Madras Café

The price in Madras cafe is lower than most other Indian restaurants in bay area. The South Indian food quality esp meal is also good. The coffee is good The interiors and service are below average. Overall reasonable Indian option in south bay if one is looking quality South Indian food.

Ordered Rava Masala, Podi Masala and Karam Dosa along with Upma Vada and Pongal Vada combos and mini Idly for the table. The dosas were absolutely delicious along with the chutneys and sambhars. They were generous with the refill as well. The upma was amazing in taste, probably the best one in the town. The pongal could have been better as it was a bit dry. We had to order first on the counter and wait to be seated for about 15 minutes. Since it was a Sunday, it was crowded so expect some wait time.

Madras Café is a go-to spot for authentic South Indian food in Sunnyvale. The menu is purely vegetarian and packed with classic options—from masala dosa to pongal to filter coffee that’s strong and satisfying. The place can get very busy, especially on weekends, so expect a bit of a wait. It’s more of a no-frills, fast-casual experience—don’t go in expecting fancy ambiance, but the food more than makes up for it. Everything is flavorful, fresh, and reasonably priced. Their chutneys and sambar are standout, and they’re generous with portions too. Definitely a favorite for South Indian comfort food in the Bay Area.

I’ve been here twice. My first experience was ok, but this time it was bad. Service is bad and can be improved. The guy at the billing counter was super rude and not paying attention at all. Our order came late - he forgot one item and said “we’re running late” with a straight face. The waiters on the other hand were good. I wouldn’t blame them. Food on the other hand was average. The Vada and sambar were good, apart from that everything was subpar. The chutneys were horrible. Filter coffee was too bad. Tasted sour and no trace of coffee decoction. I liked the open seating outside, it was a good vibe. But food and service are more important to me. I don’t see myself coming back here for more.

I recently flew from Bengaluru to Sunnyvale for business and was delighted to find an Indian restaurant offering authentic, homely flavours. The food was comforting and reminiscent of home. It gets quite crowded on weekends, but the delicious cuisine and friendly service make it worth the visit.

A very honest to goodness South Indian eatery with food that gives that back-in-India vibes and service that is no frills. The darshini-style food is exactly what you’d expect - Dosas, idlis and uthappams hit the spot. We went for a Friday lunch with colleagues, and needless to say the afternoon productivity was zero. The service isn’t what you’d call “elegant” but clean, prompt and courteous. Tables are clean, and you’d have to go get your own water and silverware. Like I said, you do t go here for an experience. But you do get an experience.

Visiting San Francisco and this place is very well known for their South Indian vegetarian dishes. Food was delicious and came out really fast. Quick service. The place could use an update, the atmosphere needs a better vibe, had random music on, would recommend to sticking to Indian theme. All in all, I do recommend this restaurant for South Indian cravings. Filter coffee was nice and strong, yum.

One of our go to place when we are craving for authentic south Indian flavors. Idli-Vada combo( delicious sambhar and chutneys), rava masala dosa(very crispy) mysore masala dosa(spicy and flavorful), onion tomato chilli uttapam and upma are our favorites. We tried kotthu parotta once but it was okayish. Service is pretty quick.