Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Chutney – San Francisco
Chutney - San Francisco
Photo from Chutney
Chutney at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 86 of the guests
#2042 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#57 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
373
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great value
- Generous portions
Frequently criticized
- Rude service
- Poor ambiance
- Long waits
The restaurant Chutney, an inviting Indian restaurant located in San Francisco’s vibrant South of Market neighborhood, offers you a delightful culinary journey. At Chutney Restaurant, you’ll discover a truly impressive great tea selection, perfect for complementing your meal.
Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, this spot provides a casual atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting Chutney
Chutney offers a compelling proposition for those prioritizing flavor and affordability. Many appreciate the super flavorful and generous portions of their dishes, often noting the good prices for what you receive.
The overall culinary experience seems to hit the mark for many patrons. However, the experience at Chutney isn’t without its challenges.
Some customers have encountered rude customer service and extended waiting time, while the atmosphere has been described as lacking, even compared to a prison mess hall. These aspects can certainly impact the overall visit.
Good
6.4
out of 10
373
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
128
negative
25
neutral
220
positive
Chutney holds an overall 6.4 score, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction sits at 59%, indicating a mixed reception from diners.
This assessment comes from a substantial body of feedback, with 373 customer remarks, including 220 positive observations against 128 negative ones, suggesting a noticeable split in experiences. Delving deeper, the Food (7.1) is clearly a strong point, often praised for its taste and authenticity.
Value (7.9) also stands out, with many finding the pricing reasonable. However, Service (5.4) appears to be a significant area for improvement, with numerous comments pointing to inconsistencies.
The Ambience (5.0) also registers as average, suggesting it doesn’t particularly enhance the dining experience.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Excellent, fair value
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, rude service
- Unappealing, poor ambiance
- Long waiting times
Chutney presents a mixed bag, primarily appealing to those who prioritize taste and budget over atmosphere and consistent service. With a 6.8 recommendation score, it suggests a place that can satisfy specific cravings if you know what to expect.
If you’re seeking flavorful, affordable Indian cuisine and can overlook some rough edges in service and setting, Chutney could be a worthwhile stop. However, if a polished dining experience is paramount, you might find it falls short.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Chutney
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place generally hits the mark, earning a 7.1 score. Many customers rave about the delicious food, with particular praise for the chicken tikka masala and fluffy naan. Reviewers often highlight the authentic flavors, tender meat, and aromatic spices, indicating a strong culinary experience.
Out of 210 comments, a solid 142 were positive, suggesting a good foundation. However, it's not all perfect, as reflected in the 67.6% customer satisfaction. Some diners found certain dishes, like the lamb biryani or even the chicken tikka masala, to be bland or lacking flavor.
Concerns were also raised about dry meat, small portions, and occasionally finding bones in chicken. These 54 negative remarks point to some inconsistencies in quality.
Food
210
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
54
negative
14
neutral
142
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Excellent Chicken Tikka Masala
- Fresh ingredients used
What people don't like
- Inconsistent flavor
- Dry meat
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodWhile I wasn't disappointed with the food, I wasn't overly pleased either. However, three consistent truths from other reviews hold true: (1) the food is incredibly reasonably priced, (2) it's cooked by Mexicans, and (3) it does taste authentic enough. I had the curry goat, my husband had the chicken marsala, and we shared the meat-stuffed naan.
- Foodit's still the only one I go to for Indian Cuisine. It's the best!!
- naanthe naan, tandoori chicken and lamb chops which were great
- Chicken Tikka MasalaA number is given to set at a table of choice, then in due time, fresh and super tasty food is served. Our highly recommended: Keema Naan, Chicken Tikka Masala, and a side of rice. Enjoy!
- delicious foodDelicious food, fair prices, and excellent service !
- portionsAll our dishes were outstanding, affordable, and served in generous portions. A clear recommendation if you can forgo a great ambiance.
- Indian foodIncredible Indian food! Everything was so tasty.
- chicken tikka masalaMy favorite is the chicken tikka masala
- keema naanThe keema naan and potato naan is good
- tandoori chickenthe naan, tandoori chicken and lamb chops which were great
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was that it belongs to one of the more affordable eateries in SF, but it has all the charm of a prison mess hall. The food is spicy and authentic enough, but not particularly delicious or qualitatively impressive. If you are hungry, it will serve its purpose, but that's about it.
- BiryaniBiryani is not authentic , you get rice mixed with meat
- Chicken Tikka MasalaThe chicken Tikka masala tasted like creamy tomato soup
- Lamb BiryaniThe Lamb Biryani was cold and completely flavorless.
- authentic Indian foodlooking for authentic Indian food, this is not the place
- lamb biryanilamb biryani. No taste at all. No saltthy no nothing.
