In the heart of the fog city, you’ll discover some of the best Indian food outlets that offer culinary charm from various corners of India! From Gujarati to Punjabi and even Marwari, you’ll find everything here. All you need is to look in the right place.
If you’re a sucker for Indian masala, aroma, and authentic taste, this article is for you! It will walk you through the top 8 famous and most appreciated Indian restaurants in San Francisco.
Directions: 3407, 1275 Minnesota St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Contact: (415) 580-7662 | Instagram
Finding Gujarati food in San Francisco can be a task and even frustrating if you’re fond of it. But no more! Besharam by Heena Patel brings you the authentic flavor of Gujarat to San Francisco, Dogpatch. You’ll be happy to know that Patel’s signature and deeply rooted dishes helped Besharam bag the Restaurant of the Year award in 2019.
But there’s a catch - this restaurant's menu plays by the ‘make-you-own-rules’ playbook. Imagine blue cheese in your parathas and melons in the chutney!! But that’s not the only thing that makes it special. It’s Heena’s childhood recipes and memories.
Directions: 333 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Contact: (415) 525-4174 | Instagram
Rooh is another one of the top Indian restaurants in San Francisco. This is best known for its polished setting and cozy ambiance. Well, why not? What less can you expect from India’s Good Times Restaurants hospitality group?
As for its menu, be prepared for subcontinental dishes that have a modern taste and are restaurant staples. The most appreciated are their small plates. Also, let’s not forget their ayurvedic-inspired cocktails; you’ll fall in love with these innovative drinks.
Directions: 943 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Contact: (415) 440-4293
This restaurant not only serves Indian delicacies but also Pakistani dishes. No wonder it is the neighborhood favorite of Russian Hill.
This beloved Indian eatery offers various delicious food options to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. What’s best is that it only uses Halal-certified meat. Their signature dishes - Tandoori Chicken and Lamb Vindaloo, are a must-try in and around the town.
Directions: 1140 Ocean Ave (Lee), San Francisco, CA 94112
Contact: (415) 841-8400
Planning a night out in the Mission, Tenderloin, or Ocean Avenue? Then Pakwan is the place you wouldn’t want to miss. Why? Well, their food is something you would not want to miss, and the best part; it’s a BYOB restaurant! That makes it a place to make a scandalous night full of fun, laughter, and worth-it Asian food!
Directions: 1700 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Contact: (415) 873-0795 | Instagram
Next on the list is a well-regarded restaurant in the Fillmore District known for its Indian Coastal Cuisine. It is a new restaurant by Chef Srijith Gopinathan, who has bagged two Michelin stars in the past.
He aims to bring the flavors and culture of his home state - Kerala! As for the look and feel, the restaurant design is a feast for the eyes, decorated with climbing vines and aesthetic hanging macrame ropes.
Directions: 3501 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Contact: (415) 647-4037 | Instagram
After serving celebrities and renowned personalities like Justin Timberlake and the Prime Minister of Singapore at tech cafes like Apple and Dropbox, Chef Tilkal Gurgung opened his own restaurant. From satisfying Indian curries to Bernal Heights, tandoori to crispy snacks and even finger-licking chaat items, you will get everything of the best innovative - Indian food at Tilak!
Directions: 3316 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
Contact: +14158142049 | Instagram
Imagine arm-length dosas that give a satisfying crunch with delicious South Indian curry and chutneys! Mouth-watering, right? But that’s just a part of the package!
The highlights of Aaha Indian Cuisine are the coconutty prawn curry, spicy deep-fried chicken, and biryani loaded with goat or lamb. Also, with bright orange walls, jiggling lights, and gold streamers, it’s an ambiance you’d want to experience at least once.
Directions: 1007 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Contact: (415) 970-8000
Udupi Place is yet another renowned South Indian restaurant located in the Mission. It’s said to be one of the best Indian eateries where you can enjoy South Indian food and hang and chill with friends. What’s best is that the menu prices for Udupi Place’s meals are highly affordable compared to the portion size. So, no fancy dressing, have your meal comfortably in your sweats, and at the lowest price! What more could one ask for?
Now that you know what Indian restaurants to explore in San Francisco, ditch the home delivery menus and step out to dust off your Indian food appetite. We’re sure the meals served at the above-listed restaurants will transport you to the heart of India! So, why wait? Visit your favorite Indian restaurant from the list and enjoy the Indian masala!