Lively Indian spot on Commercial Drive offering generous portions, popular thalis, and Indo-Chinese favorites; strong recent praise but mixed reports on buffet temperature and service speed.
Bombay Kitchen + Bar delivers solid neighborhood Indian dining with strong food quality anchored by standout butter chicken and tandoor work, plus friendly, attentive service that keeps thali plates flowing. The excellent value proposition and convenient Commercial Drive location make it competitive with respected local favorites, but inconsistent execution during peak times—slower refills, temperature lapses—prevents grade A territory. Recent improvements suggest upward momentum worth monitoring.
On Commercial Drive, this spot hums with a warm, lively energy where baskets of garlic naan and sizzling tandoori land at a steady clip. Service skews friendly and helpful, and more than a few diners mention servers who keep thali plates topped up. One diner summed it up nicely: "We left full and happy without breaking the bank." The cooking leans classic North Indian with comfort-first richness, backed by a tandoor and a side lane of chaat and Indo‑Chinese. Expect butter chicken done right, tender lamb korma, smoky eggplant, and street-style vada pav and pav bhaji. The AYCE thali is the value magnet, though peak times can mean slower refills and a few lukewarm trays. For families, this is an easy win: mild curries, rice, naan, and thali variety offer plenty of familiar choices. Kids who like simple flavors will find naan and butter chicken an easy match, while veggie options abound for selective eaters. No formal kids menu noted, but the menu has many straightforward, child-friendly picks.
Area vibe: Eclectic, artsy corridor with cafes, bars, and multicultural eateries; draws locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe and well-trafficked in evenings; standard urban awareness at late hours.
What's nearby: Near indie shops, bars, and music venues; strong foot traffic and casual nightlife.