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oChef » Naturally Desi – San Diego
Naturally Desi - San Diego
Photo from Naturally Desi
Naturally Desi at a glance
San Diego Rancho Bernardo
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 60 of the guests
#197 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#6 Indian Restaurant out of 14 in San Diego
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
429
Reviews
80.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive service
- Quality food
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Practical issues
The restaurant Naturally Desi, also known as Naturally Desi Cafe ‘n’ Catering, is an inviting Indian restaurant nestled in San Diego’s vibrant Rancho Bernardo neighborhood. You’ll discover a menu rich with healthy options, perfect for those seeking flavorful and wholesome meals.
From the moment you step in, you’re greeted with a casual atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed dining experience. Whether you’re craving traditional Indian dishes or exploring new tastes, this spot promises a delightful culinary journey.
Overview: Introducting Naturally Desi
Naturally Desi offers a generally positive dining experience, with many guests praising the delicious and flavorful food, often highlighting its quality and generous portions. The service also stands out, described as outstanding and attentive by many, with a passionate and knowledgeable staff.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly regarding prices, which a few found steep for the portion sizes. There were also occasional remarks about the food lacking flavor or being too spicy, and some practical issues like missing utensils.
Good
8
out of 10
429
Reviews
80.9%
Satisfaction
60
negative
22
neutral
347
positive
Overall, Naturally Desi earns a solid 8 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive experience for most diners. This is supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 80.9%, indicating that the majority of guests leave content.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 429 customer remarks, with 347 positive observations outweighing 60 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Service (8.6) is a clear highlight, consistently receiving high marks for attentiveness and care.
The Ambience (8.4) also contributes positively to the dining experience. While the Food (7.8) is well-regarded, some find the Value (6) to be more of a mixed bag, suggesting that pricing and portion sizes occasionally fall short of expectations.
What people like
- Attentive, knowledgeable service
- Flavorful, quality food
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Small portions, high price
- Missing dining essentials
- Inconsistent business hours
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.1, Naturally Desi generally delivers a satisfying experience, particularly if you prioritize excellent service and a pleasant atmosphere. It’s a place where the staff’s passion for Indian comfort food shines through, making it a solid choice for many.
However, be mindful of the value proposition, as some find portions modest for the price. If you’re seeking a consistently flavorful meal with attentive care and a cozy setting, it’s worth a visit, but manage expectations regarding portion sizes and occasional practical oversights.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Naturally Desi
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.8 and a solid 77.7% customer satisfaction. Many diners rave about the authentic Indian cuisine, fresh and flavorful dishes, and generous portion sizes, often feeling like home-style Indian cooking. This positive sentiment is clear from 223 positive comments out of 287 total.
However, some of the 48 negative opinions highlight areas for improvement, with mentions of food being spicy when requested mild, watery gravy, or even bland in taste and uncooked items. It seems consistency can be a challenge, particularly with spice levels and preparation.
Food
287
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
48
negative
16
neutral
223
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Indian flavors
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent spice levels
- Bland or uncooked food
- Watery gravies
Often praised
- foodThe atmosphere was simple yet clean, contributing to a pleasant dining environment. The food was good, with fresh ingredients and generous portions. I particularly enjoyed the Vegetable Somosa, Paneer Khurchan, Saag Paneer, Plain Naan, and Mango Lassi.
- Indian foodMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional! I found it to be the best Indian food in San Diego County. I started with the samosas and onion pakora, which were both delicious.
- Vada PavPaneer sabzi and many dishes were flavorful and kid friendly. Kachori and Vada Pav are our favorites. For catering, they had the best hassle-free packaging, especially for things like their spl Chai that made it easy to order again.
- Paneer KhurchanVegetable Somosa, Paneer Khurchan, Saag Paneer, Plain Naan, and Mango Lassi... Delicious
- dishesWe enjoyed a variety of dishes including samosa, onion pakora, panipuri shots, lamb kabob, chilli chicken, butter chicken, malai kofta, goat pepper fry, garlic naan, cheese naan, rice, mango lassi, gualapjamo cupcake, cake cone, and cake pop side. I would be lying if I said I had a favorite dish; everything was PERFECT. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next time.
- qualityThe food was excellent, and the service was super. It's commendable that breakfast, lunch, and snacks were prepared on time for all three days with no compromise in quality.
- chicken tikka masalaMy experience was with takeouts of Gobi Manchurian, chicken tikka masala & lamb saag. The curries were refined with a delicate blend of spices, and the tikka masala was not sweet, which was a relief from overly sweetened Westernized dishes. The fried Gobi was very good, though it became a bit soggy due to the takeout packaging.
- garlic naanI found it to be the best Indian food in the area. I particularly loved the butter paneer, garlic naan, and aloo gobi – they were so delicious. The patio is also super cute, making it a perfect date night spot.
- onion pakoraHad samosas and onion pakora. Delicious.
- portionsThe food was very good, and the customer service was excellent. I was also impressed with the generous portions. Most importantly for me, they clearly state their vegan options, which made dining here a great experience.
