Can't believe I didn't discover this place sooner! Been living in Berkeley for over a year and stopped by tonight for the first time. Had the most delectable samosas - what an explosion of flavor. The sauces were divine. And the cucumber cocktail had the perfect balance of sweet & spice. What a gem of a spot!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegetable Samosas
Tina L
Lovely meals and cocktails! A nice combination of casual and special. Love what they do here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coconut Chicken Curry
Danger Monkey
Tiger Lily is pretty good. When it started it was pretty good. It went through a period where the cleanliness slipped a lot, and I was almost on the verge of not going there anymore. But it seems like somebody has figured out that they need a bit more attention to detail. The last two times I've been there it is acceptably clean again. The food is still good.
superb experience at this restaurant, highly recommend the nachos, and the chicken sambosa. the man serving us was Atul and is a very genuine soul. Cant wait to have dinner at Tigerlily
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
James K
An impressive array of vegan options (3.5/5 Green Stars)Tigerlily opened in 2015 with Chef Joel Lamica (former chef of the Ramen Shop in Rockridge) running the kitchen, but has new management since 2019. I’ve been twice – once in the good old pre-lockdown days, before the management changed, and then a couple of months ago. And I have to say, I really enjoyed the food both times. Congrats to the new management for maintaining standards. They could do a better job at providing more info on their website, though. The original team favored organic ingredients but that’s not clear anymore. They do serve a lot of vegan dishes, so thumbs up for that.We had two of my standard Indian dishes – veggie samosas and veggie korma. Tigerlily’s versions of these two were possibly the best (samosa) or among the best (korma) that I’ve ever had. This is significant, given that I’ve had many samosas and kormas in my time. The veggie korma ($21.50) includes rice and garlic naan and has a good balance of spice, heat, creaminess, and tasty veggies. The veggie samosas (delicious pastry, not greasy, very filling) are normally $10 but note that both korma and samosas are on the happy hour menu, so avail of that if you can (4:30 to 5:30 every day). We also had the Sesame Avocado Flatbread ($13.50), made with fennel seed, turmeric, sprouts, parmesan & chili oil. Staff members were very friendly and I highly recommend trying it out during happy hour while it’s not too busy.I’m giving Tigerlily 3.5 out of 5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact, for these reasons:• Even though there are several meat dishes, I was impressed by how much of the menu is not just vegetarian but vegan. Adopting a plant-based diet is the top thing you can do to mitigate climate change and deforestation, besides avoiding animal cruelty and the negative impact of the meat industry on society.• Of course, your own footprint will depend on what you order, from vegan dishes at one end of the scale and lamb dishes at the other end. Like beef, lamb has one of the highest carbon footprints of our food options.• If Tigerlily wanted to step up and improve on its social and environmental impact then switching from lamb to a vegan substitute would be the most effective steps.• More information on food sourcing should be provided.• Local beer is available on draft, mitigating packaging and transportation impacts.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Becky Nicholson
We had cocktails and appetizers on the happy hour menu. The drinks were very interesting and delicious, and we really enjoyed the veggie samosas and onion rings
Jam J.
Second time at Tigerlily and really enjoyed it. Met the owner and said hello. Atul and his wife were running the show when I was there. Both really friendly, hardworking people who love their business and what they do. The restaurant presents well. As you come in high tops and bar tops are available and the regular seating are towards the back. Looks clean, posh; fun music I like was playing. Great ambience. Happy hour is great, you can try little plates of delicious food for a great price and their cocktails are also delicious. Entree was yummy I had the sizzling tandoori Prawns and burned my tongue because I couldn't wait to eat it. We will definitely be back for more! Great experience.
Shay M.
Our go to spot in Berkeley for Indian food. The food here is always awesome and service wonderful. A great little spot to grab dinner and drinks with friends.
Rpie
Consistent food quality, great flavors and
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chelsey W.
Most amazing Indian cuisine I've ever had. Owners are very friendly and sweet people who always ensure you have a wonderful dinning experience. I get something different every time and I'm never disappointed. From the food to the drinks to the people this place is a 10/10. Can't wait to go back!
