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oChef » Sitar – San Diego
Sitar - San Diego
Photo from Sitar
Sitar at a glance
San Diego Sorrento Valley
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$
Price per Person $1–$10
mentioned by 1 of the guests
#399 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#10 Indian Restaurant out of 14 in San Diego
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
157
Reviews
69.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Good value
- Tasty food
Frequently criticized
- Basic setting
- Limited portions
- Biryani issues
The restaurant Sitar, an Indian Restaurant in San Diego’s Sorrento Valley, offers a delightful culinary journey. You’ll find a welcoming spot to enjoy authentic flavors, especially if you’re looking for delicious Halal food.
This casual eatery provides a range of options, from quick bites to full meals, ensuring a satisfying experience for every visitor.
Overview: Introducting Sitar
Sitar offers a straightforward Indian dining experience where the focus is clearly on the plate. While the food itself is often praised for its quality and generous portions, particularly the lunch specials, the overall setting might not be its strongest suit.
Many appreciate the convenient place for a quick meal. Despite some comments about the basic ambience, the establishment has a long-standing presence, suggesting a loyal following.
You’ll find a commitment to good Indian fare, often highlighted by the fresh naan and diverse offerings, making it a reliable choice for many.
Good
7.2
out of 10
157
Reviews
69.4%
Satisfaction
34
negative
14
neutral
109
positive
Sitar earns a solid 7.2 overall, indicating a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a mixed Customer Satisfaction of 69.4%, suggesting that while many leave content, there’s still room for improvement in some areas.
The restaurant garnered 157 customer observations, with 109 positive remarks against 34 negative ones. Looking closer, Service stands out with an impressive (8.4), reflecting a warm and attentive staff.
The Food also performs well at (7.2), with many enjoying the Indian delicacies. Value is considered good at (6.9), offering reasonable prices, though the Ambience scores lower at (5.7), often described as functional rather than inviting.
What people like
- Excellent Service
- Great Value
- Quality Indian Food
What people don't like
- Subpar Ambience
- Small Portions
- Inconsistent Biryani
If you prioritize authentic Indian flavors and efficient, friendly service over a lavish dining environment, Sitar is certainly worth considering. With a strong Recommendation Score of 7.4, it’s a place that satisfies many looking for a good meal without fuss.
However, be mindful that the setting is quite casual, and some find portion sizes for certain à la carte items to be less generous. It’s a solid choice for a quick, flavorful Indian meal, especially if you’re seeking good value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sitar
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here generally hits the spot, with many raving about the authentic Indian food and delicious naan. With 80 positive remarks out of 117 total, its clear that dishes like the "buffet" and "samosas" are often a highlight. The overall score for food is a solid 7.2, indicating a good culinary experience for most.
However, its not all perfect. Some diners found issues with specific items like gajar halwa and dosa, and a few mentioned concerns about portion size and the biryani. While customer satisfaction sits at a 68.4% (mixed), these 26 negative comments suggest there's still a bit of room for improvement in consistency.
Food
117
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
26
negative
11
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Indian food
- Excellent naan
- Great buffet options
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent biryani
- Specific dishes inconsistent
Often praised
- Indian foodMy experience at the restaurant was great! I enjoyed the excellent fast Indian food. The meals are generously portioned and come with raita, nann, rice, and dal.
- foodIt's arguably one of the best "fast food" Indian places in San Diego. Despite being very busy at lunch time, the wait was easily worth it as they crank out the food pretty quickly. It was also comforting to see the owner quite often and involved.
- food qualityThe food quality is also Good
- naanMy experience at the restaurant was excellent, particularly for lunch. The lunch special is a great deal, featuring a huge piece of freshly made naan and usually a dessert. It's impressive that all of the food is made in-house.
