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oChef » Diwali Indian – San Francisco
Diwali Indian - San Francisco
Photo from Diwali Indian
Diwali Indian at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 123 of the guests
#21 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Excellent
9.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
831
Reviews
95.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Warm service
- Pleasant setting
Frequently criticized
- Parking issues
- Food inconsistency
The restaurant Diwali Indian is an Indian restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, offering a casual dining experience. At Diwali Indian Cuisine, you’ll discover authentic flavors and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
You can enjoy diverse menu options, including vegetarian, vegan, and halal dishes, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Diwali Indian
Diwali Indian offers a delightful dining experience, with many praising the flavorful dishes and the warm, gracious owners. The ambience is often described as pleasant and clean, contributing to a relaxed meal, though finding parking can sometimes be a challenge.
While the overall experience is highly regarded, a few isolated incidents regarding service have surfaced, though these appear to be exceptions rather than the norm. Most patrons highlight the attentive staff and the overall positive atmosphere.
Excellent
9.1
out of 10
831
Reviews
95.3%
Satisfaction
20
negative
19
neutral
792
positive
Diwali Indian earns an impressive overall score of 9.1, reflecting a highly positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction is also exceptionally high at 95.3%, indicating that most patrons leave very content.
This strong performance is built on excellent feedback across 831 customer observations, with 792 positive remarks outweighing just 20 negative ones. The Service (9.5) stands out as particularly strong, often highlighted by the attentive and welcoming staff.
Food (9.1) also receives high marks for its authentic and flavorful offerings, while the Ambience (8.9) contributes significantly to a pleasant visit. Value (7.7) is considered good, with many finding the portions and pricing reasonable.
What people like
- Flavorful, authentic food
- Exceptional, warm service
- Pleasant, clean ambience
What people don't like
- Difficult parking access
- Occasional food inconsistencies
Diwali Indian comes highly recommended with a strong score of 9.3. If you’re seeking authentic Indian cuisine served with genuine hospitality in a comfortable setting, this restaurant is certainly worth a visit.
The positive experiences far outweigh the minor drawbacks. While you might encounter a slight challenge with parking or an occasional dish variation, these are generally minor points.
Expect a satisfying meal and attentive care, making it a solid choice for a delightful dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Diwali Indian
Food (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
With an excellent score of 9.1 and an impressive 94.8% customer satisfaction, the food here truly shines! Diners rave about the authentic Indian food, delicious food, and amazing flavors, often highlighting how fresh everything tastes. Out of 536 remarks, a whopping 508 celebrate the culinary experience.
While overwhelmingly positive, a few of the 13 negative comments mentioned concerns. Some found the food too spicy even when requested mild, while others noted stale puris or uncooked naan. A watery chutney and salty rice were also occasionally cited.
Food
536
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
13
negative
15
neutral
508
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Indian flavors
- Delicious, fresh food
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent spice levels
- Occasional stale items
- Under-cooked dishes
Often praised
- foodThe fish itself was perhaps a touch chewy, and nailing the temperature could elevate this dish even further. What impressed me most was that nothing felt overpowering or heavy, leaving you feeling satisfied rather than needing to wash it all down. Beyond the delicious food, the owners, Kamala and Durgaprasad, were incredibly gracious and warm, and their story was inspiring.
- Indian foodWe had food for about 50 guests, and every single dish was delicious and served hot. The quality and flavor were outstanding—truly the best Indian food I’ve had in a long time. All of our guests kept asking where the food was from because they loved it so much.
- dosaeverything from the dosa to the chutneys and sambhar is perfectly spiced
- Foodthe Food was superb
- dosasI found the Indian food to be the best in SF, and it's not even close. I regret not taking pictures of our dosas because we ate them so quickly! The food was authentic, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was great.
- South Indian foodThe staff were incredibly friendly, and the food was truly authentic and tasty. I'm excited to have found a spot in SF for quality South Indian food!
- dishesWe loved every dish except the Pav Bhaji, which we felt was a bit too tomato-ey. The rest of the dishes were sublime, with lots of flavor, a perfect amount of spice, and served very hot. We will definitely return and bring even more friends with us next time!
- chutneysexceptionally flavorful from the chutneys
- masala dosathe masala dosa had that crisp-yet-soft texture I love
- portionsamazing portions for their price
Frequently criticized
- Chicken Tikka Masalathe chicken tikka masala had a bad smell, making it inedible
- Garlic NaanThe naan was burnt
- Pani puriPani puri - the puris were stale.
- Pav BhajiPav Bhaji which we felt was a bit too tomato-ey
- chutneythe chutney itself was watery (disappointingly common).
- coconut chutneyThe coconut chutney was a little water for my taste.
- foodKamala was super nice, and I really wish I could give 5 stars. However, the food was too spicy, even after asking for mild both times I visited, including the sweet paneer butter masala. If you enjoy spicy food, I highly recommend going.