Extraordinary lamb chops with sesameNot inexpensive … and worth itCarol enjoyed the fish (but ask them if they can debone it)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rob Kutler
Been here a few times and while the food is decent (Samosas are very good), the other dishes we had were just average. Couldn't really tell much difference between the identically presented Tika Misala and the Coconut chicken dish, only that the coconut dish was even blander.Agree with other that prices are very high for the quantity and quality of food. Five small pieces of chicken in a dish for $26.50! Small platter instead filled with rice to look bigger I guess.Come on now. Maybe proximity to Chez Panisse has them thinking this is a golden block where prices and quantity don't matter. Get back to your roots.Diego the server was superb! Nicely decorated but a little loud for me. Agree that the modern decor doesn't make it feel Indian at all.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 5
Sonali S.
Tigerlily is one of my favorite Indian restaurants in Berkeley as an Indian myself. The dishes are mostly fusion and not as much authentic options but it's still flavorful and large portions!I love the staff there. I've been served by the same woman every time I've gone so I seems like a family owned business with quick and personable service. It's also an elegant setting that's perfect for a fun night out with family or friends since they have bar seating as well.
Jon B.
Got a Fieldwork hazy IPA (yummy, of course) and the North Indian Style Meatballs (super tasty). Great place to hang out for a few hours before a show at the UC Theatre. Only complaint is that it's a bit pricey. Their happy hour is truly a happy HOUR - 4:30 to 5:30 sharp. My beer was $10, which I think is a bit high. The meatball dish was $22.Friendly staff and bartenders. Overall a nice visit.
roei tell
I'm sure it's a matter of personal preference, but I didn't like the food. The korma, the chole samosa, and the three chutneys (which come with the naan) - the parts of the meal that should have flavor - tasted uniformly bad. Not "bad for the price range" - though, to be honest, the prices are a bit discouraging - just bad for any price range, it's food I wouldn't eat unless I had to.The naan itself was fluffy and fresh though, and the mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts were good. Also, the vibe is nice.
Can't believe I didn't discover this place sooner! Been living in Berkeley for over a year and stopped by tonight for the first time. Had the most delectable samosas - what an explosion of flavor. The sauces were divine. And the cucumber cocktail had the perfect balance of sweet & spice. What a gem of a spot!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegetable Samosas
Lovely meals and cocktails! A nice combination of casual and special. Love what they do here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coconut Chicken Curry
Tiger Lily is pretty good. When it started it was pretty good. It went through a period where the cleanliness slipped a lot, and I was almost on the verge of not going there anymore. But it seems like somebody has figured out that they need a bit more attention to detail. The last two times I've been there it is acceptably clean again. The food is still good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Citrus Soy Glaze Brussels Sprouts, Cilantro Garlic Naan
superb experience at this restaurant, highly recommend the nachos, and the chicken sambosa. the man serving us was Atul and is a very genuine soul. Cant wait to have dinner at Tigerlily
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
An impressive array of vegan options (3.5/5 Green Stars)Tigerlily opened in 2015 with Chef Joel Lamica (former chef of the Ramen Shop in Rockridge) running the kitchen, but has new management since 2019. I’ve been twice – once in the good old pre-lockdown days, before the management changed, and then a couple of months ago. And I have to say, I really enjoyed the food both times. Congrats to the new management for maintaining standards. They could do a better job at providing more info on their website, though. The original team favored organic ingredients but that’s not clear anymore. They do serve a lot of vegan dishes, so thumbs up for that.We had two of my standard Indian dishes – veggie samosas and veggie korma. Tigerlily’s versions of these two were possibly the best (samosa) or among the best (korma) that I’ve ever had. This is significant, given that I’ve had many samosas and kormas in my time. The veggie korma ($21.50) includes rice and garlic naan and has a good balance of spice, heat, creaminess, and tasty veggies. The veggie samosas (delicious pastry, not greasy, very filling) are normally $10 but note that both korma and samosas are on the happy hour menu, so avail of that if you can (4:30 to 5:30 every day). We also had the Sesame Avocado Flatbread ($13.50), made with fennel seed, turmeric, sprouts, parmesan & chili oil. Staff members were very friendly and I highly recommend trying it out during happy hour while it’s not too busy.I’m giving Tigerlily 3.5 out of 5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact, for these reasons:• Even though there are several meat dishes, I was impressed by how much of the menu is not just vegetarian but vegan. Adopting a plant-based diet is the top thing you can do to mitigate climate change and deforestation, besides avoiding animal cruelty and the negative impact of the meat industry on society.