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oChef » Jalebi Street – San Francisco
Jalebi Street - San Francisco
Photo from Jalebi Street
Jalebi Street at a glance
San Francisco Haight-Ashbury
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 92 of the guests
#958 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#34 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
753
Reviews
74.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Food
- Friendly Staff
- Engaging Experience
Frequently criticized
- Disorganized Decor
- Small Portions
- Service Delays
The restaurant Jalebi Street is an inviting Indian Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This spot is known for its delightful small plates and extensive vegetarian options, making it a versatile choice for any craving. It’s a fantastic spot if you’re looking for a friendly, unpretentious dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Jalebi Street
Jalebi Street offers a culinary journey with its authentic flavors, particularly noted for its exceptional food. Guests often praise the warm and caring staff, making for a pleasant dining experience.
However, some aspects of the dining environment, like the atmosphere, have room for improvement, with mentions of disorganization. While the culinary offerings are a clear draw, the overall presentation and organization of the space could be refined.
Despite these minor points, the dedication to quality and customer care shines through, creating a memorable experience for many patrons seeking genuine Indian cuisine.
Good
7.7
out of 10
753
Reviews
74.5%
Satisfaction
148
negative
44
neutral
561
positive
Jalebi Street generally earns a solid 7.7 out of 10, reflecting a positive overall impression from its patrons. This is further supported by a strong 74.5% customer satisfaction rate.
With 561 positive remarks against 148 negative ones out of 753 total opinions, it’s clear many find the experience worthwhile, particularly praising the culinary offerings. The standout here is undoubtedly the Food (8.6), which consistently receives high marks for its authentic taste and variety.
While Ambience (5.9) and Service (5.7) are seen as average, indicating areas for refinement, the Value (5.2) also sits in the average range. These scores suggest a focus on the plate, with other elements playing a supporting role.
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Warm, welcoming staff
- Engaging dining experience
What people don't like
- Unkempt, disorganized decor
- Small portions, high price
- Service delays, disorganization
With a solid 8.2 recommendation score, Jalebi Street is a compelling choice for those prioritizing authentic Indian flavors. While the food and the warmth of the staff are undeniable draws, be prepared for a dining environment that might feel a bit unpolished and service that can sometimes be slow.
If you’re seeking a genuine culinary experience and can overlook some operational quirks, it’s certainly worth a visit. However, if a polished atmosphere and swift service are paramount to your dining enjoyment, you might find certain aspects less satisfying.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Jalebi Street
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're in for a treat! With an excellent score of 8.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 87.1%, the culinary experience here is largely celebrated. Out of 510 remarks, a whopping 444 praise the authentic Indian food, especially the delicious vegetarian offerings and the standout Chole Bhature.
Many rave about the fresh, crispy Jalebi, making it a must-try. However, a smaller number of comments, 38 to be exact, point to a few areas for improvement. Some found the food, particularly certain curries, to be a miss or too oily, raising concerns about oil quality.
There were also mentions of portion sizes being on the smaller side, which might leave some wanting more.
Food
510
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
38
negative
28
neutral
444
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Indian food
- Fresh Jalebi
- Great vegetarian options
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Oily food sometimes
Often praised
- foodHowever, they should really clean up all those boxes; it still looks like they moved in yesterday and needs to be more presentable. Despite the need for improvement in the atmosphere, I'm still giving an overall 5-star rating because I overall liked the food and service.
- jalebiThe people were great, and the food was even better. I highly recommend trying the kachori sabzi, chole samosa, dal kachori, and jalebi. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was also top-notch.
- chaatWe loved everything we tried. The Chole bhatura was delicious, and the chaat was great. Everything is made to order, so please be patient – trust me, it's worth it.
- chole bhatureI absolutely loved everything I tried. The jalebis, bhedmi poori, chole bhature, papdi chaat, and shikanji were all exceptional. If you're looking for genuinely good North Indian food that captures the flavors of Rajasthan, this is the place to go!
- jalebisWe ordered samosa chaat, aloo poori, chhole bhature, vada pav, masala chai, and of course JALEBIS — we LOVED each & every thing! The jalebis were thin & crispy! The staff was very kind despite being so busy.
- JalebiWe were fairly disappointed with the portion for the price. While the Jalebi tasted good, the milk cake was just okay – not the freshest bunch! We'll be back to dine in and hopefully, they can sort out managing the floor smoothly.
- Indian foodMy wife and I have been frequenting this restaurant for a couple of months and we are so happy with this place. It has filled a void for good Indian food that Indians will truly enjoy, offering the variety and, most importantly, the quality this city needs. The owners are sweet and kind, ensuring their dishes are prepared incredibly well.
- FoodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I couldn't even get a picture of the food because it was so good, it was gone in less than 5 minutes. This has become my new favorite spot.
- Chole Bhaturechole bhature: highly recommend, perfectly fried and flavorful
- Raj Kachoritried Raj Kachori, Bedmi Poori, Jalebi-rabdi and Pyaz Kachori- everything was yummy
Frequently criticized
- portion sizeshigher end for what you pay for in terms of portions
- choleChole for Chole Bhature wasn’t very flavorful.
- curriescurries were a miss, had a canned/premade curry flavor
- portion sizeportion size was just too small all across
- quantitysuch a small quantity it should be advertised as such
- Chole Bhatureran out of Chole
- Dahi PuriDahi Puri... quite bland and lacking flavor
- JalebiJalebi wasn’t crispy and excessively saffron flavored
- Laccha ParathaLaccha Paratha: would skip
- Masala ChaiMasala Chai which was way too milky
If you're craving authentic, flavorful Indian vegetarian food, especially chaat and fresh jalebis, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might be a bit oily, and portion sizes could be smaller than expected for the price.
Service (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.7 and customer satisfaction at 48%. Many guests rave about the incredibly friendly staff and welcoming owners, praising the great hospitality and even quick service in some instances. Based on 73 positive opinions, it seems the team genuinely cares about making you feel at home.
However, an equal number of 73 negative opinions point to significant challenges. Concerns often revolve around poor management, slow service, and long wait times, with some finding the operations quite disorganized. It appears there's room for improvement in handling demand and ensuring a consistently smooth experience.
Service
152
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
73
negative
6
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Great hospitality
- Caring owners
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Disorganized management
Often praised
- serviceI did wish for dine-in that dishes would be presented on cookware and silverware instead of plastic and single-use items. However, the service was great and the staff were warm towards us. The chef even came out to greet us, which was a nice touch.
- staffthe staff seem to really care about the customer
- ServiceThe Service... were all exceptional
- ownersIt has filled a void for good Indian food that Indians will truly enjoy, offering the variety and, most importantly, the quality this city needs. The owners are sweet and kind, ensuring their dishes are prepared incredibly well. Their chaat and main entrees are well-balanced.
- ownerMet Bhavna the owner of the restaurant and she was very warm
- peopleGreat people
- teamThey have a hardworking team that’s constantly doing their best
- waitThe chai was the only aspect that left me desiring for more. Go here; it's worth the wait.
- wait timeThe wait time to get a seat was MUCH better this week
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
Frequently criticized
- serviceIn an edit, the owner responded defensively, writing a 'sob story' about running a restaurant instead of taking responsibility. However, the place has been open for over 6 months, which is more than enough time to figure out basic service, organization, and atmosphere. Calling oneself a 'new restaurant' doesn't excuse sloppy management and chaos.
- waiting timeover 40 minutes of waiting despite empty chairs
- managementThere were delays of 15–20 minutes between each dish, which made the whole meal painfully slow and frustrating. The place lacked basic organization and proper management. I would not recommend it at all.
- staffcouldn’t tell the staff from the customers!
- waitThe staff are super kind and welcoming, which makes the whole experience even better. It does get very busy (for good reason!), so I’d recommend going a little earlier for dinner to snag a spot without the wait. If you’ve been craving authentic Indian flavors in the city, Jalebi Street is where you’ll find them.
- wait timeThe wait time was rough
- behavior of one of the staff membersthe behavior of one of the staff members who was loudly shouting at other employees
- child seatsWith their recent publicity and popularity, it felt even more chaotic. For instance, half the menu wasn't available, they only provided five plates for eight people, didn't have enough child seats for multiple parties, and forgot to give utensils. The decor and servingware are also lacking; it's been several months, and they are still setting up, retaining the same decor from the previous establishment, Veganburg.
- closing timeThe closing time isn't super accurate
- customer serviceMy experience at Jalebi St was marked by terrible customer service. The restaurant is absolutely not equipped to handle the demand.
If youre looking for warm, personal interactions and dont mind potentially longer waits, you might find the service charming. However, if efficiency and seamless operations are your top priority, you might encounter some frustration.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many customers found the atmosphere, aesthetic, and overall experience to be quite positive. With 39 positive opinions out of 78 total, guests frequently mentioned the great vibes, a cozy yet vibrant ambiance, and even a fun environment that transported them. Some loved the packed and lively feel, appreciating the cool concept and good ambiance for dates or meeting friends.
However, the ambience is a bit of a mixed bag, with 30 negative opinions pointing to some significant issues. The score for ambience sits at an average 5.9, and customer satisfaction is at a mixed 50%. Many found the place stuffy, loud, and cramped, with concerns about slippery floors and questionable hygiene.
The presence of boxes strewn about, uncleaned bathrooms, and the use of disposable plates also detracted from the overall environment and decor, making it feel unfinished or disorganized.
Ambience
78
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
30
negative
9
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibes
- Cozy, vibrant atmosphere
- Lively environment
What people don't like
- Loud and cramped
- Unclean bathrooms
- Boxes everywhere
- Disposable plates
Often praised
- atmosphereStepping into their San Francisco location, I was immediately transported
- AtmosphereThe Atmosphere... were all exceptional
- ambiancegood ambiance for dates and meeting friends
- ambiencesongs and ambience make you feel like home
- Parking optionsFree street parking
- Seating typeIndoor dining area
- aestheticthe aesthetic of the place is so fancy and culturally authentic
- conceptPretty cool concept!
- experienceThe whole experience pure bliss
- fun environmentin a fun environment
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereIn an edit, the owner responded defensively, writing a 'sob story' about running a restaurant instead of taking responsibility. However, the place has been open for over 6 months, which is more than enough time to figure out basic service, organization, and atmosphere. Calling oneself a 'new restaurant' doesn't excuse sloppy management and chaos.
- boxesclean up all those boxes, still looks like they moved yesterday
- organizationIn an edit, the owner responded defensively, writing a 'sob story' about running a restaurant instead of taking responsibility. However, the place has been open for over 6 months, which is more than enough time to figure out basic service, organization, and atmosphere. Calling oneself a 'new restaurant' doesn't excuse sloppy management and chaos.
- ambienceThe ambience — I thought the restaurant had just opened 1-2 weeks ago because there were boxes strewn about everywhere, no art on the walls, no signboards, etc.
- atmosphere and decorAtmosphere and decor left a lot to be desired
- bathroomNo one has cleaned the bathroom either
- bathroomsBathrooms not kept clean
- crampedThe menu is entirely vegetarian, making it a highly recommended option for vegetarians. However, the place was kinda loud and cramped, which detracted from the overall atmosphere. Despite the ambiance issues, the service was excellent, rated 5/5.
- decorDecor & servingware are also lacking
- dishes presentationWhile the prices are a bit on the higher end for the portion sizes, the food is undeniably very flavorful. I did wish for dine-in that dishes would be presented on cookware and silverware instead of plastic and single-use items. However, the service was great and the staff were warm towards us.
If you prioritize a lively, fun atmosphere and don't mind a bit of chaos or a casual setup, you might enjoy the vibe here. However, if cleanliness, organization, and a polished decor are high on your list, you might find the current ambience disappointing.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found this spot to be quite a pleasant surprise! Many appreciated the reasonably priced menu and felt they got value for money, noting it was worth every cent spent. With 5 positive remarks, guests often highlighted the price per person as being quite fair, making it a good choice for those looking for a deal.
However, the overall picture for value is a bit mixed, with a score of 5.2 (average) and customer satisfaction at a poor 38.5%. Based on 13 total comments, a significant 7 negative remarks pointed to concerns about the price point and feeling the restaurant was overpriced for what was served. Many were disappointed with the portion for the price, finding quantities shockingly small or a little expensive for the quality.
Value
13
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for money
- Reasonably priced menu
- Worth every cent
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Overpriced dishes
- High price point
Often praised
- Price per personThe atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5/5. For parking, there's free street parking, and the price per person is between $10–20. The seating is in an indoor dining area.
- cent spentI have brought all of my extended family here, who are very picky and critical of any flaws in an Indian restaurant, and they loved it. It does get busy, and there is now a waitlist, so plan ahead, but this place is worth every cent spent.
- menumenu is very reasonably priced
- pricegood, especially for the price
- value for moneyValue for money, great, authentic taste
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. The quantity of food was shockingly small, and the taste was below average – definitely not worth even a single penny. On top of that, the service was pathetic.
- PriceA little expensive
- portion for the priceWe decided to come back another day but wanted to try their dessert first. We were fairly disappointed with the portion for the price. While the Jalebi tasted good, the milk cake was just okay – not the freshest bunch!
- price pointThe menu was a simple laminated sheet. I don’t think this is acceptable for a restaurant at this price point.
