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Indian restaurant in Sunnyvale, California
What should I order at Madras Café?
What to order
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Dosa
Dosas are frequently mentioned as a highlight, praised for their large portions, variety, and delicious flavor. Specific types like Tomato Masala Dosa, Mysore Masala Dosa, Rava Masala Dosa, and Onion Rava Masala Dosa are noted for their unique tastes and textures, with chutneys and sambar enhancing the experience.
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Idli
Idlis are recommended for their soft and fluffy texture, often served with flavorful chutneys and sambhar. They are considered comforting and authentic, with some reviewers specifically mentioning mini podi idlis as a favorite.
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Vada
Vadas are appreciated for their crispiness and taste, often paired with sambar and chutneys. The sambar vada and medu vada received particular praise for being delicious and authentic.
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Lunch Thali
The lunch thali is mentioned as a must-try item, favored for its quality and value, consistently meeting expectations for a complete South Indian meal.
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Filter Coffee
Filter coffee is highlighted as a must-have to complement the South Indian meal, noted for its authentic and delicious flavor.
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Bhature (Channa Bhature)
Bhature are recommended for their fluffy and crispy texture, making them a standout item alongside idlis, although the side salad was less favored.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 AM to 10 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Sunday | 8:30 AM to 10 PM |
About Madras Café
Bustling South Indian restaurant known for its dosas serving vegetarian fare in a no-frills space.
Amenities
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked
What is Madras Café known for?
Madras Café is best known for South Indian dosas, especially masala dosa, rava masala dosa, ghee masala, and cheese dosa. Reviewers also repeatedly mention idli, uttapam, and pongal, with many saying the food tastes authentic, homely, and consistent.
What dishes are most recommended at Madras Café?
The most commonly recommended items are masala dosa, onion tomato chilli uttapam, idli-vada combo, lunch thali, and sambar vada. Reviewers also call out the ghee masala dosa, rava masala dosa, mysore masala dosa, upma, and channa bhature as standouts.
What is the atmosphere like at Madras Café?
The atmosphere is casual, busy, and often noisy, with a counter-service setup and self-serve water and utensils. It suits groups, colleagues, and solo diners who care more about fast, straightforward South Indian food than a polished dining experience.
Is Madras Café good value, and what is the price range?
Yes, reviewers frequently describe it as reasonably priced, and the listed price range is $10 to $20. Several reviews say you can get a full meal for under $10, which makes the dosas, thalis, and other vegetarian plates feel like strong value for Sunnyvale.
How long is the wait at Madras Café, and when is it busiest?
It usually has a wait, and reviews say it gets crowded on weekends and even during weekday evenings and Sunday lunch. The food is prepared quickly once ordered, but during busy periods you may order first and be seated only when your food is ready.
Is parking available at Madras Café?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Madras Café have vegetarian options?
Yes, Madras Café offers vegan options.
Is Madras Café kid-friendly?
Yes, Madras Café is good for kids.
