• Madras Cafe

  • (19)
    28
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  • White Vegetarian
Lacto
Indian
Take-out
Catering

Serves South Indian vegetarian food with vegan options. Offers daily and weekend specials. Open Tue-Fri 8:30am-2:00pm, 5:30pm-10:00pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-10:00pm.


19 Reviews

First Review by emfromalameda

Jeffrey_Monica

Points +81

Vegetarian
27 Feb 2026

Previously great but they changed cthe cook or recipies

This used to be our weekly goto place for dosas and veg korma. But a few weeks ago they changed either the cook or their recipies as everything is horribly salty.

Cons: dislike the amount of salt in everything

Edgedy

Points +27

Vegan
21 Aug 2025

Not as Vegan as advertised.

Only the special vegetable dosa is actually vegan, despite being advertised on these reviews the Channa Batura contains milk powder and is not vegan.

Only 4 stars because they either changed their menu or there is significantly fewer vegan options.

RoozbehForoozan

Points +13

Vegetarian
31 May 2025

Excellent and authentic

Excellent and authentic. We enjoyed our time. Priced appropriately. Very quick service.

Franz__

Points +144

Vegan
22 May 2024

Top tier

The food is on another level. A must if you are in the area.

Staff said over 80% of the food is vegan, super friendly and gave suggestions on what to eat.

Pros: Amazing food, Great staff, Good prices

vjeranc

Points +83

Vegan
12 May 2024

Excellent dosa

This was my first dosa. Very delicious potato filled meal. I was expecting a bit more sides but the whole dish was flavorful and fulfilling.

Service is quick and efficient.

Gopala108

Points +5836

Vegan
20 Feb 2024

authentic pure veg South Indian cuisine with friendly staff and vegan options

I recently went to Madras Cafe with my beloved. I spent a lot of time in India including South India. The woman who took our order was from Hyderabad where I have been. She was kind and friendly.

We ordered family style getting:
Channa Batura aka Chloe bhatura- we enjoyed this the best. Chickpeas were amazing and flavorful albeit portions could have been bigger

We got the special vegetable dosa- the fermented rice and lentil crepe was stuffed with potatoes, veggies, cashews, and raisins. Nice chutneys

We also got idli podi- idili is fermented rice cakes and the podi was quite alright

Ambiance was pretty basic yet appreciated all the food was served on metal thali plates and silverware

We would return!

Pros: authentic pure veg South Indian cuisine

airsquared

Points +33

Vegetarian
19 Nov 2023

Best South Indian Food

Authentic food, good prices, tipping not expected,

thatJainGirl

Points +22

Vegan
26 Jun 2023

Simple and yum!

Casual eatery that offers yummy South Indian delicacies.

Pros: Pure Indian vegetarian (no eggs), Most items can be customized to suit vegans, Family friendly casual eatery

Cons: Lack of Jain options

themuppetlibrarian

Points +5473

Vegan
16 Apr 2023

Best South Indian food

My close friend who is from south India takes me here to eat. All the food is flavorful and I love to come here hungry. I know I’ll be satisfied😄

JakeFuller

Points +1562

Vegan
16 Feb 2023

Killer Dosa!

Excellent food, very fresh, fast, and efficient. If you’re looking for authentic Indian cuisine, this is a great spot.

andyjng

Points +6108

Vegan
21 Nov 2022

Best Biryani in Town

Madras Cafe is a definite stand out in the Indian food sector. They specialize in a lot of Indian street-style dishes you'd find in Southeast Asia and South India, and I am here for all of it.

You get in line to order first, and then a server will call your name and party to be seated. Everything is essentially vegan minus items that have ghee or butter listed in the dish name itself. Although the menu doesn't explicitly list out what is and isn't vegan, they make it clear when you order.

I loved their stuffed pancakes with onion and potatoes. Together with the different chutneys, this tear-and-eat style of dining was absolutely suited and perfect for a communal family feast.

Let me say - this place served the best biryani I have had in a LONG time. I don't think I've tasted anything as flavorful and authentic as I have here at Madras Cafe. Their biryani (which again is completely vegan) was absolute fire and a must. Adjust the heat if you must, but it was seriously THE dish of the night and I'm glad we came on a weekend to enjoy.

Pros: Best biryani

Cons: Wasteful with plastic utensils

rahulbsw

Points +38

Vegetarian
27 Feb 2022

Lots of vegan and vegetarian options

As a vegetarians I love this pure vegetarian restaurant and good variety with best taste

Simster

Points +35

Mostly Veg
18 Jan 2022

Best dosas

We love Madras cafe and have been going there for years. The madras dosa is the best, as are the idlies. We love the sauces and the quick service too.

Pros: Lots of vegan options, Delicious dosas, Quick service

r2277388

Points +74

Vegan
18 Apr 2020

Excellent restaurant

I always bring out of town visitors here, the food is great, lots of options. The line seems big but it goes quickly. It's a vegetarian restaurant so watch out for things cooked in ghee. I dream of this place...

Pros: Dosas are amazing! Sauces in point!

Cons: If vegan, be careful. Sat/Fri night long lines.

M4mario

Points +35

Vegan
07 Oct 2019

Decent South Indian food

Food is ok, not great. Not bad either.

Pros: Completely vegetarian, Many vegan options, Good space and seating

Cons: Food is not as good as other South Indian places

Lindagrand

Points +28

Vegetarian
06 Sep 2019

Great South Indian Food

If you want authentic South Indian Food this place is a must! They have lots of vegetarian options!

Pros: Lots of vegetarian options , Delicious dosas

aegonsnow

Points +22

Vegan
11 Jul 2019

Great place

Amazing vegan/vegetarian South Indian comfort food

Pros: Quick service , Fully vegetarian , Delicious food!

Cons: Long waiting time sometimes , Sambhar is not vegan. Cashier said it has ghee

abhaya

Points +92

Vegan
07 Mar 2019

Best dosas

Completely vegetarian. Has a very authentic Indian feel. Great dosas.

emfromalameda

Points +118

Vegan
01 Apr 2018

Delicious

This is the best place in the Bay Area for dosas.




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