa to be over-spiced. Meh.
And service was......interesting. Both the owners kept approaching the table every 2 minutes. Dear Christ ppl, let me eat my food!
Over Attentive I'd say.
Well anyway, I'll over look that because by the end of the meal my mom was srsly wiping her plate clean with her finger cuz she loved it that much. She's a fan now :)
Will go back when in the neighborhood. -
Review from bill s.
San Rafael, CA
10/16/2010
Surprisingly excellent Indian food with a fascinating Nepalese portion of the menu. I'll admit being a bit of an Indo-Asian foodwhore, but I do know from passable to really good and this place ranks high on my list.
Personable service, friendly, atmospheric. All surprising from a strip-mall location. My only gripe was the $52 tab for two people, otherwise it'd earn a firm five stars. The Tandoori Chicken was tender and fresh. Everything tasted superb and gave the impression of recently made.
Waltzed in 20 minutes to closing and they were quite happy to serve us - a bit of a rarity these days. I'll be back. -
Review from Elena D.
Volcano, HI
5/6/2011
Excellent food, wonderful service. Makes you feel like one of the family. Food is obviously cooked and served with love.
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Review from Jennifer B.
Oakland, CA
9/13/2009
I had the unique and interesting experience of assisting a food photographer on a job here. That meant that I got to taste the majority of the menu, as well as help highlight it with napkin lightboxes! I got to learn all sorts of things about dumpling textures. The cooks and owners were really sweet and fun to work with.
My overall impression is that they have outstanding food in a homey atmosphere - lots of regulars and I could see myself being one too. It makes no sense whatsoever that this is in a strip mall so far North in Petaluma and not some cute little storefront downtown.
I can't comment on vegetable pakora, the first dish to come out (except to say that they were pretty and hard to shoot), because stone cold they were just plain yucky. I bet they were pretty good hot, but don't quote me on that. The meat dumplings were just so so, but the curried vegetable dumplings were amazing! The Samosas had a few extra Nepalese spices thrown in there with superb texture - the best samosas I've ever had. The Aloo Bhanta (eggplant and potato curry) was probably my favorite dish. I recommend any of their curry dishes, in fact. Rice pudding was pretty good.
I really like this place. It has "hidden gem" written all over it.Listed in: Jen likes Value
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Review from Karthik S.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2011
very poor vegetarian food...overpriced..
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Review from Mike W.
Petaluma, CA
2/11/2008 2 photos
Bullet points:
* Expert cooking
* Bizarre service
* Four stars for delightful food
Namaste means "good taste," and it is certainly true.
I had a salad that was made by cooking smoked, skewered lamb chunks in the tandoori - they were then tossed in a bowl with onion, cilantro, ginger, and mustard oil. It was simply fabulous.
My entree was a curried spinach dish with chicken. It too was wonderful, and came with perfect rice.
A cup of chai tea is complementary.
I originally tried to order two different appetizers, only to be told that they were out of them. I can forgive that since what I got was so good.
I was also told that the last couple of months, business has been bad. I suggested a sign out at the curb. A lot of information was volunteered while I was there.
The service varied from hesitant to intrusive - but very friendly. I got the impression that maybe no one really knew how to run a restaurant, or train people?
The service I can also forgive. I am just afraid that they won't last long. -
Review from Morgan B.
Petaluma, CA
9/8/2009
It was time for a birthday dinner, and my gluten-free brother picked this place. We started with pappadum and artichoke pakora - I picked Aloo Bhanta for an entree, and tried some of the Chicken Vindaloo, and followed with rice pudding.
The artichoke pakora were the highlight of the evening, unless my brother is reading this review, in which case their delightfully light batter and rich-but-not-too-oily artichoke flavor were overshadowed by the celebratory atmosphere and conversation.
The pappadum were pedestrian, but if I find pappadum that changes the world, I will be sure to let you know.
