Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Kalia – Seattle
Kalia - Seattle
Photo from Kalia
Kalia at a glance
Seattle Greenwood
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 79 of the guests
#184 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#4 Indian Restaurant out of 22 in Seattle
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
448
Reviews
82.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Consistent food
- Friendly service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Staff conduct
- Order issues
- Ambience concerns
The restaurant Kalia Indian Cuisine in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood offers a delightful culinary journey. You’ll find this Indian restaurant to be a cozy and casual spot, perfect for enjoying authentic flavors.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed dinner or a quick lunch, Kalia provides a welcoming atmosphere where you can savor traditional dishes. They also boast an impressive selection of vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone to enjoy.
Overview: Introducting Kalia
Kalia often earns praise for its consistent food quality and variety, making it a reliable choice for many. Diners frequently commend the attentive service from a dedicated staff, which contributes to a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for a meal.
However, some patrons have noted occasional inconsistencies with specific dishes, like the naan sometimes being less than ideal. More significantly, there have been concerning reports regarding uncomfortable experience related to staff interactions, which is a notable point of feedback.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
448
Reviews
82.1%
Satisfaction
63
negative
17
neutral
368
positive
Kalia generally presents a strong showing, with an overall Restaurant Score of 8.2 and a Customer Satisfaction rate of 82.1% . These figures, derived from 448 customer observations, including 368 positive remarks against 63 negative ones, suggest a largely satisfying experience for most visitors.
Looking closer at the specifics, Food (8.2) and Service (8.2) are clearly areas where Kalia excels, consistently meeting diner expectations. The Value (8) also holds up well, indicating a fair exchange for your money, while the Ambience (7.9) provides a pleasant, though not necessarily outstanding, setting.
What people like
- Consistent food quality
- Attentive, friendly service
- Good value, reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Concerning staff conduct
- Inconsistent order fulfillment
- Ambience not for all
With a Recommendation Score of 8.4 , Kalia appears to be a solid choice for those seeking reliable Indian cuisine and attentive service. It often delivers on its core offerings, making it a place worth considering if these aspects are your priority.
However, it’s wise to be aware of the reported service inconsistencies and occasional food variations. If you value good food and fair pricing and can overlook potential issues with atmosphere or specific staff interactions, Kalia could still be a worthwhile visit.
Similar Restaurants in Seattle
- Indian Restaurant
9.2
out of 10
out of 10
115
95.7%
- $$
- Lawton Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Indian Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
77
85.7%
- $$
- Washington Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Indian Restaurant
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
455
84.4%
- $$
- Sunset Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Indian Restaurant
8.1
out of 10
out of 10
638
82%
- $$
- Green Lake
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Indian Restaurant
7.7
out of 10
out of 10
352
76.1%
- $$
- Westlake
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Indian Restaurant
7.7
out of 10
out of 10
96
76%
- $$
- Yesler Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Kalia
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 81.6%. With 230 positive opinions out of 282 total, diners frequently rave about the authentic Indian cuisine, especially dishes like Mutter Paneer and Chicken Tikka, praising the amazing flavors and generous portions. However, not every bite is perfect, as 38 negative opinions point out some areas for improvement.
Some guests found the portion size overwhelming, while others noted issues like undersalted dishes, a dry texture in rice, or a missing sweet chutney flavor. It seems consistency in seasoning and certain preparations could be a bit more reliable.
Food
282
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
38
negative
14
neutral
230
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Indian flavors
- Generous food portions
- Excellent curry selection
What people don't like
- Inconsistent seasoning
- Soggy rice texture
- Overwhelming portion size
Often praised
- foodYou can share or order individual plates, as there's something for everyone. Even after 5 years, I'm still amazed by how good and consistent the food is every time. The owner genuinely loves and cares about his customers, and I can't recommend this place enough.
- Indian foodIt offers a welcome break from the crowded, overpriced, and not kid-friendly Seattle norm. The owner, who has been the main cook for 23 years, sneakily makes the best Indian food in northern Seattle. Our waitress was kind and patient, offering helpful recommendations.