- Chicken BiryaniI really liked the Chicken Biryani
- Dinner BuffetDinner Buffet is the best option
- FoodFood is as good or better than any sit down Indian restaurant
- Indian delicaciesLove the Indian delicacies at this place
- Indian placesecond best indian place in san diego
- Masala dosaMasala dosa is crispy and delicious too
Frequently criticized
- chicken$7 for "8 oz" of chicken, but very little of what comes in the styrofoam cup is meat
- dosaGajar halwa and dosa weren’t as they should’ve been
- foodPoor food and not any close to Indian
- portion sizeMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the portion sizes and perceived value. They were not very generous with their helping, and the two small sauces were served in a tiny container that occupied half the plate. With only three pieces of chicken, I felt it was a rip-off.
- quantityquantity is extremely less
- BiryaniBiryani is adding some chicken curry to some Rice. No taste at all.
- biryaniBIRYANI - isn't savory, authentic
- buffet foodThe food was below average
- customization optionsmore customization options
- food presentationnor how to present food in Indian style
If you're craving generally good and authentic Indian food, especially the naan and buffet options, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some specific dishes or portion sizes might occasionally miss the mark, so manage your expectations for every single item.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
Lets talk service, because this spot really hits the mark! With a strong score of 8.4, its firmly in the good category, and customer satisfaction is equally impressive at 86.7%. Patrons frequently highlight the amazing service and the warm and friendly people, with many praising the owner/chef's dedication and even making weekly visits.
Out of 15 customer remarks, a fantastic 13 were positive, with not a single negative one! Whats truly remarkable is the complete absence of negative feedback. With zero negative remarks among all the comments, it seems theres genuinely nothing to constructively criticize about the service here.
This suggests a consistently positive experience for everyone who walks through their doors, leaving little room for improvement based on customer input.
Service
15
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
0
negative
2
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, warm staff
- Amazing service
- Owner's dedication
What people don't like
Often praised
- peopleThe people are very warm and friendly
- serviceamazing service
- customer serviceExcellent customer service!
- dinner to gograb dinner to go on the way home
- nice peoplenice people
- opening hoursremains open till 9 pm on Saturdays, which is quite helpful
- ownersee the owner here quite often
- owner/chef's dedicationThe owner/chef is so dedicated that till date he still spends time in the kitchen.
- phone order-ahead serviceGood phone order-ahead service
- recommendationit's a must try
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If excellent service is high on your list, you absolutely need to check this place out. With consistently positive feedback and dedicated staff, you can expect a warm welcome and efficient care every time you visit.
Ambience (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, some folks find this spot quite appealing! Its been called a convenient place, even good for throwing some parties. In fact, one long-time patron noted that the establishment has been standing strong for two decades, which speaks to its enduring presence.
With 3 positive remarks out of 7 total, theres certainly a sense of familiarity and utility here. However, the overall ambience and atmosphere seem to be a mixed bag, with a score of 5.7, placing it squarely in the average range. Customer satisfaction sits at 42.9%, indicating a somewhat mixed reception.
Several comments, including 3 negative ones, pointed out that the restaurant space felt strange, almost like a mall food court without the mall, and lacked a dedicated restaurant feel.
Ambience
7
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Convenient location
- Good for parties
- Long-standing presence
What people don't like
- Strange location
- Awful ambience
- No dedicated space
Often praised
- convenient placeVery convenient place
- partiesgood for some party's
- standingthis place has been standing still for 2 decades now
Frequently criticized
- ambiencethe ambience is awful
- atmospherelocation was strange. It was almost like a mall food court without the mall.
- restaurant spaceno dedicated space of restaurant
So, if youre looking for a no-frills, convenient spot thats stood the test of time, it might be worth a visit. But if a strong, dedicated restaurant atmosphere is high on your list, you might find the current setup a bit disappointing.
Value (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
The value here generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 6.9 indicating a good experience for most. Customer satisfaction sits at a respectable 72.2%, showing many feel they get their moneys worth. With 13 positive opinions out of 18, guests frequently praise the "all-you-can-eat" options, "cheapest price, " and "great value for money.
"However, its not all perfect. There are 5 negative opinions, with some finding a la carte options to be overpriced or feeling that extra naan costs were a bit steep. While the overall sentiment is positive, some guests felt certain items didn't offer the same value as others, leading to a few complaints about specific charges.
