10 Best Indian Restaurants in San Francisco

Without a doubt San Francisco is one of the best cities in the United States and is blessed with spectacular tourist attractions, rich history, culture, and an obviously wide variety of cuisines. Although SF is not a cheap place to live in California, you will find a good number of Indian or Pakistani people who are either traveling in San Francisco or staying here for months or years for study or job purposes. Today I am going to tell you about the best Indian restaurants in San Francisco.

Indian food is popular all over the world for its flavorful taste and aroma. If you are looking for the best Indian food in San Francisco, you must visit any of these Indian eateries to satisfy your desi craving. You will see not only the Indian crowd but also the local people of San Francisco who are fond of these Indian restaurants.

indian restaurants in san francisco
best Indian food in San Francisco

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#1 Dosa

Dosa is one of the best Indian restaurants in the Bay area. Although their specialty is South Indian food, they serve North Indian food as well. They started their journey in 2005 in the Mission district, now they have another branch in Fillmore district too. The ambiance and layout of the Dosa restaurant are incredibly good. They take authentic south Indian dishes, add fine touches and flavor to the presentation, and combine with good service.

indian restaurants in san francisco | Dosa Restaurant
Dosa Restaurant

The restaurant is very well decorated and cozy. You can feel the Indian vibe once you enter the restaurant. The staffs are super friendly welcoming their guests with a big smile. Try their masala dosa and fried idli and you would usually not be disappointed. It is an upscale Indian restaurant in San Francisco, so you can expect the price to be higher. Prior reservation is highly recommended as the dining area fill up quickly.

Must-try dishes: Idli Fry, Dahi Vada, Lamb Keema Dosa

Timings: 11:30 am – 10: 00 pm

Cost for two: $30-40

Cuisine: Indian, Healthy and Vegetarian

Address: 1700 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115-3130

Website: DosaSF

#2 Saravana Bhavan

You can visit this restaurant if you are searching for the best South Indian restaurant in San Francisco at cheap. They have a variety of dosas, idlis made in different styles, and good sauces to go with it. Their mango lassi is a must-try thing. The quality of the food is consistent and everything is freshly made and served hot. 

indian food in san francisco | Masala Dosa in Saravana Bhavan
Masala Dosa in Saravana Bhavan

Try their Thali option and also the Idly Vada combo. Saravan Bhavan is a popular Indian vegetarian restaurant in San Francisco. So it may not be appropriate for the non-vegetarians. It is not a fancy restaurant. But who cares when the food is incredibly delicious at the cheapest price.

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Must-try dishes: Mini Ghee Idly, Mysore Masala Dosa, Kaima Idly

Timings: 11:30 am – 10: 00 pm

Cost for two: $15-20

Cuisine: Indian, Healthy and Vegetarian

Address: 438 Barber Ln, Milpitas, CA 95035

Menu of Saravana Bhavan
Menu of Saravana Bhavan

#3 Amber Reataurant

Amber restaurant is another upscale Indian restaurant in San Francisco. It is located perfectly in Yerba Buena Lane adjacent to Four Seasons, Marriott, and Jewish Community Center and minutes walk from Union Square and the Cable Car stand. Amber primarily offers North Indian cuisine with a great ambiance and service to match. The restaurant is very spacious and the interior part is beautifully decorated with handcrafted sandstone lattice from Indonesia.

best indian restaurant in bay area | Amber India Restaurant
Amber India Restaurant

Those who enjoy lamb will melt away with the sweet and spiced flavors of the Kerala lamb curry, which blends the spice of curry leaves and peppercorns with the subtle sweetness of coconut milk. Similarly, the unassuming palak paneer has a noticeably sweet touch and a heavenly creamy texture. If you are a vegetarian try their finger-licking Achari Baigan. Amber India is an expensive restaurant but the quality of food and top-notch service justifies its price.

