Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Kolapasi – San Francisco
Kolapasi - San Francisco
Photo from Kolapasi
Kolapasi at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 111 of the guests
#309 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#22 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
551
Reviews
85.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- Parking issues
- Long waits
The restaurant Kolapasi is an inviting Indian Restaurant located in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District. You’ll discover a casual and quiet atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic South Indian flavors.
Whether you’re seeking healthy options, delightful small plates, or satisfying vegetarian choices, this spot caters to your cravings. It’s an excellent choice when you need a quick bite, offering both convenient dine-in and takeout service.
Overview: Introducting Kolapasi
Kolapasi offers a genuine taste of South India, with many praising its authentic flavors and well-prepared dishes. The atmosphere is often described as vibrant and inviting, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
While the overall experience is largely positive, some guests have noted occasional inconsistencies in certain dishes and practical concerns like parking difficulties. The service, however, generally receives high marks for its friendly and accommodating staff.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
551
Reviews
85.7%
Satisfaction
54
negative
25
neutral
472
positive
Kolapasi generally delivers a strong performance, reflected in its overall restaurant score of 8.4. This positive impression is further supported by a good customer satisfaction rate of 85.7%.
These figures suggest a consistently positive experience for most diners, based on 551 customer opinions. The culinary offerings stand out with a high score for Food (8.5), indicating well-regarded dishes and flavors.
Service also shines, scoring (8.6) for its attentive and friendly staff. The Ambience (8) contributes positively, while Value (7.4) is considered good, though some opinions suggest it might be on the pricier side compared to other options.
Out of 551 opinions, 472 were positive, and 54 were negative.
What people like
- Authentic South Indian cuisine
- Attentive, friendly service
- Vibrant, cozy ambiance
What people don't like
- Challenging parking
- Occasional long waits
- Limited ventilation
Kolapasi presents a compelling option for those seeking authentic South Indian fare with commendable service. Despite minor practical drawbacks, the overall dining experience is well-received, making it a place worth considering for a flavorful meal.
With a strong recommendation score of 8.6, Kolapasi is a solid choice. If you prioritize genuine flavors and a welcoming atmosphere and don’t mind potential parking challenges or a short wait, it’s certainly worth a visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kolapasi
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a strong 8.5 score and 86.6% customer satisfaction. Many rave about the authentic South Indian cuisine and unique and interesting menu, highlighting dishes like the Karaikudi mushroom and Vijayawada chicken Biryani. With 324 positive remarks out of 374, its clear the flavors are a big draw.
However, not every dish is a winner. Some diners found the food oily or the curries watery, and a few noted issues with the dosa being thick and soft rather than crispy. Concerns about food color' and overall quality were also raised in 36 comments, suggesting some inconsistencies.
Food
374
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
36
negative
14
neutral
324
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic South Indian
- Exceptional flavors
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Excessively oily food
- Inconsistent dosa quality
- Lack of flavor
Often praised
- foodThe staff were very nice, and the space itself is very comfortable. The food came out fast and was really good. They were accommodating and had no problem leaving out the ghee to make it vegan.
- FoodFood:5
- South Indian foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed very original authentic tasting South Indian food served at very reasonable prices. The menu offered interesting rare menu options, which was a pleasant surprise.
- biryaniEverything reminded me of flavors from South India. I’d recommend the Egg Ghee Roast, biryani, and the Madurai malli dosa. The service was pretty good too!
- flavorsIt's an amazing place in SF serving literally the best South Indian style food. We love this place because the food is authentic, the flavors are just right, and the service is always good, even though it gets busy. The best things to order here are: goat soup, lemon coriander rasam, butter chicken, baigara baingan, gongura biryani, and their shrimp appetizer.
- dosaswould also recommend the ghee eggs and the dosas
- Indian foodMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I found it to be the best Indian food in SF. Everything served was very tasty and well made.
- dishesI tried a variety of things, and ordered it to go, all "spicy" level of heat: Podi Dosa, Vijayawada chicken Biryani, Curry Leaves Chicken Curry, and Kodi Vepudu. The standout dish was the Vijayawada chicken Biryani, however everything was very well cooked and very flavorful and I'd happily order every one of those dishes again. I was a little surprised that the dishes weren't more spicy, but I'll just order extra spicy next time.
- Vijayawada chicken biryaniOrdered Vijayawada chicken biryani from Kolapasi via DoorDash—went for the spicy one n it def hit the spot.
