Heart of India

Heart of India Bar & Restaurant sits on Ming Avenue in the bustling heart of Bakersfield, California, offering a vibrant celebration of North‑Indian cuisine with a modern bar twist. Walk through the ornate doorway and you’ll be greeted by warm amber lighting, hand‑painted murals of Jaipur, and a polished mahogany bar stocked with Indian‑spiced cocktails such as mango‑chili martini and rose‑lassi fizz. The menu, crafted by Chef Arjun Singh, showcases classics like butter chicken simmered in a tomato‑cream sauce, smoky tandoori lamb chops, and fragrant basmati biryani layered with saffron, caramelized onions, and tender chicken or goat. Vegetarian lovers can indulge in paneer tikka, aloo gobi, and the house‑made gajar ka halwa for dessert. Signature appetizers include crisp fish pakora, onion bhaji, and the ever‑popular garlic naan served hot from the tandoor. The restaurant opens daily at 11 am, serving lunch specials until 3 pm and dinner until 10 pm; a modest $$ price range makes it ideal for family gatherings, date nights, or casual after‑work drinks. Free parking is available behind the building, and the venue is wheelchair‑accessible. Heart of India also provides catering for weddings and corporate events, delivering the same authentic flavors to any location in Kern County. Whether you’re a local craving a comforting thali or a visitor exploring Bakersfield’s culinary scene, the lively atmosphere, attentive staff, and aromatic dishes promise an unforgettable Indian dining experience.