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- Accepts reservations
oChef » Spice of America – San Francisco
Spice of America - San Francisco
Photo from Spice of America
Spice of America at a glance
San Francisco Hayes Valley
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 38 of the guests
#1846 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#52 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
442
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Inconsistent food
- Small portions
The Indian restaurant Spice of America in San Francisco’s vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood offers a delightful culinary journey. You’ll discover a menu rich with authentic flavors, perfect for those seeking healthy options and a cozy dining experience.
This casual spot is ideal for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, ensuring a memorable meal every time you visit.
Overview: Introducting Spice of America
Spice of America offers a culinary journey with its Indian-inspired dishes, often praised for being “delicious Indian food” and prepared in a “superlative” way. Guests frequently appreciate the “quiet and calm atmosphere” and the overall inviting feel of the dining space.
Good
6.7
out of 10
442
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
126
negative
29
neutral
287
positive
Spice of America holds a respectable overall score of 6.7, placing it in the good category, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 64.9%. This suggests that while many patrons have positive experiences, a notable portion leaves feeling less than fully content.
This assessment is drawn from 442 customer remarks, comprising 287 positive and 126 negative observations.
What people like
- Delicious Indian food
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Poor service experience
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small portion sizes
For those seeking flavorful Indian-inspired cuisine in a pleasant setting, Spice of America could be a worthwhile stop, especially if you prioritize taste and value. The 7.1 recommendation score suggests many find it a positive experience overall.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Spice of America
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.2 score and a solid 70.3% customer satisfaction. Based on 206 positive sentiments out of 293 total, diners rave about the amazing Indian food, rich flavors, and great variety. Dishes like charred yogurt and cauliflower, momos, and butter chicken are frequently praised for their deliciousness and authentic taste.
However, not every bite is perfect, with 64 negative comments pointing to some inconsistencies. Concerns include uncooked chicken, bland curries, and small portion sizes. Some found the naan stale or the biryani disappointing, suggesting that while many dishes shine, a few might miss the mark.
Food
293
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
64
negative
23
neutral
206
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing Indian food
- Rich, authentic flavors
- Great variety, options
What people don't like
- Uncooked/stale food
- Bland, flavorless curries
- Inconsistent quality, portions
Often praised
- foodThe food here is indian inspired and vegetarian too. Each food item is love love love.
- Indian foodI was craving Indian food, and this place delivered some seriously delicious Indian food! 🤤 We tried their Aloo tiki ragda (yumm!), matar paneer with Green chili naan and garlic naan.
- dishesregular dishes but prepared in a way that can only be described as superlative
- garlic naanThe garlic naan was crispy soft and light
- naanThey were also tasty and plentiful! Nice crunchy and good flavor balance
- butter chickenThe steamed vegetarian momos had good skin and well-seasoned insides. The butter chicken was very flavorful, but one companion found the cardamom overpowering. The lamb curry was also tasty, with tender meat and great flavor.
- cauliflower roastcauliflower roast: Fantastic mix of flavors and texture
- chicken momochicken momo, Everything was DELICIOUS
- chicken tikka masalaHowever, a couple of curries were bland and lacked flavor. The chicken tikka masala in the thali was good. The chicken biryani was a little disappointing, more like chicken curry with little rice and yogurt poured all over it, which would be an issue for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Indian restaurantsone of the best Indian restaurants I have ever visited
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at Spice of America was overwhelmingly negative, marked by appallingly bad service and horribly mediocre food. Despite online recommendations, my visit was a disappointment.
- chickengot 6 cold tiny pieces of chicken
- chicken biryaniThe chicken biryani was a little disappointing to me
- curryBoth of the Butter Chicken and Paneer Tikka Masala had the EXACT same flavor, which basically tasted like Canned tomato sauce with a bit of heavy cream in it. There was nearly no actual spices in it.
