Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Indian Saffron Grill – San Francisco
Indian Saffron Grill - San Francisco
Photo from Indian Saffron Grill
Indian Saffron Grill at a glance
San Francisco Alamo Square
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 37 of the guests
#1261 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#41 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
442
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful dishes
- Attentive service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Cramped space
- Bland dishes
- Service issues
The restaurant Indian Saffron Grill, an Indian restaurant in San Francisco’s Alamo Square neighborhood, offers a truly inviting experience. You’ll discover a great tea selection here, perfect for complementing your meal or enjoying on its own.
With its cozy and casual atmosphere, this spot provides a welcoming escape for you to savor authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting Indian Saffron Grill
Indian Saffron Grill offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its delicious Indian food and eager service. Many find the atmosphere quite cozy, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some guests have noted that the dining space can feel a bit confined. While the overall experience is positive, a few opinions suggest occasional inconsistencies in certain dishes.
Good
7.4
out of 10
442
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
94
negative
26
neutral
322
positive
Indian Saffron Grill achieves a respectable overall score of 7.4, with customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 72.9%. This indicates a generally positive reception, though not without some room for improvement.
The restaurant’s strengths clearly lie in its Service (8.0), which consistently earns high marks for attentiveness, and its Food (7.4), which is frequently lauded for its authentic flavors. These positive sentiments are drawn from a substantial 442 customer opinions, with 322 positive remarks outweighing 94 negative ones.
The Ambience (7.0) also contributes positively, often described as intimate and comfortable, though some find the space a bit small. Where opinions are more divided is on Value (6.1); while many appreciate the affordable pricing and good deals, a segment of diners felt the cost didn’t always align with their expectations.
This balanced perspective helps paint a clearer picture of what to expect.
What people like
- Flavorful Indian dishes
- Attentive, quick service
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Cramped dining area
- Occasional bland dishes
- Service communication issues
If you’re seeking authentic Indian cuisine served with genuinely attentive care, Indian Saffron Grill is certainly worth considering. The strong performance in both food and service suggests a focus on core dining elements that many patrons appreciate, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
However, be mindful of the potentially snug dining environment and manage expectations regarding occasional dish inconsistencies. With a solid 7.6 recommendation score, it’s a place that generally delivers, especially if you prioritize taste and service over spacious surroundings.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Indian Saffron Grill
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 71.5%. Many diners rave about the authentic Indian restaurant experience, praising traditional northern Indian food like chicken tikka masala and lamb curries. The generous portions and amazing flavors are frequently celebrated, making it a hidden gem for many.
However, not every dish is a winner. Out of 312 comments, 69 pointed out some issues. Some found the samosas too oily or the rice dry, while others felt certain curries lacked flavor or were too sweet.
There were also mentions of dry chicken and inconsistent spiciness level, suggesting some dishes might be a hit or miss.
Food
312
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
69
negative
20
neutral
223
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Indian flavors
- Generous food portions
- Delicious curries, naan
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Oily or dry items
- Bland or sweet taste
Often praised
- foodI almost didn’t stop, but I’m so glad I did. The food was excellent and the staff was very pleasant. I will definitely eat here again next time I’m in SF.
- naanOrdered naan + paneer makhani delivery. It was still warm and enjoyable
- garlic naanI enjoyed freshly made delicious Indian food. I particularly loved the saag lamb, chicken tikka masala, garlic naan, and mango lassi. Everything was great.
- Indian foodMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed freshly made delicious Indian food. I particularly loved the saag lamb, chicken tikka masala, garlic naan, and mango lassi.
- chicken tikka masalaI enjoyed freshly made delicious Indian food. I particularly loved the saag lamb, chicken tikka masala, garlic naan, and mango lassi. Everything was great.
- paneer makhaniI love the food here; it's my favorite Indian restaurant in the area. I definitely recommend the chicken coconut curry, paneer makhani, kofta, mango chutney, and saffron rice pudding. The service is always amazing, and the garlic naan and rice are consistently excellent.
- saag paneerThe chana masala and the saag paneer have some really nice dry rustic heat
- spicyCan be spicy but not in a bad way
- Chicken BiryaniNan Bread, Butter Chicken, and Chicken Biryani are your go to!
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- riceOn my first order, they got the order wrong, although the curry itself was nice. Unfortunately, my second experience was worse; the rice was stale and the curry was incredibly bland. I was hoping for a better outcome the second time around.
- ChaiChai came 20 mins later on asking for it
- NaanNaan is doughy and undercooked
- chickenchicken in both dishes, many pieces were very hard/chewy
- foodthe food was not good
- oilit just had too much oil
- prawn coconut currydefinitely avoid prawn coconut curry
- Aloo Chatwe got served potato curry!!!
