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- Accepts reservations
oChef » Little Nepal – San Francisco
Little Nepal - San Francisco
Photo from Little Nepal
Little Nepal at a glance
San Francisco Bernal Heights
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 24 of the guests
#250 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#20 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
306
Reviews
88.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Flavor inconsistency
- Delivery problems
- Difficult parking
The restaurant Little Nepal is a charming Indian Restaurant nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood. When you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
This spot offers a genuine taste of Indian cuisine, making it a local favorite for those seeking authentic flavors in a welcoming setting. You’ll find it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal.
Overview: Introducting Little Nepal
Little Nepal offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often highlighted by its friendly people and an inviting atmosphere. Guests frequently commend the establishment for its delicious Nepalese food, which provides a unique culinary journey.
While many find it to be a good value, there are occasional notes regarding specific food items and service consistency. This spot manages to create a welcoming environment, making it a comfortable choice for many.
However, some experiences point to minor inconsistencies in food preparation and occasional challenges with delivery services, suggesting areas where the experience might vary slightly for patrons.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
306
Reviews
88.2%
Satisfaction
21
negative
15
neutral
270
positive
Little Nepal earns a commendable overall score of 8.5, reflecting a generally strong performance across the board. This positive impression is reinforced by a good Customer Satisfaction rate of 88.2%, indicating that most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial pool of 306 customer observations, with 270 positive remarks significantly outweighing the 21 negative ones. Delving deeper, the restaurant excels in Service (8.8) and Ambience (8.6), both receiving high marks for their quality.
The Food (8.4) also stands out as a primary draw, consistently earning praise. Even Value (7.7) is rated well, suggesting that guests feel they receive a fair return for their spend, making it a well-rounded option.
What people like
- Delicious Nepalese food
- Attentive friendly service
- Inviting cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish flavor
- Delivery service issues
- Parking can be difficult
If you’re seeking a restaurant with a warm atmosphere and generally well-regarded Nepalese cuisine, Little Nepal is certainly worth considering. The strong Recommendation Score of 8.7 suggests a high likelihood of a positive experience, particularly if you appreciate attentive service and a cozy setting.
However, be mindful that while the food is often praised, some specific dishes might occasionally fall short in flavor. Planning for potential parking challenges or understanding that delivery times can vary could help manage expectations for a smoother visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Little Nepal
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the food! This spot truly impresses, earning a good score of 8.4 and an excellent 87.3% customer satisfaction. With 172 positive remarks out of 197, guests consistently praise the authentic Nepalese dishes, highlighting them as richly flavored, perfectly cooked, and wonderfully balanced.
However, its not without a few critiques, as 14 negative comments point to some dishes occasionally lacking flavor or being bland, particularly the naan and momos. A few also noted the momo's outer layer being too thick or the unexpected absence of rice with certain curries.
Food
197
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
14
negative
11
neutral
172
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Nepalese dishes
- Richly flavored food
- Perfectly cooked
What people don't like
- Lacking dish flavor
- Bland naan/momos
- No rice with curry
Often praised
- foodThey serve delicious Nepalese food and claim to be the first Nepalese restaurant in San Francisco. The service was quite good, and the food was excellent. I found the flavors to be a pleasant cross between Indian and Afghan cuisines, with unique tastes of their own.
- Nepalese foodMy experience at this restaurant was a definite delight for the palette. The place is cozy and offers daily made fresh Nepalese food. It's clear that nothing is a leftover, and you can truly taste the freshness of the ingredients.
- naanOur party of three ordered two specials and still had leftovers! The special includes a wonderful salad, naan, papadam, a choice of rice, and two curry dishes. The sauces for dipping were sensational; we especially loved and devoured the green curry (mint/cilantro).
- lentil soupcomes with lentil soup, mixed veggies, basmati rice
- portion sizePortions are not enormous, so we didn’t have to take leftovers with us, but we were both full when we left
- sauceswonderful sauces full of flavor, but not as heavy, oily or creamy.
- Indian foodI had the coconut shrimp and pistachio curry with chicken. It was the best Indian food I’ve ever had. I’m coming back, bringing anyone who will listen with me.
- chaiasked for chai and it was promptly delivered
- chai teachai tea always served hot and fresh
- dishesI absolutely looooove the staff; they were way too kind and amazing. We ordered 3 different dishes, and everything was super tasty and delicious. I highly recommend this place and will definitely come back.
Frequently criticized
- naan'Ledo' translates to light cream sauce in a tomato-based gravy, 'bhanta' is eggplant, and 'paneer' is cottage cheese. Both the entrees of Paneer and Bhanta Ledo’s were lacking flavor, and the naan was bland. The black dal was watery and probably should’ve been cooked for another half hour to concentrate.
- Himalayan veg momosthe momos were bland
- bhanta ledo'Ledo' translates to light cream sauce in a tomato-based gravy, 'bhanta' is eggplant, and 'paneer' is cottage cheese. Both the entrees of Paneer and Bhanta Ledo’s were lacking flavor, and the naan was bland. The black dal was watery and probably should’ve been cooked for another half hour to concentrate.