- food qualityfood quality and quantity is super cheap
- menuLots of inconsistencies with the menu and what they have
- naanThe naan is dry and hard
- portion sizeSeriously, I am still hungry. Either update those misleading photos, or increase the portion size.
- Garlic NaanThe Naan itself was burnt and bitter, with flakes of the grill they used stuck to it, flavorless and no garlic or salt.
- Mutter Paneer MakhaniMutter Paneer Makhani and it there was no makhani thickness in the curry!
If you're craving authentic Indian flavors and a wide menu, this place is definitely worth a try, especially for its highly-rated specialties. Just be aware that a few dishes might not live up to the overall high standard.
Service (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.2 putting it squarely in the average range. Many guests have raved about the friendly and attentive staff, often highlighting their great customer service and kindness. Specific mentions praise servers for being quick, empathetic, and creating a welcoming atmosphere, making for a truly pleasant dining experience.
However, with customer satisfaction at 45.9% and 49 negative comments compared to 45 positive ones out of 98 total remarks, there's certainly room for improvement. Common frustrations include slow service, long wait times for food or the bill, and issues with forgotten items or poor communication regarding online orders and reservations. Some experiences point to a lack of basic courtesy and reliability.
Service
98
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
49
negative
4
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick food delivery
- Great customer service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Poor communication
Often praised
- serviceThis place is a gem in a less populated area of Market Street and deserves more attention. The service was great, and we plan to return to try the Roasted Cauliflower dish.
- staffThe $12 thali was a particularly great value for money. The place boasts a very nice and clean ambience, complemented by really friendly and helpful staff. It's truly a hidden gem, and I highly recommend it.
- hostI particularly loved the sandwiches and the momos. The host is really lovely and makes you feel at home. Highly recommend!
- Food came out quickFood came out quick, too
- Prachi and KamleshPrachi and Kamlesh serve us dishes they thought would be a nice introduction
- ServiceService was great
- customer servicethey have great customer service
- customer servicesSpecially RJ and Bimla staff members. RJ has impressed us with his next level customer services, empathy and positive persona. The food here is indian inspired and vegetarian too.
- empathyRJ has impressed us with his empathy
- good serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food and good service. The restaurant itself is situated in a less than beautiful part of town, but it was well worth the trip.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at Spice of America was overwhelmingly negative, marked by appallingly bad service and horribly mediocre food. Despite online recommendations, my visit was a disappointment.
- serverthe server proceeded to charge me for the fish dishes
- waiting timewaiting more than 15 minutes for order
- managementreflects poor management
- notificationI also attempted to call the restaurant three times. I eventually found out from the second DoorDash driver that Spice of America had cancelled the order without notifying anyone and that they do not fulfill online orders. This raises the question: why are they listed on DoorDash if they don't accept online orders?
- Preparing timePreparing time was 40 mins late
- basic courtesyI hope they take this feedback seriously and improve their customer service. Until then, I cannot recommend this restaurant to anyone who values reliability and basic courtesy.
- cancellationHowever, upon arrival, we were shocked to find the restaurant completely closed. There was no notification, no cancellation, and absolutely no courtesy message to inform us of their unexpected closure. It’s incredibly frustrating that they didn’t care enough to give us a heads-up, especially since they had our reservation details.
- closing timenão recomendo chegarem perto das 14:30
- communicationThis lack of communication reflects poor management
If youre not in a rush and appreciate genuinely friendly staff, you might have a good experience here. However, be prepared for potential delays and communication hiccups, especially if youre relying on quick service or online orders.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
Stepping inside, many guests found the atmosphere and interior quite appealing, often describing it as a nice restaurant with a clean and well decorated vibe. With 23 positive observations out of 33 total, patrons frequently highlighted the music and seats contributing to a pleasant dining experience. The ambiance scores a good 6.7, and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.7%, indicating a generally welcoming setting.
However, its not all sunshine. Some guests noted issues with the location, describing it as a less than beautiful part of town, and struggled with parking. There were also concerns about the atmosphere when arguments are happening at other table or when the place felt empty.