- ChaatChaat was completely tasteless
- Channa MasalaChanna Masala lacked sauce
If you're looking for a good Indian meal with authentic flavors and generous portions, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might be inconsistent in taste or spice, so choose wisely.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 84.2%, its clear that most diners have a good experience. Out of 76 pieces of feedback, a whopping 64 remarks praise the friendly staff, excellent service, quick service, and warm welcome, making you feel right at home.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. About 10 pieces of feedback mentioned some servers struggling with understanding requests, occasional long wait times, and a few order accuracy issues, hinting at some accountability challenges. While these instances are fewer, they're worth noting.
Service
76
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Excellent service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Order accuracy issues
- Staff misunderstandings
Often praised
- serviceEager service (our glasses were never allowed to get more than half empty)
- staffWhile the mango chutney was a bit too sweet for my personal taste, it paired well with the food. The staff was very prompt, and the service was quick and helpful. It was surprising to see so many people here at 9 pm on a Saturday, especially since it seemed tucked away from the main Divisidero street and the busy crowds from nearby establishments.
- ServiceService:5
- peopleawesome people
- take outDefinitely a good restaurant for take out
- waiterthe waiter recommended me the Rice Pudding
- waitressThe waitress was very nice though
- Chef KamalThey have a new chef now chef Kamal
- StaffStaff are nice
- customer serviceI love my customer service experience.
Frequently criticized
- restaurantthey said there’s nothing they could do about it
- accountability issuebecause of the accountability issue
- delivery servicePostmates was listed as the delivery service and it didn’t get delivered
- orderMy experience ordering from this restaurant has been mixed. On my first order, they got the order wrong, although the curry itself was nice. Unfortunately, my second experience was worse; the rice was stale and the curry was incredibly bland.
- serversThe servers do not understand what you ask for
- serviceThe service is not that good too they serve like the Mood they have
- spice levelsStaff may mess up your spice levels
- staffThe staff was incompetent and overly rude
- wait timeIf you are a free guy, just go there and wait to get food for the whole day. This was my experience with take-out dinner.
Overall, you can expect a generally positive service experience here, with many praising the attentive and quick staff. While there are occasional reports of misunderstandings or longer waits, the good far outweighs the bad. It's definitely worth trying if you value friendly and efficient service.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
The ambience at this spot generally hits a sweet note, earning a 7, which is a good score! Many folks rave about the charming interior, calling it a cozy little restaurant with an intimate environment and even a classy atmosphere. Out of 40 total opinions, 27 were positive, highlighting a generally pleasant vibe for your dining experiences.
However, customer satisfaction sits at 67.5%, which is a mixed bag, and 9 opinions point to some drawbacks. Some found the place stuffy and confined, noting it sometimes lacks ambiance due to a small dining room. A few also mentioned the difficult parking, which can impact the overall experience before you even step inside.
Ambience
40
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming, cozy interior
- Intimate, relaxed environment
- Classy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Stuffy, confined space
- Small dining room
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereCute atmosphere
- placeThis is a small unassuming place. I almost didn’t stop, but I’m so glad I did.
- settingIts an intimate and comfortable setting
- AmbienceAmbience is nice.
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- amateur artinteresting amateur art on the walls
- ambiancechill ambiance
- ambiencesmall and quaint for a date night
- cozy little restaurantin a cozy little restaurant
Frequently criticized
- ambienceAlso it feels like you are sitting in a box. The place has only one small window which makes you feel a bit uncomfortable.
- parkingparking is both Street/metered, difficult to find.
- ambiancelacks in ambiance
- dining experiencedifficult to enjoy ur dining experience
- dining roomPretty small dining room
- packedit was packed without room
- placethe place so stuffy and confined
If you're looking for a cozy, intimate setting for a date night or a relaxed meal, this place could be a great fit. Just be prepared for a potentially small space and consider your parking strategy beforehand to avoid any pre-dinner stress.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems like theres a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 6.1, placing it squarely in the average range. Many folks found some real gems, especially with the paneer being so affordable and the happy hour looking like a bargain. Several diners felt it was worth every penny and fairly priced, making it feel quite affordable for what you get.
Out of 14 comments, 8 leaned positive, highlighting these good deals. However, the customer satisfaction sits at 57.1%, which suggests a mixed experience for others. Some found the price to be a sticking point, feeling it was too pricey for an Indian restaurant and even a waste of money.
