Balaji Mess

The restaurant has a warm South Indian feel, and the banana-leaf serving style makes the experience feel truly traditional. The decor is inviting, the vibes are great, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. The food was good and tasted authentic, though a few dishes could use a bit more depth. My boys especially loved the Balaji Special Dosa, Chicken 65, and their parottas, which were definitely the highlights for us. A nice bonus is their Biryani and Dosa happy hours in the evening, where these items are half-priced. Overall, a solid South Indian spot with good ambiance, kind staff, and a few standout dishes the kids really enjoyed.

Like other recent reviews, this place won’t last for too long. Ok south Indian fare. Hopefully the one staff in there is bit more enthusiastic! Thali is decent , with a set of vegetable curry (cabbage and Dal). No meat mutton , literally not even a piece but bone cartilage as seen in the picture . Chicken rice with just one more bone filled piece . Asked for Dhal cup and instead of getting it and charging what ever it cost , the guy was saying it’s a limited all a-cart thali loudly in the dining area. We came to your place to eat for free? They should increase the price and get a better quality food vs cheap staking in the name of non veg thali.

This was my first visit to this restaurant, and unfortunately, it turned out to be quite disappointing. The staff seemed confused, and although we ordered only two items, both were completely mixed up. For instance, we specifically ordered Ambur Biryani but were served Dum Biryani instead — yet charged for the Ambur. The service was extremely slow and unorganized. A friend had recommended this place, but after this experience, it will definitely be my last visit. I love Indian food, but this restaurant was a real letdown.

Hidden gem for some delicious thali for both veg and non veg. Tried out their thali, and the curries that accompanied it were all excellent. Great flavors, the chicken curry, mutton curry, starter, and the rasam. It comes with a parota and cup of rice. Ending with some delicious desserts and yogurt. Highly recommend this place and would definitely be back to try out other menu items.

For families seeking authentic South Indian flavors in the East Bay Area, Balaji Mess offers excellent value with its diverse menu and genuine taste profiles. The restaurant successfully bridges the gap between traditional preparations and regional innovations. We began our culinary journey with Mini Ghee Idlis, and I must say, they were an instant hit with my little one. The idlis were accompanied by two distinct chutneys - a coconut-based one that was absolutely divine with its creamy texture and balanced sweetness, and a tomato-based variant that packed the expected spicy punch. The sambar complemented the idlis perfectly, with its rich lentil base and aromatic tempering. Moving on to the Benne Dosa, this was where the kitchen truly showcased their expertise. The dosa achieved that pe