With 8 negative observations, some feel the interior' could use an upgrade.
Ambience
33
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Clean, well-decorated
- Comfortable seating
What people don't like
- Poor location
- Parking challenges
- Disruptive atmosphere
Often praised
- atmospherequiet and calm atmosphere that's warm and inviting and feels like home
- ambienceThe $12 thali was a particularly great value for money. The place boasts a very nice and clean ambience, complemented by really friendly and helpful staff. It's truly a hidden gem, and I highly recommend it.
- interiorThe interior looked new. Very modern with wood accents and bright lights.
- ambiancedecent ambiance
- clean and well decoratedClean and well decorated
- decorDecor is subdued but stylish
- dining experienceA very pleasant uncrowded dining experience
- environmentclean environment
- inside decorationit is very nicely decorated inside
- musicInitially, from the outside, it was unclear if the place was open, and I was the only customer during my visit. The atmosphere was quite cozy, with traditional Indian music playing and very comfortable seating. I'm typically skeptical about dish quality, as I'm accustomed to strong flavors.
Frequently criticized
- parkingyour restaurant has no parking
- argumentsarguments are happening at other table
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- interiorit would be nice if they could step up the interior
- less than beautiful part of townMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food and good service. The restaurant itself is situated in a less than beautiful part of town, but it was well worth the trip.
- locationPoor location though
- no one comes init’s a real shame that no one comes in
Overall, if you prioritize a cozy, clean atmosphere and dont mind a potentially tricky location or parking situation, this place could be a pleasant surprise. It offers a good vibe once youre inside, but be prepared for some external challenges.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 6.7 and customer satisfaction at 72.2%, it's clear many find the pricing quite agreeable. Folks often praise the reasonable prices, affordable prices, and mention specific deals like the $12 thali as offering great value for money.
Out of 18 total opinions, 13 lean positive, highlighting that you can often get top-notch fare for a very decent price. However, not everyone is convinced, with 5 opinions pointing to some areas for improvement. While the overall sentiment is good, some feel certain items are pricey or that the prices are high for no reason, especially when portion sizes are considered.
Terms like price and charge pop up in these less favorable comments, suggesting that while many find good deals, you might encounter a dish or two that feels a bit steep for what you get.
Value
18
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Portions too small
- Overpriced items
- High prices
Often praised
- pricetop notch fare for a very decent price
- pricesall at reasonable prices
- $12 thaliThe $12 thali is great value for money
- PricesPrices are very reasonable
- affordable pricesprices are also very affordable
- moderately pricedall moderately priced
- pricedvery reasonably priced
- reasonable priceat reasonable price
- well worth the tripMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food and good service. The restaurant itself is situated in a less than beautiful part of town, but it was well worth the trip.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe Thali consisted of a small serving dish with 5 different items, presented on a cafeteria-type metal plate. The portion size was barely enough for one child, let alone two adults, especially for $29 plus tax and tips. While the food was alright, I've had meals with 10 times the value and arguably better food at Indian buffets costing $16-20 per person.
- chargeproceeded to charge me for the fish dishes and I said I didn't eat them
- pricesI also bought tea which was almost $4 and only half of the cup was filled. The prices are high for no reason, and the food quality and quantity are super cheap. It was really cheap serving.
- valueI have 10x the value and maybe slightly better foods
If youre looking for a meal that generally wont break the bank, this place is a good bet, especially if you stick to their noted value options. Just be mindful that a few items might feel a little overpriced for the portion, so choose wisely to get the best bang for your buck.
How are the prices at Spice of America?
On average, you’ll spend around 31 per person – from 38 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For an Indian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, most guests actually spend a bit less, with a strong cluster in the 11 – 30 $ range. This means there are plenty of options for different budgets, even if some premium choices nudge the overall average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 38 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its an Indian restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. Theres a good mix of options, so you can likely find something delicious that fits your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Spice of America
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Appalling Service, Mediocre Food
My experience at Spice of America was overwhelmingly negative, marked by appallingly bad service and horribly mediocre food. Despite online recommendations, my visit was a disappointment. While the ambience upon entering was decent, with a large bar, several tables, and nice lighting, the food and service quickly overshadowed this.