- sambarsambar, which was rich, flavorful, and had a wonderful blend
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was extremely oily
- sambarThe food was disgusting, especially the Dosa, which is a South Indian staple that they completely failed to get right. The sambar was so disgusting I felt like I wanted to throw up. Adding to the awful food experience, the cashier had zero customer service skills.
- Chicken Chettinadwith no taste too
- DosaDosa- a South Indian staple- and these people didn’t get it right at all
- biryaniBiryani tasted like it was prepared with ready made mix
- chutneyThe chutney is not good
- chutneysThe chutneys were not very flavorful
- cilantro soupsoup is just 90% coconut milk
- coconut chutneyneither did the coconut chutney
- colored ricecolored rice without any flavors
If youre craving authentic South Indian flavors, the food here is generally a solid bet, especially their biryanis and unique small plates. Just be mindful that some dishes might lean a bit oily or vary in consistency, but overall, its worth a try for the standout items.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.6 and an impressive customer satisfaction rate of 87.9%, its clear guests are generally delighted. Many rave about the friendly service, attentive staff, and warm hospitality, with 87 positive comments highlighting how well theyre treated, often noting quick service and a welcoming atmosphere.
However, out of 99 total opinions, a few experiences (9 to be exact) mentioned some hiccups. These included occasional delayed service, longer wait times, and a couple of instances with a rude cashier or less-than-stellar customer service skills, suggesting there's a little room for improvement in consistency.
Service
99
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude cashier
- Delayed service
Often praised
- serviceIt's an amazing place in SF serving literally the best South Indian style food. We love this place because the food is authentic, the flavors are just right, and the service is always good, even though it gets busy. The best things to order here are: goat soup, lemon coriander rasam, butter chicken, baigara baingan, gongura biryani, and their shrimp appetizer.
- staffI ordered the Vijayawada chicken biryani and Kerala chicken fry, and both dishes were spot on. The service was top notch, with very friendly staff and a great ambience. I highly recommend this place.
- ServiceService was great!
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- friendly servicefriendly service. She was personable
- hospitalityThe ambiance added to the charm — cozy, inviting, and just right for a relaxed yet refined dining experience. I highly recommend Kolapasi for anyone looking for amazing food and heartfelt hospitality. I can’t wait to return!
- Good ServiceGood Service
- Nice peopleNice people
- accommodate usgo the extra mile to accommodate us
- chefThe one and only chef
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was bit delayed than usual
- cashierThe cashier also had zero customer service skills
- customer service skillsThe sambar was so disgusting I felt like I wanted to throw up. Adding to the awful food experience, the cashier had zero customer service skills. They were very rude to me, and then acted flirty towards a white person, which was very weird.
- rudeVery rude to me
- staffhe got defensive and started arguing
- wait25 min wait for a table of 2
- wait timewaited for 30-40 mins to get seated
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for, this restaurants service is generally a big win. While there might be an occasional wait or a minor hiccup, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youre in for a friendly and attentive experience.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, Kolapasi really shines! With a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction of 79%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Many of the 49 positive comments rave about the ambiance, family-run feel, and cozy spot, often mentioning the tropical murals that add a unique touch.
Its described as a vibrant and comfortable setting, making it a great neighborhood addition. However, its not all sunshine and roses, as 6 comments point out a couple of snags. The main concerns revolve around parking being difficult to find, which can be a real headache.
A few also noted issues with ventilation, ' mentioning a lack of fans or AC, which might make it less comfortable on warmer days.
Ambience
62
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
6
negative
7
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, vibrant atmosphere
- Charming family-run feel
- Unique tropical murals
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Poor ventilation
Often praised
- atmospheremakes the atmosphere automatically vibrant
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancethe ambiance is very inviting and cozy
- ambienceI ordered the Vijayawada chicken biryani and Kerala chicken fry, and both dishes were spot on. The service was top notch, with very friendly staff and a great ambience. I highly recommend this place.
- cozy spotVery cozy spot
- customersWhile I was in Kerala and Thiruvananthapuram earlier this year for a wedding, the food here reminded me of all the flavors and spices from there. The place is packed with customers from Indian descent. San Francisco is incredibly lucky to have such an amazing South Indian restaurant.
- family-runThis is my third time at Kolapasi for dinner, and this place is a gem! I experienced fantastic food, a family-run atmosphere, and great service. It's a place I'll keep returning to.
- family-run establishmentthis family-run establishment
- good spotexcited to have such a good spot in the mission
- late hoursopen till late (11pm)
Frequently criticized
- parkingWe will come back for sure. PS: Parking is painful; I hope it’s more of a weekend problem.