- garlic naanWe usually get the mango chicken, the curry chicken, the garlic naan and samosas. Everything’s been spectacular!
- mango lassiI highly recommend this place. I tried the butter masala, Mali Kafka, cheese naan, chai tea, and mango lassi.
- portionsThe food is incredible, and their service is exemplary. The portions are large and delicious, and the selection is incredible. We will definitely be back!
- menutried probably half their menu and it's always excellent
- naanany variation of their naan is delicious.
- FoodFood:5
- authentic Indian foodauthentic Indian food, and they never disappoint
- butter chickenSeriously the butter chicken is absolutely amazing.
Frequently criticized
- foodIt was so salty that my fiance couldn't eat her food
- naanNaan a little too thick and not that fresh
- riceI will definitely be back to try some more of the other curries. One thing to note is that they give way too much rice for how much curry there is.
- American-style coffeeThey served American-style coffee with cream
- Chana BhaturaChana Bhatura I ordered extra hot, it arrived blant non salted
- Chana MasalaChana masala in our last order was inedible though - very heavy on the vinegar
- Indian restaurantsone of the worst Indian restaurants I’ve been to
- Naan sizeI wish it was bigger like some of the other naan's in the Seattle area.
- Paneer saagPaneer saag was not that great
- aloo tikki chaataloo tikki chaatalso very poor
If youre craving authentic Indian food with rich flavors and good portions, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there might be minor inconsistencies in some dishes, the overall positive feedback suggests youll likely have a delicious meal.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
Overall, the service here truly stands out! With a strong score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction rate of 84.1%, its clear that most diners have a good experience. Out of 113 customer comments, a significant 95 were positive, frequently highlighting the friendly service, attentive staff, quick responses, and warm hospitality that makes everyone feel welcome.
However, its not entirely without its challenges, as 18 negative comments bring up some serious concerns. There are troubling reports of creepy comments, customers feeling harassed, and even texting excessively from staff. Additionally, some have faced frustration with calls not answered when trying to resolve order issues, which definitely needs attention.
Service
113
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
18
negative
0
neutral
95
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Inappropriate staff conduct
- Unresolved order issues
- Underage alcohol offers
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was amazing, and the service was super friendly. It's also incredibly affordable.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant offered generous portions and kind staff. However, the chicken tikka was overly tomato-forward, tasting more like a marinara sauce, which means I'll need to explore other options on my next visit.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerThe owner really loves and cares about his customers
- serverOur server, Abhi was great; very personable and efficient
- attentiveThe food quality was amazing, and the staff were great. Abhi was particularly outstanding, providing great service and being so attentive. The food was tasty, and the naan was amazing!
- customer serviceAbsolutely fantastic customer service
- employeesthe employees and very friendly
- friendly serviceAlmost as important as the food, is the friendly service
- great serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was incredible, and it's a family owned establishment with very nice people and great service. I highly recommend the mango custard.
Frequently criticized
- ownerHe offered them beer, and despite them stating they were underage, he persisted in urging them to have a drink, refusing to accept their refusal. My daughter texted me about the situation, and when I approached the owner, he denied everything. I will not be returning.
- callscalls are not answered
- contact numbernumber they provide is not connected to the restaurant
- creepy commentskept muttering creepy comments under his breath
- customer serviceThe owner, or perhaps an employee, gave me his phone number to notify me about the opening of their new Lynnwood location. Initially, this seemed like good customer service, especially since Indian food is my favorite and this place had become my go-to. However, the situation escalated when he began texting me excessively, even after I informed him that I am married with a child.
- employeeI recently visited this restaurant, and while the food was excellent, my overall experience was marred by uncomfortable interactions with an employee. The owner, or perhaps an employee, gave me his phone number to notify me about the opening of their new Lynnwood location.