- black dalBoth the entrees of Paneer and Bhanta Ledo’s were lacking flavor, and the naan was bland. The black dal was watery and probably should’ve been cooked for another half hour to concentrate. The free papadum was the saving grace.
- chicken tikkaerr chicken tikka… the palak tastes like frozen chopped spinach
- coconut lamb curryNo rice at all. Do not go here, not worth the money and the coconut curry didn’t even taste or have a hint of coconut in it anyway.
- dipthe dip was also mildly spicy
- foodWhat I truly loved was the ambience and the music; this place magically transports you to a monastery in Kathmandu. However, the reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 4 was the food. We had the paneer ledo and bhanta ledo, upgraded to a combo for $3 each, which includes half a naan, black (lentil) dal, potato mixed veggie, and a shot of tomato chutney.
- outer layer of the momosThe outer layer of the momos was too thick
- palakthe palak tastes like frozen chopped spinach
If you're seeking richly flavored, authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few dishes might occasionally fall short on flavor, the overall experience is highly recommended for its quality and taste.
Service (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 8.8 and an impressive customer satisfaction rate of 90.6%. Guests consistently praise the friendly staff, welcoming demeanor, and warm hospitality, often highlighting the attentive service. With 48 positive remarks among 53 total opinions, its clear the team goes above and beyond to ensure a delightful experience.
That said, a few minor points emerged from the 4 negative opinions. Some customers experienced issues with delivery time and difficulty calling the restaurant for updates. Additionally, a couple of guests noted that water refills werent automatic, which, while a small detail, can sometimes detract from an otherwise great visit.
Service
53
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Warm hospitality
- Exceptional service
What people don't like
- Late delivery
- Unanswered calls
- No water refills
Often praised
- serviceI liked it a lot and would definitely come back. The food was delicious, and the service was friendly and very good. We visited on a weeknight without a reservation, and it was no problem.
- staffThe staff at first is a bit reserved and shy but opens up quickly
- deliveryThey quoted us 45 minutes for delivery, it was literally here in 15. AWESOME.
- JohnJohn goes above and beyond to take care of his customers
- John and RashiJohn and Rashi? are very accommodating
- customer serviceVery good customer service
- delivery boythe delivery boy also so nice
- friendly peopleextremely friendly people that run it
- gentleman working thereI was looking for a place open within walking distance and decided to order takeout. The gentleman working there was very nice and helpful, and the atmosphere was very friendly and inviting. The restaurant itself was very clean but homey.
- great serviceWe were offered great service
Frequently criticized
- calling the restaurantTried calling the restaurant 8 times in between for an update on the delivery status without success
- customer serviceAbsolutely the worst customer service ever
- delivery timedelivery didn't arrive until 9 pm
- water refilldidn’t automatically refill my water
If you value genuinely warm and attentive service, this restaurant is a strong contender. While there are occasional mentions of delivery hiccups or minor details like water refills, the overwhelmingly positive interactions with the staff make it a highly recommended choice for a pleasant dining experience.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.6 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 90%, its clear guests adore the vibe. Based on 45 positive remarks out of 50 total, many rave about the cozy little place and great atmosphere.
Youll find its often described as having cool decor and a pleasant dining area, making for a truly inviting experience. However, its not entirely without its minor quirks. Out of 50 comments, only 2 mentioned a slight hiccup, specifically concerning parking.
A couple of guests noted that parking in the neighborhood can be a challenge, so it's something to keep in mind when planning your visit.
Ambience
50
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Great vibes
- Unique decor
What people don't like
- Challenging parking
Often praised
- atmosphereI was looking for a place open within walking distance and decided to order takeout. The gentleman working there was very nice and helpful, and the atmosphere was very friendly and inviting. The restaurant itself was very clean but homey.
- decorLovely decor with beautiful cloths under glass at the tables
- musicThe food was delicious and presented beautifully and authentically. The calm contemplative music contributed to a truly delightful dining experience.
- ambianceI thoroughly enjoy the ambiance
- ambienceWhat I loved is the ambience
- bright colorslove the bright colors outside and inside
- cleanlinessIt's super tasty clean
- comfortabletiny place but comfortable and very decorative
- cool decorI enjoyed the great food and the really nice atmosphere. It's a cozy little place with cool decor and prayer flags on the wall.
- cozy little placeCozy little place
Frequently criticized
- parkingParking in the neighborhood can be a challenge
If you're looking for a charming and cozy spot with a fantastic atmosphere, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that finding parking might require a little extra effort, but the delightful ambience inside makes it worthwhile.
Value (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.7, indicating good value, and customer satisfaction at a strong 83.3%, it seems most diners feel theyre getting a great deal. Many accounts, including 5 positive ones, rave about things being worth every penny, praising lunch specials, reasonable prices, and overall good value.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. Out of 6 total pieces of feedback, theres one notable concern regarding the price. One diner felt that for the cost, a dish was incomplete, highlighting an expectation for more comprehensive offerings.