The Aloo Bhanta was a delightful mix of potato and eggplant in a spiced sauce. I never know what to say about these sauces. It had spices in it, and they were nicely balanced. The potato and eggplant were well cooked (which is to say that the potatoes were not tater tots, and both potato and eggplant were readily identifiable and held their shape at the table). It came with naan bread. There was nothing crazy about the naan. I've had naan like it. If you want spicy food, make sure to ask for "Nepal spicy" or "Indian spicy." I asked for "spicy" when they waiter (very attentive, almost overbearing) wanted to know "mild, medium, or spicy" and was surprised to find out that they use the same spice scale as Taco Bell (fire sauce = tomato soup). Not that I would ever be seen in a Taco Bell.
The rice pudding was a little boring. It had the requisite golden raisins and pistachios, but it didn't have enough of them, and the maraschino cherry on top left a little bit to be desired. I pictured my Afghan ex-girlfriend rattling off spices in my head while I was eating it, and I started thinking about how this particular rice pudding didn't have enough of them. I think rice pudding should have pistachio garnish, and maraschino cherries should be reserved for whiskey sours. They are much more emasculating when consumed in a busy bar.
I'd go back again in a hot second. The service was great and the prices reasonable. -
Review from Chris F.
Petaluma, CA
3/29/2009
First, let me say that Indian and Thai are my two favorite foods- I've eaten them both all over the world and my standards are very high. My wife and I ate here months ago, and I was very disappointed. With all the high ratings, I expected something outstanding. But, this place doesn't hold a candle to places in the South Bay.
I think that the only thing I really need to say is that I had to add salt to the Chicken Tikka Masala. I've never had to add salt to any Indian food. Indian food is never bland- until now, that is. The service was pretty good, but the food was just not very good.
If you want good Indian food, head over to Himalayan Kabob and Curry House on Western- much better. -
Review from Alexys P.
Glen Ellen, CA
8/28/2008
This place is fantastic! The menu is a little smaller than I'm used to, but everything we got was delicious.
The service is a little "bizarre", but not in a way that put me off. Our waiter would say something and then break into this loud laugh for no reason, and the other lady working, presumably his wife, would say "hi" every time she came to the table. Not bad, In fact I kind of liked it.
Their Saag Paneer is off the chain. Also, I always order food so hot it can make you cry ( i ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala here, they have a small selection of Chicken Curries & I don't eat lamb.) , and I have a hard time getting places to deliver. I don't know, I guess I don't look like I really like hot food.
They delivered.
Definitely will be going back there. -
Review from Sidewalk M.
Santa Rosa, CA
2/1/2009
A few years ago, my father, my sister and I went to visit our family in India for the first time in almost 20 years. The first time I went I was 8, and not really prepared to properly appreciate the culinary experience that the visit was. This more recent time, I was ecstatic all day every day because of the amazing food. We stayed with aunts who cooked us these elaborate, incredible lacto-vegetarian spreads on a tiny gas stove and an open flame. I ran around after my aunts in the kitchen, trying to learn how to replicate the recipes, but they worked so deftly that I am still kind of in the dark. I have frequently eaten Indian food here in the US, but had never, ever had food that approached the absolute deliciousness and freshness of the family recipes we ate in our aunts' home.
Until I went to Namaste yesterday. We got the lunch buffet because it smelled so amazing, and because we were curious and wanted to try little bits of lots of dishes.
So still have to say that my aunts' cooking trumps any Indian food I've had anywhere, but Namaste's food was the first I've eaten in this country that even began to remind me of my aunts' home cooking. I would not say this lightly. The dal, especially, blew my mind--so many places seem to use dal as this bland backdrop food, but Namaste's was bursting with skillfully-blended spices. The sag paneer was unbelievable. And the kheer was rich and not too sweet.
Nothing felt too heavy, or like it was hiding real flavor behind fats and piquancy. The service was lovely, polite and relaxed. I can't wait to go back. -
Review from Kyle T.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2010
Was getting my oil changed across the street and I was starving. Had heard the yelpers liking it, so I check it out.