Frequently criticized
- foodPreviously, it was a great place for Indian food, although a little pricey. However, an update indicates that the menus and chefs have changed, and unfortunately, the food is not as good as before. I am reducing my star rating due to this decline in food quality.
- dishthere wasn't really anything unique or interesting about the dish
- disheslacking flavor and this was true for all 3 dishes
- saltBoth dishes lacked salt entirely
- spiceI asked for a little spice and felt it was too spicy
- FoodFood:1
- Gobi ManchurianGobi Manchurian here. It was horrible.
- Indian restaurantswhat's wrong with Indian restaurants
- Jain foodThere were no options in Jain food
- Vada PavVadapav was bland...
If you're craving authentic Indian flavors and generous portions, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be sure to communicate your preferred spice level, as consistency can sometimes vary.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the service here! With a fantastic score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction at a solid 88.6%, its clear the team is doing something right. Out of 79 comments, a whopping 70 praise the staff members personal touch, excellent service, and the owners dedication, often noting how friendly and attentive everyone is.
However, a few voices, 7 to be exact, pointed out some bumps. Concerns included instances of bad service, an inattentive waiter, and even issues with missing utensils. While these are minor compared to the overall positive feedback, they suggest there's still a tiny bit of room for improvement.
Service
79
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Owner's personal touch
- Excellent customer service
What people don't like
- Inattentive waiter
- Missing utensils
- Bad service
Often praised
- serviceEach dish was thoughtfully curated, expertly executed, and presented with impeccable attention to detail. The service was nothing short of outstanding. The staff members were attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate, offering recommendations and a genuine personal touch that made me feel like a valued guest.
- staffThe place has a cozy, rustic vibe that instantly makes you feel welcome. The staff is always friendly and attentive, and you can really tell it’s run with passion and care. If you’re craving real Indian comfort food or want to introduce friends to the true taste of India, this is the spot.
- Servicematched the spice level that was requested
- customer serviceThe restaurant itself is perfect and truly feels like home. The owner and staff provided amazing and excellent customer service. We enjoyed a variety of dishes including samosa, onion pakora, panipuri shots, lamb kabob, chilli chicken, butter chicken, malai kofta, goat pepper fry, garlic naan, cheese naan, rice, mango lassi, gualapjamo cupcake, cake cone, and cake pop side.
- peopleThis is a hidden gem located next to Akai Hana Sushi and the Barrel Room in Rancho Bernardo. The food was amazing, and the people there were really nice. It looks like it needs to be busier, and I live around the corner and didn't know it was there.
- ownerThis place and its ownership are amazing. The owner took the time to explain the dishes, even clarifying that "spicy" refers to the blend of spices, not just heat. The staff was equally amazing, friendly, and knowledgeable.
- packagingvolunteers couldn’t stop appreciating the smooth service and packaging
- serverso was our server
- ArchanaArchana owns this business and she helped me every step of the way.
- Naturally Desi teamNaturally Desi team is definitely passionate about delivering quality
Frequently criticized
- business hoursMy experience was that the business hours were not true. The sign stated they are open from Monday to Friday until 3 PM.
- platesWe had no silverware or plates to eat with
- serviceFurthermore, the portion sizes were incredibly small for the price paid; I paid $17 for a kebab with barely any food and no rice. While the food itself was okay, it was overpriced with little portion and bad service. If I could give zero stars, I would.
- silverwareWe had no silverware or plates to eat with
- utensilsThey ran out of utensils so you may need to bring your own
- waiterhe took it back and returned the same food
- young man servingyoung man serving us ... seemed like he really didn't want to be working
If you value attentive and friendly interactions, this place seems like a solid bet. The staff and owner clearly make an effort to provide a great experience, making it worth a visit for that personal touch. Just be aware of the rare hiccup in service.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner! With a good score of 8.4 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 94.1%, its clear guests adore the atmosphere. Many praised the cozy ambiance, warm, welcoming desi vibe, and elegant decor, noting the clean setup across 48 positive remarks.
Out of 51 total comments, there was just one mention regarding a heater issue, where a request to turn it on wasnt fulfilled. While this is a very minor point, its worth keeping in mind if youre particularly sensitive to indoor temperatures.
Ambience
51
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy ambiance
- Warm desi vibe
- Clean setup
What people don't like
- Heater issue
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service was excellent, a perfect 5/5, and the food was also rated a perfect 5/5. The atmosphere was rated a 4.
- ambienceFull star for ambience around the restaurant
- ambiancewarm and inviting ambiance immediately set the stage
- placeA very nice place to dine in
- hidden gemThe food was excellent, complemented by great services and a wonderful atmosphere. It's truly one of the best places in California and a hidden gem of San Diego. I must visit!
- interior designThis reassured us about the food quality. The interior design is eclectic and cozy, though not necessarily authentic. We appreciated that the waiter, who is part of the family that owns the place, thoroughly explained the menu.
- patioperfect patio for wine n evening
- Al frescoand Al fresco
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- authenticReally unique and authentic.
