Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Delhi Kitchen – San Diego
Delhi Kitchen - San Diego
Photo from Delhi Kitchen
Delhi Kitchen at a glance
San Diego Carmel Mountain Ranch
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 54 of the guests
#544 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#13 Indian Restaurant out of 14 in San Diego
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
443
Reviews
64.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic flavors
- Budget-friendly
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Pricing issues
- Dated ambiance
- Service inconsistencies
The restaurant Delhi Kitchen invites you to discover authentic Indian flavors right in San Diego’s vibrant Carmel Mountain Ranch neighborhood. This Indian restaurant offers a casual and quiet atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
You’ll find a diverse menu featuring healthy options and delicious vegan and vegetarian choices, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a full dinner, you can enjoy a delightful dining experience with friends and family.
Overview: Introducting Delhi Kitchen
Delhi Kitchen offers a taste of authentic Indian cuisine, with many appreciating the home-cooked style dishes and naan. While the flavors often hit the mark, some experiences suggest the food can occasionally be bland.
The restaurant generally provides good value for money, with affordable options. However, some patrons have encountered inconsistent pricing and felt overcharged, leading to frustration regarding transparency.
Good
6.6
out of 10
443
Reviews
64.3%
Satisfaction
120
negative
38
neutral
285
positive
Delhi Kitchen earns a Restaurant Score of 6.6, placing it in the average category, with a Customer Satisfaction of 64.3%, which is a mixed result. This indicates that while many diners leave content, a notable portion have reservations.
The restaurant garnered 443 opinions, with 285 positive and 120 negative, showing a clear lean towards favorable experiences. Looking closer, Value (7.1) stands out as a strong point, often praised for its affordability.
Food (6.7) also performs well, frequently described as tasty and authentic. However, Service (6.6) is more of a mixed bag, with some finding staff welcoming while others report issues.
The Ambience (5.6) is where Delhi Kitchen struggles most, often cited for its lack of comfort or dated decor.
What people like
- Authentic Indian flavors
- Good value options
- Welcoming staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent pricing
- Poor dining atmosphere
- Occasional service lapses
Delhi Kitchen presents a mixed experience, making it a place worth considering if you prioritize authentic flavors and good value over a polished dining setting. With a Recommendation Score of 6.9, it suggests that many find it a decent option, especially for takeout or casual meals.
If you’re seeking an affordable, flavorful Indian meal and can overlook some inconsistencies in service or the modest atmosphere, Delhi Kitchen could be a suitable choice. However, be mindful of potential pricing discrepancies and manage expectations for the overall dining environment.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Indian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
367
94.3%
- $$
- North Clairemont
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Indian Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
742
90.7%
- $$
- Kearny Mesa
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Indian Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
580
87.8%
- $$
- Rancho Bernardo
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Indian Restaurant
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
571
82.8%
- $$
- Serra Mesa
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Indian Restaurant
8
out of 10
out of 10
535
81.7%
- $$
- Mira Mesa
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Indian Restaurant
8
out of 10
out of 10
429
80.9%
- $$
- Rancho Bernardo
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Delhi Kitchen
Food (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot earns a 6.7 score, placing it in the good range, though customer satisfaction is a 65.4% mixed bag. Out of 283 opinions, 185 praise the authentic flavors and generous portions. Many love the freshly made naan and the large vegetarian selection, often calling the dishes delicious and satisfying.
However, 73 opinions highlight some concerns. Some found the food bland, lacking flavor, or overly greasy. There were also mentions of dried out chicken and, in a few cases, worries about spoiled ingredients, which unfortunately led to disappointment and even stomach pain.
Food
283
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
73
negative
25
neutral
185
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic flavors
- Generous portions
- Fresh naan
What people don't like
- Bland flavor
- Dried out chicken
- Spoiled ingredients
Often praised
- foodYou truly get what you pay for here. While the food was good, it was the naans that made the meal particularly enjoyable. I would definitely try it if you are in town.
- Indian foodI've been here about 15 times over the years, and every single time the food has been excellent. I consider this the best Indian food in San Diego that I've ever had. While it's a hole in the wall and not necessarily a super nice environment, it's a winner if you want great Indian food.