- naanNaan was 80% uncooked and doughy.
- paneer butter masalaincluding sweet paneer butter masala
- pani purimy pani puris were stale!!
If you're seeking truly authentic and flavorful Indian cuisine with generous portions, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be sure to specify your preferred spice level, as some dishes can pack a punch!
Service (9.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.5 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 97.8%, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 184 comments, a whopping 180 rave about the experience, highlighting the friendly staff, attentive service, warm welcome, and the wonderful owner Kamala who makes everyone feel special.
However, a tiny handful of 4 comments did mention some hiccups. A couple of guests experienced longer wait times, and there were isolated instances where staff interactions were less than ideal, with one particularly harsh encounter reported. While these are rare, they suggest theres always a little room for refinement, even in an otherwise stellar experience.
Service
184
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
180
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Warm welcome
What people don't like
- Long wait time
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceThe food was excellent, featuring some delicious dishes that are uncommon to find in SF. I also had a wonderful experience with the service, as Kamala was lovely, fun to chat with, and very helpful. I will definitely be a regular here!
- ownersWhat impressed me most was that nothing felt overpowering or heavy, leaving you feeling satisfied rather than needing to wash it all down. Beyond the delicious food, the owners, Kamala and Durgaprasad, were incredibly gracious and warm, and their story was inspiring. I sincerely hope their passion and tireless dedication reach many more people.
- ServiceService was friendly and excellent
- staffThe food lived up to the hype, and we were so happy with the service. It's a family-owned business, and the two owners along with their staff were so kind and attentive. We will definitely be adding this to our regular rotation :)
- hospitalityTo top it off, the owner, Kamala, was incredibly warm and welcoming. It's evident this is a place run with love, which reflects in both the food and the hospitality. This restaurant is a true gem, and I can't wait to return!
- ownerThey served the food hot, which was great. The service was great as the owner was very kind and hospitable.
- KamalaHer service and attention were top-notch. When my food was spicier than I expected, Kamala went above and beyond to provide sauces and desserts to help cool my mouth. She checked on us unobtrusively and engaged in kind conversation.
- owner KamalaThe Pepper Chicken and Gongura Chicken were packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. To top it off, the owner, Kamala, was incredibly warm and welcoming. It's evident this is a place run with love, which reflects in both the food and the hospitality.
- wait timeThere was no wait time.
- AmalAmal the restaurant manager was kind knowledgeable and very hospitable
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe staff yelled at me in front of everyone because my baby dropped a fork and some food. They made comments like "this will cause them to go out of business. " One staff member even mentioned having two kids and never dropping food.
- staffThey yelled at me in front of everyone
- wait timeThe total wait was over one hour.
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely cared for, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelming positive feedback on service suggests you're in for a warm, attentive experience, making it a solid choice for a delightful meal.
Ambience (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! This place absolutely shines when it comes to ambience, scoring an excellent 8.9. With 90 positive remarks out of 92 total, its clear customers are loving the atmosphere, vibes, and overall cleanliness.
Many rave about the cozy atmosphere and welcoming energy, making for a fantastic experience. However, it's not entirely without a hitch. A couple of comments, just 2 out of 92, pointed out a minor inconvenience regarding the parking space.
While the interior is stellar, finding a spot outside might require a little extra effort.
Ambience
92
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
90
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, bright atmosphere
- Cozy, welcoming vibe
- Quiet, easy to talk
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The place was super clean and bright, creating a wonderful atmosphere. I was particularly impressed with the food; the curry and garlic naan were the best I’ve had in the Bay Area since 2019.
- Atmospherethe Atmosphere was also rated highly
- ambienceThe ambience of the restaurant was perfect. Dim lights
- restaurantThe restaurant was spacious, airy, and bright
- experienceIt’s not just food — it’s an experience
- noise levelallowing you to have a conversation without shouting
- Noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- locationlocation is super convenient
- musicmusic here is so beautiful
- restroomand restroom, and nice manager
Frequently criticized
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
If you're looking for a restaurant with a truly delightful and welcoming atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. The ambience alone makes it a fantastic choice for a comfortable and enjoyable meal, just be prepared for potentially tricky parking.
Value (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! Many customers rave about the reasonable prices and affordable prices, often noting that the quantities are great for the cost. With a solid score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction of 73.7%, its clear most diners feel theyre getting a fantastic deal, as seen in 14 positive remarks out of 19. However, not everyone is completely thrilled.
While overwhelmingly positive, there was one comment about the price not matching the expected quality. This suggests that while generally good, there might be an occasional dish that doesn't quite hit the mark for its cost.
Value
19
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
1
negative
4
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Generous quantities
What people don't like
- Quality for price
Often praised
- priceEverything I have tried has just been exceptionally flavorful, from the chutneys to the dosa. The staff and ownership are friendly, and the price is reasonable. My partner and I are vegan, and the servers are super accommodating and able to tell you what is available, though it does change day to day.
