Mati’s

***UPDATE*** Mati’s is closing this month, last day will be October 27^th! Get your butt in and show them how much we will miss them!
I LOVE THIS PLACE! If you get here on the weekdays, they have a lunch special that ends at 3pm… you get a great deal, plus naan comes with your lunch. I love their chicken tikka masala, garlic cilantro naan & vegetarian samosa. I usually end up spending less than $ 10 and I’m full. I’ve noticed I get more of a portion if I dine there as opposed to take-​out.

What else can I say. The flavors were wonderful. The chicken was tender. The naan was made to order. Walked out sweating from the spices – coughed half way to the car – tounge burned half way home – raved about it all day today! Will DEFINITELY be back soon.

As a lover of all things curry, I was super glad that this place was open at 3pm on a Tuesday afternoon. Thanks for saving me from a hunger induced hissy fit.
Let me start off with the fact that their garlic naan was on point. I am a fan of lighter, more fluffy naan and man, it was delicious. I finished my two slices and was eyeing my bf’s even before I was half way into my actual dish.
Food wise, ehhh. I really wish it was better. The chicken tikka masala was delicious, and the chicken in the curry chicken was heavenly, but everything else lacked flavor and the oomph that comes from Indian food. Maybe my taste bus were already oversaturated from the garlic naan or my sides, but my boyfriend’s dish was bland and unimpressive.
Maybe it’s because I paid them a visit at 3pm on a Tuesday… will try again!

I have to say that after buying a Google deal for «Meal for Two» at the Downtown location, I was really impressed with what we got. We got three bowls of sides (I strongly recommend the Chicken Tikka Masala as it truly is the best thing here), four slices of naan (garlic or regular), a bowl of rice, 4 choices of chutney or raita, and two samosas (choice of potato or lamb — lamb is spicy but good). It was more than enough for dinner and leftovers for lunch the next day. Super tasty and a great value, which made up for the messiness of bussing our own tables.

I usually come here for their chicken dishes.
The restaurant is a steam-​table style set up with pre-​made food. But that doesn’t take away the freshness of the food as it looks like they only make enough to sell a few servings before making more.
I wish they would have more than 3 kinds of chicken entrees however. Their garlic naan is excellent with lots of garlic like it should be make.
Portions could be a bit bigger for what you pay however. Otherwise, it’s a great Indian restaurant!

Mati’s offers a convenient dinner for two that comes with 2 samosas, 3 small sides, 1 small cup of rice and naan. I’ve ordered it twice and been less than impressed.
The samosas are the best part. Rather than the puffed little popovers I’m used to getting at other places, theirs are flat, delicately crisp (especially if you throw them in a 350 oven on a rack for a couple of minutes when you get home :) and delicious. The filling is slightly spicy and flavorful, terrific with the raita (cucumber/​yogurt sauce). Also really enjoyed the garlic naan that’s included. Hint of buttery garlic and pillow soft .
The sides, or entrees, were disappointing. The best one was the chicken tikka masala. I also liked the mixed vegetables, but I love cabbage and it is 90% of the mix. Butter chicken and lamb curry lacked the flavor punch I’m always hoping for at Indian places. The meats are in huge chunks, making it a little on the dry side.
I was surprised at how small the containers were. The entrees and rice were in the same cups as the smallest size you can get in a supermarket deli. We’re not big eaters, but it was barely enough for a light dinner. The two portions of naan were very generous. Maybe they figure if you get 8 pieces of naan, you don’t need much else.

For a good spot to grab lunch, come to Mati’s. $ 6.99 will get you 2 tasty items, plus rice and naan. I enjoyed the chana masala and butter chicken; spouse chowed down on chicken tikka masala and a lamb dish. We both opted for garlic naan. I also got an iced chai, knowing that I’d be headed for a food coma after eating and would need a pick-​me-​up.
I was going to give this place 4 stars, but really– this doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. The food is good, the prices are fair, they even serve a number of Indian beers, and the woman who owns the place is right there behind the counter– sweetly greeting everyone as they come in and asked how our food was later on. As we enjoyed our meal, I watched her chat with a number of customers. This level of hospitality should be the standard of any business. You can tell she really takes pride in her work. We’ll be back.

Mati’s is a great lunch spot on a block that’s full of quality options.
Reasonably priced, the dish-​you-​up-​as-​you-​order setup works very well for Indian food. Quick, with many options that all look delicious. Oh, and the naan bread is fantastic.
They offer several sauce options for dipping the naan bread… so many that it was hard being limited to only 2.
Great for a quick and fairly inexpensive lunch. I just wish they were open Sunday too!

This is my go-​to Indian restaurant in the area.
It’s affordable, fast, friendly, and tasty.
I love the concept of Indian fast food and this restaurant delivers every time. Not only that, but the employees are super friendly and make it a point to know your name and say, «hello» when you come in.
Another great aspect of the restaurant is that their naan is freshly made to order and in a traditional way.
Something to keep in mind if you come here to eat; the food is buffet style meaning what is on display is what there is. Granted many of classic favorites are usually out, and there are plenty of vegetarian options.
If you’re looking for a place with a great atmosphere, plenty of options that will leave your stomach as well as your wallet full — come here!

