Looking for authentic, delicious Indian cuisine in San Francisco? Delicious Indian cuisine is only a scroll away. Here are the best Indian restaurants in San Francisco that you have to try for yourself — with astounding food and service that will have you saying tum bachcha bana raheho in no time.
1. Mehfil Indian Cuisine. Located on 600 Folson Street in San Francisco, this Indian restaurant serves authentic Indian food, prepared from the finest ingredients. It is also reasonably priced. The restaurant may not look Indian-inspired, but the food speaks volumes, with delicious selections such as Punjabi Channa Paneer or a local favorite, butter naan. The waiters are also willing to create customized dishes according to your tastes. For more information, visit Mehfil’s official website.
2. Dosa. Located on 995 Valencia Street in San Francisco, Dosa is a modern twist on traditional Indian cuisine. Named Best of Citysearch 2007, Dosa offers top quality Indian dishes in a modern setting. The restaurant has a warm, inviting feel with wooden tables, clean wood floors, and warm, red tones decorating the interior of this hip restaurant. This restaurant is a great ‘starter’ restaurant for Indian food newbies. It is decently priced, and the food does not falter here. Make sure to try their Chennai chicken if you visit. For more information, call Dosa at (415) 642-3672.
3. Naan-N-Curry. Located on 533 Jackson Street, Naan-N-Curry is a contemporary, gritty, in-your-face Indian fast food restaurant. You’ll only see this in San Francisco. Just as their name suggests, they specialize in naan, and they make it exceptionally well. The decor might not be up to par, but this is delicious Indian fast food for those on-the-go. Naan-N-Curry proves that you truly should not read a book by its cover. For more information about this restaurant, call Naan-N-Curry at (415) 693-0499.
4. Maharani. Located on 1122 Post Street, Maharani is ranked as the number one restaurant in San Francisco by the San Francisco Chronicle. It even won Citysearch’s Best of Citysearch 2006 award for best Indian cuisine in San Francisco. It is clear why Maharani is the best Indian restaurant in San Francisco, and the proof is in the pudding. Literally. Maharani serves purely organic food, so each dining experience is a cruel-free one. It is also a hot romantic spot with beautiful decor and soft, intimate lighting. As a warning, Maharani is a bit on the expensive side — it is worth the price, however. For more information, visit Maharani’s official website.
5. Darbar Restaurant. Located on 1412 Polk Street in San Francisco, Darbar is a very unique restaurant, voted the best Indian restaurant of San Francisco 2006 by the San Francisco Weekly. Most dishes are under $10.00, ridiculously cheap for Indian cuisine. Better yet, the food is top quality, with delicious, buttered naan and delicacies everyone can enjoy. Darbar has a very traditional look, inspired by traditional Indian housing. The servers are always accommodating, and you can eat it or have it delivered. For more information, visit their official website.
6. Raja Cuisine of India. Located on 500 Haight Street, Raja Cuisine delivers delicious, rich Indian cuisine that will keep you coming back. The entire restaurant feels like traditional India, with beautiful, warm colors and masterful paintings of traditional Indian figures. Raja also offers a lunch buffet, which is very popular with the locales. Although Raja has delicious food, be wary about asking for delivery — Raja is also notoriously slow in that department. Call Raja at (415) 255-6000 for more information.
7. Chutney. Located on 511 Jones Street in San Francisco, this restaurant is reminiscent of an Indian diner. The food is delicious, with soft, buttery naan that makes your mouth water. Service is quick, and Chutney is a great place to pick up last-minute Indian cuisine before turning in for the night. Chutney does get busy during late night hours, so arrive early. Don’t forget the Chai tea either. It’s free with any meal you order. Need more information? Call Chutney at (415) 931-5541.
8. Rotee. Located on 400 Haight Street in San Francisco, Rotee is a very cheap Indian restaurant — but not cheap in taste. Inspired by Bollywood, Rotee’s interior is beautifully decorated like a Bollywood set, making this a hip place for many teens and young adults. The food is magnificent also, with food cooked to the right spiciness. Servers are always willing to accommodate, so don’t be afraid to ask a question or two. Call (415) 552-8309 for more information about Rotee.
As they say in India, this is simply sone pe suhaga. You can only experience these delicious dishes by visiting these restaurants yourself. San Francisco never tasted so delicious. Happy eatin’!
