Highlights
- Sports
- Great tea selection
oChef » Little Delhi – San Francisco
Little Delhi - San Francisco
Photo from Little Delhi
Little Delhi at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 104 of the guests
#1551 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#47 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
659
Reviews
70.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
- Lunch value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent pricing
- Poor location
- Service hiccups
The restaurant Little Delhi, an Indian Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood, invites you to a cozy and casual dining experience. You’ll find a great tea selection to complement your meal, whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner.
With options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, you can enjoy authentic Indian flavors wherever you are.
Overview: Introducting Little Delhi
Little Delhi offers a dining experience where the culinary offerings generally impress. Many diners appreciate the generous portions and the overall quality of the food, complemented by a notably friendly and efficient staff.
This combination often leads to a satisfying meal, making it a reliable choice for its cuisine. However, some aspects warrant consideration.
While the interior can offer a pleasant atmosphere, the exterior location has been a point of concern for some. Additionally, while certain menu items are seen as a good deal, others have found the prices to be a bit high, leading to mixed opinions on overall value.
Good
7.1
out of 10
659
Reviews
70.3%
Satisfaction
163
negative
33
neutral
463
positive
Little Delhi achieves a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.1, with a solid Customer Satisfaction of 70.3%. This indicates a generally positive experience for most patrons, supported by 463 positive sentiments compared to 163 negative ones out of 659 total opinions.
The kitchen truly shines, earning a strong Food score (7.2), and the attentive Service (7.7) stands out as a particular highlight, ensuring guests feel well looked after. While the core experience is strong, other areas are more moderate.
The Ambience (6.2) is considered average, offering a comfortable but not exceptional setting. Similarly, Value (6) is a mixed bag; while some find it fair, others feel the pricing could be more consistent.
These aspects keep the overall score from climbing higher, suggesting room for refinement.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Fair lunch value
What people don't like
- Inconsistent pricing
- Unpleasant exterior location
- Occasional service issues
With a Recommendation Score of 7.3, Little Delhi is a solid option if you’re primarily seeking well-prepared Indian cuisine and attentive service. The food and the people serving it are consistently praised, making it a worthwhile visit for those priorities.
However, be mindful that the overall value and the immediate surroundings might not always meet everyone’s expectations. If you prioritize delicious Indian dishes and good hospitality above all else, you’ll likely find Little Delhi a satisfying choice.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Indian Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
568
96.1%
- $$
- South Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Indian Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
351
94.6%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Indian Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
831
95.3%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Indian Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
109
96.3%
- $$
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Indian Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
620
93.1%
- $$
- Alamo Square
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Indian Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
351
92%
- $$
- South Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Little Delhi
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
Diving into the food here, it's clear many find it quite enjoyable! With a solid score of 7.2 and a customer satisfaction of 71.7%, both landing in the good category, guests often praise the authentic Indian cuisine, delicious food, and flavorful dishes. Out of 407 total comments, 292 were positive, frequently mentioning generous portions and popular items like butter chicken.
Yet, not all experiences are perfect, with 94 negative remarks. Some diners reported rubbery naan, disastrous biryani, or dishes that were either unsalted or had excessive salt. Other concerns included stale oil and watery gravy, indicating some room for improvement in consistency.
Food
407
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
94
negative
21
neutral
292
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful dishes
- Delicious butter chicken
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent biryani quality
- Rubbery bread items
- Salty or bland food
Often praised
- foodI was finally able to go and enjoy the food at Little Delhi. The place earns back a star for being open when advertised, and the food was just as good as I remembered it. Next time I return, I will give it back another star.
- garlic naanI ordered a take-out meal on Thursday night, which included 2 samosas, garlic naan, and chicken saag, medium spice. The food was ready quickly and initially tasted good. However, the aftermath was devastating.
- FoodFood:5
- Indian foodMy experience at this small Indian place was a pleasant surprise. They serve very good Indian food, which I found to be better than other nearby options. It's also quite economical.
- portionsThe portions served here were large and delicious
- Garlic NaanI highly recommend this place for both dine-in and takeout. For food, I suggest trying the Dal Makhni, Garlic Naan, Goat Biryani, Butter Chicken, and Gobi Manchurian. It's one of the best places in SF for a family dinner.