With 6 negative remarks, theres a clear sentiment that for some, the cost didnt quite match the offering, leaving them feeling it was too expensive' for what it had to offer.
Value
14
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable happy hour
- Good bargain options
- Worth every penny
What people don't like
- Too pricey overall
- Waste of money
Often praised
- affordableaffordable, authentic Indian restaurant
- affordable pricesPrices are affordable
- bargaina bargain
- fairly pricedFairly priced
- happy hourThe 4+4+4 happy hour looks like a great deal
- paneerthe paneer was so affordable
- worth every pennyReally delicious and Worth every penny
- worth itIt was worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceI really wanted to like this place, but my experience was just mid. The food was not impressive, and considering the price, it felt like too much money for what was offered. : (
- $28For $28 I ordered just a chicken korma and chicken tikka masala
- moneyWaste of money
If you're looking for a good deal, especially during happy hour or for specific affordable items like paneer, you might find some real value here. However, be mindful that some dishes might feel overpriced, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at Indian Saffron Grill?
On average, you’ll spend around 26 per person, based on 37 guests. That places this Indian Restaurant comfortably in the $21–$30 category. For this cuisine, that’s a solid mid-range offering, perhaps leaning slightly higher.
Most diners find their perfect meal within this range, with a good number also enjoying options in the $11–$20 bracket. Only a few guests opt for the more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 37 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for an Indian restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, making it accessible for many while still providing options for those looking to splurge a little.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Indian Saffron Grill
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Delicious Indian Food Experience
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed freshly made delicious Indian food. I particularly loved the saag lamb, chicken tikka masala, garlic naan, and mango lassi.
Everything was great. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. Service was also rated a 5.
- Indian food10
- saag lamb10
- chicken tikka masala10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Fantastic Food and Service Surprise!
My friend and I stumbled upon this place by accident, and what a pleasant surprise it was! The food was fantastic, and the service was equally impressive. Hands down, this is one of the best dining experiences we've had in the Bay Area.
- food10
- service10
- dining experiences10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Best Chicken Tikka Masala & Great Vibe!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best chicken tikka masala I've ever tasted in SF. The service was great, and the ambiance was chill.
To top it off, they even gave us complimentary desserts! We went with our 2-year-old, and he enjoyed himself. The restaurant has flavorful vegetarian options and a large vegetarian selection, making it highly recommendable for vegetarians.
Parking was a bit tricky, described as somewhat difficult to find parking, though there was free street parking available and it was within walking distance of Alamo Square. The wait time was non-existent, with no wait. The noise level was moderate.
While there was a small step entering, we managed with our stroller without much difficulty, indicating decent wheelchair accessibility. Overall, a great dining experience.
- chicken tikka masala10
- service9
- ambiance9
- parking4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Food, Highly Recommended!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing! Everything I ordered was delicious. When dining in, you receive some kind of flat bread with sauces, which I highly recommend.
I've ordered the fish a few times, and it was cooked just right. The lamb meatballs (hydrabati kofta) and chicken tikki masala might be my favorites. The reviewer also noted that the restaurant is highly recommended for vegetarians.
- flat bread with sauces9
- fish9
- lamb meatballs10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Favorite Indian Food & Amazing Service!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful! I love the food here; it's my favorite Indian restaurant in the area. I definitely recommend the chicken coconut curry, paneer makhani, kofta, mango chutney, and saffron rice pudding.
The service is always amazing, and the garlic naan and rice are consistently excellent. I love coming here!
- food10
- chicken coconut curry10
- paneer makhani10
What Indian Saffron Grill offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining options are available at Indian Saffron Grill?
You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Indian Saffron Grill, with comfortable seating and table service provided. Don’t forget to explore their dessert menu for a sweet finish to your meal.
Does Indian Saffron Grill offer options for specific dietary needs or late-night cravings?
Yes, you’ll find a variety of healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options to suit your preferences. For those late-night cravings, Indian Saffron Grill also offers late-night food, ensuring you have delicious choices whenever hunger strikes.
How does Indian Saffron Grill generally rate?
Indian Saffron Grill holds a 7.4 overall score with 72.9% customer satisfaction. Food (7.4) and Service (8.0) are strong, while Ambience (7.0) is good and Value (6.1) is average.
What do customers appreciate most about Indian Saffron Grill?
Many customers praise the food, highlighting delicious Indian dishes like garlic naan and chicken tikka masala. The service is also frequently noted for being prompt and attentive.
Are there any common concerns at Indian Saffron Grill?
Some patrons find the ambience a bit cramped or confined. There are also occasional comments about specific dishes being bland or service having communication challenges.