Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great tea selection
oChef » Amber India – San Francisco
Amber India - San Francisco
Photo from Amber India
Amber India at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 143 of the guests
#1961 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#54 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
846
Reviews
60.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Ambience
- Food Quality
Frequently criticized
- High Price
- Slow Service
The restaurant Amber India Restaurant, an Indian restaurant located in the vibrant Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco, invites you to experience a culinary journey. You’ll discover a menu rich with authentic flavors, complemented by a great wine list that perfectly pairs with your meal.
Whether you’re seeking a casual dinner or a romantic evening, Amber India offers a delightful atmosphere for your dining pleasure.
Overview: Introducting Amber India
Amber India offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests appreciating the quality food and the inviting ambience. The attentive service staff also contributes positively, ensuring a comfortable visit for many.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall value, with pricing often feeling steep. While the food generally satisfies, there are occasional remarks about inconsistency in flavor or preparation.
Good
6.5
out of 10
846
Reviews
60.2%
Satisfaction
275
negative
62
neutral
509
positive
Amber India holds a respectable overall score of 6.5, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 60.2%. This indicates a balanced experience for many, though not universally exceptional.
The restaurant garnered 846 customer observations, with 509 positive and 275 negative remarks. Looking closer, the Ambience scores well at (7.6), suggesting a comfortable setting.
Food also performs decently at (6.9), indicating generally good quality. However, Service is average at (6.3), and Value stands out as a clear area for improvement, scoring a low (3.4).
What people like
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Quality Indian dishes
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- High prices
- Slow service
- Uncomfortable seating
Amber India presents a mixed offering. If you prioritize a comfortable setting and generally good Indian cuisine, and are prepared for a higher price point, it could be a suitable choice.
The service, while often attentive, can sometimes be slow. With a recommendation score of 6.5, Amber India is worth considering if its strengths align with your priorities.
However, be mindful of the cost and potential for service delays or seating discomfort, which might detract from the overall experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Amber India
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
It seems the food here offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a 6.9 score indicating its generally good, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 64.7%. Based on 490 opinions, with 317 positive and 136 negative comments, theres a clear appreciation for certain aspects, but also some areas needing attention. Many diners rave about the authentic Indian food, praising the vast menu and flavor-filled spices.
Dishes like Dal Makhni, garlic naan, and Palak chaat are frequently highlighted for their delicious taste and quality ingredients, making for a truly satisfying meal. However, some experiences point to inconsistent food quality, with dishes occasionally described as bland or tasteless. Concerns about small, overpriced portions and sometimes stale or cold items also pop up, suggesting that not every culinary journey here hits the mark.
Food
490
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
136
negative
37
neutral
317
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Indian flavors
- Vast menu variety
- Fresh, quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland, tasteless dishes
- Small, overpriced portions
Often praised
- foodWhile my issue of Indian restaurants dumbing down the food by reducing spices and adding sugar and color remains, it's a relatively lesser problem at this restaurant. So, if you don't get hung up on "authentic, " the food is quite good and I enjoyed it. Plus, it's a nice setting and our server was excellent.
- Indian foodMy experience at Amber was fantastic! This restaurant is a very good Indian food option in the San Francisco Bay Area. The place offers ample space, cozy seating, and a good vibe.
- FoodThe food quality received a perfect score of 5
- butter chickenEvery item was perfectly cooked and delicious. I tried butter chicken
- food qualitydelivering an exceptionally above average experience with the quality food
- lunch buffetIt's one of the best Indian restaurants I've visited, serving truly authentic Indian food. The lunch buffet is a definite go-to choice, offering a large vegetarian selection and highly recommended for vegetarians. The food quality received a perfect score of 5, as did the service and atmosphere.
- buffetCompared to other restaurants, the prices are very reasonable. I thoroughly enjoyed their buffet, and the Indian sweets were truly out of this world. Amber is a true ambassador of India’s rich culinary heritage and incredible flavors.
- dishesThis was probably the first Indian restaurant I've given 5 stars to. Several of the dishes were really good. While my issue of Indian restaurants dumbing down the food by reducing spices and adding sugar and color remains, it's a relatively lesser problem at this restaurant.
- vegetarian optionsThe Lucknavi veg biryani was authentic and equally good was the park street cauliflower and paneer starter. The restaurant offers a wide selection and good quality vegetarian options, making it highly recommendable for vegetarians.
- Indian buffetMy experience at Amber was exceptional, offering what might be the best Indian buffet in the Bay Area, albeit at a very high price. The clientele, predominantly stylish and affluent Indians, reflects the restaurant's upscale nature.
