Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Indian Oven – San Francisco
Indian Oven - San Francisco
Photo from Indian Oven
Indian Oven at a glance
San Francisco Lower Haight
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 86 of the guests
#568 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#27 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
486
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful cuisine
- Great value
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Ambience issues
- Dine-in limits
- Operational problems
The restaurant Indian Oven invites you to explore the rich flavors of an authentic Indian Restaurant located in the vibrant Lower Haight neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for any meal, whether you’re dining in or opting for convenient no-contact delivery.
This spot is particularly known for its great tea selection, offering a delightful complement to your meal. With a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, it’s a fantastic choice for a memorable culinary experience in the city.
Overview: Introducting Indian Oven
Indian Oven offers a culinary experience where the food truly shines, often described as authentic and flavorful. Many guests appreciate the attentive staff and rapid service, contributing to a positive dining outing.
It’s a place where you can expect a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. However, some experiences at Indian Oven have noted occasional lapses in customer service and concerns about the overall ambience, including cleanliness and noise.
While these are not widespread, they are worth considering for a consistent experience.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
486
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
67
negative
11
neutral
408
positive
Overall, this establishment earns a solid 8.1 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a strong 84% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from 486 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 408 positive observations against 67 negative ones. The Food (8.4) stands out as a particular strength, consistently praised for its authentic flavors.
Value (8.0) also scores well, suggesting reasonable pricing. While Service (7.8) is generally good, some feedback points to occasional inconsistencies.
The Ambience (7.5), though decent, has room for improvement, with some comments noting specific issues.
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Excellent value
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Unpleasant ambience
- Dine-in restrictions
- Operational concerns
This restaurant presents a compelling option for those seeking authentic Indian flavors and excellent value. With a strong 8.3 recommendation score, it’s clear many find it a worthwhile visit.
If you prioritize delicious food and reasonable prices, this spot is certainly worth considering for your next meal. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and some reported ambience issues.
While the culinary experience is generally praised, those looking for a flawless dining atmosphere or strict adherence to dine-in hours might find it a mixed bag.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Indian Oven
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a strong 8.4 score and a fantastic 87.4% customer satisfaction. Diners consistently rave about the authentic flavors, delicious curries, and generous portions, often highlighting the fresh naan and large vegetarian selection among 256 positive remarks. However, out of 293 total opinions, 31 did point out some areas for improvement.
A few experiences mentioned blandness in dishes, lukewarm food, or issues with the quality of items like samosas and naan, suggesting occasional inconsistencies.
Food
293
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
31
negative
6
neutral
256
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, rich flavors
- Generous portion sizes
- Excellent vegetarian options
What people don't like
- Occasional blandness
- Food served lukewarm
- Inconsistent dish quality
Often praised
- foodWe were looking for a nice and affordable place to eat in the area and I must say that we were extremely positively surprised! We experienced very good and rapid service as well as excellent food. Do not hesitate, come here, you won’t regret.
- Indian foodI had a seafood curry with garlic naan, and it was truly out of this world. I wish I could find such great Indian food in Florida.
- chicken tikka masalaThe service was fast and good. I enjoyed the classic chicken tikka masala, lamb curry, rice, and naan, and left very happy. The price was really good as well!
- garlic naanThe food was next level; every dish was packed with rich, authentic flavors, perfectly balanced spices, beautifully cooked, and clearly made with care. Whether it was the butter chicken, the garlic naan, or the vegetarian options, everything was fresh and full of taste. I highly recommend Indian Oven if you’re after amazing food and top-tier hospitality.
- naanHe even offered us a complimentary mango lassi ($6) and gulab jamun ($5). We ordered the chicken tikka masala ($16), lamb vindaloo ($18), regular naan ($3), and garlic naan ($5). I'd recommend getting a side of rice to soak up the sauces, as there was a generous amount in both the masala and vindaloo.
- riceThe service was fast and good. I enjoyed the classic chicken tikka masala, lamb curry, rice, and naan, and left very happy. The price was really good as well!
- mango lassigarlic naan and the mango lassi, which were both so good
- FoodFood:4
- gulab jamunhighly recommend trying the gulab jamun
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the food was awesome, delicious, and flavorful with good portions, the operating hours were a letdown. I was disappointed to find out they were not really open for dine-in until 5 pm.
Frequently criticized
- foodDespite the restaurant being only 1/3 full, the service was uncomfortably slow. The food was dull and didn’t seem to be created with care. It felt like the restaurant was more focused on their take out operation than on the sitting customers.
