Shalimar Of India Restaurant Information

Tucked along Massachusetts Ave in Cambridge, Shalimar Of India Restaurant has built a reputation as a dependable stop for classic Indian cuisine in a neighborhood packed with students, locals, and curious visitors exploring the area near Central Square. The location at 546 Massachusetts Ave makes it easy to reach whether you’re walking from nearby universities, commuting through the city, or simply searching for a comforting dinner after a long day. From the outside, the restaurant blends into the lively street scene, but stepping inside reveals a relaxed dining room filled with the warm aromas of spices like cardamom, cumin, and roasted garlic.

The menu leans into the rich traditions of North Indian cooking, offering a wide variety of dishes that balance bold flavors with familiar comfort. One of the first things regular diners often mention in reviews is the depth of flavor in the curries. The chicken tikka masala, for example, arrives with tender pieces of marinated chicken in a creamy tomato-based sauce that has just enough spice to keep things interesting without overwhelming the palate. Another standout is the lamb rogan josh, slow-cooked until the meat is incredibly tender, infused with a mix of Kashmiri spices that deliver both warmth and complexity. For anyone who enjoys vegetarian food, the menu offers a generous selection as well, including classics like saag paneer and chana masala that feel hearty and satisfying.

Fresh naan is an essential part of the experience here. Served hot from the tandoor oven, the bread is soft in the center with slightly crisp edges, perfect for scooping up sauces. Garlic naan in particular is a crowd favorite, often appearing on tables throughout the dining room. Pairing it with a fragrant bowl of basmati rice and a rich curry creates the kind of meal that feels both comforting and indulgent.

The atmosphere is casual and welcoming rather than overly formal. Soft lighting, simple décor, and the steady rhythm of diners chatting over shared plates make it feel like a neighborhood spot rather than a special-occasion restaurant. Service tends to be attentive but relaxed, with staff members happy to explain menu items or recommend spice levels for those less familiar with Indian cuisine.

Many online reviews mention the restaurant’s consistency, which is often what keeps people coming back. In a city with countless dining options, having a place where the flavors remain reliable matters. Portions are generous enough for sharing, making it a good choice for groups or for ordering several dishes to sample across the table. Whether stopping by for a quick weekday dinner or lingering over a longer meal with friends, the experience captures the comforting, communal spirit that Indian restaurants are known for.

Business Info

What People's Say About Place

Best Indian food in Cambridge!! Never been disappointed and I go there frequently. Great and friendly staff as well. Gindy is one of the nicest and helpful guys you'll meet. Go there... You'll be highly satisfied.

I ate brunch today at Shalimar of India Restaurant and when I went to pay I accidentally left a 75% tip (blame it on the New Year's Eve hangover)! I was trying to split the meal between a card and cash with someone else, and I told them to put half of the ticket plus tip on the card, and then I paid in cash the full amount of the ticket plus tip, instead of half. The lady there kindly double and triple-checked with me so that I didn't make such a mistake. Thanks for your honesty, Shalimar of India Restaurant.

I first ate at Shalimar of India over 20 years ago and I have continued to go back whenever possible. The quality has remained top notch over the years and the customer service is on point. I am Indian and I know my Indian food. I have eaten at almost every Indian food restaurant in the Boston and Cambridge area. The food is soooooo delicious! Each of their dishes has deep flavor you can really tell they're using the right spices and cooking techniques. I recently moved out of state and I constantly crave the food from Shalimar. I mainly eat vegetarian dishes and my favorites are Matar Paneer, Saag Paneer, Aloo Gobhi, Samosas, and Mango Lassi. Ahhhh I want some now. Do yourself a favor and check this place out.

This place was the best that I went to. The place looked really good in the inside and the people there are really nice. Don't even talk about the food, there food is the best out there it is even better than McDonald's. Therefore this is what i think about this Shalimar.

I had the buffet and I must say, Excellent chicken tikka masala! Superb chicken naan and a very tastey mango lassi! They also had on these entertaining Bollywood videos for my viewing pleasure!

Excellent Malai Kofta & Chicken Tikka Masala! Buffet is great, a little reduction in salt would be nice. Very comfortable atmosphere and attentive servers.

UPDATE IT: I have never change a review but in this case I must. I had forgotten I had written this review. I recently started ordering from them again since I wanted to eat curry. Their food is truly excellent!!! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I ordered often from this restaurant, one time one of the people on the phone (with a really strong accent) could not understand my street and turned around and said...Miss we only speak english here...I was like, are you kidding me? Today again after waiting an hour for a delivery, I called the restaurant to find out where the food was and the guy told me another 30 minutes, at that point I cancelled the order and never will order again. Good food but crappy attitudes towards customers.