Frequently criticized
- heaterasked them to turn on the heater they never did
If you're seeking a restaurant with a fantastic atmosphere, this place is absolutely worth trying. Its warm, clean, and inviting ambiance makes it perfect for various occasions, from date nights to family gatherings, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found the pricing quite reasonable, often noting that the food is not expensive and offers a good deal. With 6 positive remarks out of 12 total opinions, there's a definite appreciation for the fair prices here. The overall score for value sits at an average 6, suggesting a balanced view.
However, not everyone felt the same, with 4 negative opinions highlighting concerns about the price. Some felt the portions were small for the cost, describing it as overpriced, while others mentioned issues with additional charges or unexpected requests for a cash tip. This contributes to a mixed 50% customer satisfaction, indicating that value can be a hit or miss.
Value
12
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- Good value food
- Not expensive
What people don't like
- Overpriced portions
- Unexpected charges
- Cash tip requests
Often praised
- pricesWe ordered butter chicken and a vegetarian curry dish, both of which were beautifully presented and very delicious. The prices were also quite reasonable. We plan to make this our go-to takeout spot.
- food is not expensivefood is not expensive
- priceat such a good price
- pricingthe pricing was reasonable
- reasonable pricethe price was reasonable
Frequently criticized
- priceThe food quality was nowhere near what I expected. For the price they charge, I was hoping for much better. Sadly, I will not be ordering again.
- cash tipthe waitress then asked us to leave a cash tip
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag. While many find the pricing reasonable and the food a good deal, others felt it was overpriced for the portions. If youre looking for a budget-friendly option, it might be worth a try, but be prepared that it might not always meet expectations for the cost.
How are the prices at Naturally Desi?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 60 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests cluster in the 11 – 30 $ range, indicating a solid mid-range offering with a few options for those looking to spend a little more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 60 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Indian Restaurant in San Diego. It offers a good balance for diners looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Naturally Desi
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Authentic Desi Food Experience!
Naturally Desi Cafe & Catering is an absolute must-visit in San Diego if you love authentic desi food. Everything we tried was delicious and full of flavor, truly tasting like home-style Indian cooking. I highly recommend their pav bhaji, samosa chaat, and Indo-Chinese dishes, all were perfectly spiced and super satisfying.
For the main course, the paneer khurchan was outstanding, and the garlic naan paired beautifully with it. The place has a warm, welcoming desi vibe that makes the experience even better. You can tell the food is made with care and quality ingredients.
Definitely coming back and would strongly recommend it to anyone craving real desi food or looking for great catering options!
- authentic desi food10
- delicious and full of flavor10
- home-style Indian cooking9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Pleasant Lunch with a Few Notes
My experience at this restaurant, tucked away behind the main parking area, was for lunch. We tried their veg biryani, which was a bit salty for my personal taste but was well-presented alongside raita. The veg pakora was good, and the Paan ice cream was truly awesome.
We're keen to return and explore more of their offerings.
- veg biryani5
- veg pakora7
- Paan ice cream9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Mixed feelings about this place
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. Initially, I found the samosa and vada pav to be good. However, upon a recent revisit, the vada pav tasted weird and bad.
I had hoped for more from this establishment.
- samosa7
- vada pav2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Authentic Indian Comfort Food Haven
My experience at Naturally Desi Café was wonderful! The place has a cozy, rustic vibe that instantly makes you feel welcome. The staff is always friendly and attentive, and you can really tell it’s run with passion and care.
If you’re craving real Indian comfort food or want to introduce friends to the true taste of India, this is the spot. I highly recommend it for breakfast, brunch, or just a chai break!
- cozy, rustic vibe10
- staff10
- real Indian comfort food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Authentic Indian Flavors, Woman-Owned Gem!
My experience at Naturally Desi was truly wonderful! It's amazing to see a woman-owned business serving such authentic Indian food. The flavors are perfect, not oily, and made with pure, fresh taste that reminds me of home.
I highly recommend this place!
- woman-owned business9
- authentic Indian food10
- flavors10
What Naturally Desi offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- All you can eat
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dietary options are available at Naturally Desi?
At Naturally Desi, you’ll find a wide range of dietary choices to suit your needs. They offer healthy options, vegan options, vegetarian options, and halal food, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious meal. You can also explore their small plates for a diverse tasting experience.
Does Naturally Desi offer convenient service and parking options?
Yes, Naturally Desi provides excellent service flexibility, including no-contact delivery, takeout, and dine-in with outdoor seating. You’ll also appreciate the free parking lot, where there’s usually plenty of parking available, making your visit hassle-free.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Naturally Desi?
Naturally Desi holds a strong Restaurant Score of 8 and a Customer Satisfaction of 80.9%. Guests particularly appreciate the Service (8.6), Ambience (8.4), and Food (7.8), though Value (6) is considered average.
Do customers find Naturally Desi to be good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some found the prices reasonable, others felt the portions were small for the cost, leading to an average Value score of 6.
What are some common positive aspects highlighted by diners at Naturally Desi?
Diners frequently praise the attentive and knowledgeable staff, the flavorful and quality food, and the cozy, inviting atmosphere, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.