0 Followers
Spice of America
Master Critic Review
Spice of America
8.1
Modern Indian cooking with Nepali touches near Civic Center delivers polished curries, tandoori plates, and well-spiced vegetarian options. Locals use it for dependable lunch prix fixe and relaxed dinners before shows on Market.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tikka Masala, Tandoori Lamb Chops, Paneer Makhani
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Refined Indian plates with consistent lunch and dinner execution.
Who should go: Downtown diners wanting polished Indian classics
When to visit: Weekdays 12–1:30pm or early dinner before shows
What to order: Chicken tikka masala; tandoori lamb chops; garlic naan
Insider tip: Ask for medium-plus spice; balance lands best for most dishes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking along Market and 9th; nearby paid garage at 150 Hayes. Street parking gets tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans fine, but most diners wear business-casual or dressy-casual attire given the Civic Center crowd.
Noise level: Moderate—comfortable for conversation even during dinner rush, with light background music.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes without a reservation; tables turn efficiently.
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:15pm; fills up for the prix fixe crowd by 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple dedicated curries, paneer, and thali options clearly marked on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited—2–3 main dishes plus customizable appetizers if requested without cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many curries and grilled meats are naturally gluten-free; naan and breaded items can be avoided easily.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—refined décor, attentive service, and balanced spice levels make it ideal for a relaxed, conversation-friendly date night before a show or concert nearby.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays, but dinner near curtain time or Fridays can require a brief wait; reservations recommended for groups or pre-event meals.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately—high chairs available and spice can be adjusted, but ambience leans adult and service pace suits older kids or families comfortable with sit-down dining.
Best For
Better for: More polished presentation and consistent seasoning than nearby casual Indian spots; particularly good for professional lunches or pre-theater dinners.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-authentic street-style spice or buffet-style variety—other local Indian spots cater better to those cravings.