- naanThe naan wasn’t great, it wasn’t fluffy at all
- Chicken KormaTerrible Chicken Korma
- Chicken TandoriTerrible Chicken Tandori
- Chix Tikka MasalaChix Tikka had 6 little diced pieces of chix in it
- Chix Tikka Masala saucesauce tasted like tomato soup. It didn't have that CTM taste you're familiar with, it was like it was missing some spices
- NaanTerrible Naan
- Naan breadwheat Naan bread was literally cold
- SamosasTerrible Samosas
- Tikka MasalaThe Tikka Masala was somewhat burned or something was missing
If you're seeking authentic Indian cuisine with robust flavors and hearty portions, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there might be an occasional hiccup with blandness or lukewarm dishes, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests a delightful culinary experience awaits.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 77.8%, many guests rave about the attentive and friendly staff, amazing service, and quick speed. Out of 117 total opinions, a whopping 91 highlight the warm and welcoming staff, making for a truly pleasant dining experience.
However, its not always smooth sailing. About 24 opinions mention some bumps, with issues like horrible or slow service, long wait times, and a lack of care for customers. While these instances are fewer, they suggest theres still room for improvement in consistency, especially during busy periods.
Service
117
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
24
negative
2
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Quick service
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Poor customer care
Often praised
- serviceWe were looking for a nice and affordable place to eat in the area and I must say that we were extremely positively surprised! We experienced very good and rapid service as well as excellent food. Do not hesitate, come here, you won’t regret.
- staffMy dining experience at Indian Oven was truly wonderful. The restaurant boasts a warm ambiance and attentive staff, making it a standout choice for Indian cuisine. I particularly savored the delicious Vegetable Samosas, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Garlic Naan, all of which were bursting with authentic flavors.
- ServiceWe also enjoyed the rice and garlic naan with it. Service was great! We’d come back next time we are in town!
- waiterMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I had the best food and was served by the absolute nicest waiter. I will definitely return every time I’m in the area!
- chefMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The chef who made the food was super nice and prepared the yummiest Indian food ever. The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- customer serviceexcellent customer service
- serverThe food was authentic and delicious, and much cheaper than the quality, service, and atmosphere would imply. My server was great and refilled my naan for free. The service was great, and the atmosphere was wonderful, both rated 5/5.
- Happy and MahlHappy and Mahl made it..and they made us happy
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- adviceThe chef is incredibly warm-hearted. If you are unsure which dish to choose, you will receive great advice. The open kitchen also impressed me.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was mediocre at best. Despite the restaurant being only 1/3 full, the service was uncomfortably slow. The food was dull and didn’t seem to be created with care.
- waiterThe waiter was not friendly
- care for customersThe Tikka was good, but the service was the worst I've encountered. There was no care for customers, and we weren't even offered water. The customer service was zero.
- credit card fraudinvolved in my credit card fraud
- customer serviceZero customer service
- delivery timesupposed to arrive around 12:45pm. At 1pm I call the restaurant and they tell me it will arrive in 10 minutes.
- dine-in availabilitythey don’t give me the table said I have to wait till 2p
- employeesThey working employees most be Attitude no good response
- first time tryingmy first time trying out Grubhub and ordering from Indian Oven.
- order cancellationFinally at 2:30pm the restaurant cancels my order because they say I live too far.
Overall, youre likely to find the service here to be quite good, with many praising the friendly and efficient staff. Just be aware that a few experiences mention slow service or longer waits, so if youre in a rush, it might be a slight gamble.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at a good 76.9%, many folks are loving the atmosphere. Out of 52 comments, 40 rave about the charming restaurant, beautiful murals, and cozy environment, often praising the great atmosphere that makes it a true neighborhood gem.
However, not everyone is completely enchanted. About 10 remarks point to some areas needing attention, mentioning loud music and yelling, sloppy sanitation, and even cockroaches. Some also found the chairs uncomfortable or noted a strange restaurant smell, suggesting there's room for improvement in certain aspects of the dining experience.
Ambience
52
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming, cozy atmosphere
- Beautiful murals, interior
- Great neighborhood spot
What people don't like
- Loud music, yelling
- Sloppy sanitation
- Uncomfortable chairs
Often praised
- atmospherekind and warm atmosphere about the whole restaurant
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- neighborhood spotCozy, underrated neighborhood spot
- interiorThe interior was spacious
- Group sizeGroup size:Suitable for all group sizes
- ambianceThe restaurant's warm ambiance
- ambienceThe ambience is very nice here
- beautiful interiora beautiful interior
- beautiful muralsMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful! It's a very charming restaurant with beautiful murals. The staff was kind and the food was great!
