Masala Spice

Great new spot in the neighborhood! Wide variety of options on their menu - there’s sure to be something for everyone. Papadum, eggplant curry, basmati rice, garlic naan were all excellent. Can’t wait to go back and try more on the menu.

Hands down the best Indian food in Santa Barbara. I've had my fair share of Indian food and this place really has it dialed in!

FABULOUS. I went to the buffet on Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara. Amazing and delicious buffet options. Lovely clean dining room and sweet staff.

Went here with my family. We ate a large variety of the menu, family style, and enjoyed it all! We will be back for Marsala Dosa

Great food, service and atmosphere. We had a nice heater outside. Great for families or date night and the food was delicious.

Excellent food good ambience we really enjoyed it

Wow. Amazing Even better than the Goleta location - with a more unique menu Great service We loved the Avacado Bhel - and everything else

“The food was absolutely delicious. Definitely recommend trying it!”

This has to be the best Indian in Santa Barbara, it was seriously so good!

excellent!! Biryani ist sensational as the spicy eggplant curry

Great food nice quiet atmosphere. Had a great dinner with my wife and daughter.

Best indian food i have ever had in santa barbara

Good food and you have to choose variety of foods to eat for your choice

Good apps!

Good indian food

I had a very nice experience at Masala Spice Restaurant, overall full paisa vasool place(jackpot). The atmosphere is very pleasant and well maintained, giving a proper Indian vibe but also modern touch, very comfortable for family or friends dining. Service was excellent, staff are very polite, attentive and always ready to help with a smile, making us feel very welcomed. Special thanks to the manager Babu, he is handling everything very professionally and ensuring customers are fully satisfied. Overall, I highly recommend this place for good food, great service and lovely ambiance.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Wonderful Dining Experience! Went for dinner with my wife and was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and cozy this place feels! We were warmly greeted at the entrance, which immediately made us feel welcome. The lighting and atmosphere are beautifully put together, elegant yet relaxed. The food was absolutely delicious. We had the Butter Chicken, perfectly balanced with just the right touch of sweetness and tanginess that made the dish stand out. We also tried the Spicy Chicken Vindaloo, tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich, spicy masala sauce with potatoes. The flavors were incredible definitely something different from your typical curry, with unique spices and depth. Our server, Baboo, was fantastic very attentive, respectful, and friendly. Excellent customer service all around. I also noticed they offer a great selection of wines, which really adds the cherry on top for a perfect date night experience. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for great food, ambiance, and service!

We tried the masala and egg dosas. Masala dosa was crispy and the chutneys were tasty too. Egg dosa was not worth it (had higher expectations wrt taste). Their chai and coffee were good. Gunpowder idli was ok. Not too hot but it wasn't too spicy.

We were happy to find out that Masala Spice on Cliff Drive now has an expanded menu with a large variety of Indian dishes, including south Indian items like dosas, and a menu section dedicated to vegan items. The chai was served it a cute cup with a few cookies. The korma was fantastic and the dosa was lovely as well. The service was attentive and helpful. We we definitely be back to try the biryani and other dishes.

This was our first time coming to Masala SB and we were happily surprised. You wouldn’t think a little place tucked between a car wash and a 7-11 could pull off ambiance, but we had a lovely dinner. The food is outstanding…samosa’s and the Aloo Gobi were wonderful. We also had a great noodle dish which I hadn’t had before. Overall, a delightful add to the Mesa culinary culture. We will be back. (Unfortunately, we ate all our food before the photo…next time the camera eats first :)

Victor Solano

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Wonderful Dining Experience! Went for dinner with my wife and was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and cozy this place feels! We were warmly greeted at the entrance, which immediately made us feel welcome. The lighting and atmosphere are beautifully put together, elegant yet relaxed. The food was absolutely delicious. We had the Butter Chicken, perfectly balanced with just the right touch of sweetness and tanginess that made the dish stand out. We also tried the Spicy Chicken Vindaloo, tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich, spicy masala sauce with potatoes. The flavors were incredible definitely something different from your typical curry, with unique spices and depth. Our server, Baboo, was fantastic very attentive, respectful, and friendly. Excellent customer service all around. I also noticed they offer a great selection of wines, which really adds the cherry on top for a perfect date night experience. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for great food, ambiance, and service!

Hoshang Varshney

We tried the masala and egg dosas. Masala dosa was crispy and the chutneys were tasty too. Egg dosa was not worth it (had higher expectations wrt taste). Their chai and coffee were good. Gunpowder idli was ok. Not too hot but it wasn't too spicy.

