Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Curry Leaf – San Francisco
Curry Leaf - San Francisco
Photo from Curry Leaf
Curry Leaf at a glance
San Francisco Russian Hill
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 112 of the guests
#1760 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#51 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
614
Reviews
65.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Great value
- Staff friendliness
Frequently criticized
- Limited seating
- Service inconsistency
- Basic decor
The restaurant, an inviting Indian Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Russian Hill neighborhood, welcomes you to a casual dining experience. Here, you’ll discover a standout feature: a truly great tea selection that complements every meal.
Curry Leaf offers a comfortable atmosphere where you can enjoy authentic flavors and a warm, friendly service.
Overview: Introducting Curry Leaf
Curry Leaf presents a compelling culinary experience where the flavors truly shine, making it a memorable spot for those seeking quality Indian cuisine. Guests frequently commend the excellent food quality and generous portions, which consistently receive positive remarks.
However, visitors should note that the overall ambience can be quite basic, with some finding the seating options limited. The self-service aspect for drinks and tableware also contributes to a more casual, no-frills dining atmosphere.
Good
6.8
out of 10
614
Reviews
65.3%
Satisfaction
162
negative
51
neutral
401
positive
Curry Leaf garners an overall Restaurant Score of 6.8, indicating a solid, above-average dining experience. This is complemented by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 65.3%, reflecting a mixed but generally favorable reception.
With 401 positive comments against 162 negative ones from a total of 614 customer observations, there’s a clear lean towards positive experiences. Looking at specific aspects, the Food (7.1) consistently receives high marks, often described as memorable and authentic.
Similarly, the Value (7.7) is a significant draw, offering an affordable experience. While the Ambience (6.5) is considered average, the Service (5.4) presents a more varied picture, with some appreciating the self-service model and friendly staff, while others note occasional inconsistencies.
What people like
- Memorable food quality
- Excellent value
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Inconsistent service
- Basic atmosphere
Curry Leaf is a solid choice if your priority is flavorful Indian cuisine and excellent value over a polished dining room. With a Recommendation Score of 7, it’s certainly worth considering for a satisfying and memorable meal that won’t break the bank.
Be prepared for a casual, self-service environment and potentially limited seating, as the ambience is quite basic. If you’re seeking a no-frills, budget-friendly meal where the food truly takes center stage, this spot could be a good fit for you.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Curry Leaf
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a score of 7.1, its considered good, and many customers rave about the delicious and authentic Indian food. Out of 404 total opinions, a solid 280 were positive, frequently praising the generous portions, flavorful biryani, and excellent naan.
However, its a bit of a mixed bag with 69.3% customer satisfaction. About 99 opinions point to some inconsistencies, mentioning food that can be tasteless or stale, and occasionally lacking authentic depth. Some also found certain dishes to be overly spicy, which might not suit all palates.
Food
404
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
99
negative
25
neutral
280
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, delicious food
- Generous portions
- Excellent naan
What people don't like
- Inconsistent taste/freshness
- Lacks authenticity
- Overly spicy dishes
Often praised
- foodI visited this restaurant back in 2021 and have been dreaming about coming back for the food ever since. The food here is truly memorable.
- Indian foodsome of the best Indian food I’ve ever eaten
- food qualityIt was all excellent and tasted fresh, especially the Mango Lassi, which had an amazing slightly tropical taste. I came back again the second night of our stay for the same incredible food. The staff were extremely polite and friendly.
- Garlic NaanI found it to be a decently priced establishment serving very good Indian food. I highly recommend trying the Chicken Sagg for $14, the Chicken Tikka Masala for $15, and the Garlic Naan for $3. The service was excellent, rated a 5 out of 5, and the food quality was also top-notch, receiving a 5 out of 5.
- samosasand samosas! Everything was delicious.
- Foodbest Chana Masala I've had in ten years
- Naanthe Naan was delicious!
- chicken tikka masalaI've tried several dishes, and everything has been tasty. Specifically, I enjoyed the chicken keema biryani, which was surprisingly good, along with the chicken tikka masala, achaari chicken, and bhindi. The restaurant is also commendably fast in getting orders out.
- naanIf you want great naan, this is the place for you.
- portionsloved the taste and the portions
Frequently criticized
- foodI forgot the name but loved the food. Next morning, not as much haha! Great price too for the amount of quality food!
- Indian foodMy experience at this restaurant was a scam in the name of Indian food. The Biryani was the worst I've ever had.
- chickenthe chicken was still raw and could see the blood
- raitaStay away from the raita though as it can be salty.
- biriyanibiriyani... it was a utter disappointment
- chicken biryaniI order chicken biriany it should be full plate rice and chicken but they give me little
- flavorsIt lacked the authentic depth you'd expect from such a dish. The Dal Tadka was even worse, with the flavors falling flat and lacking the punch of well-cooked lentils and spices. It felt bland and unmemorable.
- menuNo where on the menu does it indicate that rice is separate
- naanThe Chloe and the Bhagain Bhartha were good and spicy. However, the naan and the quality of the paneer could definitely use some improvement.