- naanthe garlic naan and regular naan they both are good
- samosasIt offers good value for money and consistently delivers on taste. Our favorites include the Khadi pakoda, paneer paratha, their 2 and 3-item combos, samosas, and mango lassi. The staff is exceptionally patient, kind, and nice.
- FoodFood is clean and tasty
- chickenHeavenly. The chicken was perfectly seasoned, nice and juicy. What truly set Delhi Kitchen apart from other Indian restaurants was an unmistakable personal touch.
- garlic naanThe vegetarian dishes were super delicious. We also ordered takeout goat curry and garlic naan.
- North Indian foodMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful! I enjoyed their excellent North Indian food, which truly felt home-cooked style. The staff was incredibly friendly and obliging.
- mango lassiIt offers good value for money and consistently delivers on taste. Our favorites include the Khadi pakoda, paneer paratha, their 2 and 3-item combos, samosas, and mango lassi. The staff is exceptionally patient, kind, and nice.
- spicesI ordered the 3-item platter, which included rice, naan, and yogurt, along with a samosa on the side. The dishes were all tasty with the right level of spices. The samosa, though not pictured, was served with two chutneys.
Frequently criticized
- Indian foodAs we were deciding on a replacement, they rudely told us to hurry up and call back when we actually knew what we wanted. This is ridiculous behavior towards a customer, especially when your Indian food is not fresh and bland. Thanks, but no thanks!
- foodthe food can be a lot better
- chana masalathe food was just not very good. I had chana masala
- chickenchicken was dried out, over cooked
- flavorHowever, the ambience was just 'meh'. When it came to the food, both the lunch and dinner specials tasted bland, with barely any flavor.
- samosasI ordered food for delivery, but the restaurant failed to include essential items like rice with their samosas and chutney. It was very difficult to enjoy the curry without rice or the samosas without chutney. Additionally, the delivery took an unacceptable 2 hours to arrive.
- butter chickenThe butter chicken had sooo much oil floating on top
- chicken tikka masalachicken tikka masala lunch special, but it was not good
- naanEven the naan wasn't that good
- Chicken Makhanimade the Chicken Makhani inedible
If you're seeking authentic Indian flavors and generous portions, especially with their fresh naan and vegetarian options, this place could be a good pick. Just be mindful that some experiences report blandness or quality issues, so it might be a bit of a gamble.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.6 with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 64.5%. Many guests rave about the friendly and polite staff, often mentioning how they go the extra mile to ensure a good experience. With 40 positive remarks out of 62 total, its clear that quick and personal service is a highlight for many.
However, not everyone has had such a smooth experience, with 18 negative comments pointing to some significant issues. Concerns include frustrating long wait times and problems with the online ordering system, sometimes leading to orders being forgotten or customers feeling overcharged. There are also mentions of staff having a horrible demeanor' in certain situations, which can definitely sour an otherwise good meal.
Service
62
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
18
negative
4
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, polite staff
- Staff goes extra mile
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Online order issues
- Inconsistent pricing
Often praised
- staffThe food is great, the prices are affordable, and the customer service is the best I’ve experienced anywhere here. The staff is always so welcoming and kind, making every visit feel so special. It's definitely a comfort place!
- serviceThe food and the service are both amazing.
- ServiceService:5
- customer servicethe customer service is the best
- OwnerOwner is very warm
- Punjabiable to talk to one of them in Punjabi
- cateringrecommend them for catering
- catering 75 samosascatering 75 for a party. They were on time
- delivery and handlingexcellent delivery and handling
- experienceI’ve been here many times over the years and I have never been disappointed. I always come back for more.
Frequently criticized
- ServiceI ordered 2 meals and the restaurant forgot to add Rice and Raita. When I called, they apologized, stating they were too busy. I was very upset after spending $40.
- apologyNo remorse no apology
- behaviorthey told us rudely to hurry up
- chase them to get my card creditedThis was pathetic. Now I have to chase them to get my card credited again. It was my first and last time ordering from this restaurant.
