Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Tandoor – San Diego
Tandoor - San Diego
Photo from Tandoor
Tandoor at a glance
San Diego Civita
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 77 of the guests
#466 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#11 Indian Restaurant out of 14 in San Diego
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
529
Reviews
70.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Food
- Friendly Service
- Affordable Prices
Frequently criticized
- Poor Cleanliness
- Menu Discrepancies
- Rude Service
The restaurant Tandoor, an inviting Indian restaurant nestled in San Diego’s vibrant Civita neighborhood, offers you a truly authentic culinary journey. You’ll discover a casual atmosphere perfect for any occasion, whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
With a focus on diverse offerings, including healthy and vegan options, Tandoor ensures there’s something delicious for every palate. It’s a place where you can savor traditional flavors in a welcoming setting.
Overview: Introducting Tandoor
Tandoor offers a mixed experience, with many appreciating its affordable and flavorful Indian food. Customers often highlight the quick service and the generally friendly staff, making it a convenient option for a satisfying meal.
However, some experiences at Tandoor point to inconsistencies, particularly concerning cleanliness and occasional issues with staff attitude. There have also been concerns about online menu accuracy and pricing, suggesting areas where the restaurant could improve.
Good
7
out of 10
529
Reviews
70.9%
Satisfaction
135
negative
19
neutral
375
positive
Overall, Tandoor achieves a solid 7 on its restaurant score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This aligns well with a 70.9% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 529 customer observations, with 375 leaning positive and 135 expressing reservations. Diving deeper, Food scores well at (7), often praised for its flavor and authenticity.
Service also stands out with a strong (7.4), frequently noted for its speed and friendliness. Value is considered good at (7.1), offering affordable options.
However, Ambience (6.2) is more of a mixed bag, suggesting it’s an area with room for improvement.
What people like
- Flavorful Indian food
- Fast, friendly service
- Good, affordable prices
What people don't like
- Inconsistent cleanliness
- Menu price discrepancies
- Occasional rude service
With a recommendation score of 7.1, Tandoor presents itself as a viable option for those seeking authentic Indian flavors at a reasonable cost. If you prioritize tasty food and quick service over a pristine dining environment, it’s certainly worth considering.
However, be mindful of potential menu discrepancies and the occasional service hiccup. While the food often shines, managing expectations regarding the overall atmosphere and double-checking prices could lead to a more satisfying visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tandoor
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners are raving about their experience! With a good score of 7 and a customer satisfaction of 70.1%, the culinary offerings generally impress. Based on 318 opinions, with 223 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the chicken tikka masala, garlic naan, and authentic Indian food for being delicious and flavorful.
However, not every dish is a hit. There are 82 negative comments, with some finding the food watery, bland, or having small portions. Concerns about a fishy taste in some dishes and inconsistent quality also pop up, suggesting that while many enjoy it, some experiences fall short.
Food
318
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
82
negative
13
neutral
223
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Indian food
- Delicious flavors
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Watery curries
- Bland taste
- Poor food quality
Often praised
- foodOn a positive note, there's a nice little porch area for outdoor dining. I wish them all the best because I love their food and the people seem very nice. My five-star rating is primarily for the food and people, not necessarily for the complete package, as I think they could improve the atmosphere.
- Indian foodThe easy access and parking made it convenient, and the nearby picnic tables were a nice touch. This has become our new go-to for good, fast & affordable Indian food. We especially enjoyed the Chicken Tikka Masala.
- chicken tikka masalaMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious food, specifically the chicken tikka masala ($13) and karahi paneer ($10) combination plates. The dishes were packed with so much flavor.
- FoodFood:5
- chicken curryhad a Lamb Vindaloo and chicken curry with mango lassi. They tasted great.
- garlic naanthe lamb curry with garlic naan. This place was delicious.
- mango lassihad a Lamb Vindaloo and chicken curry with mango lassi. They tasted great.