Must-try dishes: Butter Chicken, Lamb Tikka, Saag Paneer, Kadhai Paneer

Timings: 11:30 am – 10: 30 pm

Cost for two: $30-40

Lunch Buffet: $24(at weekdays), $33(at weekend)

Cuisine: Indian,Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian

Address: 25 Yerba Buena Ln, San Francisco, CA 94103

Website: Amber India

Lunch Buffet in Amber India
Lunch Buffet in Amber India

#4 Shalimar – Best Indian Restaurants in San Francisco

Shalimar is an inexpensive Indian restaurant in San Francisco downtown that offers authentic North Indian dishes. When it is about tasty home-style food, a large portion at the cheapest price in San Francisco, nothing can beat Shalimar. The no-frills place offers a comfortable setting for guests to enjoy casual dining. Shalimar is considered to be one of the best Indian and Pakistani restaurants in the Bay Area.

Indian Food in Shalimar Restaurant
Indian Food in Shalimar Restaurant

Their menu features vegetarian options, as well as various entrees made with chicken, lamb, and beef that include chicken tikka masala complemented by garlic naan bread, chicken and beef kebabs, onion kulcha, goat curry, and goat biryani. The staff are very friendly and always ready to take your order. Take out option is available too.

Must-try dishes: Chicken Tikka Masala, Palak Paneer, Chicken Kofta, Lamb Curry

Timings: 12:00 pm – 11: 30 pm

Cost for two: $15-20

Cuisine: Indian, Asian, Pakistani

Address: 532 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94102-2008

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#5 Aslam’s Rasoi

When searching for contemporary Pakistani and Indian cuisine, Aslam’s Rasoi can be the ideal choice for a lovely dining experience. This family-run restaurant was established in 2006 by Chef Mohammed Aslam. He takes traditional North Indian dishes to new heights by adding generous infusions of delicious flavors. 

Aslam’s Rasoi
Aslam’s Rasoi

They use South Asian spices, sauces, and curries which are prepared every day by Mr. Aslam and his dedicated staff. Customers can dine in a comfortable interior decorated in eclectic style. Whether you’re there for a sizzling tandoori, a tikka masala, or a cup of hot tea, you can always expect Chef Aslam and his family and staff to welcome you with open arms.

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Must-try dishes: Sizzling tandoori, tikka masala, lamb korma, spicy vindaloo, and rogan josh.

Timings: 5:00 pm – 11: 00 pm(Wed-Sun)

Cost for two: $20-25

Cuisine: Indian, Asian

Address: 1037 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110-2405

Website: Aslam Rasoi

Interior of Aslam’s Rasoi
Interior of Aslam’s Rasoi

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#6 Little Delhi – Best Indian food in San Francisco

Where’s the best North Indian restaurant in San Francisco near Union Square? Look no further than Little Delhi that serves authentic Indian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco. Little Delhi is a spacious restaurant that is ideal for group dining. Offering delicious North-Indian food to its guests, the interior of the restaurant has been designed in traditional Indian style.

It is one of the most authentic Indian restaurants in San Francisco. Their menu ranges from soups to starters to main courses and desserts. You can try the mouthwatering meat delicacies; especially the non-veg Biryanis and the assorted Kebabs. And the best part is all of their Indian dishes are quite inexpensive compared to other Indian restaurants in SF.

North Indian Food in Little Delhi
North Indian Food in Little Delhi

Must-try dishes: Chicken tandoori, Saag Paneer.

Timings: 5:00 pm – 9: 30 pm

Cost for two: $10-20

Cuisine: Indian, Asian

Address: 1037 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110-2405

Website: Little Delhi

#7 Kasa Indian Eatery

If you are craving for butter naans with Dal Lentils, or for Kati Roll and Samosa with a glass of Mango lassi and hot Gulab Jamun, then Kasa Indian Eatery is the way to go. They keep their menu limited so that the customers can get fresh homestyle Indian food at any time. They have online ordering and delivery options available.

