Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Taj – San Francisco
Taj - San Francisco
Photo from Taj
Taj at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 94 of the guests
#72 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#9 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
533
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Attentive service
- Affordable prices
Frequently criticized
- Dated decor
- Long waits
- Food quality issues
The restaurant Taj is a welcoming Indian Restaurant located in San Francisco’s vibrant Richmond District. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic flavors.
This spot stands out for its thoughtful inclusion of diverse dietary needs, offering excellent vegan and vegetarian options. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, you’ll appreciate the convenient service options available.
Overview: Introducting Taj
Taj offers a delightful culinary experience, with many guests praising the fresh, flavorful dishes. The attentive service often stands out, making diners feel well cared for.
Many also appreciate the modest prices, finding good value in their meals. However, some visitors have noted that the decor could use an update, and there have been isolated instances of long waiting for an hour.
Despite these minor points, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards a positive and satisfying visit.
Excellent
8.9
out of 10
533
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
18
negative
14
neutral
501
positive
Looking at the numbers, Taj generally delivers a strong experience, reflected in its overall Restaurant Score of 8.9. This excellent rating is supported by an impressive Customer Satisfaction of 94%, indicating that nearly all guests leave happy.
These insights are drawn from a substantial body of feedback, with 533 customer observations, overwhelmingly positive with 501 favorable remarks against just 18 less enthusiastic ones. The Food (9) consistently receives excellent marks, often highlighted for its fresh and flavorful nature.
Service (9.1) also stands out as excellent, with many appreciating the staff’s attentiveness. The Ambience (8.4) and Value (8.3) both score well, indicating a good environment and reasonable pricing, rounding out a well-regarded dining spot.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Attentive, kind service
- Fair, affordable prices
What people don't like
- Dated decor
- Occasional long waits
- Food quality concerns
Taj presents a compelling option for those seeking flavorful Indian cuisine with attentive service. With a strong Recommendation Score of 9.2, it’s clear that most diners leave highly satisfied.
If you prioritize excellent food and friendly staff over a flashy interior, this spot is certainly worth your consideration. While the decor might not be its strongest suit, the overall positive experience, especially the quality of the dishes and the reasonable pricing, makes Taj a solid choice.
It’s a place that delivers on its core promises, making it a reliable pick for a satisfying meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Taj
Food (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 95.4%, diners are consistently delighted. Based on 332 positive comments out of 348, guests rave about the authentic, rich flavors, freshness, and generous portions, making every dish a vibrant experience.
However, a very small number of concerns (just 7 out of 348 comments) did surface. A few diners reported finding foreign objects in their food, while others noted that the chicken could occasionally be dry or that certain dishes, like the chicken chili, had unexpected spice levels. These seem to be isolated incidents rather than widespread issues.
Food
348
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
7
negative
9
neutral
332
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, rich flavors
- Fresh, quality food
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Foreign objects in food
- Dry chicken sometimes
- Inconsistent spice levels
Often praised
- foodWe visited on a Wednesday night when it was quiet, as the place has only been open a few months. The staff was very friendly, and our food was super yummy. We enjoyed the chicken chili momos, chicken Tikka masala, lamb kabab, and some naan.
- FoodFood:5
- garlic naanSupplemented them with garlic naan and roti.
- Garlic NaanMattar Paneer, Chicken Tikka Masala, Cumin Rice, Garlic Naan
- Indian foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great spot for affordable, flavorful Indian food. We ordered the Baingan Bartha, Saag Paneer, Malai Kofta, Chicken Curry, and Tandoori Chicken, and all were delicious.
- dishesThis unassuming place on Geary might not catch your eye from the outside, but the food is absolutely delicious. We found the dishes to be fresh and beautifully flavored, served with kind and attentive service. We enjoyed our meal so much that we returned the following week.
- sauceI had the Chicken Tikka Masala, which was super tasty, fresh, and full of flavor. The sauce was rich and just perfect – not too spicy, but with a nice kick. You can tell they put effort into the food.
- tandoori chickentandoori chicken, fried chicken momo, chicken chowmien and chicken briyani. All of them were fresh and delicious
- Gobi ManchurianGobi Manchurian appetizers and both were incredible
- butter chickenbest butter chicken I’ve had in a hot minute
Frequently criticized
- Foodour real experience is very bad
- chickenOverall, my impressions of the food and experience were decent. The Masala Sauce was great, but unfortunately, the chicken was a bit dry and chewy on the day I visited. The Garlic Naan was excellent and very tasty with the sauce.
- chicken chillichicken chilli i was not expecting too spicy
- chicken chilli momodoes't look like chicken chilli momo
- hair piecesfound plastic brushes and hair pieces in food
- plastic brushesfound plastic brushes and hair pieces in food
- watered downNot watered down at all.
If youre seeking authentic, flavorful Indian and Nepali cuisine with generous portions, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While there have been a few rare hiccups, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre in for a delicious meal.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.1 and a stellar customer satisfaction of 96.8%, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 93 comments, a whopping 90 rave about the attentive and friendly staff, often highlighting their impeccable service and warm hospitality.
However, its not entirely without its minor hiccups. A small handful of 3 comments noted issues, with one mentioning a long waiting for an hour for food. Another pointed to staff being less than ideal in their communication, suggesting there might be isolated instances where the service falls short.
Service
93
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
90
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Impeccable service
- Quick food arrival
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Poor staff communication
Often praised
- serviceThis unassuming place on Geary might not catch your eye from the outside, but the food is absolutely delicious. We found the dishes to be fresh and beautifully flavored, served with kind and attentive service. We enjoyed our meal so much that we returned the following week.
- staffThe staff were friendly and attentive
- ServiceThe food was outstanding, earning a perfect score. Service was equally impressive, also receiving a perfect score. The atmosphere was rated a perfect 5, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
- serverThe server (a young lady) was very energetic and explained the menu thoroughly.
- Food arrivalFood arrived very quickly
- VikramHuge shout out to Vikram for taking care of us and providing astounding service
- Wait timeThere was no wait time
- astounding serviceproviding astounding service
- attentiveThe staff were friendly and attentive
- attentive serviceExcellent, attentive service
Frequently criticized
- ServiceService:1
- staffdont speek with me so discuting
- waiting for an hourwaiting for an hour than they dont give me my food
If you value attentive and friendly service, this spot is a strong contender. The vast majority of diners have an excellent experience, so you can expect to be well looked after. While a rare hiccup in wait times or communication might occur, it's certainly not the norm.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.4 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 84.9%, it's clear most diners appreciate the atmosphere. Out of 73 comments, 62 rave about the pleasant atmosphere, cleanliness, and overall dining experience, often highlighting the great vibe and music.
However, not everyone is entirely swept away, with 6 comments pointing out areas for improvement. Some found the ambience a little underwhelming or the decor in need of an upgrade, occasionally describing it as dark or dingy. A few also mentioned parking challenges, which can sometimes dampen the mood before you even step inside.
Ambience
73
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
6
negative
5
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, inviting space
- Great atmosphere/vibe
- Comfortable seating
What people don't like
- Underwhelming decor
- Parking challenges
- Dark and dingy
Often praised
- atmospherewarm, casual, unpretentious, and full of care
- AtmosphereService was equally impressive, also receiving a perfect score. The atmosphere was rated a perfect 5, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. Vegetarians are highly recommended to dine here.
- ambienceThe ambience and hospitality of the restaurant was amazing
- cleanlinessThe proprietor was knowledgeable and friendly, and the food was amazing. The atmosphere was pleasant, and the place was super clean. It was truly the best meal we’ve had out in a while!
- RestaurantRestaurant and toiletries are clean
- cleanrestaurant was clean and inviting.
- parkingParking options:Free street parking
- placeThe Gobi Manchurian was an excellent appetizer, offering a really delicious and unique flavor without being heavy. I can't say enough about this place; I think it's really special and delicious. Additionally, the staff were very kind and provided great service.
- restaurantMust visit restaurant in Sanfrancisco!
- Noise levelnoise level was quiet, making it easy to talk
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- ParkingSometimes it is a challenge to find an available meter
- ambienceThe ambience was a little underwhelming
- atmosphereWhen we arrived it was a little dark and dingy.
- background noisethere's little background noise
- decordecor could use a bit of an upgrade
If a great atmosphere and a clean, inviting space are high on your list, you'll likely enjoy your visit here. Just be prepared that the decor might not wow everyone, and you might need to factor in a little extra time for parking.
Value (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines with a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 89.5%. Out of 19 comments, 17 rave about the affordable and modest prices, highlighting excellent value for money. Many appreciate the generous portions and even the incredible wine prices, making it a wallet-friendly option.
However, it's not entirely without its quirks. A couple of remarks, out of 19, pointed out that some items, like rice, felt a bit overpriced when purchased separately. One diner also found a solo lunch to be on the pricier side, suggesting specific meal choices might not always align with the overall great value.
Value
19
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Affordable prices
- Incredible wine prices
What people don't like
- Sides can be pricey
- Lunch can be expensive
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. I was impressed by the really good food, excellent service, and great prices. We particularly loved the Tikki Masala, Tandori Chicken, and Lamb Vandaloo, all of which offered really great authentic flavors.
- priceThe staff was also noted for being attentive and kind. While the atmosphere was described as 'perfectly fine' and 'nothing exciting, ' it didn't detract from the overall enjoyment, especially considering the fairly priced offerings. I would definitely go back.
- affordableMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the food to be absolutely delicious, with generous portions that were incredibly affordable. We ordered the "Malai Kofta" and "Mix Veg, " both of which were packed with flavor.
- Price per personVegetarians are highly recommended to dine here. There was no wait time, and the price per person was between $20–30.
- modest pricestasty Indian cuisine at modest prices
- price per personPrice per person:$20–30
- pricingPricing is also very reasonable
- valueGreat value
- value for moneyExcellent value for money too
- wine pricesThe wine prices are incredible.
Frequently criticized
- luncha bit of a pricy lunch for one at $32
- ricepay $4 for rice to go with a $16 entree
If youre seeking delicious food that wont break the bank, this place is definitely worth trying for its overall great value. Just be aware that certain add-ons or a solo lunch might feel a little less budget-friendly than the main offerings.
How are the prices at Taj?
You’re looking at roughly 32 per person – reported by 94 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an Indian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 32, most diners actually spend a bit less, with a big cluster in the $21–$30 range. This tells us there’s a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly to slightly more premium, which balances out the overall average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 94 reviews.
Compare the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
Considering the range of spending shown, we think the pricing feels fair for an Indian Restaurant. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a more budget-friendly meal and those happy to spend a little extra for a premium experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Taj
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent food and service!
My experience at this restaurant was really good. The samosa chutney and the chef specials lamb curry were all very good. The service was great too.
- samosa chutney9
- chef specials lamb curry9
- service9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Indian with a Nepalese Twist
My experience at this Indian restaurant was fantastic. It's simple and unassuming, but they offer excellent service and cooking. I highly recommend the goat biryani.
The cuisine has an Indian with a Nepalese twist, and it's also excellent value for money.
- service10
- cooking10
- goat biryani10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Indian Food and Service
We were looking for a good Indian spot before heading home and Taj looked pretty solid so we gave it a shot. We had the lamb chops, Saag Paneer, coconut rice, and garlic Naan. Everything was great; the lamb was cooked and seasoned to perfection!
They asked about the spice level for the Saag Paneer, which was very tasty. They also have a yummy Chai. It's a really good spot, and I'll definitely come again.
The service was awesome as well, really attentive, and the vibe and music are great. Loved the fresh flowers on the table.
- lamb chops9
- Saag Paneer8
- coconut rice7
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Excellent Indian Food, Beating Fancy Places
My wife and I visited for a Sunday lunch after a trip to GGB. The ambience was a little underwhelming. We ordered chicken kabab, saag-channa, roti, and garlic naan.
While waiting, we enjoyed a masala tea, which was an 11/10. The food was excellent; everything tasted fresh, not too buttery, and had the perfect amount of spices. Paired with the tea, it was the best Indian food we had eaten in a long time.
Visiting from Seattle, this place easily beats all the fancy places we've been to. The service was excellent.
- chicken kabab9
- saag-channa9
- roti9
- ambience3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Superior Food and Service!
My experience at Taj was absolutely superior! The food was incredibly delicious with great depth of flavor, making it so satisfying. I particularly enjoyed the Mattar Paneer, Chicken Tikka Masala, Cumin Rice, and Garlic Naan.
Even the Chai and Gulab jamun were fantastic. I've been thinking about this meal several times since yesterday, savoring how good it was. Our waiter was friendly and down to earth.
Anytime we are in the Richmond district, we will make sure to stop in at Taj!
- food10
- Mattar Paneer10
- Chicken Tikka Masala10
What Taj offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Small plates
Dining options
- 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
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features and amenities does Taj Indian Cuisine offer?
Taj Indian Cuisine ensures a comfortable visit with a wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom. You’ll also find convenient amenities like free Wi-Fi and a gender-neutral restroom, making your experience more pleasant.
Can I find vegetarian or vegan dishes at Taj Indian Cuisine, and what dining options are available?
Absolutely! Taj Indian Cuisine prides itself on offering a wide array of vegetarian and vegan options, alongside small plates. You can enjoy table service for lunch or dinner, with comfortable seating and high chairs available for kids.
How does Taj rate overall, and what are its key strengths?
Taj boasts an excellent **Restaurant Score** of **8.9** and **94% Customer Satisfaction**. Its **Food** (9) and **Service** (9.1) are consistently rated as excellent, with **Ambience** (8.4) and **Value** (8.3) also scoring well.
What is the dining atmosphere like at Taj?
The atmosphere at Taj is often described as warm, casual, and quiet, making it easy to talk. Guests also appreciate the restaurant’s cleanliness.
Are there any common issues or areas for improvement at Taj?
Some feedback indicates that the decor could be updated, and parking can occasionally be a challenge. There have also been isolated reports of long wait times and specific food quality concerns.