Templa Lieu

We were happy to find out that Masala Spice on Cliff Drive now has an expanded menu with a large variety of Indian dishes, including south Indian items like dosas, and a menu section dedicated to vegan items. The chai was served it a cute cup with a few cookies. The korma was fantastic and the dosa was lovely as well. The service was attentive and helpful. We we definitely be back to try the biryani and other dishes.

Tawnya Bragg

This was our first time coming to Masala SB and we were happily surprised. You wouldn’t think a little place tucked between a car wash and a 7-11 could pull off ambiance, but we had a lovely dinner. The food is outstanding…samosa’s and the Aloo Gobi were wonderful. We also had a great noodle dish which I hadn’t had before. Overall, a delightful add to the Mesa culinary culture. We will be back. (Unfortunately, we ate all our food before the photo…next time the camera eats first :)

Up here in SB on vacation. Had the Chicken Tikka Masala and Saag Aloo. Outstanding! Better than our regular place we go to in LA. Will definitely be back next time we are here!

Masala Spice in Santa Barbara is a hidden gem that offers a delightful dining experience. The food is consistently delicious, with perfectly seasoned dishes that highlight a fantastic variety of flavors. From aromatic curries to tender meats, everything is prepared with care and precision. The prices are surprisingly reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, making it a great value. The friendly service adds to the overall charm, making each visit a memorable one. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Masala Spice is definitely worth checking out!

Hidden gem for Indian food with lots of unique dishes beyond the usual menu. Highly recommend!

Absolutely incredible food and experience! I had a tandoori pizza and Indian stir fry noodles, and they blew me away. I didn’t know I needed Indian fusion food in my life until now. The staff were very friendly as well. Great vibe. You could take a date or your family here and have a great night. 10/10 recommend

We were visiting Santa Barbara for my birthday and thought we would try this place. Service was very friendly, good good prices and tasty food.

Finally decent Indian food has arrived in Santa Barbara. After Bibiji, this is my go to place for my weekly Indian fix. They have a richer menu too. Don’t let the pizza and noodles fool you. Some of the best Indian restaurants mix it up and they do a remarkable job with their curries too. The noodles were spot on. The naan is freshly made. I always get Medium spicy.

My husband had been wanting to try it out for a while, but I am not a fan of spicy food so I was not excited about it. We finally went and wow!🤩... They're so friendly and professional and our server Zack was also very helpful. He recommended dishes and answered any questions we had. Everything we ordered was amazing!! (Arancini balls, Chicken Tikka, Basmati rice, Lamb Korma, Basil Pesto Naan) They can make most of their dishes with the spice level the customers request. We're definitely going back!!

A Delicious New Gem in Santa Barbara: Finally, a Fabulous Indian Restaurant on the Mesa! I am beyond thrilled to share my excitement about a new Indian restaurant that has recently opened on the Mesa in Santa Barbara – and let me tell you, it’s nothing short of a culinary gem! As a longtime lover of Indian cuisine, I've been eagerly awaiting a place like this to grace our beautiful city, and after two visits, I can confidently say it exceeds all expectations. First, let’s talk about the food. WOW. From the moment you step inside, the aroma of fresh spices and herbs fills the air, and you just know you’re in for something special. I’ve tried a variety of dishes, and each one has been absolutely divine. The flavors are bold, vibrant, and expertly balanced. Whether it's the creamy, rich curries or the perfectly seasoned tandoori dishes, every bite is a reminder of why Indian cuisine is so beloved. The naan is soft and warm, just the right amount of char from the tandoor, and their biryani? Heavenly. It’s rare to find such authentic, flavorful dishes so perfectly executed outside of India, but this place delivers every time. But the experience doesn't stop with the food. The staff here is incredibly welcoming, attentive, and genuinely friendly. They’re happy to offer recommendations and make you feel right at home, which is a real treat in a town with so many dining options. The service is top-notch, and you can tell the team is passionate about the food they serve. This restaurant is exactly what the Mesa area needed—an elevated, authentic Indian dining experience that combines incredible flavors with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Indian food or someone looking to try it for the first time, I cannot recommend this place enough. It’s already become one of my go-to spots in Santa Barbara! If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and check it out. You won’t be disappointed – I’m already looking forward to my next visit!

