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oChef » Darbar – San Francisco
Darbar - San Francisco
Photo from Darbar
Darbar at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🍛 Pakistani Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 11 – 20 €
mentioned by 18 of the guests
#1536 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#5 Pakistani Restaurant out of 9 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
237
Reviews
70.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Great value
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Hygiene issues
- Owner conduct
- Dated decor
The restaurant Darbar is a Pakistani restaurant located in the vibrant Polk Gulch neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find yourself immersed in an authentic culinary journey, experiencing the rich flavors of Pakistan right here in the city.
It’s a perfect spot when you’re craving something truly special, offering a taste of tradition in a bustling urban setting.
Overview: Introducting Darbar
Darbar seems to offer a compelling dining experience, particularly with its flavorful cuisine and excellent value. Many appreciate the friendly staff and the authentic atmosphere, making for a generally pleasant visit.
However, some experiences at Darbar have been marred by concerns regarding the owner’s attitude and occasional issues with dirtiness. While the food often shines, these points suggest an inconsistent experience for some patrons.
Good
7.1
out of 10
237
Reviews
70.5%
Satisfaction
54
negative
16
neutral
167
positive
Darbar holds a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.1, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 70.5%, suggesting most patrons leave content.
Based on 237 customer remarks, with 167 positive and 54 negative, the feedback provides a solid foundation for these insights. The Food (7.5) and Value (7.8) are clearly strong points, frequently praised for their quality and affordability.
However, Service (6.3) and Ambience (5.1) present a more mixed picture, falling into the average range. While the culinary offerings and pricing are often highlights, there’s room for improvement in the overall dining environment and staff consistency.
What people like
- Flavorful, affordable food
- Excellent value proposition
- Welcoming, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Significant cleanliness issues
- Inconsistent owner/service
- Dated interior ambiance
Darbar presents a compelling case for those prioritizing taste and budget. With a Recommendation Score of 7.3, it’s a place worth considering if you’re seeking well-prepared, affordable Indian cuisine.
Just be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and the overall dining environment. If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal and value is key, Darbar could be a good fit.
However, if a polished atmosphere and consistently attentive service are high on your list, you might find aspects of your visit less satisfying. Manage your expectations accordingly.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Darbar
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place generally hits the mark, boasting a solid 7.5 score and a 74% customer satisfaction rate. Many of the 114 positive comments praise the delicious food and authentic taste, especially highlighting the biryani and fresh baked naan. Guests frequently enjoy the variety and quality of dishes offered.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 25 comments noting concerns. Some experiences mention undercooked lamb, oily vegetables, or even stones in dal makhni, raising questions about consistency. A few found certain dishes like the chicken to be bland, suggesting occasional flavor issues.
Food
154
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
25
negative
15
neutral
114
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic taste
- Delicious food
- Freshly made
What people don't like
- Hygiene concerns
- Inconsistent quality
- Stale dishes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive, highlighting very tasty food at an very affordable price. The staff is nice and service minded, and the atmosphere is authentic.
- Indian foodOn my first visit to the city, I stumbled upon this place. I can confidently say it served the best Indian food I’ve ever had hands down.
- chickenThe chicken was so soft and juicy
- dishesAll the dishes turned out really good
- garlic naangarlic naan was also rich in fresh garlic
- lambExcellent food, shared lamb
- lunch buffetMy experience at the restaurant was a great value lunch buffet. The food items were kept freshly stocked up, even close to the buffet's end time.
- mealperfect for the $15 and under meal
- rice puddingrice pudding & they were equally delicious
- tandoori chickenMost delicious tandoori chicken in town!
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food is always left over
- Aloo GobiAloo Gobi and Bhindi which were both very oily and had undercooked vegetables
- BhindiAloo Gobi and Bhindi which were both very oily and had undercooked vegetables
- Indian foodworst Indian food I have ever had
- Naanthey never have enough Naan
- biryaniBriyani had a different flavor altogether.
- boneless chickenbone in boneless chicken
- chicken tikka masala sauceThe chicken tikka masala sauce was really watery
- chicken wrapchicken wrap was not the best; ... very little chicken pieces inside and full of lettuce
- dal makhnistones in dal makhni
If you're craving authentic Indian/Pakistani flavors, especially biryani and fresh naan, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many dishes shine, there might be occasional inconsistencies in quality or preparation, so manage your expectations.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.3 with customer satisfaction at a 62.8% mixed level. On the bright side, many customers rave about the incredibly kind and friendly staff, especially the owner, Mr. Khan, and server Hari, who go out of their way to customize orders and provide great customer service. Its clear that a wonderfully friendly family vibe often shines through, with 27 positive remarks highlighting their attentiveness.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as 16 negative comments point to some significant issues. There are reports of very poor service, slow replenishment, and problems with order fulfillment where dishes were forgotten or orders declined. Some experiences even mention disrespectful behavior from the owner and manager, which certainly leaves a sour taste for some patrons.