- portions5 stars towards the portions
- Chicken Tikka MasalaI highly recommend this restaurant, especially given the reasonable prices. The Chicken Tikka Masala was a standout dish, and there's a large vegetarian selection with plenty of options for vegetarians. The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5, and there's plenty of free parking available, making it a convenient choice for lunch.
- naanone star for naan as that was the only good thing
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was meh. It was watery, bland and lacked spices
- Indian foodTerrible representation of even fast Indian food
- chickenThe chicken was not roasted, but boiled in this questionable sauce
- food qualityThis was so bad, stuff I can make at home
- biryanibiryani that is made by mixing up chicken with spices with rice
- chicken biryaniThe chicken biryani was very watery and tasted fishy.
- chicken tikka masalaMy experience at this restaurant was the ABSOLUTE WORST Indian food I’ve had in MY LIFE! The chicken tikka masala was watery, had no flavor, and lacked vegetables. I couldn’t believe it.
- curryUsed the same curry to make biryani,chicken and shrimp.
- flavorMy experience at this restaurant was by far the worst Indian curry I've ever had. The curry was super watery and not too flavorful. They also never asked for a spice level.
- riceI couldn’t believe it. The rice was not cooked very well. I don’t know how this place stays open.
If you're seeking authentic Indian flavors and generous portions, this spot is often a winner. However, be mindful that some dishes might lack flavor or come in smaller servings, so choose wisely.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.4 score and a solid 76.5% customer satisfaction. Many of the 102 comments praise the friendly staff, fast service, and great customer service, often highlighting the charm of this family-owned establishment. Guests frequently mention the warm welcome and efficiency.
However, not every experience is perfect, with 24 negative remarks pointing to areas for improvement. Some guests encountered rude staff, poor communication, or even concerns about overcharging. A few instances of bad service or a lack of attention suggest that consistency could be better.
Service
102
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
24
negative
0
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Staff are friendly
- Service is fast
- Family-run business
What people don't like
- Staff can be rude
- Watch for overcharging
- Communication problems
Often praised
- serviceIt was definitely well worth the price. The service was fast; I placed a phone order and it was ready within 15-20 minutes for a meal for two. My order was completed accurately and ready when I arrived.
- staffI enjoyed some of the freshest authentic Indian food I’ve had. The staff was helpful and the service was fast. It's definitely worth a stop.
- ServiceService:5
- customer servicethe customer service is great!
- friendlyThe food was filling and offered great value for the price. The service was extremely fast and friendly. I would definitely return to try other menu options.
- ownerThe owner is friendly and polite.
- ownersThe owners are so kind and welcoming
- peopleOn a positive note, there's a nice little porch area for outdoor dining. I wish them all the best because I love their food and the people seem very nice. My five-star rating is primarily for the food and people, not necessarily for the complete package, as I think they could improve the atmosphere.
- Friendly folkFriendly folk
- GaryThis is my favorite go-to place. Gary was the best help and made the most delicious Indian food.
Frequently criticized
- serviceCareful with who you takes your order as they attempted to charge us
- ownerYou say hi to the owner and he acts like someone just gave him news if a death.
- apology49 to $13). When I called to let them know, they gave a half-hearted apology and said that "Prices are subject to change without notice". Beware this place and double check the prices of items before you place your order.
- attitudepeople had an attitude when I was trying to order
- business operationGet some basic lessons before trying to run a business
- communicationwho’s still learning to communicate, was rude and insensitive
- customer serviceThey dont what us the acual customer service
- employeesThey also never asked for a spice level. The employees were rude on the phone and rude when I picked up. To top it off, there were no utensils provided for takeout.
- menu understandingHe discussed seating us outside with his mom before asking us to order. When I was ordering, he condescendingly asked, 'Can you understand the menu? ' The worst part was his apparent lack of awareness of his own mistake.