We came to their soft opening and were blown away at how delicious their food was. We had a kabab plate with shrimp which was out of this world! Seriously yummy. Also we had chicken tikka masala which was sooo flavorful. An unexpected treat were their tater tots. Not a traditional Indian dish but delicious nonetheless. If you’re near the Mesa and hungry for delicious Indian food this is the place!

Service is pretty slow and cold but food is absolutely divine , thank you 🙏🏼

Sarah casteliah

Service is pretty slow and cold but food is absolutely divine , thank you 🙏🏼

Diane Phillips

We were visiting Santa Barbara for my birthday and thought we would try this place. Service was very friendly, good good prices and tasty food.

sahithi sharma

Hidden gem for Indian food with lots of unique dishes beyond the usual menu. Highly recommend!

T Ball

Up here in SB on vacation. Had the Chicken Tikka Masala and Saag Aloo. Outstanding! Better than our regular place we go to in LA. Will definitely be back next time we are here!

KIM

Masala Spice in Santa Barbara is a hidden gem that offers a delightful dining experience. The food is consistently delicious, with perfectly seasoned dishes that highlight a fantastic variety of flavors. From aromatic curries to tender meats, everything is prepared with care and precision. The prices are surprisingly reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, making it a great value. The friendly service adds to the overall charm, making each visit a memorable one. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Masala Spice is definitely worth checking out!

Mireya Rivera

My husband had been wanting to try it out for a while, but I am not a fan of spicy food so I was not excited about it. We finally went and wow!🤩... They're so friendly and professional and our server Zack was also very helpful. He recommended dishes and answered any questions we had. Everything we ordered was amazing!! (Arancini balls, Chicken Tikka, Basmati rice, Lamb Korma, Basil Pesto Naan) They can make most of their dishes with the spice level the customers request. We're definitely going back!!

Cali Netizen

Finally decent Indian food has arrived in Santa Barbara. After Bibiji, this is my go to place for my weekly Indian fix. They have a richer menu too. Don’t let the pizza and noodles fool you. Some of the best Indian restaurants mix it up and they do a remarkable job with their curries too. The noodles were spot on. The naan is freshly made. I always get Medium spicy.

Stephanie Bagish

A Delicious New Gem in Santa Barbara: Finally, a Fabulous Indian Restaurant on the Mesa! I am beyond thrilled to share my excitement about a new Indian restaurant that has recently opened on the Mesa in Santa Barbara – and let me tell you, it’s nothing short of a culinary gem! As a longtime lover of Indian cuisine, I've been eagerly awaiting a place like this to grace our beautiful city, and after two visits, I can confidently say it exceeds all expectations. First, let’s talk about the food. WOW. From the moment you step inside, the aroma of fresh spices and herbs fills the air, and you just know you’re in for something special. I’ve tried a variety of dishes, and each one has been absolutely divine. The flavors are bold, vibrant, and expertly balanced. Whether it's the creamy, rich curries or the perfectly seasoned tandoori dishes, every bite is a reminder of why Indian cuisine is so beloved. The naan is soft and warm, just the right amount of char from the tandoor, and their biryani? Heavenly. It’s rare to find such authentic, flavorful dishes so perfectly executed outside of India, but this place delivers every time. But the experience doesn't stop with the food. The staff here is incredibly welcoming, attentive, and genuinely friendly. They’re happy to offer recommendations and make you feel right at home, which is a real treat in a town with so many dining options. The service is top-notch, and you can tell the team is passionate about the food they serve. This restaurant is exactly what the Mesa area needed—an elevated, authentic Indian dining experience that combines incredible flavors with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Indian food or someone looking to try it for the first time, I cannot recommend this place enough. It’s already become one of my go-to spots in Santa Barbara! If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and check it out. You won’t be disappointed – I’m already looking forward to my next visit!

Sean Ovelmen

Absolutely incredible food and experience! I had a tandoori pizza and Indian stir fry noodles, and they blew me away. I didn’t know I needed Indian fusion food in my life until now. The staff were very friendly as well. Great vibe. You could take a date or your family here and have a great night. 10/10 recommend

Bob Wheeler

We came to their soft opening and were blown away at how delicious their food was. We had a kabab plate with shrimp which was out of this world! Seriously yummy. Also we had chicken tikka masala which was sooo flavorful. An unexpected treat were their tater tots. Not a traditional Indian dish but delicious nonetheless. If you’re near the Mesa and hungry for delicious Indian food this is the place!