Oh Mati’s, you spoil me like my (Punjabi) college roommate. I’ve been to several Indian restaurants in Sacramento and most of them were good but there was something special about Mati’s. I wasn’t sure how good the food would be when we walked in since everything was already made and the place looked like a fast food restaurant– but taste buds are always better at judging food than the eyes. The prices were good and aroma of Indian spices took us away so we opted for the $ 20.00 meal for two. SCORE!
1. There are 3 kinds of naan to choose from and you don’t have to pay more if you get garlic instead of plain. I was expecting 1 – 2 pieces of naan… I think we were given 4 thick, huge, exploding with flavor garlic naan.
2. Aloo Gobi– whether you like veggies or not I highly recommend you try this dish. It is a mix of sauteed cauliflower and potatoes in Indian spices. The spices are not overwhelming or too spicy and you do taste the flavor of the cauliflower and potatoes. I will order this again.
3. Tikka Masala was on point. There were big chunks of chicken in savory Indian spice and tomato sauce. The sauce was so good over rice I couldn’t wasted it and used my naan to clean up.
4. Lamb Curry– was also really good. Lots of meat and good flavor. I was too focused on the Aloo Gobi and Tikka Masala to remember details about this one.
Overall Mati’s is a great addition to the area. They are friendly and food is good with great value. We noticed a lot of people getting food for take-​out. Not a bad idea if your in town.

I came here with a Living Social certificate or something, but even if I didn’t have one I’d still go here. The food’s pretty good & you get a whole lot of it for cheap! I’ve never really been to an Indian fast food place like this before, but I dig the concept. The dishes seem pretty fresh & each are flavorful & unique, unlike many fast food joints where everything tastes the same.
It may not be the most authentic Indian food, but it’s still pretty darn tasty. The naan is also very good, they make it when you order it, nice & fresh! Next time I’m going to order a Mango Lassi to cool my tongue down from eating that spicy vindaloo!

For fast-​food Indian cuisine, this place is not bad. They have a special running ($ 19.99 for 2: 3 sides, 1 rice, 2 naan, 2 samosas). It’s a great deal, but the food is so so.
3 Sides Include:
1) Butter chicken-​Mild
2) Chicken Tikka Masala-​If it weren’t for that itty bitty tangy taste, it would resemble Butter Chicken
3) Lamb Vindaloo-​super duper spicy, but perfect for the hubby! (cost is extra $ 1)
Their naan comes out piping hot fresh, so I give them props for that. Not many fast-​food joints can pull that off.
Try the Mango Lassi… I liked that the best!
Check out my pics!

Good Indian Fare
SITREP
My sweet friend Tanisha thought it was time for us to go visit MATI’S today since it had moved midtown to a newer location just blocks away from where each of us work. I love Indian food but have not found too many locations in «the grid», so this was an opportune time to check it out.
LUNCH TIME FARE!
[In the interests of full-​disclosure, this review is strictly for the lunch experience. Dinner-​time pricing, service and other evening-​dining expectations, etc., are not covered in this review.]
This is a nice set-​up, especially if you want to get your orders to go, which is what I definitely have in mind for future visits (because I am definitely going to be coming back — that being said…).
There were a couple of lunch-​special pricing options. Tanisha got the 2 – 3 item combo for $ 6.99 and I got the 4 – 5 item combo for $ 8.99. And you noticed I mentioned a RANGE of items? Because they are very cool in flexing the item portions to meet your particular desires, unlike other establishments that don’t allow for more flexibility in how they *glob* a «portion» onto your plate or into your «to-​go» box. I like the «Maybe a little more of that item, and less of that one» give & take I had with the restaurant station server.
THE MENU
Oh golly, they had Garlic Naan. I was sold right there. Don’t get me wrong: I love regular Naan bread. But when I am going to an Indian (or Thai or Pakistani, etc.) restaurant, MILD FOOD is NOT what I have i mind. I want STRONG flavors.
And speaking of flavors, I want MIND-​NUMBING spice. I want my TONGUE ON FIRE. I want my head to EXPLODE from the HEAT-​FUSION that is being channeled and building in my BRAIN. And the lunch fare dish options provided just that!
Just to enjoy it’s creaminess and deliciousness, I did get the more MILD BUTTER CHICKEN along with my lunch partner Tanisha. After sampling it (which they allow you to do for ALL the dishes you will soon partake of), It was just too good to pass up. And I should note, that both Tanisha’s $ 6.99 very cool retro-​beveled-​central-​crater-​style-​black plate and my larger $ 8.99 very cool retro-​beveled-​central-​crater-​style-​black plate, came with a large layer of basmati rice which served as a delicious foundation for all the choice meat and vegetable servings.
But here is where I departed from dear Tanisha’s much more mild tongue. I went for the mucho gusto spicy Cauliflower dish. And then to ratchet if up a couple more notches, I got both the Tikki Chicken and (walking on the culinary wild side) the Tikki Lamb. Tanisha took a bite of the Tikki Lamb and I dare say that her mouth was on fire the rest of the afternoon. ;^D
Along with the meals also came complimentary curry condiments, both sweet and spicy in their separate containers.
THE LOWDOWN
For the large amount of food, the very budget-​friendly cost, and the incredible taste experience, I consider Mati’s to be a good find and it will be on my regular lunchtime rotation from now on!

