The Bay Area has one of the largest Indian populations in the world outside of India, and along with it comes a variety of excellent Indian cuisine. The best Indian restaurants in San Francisco use quality ingredients and innovative preparation to improve classic Indian favorites.
Dosa wins best Indian restaurant in San Francisco because its food, ambiance, and décor really ups the ante. The Fillmore St location is in a beautiful corner space with huge glass windows. It's a classy spot, and great for groups, families, and likewise, an intimate date. Specializing in South Indian dosa, the dishes are eloquently prepared and taste absolutely delicious.
Another great pick for dosa is Udupi Palace. Long popular in Berkeley, it has opened its doors in the Mission and offers well-priced dosa and utthapam in a simpler setting than Dosa.
Rotee has great curries that will fill you up without making you feel ill and a cool atmosphere with Bollywood movies projected on the orange walls. A fun date night can be had at Maharani in Polk Gulch, the food is good-quality and the vibe is a little over the top, but it's entertaining all the same.
Kasa Indian Eatery takes a different approach to Indian food than the competition. They serve thali plates as well as creative Kati rolls, which is classic Indian street food involving a roti wrapped around fillings like tikka masala or karahi paneer and served with chutney, marinated onions, and yogurt. It's been hailed as the "best meal under $15" by 7x7 Magazine.
1700 Fillmore Street
Cosmopolitan South Indian Cuisine...
400 Haight Street
Voted #1 Indian Restaurant in San Francisco! 2004...
1007 Valencia Street
Delicious Dosa and Utthapam...
233 Fillmore Street
Between Haight and Laussat Streets
Jam-packed Indian favorite...
1122 Post St
(between Van Ness and Polk streets)
Romantic Indian fantasy...
1037 Valencia St
(between 21st and 22nd streets)
California-style Indian...
1409 Polk Street
(between California St & Pine St)
Tasty, spicy Pakistani...
2420 Lombard Street
The only Goan cuisine in San Francisco...