- customer servicethe customer service isn't there
- deliverytook 2 hrs to receive food
- horrible demeanorGood luck if you are ordering on the phone as they won’t tell you your total price. Their unwillingness to fix this as well as their horrible demeanor when confronted makes it feel like you are part of a scam.
- iMenu4UI will not be returning to this place again. And as for iMenu4U, please drop this restaurant and ensure that the ones you represent are bona fide establishments. This was a joke.
- lady at the registerlady at the register purposely overcharged us
- online ordering systemiMenu4U ordering system. the order was accepted and my credit card charged.
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly staff who often go above and beyond, you might find a great experience here. Just be aware that theres a chance of encountering some hiccups with wait times or the online ordering process, so it might be best to manage your expectations.
Ambience (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 5.6 and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 42.9%. Many appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, especially the outdoor seating and easy parking options, making it feel like a comfortable local hangout. These positive sentiments were noted in 21 out of 49 customer comments.
However, some guests found the decor tired and the overall ambiance lacking, with concerns about cleanliness and even the absence of AC. The limited dine-in space and lack of customer bathrooms were also points of contention, highlighted in 19 negative observations.
Ambience
49
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
19
negative
9
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Outdoor seating available
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Plenty of parking
What people don't like
- Tired decor
- No AC
- No customer bathrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service at Delhi Kitchen was impeccable, with friendly and attentive staff who made me feel welcome throughout my visit. The cozy and inviting atmosphere added to the overall charm of the restaurant, making it an informal place I will undoubtedly visit on a weekly basis. I was delighted to learn they also offer a to-go menu as well as catering.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Northern Indian Vibesoak up the Northern Indian Vibe
- awesome spototherwise awesome spot
- comfort placeDefinitely a comfort place!
- cute restaurantDelhi Kitchen is a cute restaurant
- local hangoutit’s kind of a local hangout
- mom and pop shopaffordable mom and pop shop that provides authentic indian food
- musicThe music great
- music videos from Indialoved that they were playing music videos from India
Frequently criticized
- ambiencethey need to work on ambience
- atmospherethe lady in the front and one of the guys in the back gave me a really weird look
- ACthere was no AC in there
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- ambianceSo definitely don’t expect ambiance
- bathrooms for customersNO BATHROOMS FOR CUSTOMERS
- chefsthe chefs don't have masks on ! Not at all
- cleanlinessThe place doesn't look clean
- decorDecor is tired
- dine in spaceDine in space is limited
If youre looking for a casual spot with good parking and dont mind a no-frills interior, this place could be a decent choice. However, if a polished ambiance, air conditioning, or customer restrooms are high on your priority list, you might want to consider takeout or look elsewhere.
Value (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.1 and boasting a solid 79.6% customer satisfaction. Many diners rave about the affordable and reasonable prices, often calling it value for money and pocket friendly. With 39 positive remarks out of 49 total, guests frequently praise the great food for a great price and generous portions.
However, it's not all sunshine and savings. A few of the 10 negative comments highlight concerns about upcharge and being overcharged. Some customers reported discrepancies between the online menu price and what they were charged in person, leading to feelings of being scammed.
It seems pricing can sometimes be a point of contention.
Value
49
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable, good food
- Great value for money
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Pricing discrepancies
- Risk of overcharging
- Online menu issues
Often praised
- pricesThe prices are even better.
- priceFinding such authentic flavors and generous portions at this price is rare
- value for moneyMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. The taste of all the items we ordered was excellent, and it offered great value for money. The kid-friendliness was also a highlight, as they made the food less spicy for the children, and it was still tasty.
- affordableThis is an affordable mom and pop shop
- inexpensivefood was good and inexpensive
- 2 item comboTheir 2 item combo is inexpensive
- 3 item combo3 item combo is a deal
- budget pricesGood points include budget prices
- buffet pricethe buffet price is $1 more than 3 item combo, it's worth it
- combosThe combos here come at a good price. However, I ordered outside of the combo, and my entree was mid, and the samosa was cold.