- charming restaurantvery charming restaurant
Frequently criticized
- chairschair was hard w/ flattened cushion and EVERY seat was either stained, ripped up, uneven or had no cushion
- cockroachesCockroaches spotted near the kitchen
- dine inNot really open for dine in till 5pm
- glassglass looked stained
- loud music and yellingloud music and yelling in the background between the staff was obnoxious
- musicMusic was very loud
- placeplace on fillmore and haight is nasty and run down
- restaurant smellSome kind of smell in the restaurant
- sanitationsloppy sanitation
- silverwarespotty, crusty looking silverware
If youre looking for a generally charming and cozy spot with a good atmosphere, its definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that some guests have noted issues with noise, cleanliness, and seating comfort, so keep an eye out for those details when you visit.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines with a good 8 score and a fantastic 87.5% customer satisfaction rate. Many rave about the prices and value for the price, often calling it affordable and reasonably priced. Based on 21 positive comments out of 24 total, guests feel theyre getting a real steal, especially compared to other city options.
However, a couple of voices, just 2 out of 24, mentioned price as a concern. A few felt the overall cost was high, with one specific instance noting a $50 total. While these are isolated incidents, its worth noting that not everyone found it to be an absolute bargain.
Value
24
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Reasonable prices
- Very affordable
What people don't like
Often praised
- pricesThe open kitchen also impressed me. The prices are unbelievable. If I lived in San Francisco, I would be a regular at Indian Oven.
- priceWhat a hidden gem! The food was authentic and delicious, and much cheaper than the quality, service, and atmosphere would imply. My server was great and refilled my naan for free.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- PricesPrices were extremely reasonable for today's climate.
- affordableIt is also very affordable.
- online pricesThe prices online were very reasonable
- pricingthe pricing is generous
- value for the priceReally great value for the price
- well worth the priceThis is one of our go-to neighborhood restaurants! When we get takeout, we usually order the Indian Oven Thali for two, which is consistently delicious and well worth the price. When dining in, we enjoy trying other dishes on the menu.
Frequently criticized
- priceAll of that crud came up to $50!!
If youre looking for a place that truly delivers on value, this restaurant is a fantastic choice. Most customers find the prices incredibly reasonable, offering a refreshing experience. Youre likely to feel you're getting a great deal here, making it well worth a visit.
How are the prices at Indian Oven?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 86 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.
Most guests tend to spend in the 11 – 30 $ range, showing that while the average is 28, there are plenty of options that keep things affordable, alongside some choices for a more premium meal.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 86 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Indian Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to different budgets while maintaining a mid-range average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Indian Oven
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Cozy Spot with Attentive Service
My experience at this cozy restaurant was wonderful. The food was both delicious and traditional. I was particularly impressed with the service; the waiter was very attentive and even surprised us with chai on a cold night!
It's a great neighborhood spot.
- food9
- service10
- chai9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
City's Best Restaurant Experience
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. It's easily one of the city's best. I highly recommend getting a Taj Mahal to complement your meal.
Everything was delicious, and you truly can't go wrong with any choice. The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect 5/5 rating, making for an outstanding dining experience.
- food10
- Taj Mahal10
- service10
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Tikka Masala Ever!
We stopped here for a late dinner and the tikka masala was the best we have ever had! We also enjoyed the rice and garlic naan with it. Service was great!
We’d come back next time we are in town!
- tikka masala10
- rice8
- garlic naan8
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food with Excellent Service Recovery
This was my second time dining here, and the food was delicious. The service also received great attention. Although the samosa I ordered came out a bit burnt, they promptly replaced it and even offered a complimentary Gulab dessert at the end to make up for the issue.
I truly appreciate the thought and effort! I look forward to coming back again.
- food9
- service8
- replacement9
- samosa3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Wonderful Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. We arrived without a reservation on a Friday evening, and it was no problem. The atmosphere was very pleasant.
The food was delicious, with a magical blend of spices. We’ll definitely return.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere9
What Indian Oven offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Indian Oven Restaurant accessible for all guests?
Yes, Indian Oven Restaurant ensures a comfortable experience for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom available for your convenience.
What dietary options are available at Indian Oven Restaurant?
At Indian Oven Restaurant, you’ll discover a variety of choices to suit your preferences. They offer healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delicious for every diner.
How does this restaurant generally perform according to customer feedback?
This establishment scores a good **8.1** overall, with **84%** customer satisfaction. Its **Food** (8.4) is highly rated, followed by **Value** (8.0), **Service** (7.8), and **Ambience** (7.5).
What kind of food experience can I expect here?
Customers frequently praise the authentic, delicious, and flavorful Indian cuisine, highlighting dishes for their rich taste and good portions.
Are there any common issues or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Some diners have noted concerns regarding the ambience, including cleanliness and noise. There have also been occasional reports of slow service or operational issues like delivery problems.