Kabana

Anyone wishing to experience authentic Indian Cuisine should give this place a try. The chicken biryani is my go-to favorite and always makes me happy but their curries are outstanding and even the nan is superlative.

My favorite Indian, Pakistani type food in the Berkeley area! The dishes all taste great - vegetarian and meat - and excellent value for the price. We especially enjoyed the naan and stuffed naan with our dishes. Definitely worth a visit. Don't be fooled by the low key atmosphere, the food makes up for it.

One of the best Pakistani places in the Bay Area hands down!! Food is so flavorful and the price is inexpensive! I highly recommend their Karahi Chicken, it has a nice smoky flavor! Their Paneer Tikka Masala, Tandoori Chicken/Boti, and Seekh Kabab are great too! Come give Kabana a try!

Food was so good & fresh. So much flavor! Everyone very friendly & great service.

The only restaurant in Berkeley serving authentic Indian / Pakistani food. I went to different restaurants in Berkeley but all serving, fake, substandard and unauthentic food. Some were serving rice with chat masala and calling it Biryani. Only this place served tasty food with service like eating in home.

Great food and excellent meat quality. I usually don’t eat lamb and goat but this place has great quality meat and they cook it to perfect texture. All their curries are exceptional, my personal fav is Karahi chicken. Also the gulab jamun was freshly made! Highly recommend this place for authentic Pakistani food!!!

This is a Berkeley institution have been coming here since i can remember, absolutely fantastic and they treat you like family ❤️

They have the best Palak Paneer!!! And my Teacher said they have the best Paratha. Their food is really flavorful. And the employees are caring. Love that the owner wears a suit everyday. He is super warm and it is reflected in the food. If you are interested in Pakistani culture and are on IG, follow everydaypakistan, purana_pakistan and historyofpak. Love seeing their beautiful country through the eyes of photographers and historians.

Really good Pakistani food that satisfied my craving. I enjoyed the karahi goat and chana masala with naan and gulab jamun for dessert. I would come again for the food!

Coming here from last 19 years, still same taste. Most authentic and delicious food.

Food was amazing. Love the kebabs and naan bread

Great food, no nonsense service, no alcohol, no frills decor. The tandoori chicken and tandoori lamb chops are so good, we’ve been coming here ever since our Cal student son brought us here in 2008! Family owned and very authentic.

5 ⭐ for everything for this restaurant. Food is amazing, authentic flavor for biryani, all the curries and we just love their homemade almond ice cream, not too sweet and perfect for dessert. The atmosphere and service is great. Two of their tables are set in a sunny spot which I always love to get because it's perfect for lunch especially in winters. ☀️ All dishes are relatively inexpensive but the flavor and quality of food is actually better than other restaurants. I know this because we never got a tummy ache or felt uneasy after eating here. My daughter loves their gulab jamun.

Great food! Handi chicken and plain parantha were the standout dish. Handi chicken was very unique compared to the dishes I have had in other Pakistani restaurants.

I had a fantastic dining experience at Kabana, a Pakistani restaurant. The staff was exceptionally attentive and friendly, making the evening enjoyable. The food was simply amazing, and the credit goes to the talented cook, Nishan Singh, who prepared every dish to perfection. I highly recommend this restaurant for a delicious and memorable meal.

I eat here every Friday. Excellent food and staff. Authentic atmosphere. Local family run business. Try the Chana masala.

Ann Sharf

Great food, no nonsense service, no alcohol, no frills decor. The tandoori chicken and tandoori lamb chops are so good, we’ve been coming here ever since our Cal student son brought us here in 2008! Family owned and very authentic.

Divya Rajput

5 ⭐ for everything for this restaurant. Food is amazing, authentic flavor for biryani, all the curries and we just love their homemade almond ice cream, not too sweet and perfect for dessert. The atmosphere and service is great. Two of their tables are set in a sunny spot which I always love to get because it's perfect for lunch especially in winters. ☀️ All dishes are relatively inexpensive but the flavor and quality of food is actually better than other restaurants. I know this because we never got a tummy ache or felt uneasy after eating here. My daughter loves their gulab jamun.

rahul shukla

Great food! Handi chicken and plain parantha were the standout dish. Handi chicken was very unique compared to the dishes I have had in other Pakistani restaurants.

