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oChef » Royal – San Francisco
Royal - San Francisco
Photo from Royal
Royal at a glance
San Francisco Fillmore District
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 95 of the guests
#177 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#17 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
619
Reviews
88.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional service
- Flavorful dishes
- Pleasant atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Maintenance oversights
- Order errors
The restaurant Royal Indian Cuisine on Fillmore is a delightful Indian restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Fillmore District. You will discover a cozy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
This spot offers a genuine taste of India right in the heart of the city, making it an ideal choice for your next culinary adventure. You can expect a welcoming environment whether you are dining in or picking up takeout.
Overview: Introducting Royal
Royal offers a consistently pleasant dining experience, often praised for its impeccable food and attentive staff. Many find the Indian dishes to be well-prepared, with particular appreciation for items like naan and butter chicken.
The setting is generally described as a cozy atmosphere, making it suitable for a relaxed meal. However, some experiences at Royal have been less stellar, with a few finding certain dishes bland or noting occasional issues like missing items in orders.
While often seen as a reasonable price for the quality, a few customers have felt the value could be better, especially with some items being pricey.
Excellent
8.6
out of 10
619
Reviews
88.5%
Satisfaction
60
negative
11
neutral
548
positive
Royal earns a solid overall score of 8.6, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 88.5%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial base of 619 customer observations, with a clear majority of 548 positive remarks outweighing the 60 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Service stands out as excellent (9.3), frequently highlighted for its attentiveness.
The Food also performs well (8.5), consistently delivering on taste for many. The Ambience (8.1) contributes positively to the experience, often described as pleasant, while Value (7) is considered good, offering a fair exchange for the quality received.
What people like
- Exceptional service
- Flavorful Indian dishes
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Maintenance oversights
- Occasional order errors
Royal generally delivers a strong dining experience, particularly if you prioritize attentive service and well-prepared Indian cuisine. With a recommendation score of 8.7, it’s a place that consistently satisfies many patrons.
Expect a pleasant atmosphere for your meal, making it a solid choice for a reliable outing. While there are minor concerns regarding occasional maintenance issues or order accuracy, these don’t overshadow the overall positive impression.
If you’re seeking a restaurant with a welcoming staff and flavorful food, Royal is certainly worth considering for your next meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Royal
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.5 and a customer satisfaction of 87.2%, its clear that most diners are leaving happy. Out of 352 comments, a whopping 307 rave about the authentic flavors, tasty meals, and generous portions, highlighting the impressive variety on offer.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 37 comments noting some areas for improvement. A few diners found certain items, like the Tandoori Chicken, to be tasteless, while others experienced overly salty food or bland dishes that lacked pizzazz. It seems consistency might be a slight issue for some.
Food
352
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
37
negative
8
neutral
307
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, rich flavors
- Generous, tasty portions
- Wide menu variety
What people don't like
- Some dishes bland
- Tandoori chicken tasteless
- Food can be salty
Often praised
- foodAfter a five-year search, I've finally discovered my go-to Indian restaurant in the city. While the decor isn't flashy, the impeccable food and service truly won me over. We were delighted to receive complimentary Papadam and chutneys, a gesture not offered by other restaurants we've visited.
- naanThe naan was also really really good, very fresh and great texture
- Indian foodDB, one of the servers, was exceptionally nice, ensuring that the spice level and food suited my needs perfectly. I highly recommend this place for solid Indian food in the city.
- butter chickenthe butter chicken is the best in the city
- saag paneerThe staff was incredibly warm and friendly, significantly enhancing the enjoyment of the meal. I particularly enjoyed the delicious chicken tandoori and saag paneer. The complimentary papadum was also a nice touch.
- samosasWe have friends visiting who are Indian food aficionados and they said this ranked up there with the best Indian dining experiences they've had. We ordered the greatest hits: tikka masala, curry, biryani, samosas, and they were all great! The service was fantastic too.
