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oChef » Golden Gate – San Francisco
Golden Gate - San Francisco
Photo from Golden Gate
Golden Gate at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 41 of the guests
#2003 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#55 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
449
Reviews
63.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Menu variety
- Budget-friendly
- Welcoming staff
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Poor ambiance
- Service issues
The restaurant, an Indian Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Sunset District, offers a unique culinary experience. When you visit Golden Gate, you’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving traditional Indian flavors or a delicious pizza, this spot has you covered. It’s a welcoming place where you can enjoy a quick bite or settle in for a full dinner with friends and family.
Overview: Introducting Golden Gate
Golden Gate offers a rather eclectic menu, with patrons often highlighting the diverse range of options available, from Indian cuisine to pizza and burgers. Many appreciate the generally affordable prices, making it an accessible choice for various cravings.
However, experiences can vary, particularly concerning the overall dining environment. While some find the staff to be quite friendly and the service efficient, others have encountered significant inconsistencies.
The quality of the food itself also sees mixed reactions, with some dishes receiving high praise, while others, like certain pizza offerings, have left a less favorable impression.
Good
6.5
out of 10
449
Reviews
63.9%
Satisfaction
137
negative
25
neutral
287
positive
Golden Gate registers an overall restaurant score of 6.5, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at 63.9%, which also falls into the mixed range.
This indicates that while many customers have a satisfactory experience, a notable portion encounters issues. Looking closer, Food leads with a score of (6.7), suggesting it’s a relative strength, though still within the average band.
Service (6.2), Ambience (6.2), and Value (6.2) all hover around the same average mark. These scores are drawn from a total of 449 customer opinions, with 287 positive remarks and 137 negative ones, reflecting a somewhat balanced, yet inconsistent, customer perception.
What people like
- Diverse menu options
- Affordable pricing
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Unappealing atmosphere
- Service inconsistencies
If you’re seeking a spot with a broad menu that includes both Indian fare and more familiar options like pizza, and you prioritize affordability, Golden Gate might be worth considering. Its 6.8 recommendation score suggests a slight lean towards positive experiences, particularly for those who appreciate variety and budget-friendly dining.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in both the food quality and the service, and manage your expectations regarding the atmosphere. It’s a place that could satisfy a specific craving without breaking the bank, but it might not deliver a consistently polished dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Golden Gate
Food (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
Based on 309 customer opinions, with 205 positive remarks, the food at this spot generally earns a respectable 6.7 score. Many rave about the delicious samosas, rich curries, and flavorful Tikka masala, especially praising the unique Indian pizza options for their creative fusion and taste. Theres a clear appreciation for the variety and quality of their Indian dishes.
However, with 87 negative comments and a 66.3% customer satisfaction, its a bit of a mixed bag. Some found the regular pizza mediocre or even unappetizing, while others noted issues with stale naan, uncooked food, or dishes being too oily. Specific items like the gulab jamun also received harsh criticism for taste and texture.
Food
309
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
87
negative
17
neutral
205
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Indian dishes
- Unique Indian pizzas
- Good menu variety
What people don't like
- Inconsistent pizza quality
- Food lacks flavor
- Some food undercooked
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's a no-frills place with great food and affordable prices. The people working there are nice, and they've been around for a long time, consistently delivering a great experience.
- pizzaI found all the dishes equally delicious. I highly recommend this spot to anyone in the area looking for a pizza, a burger, or some legit curry.
- Indian foodThey offer both Indian food and Pizza. While I can't comment on the pizza, the Indian food is pretty good. We tried the Bengang Barta (Eggplant dish) and the Chicken Tikka Masala, along with rice and regular naan.
- Indian pizzaSeriously, I know it sounds weird, but it is SOOOO worth it.
- chicken tikka masalaI particularly enjoyed the vegetarian Indian pizza, which was pretty tasty. The meal also included Garlic Naan, chicken tikka masala, and saffron rice. The portion sizes were good for the price, offering good value.
- mango lassinew recipe for their mango lassi, and it's now a little less sweet and very cardamomy.
- naan breadThe customer service was great, and the food was hot, fresh, and delicious. We ordered a small pizza, naan bread, and a garlic cheese bread loaf, and all of it was so good! We will definitely come back here!