Frequently criticized
- foodFor a party of one, the food took close to 45 minutes to arrive. The roti was thick and chewy, which was not enjoyable. Adding to the frustration, a 15% gratuity was already added to the bill, which is unusual for a party of one, especially at similar restaurants where it's typically for parties of five or more.
- butter chickenThe butter chicken is now too spicy and tastes like a generic tikka masala
- food qualityfood quality itself was disappointing
- Indian foodMediocre Indian food
- biryaniThe Chicken 65 was dry and overcooked. No one should ever taste the biryani they serve because that's far from a biryani. I think vegetarian food is better than non-veg here.
- flavorThe service was excellent, and the food was presented nicely. However, I found the food to be rather bland for my tastes, as I personally prefer spicier Indian food, and the flavor was lacking here. The establishment was very clean everywhere.
- food quantityPricy for the type/quality/quantity of food
- food temperatureMy experience at the restaurant for a weekend buffet lunch was quite disappointing. The food was very average and bland, and unfortunately, it was not hot at all. Specific items like the samosa and aloo bonda were full of oil, and the pav bhaji had no taste, only garlic.
- kadai paneerKadai paneer was tasteless
- nawabi chickenUnfortunately, the flavor and taste of the dishes have also been altered. My usual order of samosa chaat and nawabi chicken appetizers were both cold and tasteless. The kadai paneer was also tasteless; it used to be so good, but now it lacks any flavor.
If you're seeking a wide variety of authentic Indian flavors and fresh ingredients, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared for the possibility of some inconsistency in dish quality or portion sizes, which might lead to a slightly mixed experience.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
Service here presents a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.3 with customer satisfaction at 59.7%. Many guests rave about the attentive service and excellent service from the friendly staff, often highlighting promptness and a willingness to go the extra mile. With 89 positive comments out of 149, theres a strong current of appreciation for the teams efforts, including shout-outs to managers like Godfrey.
However, 57 negative comments suggest there's room for improvement. Some diners encountered slow service, rude staff, and frustrating issues like lost orders or excessive waiting times. Concerns also surfaced regarding rigid policies and a feeling of being rushed, indicating that the service experience can be inconsistent for some.
Service
149
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
57
negative
3
neutral
89
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Excellent, prompt service
- Goes extra mile
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Long waits
Often praised
- serviceMy coworkers and I make it a point to visit this restaurant every month for their lunch buffet. The experience is consistently positive, thanks to the very reasonable price and great service. The servers are incredibly friendly and attentive, always checking in, refilling our water, and bringing out naan.
- ServiceService, ambiance and location are great too!
- staffOn a positive note, the service was exceptional. The staff was attentive, promptly clearing plates and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Their professionalism was the highlight of the experience.
- attentive servicegood with attentive service
- serversthe servers made sure to check with us
- JayaJaya made amazing uttapam and dosas live for us
- Manager GodfreyManager Godfrey is very attentive
- VelingtonVelington provided top-tier service
- attention to detailapparent in their attention to detail
- courteous and attentive servicethe courteous and attentive service
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe arrived before another group, but because they were Indian and we were Americans, they served them before us. This led to a very bad service experience. However, the food was excellent, scoring a 5 out of 5, and the price per person was over $100.
- waitersthe waiters all seem overwhelmed and tired
- ServiceThe vibe was busy and a bit loud, but still comfortable enough to hold a conversation. Service-wise, things were a bit on the slower side and definitely had room for improvement. We started off with cocktails, which were both solid and well-made.
- wait timefood took close to 45 mins
- apologyNo apology nothing
- arbitrary rulesArbitrary rules.
- birthday celebrationno special attention was given to the fact the little birthday gal was there
- booster seat cushionWe were seated in a booth where some areas literally had 0 cushioning, forcing me to sit on wood. When we mentioned this, they brought out a booster seat cushion with attitude.
- chef and staff turnoverpresumably because of chef and staff turnover
- communicationYou no make my order cancel hand to hand
This spot offers a potentially great service experience, but its a bit of a gamble. If youre willing to roll the dice, you might be pleasantly surprised by attentive staff, but be prepared for the possibility of slower service or minor hiccups.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The ambience here truly sets a lovely stage, earning a 7.6 score, which is quite good! With 78.4% customer satisfaction, it’s clear most folks love the atmosphere, cleanliness, and location. Many of the 91 positive remarks highlight the spacious and inviting feel.
