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oChef » Chennai Kings – San Francisco
Chennai Kings - San Francisco
Photo from Chennai Kings
Chennai Kings at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 120 of the guests
#2012 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#56 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
690
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Welcoming staff
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Cleanliness issues
The restaurant Chennai Kings brings the vibrant flavors of India to San Francisco’s bustling Fisherman’s Wharf. You’ll discover a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic Indian cuisine.
This Indian restaurant offers a diverse menu, including healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delicious for every palate. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, you’ll find a welcoming spot here.
Overview: Introducting Chennai Kings
Chennai Kings offers a taste of South India, with many guests praising the authentic flavors and dishes. The staff often receives commendation for being friendly and welcoming, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies in the overall service. While the restaurant presents a unique and quirky ambiance, there are notable concerns regarding cleanliness in certain areas.
Additionally, the value proposition can be a point of contention for some diners, who find the pricing not always justified for the portions received.
Good
6.4
out of 10
690
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
235
negative
34
neutral
421
positive
Chennai Kings holds an overall restaurant score of 6.4 out of 10, placing it in the average category. This is supported by a customer satisfaction rate of 61%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
With 690 total opinions, including 421 positive and 235 negative remarks, there’s a clear split in experiences. Looking closer at the specifics, the Food (6.8) and Ambience (6.8) both score well, suggesting these are strong points for many.
However, Service (5.7) falls into the average range, reflecting the mixed feedback. The most significant area for improvement appears to be Value (3.3), which is rated poorly by customers, often citing high prices for portion sizes.
What people like
- Authentic South Indian food
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Unique, quirky ambiance
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Inconsistent service
- Cleanliness concerns
Chennai Kings presents a mixed bag, with its authentic South Indian cuisine and distinctive atmosphere often hitting the mark. If you prioritize flavorful dishes and a friendly welcome, it could be a worthwhile visit.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and consider the overall value. With a recommendation score of 6.6, Chennai Kings is an average choice.
It might be worth trying if you’re specifically craving South Indian flavors and are willing to overlook some of the reported drawbacks, particularly concerning pricing and occasional service hiccups.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Chennai Kings
Food (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot earns a 6.8 score, indicating a generally good experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 66.3%. Many diners, based on 273 positive remarks, rave about the authentic Indian food, especially the delicious dosas and flavorful sambar. The generous portions and variety of vegetarian dishes also frequently earn high praise.
However, 117 negative comments highlight some areas needing attention. Concerns include inconsistent quality, with some finding dishes like biryani bland or tasteless. Mentions of small portions and suspicions of frozen food, particularly breads, also crop up, suggesting a less-than-fresh experience for some.
Food
412
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
117
negative
22
neutral
273
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic South Indian
- Delicious dosas, sambar
- Great vegetarian options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small portions
- Frozen items suspected
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently excellent. I've had many meals here and have always been impressed by the wonderful food and excellent service. The staff and owner are very hardworking and it's inspiring to see such dedication in a small business.
- FoodFood was awesome
- Indian foodthis restaurant has the best Indian food
- dosadosa, shrimp curry, chicken biryani. The garlic naan was divine
- South Indian foodI came here with not a lot of expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and flavor of the food. It was the closest to good South Indian food you can get in Chennai. The service was great, and the restaurant itself is very clean and well maintained!
- chutneysHii CK, we loved your dosas and uttapam! We reached almost tea time, but still got dosas with fresh chutneys and hot sambar, which was very tasty. The lady was very welcoming.
- sambarI had an amazing experience at Chennai Kings! The food was delicious and authentic, with perfect dosas, flavorful sambar, and generous portions at reasonable prices.
- dosasI had an amazing experience at Chennai Kings! The food was delicious and authentic, with perfect dosas, flavorful sambar, and generous portions at reasonable prices.
- idliMy experience at Chennai Kings in San Francisco was a delightful journey into authentic South Indian cuisine. I was particularly impressed with their superb idli and kuthu paratha. Both dishes were incredibly flavorful and perfectly prepared, offering a true taste of traditional South India.