It was really tasty!!! I was quite surprised. It is unusual to find this high level of delicious food in a strip mall on the quiet end of town.
I had the mattar paneer. The rice they served was moist and fluffy, and the dish itself came in a lovely bowl. It was perfectly spiced and flavored. It was so good I couldn't stop eating until it was finished!
I'm definitely coming back and I'm really glad I found out about this place because I didn't know where to get good Indian/Nepalese in Petaluma until tonight. -
Review from M.K. A.
Woodland, CA
9/3/2010
Great lunch buffet, and reasonably priced. The tandoori and vindaloo chicken dishes were delicious! As well as the naan, dal, pakora etc.
Very friendly owner and wait staff. We will be back for more!!! -
Review from Megan M.
Petaluma, CA
4/6/2008
Delicious food - rivals good indian restaurants in san francisco. Chicken Tikka Masala was delicious, and their Saag was a revelation. I wanted to try the Chana Amchur, but they forgot to include it in my carry out (see below). Naan is somewhat standard but good.
I have to say the service though is bizarre. I dropped by to get a menu, and I placed a take out order and then went back home. It took 50 mins for the food to be ready, and when I came back I noticed several tables had the same people as when I left and they were just getting their food. they seemed overwhelmed. nice that they're busy i guess. then when I got home i realized they forgot one of my dishes! I called back and they told me to call back on monday to get my money back, weird.. maybe it was just cuz it was a saturday night?
definitely needed a good indian place in petaluma, and this foots that bill. but I hope they improve their service and speed things up in the kitchen. -
Review from Nicky M.
Sacramento, CA
3/1/2010
Stumbled upon Namaste Kitchen the other day while working in Petaluma and walked away pleasantly surprised!
I had their lunch buffet for $9.25 which I thought was a fair price! I became a fan of their Tandoori Chicken as well as a Lamb meatball in sauce. I chowed down on both items over Rice. Also their Naan was Very Good!
For a place that I found on accident, if I am in Petaluma again I will have to make sure and give them another visit. -
Review from Juliette G.
Petaluma, CA
4/21/2011
Hands down the BEST Indian restaurant I've been to. The Chicken Tikka Masala is my absolute favorite!!!
They recognize me when I call to order it to go. Their lunch buffet is also delicious, and always fresh and hot!
They have a marinated lamb special every now and then that is positively orgasmic! I just can't say enough good stuff about this place, everything from mild to mind blowingly hot, everything on their menu is amazing! I hope this place sticks around for a LONG time!!! -
Review from Daniel R.
Petaluma, CA
4/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
The food was very good and the atmosphere was very nice. I had the Rogan Josh and it was perfect.
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Review from Joan M.
Sacramento, CA
8/13/2010
Fabulous Nepalese food. Had the garlic naan, chicken korma, baigan bharta (eggplant in a creamy yogurt and ginger sauce), mango chutney. Kind and attentive service.
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Review from Sharon F.
Santa Rosa, CA
12/28/2008
Although the place was packed when we went for dinner on a Saturday night, the gracious owners welcomed us as though we were their only and most treasured guests. Their namaste greetings at both our entrance and exit were lovely gestures of their respect and gratitude (which is the meaning of "namaste" as a traditional salutation). The service was good -- polite and efficient.
The combination Indian/Nepalese food was delicious. A lighter hand with the fat and ultra hot spice is the hallmark of Nepalese food and Namaste delivered it perfectly. From the crisp, light papadams and mango chutney, to the succulent chicken tikka masala with its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth sauce, and tasty saag paneer with the medium spiciness we requested -- everything was perfectly prepared and delicious. I'll be happier when they can serve a cold Taj Mahal along with the great food! -
Review from Tom M.
Petaluma, CA
5/20/2009
Wasn't too impressed with this place. The food was so-so
and the glass of water I had with my meal tasted like dish water.
yuck. -
Review from Brian B.