- seekh kababseekh kabab were so mid, really bland, slightly over cooked
- Chicken Biriyaniordered a Chicken Biriyani but it came with many pieces of broken bone
- FoodFood:2
- Garlic NaanGarlic Naan had a strong weird aroma
If youre craving flavorful Indian/Pakistani cuisine, especially their highly-praised chicken tikka masala and naan, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might occasionally be inconsistent in flavor or portion size, so manage your expectations.
Service (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers have highlighted the warm and friendly interactions theyve experienced. With 38 positive sentiments out of 83 total opinions, many appreciate the friendly service, excellent service, and warm hospitality from the owner and staff. Guests often feel generously fed and well-treated, noting the efficiency and welcoming nature of the people working there.
However, the service aspect presents a mixed bag, with a score of 5.4 (average) and customer satisfaction at 45.8% (mixed). There are 40 negative sentiments, pointing to issues like rudeness, waiting time, and poor customer service. ' Some experiences include unresponsiveness on the phone, dirty utensils, unprofessionalism, and even disrespectful behavior from staff or the owner, leading to uncomfortable situations and long waits.
Service
83
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
40
negative
5
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, warm staff
- Excellent service
- Owner greets warmly
What people don't like
- Rude customer service
- Long waiting times
- Unprofessional staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was great! It's a no frills place with quick service and good prices. The food was super flavorful, and the portions were generous.
- ServiceService:5
- staffVery nice staff giving advices
- awesome human beingwhat an awesome human being.
- customer servicethe customer service was amazing super friendly and very nice
- efficiencyI absolutely loved their nihari and daal, and I believe it might be the best nihari available in LA. The owner and his staff were incredibly nice and reasonably efficient. The prices were also very good.
- employeesthe employees treat you well
- excellent servicereceived the same excellent service that I did years ago!
- feeding meMy experience was one of being generously fed. The reviewer expressed gratitude for the meal, stating, 'thanks for feeding me you are god for the day'. They also mentioned receiving a 'meals gift from the gent who fed me ahead of you' and offered a favor in return: 'One favor u get each anytime'.
- friendly serviceThank you chutney the welcoming and friendly service!
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice could be improved
- customer serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by rude customer service. It felt like there were bad guys everywhere, but here you can see everyone who claims they are the boss.
- disrespectedI felt disrespected
- waiting timehad to wait 1 hours
- attitude of their front-line staffaddresses the attitude of their front-line staff
- card machineThe owner's behavior was unacceptable. The card machine was not working, forcing me to go out to get cash. To make matters worse, the owner demanded I deposit my phone.
- cookI ordered lamb biryani and found cockroaches in the food. Even worse, I saw the cook putting his finger in his nose while cooking. Extremely unhygienic and disgusting — never coming back!
- everyone who claims they are the bossMy experience at the restaurant was marked by rude customer service. It felt like there were bad guys everywhere, but here you can see everyone who claims they are the boss.
- extra 20 minuteswait a extro 20 minutes
- femalebecause I was a female they didn't want to serve me
If youre looking for a place with consistently stellar service, this might be a bit of a gamble. While many enjoy friendly and efficient interactions, be prepared for the possibility of encountering some frustrating customer service issues or longer waits. Its a mixed experience, so go in with an open mind!
Ambience (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, some folks really appreciate the casual environment and find the place to have a comfortable, no frills feel. A few even described the atmosphere as vibrant, and some noted it was clean. With 21 positive remarks out of 59 total observations, there's definitely a segment that enjoys the relaxed setting.
However, the overall sentiment leans towards needing improvement, with a score of 5 (average) and customer satisfaction at a poor 35.6%. Many found the ambiance to be unhygienic or to have a dingy vibe, citing issues with lighting and general cleanliness. These 32 negative comments suggest the surroundings can be quite off-putting.
Ambience
59
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
32
negative
6
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Casual atmosphere
- Comfortable feel
- Vibrant ambiance
What people don't like
- Unhygienic conditions
- Dingy vibe
- Lack of cleanliness
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere are always on the same level
- AtmosphereIt looks like a hole-in-the-wall
- casual environmentCasual environment
- cleanbut it's clean and you can easily find a table.
- favorite placeI miss this place a lot. I was studying in San Francisco for 3 years, and it was my favorite place. The Indian food was the best.
- no frills placeNo frills place
- parkingworth the effort
- restaurantClean restaurant
- vibrant ambiancea vibrant ambiance that instantly transported me
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was that it belongs to one of the more affordable eateries in SF, but it has all the charm of a prison mess hall. The food is spicy and authentic enough, but not particularly delicious or qualitatively impressive.
- locationthe location is gotten worse and disgusting
- ambianceAll our dishes were outstanding, affordable, and served in generous portions. A clear recommendation if you can forgo a great ambiance.
- cleanlinessneeded to cleanliness
- parkingdifficult to find parking
- restaurantThe restaurant is old
- ambienceambience was not nice
- bad guysMy experience at the restaurant was marked by rude customer service. It felt like there were bad guys everywhere, but here you can see everyone who claims they are the boss.