Food is really very flavorful and the best Indian food we had after a very long time! For vegetarians - order samosa , veg Momo , avacado bhej and Paneer lababdar. But the food quantity is very very less. You might have to order 2 portions of the main course for 2 people.

Bhagyashri Kadam

Food is really very flavorful and the best Indian food we had after a very long time! For vegetarians - order samosa , veg Momo , avacado bhej and Paneer lababdar. But the food quantity is very very less. You might have to order 2 portions of the main course for 2 people.

Decent place to eat, the food was really good, I am not a big fan of experimenting with food, but we tried momo and turned out to be really good. Paneer and Naan fantastic. Well mannered staffs What I don’t like - extreme wait time, restaurant opened by 4 pm, we entered by 420pm and waited almost 45 mins for food, only mom, curry and naan😟 huge let down. Seems like there were more takeouts.

The food was great but I asked for mild and got a massive chili in it.

Sylvain Chaussard

The food was great but I asked for mild and got a massive chili in it.

Geekay

Decent place to eat, the food was really good, I am not a big fan of experimenting with food, but we tried momo and turned out to be really good. Paneer and Naan fantastic. Well mannered staffs What I don’t like - extreme wait time, restaurant opened by 4 pm, we entered by 420pm and waited almost 45 mins for food, only mom, curry and naan😟 huge let down. Seems like there were more takeouts.

We placed a to-go order for the Hariyali Chicken and Garlic Black Tiger Shrimp. When we got back to our hotel room and opened the containers to eat, both items were clearly undercooked. The shrimp was so tough it was nearly impossible to eat. We ended up throwing both dishes in the trash. A truly disappointing experience and total waste of money.

Buffet had very 3-5 curries, one veg starter and plain rice. Only non veg item is chicken curry. We had wait more than 15mins for items to be refilled and they refill with smaller quantities. We got nans in the end when we were almost done eating. Poorest customer service. Buffet is 20$

I can’t say anything about what the food tastes like because I left before I could order. The menu scared me quite frankly. When I see “Indian Cuisine” I don’t think of pizza, pasta, tacos, steak… and no, not fun fusion plays which even then 🫤. As we sat at our table waiting 20 minutes without a server coming over, I contemplated the menu over and over. I had no faith in having a good meal here. Only one page of the 5 page menu was strictly focused on Indian dishes. Myself and my party didn’t want to stick around to find out so we left. I have heard good things about the Goleta location and when you looks at their website the menu is completely different. It would be hard to convince to go back there. Also, I get that they just opened and everyone has those initial bumps, but one server for the entire place? Not a good first impression at all.

The menu online is not accurate. The menu at the mesa location is…bizarre. There are some curries, and tacos, and Alfredo pasta…And a rack of lamb ribs? It’s weird, and feels like they have no idea what they want to serve. I’d let you know how it was, but the table next to us and ourselves were forgotten about. They had said they had been waiting for 20 minutes before we sat down and then waited 20 minutes more just to order. Tried to ask about nut allergies and were told they would get back to us. We waited but they never came back to us before we left.

Sneha Reddy

Buffet had very 3-5 curries, one veg starter and plain rice. Only non veg item is chicken curry. We had wait more than 15mins for items to be refilled and they refill with smaller quantities. We got nans in the end when we were almost done eating. Poorest customer service. Buffet is 20$

Ari Rogers

I can’t say anything about what the food tastes like because I left before I could order. The menu scared me quite frankly. When I see “Indian Cuisine” I don’t think of pizza, pasta, tacos, steak… and no, not fun fusion plays which even then 🫤. As we sat at our table waiting 20 minutes without a server coming over, I contemplated the menu over and over. I had no faith in having a good meal here. Only one page of the 5 page menu was strictly focused on Indian dishes. Myself and my party didn’t want to stick around to find out so we left. I have heard good things about the Goleta location and when you looks at their website the menu is completely different. It would be hard to convince to go back there. Also, I get that they just opened and everyone has those initial bumps, but one server for the entire place? Not a good first impression at all.

Blake Rogers

The menu online is not accurate. The menu at the mesa location is…bizarre. There are some curries, and tacos, and Alfredo pasta…And a rack of lamb ribs? It’s weird, and feels like they have no idea what they want to serve. I’d let you know how it was, but the table next to us and ourselves were forgotten about. They had said they had been waiting for 20 minutes before we sat down and then waited 20 minutes more just to order. Tried to ask about nut allergies and were told they would get back to us. We waited but they never came back to us before we left.