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New Delhi Restaurant

160 Ellis St, , San Francisco, CA 94102
$$$
Indian

Master Critic Review

New Delhi Restaurant 8.5
Union Square / Downtown
Union Square institution (since 1988) from chef-owner Ranjan Dey, pouring classic North Indian recipes and cocktails in a vintage dining room. It’s a dependable choice for downtown dinners, larger groups, and later-night service.
Must-Try Dishes: Mango prawns (balti-style), Lamb kosha mangsho, Chicken tikka masala
Scores:
Value: 7.7 Service: 8.4 Consistency: 8.4 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 8.3 Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Long-running Union Square classic with a full bar and late hours.
Who should go: Downtown diners and celebratory groups
When to visit: Prime time 6–8pm needs reservations
What to order: Mango prawns; lamb curry; garlic naan
Insider tip: Nearby garages on Ellis-O’Farrell keep parking painless.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ellis-O’Farrell garage across the street offers validated parking; street parking is scarce and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but business groups often lean dressy in the evenings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversations are possible but the room hums during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation at prime time; large groups should always book ahead.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are fine.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—dedicated vegetarian section with curries, paneer dishes, and vegetable specialties.
Vegan options: Moderate—several curries and sides can be prepared vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for group outings or business meals—the vintage dining room is lively and convivial rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for weekday lunches, but reservations are strongly recommended for dinners, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly with high chairs and mild curries, though the later-night scene skews more adult.
Best For
Better for: Handling large groups and offering late-night Indian dining downtown—something few competitors match.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner or ultra-modern atmosphere—this is a vintage, bustling classic.