- rotisthey made rotis like crackers
If you're seeking hearty, flavorful Indian cuisine with great naan and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many dishes are praised for authenticity, some experiences suggest a slight inconsistency in taste and spice levels.
Service (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
On the bright side, many guests, with 51 positive remarks out of 107 total, really appreciated the friendly service and warm hospitality from the staff. They often highlighted quick waiting time and found the self serve setup quite convenient. This contributes to an average score of 5.4, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 47.7%.
However, its not all smooth sailing. With 45 negative comments, some experiences pointed to poor service and rude employee behavior, with mentions of staff having a bad attitude. Issues like long waiting time for orders and confusion around the self-service format also came up, suggesting theres room for improvement.
Service
107
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
45
negative
11
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick waiting time
- Convenient self-serve
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Poor service
- Strange self-service format
Often praised
- serviceThe ambience, service, and overall food quality were impressive.
- staffWhile the self-service for plates, cutlery, and drinks might deter some, I found it added to the atmosphere, making it feel like a cozy, family-run dining room. The staff were the most lovely and genuine people in San Francisco! I absolutely recommend giving this place a visit!
- ServiceThank you so much Ramzan Ali I really appreciate
- self-serviceIt's very much self service with drinks and tableware, but I loved that, too
- SERVICESERVICE- self-serve but the prices make it more than worth it
- VinodVinod the manager is convivial
- consistent experienceComforted by the consistent experience
- customer serviceGreat customer service
- desi uncleThe desi uncle who owns the place is very nice
- drinks and tablewareself service with drinks and tableware, but I loved that, too
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was the worst food I've tasted in SF so far. The service was also poor, as Mohammad doesn't know how to behave and doesn't take care of the guest's preferences. I would not recommend this place for vegetarians.
- ownerIn a hurry, I agreed and walked to the restaurant, arriving within 11 minutes. Upon arrival, I stood to inquire about my phone-in order while the owner was busy playing pretend boss, asking multiple people who came first in the queue. I explained I had phoned in my order and was just checking on its status, offering to wait.
- self-serviceself-service aspect for plates, water, and spoons felt a little strange
- staffthe young cashier was arrogant to Indian customers
- waiting timeyou have to wait whatever time is needed even if another 15 minutes
- JoyUp customer servicedealing with their customer service has been slow and feels like you're texting a boy
- ServiceService:3
- afternoon hoursthey are open during afternoon hours. But, when we went there at around 3 PM, they said they are closed.
- bad attitudeGood with with bad attitude spoils everything
- basic courtesyHowever, there was a desi boy with spectacles who, in my opinion, had a very bad attitude. I let this slide once and even corrected him, but I feel he lacks basic courtesy. This bad attitude unfortunately spoils everything, despite the good food.
If youre okay with a self-serve style and value quick, friendly interactions, you might find the service here perfectly fine. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies, as some experiences suggest theres still work to be done on overall staff attitude and service quality.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.5 with 53.3% customer satisfaction. Many appreciate the overall atmosphere and vibe, often described as clean and comfortable, especially in its safe neighborhood location. With 32 positive remarks out of 60 total, guests often enjoy the delicious aroma of spices and the feeling of a local, quaint spot.
However, its not all sunshine. Some found the atmosphere disappointing, noting limited seating and basic furniture in a small space. Parking can also be a challenge, with several comments about parking difficulties.
A few even mentioned the interior feeling dark' or not entirely clean.
Ambience
60
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
14
negative
14
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, comfortable setting
- Good neighborhood vibe
- Delicious aroma of spices
What people don't like
- Limited seating options
- Difficult parking
- Basic furniture
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:4
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessthe cleanliness of the place
- neighborhoodIt's very clean and the food is tasty. I felt very safe in this very safe neighborhood, North Beach!
- placeHighly recommendable place
- ambienceThe ambience, service, and overall food quality were impressive.
- aroma of spicesyou can smell a delicious aroma of spices
- cleanVery clean
- comfortable settingthe place has a comfortable setting
- families accommodated7-8 families can be accommodated
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere of the venue is very dirty/sticky feeling
- limited seatingOnly downside is limited seating
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- clean areaNot at all clean area
- darkand dark
- furnitureMy experience at this restaurant was characterized by its small sitting area with very basic furniture. It's a self-service establishment where you collect your own plates and spoons from a designated area.
- locked outI was locked out of the restaurant
- sitting areaMy experience at this restaurant was characterized by its small sitting area with very basic furniture. It's a self-service establishment where you collect your own plates and spoons from a designated area.
- sitting optionsNot that many sitting options inside or outside
If youre looking for a cozy, clean spot with a local feel and dont mind potentially limited seating or a bit of a hunt for parking, this place could be a charming find. However, if spaciousness and easy parking are top priorities for your dining experience, you might find it a bit challenging.
Value (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a strong score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 88.4%, most diners found it to be a great value for money experience. Many appreciated the affordable prices and how budget friendly it was, often calling it a reasonable price for the quality, based on 38 positive sentiments.
However, not everyone was entirely thrilled. A few customers, 4 to be exact, felt it was expensive for plate given the offering. There were also some mentions of issues with a BOGO promotion and pricing being a bit ambiguous, suggesting a few areas for improvement.
