The highly flavorful and extremely delicious Indian cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines in the world. No wonder Indian restaurants are spread across different countries, whose population consists of a considerable size of Indians. Step into San Francisco and you might catch the scent of slow-cooked biryani, the sizzle of tandoori on the grill, or the steam rising from a bowl of sambhar. That’s not by chance; it’s the flavor footprint left by one of the Bay Area’s largest communities: Indians.
Rooh
Known for its unique take on traditional Indian culinary practices, Rooh is the place to eat some of the best Indian food in the Bay area. Their menu has many innovative food options such as tandoori monkfish and masala jackfruit tacos. Rooh, literally meaning the soul, captures the essence of authentic Indian food in all its fusion food varieties. Their cocktail menu is also inspired by six ‘rasas’ (flavors) – sour, bitter, astringent, salty, pungent, and sweet.
Address: 333 Brannan St #150, San Francisco, CA 94107
Little Delhi
As its name suggests, this restaurant specializes in Delhi cuisine and thus, you can expect everything from biryani and butter chicken to paneer and tandoori dishes to rasmalai and kulfi. Flying to San Francisco from Delhi? It is the go-to restaurant to satisfy your Delhi food cravings when you are away from home. Little Delhi’s menu features vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options as well and hence is quite popular with diet followers.
Address: 83 Eddy Street, San Francisco, California 94102
Curry Leaf
One of the popular Indian restaurants in San Francisco, Curry Leaf treats all non-vegetarian lovers to a delicious spread of chicken and lamb dishes. Although vegetarian food is available at this restaurant, it is very well-known for its non-veg options. The meal ends just as it should, with a bowl of Nihari that carries hours of slow-cooking in every sip. Before that, a golden samosa offers crunch and spice. Saag Paneer lingers softly with each bite. Karahi Chicken brings the heat, and the Seekh Kababs set the tone, smoked and unforgettable.
Address: 943 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Also Read: Ultimate Travel Guide to San Francisco
Udupi Palace
Where’s the best place for South Indians in SF? Udupi Palace wins hands down. Go traditional with idli and dosa, or try something unexpected like spinach paneer or tomato omelet uthappam. There’s more waiting if you’re still hungry.The South Indian thali is the full experience. Sweet tooth? Don’t leave without tasting the carrot halwa. And whatever you do, don’t skip the Madras coffee. It’s practically mandatory.
Address: 1007 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Tilak
This popular Indian restaurant in San Francisco’s Mission Street is among the best places to enjoy some of the much-loved Indian delicacies such as Tandoori dishes, curries, and chaat. Tilak’s menu is rich with an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian (including seafood) items. Again, if you are someone who follows a dairy-free diet, the chefs can prepare your order vegan upon request.
Address: 3501 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Also Read: San Francisco International Airport Terminal Guide
Ettan
Looking for Indian food that’s a little fancy but still full of soul? Head to Ettan in Palo Alto. Chef Srijith Gopinathan brings a Michelin-starred touch to classics like the amazing Duck Shami Kabab or the Beetroot Cutlet that comes with coconut chutney (you’ll want to lick the plate). The space is bright, open, and stylish without trying too hard. And the cocktails? Totally worth it.
Address: 518 Bryant St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
There are many more Indian restaurants in San Francisco where you can go to satisfy your desi food cravings. Are you planning a trip to USA? Avail Indian Eagle deals on international flight tickets and book your flights at the lowest airfare!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Indian restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area?
Some of the top-rated Indian restaurants in the Bay Area include Rooh, Little Delhi, Curry Leaf, Udupi Palace, Tilak, and Ettan. Each offers unique regional specialties, from North Indian curries to South Indian dosas and modern fusion dishes.
Which Indian restaurant in San Francisco offers South Indian food?
Udupi Palace is one of the best places for authentic South Indian food in San Francisco. Their menu features traditional dishes like dosa, idli, vada, and a variety of uthappams and thalis.
Are there any upscale Indian dining options in the Bay Area?
Yes, Ettan in Palo Alto offers a refined, modern Indian dining experience. It’s led by Michelin-starred Chef Srijith Gopinathan and blends traditional flavors with California ingredients in a beautiful, contemporary setting.
Is there an Indian restaurant in San Francisco with a cocktail menu?
Rooh stands out for its craft cocktail menu inspired by the six Indian “rasas” or flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. These are perfectly paired with their innovative Indian fusion dishes.
Do these SF Bay Area Indian restaurants offer vegetarian or vegan food?
Absolutely. Restaurants like Little Delhi, Tilak, and Udupi Palace have a wide range of vegetarian, vegan, and even gluten-free dishes to suit various dietary needs.
Which Indian restaurant in the SF Bay Area serves the best non-vegetarian dishes?
Curry Leaf is a favorite for non-veg lovers. It specializes in dishes like Lamb Curry, Karahi Chicken, Chicken Tikka, and Seekh Kababs, with flavors influenced by both Indian and Pakistani cuisine.
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