India Princess
3925 4th Avenue, San Diego CA 92103The India Princess in Hillcrest follows in the successful footprints, and namesake, of Owner Jesse Singh’s first restaurant in San Marcos. In Hillcrest, he continues to demonstrate that his philosophy—to provide food and service expected of royalty—makes for an outstanding establishment. The food—savory Northern Indian cuisine—is exquisitely flavorful. The service is always smiling and friendly. And the atmosphere is ideal for enjoying everything from authentic samosas and flavorful Tandoor to the wide variety of chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetarian entrees. Details such as a mild Children’s Plate and free parking off of busy 4th Street make India Princess an excellent choice for exotic Indian cuisine.
Cuisine Fit for Royalty
Review by TableAgent
Hillcrest has become a magnet for just about every type of ethnic food that you can imagine, but there is one new addition to this throng of eateries that will truly capture your heart, particularly if you are a devotee of gourmet Indian cuisine.
India Princess is located in the middle of Fourth Avenue between Washington Street and University Avenue. If you don’t look carefully, you might even miss it. But that would be a big mistake, because this is no upstart cafeteria designed for the flustered ‘lunch bunch’ mentality. The marvelously flavored, traditional recipes available here are meant to be savored, and mirror those of Owner Jesse Singh’s original India Princess, which has been recognized as one of the finest dining establishments in San Marcos for years.
This location features a modern, restful décor, along with walls festooned with authentic artifacts and a serene ambiance that reflects the ancient, resonant culture of India. The tastefully appointed bar offers a full selection fine wine, beer, and cocktails. Jesse started my guest off with a glass of crisp Chardonnay, while I enjoyed a bottle of cold Taj Mahal Beer. Bottled under the supervision of its parent company in India, this tasty brew features a full European-style bouquet and flavor. Both beverages proved to be excellent choices.
One of the waiters arrived promptly with a basket of crisp papadum flatbread along with a sampling of aromatic and flavorful condiments. The mint and cilantro relish was bright, tantalizing and made for a perfect prelude to the main course with the small bowl of red onions and chilis and cup of piquant tamarind sauce that accompanied it.
Next, we were served a sampling of aromatic Indian dishes, each of which Executive Chef Shabber artfully crafted to tantalize our taste buds. The Chef’s Mixed Tandoori Platter was exquisite, featuring an assortment of tender lamb, chicken and shrimp that had been artfully seasoned and cooked to a turn near glowing embers in a ceramic Tandoor oven.
Our Chicken Tikka Masala was made from tender, bite-sized pieces of Tandoor chicken in a tangy tomato and yoghurt sauce that was enhanced with a striking touch of masala seasoning. Jesse then delivered a generous serving of Basmati rice and some delicious Madras Chicken Curry, a succulent, spicy recipe prepared in the classic, regional style.
My guest and I were also inspired by the wonderful Lamb Korma, which incorporates juicy chunks of lamb cooked in a sophisticated, creamy sauce and sprinkled with raisins and crushed cashews. The spicing combination in this dish was masterfully subtle, and would have been suitable for 18th century Indian royalty. We both agreed that this was some of the finest Indian food that we had ever eaten.
After topping off our meal with a couple of cappuccinos and some wonderfully rich rice pudding that added a light, crowning touch to our wonderful dining experience, we sat transfixed, as the exotic music began to dance with the appetizing fragrance of rare spices and braised, Tandoori treats.
Although it was difficult, we eventually had to summon the resolve to rise from our table to once again face the modern, busy world of Fourth Avenue. We took solace, however, in the realization that we had just discovered a captivating oasis of unusually fine Indian cuisine that was truly worth a return visit.
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Reservations
Business Info
- Address: 3925 4th Avenue, San Diego CA 92103
- Cross Street: Between Washington Ave. and University Ave.
- Location: Hillcrest & Uptown | Hillcrest
- Cuisine: Indian | Sunday Brunch | Vegetarian |
- Cost: | Inexpensive
- Category: Casual Dining
- Star Rating:
- Reservations: Recommended
- Dress Code: Casual
- Meals Served: Brunch | Lunch | Dinner |
- Parking: Street | Public Lot |
- Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Discover |
- Corkage Fee: 10.00 | Per Each Bottle
-
Staff:
Jesse Singh
| Chef
- Website: http://www.indiaprincess.com
- Phone: 619.291.5011
- Features: Sunday Brunch, All You Can Eat, Catering Services, Private Room, Smoking Area, Takeout Available, Wheelchair Access, Personal Wines Allowed,
- Occasion: Child Friendly, Romantic Dining, Dining Alone, Business Dining, People Watching, Quiet Conversation, Special Occasion,
Photos
Business Hours
Reservations Available
- Monday
- Lunch - Main Dining Room 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- Tuesday
- Lunch - Main Dining Room 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- Wednesday
- Lunch - Main Dining Room 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- Thursday
- Lunch - Main Dining Room 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- Friday
- Lunch - Main Dining Room 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- Saturday
- Lunch - Main Dining Room 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- Sunday
- Lunch - Main Dining Room 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.