Value
43
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Affordable prices
- Budget friendly
What people don't like
- Expensive for plate
- Ambiguous pricing
Often praised
- priceTwo guys and I ordered one rice with two curries. The price was reasonable and the food was delicious! The chicken curry had a very Korean flavor, while the lamb curry had a unique taste.
- pricesFor dessert, the KHEER was creamy and sweet, and I really enjoyed it, though I was a bit disappointed it didn't seem to have saffron, which is understandable. The service is self-serve, but the prices make it more than worth it. Overall, everything was tasty, and I would recommend this place!
- value for moneyGreat value for money
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–$20
- affordable priceEher günstig. ... dishes for 10, 11 $.
- affordable pricesfor such affordable prices
- budget friendlyit’s really budget friendly.
- experienceno fuss, no muss, no break-the-wallet experience
- fair valuea grand total of $24 was rather fair value for a meal
- inexpensive single $ restaurantthis is an inexpensive single $ restaurant
Frequently criticized
- BOGO promotionWould not recommend the BOGO promotion
- expensive for plateit’s expensive for there plate
- parkingalso no parking. need to pay for the parking
- pricingpricing ambiguous
If youre looking for a meal that wont break the bank, this place is definitely worth checking out, as most find it offers great bang for your buck. Just be mindful of specific promotions and clarify pricing if anything seems unclear to ensure a smooth experience.
How are the prices at Curry Leaf?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 112 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an Indian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 25, it’s cool to see that a big group of guests actually spend less, often in the $11–$20 range. This suggests there are some fantastic budget-friendly options, even though a few diners also splurge on the more premium experiences!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 112 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an Indian restaurant in San Francisco, especially with those great value options available.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Curry Leaf
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Exceptional Service and Good Food
My experience at the restaurant was excellent. The food was good, and the service was exceptional. The staff truly went above and beyond.
My sister was fasting, and they kindly offered a fruit bowl when requested, even though it was not part of the menu. This demonstrated great customer service, and the price was reasonable!
- food7
- service10
- staff10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
6
Okay Food, Odd Service, Good Location
My experience at this restaurant was a bit unusual. The self-service aspect for plates, water, and spoons felt a little strange. The food was just okay, nothing special.
On the positive side, the location is good. However, there weren't many sitting options available, both inside and outside.
- food5
- location8
- self-service3
- sitting options4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Raw Tandoori Chicken - Major Disappointment
My experience at this restaurant was largely defined by the food quality. While the prices are really cheap, which likely contributes to their business model, the actual meal was a significant letdown. I ordered the Tandoori chicken, and to my dismay, it was still raw and visibly contained blood.
This was a major bummer and indicates a lack of proper cooking. The service was practically non-existent, though I understand this might be a consequence of their low pricing. The atmosphere, however, was decent, scoring a 4 out of 5.
- prices7
- atmosphere8
- service2
- food2
- Tandoori chicken1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
1
Terrible Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was the worst food I've tasted in SF so far. The service was also poor, as Mohammad doesn't know how to behave and doesn't take care of the guest's preferences. I would not recommend this place for vegetarians.
- food1
- service1
- guest's preference1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Superb Naan, Sub-par Chicken Tikka Masala
We visited this restaurant for lunch based on Google reviews. The Garlic Naan was superb; honestly, very few places serve such delicious naan! However, the chicken Tikka Masala was sub-par.
The portion was okay to share between two people, but the chicken was a bit chewy, perhaps I had high hopes. The veg biryani was flavorful. With absolute minimalist ambience and reasonable prices, this place is okay for a trial if you are around and are craving Indian/Pakistani flavors.
- Garlic Naan10
- veg biryani8
- ambience5
- chicken Tikka Masala3
What Curry Leaf offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What unique dining options can you find at Curry Leaf in Russian Hill?
At Curry Leaf, you can explore a diverse menu featuring late-night food, healthy options, and small plates perfect for sharing. The restaurant also caters to various dietary needs with delicious vegan, vegetarian, and halal food choices, ensuring there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal.
Does Curry Leaf offer convenient service options and dining experiences?
Yes, Curry Leaf provides a range of convenient service options including onsite services, takeout, and delivery, so you can enjoy your meal wherever you prefer. You can also dine-in, with outdoor seating available. The restaurant offers dining options for lunch, dinner, and dessert, and even provides catering services for your special events.
What is the overall rating for Curry Leaf and its key strengths?
Curry Leaf has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.8. Its strongest points are the highly-rated Food (7.1) and excellent Value (7.7). The Ambience (6.5) is considered average, and Service (5.4) receives mixed feedback.
Is Curry Leaf considered budget-friendly?
Yes, many customers highlight Curry Leaf for its excellent value and affordable prices, making it a budget-friendly option for Indian cuisine. The experience is often described as “no fuss, no break-the-wallet.”
What should I know about the service and atmosphere at Curry Leaf?
Curry Leaf operates with a self-service model for drinks and tableware, which some find adds to a cozy atmosphere, while others find it strange. The ambience is generally described as basic, clean, and comfortable, though seating can be limited.