Liam Pollom

I eat here every Friday. Excellent food and staff. Authentic atmosphere. Local family run business. Try the Chana masala.

Rupy Randhawa

I had a fantastic dining experience at Kabana, a Pakistani restaurant. The staff was exceptionally attentive and friendly, making the evening enjoyable. The food was simply amazing, and the credit goes to the talented cook, Nishan Singh, who prepared every dish to perfection. I highly recommend this restaurant for a delicious and memorable meal.

We were traveling from Tennessee and stumbled upon the Restaurant near Berkeley area, such a hidden gem! It’s a cozy, family-owned place run by the sweetest uncle, auntie, and their daughter. They were so welcoming and funny, and uncle kept checking in to make sure we loved everything. We tried the chicken boti (served sizzling hot!) and the nihari too, both full of flavor. The kulfi and gulab jamun for dessert were the perfect nostalgic touch, bringing back true Pakistani flavors. Highly recommend if you’re in the area!

I've been here for years. I grew up with my best friend's mama feeding me her home cooked Pakistani food and I have not been able to find it anywhere else. I tried this place and I was blown away, expecting to be disappointed again. If you are looking for the authentic Pakistani flavor and spices, this is the only place I've found!!! Yum!!

I really liked the tea and chicken biryani here. It's a family owned so don't be surprised if everyone is there to help out.

A Berkeley Gem for Authentic Pakistani Food I’ve been coming to Kabana for over 10 years, and every trip up from Los Angeles includes a stop here—it’s that good. The qeema paratha (I call it “chicken bread”) is my personal favorite: fresh, crispy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping into other dishes. When I’m here with friends, we usually share kadi pakora, daal gosht, lamb curry, and either chicken haleem or chicken tikka masala. Every dish is bursting with deep, rich flavor that’s hard to find anywhere else in California—this place truly is one of the most underrated Pakistani restaurants in the state. Muhammad and his family make the experience even better. They’re warm, welcoming, and always happy to chat, creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that makes you want to linger. In all seriousness, I keep coming back because these flavors are unforgettable. If you’re in Berkeley and want authentic Pakistani food with incredible hospitality, Kabana is a must.

I have been coming to this amazing restaurant for more than 15 years with my husband and friends. The food is authentic and consistently delicious. The best Pakistani food anywhere. We love the naan and chicken tikka masala and goat dishes just to mention a few. It’s a family run business that has been a staple of Berkeley. We know the staff who are just lovely and friendly and hard working. You won’t be disappointed so come try it.

Kabana has been my go to place for more than 15 years. It is absolutely authentic food made by the best Pakistani people I know. They cook it just the way they do at home and it is unbelievably delicious. They have the best naan, piping hot and doughy/Chewy! Delicious! Their goat dishes are out of this world, my favorite for sure.If you’re into chicken tikka masala, you will find no better than what they have Kabana. Don’t miss out on the chai. Milky good! Check this place out it hasn’t been around for 30+ years for nothing!

I’d give it 10 stars if I could. It is authentic Pakistani taste. LEGIT family owned and operated (the owner’s grandkids are often seen which is so sweet). I feel comfortable taking my baby there in her stroller as the temperature is perfect for her and they’re very kid friendly in case she has a meltdown. Tastes like a feast in a Pakistani home. Which is like Indian taste but slightly better (in my honest opinion Pakistani taste and masalas are more flavorful)”. A Pakistani baji/aunty (who i think is the daughter in law of the owner) is the chef so it’s as authentic as it gets. Their Nihari is second to none. I drive an hour from Pacifica to have it. Their chai (“milk tea”) is good too not overcooked at all which some establishments do. Goat Paya is a delicacy of slow cooking mutton feet which isn’t attempted by many restaurants because of how time consuming and technical the dish is. They do it soo well. Everything is halal. Highly highly recommended. They’ve been operating here for decades and have a fan base spanning years and years. And for good reason. They’re really sweet. Shout out to Hina baji who is the nicest server ever, she even remembered my order from when I used to come here with my pregnancy cravings! BUT the best thing is that it is never too crowded that i cant find a seat. They always accept walkins. Prices are reasonable. Parking is easy to find too. Do try it!