- naanThe naan was perfectly soft, and warm
- Butter ChickenI highly recommend this place for both dine-in and takeout. For food, I suggest trying the Dal Makhni, Garlic Naan, Goat Biryani, Butter Chicken, and Gobi Manchurian. It's one of the best places in SF for a family dinner.
- biryaniMy recent experience at this restaurant involved ordering the biryani, which cost $22 including tax. While the flavor of the biryani was quite good, I was disappointed with the portion size. For the price, I expected a more generous serving, and it felt like I didn't get good value for my money.
- chicken tikka masalaIt's a nice Indian restaurant with clean and upscale interiors. I found the samosa chaat to be flavorful and the chicken tikka masala had great taste. The bread assortment, including garlic naan, kulcha, and roti, was fresh and tasty.
Frequently criticized
- foodService and food are both poor
- biryanimost disastrous biryani or should i say chicken curry mix d with rice
- biriyaniwasn't a biriyani instead a masala rice with chicken
- butter chickenOrdered butter chicken, and it was neither spicy nor did it have the sweet tinge; had a weird sour taste!
- currywatered-down, ketchup-like curry
- flavorI ordered a palak paneer and it was filled with cardamom pods in every bite. There was no actual flavor and the dish tasted unsalted. I had to keep picking out the cardamom pods — that’s how many there were.
- food poisoningbrutal food poisoning from a take-out order
- gravyThe gravy is watery and lacks taste
- lamb biriyanilamb biriyani... dry and flavorless
- lemonadelemonade is Minute Maid filled in a glass
If you're craving authentic Indian flavors, this place is generally a good bet, especially for its popular curries and tandoori items. Just be mindful that some dishes, like the biryani or bread, might be inconsistent, so perhaps stick to the well-loved classics for the best experience.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.7 and a solid customer satisfaction of 77.5%. Based on 100 positive remarks, guests frequently rave about the friendly staff, excellent service, and genuine hospitality, often noting how attentive the team is, making for a truly welcoming experience. However, it's not always perfect.
Out of 129 total comments, 27 point to areas needing improvement. Some experiences mention slow service or feeling the restaurant was understaffed, leading to forgotten items or even a wrong order. It seems consistency can sometimes be an issue.
Service
129
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
27
negative
2
neutral
100
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Excellent service
- Attentive wait staff
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Understaffed issues
- Incorrect orders
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food and excellent service. I visited for an early lunch, and from around 11: 15 to 12: 30, the restaurant was quite empty, which created a bit of a weird vibe.
- staffThe dishes were incredibly full of flavor and everything tasted so fresh. The staff were friendly, which really enhanced the overall experience. I also enjoyed the nice, relaxed vibe of the place.
- ServiceOur Chana and Tikka Masala curries were super delicious, and the naan bread served with them was incredibly good. All of this was complemented by very warm and attentive service 👌. A clear recommendation 😁.
- BinitaIt was delicious, and I thought I would take half to go, but I ended up eating three-quarters of it 😊. Binita checked up on me and also offered tea on the house. I will definitely come back again to this restaurant.
- great serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The cool lighting and great service created a wonderful atmosphere. The food was so good it made me mad – truly a hidden gem.
- customer servicevery happy with their customer service
- peoplepeople were nice too
- serverThe server was very polite and helpful
- sonthe son was waiting our table. He helped a lot
- wait timeFrom the food to the service, everything was on point. The wait time was not long; whatever we ordered was served within 10-20 minutes. We were in SFO for 5 days and visited Little Delhi every single day!
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service which was kind of inattentive
- availabilityWhen they were closed a couple of years ago due to a fire, I couldn't find a suitable replacement. As of 1/30/21, they appear to be temporarily closed or have extremely reduced availability for the last couple of weeks. I really hope they will be reopening soon!
- business hoursI used to love Little Delhi and would always go there when I visited. However, they've been closed TWICE when I tried to go in person, even during advertised "open" business hours on both their website and a poster on the door. I've been let down by the operations and hope they figure things out.
- courtesyHe does that with no courtesy either
- customer engagementMy experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible customer engagement. The 1-star rating is solely for the guy who works there.