- FoodThis place is my go-to for Indian food in the city. I've been coming here for years, and it always meets the mark. I highly recommend the Salmon Tandoori.
- chicken tikka masalaThe chicken kabob, chicken tikka masala, and vegetarian curry was complemented
- garlic naanThe garlic naan and chicken momo dumplings were also great
- riceNaan, rice, chicken tikka masala, roasted chicken
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food is only average or less than average
- FoodFood:2
- riceRice was not given/potentially forgotten
- Aloo ParathaAloo paratha - potato stuffing is very very bland.
- Indian cuisinenot marinated, atleast live up to the name of the dish being an Indian cuisine
- Indian foodI feel bad but truly the worst Indian food in the city. I ordered the $15 lunch vegetarian special which comes with rice, naan, palaak paneer, and daal.
- Jeera RiceJeera rice - not your typical jeera rice for sure.
- Mushroom MatterMushroom Matter (spicy) ... No salt? Why?
- Paneer Tikka Masalatase was worst
- Tandoori ChickenTandoori Chicken was completely tasteless
If youre seeking a culinary adventure with authentic flavors and generous portions, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that while many dishes are exceptional, a few might fall short on seasoning or taste. Overall, its a strong contender for your next Indian meal.
Service (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
The service here truly shines, boasting an excellent 9.3 score and an impressive 95.8% customer satisfaction rate. Based on 161 positive comments out of 168, guests consistently rave about the friendly, attentive staff, quick food arrival, and exceptional hospitality, often highlighting specific servers for their outstanding care. While overwhelmingly positive, a small handful of 7 negative remarks did surface.
These included isolated instances of rudeness, missing items in takeout orders, and a lack of basic amenities like utensils or napkins. These minor hiccups, though rare, suggest there's always a tiny bit of room for perfection.
Service
168
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
161
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Exceptional, quick service
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Missing order items
- Rudeness from manager
- Lack of amenities
Often praised
- serviceWhile the restaurant is on the pricey side, I understand this is a common trend in the US post-COVID, especially when compared to British prices. Despite the cost, I consistently receive a decent plate of food and good service. However, the prices have indeed become quite high in recent years.
- staffThe butter chicken is the best in the city. We usually order in, but sometimes make it into the restaurant, and the staff is always so friendly and accommodating. Jelson was super nice, sweet to the kids, and thoughtful!
- Servicethey brought us a delish traditional Indian dessert
- serversMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The servers were super nice, and the food arrived quickly and was absolutely delicious. This has become our go-to place before attending shows at the Fillmore.
- JelsonI had a great experience hosting a wedding dinner for 25 people at this restaurant. Jelson was exceptionally helpful and very professional throughout the event. He and his team decorated the restaurant on our request and made it look beautiful.
- serverI received naan, rice, chicken tikka masala, and roasted chicken all for $15, which is an insane value. The service was fantastic; my server was extremely polite and attentive. I was so stuffed I couldn't finish my meal, and they kindly provided foil and a deli cup for leftovers.
- JacksonJackson was sensational as a host
- JalsonJalson and dipindra as my servers. Super attentive and funny
- attentive staffWhat truly sets this restaurant apart is its exceptional service. The staff are not only attentive but genuinely kind, going out of their way to ensure every guest feels special and valued. This amazing service, combined with the exquisite food, makes for a truly memorable dining experience.
- friendlyThe food had the perfect amount of flavor and spice. The staff were extremely friendly, and the service was quick without making us feel rushed. I highly recommend the butter chicken, saag paneer, and their samosas.
Frequently criticized
- ServiceService:1
- managerthe guy on reception rudely said I am the Manager
- napkinsNo napkins
- serviceservice was also worst
- staffThe stuff is very racist if you’re Indian
- takeout orderone dish was missing from our takeout order
- utensilsNo utensils were given
If top-notch service is a priority for you, this place is definitely worth checking out. The staff's attentiveness and friendliness are consistently praised, ensuring a welcoming and efficient dining experience that will likely leave you very satisfied.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a good 8.1, and customer satisfaction is strong at 84.1%. Out of 69 observations, a solid 58 comments praise the atmosphere, often describing it as cozy, homey, welcoming, and intimate. Many appreciate the clean environment, good music, and overall positive vibe, making it a delightful experience.
However, not everyone is entirely charmed. The 9 less favorable remarks occasionally point to an outdated feel, with some finding the music a bit loud or the space noisy. A few even noted a lack of care, mentioning flies hovering, wilted flowers, and fraying chairs, suggesting some areas could use a refresh.
Ambience
69
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, welcoming atmosphere
- Clean, intimate space
- Pleasant music, good vibe
What people don't like
- Outdated decor
- Loud music issues
- Poor upkeep details
Often praised
- atmosphereRoyal Indian is a restaurant my boyfriend and I keep coming back to. The food is always delicious, the service is wonderful, and the atmosphere is cozy and pleasant! It's a great option for dine-in or takeout.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- experienceMy servers, Jalson and Dipindra, were super attentive and funny. Overall, it was a 10/10 experience.
- environmentIt's also a pretty and clean environment
- restaurantgood size restaurant, cozy but not crowded
- ambianceThis is one of my favorite places for Chicken Tikka Masala and rice in SF. The place was very clean with a lovely ambiance. It's now one of our new favorite Indian spots in SF.
- musicnot too loud music so we could hear each other
- ambienceambience was good
- best timethey gave us they best time as they could best till now
- casual atmosphereGreat casual atmosphere on Fillmore.
Frequently criticized
- restaurantThe restaurant is completely empty
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- ambienceAmbience is very very low key. Lighting makes it
- atmosphererestaurant was just a bit noisy for my old ears.
- flies hoveringThe food lacked pizzazz, and the restaurant itself felt outdated. There was a general lack of care, evident from the flies hovering and wilted flowers 🥀 on the tables, as well as fraying chairs. While the server was broad-smiling and eager to please, the business ultimately failed to meet expectations.
- fraying chairschairs fraying
- musicthe music was a bit loud
- wilted flowersflowers wilted 🥀 on tables
If youre seeking a warm, cozy, and welcoming spot with a good vibe for conversation, this place is definitely worth a visit. However, if youre sensitive to noise or expect a pristine, modern aesthetic, you might find a few minor details disappointing.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 7 and customer satisfaction at 73.3%, its clear many diners feel they get their moneys worth. Out of 30 comments, 22 rave about the affordable and reasonable price options, often calling it well-priced and worth it for the quality you receive.
However, not everyone is entirely convinced. A smaller group of 7 comments, out of 30, did express some concerns. Some found it a bit on the pricey side or felt that prices have gone crazy, with a few noting extra charges for items like salad.
It seems there's a slight divergence in perception regarding overall cost.
Value
30
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent value
- Good prices
- Affordable for city
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Extra charges
Often praised
- pricesGood prices. The prices were good
- priceThe only reason the atmosphere received a four-star rating was that it was a bit noisy for my liking. Overall, we had a thoroughly enjoyable experience for a very reasonable price and look forward to returning to Royal Indian Cuisine.
- Price per personThe food is rated a 5, the atmosphere is a 5, and the service is a 5. It's a wonderful place for dinner, with prices around $20–30 per person.
- affordableAffordable too for SF
- affordable priceat an affordable price
- bargainsuch a bargain
- coffee places nearbyI found the food to be great and I especially love stopping by for Chai to go. It's definitely better than all the coffee places nearby and significantly cheaper. The workers here are always so nice.
- deal99. It's an excellent deal with excellent service, excellent staff, excellent ambiance, and an excellent location. Thank you, Jalson and Sugam!
- free stuffthey tend to give you free stuff too
- good amountWe ordered the chicken vindaloo, the assorted tandoori, naan, samosas, and momos. The portions were a good amount for what you pay for. The spice level was good, though it might be a bit spicier than average.
Frequently criticized
- $30 foodorder 30$ food
- Saladoder Salad of 5.95$
- businessthe business fails to meet expectations
- lunch vegetarian specialWouldn’t pay $5 for this in the future
- priceA bit on the pricey side
- pricesprices have gone crazy
- saladcharge extra for salad
If youre looking for generally good value, especially for the quality, this place is a strong contender. While a few find it a bit steep, the majority agree youll likely find the prices reasonable and the experience worth it. It's definitely worth checking out if budget-friendly quality is your priority.
How are the prices at Royal?
On average, you’ll spend around 29 per person – from 95 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For an Indian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the price distribution, most diners spend within the $21–$30 range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, with a few venturing higher.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 95 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Indian restaurant in San Francisco, offering good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Royal
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
A Taste of Home!
This is one of my favorite restaurants to visit when I crave the taste of home. The food is consistently delicious, and the service provided by the staff is excellent. The environment is also great, making for a wonderful dining experience.
- food10
- service10
- environment10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Outstanding Flavors, Missing Dish
My experience with this restaurant was primarily through delivery, and the flavors were truly outstanding. While a dish was unfortunately missing from our takeout order, we loved the food so much that I felt compelled to write this review. The raita was simple and delicious, and the tikka masala was outstanding.
The naan was soft and tasty. We accidentally received a lentil dish that was crazy spicy, too hot for us even though we ordered mild curry, but the brief taste revealed incredible, layered flavors. The basmati rice was perfectly fluffy and fresh.
- flavors10
- raita8
- tikka masala10
- lentil dish3
- takeout order3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Waste of Money, Terrible Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was a complete waste of money. The food was no good, and the service was even worse. I ordered Paneer Tikka Masala, and the taste was terrible.
When I asked for rice, it always came with curry. They also charged extra for salad, which was just onion. I would not recommend this place, especially for vegetarians.
Find another good Indian authentic restaurant nearby; don't go there.
- food1
- service1
- Paneer Tikka Masala1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Amazing Indian Food Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the Chicken Saag and also tried my girlfriend’s Chicken Korma. Both dishes were absolutely amazing, with the chicken melting in my mouth.
It was so good!
- Chicken Saag10
- Chicken Korma10
- chicken10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
A Taste of Home!
This is one of my favorite restaurants to visit when I crave the taste of home. The food is consistently tasty, and the service provided by the staff is excellent. The environment is also great, making for a pleasant dining experience.
- food9
- service9
- environment9
What Royal offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- 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
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
Does Royal Indian Cuisine on Fillmore offer options for specific dietary needs?
Yes, you will find a variety of healthy options, including dedicated vegan and vegetarian dishes, at Royal Indian Cuisine on Fillmore. They cater to diverse preferences, ensuring you have delicious choices for your meal.
What service options and accessibility features are available at Royal Indian Cuisine on Fillmore?
Royal Indian Cuisine on Fillmore provides convenient no-contact delivery, takeout, and dine-in services. You will also find the restaurant fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring comfort for all guests.
What is Royal's overall rating and how do its key aspects score?
Royal holds a strong overall score of 8.6. Its Service is rated excellent (9.3), Food is good (8.5), Ambience is good (8.1), and Value is also considered good (7).
What kind of Indian dishes are particularly well-regarded at Royal?
Customers frequently praise Royal for its naan , butter chicken , chicken tandoori , saag paneer , and Salmon Tandoori , highlighting them as flavorful and well-prepared options.
Is Royal a good choice for a comfortable dining experience with attentive staff?
Yes, Royal is often described as having a cozy and pleasant atmosphere. The staff are consistently noted for being attentive , friendly , and exceptionally helpful , contributing significantly to a positive experience.