Best Indian Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Copra
Kerala-inspired menu by a Michelin-lauded chef with refined technique.
Notable Picks
#1
Copra
8.8
South Indian coastal cooking from Chef Srijith Gopinathan in a lively, design-forward room. Appams, parotta, and seafood curries lead a menu rooted in Kerala with polished service and a serious bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mysore Masala Dosa, Lamb Shoulder Chettinad, Black Cod Pollichathu
What Makes it Special: Kerala-inspired menu by a Michelin-lauded chef with refined technique.
#2
Besharam
8.6
Chef Heena Patel’s Dogpatch restaurant focuses on Gujarati flavors presented with polish and seasonal California produce. It’s a destination for chaat, veg-forward plates, and thoughtful spice work in a contemporary art-space setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pani Puri, Khichdi with seasonal vegetables, Undhiyu (seasonal)
What Makes it Special: Gujarati cuisine elevated with seasonal California produce.
8.6
Union Square fine-dining Indian with polished service and a French-influenced touch. Expect refined versions of regional classics, a strong cocktail program, and a calm room suited to both date nights and executive dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black dal (dal makhani), Lamb chops, Seafood moilee
What Makes it Special: Modern Indian cuisine delivered with hotel-level polish and finesse.
#4
Tiya
8.6
Modern New Indian by chefs Sujan and Pujan Sarkar, pairing precise, seasonal plates with a serious cocktail program. The polished room and counter detail make it a go-to for special-occasion dinners in the Marina.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goan crab curry with kokum, Lamb chops with mint-coriander jus, Black dal with cultured ghee
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven, contemporary Indian with a destination cocktail bar.
#5
India Garden
8.5
India Garden serves exceptional North Indian classics in an intimate setting with charming window boxes and warm Indian decor. Since 2009, their butter chicken and tandoori dishes have consistently impressed locals with authentic spicing and generous portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Chicken, Tandoori Fish, Aloo Tikki
What Makes it Special: Consistently excellent butter chicken with house-made naan that locals swear by
8.5
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Late Night Legends
Comfort Food Classics
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
What Makes it Special: Long-running Union Square classic with a full bar and late hours.
8.5
Progressive Indian cooking meets a serious bar program in a sleek South Beach room. Expect creative takes on classics, balanced spice profiles, and polished service suitable for business dinners or night-out plans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pani Puri shots, Lamb shank or pork belly vindaloo, Jackfruit kofta
What Makes it Special: Modern techniques and cocktails amplify regional Indian flavors.
#8
Amber India
8.4
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
Downtown stalwart offering a broad North Indian menu, cocktails, and comfortable seating steps from Moscone. Known for reliable execution and a buffet/brunch option that draws both visitors and locals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh, Vegetable Biryani
What Makes it Special: Long-running downtown Indian with full bar and polished service.
8.4
Downtown Indian favorite with a flexible spice scale, speedy lunch service, and an open-air patio that works well with strollers. Portions are generous and the menu covers mild to adventurous tastes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan
What Makes it Special: Customizable spice and fast pacing keep meals smooth.
#10
Tilak
8.4
Chef Tilak Gurung’s Bernal Heights restaurant (since 2017) blends precise chaats, tandoor items, and polished curries in a lively room. It’s the neighborhood’s choice for a relaxed date or shareable dinner with a couple of drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dahi puri chaat, Fish tikka masala, Lamb vindaloo
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven chaats and tandoor plates in a polished Bernal setting.
#11
AnTeRa
8.2
AnTeRa brings elevated South Indian cuisine with a focus on Andhra, Telangana, and Rayalaseema regional specialties. The modern interior features olive velvet seating and gold accents creating an upscale dining experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mutton Roast, Banjara Chicken, Hyderabadi Biryani
What Makes it Special: Rare South Indian regional dishes unavailable elsewhere in the area
8.2
Full-service Indian spot on Castro Street with a cocktail bar and a broad North Indian menu. Locals lean on it for reliable classics, late hours, and easy group dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Rogan Josh, Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan
What Makes it Special: Bar-forward Indian dining with a broad, crowd-pleasing menu.
#13
Cuisine of Nepal
8.2
Nepalese-Indian menu from owner-chef Prem Tamang (since 2016) with momos, curries, and tandoor standards in a calm Bernal-facing dining room. Locals come for balanced spice profiles and steady execution across classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken momo, Lamb curry, Tandoori mixed grill
What Makes it Special: Handmade momos and Nepali curries led by chef-owner Prem Tamang.