- pricesIt's a true vegetarian establishment, making it an excellent choice for both vegans and vegetarians. While the prices are a bit on the higher end for the portion sizes, the food is undeniably very flavorful. I did wish for dine-in that dishes would be presented on cookware and silverware instead of plastic and single-use items.
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? While some find the menu reasonably priced and good value, a significant number of guests feel the portions dont justify the cost. If youre sensitive to portion sizes relative to price, you might want to manage your expectations or explore other options.
How are the prices at Jalebi Street?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 92 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an Indian Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While most guests spend in the $21–$30 range, there’s a nice mix of slightly more budget-friendly options and some premium choices too, showing a good spread for different tastes.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 92 reviews.
How this Indian restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for an Indian restaurant in a city like San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range experience without breaking the bank, and the variety in pricing means there’s likely something for everyone.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Jalebi Street
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Best Indian Food, Tough Reservations
My experience at this restaurant was centered around its absolute best Indian food in town. The food quality is exceptional, earning a perfect 5/5. However, the dining experience was significantly hampered by the difficulty in securing a reservation or getting on the waitlist remotely.
The place gets extremely busy during dinner hours, leading to a considerable wait time of 30-60 minutes. While the food is a major draw, the service received a moderate rating of 3/5, likely due to the overwhelming demand. The atmosphere was rated a strong 5/5, suggesting a pleasant environment despite the crowds.
It's worth noting that the menu is entirely vegetarian and highly recommended for vegetarians.
- Indian food10
- busy6
- vegetarian offerings9
- reservation2
- waitlist2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Phenomenal North Indian in the Haight
My experience at this North Indian restaurant in the Haight neighborhood was phenomenal. Everything we ordered was top notch. The channa batura was as authentic as it gets, and the chaat was perfectly tangy and spicy.
The hot jalebis were the icing on the cake and lived up to their name! The chai was the only aspect that left me desiring for more. Go here; it's worth the wait.
- channa batura10
- chaat10
- hot jalebis10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Decent Food, Slow Service
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food was decent, though nothing particularly outstanding. While the chaat tasted good, the serving sizes were fairly small.
The chole for the Chole Bhature lacked flavor. Additionally, the service was quite slow.
- food6
- chaat7
- chaat serving sizes4
- chole3
- service3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Amazing Chole Bhature, Chaotic Service
Yoooo, I found THE SPOT for chole bhature! It can be a bit hard to get seated, and they don't offer online reservations. Their service also seems quite chaotic for some reason.
It's usually pretty busy, but the food is good. I would come back regularly for the chole bhature!
- chole bhature10
- busy6
- food8
- seating3
- online reservations3
- service4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Authentic Indian Food Haven!
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The moment I stepped inside, the aromas of the food, the music, and the overall ambience transported me to India, making me feel right at home. The staff was incredibly nice and friendly, and I appreciated that they didn't try to upsell.
Instead, they offered genuine suggestions based on my taste preferences. My personal favorites were the Chole Bhature, Bedmi poori Aloo sabji, and Pav Bhaji, which brought back fond memories of home 🥹. The Kachoris and Samosas were absolutely to die for.
To top it all off, the Jalebi/Jalebi Rabri for dessert was outstanding, even better than what I've had in India. PERIOD!
- aromas of the food10
- ambience10
- staff10
What Jalebi Street offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Seating
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Jalebi Street?
Yes, Jalebi Street accepts and requires reservations to ensure you have a seamless dining experience. You can plan ahead and secure your table for a delightful meal, making your visit stress-free.
What are the parking and accessibility options at Jalebi Street?
You’ll find convenient free parking in a lot, usually with plenty of spaces available, making your arrival easy. The restaurant also features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring comfort for all guests.
How does Jalebi Street rate overall, and what are its strongest and weakest points?
Jalebi Street holds a good overall score of 7.7. Its culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring 8.6. Ambience (5.9), Service (5.7), and Value (5.2) are rated as average, indicating areas where the restaurant could improve.
Is the food at Jalebi Street authentic and flavorful?
Yes, many patrons praise the food for its authentic Indian flavors and variety. Dishes like jalebi, chaat, and chole bhature are frequently mentioned as delicious and exceptional, capturing the true taste of North Indian cuisine.
What is the dining atmosphere like at Jalebi Street?
The atmosphere at Jalebi Street receives mixed feedback. While some appreciate its culturally authentic aesthetic and fun environment, others note issues with decor, organization, and cleanliness, describing it as unkempt with boxes visible.