Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Besharam – San Francisco
Besharam - San Francisco
Photo from Besharam
Besharam at a glance
San Francisco Dogpatch
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 140 of the guests
#2220 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#60 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Average
5.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
1064
Reviews
48.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food flavors
- Open ambiance
- Vegetarian options
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Mandatory charges
- Service inconsistency
The restaurant Besharam, an Indian restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Dogpatch neighborhood, invites you to a truly unique dining experience. You’ll discover a trendy and upscale atmosphere perfect for an evening out.
This spot is renowned for its innovative approach to Indian cuisine, offering a memorable culinary journey. Whether you’re seeking healthy options or delightful cocktails, you’ll find something to savor here.
Overview: Introducting Besharam
Besharam offers a distinctive culinary journey, with many guests praising the unique flavors and well-executed dishes, particularly the Malai Kofta. The ambiance often receives positive remarks for its open and airy feel, contributing to a pleasant dining atmosphere.
However, some diners have expressed concerns regarding the overall value, citing small portion sizes for the cost. Additionally, the mandatory service charge has been a point of contention, leading to mixed feelings about the dining experience.
Average
5.7
out of 10
1064
Reviews
48.9%
Satisfaction
452
negative
92
neutral
520
positive
Besharam registers an overall Restaurant Score of 5.7, placing it squarely in the average range. Customer satisfaction stands at a mixed 48.9%, indicating that while some guests leave pleased, a notable portion have reservations.
This assessment is drawn from over 1000 customer opinions, with 520 positive and 452 negative remarks. Looking closer, the Food (6.6) and Ambience (6.6) topics both achieve average to good scores, suggesting these are generally well-received aspects.
However, Service (4.4) falls into the average category, and Value (2.5) is notably poor, highlighting areas where the experience often falls short for diners.
What people like
- Distinct food flavors
- Pleasant, open ambiance
- Creative vegetarian dishes
What people don't like
- Poor value, high prices
- Mandatory service charges
- Inconsistent service quality
Besharam presents a mixed bag, offering some truly memorable culinary moments, particularly with its distinct flavors and creative vegetarian options. The inviting ambiance also contributes positively to the dining experience, making it a place with definite strengths.
However, the overall Recommendation Score of 5.8 suggests caution. While the food and setting are appealing, concerns around value and service charges are significant.
Consider Besharam if you prioritize unique dishes and atmosphere, but be prepared for a potentially higher bill and variable service.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Besharam
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, it offers a pretty interesting experience, landing an average score of 6.6 with 60.1% customer satisfaction, which is a bit mixed. Many of the 369 positive comments rave about the creative food and flavorful dishes, especially the vegetarian offerings and unique and authentic Gujarati fusion. However, not everyone is thrilled, with 181 negative remarks often pointing to issues like small portion size and food quantity.
Some found dishes tasteless or salty, suggesting inconsistency and sometimes an overpriced feel for what you get.
Food
614
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
181
negative
64
neutral
369
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative Gujarati fusion
- Excellent vegetarian options
- Flavorful, unique dishes
What people don't like
- Small, overpriced portions
- Inconsistent flavor quality
- Dishes bland or salty
Often praised
- foodI personally loved all the dishes except Rigan No Oro, which tasted a bit salty and sour for my preference. But overall, the food was outstanding, especially their chutneys! I enjoyed it so much that I even left a personal note for the chef.
- FoodFood was good
- tasting menuMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of culinary delight and financial frustration. The food was truly worth the hype, and I paid $75 for an amazing tasting menu. This menu featured 8 courses, each with a wine pairing.
- vegetarian offeringsMenu is all vegetarian
- Malai KoftaLet's start with the positives: the food was great. We enjoyed the Malai Kofta, Dabeli, Pav Bhaji Puffs, Cheesy Garlic Naan, 'Lamb Meatballs' (imitation meat), Kulchas, and Shrikhand Cheesecake. While the Pav Bhaji Puff and Dabeli were just okay, the rest of the dishes were excellent.
- Pav Bhaji PuffPav Bhaji Puff...everything was fantastic!
- malai koftamalai kofta were top notch. The best ever one I have had so far in the Bay Area.
- dishesEvery dish feels like a memory brought to life, but with an unexpected spin
- flavorsall the flavors from spicy pickled onions to sweet tamarind beautifully complemented each other
- pani puripakoras, pani puri.. all this may sound like what’s new
Frequently criticized
- foodThe menu was extremely limited, offering very average fare like chole and pav bhaji, with nothing special to speak of. The portion size for the price was just unbelievable; there was nothing special about the food that deserved such high prices. The servers were average, failing to timely identify if the food was nut-free despite being told at the beginning, and they rushed to take our plates away.
- food qualityAll of this is for average to below average service. We used to love this place, but the food quality has gone down since it first opened. We politely spoke with the owner about this, but he couldn’t care less.
- dishesRidiculous dishes that just deliberately take an ingredient or two away from the original Gujarathi recipe
- quantityMy experience at Besharam was largely disappointing. While the food was satisfactory, the quantity was quite low. Neither the quality of the food nor the average ambience could justify the very high prices.
- Drunken Pani PuriDrunken Pani Puri was cold
- portion sizeoverall food quality and portion size were unsatisfactory
- Malai Koftastasted completely off here
- Masala Mushroomsstrange, unpleasant flavor
- RotiAll items on the menu were greasy (oily). The Malai Kofta tasted very much like toothpaste, and the Roti appeared to be frozen ones from the grocery store. It was a very forgettable experience.
- Thalithe Thali (malai kofta was ok, Daal and Kadhi was pathetic)
If youre an adventurous eater looking for creative Indian fusion and dont mind potentially smaller portions, this place could be a hit. Just be prepared for a mixed bag on consistency and value, so manage your expectations.
Service (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag. While the overall score sits at an average 4.4, customer satisfaction is quite poor at just 33.6%. Based on 74 positive remarks out of 220 total opinions, many guests have highlighted excellent service from specific servers like Corey, thoughtful hospitality, and the welcoming presence of the owners.
However, with 133 negative comments, there are clear areas for improvement. Many patrons reported encountering rude hosts, slow service, and an unwelcoming attitude from staff. This suggests a significant inconsistency in the service experience, where some visits are great, but others unfortunately fall short.
Service
220
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
133
negative
13
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly servers
- Attentive service
- Engaged owners
What people don't like
- Rude hosts
- Slow service
- Unwelcoming attitude
Often praised
- serviceWe visited this place for my husband's birthday, and it was an amazing experience! The food was delicious, service was quick, and the staff was excellent. We tried Pav Bhaji Puff, Rigan No Oro, Kachori Dumplings, Dabeli Paratha, Malai Kofta, Jeera Rice, and Cheesy Garlic Naan—everything was fantastic!
- ServiceService:5
- staffWe visited this place for my husband's birthday, and it was an amazing experience! The food was delicious, service was quick, and the staff was excellent. We tried Pav Bhaji Puff, Rigan No Oro, Kachori Dumplings, Dabeli Paratha, Malai Kofta, Jeera Rice, and Cheesy Garlic Naan—everything was fantastic!
- chefthanking the chef for the spread
- ownersThe owners (Heena and Paresh) have crushed it!
- serversservers were very careful to let me know which things were not vegan
- Food serviceFood service was quick.
- PlutoPluto was absolutely amazing, and took care of all of us so well.
- Shyrissashe was great!
- Wait timeNo wait
Frequently criticized
- serviceThis establishment adds a 27% total tip, including a required 20% service charge, a 5% SF mandate, and sales tax on the mandatory charge, which adds another 2%. All of this is for average to below average service. We used to love this place, but the food quality has gone down since it first opened.
- serverAdding to the frustration, there was a mandatory 20% service charge, regardless of party size. When we tried to order drinks and appetizers, our server was insistent on pushing us to order mains as well and kept pressuring us to order everything at the same time. This place claims to offer Gujarathi Fusion food, but they have made an absolute mockery of the basic flavors of Gujarathi cuisine.
- hostAs someone who appreciates a spin on classic cuisine, I was quite excited about Besharam's menu, but the entire experience was rather uncomfortable. The host, an elderly gentleman, was not warm nor welcoming, seeming rather burdened. Our server was unfortunately extremely unpleasant, making us feel uneasy.
- staffdisrespectful staff that just tries to get you in and out quickly
- hospitalityTo make matters worse, there was no mention or explanation of any prefix menu for groups. For a restaurant in San Francisco, where hospitality and professionalism should be at the forefront, this level of treatment is unacceptable. There are plenty of other restaurants in the city that treat their guests with respect and value their business — sadly, Besharam is not one of them.
- Pareshhorribly sarcastic and mocking tone of voice
- ServiceService was slow
- reservationEven with reservation they will not allow is what was told.
- managerThe manager first stated that they don’t allow Indians with Kids
- ownerowner about this and he couldn’t care less
If youre considering a visit, be aware that service can be a gamble. While some guests rave about attentive staff and engaged owners, others have faced significant issues with rude hosts and slow, unwelcoming interactions. It might be worth trying if youre prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
The restaurants ambiance often hits the right notes, with many guests loving the "music, " "vibe, " and "elegant ambiance. " People appreciate the "open kitchen, " spacious dining room, and natural light, often finding it a great spot for celebrations. With 72 positive remarks out of 110 total opinions, theres a clear appreciation for the atmosphere.
However, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.6 and customer satisfaction at 65.5%. Some found the restaurant design poor, leading to awkward seating or chilly spots. Others complained about loud music, difficult parking, or even unpleasant odor and cleanliness issues, as seen in 29 negative comments.
Ambience
110
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
29
negative
9
neutral
72
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively, pleasant atmosphere
- Open, spacious design
- Enjoyable music selection
What people don't like
- Poor restaurant design
- Loud, bad music
- Unpleasant odor/dirty
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was amazing in terms of food, service, and atmosphere, all receiving a perfect 5/5. However, the experience was significantly marred by the restaurant's lack of communication.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere nicer inside, rather than the atrium
- ambianceThe entrees were good but not particularly special. Overall, our impression was that this is a fun restaurant from an ambiance and food presentation perspective, but it falls short on flavors. With the mandatory 20% tip and 5% SF ordinance tax, expect to pay upwards of $75-$90 per person.
- ambienceThe ambience was also lovely. The space felt open, airy, and light
- open kitchenopen kitchen and spacious dinning room with lots of windows and light
- musicmusic DJ was playing dance music and old Bollywood classics
- 70-80s musicgood 70-80s music as well
- Art GalleryEvery dish is prepared with love. Connected to an Art Gallery, we arrived early to look at the different galleries. We started with cocktails and shared many different plates.
- Free street parkingFree street parking
- Noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereit felt more like a bustling railway platform than the cozy, chic spot we’d envisioned
- ambienceThe ambience is of a self service cafeteria
- musicworst music playing, LOUD, volume well over the 30+ guests' conversation
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- Cleaningstarted cleaning the open kitchen at 9 pm. We were still finishing our food and they were cleaning the tables and floors around us
- ambiancethe ambiance was equally appalling
- back doorThe back door, left invitingly ajar, seemed determined to grant us a truly "airy" experience
- climategreeted by a climate that might better suit polar explorers
- emergency exitseated next to the emergency exit, where it was uncomfortably chilly
- fine diningtry to portray it as fine dining, but nowhere close to it
If youre looking for a lively spot with good music and an open, elegant feel, youll likely enjoy the ambiance here. However, be prepared for potential issues like tricky parking or occasional noise, which might detract from your experience.
Value (2.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
While a small number of diners (5 comments) found the price to be highly OK for the money or well priced, some even felt it beats some of the more central and pricey Indian restaurants. These few experiences suggest that for some, the cost was justified. However, the overwhelming sentiment (109 comments) points to significant concerns regarding value.
With a poor score of 2.5 and customer satisfaction at a mixed 4.2, many felt the food was overpriced and portions were too small. The mandatory service fee and high prices often led to a feeling that the experience was not worth the money.
Value
120
Reviews
4%
Satisfaction
109
negative
6
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Mandatory service fees
- Small portion sizes
Often praised
- Food PricesI think it’s well priced
- Indian restaurantsI would absolutely come back here. In fact, I think Besharam easily beats some of the more central and pricey Indian restaurants in San Francisco. A real gem.
- gratuityserver pointed out that the gratuity was automatically added
- pricehighly OK for the money we spent
- pricesprices were both justified
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the portion sizes. I was stunned by how little food you get for how much this place charges. It was not worth it, and I believe there are any number of better Indian restaurants nearby.
- service feeWhile the food was flavorful, it felt a bit overpriced. The most unpleasant surprise was the bill: with "no shame" (which is what Besharam means in Hindi), they added sales tax after a 5% SF mandate and a mandatory 20% service fee. This felt very shady, and I will not be returning.
- pricesWhile the food was satisfactory, the quantity was quite low. Neither the quality of the food nor the average ambience could justify the very high prices. I found it possible to find better food and ambience at several Indian eateries in the peninsula for less than half the prices of Besharam.
- billThe restroom was spotless, but unfortunately, had no soap for handwashing. Of course, the end result was a huge bill.
- service chargeWe have decided to stop dining at places where tipping is out of control. This establishment adds a 27% total tip, including a required 20% service charge, a 5% SF mandate, and sales tax on the mandatory charge, which adds another 2%. All of this is for average to below average service.
- menuWhat they don't tell you anywhere on the menu
- expensiveThe only positive was a mango-flavored palate cleanser at the end, which helped to mitigate the spice, but it was too little, too late. The meal was also very expensive, with a 20 percent service fee added to the bill, which felt undeserved given the overall poor experience. While the presentation might be appealing, the food and service lack substance.
- gratuity20% gratuity’s included even for small parties. On top of that the payment platform automatically added an extra tip of 7%
- high pricesThe name 'Besharam' translates to shameless in Hindi, and it aptly describes the establishment. They are shameless in asking high prices for mediocre food. Furthermore, they were shameless in adding a 20% tip to our bill without informing us.
- mandatory 20% tipWhile the food was good, I found it to be overpriced. I sat at the bar and was charged a mandatory 20% tip. As a solo diner at the bar, this did not feel great, especially considering the high cost of the food, with the Sag Paneer priced at $28.
If youre considering dining here, be prepared for a potentially high bill that many customers felt didnt match the value of the food or portions. The overwhelming feedback suggests that for most, the cost is a significant drawback, making it a place that might disappoint if value is a top priority for you.
How are the prices at Besharam?
You’re looking at roughly 72 per person – reported by 140 diners. That puts it in the $71–$80 category. For an Indian Restaurant in San Francisco, thats definitely on the higher-end side.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite spread out. While the average is high, theres a significant number of guests enjoying a more premium experience, spending well over 101 $, alongside others who spend less, around the 41 – 60 $ mark. So, it’s a mix, but the overall vibe leans premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 140 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s an Indian Restaurant in San Francisco, a city known for its vibrant food scene and higher prices, we think the pricing feels fair for a higher-end experience. It suggests quality ingredients and a refined dining atmosphere.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Besharam
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Flavorful Food, Outrageous Pricing
My experience at Besharam was a mixed bag. The food was genuinely flavorful, which was a definite plus. However, the pricing felt quite outrageous.
To top it off, a mandatory 20% tip was added to the bill, which left me questioning my discretion to pay based on the service received. The name 'Besharam' certainly fits.
- food8
- pricing3
- mandatory tip2
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Exceptional Wedding Dinner at Besheram
We celebrated a wedding dinner at Besheram for a party of 25 guests. Chef Heena offered to tailor a specialized menu, but we opted for her regular Chef's Tasting Menu, which was a hit with everyone and exceeded our expectations. The menu featured a blend of classic Indian dishes alongside creative inventions, impressing even those who usually prefer more traditional fare.
While one guest desired spicier pani poori water, most enjoyed the spice level. The aloo paratha was a favorite for another guest. Personally, I found the kachoris unbelievably good – spicy, sweet, moist, and flavorful, which was a surprise as I don't usually like them.
All the food was excellent, creative, and made with fresh ingredients. For service, handling a party of 25 is challenging, but the team was outstanding. The pacing of the courses was flawless, allowing us ample time to chat and savor each dish without feeling rushed.
They managed to make a large group feel intimate and relaxed, like a conversation with friends. The ambiance was perfect for our celebration. With Diwali approaching, the restaurant was adorned with festive touches like tea lights and garlands.
The DJ played dance music and old Bollywood classics, creating a festive mood. The atmosphere felt casual enough for comfort yet festive enough for a special event. We are grateful to Chef Heena and her team for making our wedding dinner smooth and special.
For a casual yet refined vegetarian dining experience, we highly recommend Besheram.
- Chef's Tasting Menu9
- classic Indian dishes8
- creative inventions8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Incredible Flavors and Passionate Service
My first time at Besharam was a fantastic experience, and I'm already a fan. The drunken pani puri, maska paneer, and ringan no oro were all incredible, offering so much flavor and creativity in every bite. Our waiter was super friendly, and the owner/chef is the sweetest.
You can truly feel the passion behind the food.
- drunken pani puri10
- maska paneer10
- ringan no oro10
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Good Gujarati Fusion with Atmosphere Issues
My experience at this restaurant offered good Gujarati fusion food. The inside atmosphere was great, however, despite having a reservation, we were seated in a garage-like structure for a birthday dinner, which was disappointing.
- Gujarati fusion8
- inside atmosphere9
- reservation seating3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
5
Decent Food, Service Issues
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The food was decent but not extraordinary. I found the paneer satay appetizer to be just okay, essentially smoked paneer with peanut sauce.
The cheesy garlic naan was excessively cheesy and didn't resemble traditional naan. The parantha was also not quite like authentic parantha, though it wasn't bad. The malai kofta was the only dish I somewhat enjoyed.
The service was also disappointing. The waiter provided inaccurate information regarding serving sizes, implying one naan per person was necessary. Additionally, the bill included a substantial service fee (20%) and a SF mandate fee (5%), with an additional request for tips.
- paneer satay5
- parantha5
- malai kofta6
- cheesy garlic naan3
- serving size3
- service fee2
What Besharam offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dietary options can you expect at Besharam?
At Besharam, you’ll find a thoughtful selection of dishes catering to various dietary needs. They offer healthy options, along with dedicated vegan and vegetarian choices. This ensures that you can enjoy a delicious meal tailored to your preferences in their upscale Dogpatch setting.
Is it easy to plan a visit to Besharam, and what are the parking options?
Planning your visit to Besharam is straightforward, as they accept reservations, and dinner reservations are highly recommended. For parking, you’ll appreciate the convenience of free street parking, with usually plenty of spots available, alongside paid street parking options in the Dogpatch area.
How does Besharam generally perform according to customer feedback?
Besharam holds an overall score of 5.7 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 48.9%. While Food (6.6) and Ambience (6.6) are rated average to good, Service (4.4) is average, and Value (2.5) is considered poor.
What are the standout features of Besharam's food?
Many guests praise the distinct flavors and creative vegetarian offerings, with dishes like Malai Kofta frequently highlighted for their quality. The culinary experience is often described as unique and memorable.
What are the main concerns customers have about Besharam?
Value is a significant concern, with many finding portion sizes small for the price. The mandatory service charge and perceived inconsistent service have also been points of contention for some diners.