We ordered Butter Chicken and Paneer Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice, Garlic Naan, and Roti. The wait for our food was nearly an hour, which is ridiculous for simple dishes. When the food arrived, it was clear something was wrong.
The Roti was not authentic, resembling whole wheat naan, and the Garlic Naan was burnt, bitter, and flavorless. Both curries tasted identical, like canned tomato sauce with cream and very few spices. The only redeeming factor was the Basmati Rice.
The service continued to be poor, with a 20-minute wait to pay the bill in an empty restaurant. I cannot recommend this establishment based on this experience.
- ambience4
- Basmati Rice8
- service1
- food1
- wait for food1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Lamb Tikka Masala & Garlic Naan!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely DELICIOUS. We ordered the lamb tikka masala, garlic naan, and chicken momo. Everything was incredibly fragrant and flavourful.
I will definitely come back again!
- lamb tikka masala10
- garlic naan10
- chicken momo10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Absolutely Delicious - Will Return!
My first time eating here, and the new owners have been open for 4 months. The inside is very nicely decorated. I had the Paneer Pakora appetizer, and I couldn’t get enough!
My entree, the Baingan Ka Bharta (Eggplant dish) with Nan, was also amazing. It was absolutely delicious, and I will definitely return!
- inside decoration9
- Paneer Pakora10
- Baingan Ka Bharta9
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Shocking Closure, No Communication
My experience at Spice of America was extremely disappointing. We had made a reservation through Yelp, anticipating a pleasant meal. However, upon arrival, we were shocked to find the restaurant completely closed.
There was no notification, no cancellation, and absolutely no courtesy message to inform us of their unexpected closure. It’s incredibly frustrating that they didn’t care enough to give us a heads-up, especially since they had our reservation details. This lack of communication reflects poor management and a disregard for customers’ time and plans.
I hope they take this feedback seriously and improve their customer service. Until then, I cannot recommend this restaurant to anyone who values reliability and basic courtesy.
- reservation1
- notification1
- cancellation1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing Decline in Quality
My recent takeout experience was truly sad. The quality of the food at SOA has plummeted. This place, which had been a regular go-to for delicious food for at least six years, disappointed significantly.
The food arrived 30 minutes late. The naan was dry and hard, and the momos were dry with no sauce. Both the paneer and molai kofta were watery and bland, and the chicken curry was flavorless.
The Szechuan chicken was dry, lacked sauce, and was not as described. We ordered extra for leftovers, which will likely be tossed. It feels like the owners must have changed.
It's sad to say, but a favorite has disappeared.
- naan2
- momos2
- paneer2
What Spice of America offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Are there healthy or vegan options available at Spice of America?
Absolutely! At Spice of America, you’ll find a wide array of healthy options and delicious vegan dishes crafted with fresh ingredients. They also cater to vegetarians, ensuring everyone can enjoy a flavorful meal in Hayes Valley.
What service options and accessibility features does Spice of America offer?
Spice of America provides convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and no-contact delivery. For your comfort, the restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom facilities.
How does Spice of America generally rate with customers?
Spice of America has an overall score of 6.7, indicating a generally good experience. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.2), Ambience (6.7), and Value (6.7), though Service (5.2) is an area that often receives mixed feedback.
What do customers like most about the dining experience?
Many customers praise the “delicious Indian food” and the “friendly and helpful staff.” The “quiet and calm atmosphere” and “reasonable prices” are also frequently mentioned as positive aspects.
What are some common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Some diners have reported “appallingly bad service” and “inconsistent food quality,” with issues like “bland” dishes or “small portion sizes.” Lack of parking and a less appealing location are also sometimes noted.