BAHAR Indian Restaurant & Catering

While coastal La Jolla specializes in seafood and wine bars along Prospect, BAHAR fills a specific gap: proper Indian cooking with the space to handle large family dinners, business lunches, and catering orders that beach-adjacent spots can't accommodate. This isn't grab-and-go curry — it's a sit-down operation with tablecloths, full bar service, and enough square footage to handle wedding parties without feeling cramped.

The biryani program is what pulls repeat traffic. The goat biryani gets consistent mentions for layering — aromatic rice, tender meat, no shortcuts on the spice blend. Chicken ghee roast shows up on tables that know what to order, and the chicken tikka masala delivers the familiar without dumbing down the heat. Samosas and pakoras handle the appetizer slot reliably.

The space works for groups in a way most Indian restaurants don't — high ceilings, booth seating, tables that can actually be pushed together without disrupting the entire dining room. That makes it a go-to for occasions: Ramadan iftars, Valentine's dinners (they handled a packed house without falling apart, according to multiple reviews), and the kind of multi-generational gatherings where half the table needs vegetarian options and the other half wants meat-heavy plates.

Pricing runs reasonable for the portion sizes, which tend toward generous rather than precious. The mixed chicken platter works as a sampler if you're new to the menu or feeding indecisive eaters. Reservations are available and recommended for weekends — this isn't a walk-in-anytime spot.

Parking is straightforward in the Craftsman Way complex, which beats circling the village looking for street spots. It's a 15-minute drive from the cove, but sometimes you need proper naan and rice cooked in a tandoor, and BAHAR is where locals go when that craving hits.