Oakland, CA
1/30/2011
Loved the food here, and the family feel.
We tried the green pea soup, a dish they made with samosas and sauces, the momo dumplings, and the chow mein. All delicious.
I liked the blend of tibet, nepalise, and indian food.
And it was CHEAP! I love that part. :-)
They were so friendly, it felt like being in their house.
My first yelp review ... was just passing through and had to comment ... 5 stars. -
Review from Domenica G.
Petaluma, CA
12/30/2010
very good for dinner, however I was very dissapointed with the lunch buffet. I guess i expected to see tikka masala and even after ordering it (for $14) I was really dissapointed. This was strange considering I had a great dinner experiance here. Perhaps the dinner cook is much better. The owners are very nice and the place has a nice comfy feel. I will go back, but only for dinner.
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Review from Allen B.
Rohnert Park, CA
6/16/2010
This is our favorite Indian restaurant. The lunch buffet is great, and we have liked all the dinner entrees we have tried. A mom and pop operation, we have always felt welcome.
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Review from Tony P.
San Rafael, CA
8/25/2010
I loves me some Indian food and this place was incredible. Was just walking by and went " hey Indian food sounds good today." Not allot of choices but they made up for that with incredible food. I know I'm now doomed to gain back the 70 some odd pounds I lost because this place is situated right behind my work. Oh well happy, Full & Fat I will be.
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Review from Diane H.
Penngrove, CA
6/15/2009
I went here with my daughters, who are both vegetarians, and we were delighted at the vast meatless choices they had. I was totally unfamiliar with the dishes on the menu but the waiter was patient and explained the ingredients and preparation of the dishes until we were satisfied with our choices. We were brought a crispy crackery thing with a delicious chutney sauce to start. The naan was so good to soak up our various sauces.. we had a vegetable Korma, chicken biriyani and chana masala. They were all fabulous and we all took home boxes. The staff was very charming greeting us with a bow when we arrived and another when we left. Fun music playing in the background , an altogether pleasant experience.
Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from J S.
San Rafael, CA
9/13/2008
Like the food but the owner guy (older looking) over charged me. I looked at him and asked why. He smiled. I said forget it. I ended up paying $14 ($12 plus 2$ tip) for lunch buffet and a soda. It's only a few $ diff., but I felt cheated.
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Went back a few more time. The food isn't as good as what it used to be when they first open. My co-workers and I stopped going. -
Review from Narin G.
Sonoma, CA
8/18/2010
The strip mall location belies their very tasty food. Really clean flavors, good prices, and friendly staff. It's always a go to for me.
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Review from siobhan w.
Petaluma, CA
5/23/2009
My husband and I love this restaurant. We have only eaten in the restaurant once, but we get take-out all the time. We love Indian food, this is up there with the best for us. The staff are very friendly too.
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Review from houston '.
Petaluma, CA
10/15/2009
Very good Indian food with an excellent lunch buffett.
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Review from Diane D.
Petaluma, CA
10/1/2008
I LOVE this place! I tried Karma in Cotati lunch buffet today just to compare and believe me, there is no comparison! Namaste has flavorful, spicy, tasty, fresh and luscious Indian food including the best chana masala with tender garbanzos in a silky, spicy sauce, delectable chicken curry, juicy tandoori chicken, fresh, crisp naan served hot to your table the minute you arrive, delicious mint, tamarind and raita sauces and wonderful service! Oh yes, spanking clean too! Karma on the other hand is bland, bland, bland and just plain odd... The only good thing was a very tasty chutney. Namaste, I love you!!!
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Review from Jennifer C.
Petaluma, CA
1/12/2009
We're new to Petaluma and one of our neighbors suggested we try Namaste. We've gone three times, tried different things on each occasion, and enjoyed absolutely everything! Every thing is flavorful and spicy (but not so hot you can't taste anything). The staff is a tad over attentive-- but I see it as eager to please. It's been one of the best places we've tried in town.