Kasa Indian Eatery
Kasa Indian Eatery

Kasa Indian Eatery has the main focus on good food at affordable prices in the San Francisco Bay area. They pride themselves in presenting delicious meals that rival fine dining but doing so in a fun, casual environment and at reasonable prices. Their presentation of traditional Indian foods is really amazing and the portion is also descent

Must-try dishes: Hot Kathi Rolls, Karahi Paneer.

Timings: 11:00 am – 10: 00 pm

Cost for two: $12-20

Cuisine: Indian, Vegetarian friendly

Address: 1356 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109-4618

Website: Kasa Indian Eatery

#8 Pakwan

This Pakistani Indian restaurant in San Francisco is perfect for those who are looking to taste the best Biryani in the city. Each grain of rice glistens with flavoring, and there are plenty of charred spices incorporated in the dish. It’s a neighborhood-style restaurant and the atmosphere is not that great with simple decor.

best indian restaurants in san francisco | Exterior of Pakwan Restaurant
Exterior of Pakwan Restaurant

They offer top quality food with great taste at an average price. If you love spicy food, you must visit the Pakwan restaurant. Even you can ramp up the spiciness if desired. Their menu features plenty of non-vegetarian options. The main key highlight is their genuine taste and real aroma of Indian cuisine.

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Must-try dishes: Chicken Biryani, Tandoori Lamb Chops,

Timings: 11:00 am – 11: 00 pm

Cost for two: $20-25

Cuisine: Indian, Pakistani, Asian

Address: 1140 Ocean Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112-18433

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#9 Vik’s Chaat

Vik’s Chaat is a hidden gem in Berkeley which just 20 minutes driving distance from San Francisco. Viks Chaat is a family-run business that was established in 1980. Their service is dedicated to preserving the tradition of eating chaat using fresh ingredients. Viks offers many regional chaat dishes from different parts of India.

most authentic indian restaurants in san francisco
Sev Puri in Vik’s Chaat

Chaat is basically a tongue-tickling roadside snack. So you must keep in mind that it is more of a cafeteria-style rather than a typical sit-down restaurant. There are vegan and gluten-free options as well as some mouthwatering chicken and lamb dishes. Nihari Gosht is definitely a die-for type of dish. The staff is friendly and the services are really fantastic. Though it is not an upscale classy restaurant, it is hygienic and air-conditioned.

Must-try dishes: Gobi Aloo, Kashmiri Baingan, Nihari Gosht

Timings: 10:30 am – 7: 30 pm

Cost for two: $15-20

Cuisine: Indian, Asian

Address: 2390 4th St. Berkeley, CA 94710

Website: Vik’s Chaat

#10 Rasa Indian

One of the best Indian restaurants in San Francisco, Rasa Indian takes the greatness of Indian cuisine to the next level by providing a new kind of dining experience. The soothing ambiance, gentle staff, exemplary service, and on top of it all, great food comprise Rasa Indian restaurant. There are a variety of Indian dishes from different regions of the country. 

Rasa Indian
Lamb Biryani

Their menu embodies a unique combination of ethnic and progressive dishes from South India. Here you will find an exquisite range of traditional, contemporary dishes that are created with flair and respect for ingredients. The warm welcome and pleasant atmosphere will instantly make you feel like home.

Must-try dishes: Bollywood Dosa, Rasa Chicken Biryani, Mangalore Fried Chicken Plate.

Timings: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM; 5:00 pm – 9: 00 pm

Cost for two: $15-25

Cuisine: Indian, Asian, Contemporary, Fusion

Address: 209 Park Rd, Burlingame, CA 94010

Website: Rasa Indian

So if you’re looking for plenty of spices for your taste buds or feeling homesick as an Indian, head on over to some of these Top 10 Indian restaurants in San Francisco.

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best indian restaurants in san francisco Bay area
Best Indian Restaurants in San Francisco

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