That said, out of 116 total comments, 14 did mention a few snags. Some found the kitchen clatter or restaurant noise a bit much, while others noted chairs that weren't ideal or a dimly lit atmosphere.
Ambience
116
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
14
negative
11
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spacious and clean
- Great atmosphere
- Good location
What people don't like
- Loud restaurant
- Uncomfortable seating
- Dim lighting
Often praised
- atmosphereIf you are in SFO downtown and looking for the best Indian food, you must visit Amber India Restaurant. I experienced the best food quality, best service, and a great atmosphere. It's a perfect place to go with your friends and family.
- ambienceThe ambience is spacious, vibrant, and welcoming
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceService, ambiance and location are great too!
- locationService, ambiance and location are great too!
- placeThe place is kept clean and spacious.
- cleanlinessthe place is clean and tidy
- ParkingPlenty of parking
- ample spaceThis restaurant is a very good Indian food option in the San Francisco Bay Area. The place offers ample space, cozy seating, and a good vibe. The great staff and delicious food are what you will get at Amber.
- areasall of them are very cosy and intimate
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereHowever, the food was excellent, scoring a 5 out of 5, and the price per person was over $100. The atmosphere received a score of 1.
- restaurantthe restaurant gets super crowded and hard to get to the buffet.
- chairsthe chairs are too low, with a weird height with the table
- cushioningareas literally had 0 cushioning. I sat on wood.
- family and kid friendlyif they are a family and kid friendly restaurant
- kitchen clatterIt carries an air of aloof exclusivity, starting with a frosty welcome at the front desk. Their table allocation strategy is particularly intriguing; despite a sea of vacant tables, my family and I were initially granted the privilege of dining in a shadowy corner near the symphony of kitchen clatter. When I raised this to the manager, we were offered a table of our choice.
- platesToo many small plates on the table, had to stack them all
- restaurant atmospherepretty chaotic/warm
- restaurant noiserestaurant get loud
- restaurant temperatureThe restaurant was too warm inside
If a pleasant and inviting environment is high on your list, this place is a solid choice. While generally good, keep in mind there might be some minor issues with noise or seating for a few.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, though leaning heavily towards disappointment. Some diners did find bright spots, noting that the price was worth it, especially praising the Lunch Menu for being excellent value for money. A few even found the buffet to be a good deal, suggesting that certain offerings hit the mark for their cost.
However, the overall sentiment is quite challenging, with a score of just 3.4 and customer satisfaction at a poor 13.2%. The vast majority of feedback, with 68 negative opinions out of 91 total, points to significant concerns. Many felt the restaurant was pricey and on the expensive side, with issues like gratuity and hidden fees making the overall bill hard to justify and not worth the value' for the experience.
Value
91
Reviews
13%
Satisfaction
68
negative
11
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable lunch value
- Worth it sometimes
What people don't like
- Very pricey
- Hidden fees
- Not worth price
Often praised
- priceFor around $30 a person, it exceeded expectations!
- pricesRavi. After discussing a few options—since our guests include vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters—he was very helpful in suggesting menu items along with prices, taxes, gratuity, etc. He also invited us to a food tasting, which was a wonderful experience.
- worth itbut definitely worth it
- $20I enjoyed the good food and good service. The Lunch Menu is an excellent value, offering fresh, hot food for about $20.
- Lunch MenuLunch Menu is excellent value!!
- buffetthe buffet is costly ($28 + service charge and taxes), that was worth it
- gratuityRavi. After discussing a few options—since our guests include vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters—he was very helpful in suggesting menu items along with prices, taxes, gratuity, etc. He also invited us to a food tasting, which was a wonderful experience.
- taxesRavi. After discussing a few options—since our guests include vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters—he was very helpful in suggesting menu items along with prices, taxes, gratuity, etc. He also invited us to a food tasting, which was a wonderful experience.
- value for moneymore worth it for lunch, more bang for your buck
Frequently criticized
- priceFor the same price, you can find much more satisfying and diverse buffet options in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara—places that charge $20-$30 and offer a wider variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. This place is massively overrated and doesn’t come close to justifying the price. Save your money and skip this one!
- pricesOMG this place just continues to raise prices- what a rip off!!!
- 15% tipthey 15% tip by default without asking
- billThe food tasted cheap, and the service from staff was mediocre. I also found that they like to add scammy hidden fees, so I had to be careful of the bill.
- priceyPersonally, I felt it is very pricey
- buffetthe buffet is overpriced
- hidden feesThe food tasted cheap, and the service from staff was mediocre. I also found that they like to add scammy hidden fees, so I had to be careful of the bill.