- dishonest practicewarn others about this dishonest practice
- employeean employee actually held the entry door closed
- ethics and transparencyethics and transparency matter, and this kind of behavior is simply not acceptable
- food to cometook really long for our food to come
- forgot one of my itemsthey forgot one of my items I ordered
The service here generally shines, with a friendly and attentive team making most visits enjoyable. While occasional reports of slow service or minor order issues exist, the overall sentiment is strongly positive. It's a solid choice if you prioritize a welcoming atmosphere, though be mindful of potential inconsistencies during busy times.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a generally pleasant experience, earning an average score of 6.2. Many guests appreciate the comfortable and welcoming atmosphere inside, often noting the cleanliness and even the cool lighting. With 54 positive remarks out of 90 total, it seems many find the interior to have a nice, homely vibe.
However, the overall customer satisfaction is a mixed 60%, largely due to external factors. A significant number of the 31 negative comments point to a bad location and unsafe feelings outside, with mentions of homeless people creating a weird vibe that can impact the first impression.
Ambience
90
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
31
negative
5
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean interiors
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Homely vibe
What people don't like
- Unsafe location
- Homeless presence
- Unpleasant vibe
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was absolutely delicious, with everything from paneer tikka masala and vegetable korma to roti, naan, and biryani being "too good. " The atmosphere was enhanced by soft music, creating an "awesome atmosphere. " Furthermore, the service was "awesome" and the people were "great.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- restaurantAll the dishes tasted great, and the naan was very soft, as were the parathas. The restaurant itself is quite spacious with a pleasant, homely vibe. It offers good food and great hospitality.
- ambienceAmbience is above average for an Indian restaurant
- ambiancethe cozy ambiance makes up for it
- insideI found this place close to our stay and the food is really good. The restaurant's outside might not look all convincing, but the inside is nice. It's not too big but comfortable enough to enjoy food.
- vibeThe staff were friendly, which really enhanced the overall experience. I also enjoyed the nice, relaxed vibe of the place. I will definitely be going back!
- Bollywood songsThe Bollywood songs were a vibe too
- cleanit was clean
- clean and well-organizedrestaurant was also incredibly clean and well-organized
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe location and the overall vibe of the place were also quite unpleasant. I hated the atmosphere, and if I could have given less than 1 star, I would have. This establishment is nowhere near the quality of Delhi's food.
- areaAdditionally, the curry was a little bit watery. The restaurant is in an unfortunate area, but the atmosphere was decent.
- locationOne con: the location of this place, there was a big homeless crowd outside of this place
- placeThe place is a little shady
- Chinese boxit comes in chinese box
- area outsideThe area outside the restaurant was a bit rough around the edges
- aromathe aroma feels as if you are on the road
- bad locationSuch a bad location.
- crowdedOverly crowded
- emptyThe place was empty at lunch time
If youre looking for a cozy interior and a generally pleasant atmosphere once youre inside, this place could be a good fit. Just be prepared that the immediate surroundings might not be the most inviting, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
It seems the value here is a bit of a mixed bag, with an overall score of 6 indicating its average, and customer satisfaction sitting at 51.5%, which is quite mixed. Many guests found the "price" to be "reasonable" and "economical, " especially praising the "lunch menu" as a "best deal" that offers good "value of money. " Based on 17 positive remarks, diners often felt they got their moneys worth.
However, among the 33 total opinions, 11 negative remarks highlight concerns about high prices and the overall expense. Some felt the establishment was overly priced and didn't offer good value for money, with a few instances of feeling like they received only half the value for what they paid.
Value
33
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
11
negative
5
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- Great lunch deals
- Good value
What people don't like
- Overly priced
- Poor value
- Not worth expense
Often praised
- priceThe service was friendly and efficient. Considering how outrageously priced some restaurants in that area have become, Little Delhi is a breath of fresh air. The portions served here were large and delicious.
- pricesPrices were fair by San Francisco standards
- best dealbest deal and taste
- economicalquite economical
- lunch menuThe lunch menu is a great value offer
- meal costOur entire meal came to less than $50 per person, tax and tip included
- reasonablereasonable as well
- value of moneyI enjoyed the authentic Indian food which had a gentle modern twist, making it even more tasty and delicious. The portions were really good and filling, and the value of money is absolutely there.
Frequently criticized
- pricesThe prices are noticably increased.
- Uber chargedUber charged me 55.00$ for such pathetic so called biryani
- expenseThe place was noticeably empty during lunchtime on a Tuesday, which was a bit of a red flag. The menu choice was limited, and overall, I felt it was not worth the expense. I would rather pick up a Trader Joe’s Paneer Tikka and have it for lunch.
- high pricesHigh prices don’t justify the poor quality
- picklescharged us $6 for a small bowl
- priceThe Naan bread was delicious, as were the other dishes. Our only minor issue was that the food took a really long time to come, and it’s not cheap. Despite this, it was still an amazing experience!
- pricedThe paneer was uncooked and flavorless. The restaurant was overly crowded, overly priced, and the service was extremely delayed with no indication if anyone would even take our order. I would fire the chef first, followed by their server team.
- unauthorized chargesdealing with unauthorized charges and unwanted food
- valueonly half the value of what I paid for
- value for moneydidn't get good value for my money
If youre looking for a good deal, especially during lunch, you might find some real gems here. However, be mindful that some guests have found the pricing to be on the higher side for what you get, so it might not always feel like the best value. Its worth trying if you catch a special, but otherwise, manage your expectations on cost.
How are the prices at Little Delhi?
You’re looking at roughly 30 per person – reported by 104 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 find themselves in the 11 – 30 $ sweet spot, there’s also a good mix of folks opting for a more premium experience, showing a nice spread of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 104 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in San Francisco.
For an Indian Restaurant in San Francisco, we feel the pricing is quite fair. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a casual meal and those wanting to splurge a little on a more premium experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Little Delhi
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious and Fresh Food, Will Return!
I am thankful that I made the choice to dine at this restaurant. The food was very delicious and freshly made. I would definitely come back again.
- food10
- freshly made10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Delicious Milk Tea and Samosas!
I am very happy with their customer service. I ordered a milk tea and samosas. It tastes so good.
I love it.
- customer service10
- milk tea10
- samosas10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Mixed Experience: Great Service, Mild Curry
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of positive and negative. While the service was amazing and the staff handled the homeless problem quite nicely, the food was a letdown. I ordered the chicken vindaloo, which was advertised as spicy but tasted more like a butter chicken and was rather mild.
Additionally, the curry was a little bit watery. The restaurant is in an unfortunate area, but the atmosphere was decent.
- service9
- homeless problem7
- chicken vindaloo5
- area3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Indian & Nepali Cuisine with Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great spot for Indian and Nepali cuisine. The dishes were incredibly full of flavor and everything tasted so fresh.
The staff were friendly, which really enhanced the overall experience. I also enjoyed the nice, relaxed vibe of the place. I will definitely be going back!
- Indian and Nepali cuisine9
- dishes10
- everything9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Great Food, Odd Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was marked by great food and excellent service. I visited for an early lunch, and from around 11: 15 to 12: 30, the restaurant was quite empty, which created a bit of a weird vibe. I suspect most of their business comes from delivery.
The lunch menu is a fantastic value, available from 11 am to 3 pm.
- food10
- service10
- lunch menu9
- weird vibe3
What Little Delhi offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Little Delhi?
At Little Delhi, you can look forward to a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any occasion. You have a wide range of dining options, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with both counter and table service available. They also offer catering for your special events.
Does Little Delhi cater to specific dietary needs and offer diverse menu options?
Absolutely! Little Delhi prides itself on its diverse menu. You’ll find plenty of healthy options, vegan options, vegetarian options, and halal food available. They also offer small plates, late-night food, and a selection of coffee, beer, and wine to complete your meal.
How does Little Delhi score overall?
Little Delhi holds a Restaurant Score of 7.1, driven by strong Service (7.7) and flavorful Food (7.2). Ambience (6.2) and Value (6) are more moderate.
What do customers enjoy most about Little Delhi's food?
Diners frequently praise the delicious and fresh Indian dishes, with many highlighting the generous portions and well-prepared items like naan and Butter Chicken.
Are there any common concerns about Little Delhi?
Some customers have noted concerns regarding inconsistent prices and the restaurant’s exterior location, which can sometimes detract from the overall experience.