It’s almost fast-​food. Walk in, order at a counter. They bring it to you at your table.
Delicious food. They give tons so a meal there is more like a dinner tonight and a lunch tomorrow.
The place feels a little under-​decorated. I missed that homey feel.
It’s super close to Fremont Park, so I think I might picnic next time.
The owner came out to check on our meals which was a wonderful touch.
I really like Mati’s and after being disappointed in Sac’s Indian options, I’m glad to have found a good one at last.

My boyfriend and I happened to be in the general vicinity on another pressing matter, when we were getting hungry. We decided to go here after reading the impressive reviews of other Unilocalers and had previously bookmarked it.
This place apparently used to be a Subway. So you order your food in the same manner. The selections of both meat based and vegetarian dishes are on display behind a glass «sneeze guard». You get to view your choices and they are also labeled. But the guy at the counter was happy to tell us about the ingredients of each entrée.
Among the many variations on the menu, they have a «dinner for 2 special» for $ 20.00. It includes 3 entrees, a bowl of rice, your choice from 2 types of naan, AND 3 samosas with chutney that was offered in several flavors. (Drinks are additional).
Everything was very tasty! We had chicken tiki masala, cabbage & potatoes, and peas & potatoes. The sauces were full of flavor and the mango chutney was mangoey mouth watering! The garlic naan was OK. A little dry and I wished it had more of a garlic flavor to it. But worked well for dipping into our food.
Now, when in the area, I’ll look forward to coming here again soon! I must try out some of the other choices! It will be a difficult decision, they ALL looked so good!

My girl friend and I came to Mati’s for dinner to see what all of the hype was about. We decided on the dinner special for two which gives you three entrees, rice, naan, and three samosa’s with your choice of chutney for twenty dollars. With drinks and tax the total amount came to $ 25.10. Not bad, not bad at all.
We chose the chicken tiki masala, cabbage and potatoes, and the potatoes and peas. The samosa’s were shaped more like a turnover than a samosa but they tasted great and the mango chutney was very good. The chicken tiki masala was a bit salty and I would have preferred it to be a little bit spicier. The other two dishes were pretty good and the rice was perfect
I always thought that space was too good for a Togo’s. It is small but I like the way the space is designed and it has that nice little patio that I have always loved.

It’s here, it’s here! After such a long wait. Love that this place finally moved to midtown. I’ve been here twice since the midtown opening and both times have been great.
I like that they don’t wimp out on spices here. The lamb vindaloo hurts for me to eat, but it is worth it. The chicken tikii masala is scrape the bowl delicious. The aloo ghobi is yum even without meat. The people at the counter are great and let you sample everything. The garlic naan is warm and delicious. The place is much bigger and in a much more convenient place. Prices are awesome. What is there not to love?
The only two things that bring this place down a star is that the rice is a little lacking, it’s a bit dry and flavorless and the lamb is also bit dry, the sauce is a delicious but the lamb was overcooked on both occasions that I came by in both the lamb curry and the vindaloo (btw if you are debating on the curry or vindaloo, go with the vindaloo, it is sooo much better). The sauce is oh so amazing for the vindaloo and the chicken tiki masala. I think this place may become a second home for me.

Oh, Mati’s…how I’ve missed you. I work in Natomas and this was our favorite lunch spot. When they closed I went from utter despair over losing my favorite Indian lunch spot… to pure elation when I found out the restaurant was moving to within a few blocks of my house. Welcome to Midtown!
The butter chicken and the tikka masala always have my heart (and tummy) but for my vegatarian friends, the selection is always delicious, the naan second to none.

Can it be true???
It is it is!!!
They are moving to 16^th and P. They will close their Natomas location for the month of October and reopen on November 1^st. Check the pic I uploaded for proof! :)
OMG I had the Chana Masala last time I came here (garbanzo beans in a curry)… it was pretty much the best thing to ever hit these little lips for 6 dollars.

For a quick, inexpensive meal, this is the place to go.
The staff and owners are awesome– way to go!!!
In a sea of disgruntled servers, rude proprietors and cranky cooks, this is my mini-​oasis of helpful, kind service!!!
The food is also very good. The vege options are always available and I usually get the 2 entrée lunch special for ONLY $ 4.99. It includes rice and nan. What a great deal.
I have to agree with another review, the butter chicken is– TO DIE FOR! My food is always served up quick, hot and fresh.
The made to order nan is hot and puffy, with a perfect chewy texture– I just wish there were less burnt pieces– but that is a personal preference.
Please Matis’ — do not jack up your prices like the others, I enjoy your cheap eats too much!