- biryaniThe menu still offered plenty to choose from, and every dish we tried was packed with flavor—though be warned, the spice levels are quite mild, so spice lovers might want to ask for a bit more heat. We ordered the masala dosa, kothu parotta, biryani and poori—everything was tasty! They even took some custom orders and were very friendly and accommodating.
Frequently criticized
- foodOn a positive note, the staff was courteous and good, with no complaints in that regard. The place is nicely done, but the food was much below our expectations.
- FoodFood:1
- food qualityfood:2. food quality for the price was disappointing
- Chicken 65Chicken 65 was so hard couldn’t chew
- curriesthe curries we ordered didn’t come with rice—we had to order it separately, which was a bit disappointing
- flavorMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. The portions were extremely small and the food had very little flavor. To make matters worse, I became very sick after eating here and was unwell for about 4 days.
- frozen foodcharged us for the frozen food which we didn't eat
- goat biriyanigoat biriyani were just colored rice with ... bad-tasting goat pieces
- portion sizeLook at the portion size of potato in masala dosa
- quantitythe quantity was not more than what you get for a snack
If you're seeking authentic South Indian flavors, especially dosas and vegetarian options, this place could be a delightful find. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in quality and portion sizes, as some experiences have been less than stellar.
Service (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had some really positive experiences, with 73 positive remarks out of 137 total. Folks often praise the friendly staff and attentive service, noting how quickly everything came out. Theres a good vibe from the hospitality and accommodating nature of the team, contributing to a generally pleasant visit.
However, its not always smooth sailing, as 60 negative comments highlight areas for improvement. Some diners encountered long wait times and felt the service was disorganized, with a few even describing staff as rude or pathetic. This mixed feedback results in an average score of 5.7 and a customer satisfaction of 53.3%, indicating a need for more consistency.
Service
137
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
60
negative
4
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
- Disorganized service
Often praised
- serviceGreat service and food! The waitress there was very helpful
- ServiceWe had an excellent early dinner. Thanks to Ramya for assisting us with the wonderful menu. The food was superb, the best fish curry I have ever eaten.
- staffI absolutely loved the authentic ghee cone dose and the veg kothu paratha. The staff was incredibly super friendly and very welcoming. I will definitely come back when I'm in the area.
- serverthe server was extremely friendly
- CookVery good Cook
- VenkateshVenkatesh is incredibly down-to-earth and made us feel very welcome
- attentive serviceMy experience at Chennai Kings was a delightful combination of family-friendly atmosphere, decent prices, and cozy ambiance, all complemented by attentive service. I opted for the Veg Biryani and Mushroom Masala.
- custom ordersWe ordered the masala dosa, kothu parotta, biryani and poori—everything was tasty! They even took some custom orders and were very friendly and accommodating. The ambiance was simple yet quirky, with a small hall that featured a stage and, believe it or not, a disco ball!
- customer serviceThe music was absolutely amazing, contributing to a great ambience. The customer service was also excellent. This will definitely be our frequently visited place every time we come to SFO.
- easy to accessmakes it easy to access
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by very bad service from one of the waitresses. The Gujrati girl serving us was unprofessional and didn't know how to treat people.
- waiting timeKept us waiting for 20min at the front desk
- ServiceService:1
- serverEven extra potato was chargeable, which made it clear they want you to spend more money for a masala dosa. The server was sketchy, and I didn't like the overall vibe. It's only okay if you're in SF and craving Indian food, but the prices are not justified for the food and service received.
- staffwhen we said the same to the staff, they said you might have eaten authentic we don’t make authentic and this is our version
- waiterI could literally smell the preservatives added in frozen Naans. And yet, the waiter had the audacity to lie about it. I highly recommend everyone to never visit this restaurant.
- waitresswaited for waitress to attend us which she didn’t
- attitude of the ladyThe attitude of the lady who was taking the order was horrible
- business replykind of reply I got from business proves my point
- checkthey didn’t bring check at the table
Overall, the service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. While you might encounter some wonderfully friendly and efficient staff, theres also a chance of longer waits or less attentive interactions. If youre feeling lucky and patient, it could be a pleasant experience, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot has some real charm! With 66 positive remarks out of 98 total, many diners loved the good score of 6.8 for its cozy atmosphere, unique Chennai touches, and clean decor. The location is often praised, offering a lovely break from the bustle and a genuine namma Chennai vibe.