- harassedinstead we got harassed and traumatized
- man working thereThe man working there was more interested in watching the football game
- packagingMy experience at the restaurant was marred by a significant issue with how the food was packaged. The reviewer stated, "Please use common sense and do not put cold items in the same bag as hot items. " Unfortunately, this instruction was not followed, as the mango custard and rice pudding were rendered inedible as a result.
- partial refundI have eaten here for years, but unfortunately, my last 5-6 orders have been incomplete, with items like naan and chutney frequently missing. The options for resolving these issues are inadequate; I've been unable to get a partial refund because the provided contact number is not connected to the restaurant and calls go unanswered. Due to these recurring problems with missing items and the difficulty in resolving them, I can no longer recommend eating here.
If youre seeking a restaurant with generally warm, attentive, and quick service, this place often delivers a great experience. However, be mindful that a few serious incidents regarding staff conduct and unresolved order problems have been reported. Its a mixed bag, but the positive experiences largely outweigh the negatives for most patrons.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
Youll likely find the ambience here quite charming! With a good score of 7.9 and good customer satisfaction at 80.5%, its clear many enjoy the vibe. Out of 41 total comments, 33 were positive, often praising the warm atmosphere, cleanliness, and even the fun Bollywood music.
Many feel its a great place with a comfortable, unpretentious vibe, sometimes even giving a "feeling of Goa. "However, a few of the 5 negative comments suggest the ambience might not always hit the mark. Some found it uncomfortable or mentioned it could feel crowded.
There were also notes about it not being particularly kid-friendly, which is something to consider if youre bringing little ones.
Ambience
41
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere
- Clean, quiet space
- Family-run feel
What people don't like
- Can feel crowded
- Not always kid-friendly
- Ambience might disappoint
Often praised
- atmosphereOur waitress was kind and patient, offering helpful recommendations. Despite numerous takeout orders, we recommend dining in to enjoy the open, friendly, and inviting atmosphere and have an authentic experience. Highly recommend!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- hole in the wallauthentic hole in the wall type of place.
- Bollywood music and videoenjoyed the Bollywood music and video
- artThe food was amazing with a wide selection. The lighting, art, and sitting arrangements created a wonderful atmosphere. The service was also great, and everyone had a good night here!
- comfortable, unpretentious atmosphereThis place has a comfortable, unpretentious atmosphere
- eat in personWe've tried many places across the city, and nothing else comes close. It's great for takeout, but even better to eat in person. The staff was helpful in guiding us to pick the right dishes, making the overall experience so great.
- facilityThe facility was very nice.
- family ownedMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was incredible, and it's a family owned establishment with very nice people and great service. I highly recommend the mango custard.
- family-run businessReminded me of a quality, family-run business
Frequently criticized
- ambienceThe ambience might not be great
- crowdedAs Ballard locals who usually frequent trendy Ballard/Phinney restaurants, Kalia Indian Cuisine has been our diamond in the rough. It offers a welcome break from the crowded, overpriced, and not kid-friendly Seattle norm. The owner, who has been the main cook for 23 years, sneakily makes the best Indian food in northern Seattle.
- kid friendlynot kid friendly Seattle norm
- uncomfortableHowever, the situation escalated when he began texting me excessively, even after I informed him that I am married with a child. He was aware of my family status, yet continued to pursue me, making me feel very uncomfortable. It's a shame because this location was my favorite, and I'm now hesitant to return due to this unsettling experience.
- uncomfortable experienceLiterally such an uncomfortable and creepy experience
Overall, if youre looking for a warm, welcoming, and often quiet spot with a unique character, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that it might get a bit crowded, and its not universally praised for being kid-friendly.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8 and a fantastic 83.3% customer satisfaction, its clear guests feel theyre getting their moneys worth. Many rave about the affordable food and lunch specials, noting the very reasonable prices and great portions with great prices!
These positive sentiments come from 10 out of 12 remarks. However, not everyone agrees, with 2 remarks mentioning some downsides. A few found it overpriced compared to the Seattle norm, and there was a comment about the payment process.
While generally positive, its worth keeping these points in mind.