#14
Eylan
8.2
Chef Srijith Gopinathan's wood-fired Cal-Indian cooking delivers bold, smoke-kissed dishes—from Dungeness crab mutabar with fennel and poppy seeds to a whole butterflied sea bream pressed flat on the grill—that consistently justify the drive to this luxury Menlo Park development. Opened January 2025, Eylan earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand and Exceptional Cocktails Award within its first year, though noise levels in the main dining room and occasional inconsistencies on mains keep it from the top tier.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eylan Crispy Chicken, Dungeness Crab Mutabar, Charred Black Cod
What Makes it Special: Wood-fired grill cooking from a former two-Michelin-star chef, fusing regional Indian techniques with California seasonality
#15
Indian Oven
8.2
Lower Haight fixture known for long-running North Indian cooking—tandoori plates, rich curries, and warm hospitality. A neighborhood go-to for relaxed dine-in with steady execution over the years.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tandoori Mixed Grill, Lamb Rogan Josh, Chicken Tikka Masala
What Makes it Special: Decades-strong neighborhood institution serving classic tandoori and curry favorites.
8.2
Ocean Indian Cuisine offers a fusion of traditional Indian and Himalayan flavors, featuring dishes like saag paneer and momo dumplings. The warm hospitality and consistent quality make it a local favorite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tikka Masala, Momo Dumplings, Saag Paneer
What Makes it Special: Combines Indian and Himalayan flavors with exceptional momo dumplings.
8.2
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Casual Pakistani–Indian counter service drawing steady crowds for tandoori, biryani, and homestyle curries. Orders move quickly, portions are hearty, and the grill smoke signals you’re in the right place.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tikka (tandoori), Lamb biryani, Palak paneer
What Makes it Special: High-throughput tandoor and biryani operation with dependable flavors.
8.2
Neighborhood stalwart on 9th Ave serving a broad North Indian and Nepali-leaning menu with reliable tandoori and curries. Locals use it for walk-in dinners and steady takeout with generous portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Korma, Chicken Momo
What Makes it Special: Wide Indian–Nepali menu with dependable execution and portions.
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Long-running downtown staple (since 1992) known for reliable curries, tandoori, and a value-forward lunch spread. Locals use it for straightforward flavors, generous portions, and easy parking near Civic Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, Lamb Biryani
What Makes it Special: Walnut Creek mainstay delivering classic North Indian flavors since 1992.
8.2
Casual North Beach spot blending Nepalese staples with Indian crowd-pleasers—think steaming plates of momo alongside richly spiced curries and tandoori favorites. Friendly service, late weekend hours, and broad vegan/vegetarian options make it an easy neighborhood go-to.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Momo (steamed dumplings), Almond-Cashew Salmon Curry, Butter Chicken
What Makes it Special: Nepalese momo meets classic Indian curries with late-night weekend hours.
8.1
Halal-leaning Indian–Pakistani kitchen known for bold, shareable snacks and comfort curries in a compact Geary Street space. Expect quick pacing, friendly staff, and crowd-pleasers like Fire Fries alongside biryani and rich gravies.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken 69 Bites, Fire Fries with tikka drizzle, Lamb biryani
What Makes it Special: Halal-friendly comfort curries with playful fusion snacks.
8.1
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Spacious NoPa spot blending North Indian staples with Nepali touches—think palak paneer with clean spice and tender goat biryani. Locals use it for easy group dinners and reliable takeout on Divisadero.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goat Biryani, Palak Paneer, Chicken Momo (Nepali dumplings)
What Makes it Special: Indian classics alongside Nepali specials in a large, easy-to-seat dining room.
8.1
Indian and Himalayan menu on 24th Street with comfortable sit-down service. Expect momos, thukpa, and well-seasoned curries that fit easy weeknight dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Momo Dumplings, Thukpa Noodle Soup, Butter Chicken
What Makes it Special: Indian plus Himalayan staples like momos and thukpa in one place.
#24
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
What Makes it Special: Refined Indian plates with consistent lunch and dinner execution.
#25
Trisara
8.1
Indo-Nepalese plates and classic Indian curries meet lunchtime speed at this Kearny Street spot. Regulars come for juicy momos, reliable spice levels, and a menu that works for both quick office lunches and relaxed dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken momo, Tandoori mixed grill, Lamb curry
What Makes it Special: Handmade momos and Indo-Nepalese comfort dishes served fast.