Service
43
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
16
negative
0
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Attentive owner
- Great customer service
What people don't like
- Poor service
- Disrespectful behavior
- Order fulfillment issues
Often praised
- staffVery friendly and polite staff
- ownerThe owner is so friendly and helpful!!
- customer serviceGreat customer service and very delicious food
- servicethe service was friendly
- HariHari is the best customer services and respectful person
- Mr. KhanMr. Khan gave us a taste
- freethey even gave me for free cos my spend was below the credit card limit
- friendly familyWonderfully friendly family
- good staffHowever, a point to note is that the meat served is mostly chicken. Overall, the restaurant provides good meals, has good staff, and features cool murals on the wall.
- great attentiongreat attention is paid to every part of the meal
Frequently criticized
- ownerthe owner is not friendly
- workersHe does not treat his workers very nicely
- forgot to bring a dishserver forgot to bring a dish
- manager mannerthe Manager has the lowest manner
- old man and old ladythe old man with the old lady are very disrespectful people
- order fulfillmentclaimed they didn't receive the order and declined to fulfill it
- owner's responsehe said god create them not me!!!
- racist peopleThey are very racist people
- recommendationWill I don't recommend it
- replenishthey replenish it very slowly
If you're looking for a place with potentially very friendly staff and a kind owner, it might be worth a try. Just be aware that service can be inconsistent, and some customers have experienced significant issues with order accuracy and staff demeanor.
Ambience (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
The ambience here offers some definite bright spots, with many guests loving the cool murals and the authentic atmosphere. The nice location is frequently praised, and the Indian and Pakistani old songs add a unique touch. With 8 positive remarks out of 19 total, theres a good vibe for some, even if the overall score for ambience sits at an average 5.1.
However, its not all sunshine, as the ambience faces some significant challenges. Several comments, 10 to be exact, point to issues like dirtiness and a shabby interior. Concerns about poor lighting and visible wires also come up, contributing to a mixed customer satisfaction of 42.1%.
Ambience
19
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cool murals
- Great location
- Authentic atmosphere
What people don't like
- Extreme dirtiness
- Mouse sighting
- Shabby interior
Often praised
- Indian and Pakistani old songsbest thing indian n Pakistani old songs
- atmosphereatmosphere authentic
- cool muralsHowever, a point to note is that the meat served is mostly chicken. Overall, the restaurant provides good meals, has good staff, and features cool murals on the wall.
- hygieneThe food was delicious and surprisingly cost-effective. The location was perfect, and the hygiene standards were excellent. I've traveled extensively and worked with cuisines globally, and I've rarely encountered such good quality at such an affordable price.
- interiorinterior was beautifully decorated with traditional Indo-Pak paintings
- muralsthey even have cool murals inside
- nice locationnice location
- perfect locationperfect location
Frequently criticized
- ShalimarThis restaurant is by far the best Indian food, for the price and authenticity, in the city. Darbar is located right across the street from the overrated, over priced, under hygienic Shalimar.
- ambiencefor dining in, the ambience is not very pleasing
- cozy or romantic vibesSo no cozy or romantic vibes!
- dirtinessit's very dirty place
- interiorpretty shabby interior
- lightingthe lighting in the restaurant can be improved, it feels a bit dark
- mouseMy experience at this restaurant was very unpleasant due to the extreme dirtiness. I observed a mouse running around inside the restaurant and brought it to the owner's attention. His response was dismissive, stating, 'God created them, not me!
- placeThis place is very dirty
- restaurant wallsthe restaurant walls needs to be painted
- wires and electronic systemsa mess of wires and electronic systems visible
If youre looking for a place with a great location and some cool art, you might find something to like. However, be prepared that the overall cleanliness and interior might not meet everyones expectations, especially if you're hoping for a cozy or romantic setting.
Value (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 85.7%, its clear that many diners feel theyre getting a great deal. People frequently praise the "cost effective" and "affordable" options, often highlighting the "great price" and "bang for your buck" across 18 positive remarks.
However, not everyone agrees, as 3 comments point to some concerns. A few guests found certain items "expensive" or felt they were "charged for" extras, suggesting that while overall value is strong, there might be specific instances where the price point doesnt quite align with expectations.
Value
21
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great price
- Best bang for buck
- Affordable food
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Charged for extras
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive, highlighting very tasty food at an very affordable price. The staff is nice and service minded, and the atmosphere is authentic.