This suggests that while generally good, there might be specific items where the value proposition could be clearer.
Value
6
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth every penny
- Reasonable price
- Good value
What people don't like
- Missing components
Often praised
- good valueHighlights include good food and service, a location in Bernal Heights, and delicious Chicken curry and Tika Masala. It's a good value for the quality and portions, with a pleasant dining area that is calm and relaxing. The chai tea is always served hot and fresh.
- lunch specialit is absolutely worth it
- pennyJohn, in particular, went above and beyond to ensure we were well taken care of. We left feeling full and happy, and it was worth every penny!
- pricethe price was very reasonable
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price for the yummies you get
Frequently criticized
- priceI ordered a coconut lamb curry and was simply provided with the curry itself and NO RICE. $20 for literal liquid? I need rice.
If youre looking for a place where your dollar stretches, this restaurant is generally a good bet, offering solid value for your meal. Just be mindful of specific menu items, as a few might leave you wanting a bit more for the price. Overall, its worth checking out for its reasonable offerings.
How are the prices at Little Nepal?
You’re looking at roughly 37 per person – reported by 24 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an Indian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 37$, many guests actually spend a bit less, often finding great options in the 21-30$ range, indicating a good spread of choices for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 24 reviews.
Compare the value for money of this restaurant with similar ones in San Francisco.
Overall, we feel the pricing offers a fair deal for an Indian Restaurant, especially considering the variety of options available to suit different spending preferences.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Little Nepal
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Friendly Spot with Good Indian Food
I want to preface this by saying I am NOT an expert on Indian food, only getting it about once a year. I was looking for a place open within walking distance and decided to order takeout. The gentleman working there was very nice and helpful, and the atmosphere was very friendly and inviting.
The restaurant itself was very clean but homey. I thought the food was pretty good; I got chicken tikka masala with garlic naan and thought it was great, though I’m no expert.
- gentleman working there9
- atmosphere9
- restaurant itself8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Extremely Disappointed - No Rice with Curry!
I’m extremely disappointed with this place. I ordered a coconut lamb curry and was simply provided with the curry itself and NO RICE. $20 for literal liquid?
I need rice. Any other Indian restaurant I’ve gone to includes rice in their entree. This place is a total scam.
I ordered the side of naan as a side in association to my lamb coconut curry and was royally disappointed to just see that and naan. No rice at all. Do not go here, not worth the money and the coconut curry didn’t even taste or have a hint of coconut in it anyway.
- coconut lamb curry2
- rice1
- price2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Yummy Smells Led to a Delicious Dinner!
While on my way to the store, I made a right turn around Little Nepal. The yummy smells coming from the restaurant were so enticing that I had to stop and order for Friday night dinner! Everything was perfectly cooked, and there were lots of leftovers.
- yummy smells9
- perfectly cooked10
- lots of leftovers8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Tasty Lamb Vindaloo and Good Naan
I went for lunch and ordered the set lunch, which included lamb vindaloo and tandoori chicken, served with basmati rice and naan. The naan was thin and very good 👍. I also ordered an extra a la carte aloo gobi.
Overall, my experience was good. The lamb vindaloo was tasty and tender.
- lamb vindaloo8
- naan8
- aloo gobi6
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Wonderful First Nepalese Experience
My first experience at a Nepalese restaurant was wonderful. The food was so good, it's a great motivation to visit Nepal. The host/waiter was very simpatico and well-traveled, willing to guide me through the lunch options.
The atmosphere was great, and the service was excellent. I highly recommend this place, especially for vegetarians.
- food10
- host/waiter10
- atmosphere10
What Little Nepal offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
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
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Little Nepal Indian Cuisine?
At Little Nepal Indian Cuisine, you can look forward to a cozy and casual dining experience. Whether you prefer to dine-in for lunch or dinner, or opt for convenient takeout, delivery, or even no-contact delivery, the restaurant caters to your needs. They also offer catering services and delicious desserts to complete your meal.
Does Little Nepal Indian Cuisine offer options for various dietary preferences?
Absolutely! Little Nepal Indian Cuisine is committed to providing a diverse menu. You’ll find a wide array of healthy options, alongside dedicated vegan options and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone. They also serve small plates, perfect for sharing or trying a variety of dishes.
How does Little Nepal generally perform?
Little Nepal receives a good overall score of 8.5, with strong performance in Service (8.8), Ambience (8.6), and particularly Food (8.4). Value (7.7) is also considered good.
What kind of food can I expect at Little Nepal?
You can expect delicious Nepalese food, often described as a pleasant cross between Indian and Afghan cuisines, with fresh ingredients. However, some specific dishes like certain curries, naan, or momos have occasionally been noted for lacking flavor.
Is the service and atmosphere welcoming at Little Nepal?
Yes, customers frequently praise the service for being friendly and attentive, with staff often going above and beyond. The ambience is also noted as inviting, clean, and cozy, with pleasant decor and music.