- cups and platesget cups and plates like you did in elementary school
- decorS. My only recommendation is to lighten up the decor and add brighter lighting; that would be the icing on the cake for you Chutneys. Other than that, you're doing great.
If you're seeking a polished dining experience, this spot might disappoint due to its challenging ambiance. However, if you prioritize a casual, no-frills setting and are willing to overlook some cleanliness concerns, it could be worth a try.
Value (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 7.9 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 90.5%, its clear most folks are thrilled. Out of 21 opinions, a whopping 19 praise the "cheaper, " "affordable, " and "fair prices, " often noting generous portions for the cost.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A couple of comments, specifically 2 out of 21, raised eyebrows about tax evasion practices and one felt they got very little meat for $17.44. So, while generally a great deal, keep an eye out.
Value
21
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Very affordable prices
- Great value
- Reasonable cost
What people don't like
- Tax evasion concerns
- Small portions for price
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was that it belongs to one of the more affordable eateries in SF, but it has all the charm of a prison mess hall. The food is spicy and authentic enough, but not particularly delicious or qualitatively impressive.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was great! It's a no frills place with quick service and good prices. The food was super flavorful, and the portions were generous.
- fair pricesThe Indian/Pakistani food is consistently delicious, and the prices are reasonable. The environment is casual, making it ideal for enjoying delicious food at fair prices. The restaurant operates mostly on a self-serve basis, with payment taken at the counter.
- affordablevery good and affordable
- cheapermuch better and also much cheaper!
- inexpensive foodgreat and inexpensive
- menuThe menu was fairly priced
- price per personPrice per person:$1–10
Frequently criticized
- $17.44very little meat for $17.44
- tax evasionevades tax with no giving receipts
If you're looking for a place where your wallet will be happy, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Most diners find the prices incredibly reasonable for what you get, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious foodies. Just be aware of the minor concerns some have raised.
How are the prices at Chutney?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 86 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 is 25, it’s interesting to see that most guests actually spend a bit less, typically in the $11–$20 range. But there are also quite a few who splurge, pushing the average up!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 86 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s an Indian Restaurant in San Francisco, and looking at the spread of what people spend, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. You can definitely enjoy a good meal without breaking the bank, or treat yourself to something a bit more premium.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chutney
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Cockroaches and Unhygienic Cooking!
I had a terrible experience here. I ordered lamb biryani and found cockroaches in the food. Even worse, I saw the cook putting his finger in his nose while cooking.
Extremely unhygienic and disgusting — never coming back!
- lamb biryani1
- cook1
- unhygienic1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
7
Great food, poor location and atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the food was undeniably good, with highlights like the tandoori fish, lamb biryani, and saag, the overall experience was hampered by its less-than-ideal location and a very poor atmosphere. The food itself was a definite 5 out of 5, but the atmosphere only received a 1 out of 5.
Despite the drawbacks, the food made it a worthwhile visit for those prioritizing taste.
- tandoori fish9
- lamb biryani9
- saag9
- location3
- atmosphere1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Lamb Curry & Reasonable Prices!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the lamb curry, which was absolutely delish. What's more, the prices were surprisingly reasonable.
I will definitely return.
- lamb curry9
- prices8
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Worth the trip from Australia!
I decided to visit this restaurant after Khabib mentioned it on a podcast. I traveled all the way from Australia with high expectations, and I hope you live up to your good standards, mate.
- good standards8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Consistently Delicious Food Since 2005
My experience at this restaurant has been consistently excellent since 2005. I've been visiting with my family for years and continue to do so as an adult. While the location might seem a bit off-putting, don't let it deter you; the food here is incredibly clean and delicious.
For a group, I recommend ordering 3-4 plates to share, along with some naan, biryani, and tea. My personal favorite is to grab a few naans with seekh kabab and onions, wrap them together, and enjoy. The food quality is outstanding, and the atmosphere is great, both rated a 5 out of 5.
- food10
- location7
- naan9
What Chutney offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dietary options and services can you expect at Chutney?
At Chutney, you’ll find a wide range of offerings including healthy options, vegan options, vegetarian options, and Halal food. They also provide late-night food, quick bites, and small plates, alongside beer and other alcohol.
What service and accessibility features does Chutney offer for your convenience?
Chutney provides various service options such as no-contact delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, dine-in, and standard delivery. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating available.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Chutney?
Chutney has an overall score of **6.4** and a customer satisfaction of **59%**, indicating a mixed but generally average experience. **Food** (7.1) and **Value** (7.9) are strong, while **Service** (5.4) and **Ambience** (5.0) are areas for improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about Chutney's food?
Many customers praise Chutney for its **super flavorful** and **generous portions** of Indian cuisine, often highlighting its authenticity and affordability.
Are there any common complaints about the dining experience at Chutney?
Some diners have reported issues with **rude customer service** and extended **waiting times**. The **ambiance** is also frequently mentioned as being unappealing or basic.