Seemor
Karimi Indian and Pakistani CuisineB-Worth Trying
1086 N First St, San Jose, CA 95112
· Indian restaurant, Halal restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (1145 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Casual halal spot for North Indian, Pakistani, and Indo‑Chinese with fast counter service, strong tandoori and curries, but inconsistency and service fees can frustrate.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Karimi Indian and Pakistani Cuisine delivers strong food quality with standout butter chicken, kebabs, and fresh naan, plus exceptional speed that gets diners eating within minutes. However, inconsistent execution—variable biryani meat, oily gravies, and recurring quality gaps—prevents a higher grade, while recent buffet and service fee complaints suggest slight momentum decline. Best suited for quick, casual halal comfort rather than refined dining.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels clean and casual with counter ordering, self-serve water, and food arriving fast. Diners describe kebabs as juicy and naan as soft and hot, while one solo diner noted, "I was eating within minutes and felt welcomed." However, some call out inconsistent execution and group service fees that caught them off guard. Cooking leans classic North Indian and Pakistani with a side of Indo‑Chinese—think butter chicken and seekh kebabs alongside Hakka noodles and Manchurian. Fans rave about the tandoori, tikka masala, and fresh breads; skeptics cite oily gravies, variable biryani meat, and middling noodles. It suits those who want hearty, halal comfort with quick, no-frills service more than fine-dining flourish. For families, the menu has plenty kids will actually eat: naan, tikka, biryani, and fried rice. The casual setup and quick pacing work for groups, but note rice is a separate order and some report an 18% service fee for larger parties; plan accordingly.
At a Glance
- Fast counter service with hot food in 5–10 minutes
- Standout butter chicken, kebabs, and fresh naan
- Inconsistent biryani meat and Indo‑Chinese execution
- Rice sold separately and reported 18% service fee for groups
- Buffet events received poor feedback on quality and presentation
What Sets It Apart
- broad halal menu with Indo‑Chinese
- fast counter service with spacious seating
What People Love
- Comforting butter chicken and tikka
- Soft, garlicky naan fresh from tandoor
- Juicy seekh kebabs with chutney
- Speedy service that suits workday meals
- Clean, spacious dining room
Points of Concern
- Biryani and Indo‑Chinese dishes vary in quality; some find them bland or oily
- Reports of separate rice charge surprise some curry orders
- Multiple mentions of an 18% service fee for groups or reservations
- Buffet service during Ramadan drew criticism for limited variety and presentation
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$32-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair butter chicken with garlic naan and jeera rice for balance
- Choose a tandoori item plus one curry to diversify textures
- Ask whether goat biryani is the weekend special before ordering
Perfect For
- Quick halal lunch near civic center
- Casual family dinner with picky eaters
- Takeout of kebabs and curries
- Mixed group craving Indo‑Pak classics
Location Insights
Area: Mixed commercial corridor near civic buildings; daytime traffic from offices, court, and commuters.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic during business hours; typical urban caution at night.
Nearby: Near Hall of Justice and offices; strip-mall style parking with an additional lot mentioned in reviews.
JapantownJapantown is one of the last three authentic Japantowns in the United States, known for its cultural heritage, small businesses, and a variety of Asian dining options. The dining scene is casual and community-oriented, with many family-run restaurants and eateries offering authentic ethnic cuisines, attracting both locals and tourists.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Friday11:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Saturday11:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Sunday11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →