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oChef » Yarsa – San Francisco
Yarsa - San Francisco
Photo from Yarsa
Yarsa at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 88 of the guests
#52 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#7 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Excellent
9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
470
Reviews
93.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive Service
- Flavorful Food
- Cozy Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Slow Service
- Uncomfortable Seating
- Dish Inconsistency
The restaurant Yarsa, an Indian Restaurant located in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood, invites you to experience a culinary journey. You’ll find a cozy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal, whether you’re seeking healthy options or exploring diverse flavors.
This spot is known for its authentic Nepalese and Indian dishes, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts in the city.
Overview: Introducting Yarsa
Yarsa offers a delightful dining experience, particularly shining with its culinary creations that boast considerable flavor and a truly attentive service team. Many guests appreciate the genuine hospitality, making for a memorable visit.
While the overall experience is strong, some minor points to consider include occasional longer waiting times for orders and a few remarks about uncomfortable seating. However, these are generally outweighed by the positive aspects.
Excellent
9
out of 10
470
Reviews
93.4%
Satisfaction
20
negative
11
neutral
439
positive
Yarsa truly stands out, earning an impressive restaurant score of 9 out of 10. This is strongly supported by an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 93.4%. Based on 470 customer remarks, with 439 positive observations and only 20 negative ones, it’s clear that most diners leave feeling very pleased with their experience.
Diving deeper, the culinary offerings are a major draw, with Food scoring an excellent (9). The Service also receives high praise, rated at an outstanding (9.2), indicating a highly attentive team.
The restaurant’s Ambience contributes significantly to the experience, achieving a strong (8.8), while Value is considered good at (8.1).
What people like
- Attentive, kind service
- Flavorful, authentic food
- Cozy, quiet ambiance
What people don't like
- Extended waiting times
- Uncomfortable seating
- Inconsistent dish quality
With a strong recommendation score of 9.1, Yarsa is certainly worth considering for a meal. The restaurant consistently delivers on its culinary promise and provides genuinely warm service, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a pleasant dining experience.
If you’re not in a rush and prioritize delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere over speed, Yarsa is a solid pick. Just be mindful of potential longer waits during busy periods, but the overall quality makes it a worthwhile visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Yarsa
Food (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, guests are absolutely raving! With an excellent score of 9 and a fantastic 92.9% customer satisfaction, the kitchen is clearly hitting all the right notes. Many of the 286 positive comments highlight the incredibly flavorful and delicious dishes, often praising the authentic taste.
The huge variety of dishes also receives high praise, ensuring something for everyone. However, not every bite was perfect, with 14 negative remarks noted. A few guests found some momos to be bland or criticized dumplings for having thick dumpling skin.
There were also mentions of frozen veggies in some dishes, and a very serious concern about food poisoning was raised by one customer.
Food
308
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
14
negative
8
neutral
286
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, authentic flavors
- Wide dish variety
- Excellent vegetarian options
What people don't like
- Food poisoning reported
- Thick dumpling skin
- Frozen veggies used
Often praised
- foodThis is my favorite hidden gem of North Beach. The service is lovely, and the food is amazing, especially for vegetarians. I highly recommend getting the SOUP momos.
- garlic naanWe tried this place last week on a whim and I haven’t stopped thinking about how good the food was. We had the chicken almond cashew curry (made with coconut milk) with naan and butter chicken with garlic naan. Looking forward to the food again soon!
- butter chickenWe tried this place last week on a whim and I haven’t stopped thinking about how good the food was. We had the chicken almond cashew curry (made with coconut milk) with naan and butter chicken with garlic naan. Looking forward to the food again soon!
- naanWe tried this place last week on a whim and I haven’t stopped thinking about how good the food was. We had the chicken almond cashew curry (made with coconut milk) with naan and butter chicken with garlic naan. Looking forward to the food again soon!
- Chicken Tikka MasalaI enjoyed the delicious Indian and Nepalese food. We tried the Kathmandu Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Himalayan Ginger Garlic Curry, all of which were excellent. The spice level was selectable, which is a great feature.
- almond cashew curryvery favourite and most ordered almond cashew curry
- flavorSo much flavor and authenticity
- garlic cheese naanginger garlic curry and garlic cheese naan are the best
- momoshad momos and tandoori. So much flavor
- Food🧑🍳 Initially, I wasn't sure how it would taste as I'd never had it before, but I've completely fallen for it. It's constantly on my mind, and I could eat it every day for sure. 👍 Their Cauliflower dish is insane; I love the crispy texture and the flavor.
Frequently criticized
- okra masalathe okra masala was absolutely horrible - undercooked, poor quality okra
- Wai Wai noodle soupWai Wai noodle soup, which had very obviously frozen veggies
- biryaniThe biryani was missing salt
- cheese naanvery disappointed of her cheese naan which was too cheesy, almost like a pizza
- chickenthe chicken wasn't well marinated
- dumplingswasn’t a fan of the dumplings—the skin was too thick
- dumplings fillingThe red curry sauce was really good. However, I wasn’t a fan of the dumplings—the skin was too thick, and the filling was a bit too salty. Overall, the rest of the food was okay, not surprisingly good.
- food poisoningwe all ended up with food poisoning
- frozen veggiesvery obviously frozen veggies in it
- milkMine came out a bit watered down or thin
Overall, the food here is overwhelmingly praised for its delicious and authentic flavors, offering a wide array of choices for everyone. While there are a few minor critiques, the high satisfaction and excellent score suggest youre in for a fantastic meal. Its definitely worth trying for a memorable culinary experience.
Service (9.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.2 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 96.5%, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 85 remarks, a whopping 82 rave about the friendly, attentive, and quick service, often highlighting the staffs top-notch hospitality and helpful recommendations.
However, its not entirely without a hitch. A couple of comments (2 out of 85) did mention concerns about waiting time and slow service. While these instances seem to be outliers, its worth noting that a long wait can sometimes impact the overall experience.
Service
85
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
82
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, top-notch service
- Excellent hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waiting time
Often praised
- serviceI had the almond cashew nut curry and it was so good. Lisa was very hospitable, and we had good conversations, making me feel welcomed. I would definitely recommend this restaurant again and would return if I ever visit San Francisco again.
- staffI had a fantastic meal here. The food was all delicious, the staff attentive, and I think it was very reasonably priced for the quality of meal you get. As a vegetarian, I found there were lots of delicious options, and I will highlight that the 'Yarsa chat' was absolutely delicious.
- ServiceService was courteous and timely
- waitressMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The sweetest waitress made our visit special, even giving my sister a free dessert and singing happy birthday. I love good people.
- LisaLisa is so sweet, she is amazing, such a gem
- SachinaSachina was our waitress and she was actually from Nepal! Super helpful super accommodating and very friendly!
- serverThe ambiance was warm and inviting, with traditional Indian music playing softly in the background. The service was top-notch; our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and made excellent recommendations. The real star of the show was the food, particularly the chili momo and butter chicken.
- arrangementEverything was perfect from the arrangement, execution, and service.
- attentive serviceattentive service
- cateringrecently catered yarsa to my job and also loved it
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe Slowest restaurant
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was defined by extremely slow service. I had to wait for more than 30 minutes for just 3 items. The waiting time was unacceptable.
If you value excellent hospitality and attentive staff, this place is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelming positive feedback suggests you'll likely have a smooth and enjoyable dining experience, despite a rare mention of slow service.
Ambience (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
If youre looking for a place with great vibes, youre in luck! The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.8 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 93.8%. With 60 positive comments out of 64 total, guests consistently praise the cozy vibes, music, lighting, and art, and Nepalese decor that create a warm atmosphere for a memorable dining experience.
However, a few of the 3 negative remarks point to uncomfortable benches and a lack of cushions on chairs. While the overall atmosphere is overwhelmingly positive, these minor comfort issues suggest that seating could be improved for those planning to settle in for a longer visit.
Ambience
64
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, warm atmosphere
- Thoughtful lighting, music
- Inviting Nepalese decor
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable seating
- Lack of cushions
Often praised
- atmospherethe cozy atmosphere makes the whole experience even better
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was quiet, easy to talk
- ambianceThe music, lighting, and art all created an ambiance for the perfect birthday dinner.
- ambienceStarting from the ambience, they decorated the restaurant with beautiful flowers making the event was elegant and welcoming.
- cozy atmosphereThe spices were well-balanced, and the ingredients were fresh, creating a truly satisfying dining experience. The friendly service and cozy atmosphere made it a great spot for anyone craving delicious Nepalese food. Highly recommended!
- Cozy restaurantCozy restaurant
- Nepalese decorParking can be challenging yet doable. The interior is nicely done with Nepalese decor on the walls. I had the cashew cream curry with medium heat - delicious!
- airflowwith clean airflow, (and felt so nice as if there was a HEPA machine there)
- bringing friendsThe service is amazing; the staff are so kind and attentive! My husband and I love having our date nights here, and it’s also fantastic for bringing friends, as they have a table that could sit 10-12 people. After dinner, we often linger with our drinks—there’s no pressure to leave, unlike at other places in SF.
- cozy and casualrestaurant is cozy and casual
Frequently criticized
- Parking spaceWe enjoyed a fantastic lunch at Yarsa Nepalese yesterday. Parking can be challenging yet doable. The interior is nicely done with Nepalese decor on the walls.
- benches of the boothsthe benches of the booths are really uncomfortable
- cushions on chairsNo cushion on the chairs
Overall, this spot offers a wonderfully inviting atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal or date night. You'll likely enjoy the cozy and well-decorated space, but be mindful of the seating if you plan to linger for extended periods.
Value (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! Customers consistently rave about how affordable and inexpensive the food is, often highlighting the value for the price. With a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 84.6% across 11 positive remarks, its clear many find the prices incredibly reasonable for the quality received.
However, among the 13 total opinions, there was one comment noting that the "pricing" could make eating Indian cuisine feel a bit on the higher side. This is a solitary point amidst a sea of praise, suggesting its an isolated concern rather than a widespread issue.
Value
13
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Super affordable prices
- Reasonably priced quality
What people don't like
- Pricing felt high
Often praised
- pricesPrices are very reasonable for the quality you get
- affordablesuper affordable for great curry and naan
- priceAlthough I've lived nearby for longer than a year, I somehow never tried it, and boy was that a mistake. The food is great all around, reasonably priced, and the staff is friendly. They are quick to make the food.
- PricesPrices are reasonable too
- inexpensiveMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with a great selection of vegan options, including momo. The food was delicious and relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to the overpriced Italian restaurants nearby. The only downside was the Wai Wai noodle soup, which contained very obviously frozen vegetables.
- valuethe value was incredible
- value for the priceI highly recommend getting the SOUP momos. It's also a great value for the price. I go there every week!
Frequently criticized
- pricingmade the pricing to eat Indian Cuisine on higher side.
If youre seeking delicious food that wont empty your wallet, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. The overwhelming consensus points to excellent value, making it a smart choice for a satisfying and affordable meal.
How are the prices at Yarsa?
You’re looking at roughly 31 per person – reported by 88 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an Indian Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 31, it’s interesting to see that many guests actually spend less, often clustering in the $21–$30 range, suggesting a good mix of options from more budget-friendly to slightly more premium dishes.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 88 reviews.
Compare this restaurant’s value for money against similar places in San Francisco.
Considering its an Indian restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. There seems to be good value, whether youre looking for a quick bite or a more indulgent meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Yarsa
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Years of Unrivaled Yarsa Experience
My fiancée and I have been frequenting this restaurant for years, and we find there is truly no rival. When we crave Yarsa and it's closed, we simply don't eat. We highly recommend trying the chicken chili momos and the rice pudding.
For the best experience, we suggest eating in as it's comfortable and feels like home.
- Yarsa10
- chicken chili momos10
- rice pudding10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Yarsa Chat, Will Return!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The Yarsa Chat was absolutely delicious, and I'm definitely coming back for it. I'm also eager to try more of their curries and dumplings.
The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere was equally impressive at 5/5. The food itself was rated 4/5. We experienced no wait time, and the price per person was between $30–50 for dinner.
- Yarsa Chat10
- curries and dumplings8
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Indian/Nepalese Food & Lively Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the delicious Indian and Nepalese food. We tried the Kathmandu Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Himalayan Ginger Garlic Curry, all of which were excellent.
The spice level was selectable, which is a great feature. The service was nice, and the atmosphere in North Beach, a vibrant district, was lively and enjoyable. It's a great area with a lot going on, and convenient access to multiple bus lines.
Overall, it was a great dining experience with tasty food and good service in a fun location.
- Indian and Nepalese food9
- Kathmandu Chicken9
- Chicken Tikka Masala9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fantastic Food and Service for All!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was excellent, and the service was top-notch. We had vegetarians in our group, and they were thrilled with the variety of choices available for them.
The spice levels were perfectly adjusted for everyone's preferences, even for the youngest among us with the butter chicken. This is a must-visit restaurant in San Francisco!
- food10
- service10
- variety of choices9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Lunch with Great Service
We had a lovely lunch experience. The waitress was lovely and very helpful. The lamb was so good and the cashew paneer was so yummy.
The mango lassi was fresh.
- lamb9
- cashew paneer10
- mango lassi9
What Yarsa offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dietary options are available at Yarsa Nepalese & Indian Cuisine?
At Yarsa Nepalese & Indian Cuisine, you’ll discover a wide array of choices to suit your dietary needs. They proudly offer healthy options, dedicated vegan and vegetarian dishes, and halal food. You can enjoy organic selections and small plates, ensuring a satisfying meal for everyone.
Is Yarsa Nepalese & Indian Cuisine family-friendly and accessible?
Yes, Yarsa Nepalese & Indian Cuisine is good for kids, providing a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs for your convenience. The restaurant is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
How does Yarsa generally perform according to customer feedback?
Yarsa receives an excellent overall restaurant score of **9** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **93.4%**. This is driven by strong scores in **Service** (9.2), **Food** (9), **Ambience** (8.8), and **Value** (8.1).
What do customers particularly enjoy about Yarsa's offerings?
Diners frequently praise the **flavor** and authenticity of the food, highlighting dishes like butter chicken and momos. The **attentive service** from staff members like Lisa and Sachina also consistently receives high marks.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by visitors?
Some guests have noted occasional **waiting times** for orders and found the **benches of the booths** to be uncomfortable. Parking can also be challenging, though usually manageable.