• Of course, your own footprint will depend on what you order, from vegan dishes at one end of the scale and lamb dishes at the other end. Like beef, lamb has one of the highest carbon footprints of our food options.• If Tigerlily wanted to step up and improve on its social and environmental impact then switching from lamb to a vegan substitute would be the most effective steps.• More information on food sourcing should be provided.• Local beer is available on draft, mitigating packaging and transportation impacts.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had cocktails and appetizers on the happy hour menu. The drinks were very interesting and delicious, and we really enjoyed the veggie samosas and onion rings
Second time at Tigerlily and really enjoyed it. Met the owner and said hello. Atul and his wife were running the show when I was there. Both really friendly, hardworking people who love their business and what they do. The restaurant presents well. As you come in high tops and bar tops are available and the regular seating are towards the back. Looks clean, posh; fun music I like was playing. Great ambience. Happy hour is great, you can try little plates of delicious food for a great price and their cocktails are also delicious. Entree was yummy I had the sizzling tandoori Prawns and burned my tongue because I couldn't wait to eat it. We will definitely be back for more! Great experience.
Our go to spot in Berkeley for Indian food. The food here is always awesome and service wonderful. A great little spot to grab dinner and drinks with friends.
Consistent food quality, great flavors and
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Most amazing Indian cuisine I've ever had. Owners are very friendly and sweet people who always ensure you have a wonderful dinning experience. I get something different every time and I'm never disappointed. From the food to the drinks to the people this place is a 10/10. Can't wait to go back!
Restaurantji Recommends
Extraordinary lamb chops with sesameNot inexpensive … and worth itCarol enjoyed the fish (but ask them if they can debone it)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Been here a few times and while the food is decent (Samosas are very good), the other dishes we had were just average. Couldn't really tell much difference between the identically presented Tika Misala and the Coconut chicken dish, only that the coconut dish was even blander.Agree with other that prices are very high for the quantity and quality of food. Five small pieces of chicken in a dish for $26.50! Small platter instead filled with rice to look bigger I guess.Come on now. Maybe proximity to Chez Panisse has them thinking this is a golden block where prices and quantity don't matter. Get back to your roots.Diego the server was superb! Nicely decorated but a little loud for me. Agree that the modern decor doesn't make it feel Indian at all.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 5
Tigerlily is one of my favorite Indian restaurants in Berkeley as an Indian myself. The dishes are mostly fusion and not as much authentic options but it's still flavorful and large portions!I love the staff there. I've been served by the same woman every time I've gone so I seems like a family owned business with quick and personable service. It's also an elegant setting that's perfect for a fun night out with family or friends since they have bar seating as well.
Got a Fieldwork hazy IPA (yummy, of course) and the North Indian Style Meatballs (super tasty). Great place to hang out for a few hours before a show at the UC Theatre. Only complaint is that it's a bit pricey. Their happy hour is truly a happy HOUR - 4:30 to 5:30 sharp. My beer was $10, which I think is a bit high. The meatball dish was $22.Friendly staff and bartenders. Overall a nice visit.
I'm sure it's a matter of personal preference, but I didn't like the food. The korma, the chole samosa, and the three chutneys (which come with the naan) - the parts of the meal that should have flavor - tasted uniformly bad. Not "bad for the price range" - though, to be honest, the prices are a bit discouraging - just bad for any price range, it's food I wouldn't eat unless I had to.The naan itself was fluffy and fresh though, and the mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts were good. Also, the vibe is nice.