Value
18
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great buffet value
- Reasonable prices
- Good quality for price
What people don't like
- Overpriced a la carte
- High extra charges
Often praised
- pricevery good price
- reasonably pricedMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. I found it to be the best and most reasonably priced authentic Indian cuisine in Sorrento Valley. Since there is no Indian food available in either Del Mar or Solana Beach, I often grab dinner to go on my way home from work.
- $12 per personunlimited naan bread $12 per person
- all-you-can-eatAll you can eat on Saturday was very reasonably priced
- cheapest priceBest Indian food at cheapest price
- fantastic pricesThe place is operated by a family who are clearly proud of the great food they make and offer at a good price. A definite highlight is the Saturday evening buffet, which features fresh food, fantastic prices, and incredible flavor.
- good pricegreat food for a good price
- great value for moneyMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious authentic Indian food that was also great value for money. The people working there were nice.
- low priceserve at such low price
- moneycombos are worth the money
Frequently criticized
- a la carte optionsa la carte options, which are insanely overpriced
- chargeno reason to charge this high
- extra naancost of extra nan was a little more than expected
- pricefor 10 dollars i was given quantity
- valueRip off!
If you're looking for a fantastic deal, especially with their all-you-can-eat options, this place offers great value and is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that some individual a la carte items or extra charges might feel a bit pricey compared to the overall good value.
How are the prices at Sitar?
On average, you’ll spend around 6 $ per person – from just 1 guest. That puts the restaurant in the $1–$10 category. For an Indian Restaurant, that’s incredibly budget-friendly – a real steal!
Since we only have one review, this price point is very concentrated, showing a super affordable option. Just remember, with limited data, this gives us a good initial peek!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 1 review. While the data is limited, it gives us a clear indication of the super affordable price point!
How this spot in San Diego stacks up against similar restaurants when it comes to value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels incredibly fair for an Indian Restaurant, offering fantastic value for a quick and tasty meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sitar
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Loved it! When will it reopen?
We loved this place. Rumor is that it will be opening again. Does anyone know when?
- place10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Service and Delicious Food
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I received excellent customer service, and the food was great. The staff were incredibly nice and sweet.
- customer service10
- food9
- people10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Freshly Made Naan and Dessert!
My experience at the restaurant was excellent, particularly for lunch. The lunch special is a great deal, featuring a huge piece of freshly made naan and usually a dessert. It's impressive that all of the food is made in-house.
- lunch special9
- naan10
- dessert8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
2
Disappointing Combo Plates and Biryani
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I tried the combo plates with kofta curry and found the kofta balls to be overcooked and tasted like freezer food. The biryani was also not up to par; it lacked savory flavor and authenticity, appearing to be a mix of white rice and gravy rather than a proper biryani recipe.
- kofta curry2
- kofta balls2
- biryani3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Indian Cuisine in Sorrento Valley
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely love the Indian delicacies they serve. It's always my go-to place when I crave proper Indian cuisine.
If you're nearby Sorrento Valley, I highly recommend you give this restaurant a try.
- Indian delicacies9
- proper Indian cuisine10
What Sitar offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Sitar Indian Cuisine accessible for all guests?
Yes, Sitar Indian Cuisine ensures a comfortable experience for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, making it easy for all visitors to enjoy their meal.
What dining options and services does Sitar Indian Cuisine offer?
At Sitar Indian Cuisine, you can enjoy a casual dine-in experience for lunch or dinner, with outdoor seating available. They also provide convenient takeout, no-contact delivery, and catering services, and accept reservations for your planning convenience.
How does Sitar generally perform?
Sitar achieves a commendable overall score of 7.2. This is largely driven by excellent Service (8.4), good Food (7.2), and solid Value (6.9), though the Ambience (5.7) is noted as a weaker point.
What do customers appreciate most about Sitar?
Diners frequently highlight the warm and friendly people providing excellent customer service. Many also praise the great value for money, especially for the generously portioned Indian food and the popular lunch specials.
Are there any common concerns about Sitar?
Some customers find the ambience to be quite basic, comparing it to a food court. There are also occasional comments regarding small portion sizes for certain dishes and inconsistencies, particularly with the Biryani.