However, the mixed 67.3% customer satisfaction suggests there's room for improvement. With 24 negative comments, some found the atmosphere bland or lacking personality. More critically, issues like poor restroom hygiene, cleanliness concerns, and even flies were noted, along with difficulties in parking, which certainly dampen the overall vibe.
Ambience
98
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
24
negative
8
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great location
- Cozy atmosphere
- Unique decor
What people don't like
- Poor restroom hygiene
- Flies present
- Cleanliness issues
Often praised
- atmosphereIf you’re craving a true taste of South India, look no further than Chennai Kings! From the moment you step in, the aroma of freshly ground spices and sizzling dosas fills the air, setting the perfect mood for an unforgettable meal. I tried their Masala Dosa, Onion Uthappam and Masala Chai, and every bite transported me straight to the streets of Chennai.
- AtmosphereThe food was superb, the best fish curry I have ever eaten. The atmosphere was also enjoyable, rated at 4 out of 5.
- locationIt’s pretty close to Ghirardelli experience and Pier 39
- placeA nice and clean place to have lunch or dinner
- ambianceThey even took some custom orders and were very friendly and accommodating. The ambiance was simple yet quirky, with a small hall that featured a stage and, believe it or not, a disco ball! It’s an interesting setup with a lot of old pictures of the city of Madras a.
- ambienceThe ambience and food was excellent
- decorThe food was very authentic and very good. The service was exceptional, and the atmosphere was pleasant with clean and nice decor. I am looking forward to going back again.
- Ambiance10/10 on Ambiance if you know some history of kollywood and cricket !
- Awesome vibeInside had an awesome vibe
- Beach Streetconveniently located on Beach street
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereIt was overpriced for a below average food. The atmosphere was rated 2 and service was rated 1. Finding parking was difficult.
- bathroomsBathrooms were horrendous, the smell was atrocious, there was mold on the walls, pieces of the sink were chipped off and the tiles were broken
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- ambienceambience should be improved
- fliesI saw flies in the corner of the restaurant eating pieces of rotten food off the floor 🤮
- placeDisgusting place with zero cleanliness.
- place stinksthe place stinks
- cleanlinesszero cleanliness.
- overall vibeDidn’t like the overall vibe
- parkingThe atmosphere was rated 2 and service was rated 1. Finding parking was difficult.
If youre looking for a unique, cozy atmosphere with a strong Chennai vibe and dont mind potential cleanliness issues in certain areas, this place could be a hit. However, be aware that some guests have found the overall vibe to be a bit of a mixed bag, especially concerning restroom hygiene and parking.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
A small number of diners found some silver linings regarding value, appreciating decent prices and a pocket-friendly feel, with some even highlighting no tips needed or all inclusive pricing. These 9 positive opinions suggest that for a few, the pricing hit the mark. However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, reflected in a low score of 3.3 and customer satisfaction at a mere 20.9%.
Many guests felt the experience was expensive and pricey, often mentioning unexpected gratuity fees and feeling overpriced for the quality or quantity. This sentiment is strong, with 34 negative opinions out of 43 total.
Value
43
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
34
negative
0
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- No tips needed
- Pocket-friendly options
- 10% discount offered
What people don't like
- Expensive pricing
- Forced gratuity fees
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- pricesI had an amazing experience at Chennai Kings! The food was delicious and authentic, with perfect dosas, flavorful sambar, and generous portions at reasonable prices.
- 10% discountoffered 10% discount
- all inclusiveAll inclusive reasonably priced
- decent pricesMy experience at Chennai Kings was a delightful combination of family-friendly atmosphere, decent prices, and cozy ambiance, all complemented by attentive service. I opted for the Veg Biryani and Mushroom Masala.
- no tips neededno tips needed
- pocket-friendlypocket-friendly experience
- pricingGood and decent pricing
- reasonably pricedAll inclusive reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. While the Biryani tasted good, the quantity of food for the price was small. I ordered mutton and chicken biryani, mutton soup, and filter coffee.