- pricesThe prices were also super reasonable
- affordable pricesprices come pretty affordable
- amount and qualityfair for the amount and quality of food
- food pricesfood prices to be low compared to other places
- pricingfair pricing
- quantitiesthe quantities are great for the price
- reasonable pricessolid clean place with reasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- priceThe only redeeming dish was the Chilli Chicken, which was good. I am really disappointed with the quality this time, as it was definitely not what I expected for the price.
If you're looking for a place where your money goes far, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Most people find the pricing very fair for the quality and generous portions. Just be aware that one or two dishes might not always live up to the overall great value.
How are the prices at Diwali Indian?
You’re looking at roughly 31 per person – reported by 123 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 31, most guests tend to spend a bit less, with a big cluster around the $21–$30 range. But don’t be surprised to see some diners opting for a more premium experience, with a few spending over 100 $!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 123 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for an Indian Restaurant in San Francisco. It seems to hit that sweet spot, offering good value for a mid-range experience, with options for both budget-conscious diners and those looking to treat themselves a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Diwali Indian
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Lunch with Great Options
I had a delicious lunch at Diwali! The service was friendly and there were lots of great options. The Masala dosa was a favorite.
The atmosphere was rated a 4, and the food and service were rated a 5.
- Masala dosa10
- service10
- great options9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Long wait, raw food, and salty rice
My experience ordering take-out on a Friday evening was quite disappointing. The total wait time exceeded one hour. I was at the restaurant for 30 minutes after placing my order, and despite being told "five minutes more" repeatedly, there were no apologies.
The food quality was also a major issue: the naan was 80% uncooked and doughy, the tandoori chicken was raw in the center, and the rice was excessively salty.
- wait time1
- naan1
- tandoori chicken1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Consistently Amazing Indian Food!
My experience at this restaurant has been amazing. We've visited 4-5 times over the last two months, and each visit was exceptional. The food is consistently great, and the quantities are generous for the price.
We also had a fantastic experience with a large catering order for a Diwali party at our home; they absolutely nailed it with the food. We've enjoyed dishes like Goat Gongura Biryani, Butter Chicken, Malai Kofta, and Paneer Gongura Biryani. I highly recommend this place to everyone, especially if you enjoy authentic Indian food.
You will not be disappointed.
- food10
- quantities9
- catering order10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent South Indian Food in SF
There isn't a ton of truly great Indian food in SF, let alone South Indian food. Diwali rises to the occasion with great food, hospitable service, and plenty of space to host most group sizes. We ordered: Onion Pakora, Pav Bhaji, Murgh Malai kabob, Chicken 65 biryani, Masala Dosa, and Gulab jamun.
We loved every dish except the Pav Bhaji, which we felt was a bit too tomato-ey. The rest of the dishes were sublime, with lots of flavor, a perfect amount of spice, and served very hot. We will definitely return and bring even more friends with us next time!
- Indian food8
- South Indian food8
- great food9
- Pav Bhaji4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
3
Disappointing Quality, Except for Chilli Chicken
My experience at Diwali was largely disappointing this time. I ordered Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan, and Chilli Chicken. Unfortunately, the naan was burnt, and the chicken tikka masala had a bad smell, rendering it inedible.
The only redeeming dish was the Chilli Chicken, which was good. I am really disappointed with the quality this time, as it was definitely not what I expected for the price.
- Chilli Chicken8
- Garlic Naan2
- Chicken Tikka Masala1
- quality2
What Diwali Indian offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Does Diwali Indian Cuisine offer options for specific dietary needs?
Yes, Diwali Indian Cuisine caters to various dietary preferences. You’ll find a range of delicious vegetarian and vegan options available on their menu. They also offer halal food, ensuring a diverse selection for all guests looking for authentic Indian flavors.
What dining and service options are available at Diwali Indian Cuisine?
At Diwali Indian Cuisine, you can enjoy a casual dining experience with options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. They serve lunch and dinner, offer catering, and provide amenities like free Wi-Fi and restrooms. High chairs and a kids’ menu are also available for families.
What is the overall rating for Diwali Indian and what contributes to it?
Diwali Indian holds an excellent overall score of **9.1**. This is largely driven by exceptional **Service** (9.5), high-quality **Food** (9.1), and a pleasant **Ambience** (8.9), with **Value** (7.7) also rated well.
What kind of food can I expect at Diwali Indian?
You can expect flavorful and authentic Indian food, with many praising the dosas, chutneys, and various dishes for their taste and quality. Portions are often noted as generous.
Is the dining experience at Diwali Indian generally pleasant?
Yes, the dining experience is generally very pleasant, characterized by a clean and bright atmosphere, quiet surroundings, and exceptionally warm and attentive staff, including the owners.
Location
1499 Valencia St, 90110 San Francisco
Opening hours
Monday
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday – Thursday
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Friday
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday
11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday
11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM