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oChef » DIYA – San Francisco
DIYA - San Francisco
Photo from DIYA
DIYA at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 80 of the guests
#1489 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#46 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
455
Reviews
71.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Food
- Great Value
- Friendly Service
Frequently criticized
- Basic Ambience
- Self-Service Aspects
- Food Inconsistencies
The restaurant DIYA Indian and Nepali Cuisine is a welcoming Indian Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant South of Market neighborhood. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
This spot is known for its diverse menu, offering everything from quick bites to full dinners. Whether you’re looking for healthy options or delicious vegan dishes, you’ll discover something to satisfy your cravings here.
Overview: Introducting DIYA
DIYA offers a culinary journey where the owner and staff often go the extra mile, providing a truly friendly and welcoming experience. Many appreciate the vibrant flavors packed into their dishes, making for a satisfying meal.
However, some guests have noted concerns regarding the overall atmosphere , describing it as an open area that can sometimes feel like a food court . While the food often shines, these environmental aspects can detract from the dining experience.
Good
7.2
out of 10
455
Reviews
71.9%
Satisfaction
112
negative
16
neutral
327
positive
DIYA generally holds a good standing, with an overall Restaurant Score of 7.2 out of 10. This is supported by a solid Customer Satisfaction rate of 71.9% , indicating that most diners leave content. These figures are drawn from a substantial 455 customer observations, reflecting a broad consensus.
Diving deeper, the Food (7.3) and Value (7.5) are clearly strong points, frequently praised for their quality and affordability. Service (7.1) also performs well, often highlighted for its attentive staff.
The Ambience (6.2), however, sits in the average range, suggesting it’s an area that could see improvement.
What people like
- Flavorful Indian/Nepalese food
- Excellent value for money
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- Uninviting, basic ambience
- Lack of full service
- Occasional food inconsistencies
If you’re seeking a place where the Food and Value truly stand out, DIYA is certainly worth considering. With a Recommendation Score of 7.3 , it generally delivers a satisfying experience, especially for those prioritizing taste and affordability over elaborate surroundings.
While the Ambience might not impress everyone, the consistent quality of the cuisine and the often friendly interactions make it a solid choice. It’s a good spot for a casual meal where the flavors are the main event, so set your expectations accordingly.
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Verdict: Our expert take on DIYA
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
Overall, the food here receives a solid 7.3 score, with a good 74.4% customer satisfaction. Many diners, accounting for 218 positive comments out of 293, rave about the authentic Indian food, delicious food, and full of flavor dishes. Guests frequently praise the large portions and excellent taste, making it a popular choice for many.
However, not everyone is completely satisfied, with 65 negative remarks. Some experiences mention food being stale or having no spice no taste, while others noted soggy naan or concerns about frozen veggies. A few even reported issues like a metallic clip in their meal, which is definitely a dealbreaker.
Food
293
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
65
negative
10
neutral
218
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful cuisine
- Generous portion sizes
- Excellent taste
What people don't like
- Food can be stale
- Lacks spice/taste
- Food safety issues
Often praised
- foodThe Nepalese/Indian food here is packed with flavor. The owners are almost always present and clearly take pride in their food. We've explored a good portion of the menu and have genuinely enjoyed everything we've tried.
- garlic naangarlic naan. All had perfect spice and were full of flavor!
- naanThe naan and curry are really delicious
- FoodThe biryani was very good.
- biryanidefinitely some of the best biryani I’ve had in the US
- flavorMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was looking for a place full of flavor and I found it here. The shrimp masala is the best in town.
- flavorsMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive. The food was delicious and not too spicy, with great flavors and ingredients. The staff was so nice and friendly.
- malai koftamalai kofta which is probably one of the most unique dishes I’ve had and it was amazing
- palak paneerpalak paneer... pretty excellent
- portionsThe chana masala was the best I've ever tasted. I was impressed by the generous portions and the excellent value for money. The owner was polite and attentive, kindly serving the food.
Frequently criticized
- foodI would not recommend it. The food had no taste. The biryani was disappointing, containing only potatoes and vegetables, and the tikka consisted solely of broccoli.
- ricediscovered that rice was extra
- biryaniordered a biryani. But it was nothing like a biryani.
- FoodFood:1
- chickenthe chicken was not nice. There were pieces of cartilage in the chicken
- garlic naanGarlic naan wasn’t the freshest
- naannaan was hard and stale
- paneerMy experience was horrible. I got food delivered, and the paneer had no salt. The dal was not like dal at all.
- tandooritandoori was not anywhere near like it’s name
- Indian foodway far from cooking real Indian food
If youre seeking authentic Indian and Nepali flavors with generous portions, this spot is generally a good bet. While most experiences are positive, be aware that some guests have encountered issues with freshness or consistency. Its worth trying for the highly praised dishes, but keep an eye out for potential inconsistencies.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 72%. Based on 93 opinions, with 67 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the friendly staff, quick serve, and attentive owner, often highlighting the Indian hospitality that makes them feel truly welcome. However, not everyone had a smooth experience.
The 25 negative comments point to issues like non existent service, long wait times, and even rude operator interactions. Some also noted problems with order accuracy and a general feeling of being ignored, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency.
Service
93
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
25
negative
1
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, fast service
- Welcoming owner
What people don't like
- Non-existent service
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceThe restaurant also has great vibes, making it a perfect spot for a social lunch or dinner. The service was friendly too!
- staffthe staff was very kind and friendly
- ownerI've been here almost 10 times in the past year. The food is INCREDIBLE, and the owner is the best person I've met from SF. I would strongly recommend this place to everyone considering what to eat; you wouldn't go wrong ordering these choices.
- ServiceService:5
- deliveryliterally 5 min later, the owner is personally delivering it to me 🙌🏻
- ownersThe owners are almost always there and take pride
- Binu n TulsiBinu n Tulsi were extremely nice
- Indian hospitalityThey even allow you to eat takeout inside the restaurant, which is adorable, especially since I made a mistake while ordering. It was truly Indian hospitality at its finest. The food in general was rated 5/5, and the service was also rated 5/5.
- OwnerThe Owner is friendly
- curbside pickupThey offer curbside pickup
Frequently criticized
- serviceThis is not just a dietary preference — it’s a deeply personal and spiritual practice. I trusted your service to respect that, and this error is not only careless but deeply offensive.
- Diya restaurantwouldn't recommend Diya restaurant to anyone
- ServiceService:1
- cutleryThe food was just okay, but the ambience and service were terrible. It felt like a food court where you have to order your own food, grab your own cutlery and water, and then find a table. This was relatively easy as the place was usually empty.
- feedbackthey could potentially take my feedback and do something about it. But they never picked up
- grab your cutlerygrab your cutlery before you find a table
- hostThe quantity is a lot, and the host was gracious enough to offer boxes to go. While the food was good, I am only giving 4 stars to the service because the host doesn’t smile and kept a RBF while being polite. I will definitely try other dishes here.
- individualsextremely rude individuals who do not care
- make your fooddo not care to make your food
- managermanager there had no manners
Overall, the service here seems to be a pleasant experience for most, making it worth a visit if you value a warm welcome and quick attention. Just be aware that a few guests have encountered hiccups, so temper your expectations for absolute perfection.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot lands an average score of 6.2, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 51.1%. Based on 24 positive remarks out of 47 total, many appreciate the atmosphere and vibes, describing it as a cute place that feels clean and roomy. Some even found it quiet and wheelchair accessible.
However, 18 negative opinions point to areas needing improvement. Concerns include dated decor, loud TVs, and the use of plastic cups. Some found the dining area uncomfortable, noting a food court feel or a shanky neighborhood outside, which can detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
47
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
18
negative
5
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, roomy place
- Good vibes
- Wheelchair accessible
What people don't like
- Dated decor
- Loud TVs
- Food court feel
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was amazing, with lots of great spices. The service was welcoming, and the atmosphere had a very traditional feel. I recommend it for sure!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeWe were very few in the restaurant this Friday evening and received a very warm welcome, in a simple place (like home). We ate very well.
- restaurantthey share the opinion that this is a great restaurant
- Wheelchair accessibilityit's easy to maneuver a wheelchair or a mobility scooter and the tables are accessible
- cityI absolutely loved the food. The place itself is cute and perfectly situated in the heart of the city. The service was exceptional, with Binu and Tulsi being extremely nice.
- cleanYou will find clean
- cleanlinessIt’s clean
- crowdedI've brought many friends here, and they all agree that it's a great restaurant. It's never crowded, and the food is freshly prepared. While it takes a few minutes for food to come out of the kitchen, even with few diners, this is my favorite Indian restaurant in this neighborhood, which has many strong Indian restaurants!
- open lateIt was open late
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The place itself is just an open area with seats placed around, which didn't feel very inviting. The main reason for our dissatisfaction was that they did not have chowmein on the menu, which was the dish we specifically came for.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- decornothing fancy about the decor and it actually looks run down
- TVsthe TVs are particularly loud
- ambiencethe ambience sucks
- area outsidewhat's going on right outside can look a little sketch sometimes
- dining areaThe room is not necessarily very comfortable
- food courtIt’s like a food court
- glassWe got a glass with a lipstick stain on it
- interiorThe interior could be more fun and inviting
If youre looking for a clean, roomy spot with decent vibes and dont mind a potentially dated look or some noise, it might be worth a visit. However, if a cozy, upscale atmosphere is a must, you might find yourself a bit disappointed.
Value (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.5 and a good customer satisfaction of 81.8%, its clear most diners feel theyre getting a great deal. Many praise the Value for money, affordable prices, and even incredible price, making for a true bank for buck experience across 18 positive remarks.
However, out of 22 total comments, a few voices (4 to be exact) did express some minor concerns. While most found the prices reasonable, a couple of guests felt the money they spent wasnt always justified, particularly noting that rice was extra, which came as a surprise to some.
Value
22
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Rice costs extra
Often praised
- pricesI found the service to be really fast, and the food was good. What impressed me most were the good prices, which made the overall experience feel like home. It's a great place for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was positive. The portion size was good for the price and the food was tasty. I was impressed by the tons of vegetarian options available.
- Value for moneyValue for money
- affordable pricesat affordable prices
- bank for buck experienceI went to this restaurant last night after a conference, and it was the perfect bank for buck experience. I highly recommend this location.
- beersThe atmosphere includes typical Bollywood videos playing overhead on TVs while you wait. I particularly appreciated the very reasonably priced beers, including Sierra Nevada, which is a favorite of mine. Despite opening during the pandemic lockdown and relying heavily on delivery services like UberEats and DoorDash, they offer curbside pickup.
- incredible priceThe shrimp masala is the best in town. They offer large portions for an incredible price, making it a must-try. The restaurant is conveniently located close to Market and easy to find.
- mealour meal was reasonably priced
- value for moneyExcellent value for money
Frequently criticized
- moneymoney we spent
- priceBetter feel guilty for paying $36.99
- riceRice was extra
- rice was extradiscovered that rice was extra
If youre looking for a place where your wallet wont feel too light, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Most guests rave about the excellent value and affordable prices, ensuring a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Just be aware that some sides, like rice, might come with an additional cost.
How are the prices at DIYA?
On average, you’ll spend around 27 per person – based on 80 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For an Indian Restaurant in San Francisco, that feels comfortably mid-range.
While the average sits here, we see a good cluster of prices in the 11 – 30 $ range, suggesting a nice mix of options for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 80 reviews.
Comparing the value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the vibrant food scene in San Francisco and the type of cuisine, we think the pricing here feels quite fair. It offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about DIYA
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
9
Great Food, Shanky Neighborhood
My experience at this restaurant was primarily focused on the food, which was truly great. While the surrounding neighborhood is a bit shanky, the culinary offerings are definitely worth braving it for. I highly recommend trying the cholay bhatura; it's a standout dish.
The service and atmosphere were rated a 4, indicating a solid overall experience beyond just the food.
- food10
- cholay bhatura10
- service8
- neighborhood3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Long Wait, Poor Service
My experience at the restaurant was quite negative. I waited for 35 minutes, but the food was not ready and was not served to me. Furthermore, the manager there had no manners or style of speaking.
- waiting time2
- manager1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Indian/Nepali Food in Downtown SFO
If you’re in downtown SFO and craving Indian or Nepali food, DIYA is definitely worth a visit. I’m just a traveler who was staying at the Timbri Hotel next door and decided to stop in for lunch and I’m so glad I did! The food was filling, flavorful, and satisfying; I truly enjoyed every single bit of it.
🍛🍗😋 The prices on the menu are reasonable and the person serving us was very polite and friendly. I can’t remember his name but he said he is from Nepal. The ambiance feels comforting, though I do think there’s potential to enhance it even more.
That said, it’s ultimately the food that matters most, and DIYA delivers on that front. I’ll definitely be back here the next time I’m in San Francisco. A must-visit spot if you’re into Indian or Nepali cuisine!
🇮🇳🇳🇵
- food10
- prices8
- polite and friendly9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Indian Food, Worth the Visit
My experience at this restaurant was consistently great. Tonight, I had the daal chicken and saag gobi, and they were both perfect. It's definitely worth stopping by!
While the area outside might seem a little sketch at times, once you're inside the restaurant, everything is good. The food was excellent, and the service and atmosphere were top-notch, both rated 5 out of 5.
- daal chicken10
- saag gobi10
- food10
- area outside4
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
1
Grave Mistake: Vegetarian Order Served Chicken
I am extremely upset and disappointed with the order I received today. I clearly ordered paneer, but was instead given chicken — a grave and unacceptable mistake. I am a strict vegetarian, and consuming meat is against my religion.
This is not just a dietary preference — it’s a deeply personal and spiritual practice. I trusted your service to respect that, and this error is not only careless but deeply offensive.
- paneer1
- chicken1
- service1
What DIYA offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
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
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is DIYA Indian and Nepali Cuisine accessible for all guests?
Yes, DIYA Indian and Nepali Cuisine is committed to accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for everyone.
What kind of dietary options and services does DIYA Indian and Nepali Cuisine offer?
DIYA Indian and Nepali Cuisine provides a wide range of choices, including healthy options, vegan options, vegetarian options, and halal food. You can enjoy dine-in, takeout, or delivery services, with lunch, dinner, and catering available.
How is DIYA rated overall by customers?
DIYA holds a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.2 out of 10, with 71.9% customer satisfaction. Its Food (7.3), Service (7.1), and Value (7.5) are rated well, though Ambience (6.2) is considered average.
What are the standout features of DIYA's food?
Customers frequently praise DIYA for its flavorful Indian/Nepalese dishes, generous portions, and excellent value. Specific items like the biryani, shrimp masala, and malai kofta are often highlighted for their taste and quality.
What should I know about the service and atmosphere at DIYA?
The service at DIYA is often described as friendly and attentive, with owners frequently present and engaging. However, the atmosphere is generally considered basic and uninviting, sometimes compared to a food court, and can involve self-service aspects like grabbing your own cutlery.