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Zante Pizza & Indian Cuisine
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Zante Pizza & Indian Cuisine
8.1
A Mission classic blending North Indian flavors with hefty pies and late hours. The tandoori and paneer toppings bring smoke and spice that hold up after midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tandoori Chicken Pizza, Paneer Pizza, Lamb Curry Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Indian-spiced pizzas with late-night pickup and delivery.
Who should go: Hungry night owls craving bold flavors
When to visit: 10–11 pm for shortest queues
What to order: Tandoori Chicken; Paneer; Lamb Curry pizza
Insider tip: Ask for light sauce to let masala spices shine.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Mission Street and adjacent residential blocks; spaces can be scarce after 8 pm on weekends, but usually easier after 10 pm.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—come as you are; no need to dress up for late-night pickup or dine-in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during dinner rush; quieter in late hours when it's mostly takeout orders.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes for dine-in or pickup; delivery can stretch to 45 minutes during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait for dine-in; steady but quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extensive vegetarian menu including paneer, spinach, and mixed veggie pizzas plus classic curries.
Vegan options: Limited—can request cheeseless pizza or vegetable curries without cream or butter.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust; traditional dough only.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More of a comfort-food hangout than a date spot—great if your idea of romance includes pizza with masala spice, but expect basic décor and fluorescent lighting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—tables turn quickly, and most traffic is for takeout. You’ll rarely wait longer than 10 minutes even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—booth seating and shareable pizzas make it easy for families. Portions are large and service is casual, though no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Late-night pizza cravings with real spice and bold Indian flavors you won’t find at traditional slice shops.
Skip if: You’re after artisan Neapolitan crusts or a quiet, romantic ambiance—this is comfort food territory.
Zante Pizza & Indian Cuisine
7.8
Long-running Bernal Heights original serving Indian-style pizzas and Northern Indian dishes. Families split large pies with bold spices and plenty of leftovers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tandoori Chicken Indian Pizza, Paneer Indian Pizza, Spinach & Garlic Indian Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Pioneering Indian-pizza combo with generous portions.
Who should go: Adventurous families who like bold flavors
When to visit: Dinner before peak delivery rush
What to order: Tandoori Chicken pizza; Paneer pizza; Spinach-Garlic pizza
Insider tip: Half-and-half pies let you mix classic and Indian styles.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission and Cortland is limited at peak hours; aim for residential side streets a block or two away.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—families and takeout diners fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during dinner, quieter for early takeout orders.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes for tables, longer for delivery during rush hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating or easy pickup.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – extensive vegetarian options including paneer, spinach, and veggie pizzas plus Indian entrées.
Vegan options: Limited – a few vegetable curries and customizable pizzas without cheese.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crusts; traditional dough only.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both adventurous eaters—it's more quirky and casual than romantic, but fun for a laid-back first meet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common. During dinner rush you may wait briefly, but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—large booths, quick service, and mild pizza options make it easy for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Creative, spice-forward pizzas that combine Indian and Italian flavors unlike anywhere else in Bernal Heights.
Skip if: You’re after authentic Neapolitan or traditional-style pizza without Indian fusion elements.