Frequently criticized
- pricewhy pay $11 for a dish that will end up in the trash
- Pricespending $40.90 and not have what to eat
- credit card chargedmy credit card charged. As I was driving over to pick my order
- in person priceDO NOT EAT HERE. They present one price on their online menu then charge you a higher price in person when you pay. On their website menu, an entree is $11.
- online menu priceDO NOT EAT HERE. They present one price on their online menu then charge you a higher price in person when you pay. On their website menu, an entree is $11.
- overchargedpurposely overcharged us
- scamGood luck if you are ordering on the phone as they won’t tell you your total price. Their unwillingness to fix this as well as their horrible demeanor when confronted makes it feel like you are part of a scam.
- upchargeOwner tried to up charge me
- website menuOn their website menu, an entree is $11.99
If you're looking for an affordable meal with good portions, this place often delivers great value. Just be sure to double-check pricing, especially if ordering online or by phone, to avoid any surprises.
How are the prices at Delhi Kitchen?
You’re looking at roughly $16 per person – reported by 54 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 (38 out of 54) spend right in this sweet spot, though there are a few who opt for slightly cheaper bites or indulge a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 54 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Indian Restaurant. It hits that sweet spot for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Delhi Kitchen
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Missing Sides and Lost Customer
My experience was very disappointing. I ordered 2 meals and the restaurant forgot to add Rice and Raita. When I called, they apologized, stating they were too busy.
I was very upset after spending $40. 90 and not having what to eat my food with. I will not be returning.
- Rice and Raita1
- Service2
- Price2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Best Indian Food in San Diego
I've been here about 15 times over the years, and every single time the food has been excellent. I consider this the best Indian food in San Diego that I've ever had. While it's a hole in the wall and not necessarily a super nice environment, it's a winner if you want great Indian food.
- food10
- Indian food10
- environment5
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Delicious North Indian Food, Great for Takeout
My experience at this restaurant was primarily focused on their delicious North Indian food, which I've enjoyed through take-out multiple times. The food quality is consistently good. While the ambience could be better, it doesn't detract significantly from the overall positive food experience.
I also highly recommend them for catering, as their delivery and handling were excellent. The vegetarian selection is large and highly recommended for vegetarians.
- North Indian food9
- food8
- take-out9
- ambience2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Authentic Indian Food & Friendly Service
My experience at this Indian restaurant was fantastic! The food options were amazing and had an authentic taste. The staff was very polite and friendly, contributing to a great overall experience.
I was impressed with the portion size, which was very good. The combo options were wonderful, and the parathas were exceptionally good, reminding me of Delhi. I highly recommend this place, especially for vegetarians, as they have a large vegetarian selection.
- food options9
- authentic taste9
- polite and friendly10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Excellent Service!
My experience at this restaurant was amazingly delicious. The food was truly mouthwatering. I particularly enjoyed the freshly prepared Samosa, Tikka Masala, and Naan.
The service and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5, and the vegetarian options were highly recommended with a large selection available. It's a great spot for lunch with no wait time and plenty of free parking.
- food10
- Samosa9
- tikka masala9
What Delhi Kitchen offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- 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
- Quiet
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Delhi Kitchen?
At Delhi Kitchen, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating available. For your convenience, they offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery services. If you prefer dining outdoors, outdoor seating is also an option.
Is Delhi Kitchen accessible and what are the parking facilities like?
Yes, Delhi Kitchen is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating. You’ll also find parking to be hassle-free, with free street parking and a free parking lot that usually has plenty of space available.
How does Delhi Kitchen generally perform?
Delhi Kitchen has an overall score of 6.6, indicating an average experience, with a Customer Satisfaction of 64.3%. Its Food (6.7) and Value (7.1) are stronger points, while Service (6.6) is average and Ambience (5.6) needs improvement.
What do customers appreciate about Delhi Kitchen's food?
Many customers enjoy the authentic, home-cooked style Indian food, particularly praising items like `naan`, `chicken`, and `samosas` for their taste and appropriate `spices`.
Are there any common issues customers face at Delhi Kitchen?
Some customers have reported `inconsistent pricing` between online and in-person menus, occasional `service` issues like forgotten items, and concerns about the `ambience` and `cleanliness`.