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- ventilationThe place has no ventilation, No fans or AC
Overall, if youre looking for a restaurant with a genuinely warm and inviting atmosphere, Kolapasi is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potential hunt for parking, and perhaps avoid peak times if youre sensitive to stuffiness, as ventilation can be an issue.
Value (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! Many customers rave about the affordable pricing and reasonable prices, often highlighting that the price is great for the amount of food. With a strong score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 75%, it seems most diners feel they get a good deal, supported by 12 positive remarks.
However, not everyone is convinced. A few comments, 3 to be exact, mentioned the price felt pretty expensive compared to other Indian restaurants or simply wasn’t cheap. Some even felt it wasn’t worth the price, indicating that for some, the cost might not align with their expectations.
Value
16
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable pricing
- Reasonable prices
- Great food amount
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Not worth price
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed very original authentic tasting South Indian food served at very reasonable prices. The menu offered interesting rare menu options, which was a pleasant surprise.
- priceThe price is great for the amount of food
- PriceIt was $18 and was a large portion
- mealUnfortunately, the sambar was quite diluted and lacked flavor, and the chutneys were also thin and just okay. It's important to note that you shouldn't expect very gourmet dosas; it's a basic, quick, and a cheapish meal.
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- price pointbest Indian restaurant in SF at this price point
- pricingAffordable pricing!
Frequently criticized
- pricePretty expensive compared to other Indian restaurants in SF
If youre weighing your options, this place generally offers good bang for your buck, reflected in its 7.4 value score. While a few found the cost a bit high, the majority agree youll find a reasonably priced meal here. It's a solid choice if you prioritize affordability.
How are the prices at Kolapasi?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 111 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a strong cluster around the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges, which is right in the mid-range sweet spot. However, there’s also a good spread towards higher prices, suggesting options for those looking for a more premium experience too.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 111 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For an Indian Restaurant in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range meal and those willing to spend a bit more for a special occasion.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kolapasi
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Best Indian Food in a Long Time!
My experience at the restaurant was so so good. I had the best Indian food I’ve had in a long time. I highly recommend you check it out!
- Indian food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Good Kodi Vepudu, Decent Chicken Chettinadu
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The Kodi vepudu was good. The Chicken chettinadu was decent, but not quite as good as the Kodi vepudu.
Next time, I will try the biryani since they ran out of it this time.
- Kodi vepudu8
- Chicken chettinadu6
- biryani7
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Favorite Casual Indian Spot
This is one of my favorite casual spots to get Indian food. I highly recommend the Kerala chicken, and in fact, all the chicken tapas are good. The atmosphere, service, and food were all excellent, each receiving a 5-star rating.
- Kerala chicken9
- chicken tapas8
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Tasty Dosa and Vada, Needs Dairy-Free Options
My experience at the restaurant was great! I really enjoyed the tasty Dosa and Medu Vada. The food was excellent, and I'd love to see more non-dairy high protein options for the Dosa, such as chicken without dairy, lentil daal, tofu, or soy chunks.
The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a 5-star rating.
- Dosa9
- Medu Vada9
- non-dairy high protein options6
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
1
Disgusting Food and Rude Service
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely terrible. The food was disgusting, especially the Dosa, which is a South Indian staple that they completely failed to get right. The sambar was so disgusting I felt like I wanted to throw up.
Adding to the awful food experience, the cashier had zero customer service skills. They were very rude to me, and then acted flirty towards a white person, which was very weird.
- food1
- Dosa1
- sambar1
What Kolapasi offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Kolapasi South Indian cuisine?
At Kolapasi South Indian cuisine, you’ll find a casual and quiet atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal. You can enjoy various dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating available. Counter service is also an option, and they provide catering services for your events.
Is Kolapasi South Indian cuisine accessible and suitable for families with children?
Yes, Kolapasi South Indian cuisine offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring ease of access for all guests. It’s also a great spot for kids, providing high chairs for younger diners. While street parking can be difficult, free and paid options are usually available nearby.
How is Kolapasi generally rated by customers?
Kolapasi holds a strong overall restaurant score of 8.4. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (8.5) and Service (8.6), while the Ambience (8) and Value (7.4) also contribute positively to the experience.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Kolapasi?
Many customers praise Kolapasi for its authentic South Indian flavors, highlighting dishes like biryani and dosas. They often describe the food as very tasty, well-made, and reminiscent of traditional South Indian cuisine.
Are there any common issues customers mention about Kolapasi?
Some customers have noted challenges with parking in the area and occasional long wait times for seating. There are also mentions of limited ventilation within the restaurant and some specific dishes being inconsistent or overly oily.