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Karahi House
$ · Indian

1409 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 757-0940
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Indian in Russian Hill

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Karahi House 7.7
Nob Hill
Vibes: Group Dining Gatherings Comfort Food Classics Late Night Legends
Casual Pakistani-Indian spot focusing on wok-fired karahis, grilled kebabs, and fresh naan. A neighborhood go-to for shareable mains and late weekend hours.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken karahi (wok-cooked), Chapli kebab, Garlic naan
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 7.4 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 6.2 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Wok-seared karahi gravies and kebabs cooked to order.
Who should go: Friends sharing hearty mains
When to visit: Prime 7–9pm; late Fri–Sat for night owls
What to order: Chicken karahi, chapli kebab, garlic naan
Insider tip: Request medium spice for balance; naan lands best right away.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Polk and side streets; can be tough after 6pm on weekends, but meters usually free after 8pm.
Dress code: Casual; jeans and tees fine, no formal attire expected.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation possible but louder during peak weekend hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes at peak (7–9pm); later nights move quicker.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; immediate seating common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several gravies, vegetable karahis, and naan options.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for dairy-free preparation on select curries.
Gluten-free options: Not guaranteed—many dishes rely on wheat-based naan; rice plates are the safer choice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual hangouts or group dinners than a first date—it’s lively, share-focused, and less intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, but weekends may require a short wait during dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy spiced food; limited amenities for toddlers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: Great for groups craving shareable Pakistani-Indian mains and late-night dining when many nearby spots close earlier.
Skip if: Look elsewhere if you want a quiet, romantic atmosphere or a wide vegan/gluten-free menu.

Hours

Monday11:30am - 11:30pm
Tuesday11:30am - 11:30pm
Wednesday11:30am - 11:30pm
Thursday11:30am - 11:30pm
Friday11:30am - 2am
Saturday11:30am - 2am
Sunday11:30am - 11:30pm