- samosasTwo samosas, firm and golden, filled with mashed potato
- Chicken Tikka Masala pizzaThe Chicken Tikka Masala was my first experience with Indian pizza
- dishesIt's an awesome spot offering a wide variety of food, with a menu that spans from American and Italian to authentic Indian cuisine. I found all the dishes equally delicious. I highly recommend this spot to anyone in the area looking for a pizza, a burger, or some legit curry.
Frequently criticized
- pizzaMy experience at this restaurant was the worst pizza experience I've ever had. The place is so lame, and I question why they even attempt to make pizza. Pizza should have flavors that make you want to eat more, but the food here was terrible and smelled like a rag.
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was extremely negative. The food absolutely destroyed my stomach, and I'm unsure how it will be processed. Lord have mercy on me.
- chickenThe chicken looked strange, the color of it was scary
- flavorthe flavor got left somewhere from the kitchen to the table
- nannan though was the worst offender with a chemical like aftertaste
- Indian Pizzaquestion the sanity of the person responsible for this monstrosity
- Indian foodLiterally the most unsatisfying Indian food I've ever had!
- cheeseabsolute nightmare. It resembled a rubbery, tasteless slab
- hot spicy chicken pizzapizza was very unappetizing. On top of that it was burnt.
- naanthe naan was similar to a bland flour tortilla as the flavor that makes it naan wasn't there
If you're craving flavorful Indian dishes, especially their unique Indian pizzas, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some of their non-Indian options or certain specific items might not always hit the mark, so stick to their strengths for the best experience.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems like a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at a 58% and an overall score of 6.2, placing it squarely in the average range. Many guests raved about the staff being SUPER friendly, offering great customer service, and appreciating the family owned vibe, as seen in 47 positive remarks. However, not everyone had such a warm experience.
There were 30 negative comments highlighting an unfriendly vibe, comically bad service, and some instances of rude staff. Issues like slow service, unresponsiveness, and poor phone service also popped up, suggesting there's definitely room for improvement.
Service
81
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
30
negative
4
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Great customer service
- Family owned
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Bad customer service
Often praised
- serviceThey offer both Indian food and pizza, and even better, they have an Indian food pizza that was absolutely amazing. The owners were friendly, and the service was incredibly fast. We enjoyed it so much that we returned the next day to order another pizza before heading back to Sacramento.
- customer serviceVery nice customer service, they really went above and beyond.
- peopleVery nice people
- ServiceService was excellent
- deliveryI'm so glad to have this spot in the neighborhood! I just ordered the Indian pizza for the first time, and it was delivered in less than 20 minutes. It was a great deal, very cheesy, and much yum.
- staffthe staff were kind and helpful.
- takeoutmy favorite place for takeout
- OwnersOwners were friendly
- SUPER friendlyThe Tikka Masala pizza was good for sure, but I'll admit I was expecting a bit more of a typical tikka masala sauce as the base; it was more or less lots of veggies/herbs and tandoori chicken. They were SUPER friendly as well, no complaints!
- everyoneEveryone is so friendly and kind
Frequently criticized
- serviceStill, it’s hard to overlook how uneven the experience was. Service was almost comically bad—we were the only ones there on a windy Tuesday night, but it still took about 20 minutes just to get water. No one ever checked in to see how our food was, and we had to ask for the bill three times before someone brought it over.
- customer serviceShe demonstrated a lack of customer service skills, shouting at us and boasting about her years of experience, which is irrelevant when customer satisfaction is paramount. This was the worst restaurant I've encountered in California, with nasty food and weird customer service.
- staffstaff was extremely rude to me
- Discover cardbill came out in a Discover card holder, but the server promptly returned to say that they didn't accept Discover
- ServiceService:2
- bad restaurantpeople need to be aware of this bad restaurant
- billService was almost comically bad—we were the only ones there on a windy Tuesday night, but it still took about 20 minutes just to get water. No one ever checked in to see how our food was, and we had to ask for the bill three times before someone brought it over. I rarely write negative reviews, but I left feeling both disappointed and ill.
- businessIt’s called fake business
- cashierthe cashier is so arrogant
- cut my calland then put me on hold for 15 minutes. and then say that i was still on line and cut my call.
If youre looking for a place with potentially warm, family-run service, you might be pleasantly surprised. But be prepared that service can be inconsistent, so if youre sensitive to slow or rude interactions, you might want to manage your expectations.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
Based on 38 customer remarks, the ambience here scores an average 6.2. Many appreciate the authentic Indian feel, pleasant aroma, and the lively energy, often enhanced by jazz music. Guests love the decor, finding it cozy and full of personality, making it a great spot for larger groups.
However, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 60.5%, theres a clear divide. Some find the atmosphere quite shady and dark, with strong, unpleasant smells being a significant concern. The exterior also doesnt always make the best first impression, suggesting room for improvement in consistency.
Ambience
38
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
11
negative
4
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Indian feel
- Pleasant jazz music
- Cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Strong bad smells
- Dark, shady atmosphere
- Unattractive exterior look
Often praised
- atmospheretalking about the atmosphere here
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was excellent
- restaurantIts the best restaurant I have ever been to
- aromathe aroma in the restaurant was amazing
- authentic Indian feelMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a limited buffet choice, but the taste was good and offered an authentic Indian feel. The kitchen and staff contributed to this authentic atmosphere, as did the overall energy of the place.
- decorGood decor
- energy of the placeMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a limited buffet choice, but the taste was good and offered an authentic Indian feel. The kitchen and staff contributed to this authentic atmosphere, as did the overall energy of the place.
- family-owned restaurantnice lovely family owned restaurant
- family-run businessThis family run business is an amazing establishment
- great spotGreat spot
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- ambienceAmbience is incredibly shady
- atmospherePlace was dark and shady
- burning cast iron plateserver placed the cast iron burning plate right next to our 1yo
- experiencehow uneven the experience was
- exteriorDoesn't look very attractive from outside
- health inspectionNeeds serious health inspection
- parkingIf you find yourself in the Sunset, this place is a must-try. Be aware that parking is very limited.
- place smellThis place stinks like a dead rat
- place stinksThe whole place stinks
If youre seeking an authentic Indian vibe with good energy and dont mind a potentially inconsistent atmosphere, this spot could be for you. However, be prepared for some possible strong smells and a less-than-stellar exterior that might impact your overall experience.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some real bright spots! Many diners rave about the generous portion sizes and genuinely affordable prices, with some even calling out fantastic deals like the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. With 12 positive remarks among 21 total, it seems many find a fair deal here, contributing to an average score of 6.2.
However, its not all sunshine and savings. A few customers have pointed out issues with bills and found certain items to be a bit expensive, especially when portions felt super small for the cost. With 9 negative comments, theres a mixed bag of experiences, reflected in a customer satisfaction of 57.1%.
Value
21
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good portion sizes
- Affordable prices
- Great buffet deals
What people don't like
- Billing errors
- Some items pricey
- Small portions
Often praised
- pricethe price was very low
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's a no-frills place with great food and affordable prices. The people working there are nice, and they've been around for a long time, consistently delivering a great experience.
- all-you-can-eat lunch buffet$11 for an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet
- dealGreat deal
- expensive Indian restaurantsEven beats the expensive Indian restaurants
- fair dealit's a fair deal
- great priceI was impressed by the huge variety of menu options, and they also had plenty of authentic Indian entrees. To top it off, everything's at a great price too!
- portion sizesGood portion sizes for the price
- pricedvery very reasonably priced
- valueif you're looking for value
Frequently criticized
- priceThe cheese wasn’t of the best quality, and it was nowhere near spicy. For a small pizza and over twenty dollars, I would skip it. The chicken was overly colored, possibly the same chicken they use for Tandooris.
- expensiveThe chicken itself looked strange and had a scary color, and it completely lacked any taste. To add to the disappointment, the meal was also expensive. The service and atmosphere also received very low ratings (2 and 1 respectively), contributing to an overall poor dining experience.
- Indian foodThe pizza was mediocre, much like most mainstream American-style pizza shops in the area. The Indian food was decent, but I found it to be very overpriced. To top it off, the gulab jamun was simply awful – greasy beyond comprehension and had a nasty taste.
- amount billIf you don’t check the amount bill you might end up paying for others meal
- billsthe kids managing mess up the bills
If you're looking for a good deal, especially for a buffet or generous portions, this place could be a solid choice. Just be sure to double-check your bill, as some found certain items a bit pricey for what you get.
How are the prices at Golden Gate?
You’re looking at roughly 26 per person – reported by 41 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.
While most diners are landing in this sweet spot, we also see a good number enjoying slightly more budget-friendly options, and a few going for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 41 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we’d say the pricing here feels pretty fair for an Indian Restaurant. It hits a nice sweet spot for value.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Golden Gate
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Impressed with Lamb Tikka Masala!
