San Francisco is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, and Indian cuisine is no exception. There are many Indian restaurants in San Francisco and they sell quality Indian meals which are renowned for their rich spices and flavors. Indian food is awesome and a favorite among foodies and locals alike.
Indian cuisine is characterized by its regional diversity, as different regions of India have their unique ways and style of cooking and flavor profiles. From the rich and creamy curries of North India to the spicy and tangy dishes of South India, there is something special for everyone in the world of Indian cuisine.
In this article, I provide you with the top Indian restaurants in San Francisco, the dishes they serve, and other outstanding features that make each restaurant stand unique. I hope this guide will inspire you to explore the flavors of India in San Francisco and also find your new favorite restaurant!
10 Indian Restaurants In San Francisco
When it comes to Indian cuisine in San Francisco, the options are plentiful. From traditional North Indian fare to modern fusion dishes, there’s something sweet for everyone in the city. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled a list of 10 Indian restaurants in San Francisco that are worth checking out.
1. Dosa
Dosa is a trendy South Indian restaurant located in the heart of San Francisco’s Fillmore District. The menu features a variety of dosas (thin, crispy pancakes made from fermented rice and lentil batter) filled with flavorful chutneys and curries. The restaurant also gives an extensive vegetarian menu, making it possible and a popular spot for vegans and vegetarians.
- Address: 1700 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115
- Operating Hours: Mon-Sat: -10 pm, Sun: 11 am – 9 pm.
2. Amber India
Amber India is an upscale restaurant and one of the best Indian restaurants in San Francisco that offers a modern take on traditional Indian cuisine. The menu offers all kinds of dishes from different regions of India, such as tandoori chicken and lamb rogan josh. The restaurant also provides a full bar and an extensive wine list.
- Address: 25 Yerba Buena Ln, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5 pm-10 pm
3. Udupi Palace
Udupi Palace is a casual vegetarian restaurant that specializes in South Indian cuisine. The menu features dosas, idlis (steamed rice cakes), and uttapams (thick pancakes made with rice and lentil batter). The restaurant is well known for its affordable prices and friendly service. Trust
- Address: 1007 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
- Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 11 am – 10 pm.
4. Curry Up Now
Curry Up Now is one of the popular fast-casual restaurants that gives Indian street food with a modern twist. The menu features items such as tikka masala burritos and Indian poutine (fries topped with tikka masala gravy and cheese). The restaurant also offers and provides a variety of vegan and gluten-free options.
- Address: 659 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
- Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 11 am – 10 pm.
5. Besharam
Besharam is a contemporary Indian restaurant located in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco. It is among the popular Indian restaurants in San Francisco whose menu features a lot of native Indian cuisines. Their dishes are inspired by Indian street food and regional cuisine. The restaurant makes the availability of an extensive cocktail menu and a selection of Indian wines.
- Address: 1275 Minnesota St, San Francisco, CA 94107
- Operating Hours: Wed-Sun: 5 pm-9 pm
6. Roti Indian Bistro
Roti Indian Bistro is a family-owned restaurant that offers different North Indian dishes, such as butter chicken and lamb vindaloo. The restaurant also offers an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet that is popular and well-known among locals.
- Address: 53 West Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA 94127
- Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5 pm-9:30 pm
7. Pakwan
Pakwan is a casual Pakistani and Indian restaurant that offers lots of meat and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant is well known for its sweet flavorful curries and affordable prices. Pakwan also has multiple locations throughout the Bay Area.
- Address: 3182 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 11 am – 11 pm
8. Shalimar
Shalimar is a Pakistani and Indian restaurant, it offers a variety of halal meat and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant is well known for its flavorful curries and biryanis, which are made with fragrant basmati rice and spices. The restaurant also provides takeout and delivery options.
- Address: 532 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 11 am – 11 pm
9. August 1 Five
August 1 Five is a contemporary Indian restaurant that gives a modern take on classic Indian dishes. This is one of the top Indian restaurants in San Francisco whose menu features a lot of small plates and entrees, such as tandoori chicken and lamb chops. The restaurant also gives an extensive cocktail menu and a selection of Indian beers and wines.
- Address: 524 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm-10 pm, Sat-Sun: 11 am – 3 pm, 5:30 pm-10 pm
10. Dhaba
The restaurant specializes in North Indian cuisine, such as butter chicken and lamb rogan josh. The restaurant also provides an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet and a lot of vegetarian options.
- Address: 1881 Solano Ave, San Francisco, CA 94707
- Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5 pm-9:30 pm
In conclusion, these 10 Indian restaurants in San Francisco provide and offer a diverse array of flavors and dining experiences for locals and visitors alike. Not minding your mood, maybe for traditional North or South Indian cuisine, modern fusion dishes, or something in between, there’s a restaurant on this list that’s sure to quench and satisfy your cravings. So why not explore the city’s vibrant Indian food scene and discover a new taste and your new favorite restaurant?