#26
Gurung Kitchen
8
Compact Inner Sunset spot blending Nepali staples and Indian favorites, known for momos, thakali sets, and quick service. A practical choice for hearty plates and balanced spice without a long wait.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Momo, Thakali Thali Set, Shrimp Curry
What Makes it Special: Nepali-forward menu with speedy service and comforting thalis.
8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
Castro fast-casual staple (since 2008) known for kati rolls, thalis, and quick counter service. A practical stop for affordable Indian flavors on the go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tikka Kati Roll, Classic Thali Plate, Samosa Chaat
What Makes it Special: Fast-casual kati rolls and thalis with consistent, wallet-friendly pricing.
8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
Castro fast-casual staple (since 2008) known for kati rolls, thalis, and quick counter service. A practical stop for affordable Indian flavors on the go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tikka Kati Roll, Classic Thali Plate, Samosa Chaat
What Makes it Special: Fast-casual kati rolls and thalis with consistent, wallet-friendly pricing.
#29
Little Delhi
8
Downtown standby for North Indian standards—tandoori platters, creamy gravies, and fluffy naan—at approachable prices. Reliable portions and steady execution draw pre-Union Square shoppers and office crews.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tikka masala, Lamb rogan josh, Garlic naan
What Makes it Special: Classic North Indian flavors a block off Market Street.
A compact menu with standout vegetarian curries and tandoori breads, paired with a full bar. Portions hit the value sweet spot, especially at lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Palak Paneer, Vegetable Biryani, Aloo Gobi
What Makes it Special: Well-priced vegetarian mains with quick downtown service.
8
Tabla offers both North and South Indian cuisines with weekend breakfast buffets featuring dosa and traditional items. Known for their thali platters and Hyderabadi biryani prepared with locally-sourced ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hyderabadi Biryani, Weekend Thali, Paneer Butter Masala
What Makes it Special: Weekend South Indian breakfast buffet with fresh dosas made to order
8
Taj Indian Cuisine offers a diverse menu of traditional Indian dishes, including tandoori specialties and biryanis. The restaurant is known for its flavorful offerings and friendly service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tandoori Chicken, Shrimp Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan
What Makes it Special: Offers a wide range of traditional Indian dishes with consistent quality.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Ashoka serves traditional Punjabi dishes in a casual strip mall setting with a focus on North Indian classics. Operating for over 22 years, they offer reliable tandoori items and curry dishes at budget-friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tandoori, Saag Paneer, Lamb Seekh Kebab
What Makes it Special: Most affordable authentic Indian with three customizable spice levels
#34
Curry Leaf
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Counter-service halal Indian–Pakistani favorite known for generous portions, fast tickets, and wallet-friendly pricing. Since 2014, it’s been a dependable stop for karahi, biryani, and tikka masala near the North Beach/Russian Hill border.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tikka Masala, Karahi Chicken, Lamb Chops (tandoori)
What Makes it Special: Halal counter-service with broad Indian–Pakistani menu and sharp prices.
7.9
Compact Polk Street spot for Nepalese-Indian comfort—think momos, curries, and thukpa—served fast and hot. Locals lean on it for reliable spice, late hours, and generous portions without frills.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken momo with achaar, Lamb curry (homestyle), Thukpa noodle soup
What Makes it Special: Nepalese-Indian staples executed with steady spice and speed.
7.9
Cozy Outer Richmond fixture with a dual Burmese-and-Thai menu; the Thai side covers citrusy soups, basil-forward stir-fries, and red/green curries. It’s a low-key corner spot for small groups wanting shareable plates without the scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tom Yum, Spicy Basil (Pad Krapow), Green Curry
What Makes it Special: Dual-menu spot where Thai staples are dependable and shareable.
7.9
Neighborhood staple serving a broad North Indian menu with dependable tandoori, creamy curries, and late hours. Portions and pricing make it an easy weeknight choice near Japantown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, Lamb Biryani
What Makes it Special: Straightforward classics, late hours, and a full bar on Fillmore.
#38
Sherpa House
7.9
Nepali kitchen with homestyle curries and sizzling platters that include tender pork ribs. A calm, sit-down option when you want ribs with South Asian spices rather than smokehouse style.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Ribs (Sherpa style), Chicken Makhmali, Momo Platter
What Makes it Special: Ribs appear in a Nepali repertoire—different profile than American BBQ.
