The fact that Indian cuisine is one of the best in the world in terms of variety, flavours and vibrance is very well known. For Indians living abroad, however, getting a true taste of home with authentic flavours that bring in waves of nostalgia can be quite the challenge. Thankfully, the growing popularity of Indian cuisine in the USA has ensured that not only Indians but all South Asians living across the States can get a taste of India through restaurants and eateries. And if you are in San Francisco, California, then the chances that you will find some of the best Indian restaurants to eat at are pretty high.
For those unaware, San Francisco has a thriving Indian and South Asian population. The city where the Golden Gate Bridge attracts tourists from all over the world is also home to Indian students studying at institutions like University of California, San Francisco and California College of Arts. Non-Resident Indian (NRI) communities in San Francisco have also made their presence felt in recent years. This apart, American residents at San Francisco are also increasingly interested in trying classic as well as modern Indian food.
So, if you are in San Francisco, which are the best Indian restaurants you need to visit? Here is a list of 10 best Indian restaurants in San Francisco, California.
Video Credit: YouTube/Hebbar's Kitchen
1. Amber
One of the things Indians living abroad miss the most from their time in India is the concept if an elaborate and endless buffet—and Amber provides just that to San Francisco residents. This popular Indian restaurant not only has a daily lunch buffet but also a limitless brunch buffet on the weekends. From their Nawabi Chicken to Awadhi Lamb Korma, the dishes at this restaurant are must-haves for all the right reasons.
USP Dishes: Lunch Buffet, Awadhi Lamb Korma
Location: 25 Yerba Buena Ln, San Francisco, CA 94103
Timings: 5PM – 10PM (Sun-Thu), 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (Mon-Fri)
2. Udupi Palace
Missing the taste of a pure vegetarian South Indian meal? Then Udupi Palace is the place you need to visit. From large masala dosas just like they make in India to a Special Uttapam loaded with veggies and flavours, from spicy South Indian curries to plenty of chutneys to dip your dosas in, this vegetarian restaurant gets it all right for those finicky about authenticity.
USP Dishes: Special Uttapam, Masala Dosa
Location: 1007 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA
Timings: 12 PM – 10 PM
3. Aaha Indian Cuisine
Another great place for South Indian cuisine in San Francisco, Aaha Indian Cuisine opened its doors in 2022 and quickly became one of the most popular restaurants all thanks to the wide selection of vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian delights it offers. The place offers healthy dosas for those who are health conscious, while also sticking to authentic Tamil cuisine flavours with special dishes from Madurai and Chennai.
USP Dishes: Madurai Chili Fish, Chili Shrimp
Location: 3316 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Timings: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM & 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM
4. Viva Goa
Goan cuisine has always had a global appeal thanks to its Portuguese influences, and this might be the driving force behind the popularity of Viva Goa. A prime takeout place for Goan curries, this restaurant uses authentic ingredients like coconut and kokum to whip up dishes like Xacuti, Vindaloo, Ambot Tik and more. Viva Goa also serves North Indian staples like Butter Chicken and Naan for those looking for more variety beyond Goan food.
USP Dishes: Chicken Xacuti, Fish Ambot Tik, Lamb Vindaloo
Location: 2420 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Timings: (Tuesday-Sunday) 11AM to 3PM & 5PM to 10PM
5. Pakwan
Craving some authentic Dum Biryani while in San Francisco? Pakwan restaurant in the city’s Tenderloin district is the place you need to seek out. A simple place with food that packs a punch, Pakwan is well known for its Lamb Biryani, Chicken Biryani, Tandoori Chicken and Boti Kebabs. With dishes like Paneer Makhani and Bharta on offer, the place also has very decent vegetarian options that everyone can relish.
USP Dishes: Lamb Biryani, Paneer Makhani
Location: 501 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Timings: 11AM to 11PM
6. Copra
If you are looking for Indian fare that is elevated to the next level, then Copra is for you. The latest venture by Michelin-starred Chef Srijith Gopinath, this restaurant offers up dishes from Kerala. The ambience is a feast for the eyes while the spicy and delicious dishes satiate your soul. Even the drinks at this restaurant are infused with flavours of coconut and tamarind. From Kola Urundai to Polichathu, every dish here is droolworthy.
USP Dishes: Shrimp Vennai Roast, Black Cod Polichathu, Mysore Masala Dosa
Location: 1700 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Timings: (Tuesday-Sunday) 5PM to 10PM
7. Rooh
The brainchild of Chef Sujan Sarkar, Rooh is a celebrated restaurant that offers modern Indian cuisine like you’ve never seen before. Taking Indian cuisine to the level of molecular gastronomy and gourmet plates is something that this place excels at. From Chicken Ghee Roast to Cauliflower Koliwada, Lamb Nihari to Jackfruit Tacos, this places brings the best of Indian cuisine to San Francisco residents with a twist while maintaining the integrity of the ingredients.
USP Dishes: Jackfruit Tacos, Cauliflower Koliwada
Location: 333 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Timings: 5.30PM to 9.30PM
8. Spice of America
Most Indian restaurants in India today have extensive menus that offer Indian as well as Indo-Chinese delights—and that’s just what Spice of America does in San Francisco. For those missing the taste of Momos and Schezwan dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, this place can be quite the delight and trip down memory lane. With everything from Biryanis to Seafood Curries on offer, anybody visiting this restaurant is bound to be satiated with the flavours of India in America.
USP Dishes: Chilli Chicken Momos, Aloo Tikki and Ragda
Location: 1655 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Timings: 11.30AM to 2.30PM & 5PM to 9PM
9. Besharam
Started by Heena Patel, a Gujarati-origin entrepreneur associated with San Francisco’s La Cocina food incubator, Besharam has been recognised by local media as a restaurant that offers the best of Gujarat and India. While the restaurant shut down during the pandemic, the restaurant reopened in 2021 with a no-meat menu. From Gujarati snacks like Pav Bhaji and Khaman to rare delicacies like Ringan No Oro and Undhiyu Kadhi, this place is a must-visit.
USP Dishes: Ringan No Oro, Pav Bhaji
Location: 3407, 1275 Minnesota St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Timings: (Wednesday-Sunday) 5PM to 9PM
10. Tilak
Run by star American-Indian chef Tilak Gurung, this restaurant offers an ecclectic menu packed with Indian delights. From street food snacks to indulgent meat dishes, the menu at Tilak has everything going for it. The variety of Chaats on offer here will satiate the cravings of any Indian in San Francisco, while dishes like Saag Paneer, the Kormas, Biryani and Bhuna can be enjoyed as more filling and decadent fare.
USP Dishes: Sev Puri Chaat, Saag Paneer, Lamb Bhuna
Location: 3501 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Timings: (Wednesday – Monday) 5PM to 10PM