- pricesvery reasonable prices
- $15 and underperfect for the $15 and under meal
- affordableaffordable food
- all-you-can-eat lunch specialGreat deal on all you can eat lunch special
- bang for your buckThe garlic naan was also rich in fresh garlic. Everything was made super fresh, and you’ll get the best bang for your buck here.
- cheapcheap
- cost effectivecost effective
- drinksgünstigen Getränken
- fair pricesloved the fair prices
Frequently criticized
- charged fordish which I was charged for
- paymentMy experience was extremely frustrating. I ordered from them and, an hour after paying, they claimed they didn't receive the order and declined to fulfill it.
- priceit was expensive at 17 with rice or naan bread bring extra
If youre looking for a place where your money goes far, especially for a filling meal or a lunch special, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential extra charges for certain items, but generally, youll find it to be a good value.
How are the prices at Darbar?
On average, you’ll spend around 18 € per person – from 18 guests. That puts the restaurant in the 11 – 20 € category. For a Pakistani Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners (12 out of 18) find themselves comfortably in this 11 – 20 € range, showing a clear sweet spot, though a few explore both cheaper and slightly more premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 18 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Pakistani restaurant in San Francisco, especially given that most customers find themselves in the mid-range. Its a good spot if youre looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Darbar
Price per Person
- 31 - 40 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Experience at Himalayan Cuisine
I visited what I thought was Darbar restaurant, only to find it had been taken over by new management and renamed Himalayan Cuisine. Google has not updated this information. Upon arrival, a server informed me that Darbar no longer exists.
Feeling hungry, I decided to try Himalayan Cuisine. Unfortunately, I was not happy with the food at all. I ordered the lamb kebab and biryani.
The lamb kebab was undercooked and super hard, feeling as if it was only cooked on high flame for color. The biryani had a peculiar flavor, and the quantity seemed insufficient. It felt like the cook wasn't interested, serving a mix of leftover rice and meat with chopped onion as garnish.
The server was unaware of the food and seemed puzzled when I mentioned the undercooked meat. To compensate, they offered complimentary sweets and a $10 discount. The tea was microwaved and served.
Overall, it was a terrible experience, and I do not plan to return.
- lamb kebab2
- biryani3
- quantity3
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Wonderful Scrumptious Lunch!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I had a scrumptious lunch, and everything was on point. It truly deserved a FIVE STAR rating!
- scrumptious lunch10
- everything10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Indian Food & Friendly Service
I visited Darbar Restaurant on a Sunday morning before church. My experience was very positive. I ordered a chicken wrap and rice pudding, and the Indian food was absolutely delicious.
The staff members were incredibly nice. I will definitely be returning😏.
- Indian food9
- chicken wrap8
- rice pudding8
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Food, Friendly Service!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful! The service was amazing and fast, with very friendly staff. The food was delicious.
We enjoyed the veggie chili mo mo, okra masala, and a chicken curry. Everything was wonderful, and we will definitely be back when we visit in the future.
- service9
- staff9
- food9
Price per Person
- 31 - 40 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Service and Delicious Food at Darbar
My experience at Darbar Restaurant was exceptional. The customer service was great, and the food was very delicious. Hari, in particular, provided the best customer service and was a very respectful person.
I highly recommend people to have a dinner or lunch here.
- customer service10
- Hari10
- delicious food9
What Darbar offers
Payments
- NFC mobile payments
Service Options
- Takeout
- Delivery
FAQs
Can you make reservations at Darbar Restaurant?
Yes, Darbar Restaurant accepts reservations, making it easy to plan your visit and ensure you have a table ready for you. This option helps you secure your spot for an enjoyable dining experience.
What service options are available at Darbar Restaurant?
Darbar Restaurant offers convenient service options including both takeout and delivery. This means you can enjoy their delicious Pakistani cuisine whether you prefer to dine at home or pick up your order on the go.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Darbar?
Darbar has a Restaurant Score of 7.1 and a Customer Satisfaction of 70.5%, indicating a generally good experience. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.5) and Value (7.8), though Service (6.3) and Ambience (5.1) are more average.
What do customers enjoy most about Darbar's food?
Patrons frequently praise the flavorful and authentic Indian dishes, highlighting items like the soft chicken, rich garlic naan, and delicious tandoori chicken. Many find the lunch buffet to be a great value.
Are there any common complaints about Darbar's dining experience?
Some customers have raised concerns about cleanliness, including reports of dirtiness and even a mouse. There are also mentions of inconsistent service, including issues with staff attitude and order fulfillment.