Value
12
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great lunch specials
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Can be overpriced
Often praised
- pricesThe food is incredible, with substantial portions. The prices are reasonable, and the service is always super attentive. The lamb korma is particularly wonderful.
- affordable foodaffordable food
- bread samplerThe bread sampler is $12 but it has so much bread and it’s great for 3 people.
- lunch special$15 for a two-item lunch special and $17 for 3-item lunch special
- lunch specialsHighly recommend taking advantage of the lunch specials.
- priceSuper cheap for seattle
- valueThe value of service and food is worth the price.
Frequently criticized
- overpricedcrowded, overpriced, and not kid friendly Seattle norm
- paymentasked for our payment & took our credit cards
If youre looking for a place where your dollar stretches further, especially for lunch, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Most diners find the prices very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, making it a solid choice for good value. Just be aware that a couple of folks felt it leaned towards overpriced' for Seattle.
How are the prices at Kalia?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 79 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an Indian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most of the prices cluster around this $21–$30 range, with a good chunk also falling into the $11–$20 bracket, suggesting a focus on accessible dining.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 79 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Indian Restaurant. It hits that sweet spot where you’re getting good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kalia
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Underrated Spot with Amazing Food
I feel like this is an underrated spot. Their food is amazing. I had their Special Tandoori and Tawa Chili.
- food10
- Special Tandoori9
- Tawa Chili9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Love This Place!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful. It's always a pleasant experience. The staff are so friendly, the vegan options are soooo plentiful, and the food is always delicious.
- pleasant experience10
- staff10
- vegan options10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Indian Food with Amazing Flavors
As chefs and self-proclaimed foodies, my wife and I found this restaurant to be a truly great place to eat authentic Indian food. The flavors were absolutely amazing. We highly recommend this restaurant.
- authentic Indian food9
- flavors10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fantastic Indian Gem - Highly Recommend!
This place is a gem. We went to Kalia Indian Cuisine on a whim to take my dad for Indian food while visiting, and it was fantastic! Initially, I was a little skeptical because we were the second guests, but the steady stream of pickup orders quickly eased my concerns.
From the moment we sat down, the warm atmosphere made us feel welcome. The owner clearly puts genuine care and energy into the quality of the food; every dish was flavorful and made with fresh ingredients. The service was attentive without being overbearing, and the staff kindly explained menu items and offered recommendations.
It felt like a quality, family-run business where you're treated like part of the family. We left satisfied and are already planning our next visit. I can't wait to go back!
Highly recommend!
- warm atmosphere8
- quality of the food10
- service9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Food, Friendly Staff
My experience at this restaurant was great. The food was always delicious, and the staff were very friendly.
- food9
- staff9
What Kalia offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dietary options are available at Kalia Indian Cuisine?
Kalia Indian Cuisine in Seattle offers a wide range of dietary choices to accommodate various preferences. You can enjoy delicious vegan options and extensive vegetarian options, ensuring a satisfying meal for everyone. They also serve wine, beer, and coffee to complement your dining experience.
Does Kalia Indian Cuisine offer convenient services and accessibility?
Yes, Kalia Indian Cuisine provides multiple service options including no-contact delivery, takeout, and dine-in. You’ll find free parking in their lot, usually with plenty of space. The restaurant is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating for your comfort.
How does Kalia generally perform according to customer feedback?
Kalia maintains a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.2 and a Customer Satisfaction rate of 82.1% . Its Food (8.2) and Service (8.2) are particularly well-regarded, followed by Value (8) and Ambience (7.9).
What aspects do customers particularly appreciate at Kalia?
Diners frequently praise the consistent quality and authenticity of the food , often highlighting specific dishes. The restaurant also receives positive remarks for its attentive and friendly service , alongside its good value and reasonable prices.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners at Kalia?
Some customers have reported concerning service interactions, including issues with staff conduct and inconsistent order fulfillment like missing items. The ambience is occasionally noted as unpretentious, which might not suit all preferences.