#39
Viva Goa
7.9
Long-running spot focused on coastal Goan flavors—think bright, tangy curries and plenty of seafood. Portions and pricing make it a reliable weeknight or group choice on Lombard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goan fish curry, Chicken xacuti, Prawn vindaloo
What Makes it Special: Dedicated Goan menu with seafood focus and classic spice profiles.
#40
Apna Chulha
7.8
Casual Mission spot pairing North Indian standards with a beer-friendly menu and long hours. Reliable tandoor and rich gravies make it a convenient Valencia Corridor option for small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb chops, Chicken tikka masala, Paneer tikka
What Makes it Special: Beer-friendly North Indian plates with dependable tandoor cooking.
#41
Frontier Spice
7.8
Located in downtown Pleasanton since 2015, Frontier Spice combines traditional Indian with modern interpretations in an upscale casual setting. Features impressive chandeliers and colonial-style furnishings with a full bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Malai Chaap, Chicken Dum Biryani, Butter Chicken
What Makes it Special: Downtown location with full bar and elegant colonial-inspired ambiance
#42
India Clay Oven
7.8
India Clay Oven specializes in traditional Indian cuisine, offering a variety of curries and tandoori dishes. The restaurant provides a cozy atmosphere and attentive service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Rogan Josh, Chicken Vindaloo, Garlic Naan
What Makes it Special: Focuses on traditional Indian flavors with a cozy dining experience.
#43
Methi
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Newer counter-service spot (opened 2024) focused on efficient takeout and balanced seasoning across curries, biryanis, and breads. Convenient for quick meals near Broadway Plaza with consistent pacing and online ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken 65, Paneer Tikka Masala, Vegetable Biryani
What Makes it Special: Fast, affordable Indian with online ordering and steady execution.
#44
Naan & Pizza
7.8
Newer Outer Sunset counter that fuses Indian flavors with fast-turn pies and snacks. Go for a quick butter chicken or paneer pizza and a couple of classic sides without breaking the budget.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Chicken Pizza, Paneer Tikka Pizza, Garlic Naan
What Makes it Special: Indian-inspired pizzas and staples at true budget pricing.
7.8
A FiDi lunch institution built around a tandoor oven and an all-you-can-eat weekday buffet that has kept office workers coming back for decades—over 3,200 Google reviews confirm the draw. The buffet format favors volume and variety over fine-dining finesse, which means the charred breads and slow-cooked curries land reliably while individual plating takes a back seat. Best used as a midday refuel where the price-to-quantity ratio does the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rogan Josh, Saag Paneer, Gulab Jamun
What Makes it Special: Traditional clay oven (tandoor) cooking chars meats and breads at up to 1,000 degrees, anchoring one of SoMa's longest-running Indian lunch buffets with over 2,700 reviews.
7.8
Counter-service Pakistani–North Indian spot popular for tandoori, curries, and late night grabs on 16th. Portions are generous and the spice profile leans bold with quick ticket times.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Biryani, Seekh Kebab, Saag Paneer
What Makes it Special: High-value Pakistani–Indian staples with fast, late-leaning service.
7.8
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Long-running Market Street spot serving a familiar lineup of tandoori, curries, and vegetarian standards. Casual service and window-side seating make it an easy Castro-Duboce standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Saag Paneer, Tandoori Mixed Grill, Chicken Biryani
What Makes it Special: Dependable classics and plenty of vegetarian choices on Market Street.
7.7
Compact Mission Dolores dining room focused on homestyle gravies, thalis, and fresh breads. Portions and balanced heat make it a solid weeknight sit-down or efficient takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thali plate, Saag paneer, Chicken tikka masala
What Makes it Special: Homestyle gravies and thalis with balanced spice and value.
#49
Brothers Pizza
7.7
Neighborhood pizzeria that also serves a hearty BBQ pork ribs plate alongside pies and pastas. A reliable, family-friendly option when someone wants ribs and others want pizza.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Pork Ribs, BBQ Chicken, Garlic Bread
What Makes it Special: Unexpected but satisfying ribs from a long-running Taraval pizza shop.
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
No-frills Pakistani–Indian counter with sizzling karahis, charcoal-kissed kababs, and fresh naan turned out fast. Expect generous portions, modest digs, and steady late-night utility.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken karahi, Seekh kebab with naan, Chana masala
What Makes it Special: Late-running karahi and kebab plates at wallet-friendly prices.