Skip to main content
0 Followers

Free analytics & customer insights

Little India Restaurant & Bar

2417 First St, Livermore, CA 94550
$$
Indian, Vegetarian

Drop a Vibe Check

Rate this spot and tag the vibes that fit

Log In to Add Vibe Check

Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Little India Restaurant & Bar 8.0
First Street Historic Core
A compact menu with standout vegetarian curries and tandoori breads, paired with a full bar. Portions hit the value sweet spot, especially at lunch.
Must-Try Dishes: Palak Paneer, Vegetable Biryani, Aloo Gobi
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.9 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 6.8 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Well-priced vegetarian mains with quick downtown service.
Who should go: Lunch crowds and casual curry fans
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fastest turnarounds
What to order: Palak paneer; veg biryani; tandoori roti
Insider tip: Request extra spinach in palak paneer for a greener, silkier sauce.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along First Street and nearby municipal lots are usually available; easier before 6pm on weekdays.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most diners come in office attire or neat casual wear.
Noise level: Moderate – lively but comfortable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes without a reservation, especially around 7pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait or brief 5–10 minute pause during peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extensive vegetarian selection with dedicated curry and tandoori options.
Vegan options: Several vegan-friendly dishes like chana masala and aloo gobi; staff can guide substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Limited – rice-based plates are safe, but naan and roti contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual dates or shared lunches than romantic evenings; cozy and informal with warm lighting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common at lunch and early dinner, though weekend nights benefit from a quick call ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – family-friendly atmosphere with mild spice levels and high chairs available for young children.
Best For
Better for: Quick service, value-priced vegetarian combos, and consistent quality over flashier Indian spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking a fine-dining setting or extensive vegan/gluten-free accommodations.
Little India Restaurant & Bar 7.7
First Street Historic Core
Full-service Indian restaurant with a cocktail-forward bar and a menu spanning tandoori, Indo-Chinese, and regional curries. It’s a downtown pick for longer dinners, small celebrations, and drinks with spice-friendly plates.
Must-Try Dishes: Salmon Tikka Kabob, Chilli Chicken, Paneer Makhni
Scores:
Value: 7.2 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 7.7 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 8.2 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A proper sit-down experience with a central bar and broader cocktail list.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers and sit-down dinner groups
When to visit: Fri–Sat after 8pm for a livelier scene
What to order: Salmon tikka kabob; chilli chicken; paneer makhni
Insider tip: Ask about bar specials—signature drinks pair well with spicy plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along First Street and the adjacent lots are available; it can fill quickly on weekends, so plan for a short walk from nearby public lots.
Dress code: Smart casual—most guests dress nicely for dinner or drinks; jeans are fine if paired with a collared shirt or blouse.
Noise level: Moderate to lively after 7pm—conversation is comfortable at smaller tables, but bar area buzzes on weekends.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during prime hours 7–8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—about one-third of the menu is vegetarian, including paneer and lentil-based entrées.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—several curries and appetizers can be made vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tandoori meats and most curries are naturally gluten-free; naan and samosas are not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it has a softly lit dining room and a cocktail bar that creates a relaxed but upscale feel. The spice-forward food encourages shared plates, making it a comfortable, conversation-friendly setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can most weeknights, but weekends fill up quickly after 7pm. Reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday dinners, especially for groups of four or more.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more adult-leaning due to the bar and evening crowd, but early dinners before 6:30pm work fine for families with older children who enjoy mild Indian dishes.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail pairings and bar ambiance—ideal when you want an Indian restaurant with a full drink program and date-night energy.
Skip if: You’re after quick takeout or budget-friendly combo plates—Sansar is better suited for that.