Like others have mentioned, the wait staff is inexperienced, but authentic and knowlegeable. They took the time to explain all the dishes on the buffet and any other questions I had. The food is...

Like others have mentioned, the wait staff is inexperienced, but authentic and knowlegeable. They took the time to explain all the dishes on the buffet and any other questions I had. The food is primarily northern, and fairly spicy. It's not a "mouth burner" type heat, but you know you're eating something with more than a little kick to it. It helps to get the rice to help keep things cool, as most of the dishes were a sauce-type entree. If you're looking for a change of pace from the diners, Mexican, and Chinese places in and about town, you could do far worse than dropping into the Desi Cafe. You might not be able to afford a world tour, but this is a resonable stop on one for your palette.

 finally a place with indian food flavored just right.  the waitstaff is a little inexperienced but very friendly and aim to please.  the portions are a tad smaller then i expected but the...

 finally a place with indian food flavored just right.  the waitstaff is a little inexperienced but very friendly and aim to please.  the portions are a tad smaller then i expected but the prices are reasonable. 

groove

I have been looking forward to the opening of Desi Cafe for months now! I love Indian food but feel that Bakersfield lacks a place that has both...

I have been looking forward to the opening of Desi Cafe for months now! I love Indian food but feel that Bakersfield lacks a place that has both great food AND a great atmosphere. Desi Cafe definitely has both, and then some! As soon as we walked in, my friend and I were greeted by a very sweet hostess who promptly showed us to our table with some menus in hand, and told us to help ourselves to the buffet if that was our interest. The atmosphere was amazing, nice linens and place settings and there was plenty of room between tables, so you do not feel like you are being pushed up against other patrons. As soon as we sat we were greeted by the manager who told us about all the dishes at the buffet and also informed us that they set up for dinner by lighing candles and creating a more intimate setting. He explained that a bar/lounge was in the works and that they hope to create an intimate setting for people to come enjoy not only the food but the drinks and ambiance. It was clear that he took great pride in the restaurant and the future that it holds and he wanted to share it with us and all the guests that day.

The lunch buffet had everything we loved and then some! We both had double helpings and were too full to eat anything else the rest of the day. We were excited up until the end to find that our bill was well under $20. Amazingly this even included champagne, which came with the buffet! This was my kind of place! I would recommend this to anyone who either LOVES Indian food or even to someone who has never tried it. Even for someone who is a picky eater there are many simple and flavorful dishes. I can honestly say this is the best of the similar restaurants in town. I can't wait to go back and experience the new bar and lounge!

The name of the restaurant is actually Desi Cafe, and it is located at the new shopping center in the southeast corner of Panama Lane and Stine Rd.  I went for dinner last night and was...

The name of the restaurant is actually Desi Cafe, and it is located at the new shopping center in the southeast corner of Panama Lane and Stine Rd.  I went for dinner last night and was utterly impressed with this place-in particular the quality and freshness of the food.  The manager, Paul, personally introduced himself to us and helped us choose our order, and I must admit, it blows away the Indian food I have tried at any other place in Bakersfield.  They have a full bar, plus Indian beers and wines that you should definetely try out.  I ordered the Chjcken Tikka Masala (which is the most popular item on most Indian restaurants' menu), and it was VERY flavorful & fresh.  They have a Tandoori Bar on one wide of the restaurant, so customers that want to see how the Tandoor (Clay Oven) works, and is used to make Naan (the fresh seasoned bread) and tandoori chicken are made. 



The other thing that stands out about Desi Cafe is how nice it is, in terms of the look & ambiance of the place.  Very nice decor, upbeat music, and great service standed out in my dinner experience.  The place certainly has a modern, trendy feel to it that no Indian restaurant currently in Bakersfield does.  In fact, the manager told us that they are opening a bar & lounge on the backside of the restaurant in a few weeks.  I definetely look forward to checking it out.  Desi Cafe is worth checking out, and is the perfect place to perhaps try Indian food for the first time.