- moneyNot worth the money that I spend
- pricesthe prices aren’t justified
- pricingHowever, I was disappointed to find that the food did not reflect traditional South Indian flavors, dishes, or preparation styles. Moreover, the pricing seemed excessively high considering the quality and authenticity of the food provided. As a customer, I felt misled both by the name and the lack of genuine South Indian offerings, which did not meet my expectations.
- Samosa priceSamosa was $15 which I felt was frozen
- billmy bill was $202.84. on that with a 36$ gratuity fee
- chargeseven took money for the frozen food
- expensiveExpensive too
- extra potatoExtra potato was chargeable too
- extra sambar$5 for extra sambar
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your best bet, as many found it quite expensive with hidden fees. However, if you catch a deal or find their specific offerings appealing, a few guests did find it pocket-friendly. Just be prepared to scrutinize the bill.
How are the prices at Chennai Kings?
On average, you’ll spend around 33 per person – from 120 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For an Indian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Interestingly, while the average is 33, most diners actually spend less, with a big chunk falling into the $11–$20 and $21–$30 brackets. This tells us there’s a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly bites to some higher-end choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 120 reviews.
Value for money: How this restaurant compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Indian restaurant in San Francisco. It seems they offer a good range of options, so you can likely find something that fits your budget and taste.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chennai Kings
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Terrible Service, Good Food
My experience at this restaurant was marred by very bad service from one of the waitresses. The Gujrati girl serving us was unprofessional and didn't know how to treat people. It was astonishing that while food was on the table, she hadn't served any plates or water.
In contrast, she meticulously prepared everything for another table that she had reserved. The guy at the counter, however, was very helpful and provided nice service. When asked about the food, the waitress responded that she was vegetarian, which is an inappropriate response in a non-vegetarian restaurant; if she didn't know, she should have found someone who did.
Despite the taste of the food being good, the poor service from that particular waitress means I will never suggest this place to anyone. I've attached a photo to show the food on the table with no plates or water served.
- guy on the counter8
- food8
- service1
- waitress1
- plates1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Terrible service, arrogant waiter
My experience at the restaurant was marred by the worst service. The waiter, a girl, was very arrogant and clearly didn't know how to serve guests. I request that the restaurant teach this waiter how to serve guests properly.
- service1
- waiter1
- serve the guest1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Quality Decline at a Once Good Restaurant
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to a significant decline in food quality. The Pompano fish fry was not properly fried and still contained masala. The goat biryani tasted as if it were a couple of days old, and there was insufficient salt.
This used to be a good restaurant with tasty food, even when the quantity was less. However, the quality is now just bad. I hope it improves.
- Pompano fish fry2
- goat biryani2
- salt3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
6
Good Food, Very Slow Service
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, earning a perfect 5/5. However, the wait times were really long.
This was due to there being only one person handling everything, from taking orders to servicing, billing, and even mopping. This clearly led to significant delays.
- food10
- wait times2
- service3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Excellent Indian Food & Generous Portions
As a local, I can confidently say this place is one of the best Indian options in the neighborhood. The portions are very generous, the staff is lovely, and the food is delicious. What more could you ask for?
I highly recommend the Mysore Masala Dosa, Paratha, Veggie Korma, and Samosas.
- Indian options10
- portions9
- staff9
What Chennai Kings offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and dietary choices can you find at Chennai Kings?
At Chennai Kings, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, brunch, and dessert with convenient table service. They also offer catering for your events. For dietary needs, you’ll find healthy options, vegan options, vegetarian options, and small plates available.
What service and accessibility features does Chennai Kings offer?
Chennai Kings provides flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, with both an accessible entrance and seating. You’ll also find a restroom available for your convenience.
What kind of food can I expect at Chennai Kings?
Chennai Kings is known for its authentic South Indian cuisine, with many guests praising dishes like dosas, idlis, and biryani for their flavor and preparation.
What is the overall customer sentiment regarding Chennai Kings?
Customer sentiment for Chennai Kings is mixed, with an overall restaurant score of 6.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 61%. While Food (6.8) and Ambience (6.8) are generally well-received, Service (5.7) is average, and Value (3.3) is a notable concern.
Is Chennai Kings a good option for those on a budget?
Opinions on value are divided; while some found prices reasonable, many customers felt the pricing was not justified for the portion sizes, indicating it might not be the most budget-friendly option.