- old ladyshe didn't even care, waved her hand in the air and said, I DONT KNOW
Overall, if youre looking for a place with generally friendly and fast service, youll likely be pleased. Just be aware that there might be occasional hiccups with communication or consistency, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to the atmosphere, there's a lot to like, with 30 positive remarks out of 51 total. Many guests enjoy the nice outdoor seating and the cozy mom and pop vibe, often feeling a warm energy upon entering. The easy access and parking are also frequently highlighted, adding to a convenient experience.
Yet, the overall impression is somewhat mixed, reflected in a customer satisfaction of 58.8% and an average score of 6.2. Concerns often revolve around cleanliness, with mentions of flies and a bathroom condition that left much to be desired. Some also felt the interior looks kind of rough, indicating room for improvement.
Ambience
51
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
16
negative
5
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Nice outdoor seating
- Easy access, parking
- Mom and pop vibe
What people don't like
- Cleanliness issues
- Dirty bathrooms
- Worn interior
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food received a perfect score of 5, and the service was equally impressive with a score of 5. The atmosphere was also rated highly at 4. This was a lunch meal, and the price per person was between $10–20, with plenty of free parking available.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessplace was freshly mopped and even tho the building was dated I could tell they tried to keep everything as clean as possible
- parkingPlenty of parking
- Parking optionsFree parking lot
- Parking spacePlenty of parking
- easy access and parkingEasy access and parking.
- family run shopGreat family run shop
- insideInside is pleasant
- mom and pop viberestaurant gives off a mom n pop vibe
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere is one of them. It does look a little worn down
- Outdoor tablesOutdoor tables too (no shade)
- bathroom conditionbathroom in bad condition
- bathroomsThe Bathrooms were absolutely disgusting.
- buffet advertisementneed to take down the buffet advertisment
- cleanlinessrequires a high attention to cleanliness that they are don't have
- environmentally consciousthey are not very environmentally conscious either.
- fliesthere were flies inside the table too.
- inside cleanlinessInside isn't to clean, very dusty
- interiorinterior looks kind of rough
If you're looking for a quick, casual spot with good parking and a homey feel, this place could be a decent choice. However, if pristine cleanliness and a polished interior are high on your list, you might find the ambience disappointing.
Value (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to getting bang for your buck, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at a healthy 75.9%, most diners are thrilled with the value. Many rave about the very low price, affordable options, and reasonable price for delicious food, often calling it a great deal based on 44 positive remarks.
However, its not all sunshine and savings. A smaller group of 13 comments pointed to some concerns. There were instances of overcharge and mentions of deceitful practices, particularly regarding over priced items or discrepancies with an online menu that wasnt updated, leading to unexpected costs.
Value
58
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
13
negative
1
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Very low price
- Affordable food
- Great value deals
What people don't like
- Potential overcharge
- Outdated online prices
- Pricing discrepancies
Often praised
- pricesThey prepare everything right in front of you, and the staff is super friendly. The prices are good, and if you're looking for real authentic Indian food, Tandoor is the only place in San Diego that's legit. They have a good amount of vegetarian options, and many dishes are good for protein and low calories.
- priceThis restaurant is a true hidden gem, offering really good food at a great price. We enjoy take-out once a month, and they are consistently very consistent and fast.
- affordablefood is always good and affordable
- great pricefilling food for a great price
- reasonable priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was yummy and served at a reasonable price. The customer service was very nice, and the staff was amazing.
- reasonably pricedfood was so reasonably priced
- $6.99 for a navratan curry combo$6.99 for a navratan curry combo with rice, lentils, and half of a nan? Yup.
- affordable Indian foodgood, fast & affordable Indian food!
- amazing priceclassic Indian dishes at an amazing price
- cheaper than a fast food mealWe were glad we found this little gem! It was cheaper than a fast food meal and very tasty. We'll be back.
Frequently criticized
- $40I wasted my 40 dollars at this place.
- Prices49 to $13). When I called to let them know, they gave a half-hearted apology and said that "Prices are subject to change without notice". Beware this place and double check the prices of items before you place your order.
- charged for extra naanThe food portion size was small and the taste was just average. To make matters worse, I was charged for extra naan. I felt like I should have just gone to Flame Broiler instead.
- deceitful practicesmany deceitful little practices as such to get more money
- listed priceI love the food here, but the online menu has been out of date for over 7 months! Some items are more than 150% of listed price (I'm looking at you Saag Chicken, $8. 49 to $13).
- magic menusmagic menus meaning….. the menu shows one price
- online menuthe online menu has been out of date
- over pricedOver priced, small portion lack luster food.
- overchargethey will over charge you knowing that people never ask for the reciept
- receiptmake sure to always get the detailed copy of your receipt because they will over charge you
Overall, youll likely find some fantastic value here, especially with their combo plates. Just be a savvy diner: double-check your bill and perhaps confirm prices if youre ordering from an online menu to avoid any surprises. It's definitely worth trying for the affordability, but stay vigilant.
How are the prices at Tandoor?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 77 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For an Indian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests (48 out of 77) spend right in that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing a clear focus. While there are a few cheaper and pricier options, the majority stick to this mid-range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 77 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for an Indian Restaurant. It offers good value without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tandoor
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Absolutely Love This Place!
I cannot tell you how much I LOVE this place! The owners are so kind and welcoming, and the food is beyond delicious! The cost is low while the servings are generous!
I come here at the very least once a month, but I would come here every day if I could!
- owners10
- food10
- cost9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Quick and Tasty Lunch!
I came here for a quick lunch today and I’m glad I did! The staff were nice and I received my food quickly. I ordered the chicken tikka masala, which came with rice, lentils, and naan.
The portion size was good for the price, and the dish was tasty. I will definitely be back to try more dishes.
- staff8
- food8
- portion size8
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Great Value Navratan Curry Combo
My experience at this restaurant was surprisingly good, especially considering the value. For just $6. 99, I got a navratan curry combo with rice, lentils, and half a nan.
It was a fantastic deal that I'd sign up for any time! I've clearly been missing out on this place, but that's changing now. While the interior is definitely no-frills and a little dated, having been around since 1992, the food was delicious.
The service was fast and friendly enough. I'll definitely be back.
- navratan curry combo9
- no-frills and a little dated6
- food9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
2
Worst Indian Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. I found the Indian food to be the worst I've ever had. While the service was quick, the food was simply not good in any regard.
I will never be coming back.
- service7
- Indian food1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Incredible Taste, Unbeatable Price!
This place might look like a hole in the wall, but don't be fooled! The price is insanely low and the taste is incredible. I highly recommend the Chicken Tikka Masala.
The atmosphere was rated a 4, service a 5, and food a 5. It was quiet and easy to talk, with no wait time. The price per person is between $1–$10.
- price10
- taste10
- Chicken Tikka Masala10
What Tandoor offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- All you can eat
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Organic dishes
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and special dietary choices are available at Tandoor?
At Tandoor, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, brunch, and dessert with comfortable seating. They cater to various dietary needs, offering healthy options, vegan options, organic dishes, and halal food, alongside traditional vegetarian choices.
Does Tandoor offer convenient service options and parking for its guests?
Yes, Tandoor provides outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery services for your convenience. You’ll find free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space available.
What is the overall verdict for Tandoor?
Tandoor holds a restaurant score of **7** with **70.9%** customer satisfaction. Its **Food** (7), **Service** (7.4), and **Value** (7.1) are generally well-regarded, though **Ambience** (6.2) is noted as an area for improvement.
Is Tandoor a good option for affordable Indian food?
Yes, many customers praise Tandoor for its **affordable** prices and good **value** (7.1), often finding it a budget-friendly choice for authentic Indian dishes.
Are there any common issues to be aware of at Tandoor?
Some customers have noted concerns regarding **cleanliness** and the general atmosphere. There have also been reports of online menu inaccuracies and occasional inconsistencies in service.