- $42It was $42 and the sauce didn’t just taste meh
- 15% gratuityI opted for orange juice, only to discover later that other, more preferable options were available, which I would have chosen had the servers informed me upfront. Adding to the dissatisfaction, a 15% gratuity was automatically added to the bill without any prior mention. For a two-person buffet, this felt excessive and unwarranted.
- Indian foodHowever, the price has become astronomical. Be prepared to drop $200 for two people for Indian food. The service and atmosphere were rated a 4.
If youre considering a visit, be aware that while the lunch menu might offer some decent value, dinner and other offerings are frequently described as overpriced. You might find yourself paying a premium that many feel isnt justified, especially with added gratuity and fees.
How are the prices at Amber India?
You’re looking at roughly 57 $ per person – reported by 143 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For an Indian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits at 57 $, the pricing is quite spread out. We see a good number of diners spending in the 31 – 50 $ range, suggesting some more budget-friendly options, but also a significant portion opting for more premium experiences, with many spending over 70 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 143 reviews.
This chart compares the value for money of this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s an Indian restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair for the experience. It offers options for different budgets while maintaining a solid average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Amber India
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Indian Food with Great Ambiance
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed some very tasty Indian food, with several unique and different items on the menu. The dishes were well presented and delicious.
The ambiance was nice, creating a pleasant atmosphere. I highly recommend trying this restaurant.
- Indian food9
- menu items9
- presentation9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Atrocious Service, Mediocre Food, Uncomfortable Seating
My experience at this restaurant was largely negative. The service was atrocious, with everyone being rude and unprofessional. For the lunch buffet, the food was only 'mid'.
We were seated in a booth where some areas literally had 0 cushioning, forcing me to sit on wood. When we mentioned this, they brought out a booster seat cushion with attitude.
- service1
- food3
- cushioning2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Monthly Buffet Delight: Tasty Food & Great Service
My coworkers and I make it a point to visit this restaurant every month for their lunch buffet. The experience is consistently positive, thanks to the very reasonable price and great service. The servers are incredibly friendly and attentive, always checking in, refilling our water, and bringing out naan.
The food here is exceptionally tasty, and they offer something new and exciting at the buffet each month. I particularly rave about the butter chicken and goat curry – they are so good, I can't get enough! The buffet boasts a variety of different foods and desserts, ensuring there's something for everyone.
I always leave feeling happy and full after each visit. It's a place with very tasty dishes and great service.
- price9
- service10
- servers10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Indian Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing! I enjoyed amazing Indian food with mouth-watering options from a vast menu. The service was exceptional, and Manager Godfrey was very attentive.
The ambiance was spacious and clean. I'm so happy with my experience - 100% recommended!
- Indian food10
- mouth-watering options9
- vast menu9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Expensive but Worthy Indian Gem
My experience at this Indian restaurant in San Francisco was quite positive. Although it's quite expensive, with costs exceeding $60 per person, I found it to be worthy of the price. The food, service, and atmosphere all received top marks, indicating a consistently excellent dining experience.
- restaurant10
- food10
- service10
- price4
What Amber India offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- All you can eat
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What dietary options and special offerings can you find at Amber India?
Amber India caters to diverse preferences with healthy, vegan, organic, and vegetarian options. You can also enjoy halal food, small plates, and an all-you-can-eat experience. Their beverage selection includes wine, coffee, beer, and cocktails to complement your meal.
What kind of dining experience and services does Amber India offer?
Amber India provides a versatile dining experience with options for dine-in, delivery, and even no-contact delivery. You can enjoy your meal in a casual, trendy, or romantic atmosphere. They offer lunch, brunch, and dinner, with table service and catering available. Reservations are accepted and recommended for all dining times.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Amber India?
Amber India has a mixed customer satisfaction of 60.2%, with an overall restaurant score of 6.5. While many find the Ambience (7.6) and Food (6.9) to be good, Service (6.3) is average, and Value (3.4) is a notable concern.
Does Amber India offer good vegetarian options or a lunch buffet?
Yes, Amber India is noted for offering a wide selection of good quality vegetarian options, including authentic dishes like Lucknavi veg biryani. The lunch buffet is also a popular choice, offering a large vegetarian selection.
Are there any common complaints about the pricing or value at Amber India?
Yes, many customers find Amber India to be quite pricey, with concerns about high costs, overpriced buffets, and automatic gratuity or hidden fees being added to the bill.