Amazing place, greattt food, owners are very nice and friendly.. we went there every day during our stay.. must visit !!!

Subha Kar

I really liked the tea and chicken biryani here. It's a family owned so don't be surprised if everyone is there to help out.

Rafiq Wazir Ali

Amazing place, greattt food, owners are very nice and friendly.. we went there every day during our stay.. must visit !!!

Saleha Kashif

We were traveling from Tennessee and stumbled upon the Restaurant near Berkeley area, such a hidden gem! It’s a cozy, family-owned place run by the sweetest uncle, auntie, and their daughter. They were so welcoming and funny, and uncle kept checking in to make sure we loved everything. We tried the chicken boti (served sizzling hot!) and the nihari too, both full of flavor. The kulfi and gulab jamun for dessert were the perfect nostalgic touch, bringing back true Pakistani flavors. Highly recommend if you’re in the area!

Paris Jones

I've been here for years. I grew up with my best friend's mama feeding me her home cooked Pakistani food and I have not been able to find it anywhere else. I tried this place and I was blown away, expecting to be disappointed again. If you are looking for the authentic Pakistani flavor and spices, this is the only place I've found!!! Yum!!

petro papa

A Berkeley Gem for Authentic Pakistani Food I’ve been coming to Kabana for over 10 years, and every trip up from Los Angeles includes a stop here—it’s that good. The qeema paratha (I call it “chicken bread”) is my personal favorite: fresh, crispy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping into other dishes. When I’m here with friends, we usually share kadi pakora, daal gosht, lamb curry, and either chicken haleem or chicken tikka masala. Every dish is bursting with deep, rich flavor that’s hard to find anywhere else in California—this place truly is one of the most underrated Pakistani restaurants in the state. Muhammad and his family make the experience even better. They’re warm, welcoming, and always happy to chat, creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that makes you want to linger. In all seriousness, I keep coming back because these flavors are unforgettable. If you’re in Berkeley and want authentic Pakistani food with incredible hospitality, Kabana is a must.

Sarah Janjua Alavi

I’d give it 10 stars if I could. It is authentic Pakistani taste. LEGIT family owned and operated (the owner’s grandkids are often seen which is so sweet). I feel comfortable taking my baby there in her stroller as the temperature is perfect for her and they’re very kid friendly in case she has a meltdown. Tastes like a feast in a Pakistani home. Which is like Indian taste but slightly better (in my honest opinion Pakistani taste and masalas are more flavorful)”. A Pakistani baji/aunty (who i think is the daughter in law of the owner) is the chef so it’s as authentic as it gets. Their Nihari is second to none. I drive an hour from Pacifica to have it. Their chai (“milk tea”) is good too not overcooked at all which some establishments do. Goat Paya is a delicacy of slow cooking mutton feet which isn’t attempted by many restaurants because of how time consuming and technical the dish is. They do it soo well. Everything is halal. Highly highly recommended. They’ve been operating here for decades and have a fan base spanning years and years. And for good reason. They’re really sweet. Shout out to Hina baji who is the nicest server ever, she even remembered my order from when I used to come here with my pregnancy cravings! BUT the best thing is that it is never too crowded that i cant find a seat. They always accept walkins. Prices are reasonable. Parking is easy to find too. Do try it!

Anita Sule

I have been coming to this amazing restaurant for more than 15 years with my husband and friends. The food is authentic and consistently delicious. The best Pakistani food anywhere. We love the naan and chicken tikka masala and goat dishes just to mention a few. It’s a family run business that has been a staple of Berkeley. We know the staff who are just lovely and friendly and hard working. You won’t be disappointed so come try it.

edward grylich

Kabana has been my go to place for more than 15 years. It is absolutely authentic food made by the best Pakistani people I know. They cook it just the way they do at home and it is unbelievably delicious. They have the best naan, piping hot and doughy/Chewy! Delicious! Their goat dishes are out of this world, my favorite for sure.If you’re into chicken tikka masala, you will find no better than what they have Kabana. Don’t miss out on the chai. Milky good! Check this place out it hasn’t been around for 30+ years for nothing!

Very good food they have unique taste try this place it’s very good

I liked the curries. The food comes with a small plate of raw cucumber and onion which is probably very nice when it is hot. The food was just a bit spicy. The atmosphere in this place is mom-and-pop shop with grandpa and toddlers hanging out with the guests and the daughter being the server. Parking should be free and easy in a back street or for $1/h on University.

Great halal food, with lots of options. Dining environment could be a little more cleaner, but the food and great service makes up for it.

The food is amazing. It's the closest I have ever come to a solid Pakistani curry as I remember them from my days in Bradford. Yumm The place is basic, the service is ... well... service but the food is amazing. nice and spicy too

I do enjoy the food,but atmosphere and food presentation should be improved,

+3

Great food and customer service, but the ambiance is bit dated. Furniture is old and not suitable for such large place. Staff is friendly and helpful.

Ahsan Jalil

Great food and customer service, but the ambiance is bit dated. Furniture is old and not suitable for such large place. Staff is friendly and helpful.

I really wanted to like this place but dinner felt rushed & bathroom wasn't that clean. The folks providing service are nice though. More vegetarian options would be appreciated...seems it's more of a meat-oriented restaurant.

So the Karachi chicken is supposed to be white meat but they slip in the dark meat with it to make it more and it just don't taste the same what a waste the food used to be really good now it's just no good o they slip in the dark meat on their tikka masala too it's supposed to be all white meat but it's not they slip in the dark meat because I guess they just too cheap to give you all breast meat but they charging you breast meat prices. What a sad way to treat your customers especially customers like me that been going there for over 15 years no more I'm done so sad the food that is.

Absolutely terrible. Biryani tastes like plain rice.

Got takeout, this place is shameless. Seekh kebab was $16 for "two pieces". What we received were 2 3.5"pieces of a kebab. Any other restaurant - this would be 2/3 of A SINGLE PIECE. It didn't even taste good. Naans were useless and rubbery. Chicken haleem is mediocre. Chicken biryani is oily nonsense. They have some blatant false advertising on Uber eats/door dash as well. Do not recommend.

I ordered three seekh kabab orders with few naans from this restaurant, and I was very disappointed. When I got home and checked the food, there were only 5 kababs instead of 6. The naan was also very poor quality. On top of that, their prices are very high for what they serve. For the amount I paid, I expected much better. Unfortunately, I will not recommend this place based on my experience.

Siddhartha Nag

Got takeout, this place is shameless. Seekh kebab was $16 for "two pieces". What we received were 2 3.5"pieces of a kebab. Any other restaurant - this would be 2/3 of A SINGLE PIECE. It didn't even taste good. Naans were useless and rubbery. Chicken haleem is mediocre. Chicken biryani is oily nonsense. They have some blatant false advertising on Uber eats/door dash as well. Do not recommend.

Sam “Sam” G

I ordered three seekh kabab orders with few naans from this restaurant, and I was very disappointed. When I got home and checked the food, there were only 5 kababs instead of 6. The naan was also very poor quality. On top of that, their prices are very high for what they serve. For the amount I paid, I expected much better. Unfortunately, I will not recommend this place based on my experience.

bad service. we were harassed by old creeps taking pictures of us here and the owners just laughed at it when we complained. Hope this comes back to them beautifully as well as their business with their rude customer service. AND their basic food is hella overpriced--10 dollars for two seekh kabab... also, don't get takeout from here. they give half the portion sizes they do in store and get orders wrong but don't fix them even when you let them know. Their chicken paratha takeout was literally a daal filling because ain't no way they use meat and insult it by cooking it like that.

The dish size is super small for Pakistani cuisine. When I told the owner about it, she became defensive and insisted that the size is standard. Ive been to so many Indian and Pakistani restaurants in the Bay Area and have never seen standards this tiny and overpriced. I had to go get more food later.

The Food are nothing like the advertised photos they are so small portion, no species, not fresh products no taste, basically similar to hospital food no /not healthy canned veggie not fresh and healthy //// taste not to forget so bad -not welcoming to all people just some they approve :/:: expensive for canned veggie greens they used better off find other restaurant with tasty food taste. Many other places with good food and much more cheaper healthier than Kabana Restaurant that is too pricey for what they give you all with canned food except the potato of course potatoes are not canned food --they mix it potato with canned food veggie sometimes frozen one ///Bad rice is really really bad never go back there again. In the past many plates were almost all were partially broken now they but I guess some new plates from one dollar shop and that's the only upgrade they have been doing in the place. I would never go there again expensive for what you get small portion no taste canned food vegetable hone

My experience at this place was incredibly disappointing. From the moment I walked in, I felt uncomfortable due to the behavior of an older man who seemed to be watching me the entire time. He even approached me while I was on the phone, which felt intrusive and unwelcoming. As for the food, it was equally underwhelming. The biryani was made using what looked like rotisserie chicken with the skin removed, and I only found three small bone-in pieces in the entire dish. The rice lacked any of the expected flavor or aroma it was bland, with barely anything in it besides peppers. There was no depth, no spices, and certainly none of the vibrant color or taste that good biryani should have. Overall, I do not recommend this place. The food was subpar, and the environment made me feel judged and uncomfortable. Definitely not worth the visit

Ordered the Goat Paya soup with Naan and Seekh kebab. The kebab never arrived with the order, the soup was bland and mostly bones with no meat, and the naan was inedibly burnt

lucy kim

The Food are nothing like the advertised photos they are so small portion, no species, not fresh products no taste, basically similar to hospital food no /not healthy canned veggie not fresh and healthy //// taste not to forget so bad -not welcoming to all people just some they approve :/:: expensive for canned veggie greens they used better off find other restaurant with tasty food taste. Many other places with good food and much more cheaper healthier than Kabana Restaurant that is too pricey for what they give you all with canned food except the potato of course potatoes are not canned food --they mix it potato with canned food veggie sometimes frozen one ///Bad rice is really really bad never go back there again. In the past many plates were almost all were partially broken now they but I guess some new plates from one dollar shop and that's the only upgrade they have been doing in the place. I would never go there again expensive for what you get small portion no taste canned food vegetable hone

Najeeb Sohrabi

The dish size is super small for Pakistani cuisine. When I told the owner about it, she became defensive and insisted that the size is standard. Ive been to so many Indian and Pakistani restaurants in the Bay Area and have never seen standards this tiny and overpriced. I had to go get more food later.

King Swift

Ordered the Goat Paya soup with Naan and Seekh kebab. The kebab never arrived with the order, the soup was bland and mostly bones with no meat, and the naan was inedibly burnt

Ogaga Olomu

My experience at this place was incredibly disappointing. From the moment I walked in, I felt uncomfortable due to the behavior of an older man who seemed to be watching me the entire time. He even approached me while I was on the phone, which felt intrusive and unwelcoming. As for the food, it was equally underwhelming. The biryani was made using what looked like rotisserie chicken with the skin removed, and I only found three small bone-in pieces in the entire dish. The rice lacked any of the expected flavor or aroma it was bland, with barely anything in it besides peppers. There was no depth, no spices, and certainly none of the vibrant color or taste that good biryani should have. Overall, I do not recommend this place. The food was subpar, and the environment made me feel judged and uncomfortable. Definitely not worth the visit