Just moved to the area and needed some food to tide me over while I'm still moving into my apartment. I got the Lamb Tikka Masala and an order of Samosas, and I was REALLY impressed. Can't wait to come back!
- Lamb Tikka Masala9
- Samosas9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Surprisingly Delicious Indian Food!
I'm not typically drawn to Indian food, but my wife insisted I try this spot, and OH MY GOD. I genuinely enjoyed my dining experience at this Indian restaurant. The atmosphere was cozy, and the staff were both kind and helpful.
Every dish we ordered arrived hot and bursting with flavor. My personal favorites were the chicken tikka masala and the vegetable biryani. The chicken was incredibly tender, complemented by a creamy sauce, and the biryani offered a perfect blend of spices.
The cheese naan was soft and cheesy, pairing wonderfully with the curries. We also started with the pakoras, which were delightfully crunchy and tasty. To finish, the mango lassi was incredibly refreshing.
The food was delicious, the service was fast, and I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who enjoys Indian cuisine or is looking to try it for the first time, just like I did.
- chicken tikka masala9
- vegetable biryani9
- chicken9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Golden Gate Indian Cuisine: A 5-Year Favorite!
Golden Gate Indian Cuisine and Pizza has been my go-to for the last 5 years. I truly believe their food has the power to cure hangovers, the flu, heartache, and even just bad days. While I've only experienced their takeout service, the owners and staff always make me feel very welcomed during pick-ups.
This positive experience is so significant that my fiancé and I have decided to cater our welcome event through them. Our usual order includes: 1. Veggie Pakora, 2.
Bindi Masala (my personal favorite), 3. Lamb Biryani (Fiancé’s favorite), 4. Vegetarian Tikka Masala, and 5.
Naan/Garlic Naan/Onion Kulcha.
- food10
- owners and staff10
- takeout9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Charming Indian Spot with Tender Lamb
My experience at this hole-in-the-wall restaurant was quite charming. The people were friendly, and I visited on a Thursday evening to try their Indian food. I absolutely loved the lamb korma, and the lamb cubes were incredibly tender.
Another party at the restaurant was having pizza, which makes me want to go back and try that on a future visit.
- lamb korma10
- lamb cubes10
- folks8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
A Gem on Judah Street
On a quiet Wednesday evening, after yoga and feeling hungry, I stumbled upon Golden Gate Indian Cuisine & Pizza at the end of Judah Street. It felt like a beacon, and I was drawn to their lone table out front. I ordered two samosas, which were firm, golden, and filled with a delicious mashed potato filling.
I also enjoyed a tall, cold Flying Horse Royal Lager. The highlight was the Vegetarian Masala Pizza, a unique creation that was gentle and fragrant, not spicy, with a proper crust and fresh toppings. For those who like heat, they offer a spice tray.
The service was friendly and sincere, with warm staff who genuinely cared about feeding their customers. A significant plus is that they are open late, which is a rare kindness. This place is highly recommended, especially for solo diners looking for a peaceful spot to enjoy a meal.
- samosas9
- Flying Horse Royal Lager8
- Vegetarian Masala Pizza10
What Golden Gate offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- 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
Offerings
- Late-night food
- All you can eat
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Golden Gate Indian Cuisine & Pizza?
You can enjoy a variety of dining options, including lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable seating and table service. For your convenience, Golden Gate Indian Cuisine & Pizza also offers no-contact delivery, standard delivery, takeout, and dine-in services.
Does Golden Gate Indian Cuisine & Pizza offer amenities for families and easy access?
Yes, Golden Gate Indian Cuisine & Pizza is good for kids, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs. You’ll also benefit from free parking, usually with plenty of space. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restroom.
How does Golden Gate generally perform based on customer feedback?
Golden Gate holds an overall score of 6.5, indicating an average experience. Its Food (6.7) is slightly above average, while Service (6.2), Ambience (6.2), and Value (6.2) are all in the average range, suggesting a mixed but generally acceptable performance.
What kind of food can I expect at Golden Gate, and is it affordable?
Golden Gate offers a diverse menu, including Indian food, pizza, and burgers, with many customers appreciating the wide variety. Patrons often highlight the affordable prices, noting it as a good value, with options like an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet.
Are there any common concerns about the dining experience at Golden Gate?
Some patrons have noted an unappealing atmosphere, describing it as dark or even having unpleasant smells. There are also occasional reports of inconsistent service, ranging from slow to rude interactions, which can impact the overall experience.