Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » New Delhi – San Francisco
New Delhi - San Francisco
Photo from New Delhi
New Delhi at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 140 of the guests
#2270 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#63 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Average
5.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
921
Reviews
47.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The New Delhi Restaurant & Bar, an authentic Indian Restaurant in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood, invites you to discover a culinary journey. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner.
One of its standout features is its great tea selection, offering a delightful complement to your meal. This welcoming space, known simply as New Delhi, provides delicious food and excellent service.
Overview: Introducting New Delhi
Average
5.3
out of 10
921
Reviews
47.9%
Satisfaction
448
negative
32
neutral
441
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on New Delhi
Food (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
The food here presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.8 and 40.8% customer satisfaction across 537 opinions. Many diners, however, have found delightful experiences, praising the authentic flavors and delicious dishes. There's a lot of love for the quality ingredients and the diverse options, including excellent vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices, as noted in 219 positive remarks.
On the flip side, a larger group of 293 opinions points to some significant culinary missteps. Concerns frequently arise around blandness, small portions, and a perceived lack of authenticity. Some even reported issues with undercooked or microwaved food, leading to considerable disappointment.
Food
537
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
293
negative
25
neutral
219
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic flavors
- Delicious food
- Diverse options
What people don't like
- Blandness
- Small portions
- Undercooked food
Often praised
- foodThe cuisine exceeded every expectation; every dish was a masterclass in balance, with spices that awakened the palate and flavors that were both comforting and exciting. The food was phenomenal, presenting India's rich culinary traditions with a modern, elevated twist. The service was equally impressive – attentive, warm, and knowledgeable.
- Indian foodThe service was top notch and the atmosphere was fun and original. The food was amazing and definitely the best Indian food I’ve had in the city. We were so pleasantly surprised by the food and service.
- disheshelped pick up dishes that would satisfy multitudes of taste buds
- Indian cuisinesome of the best Indian cuisine I have ever have
- chef's tasting menuWe had the chefs tasting menu and absolutely loved everything!
- drinksmade great drinks with real ingredients
- mango lassiI had a wonderful mango lassi that I had to have seconds of.
- mealThe staff were also really nice and attentive to everyone at the party. The food was excellent; family traveling from India really enjoyed their meal, which says a lot. We also had entertainment with Bollywood dancing and karaoke, which the guests loved.
- presentationThe menu is diverse and thoughtfully crafted, featuring a range of dishes that showcase fresh, high-quality ingredients. Every bite was a delightful explosion of flavors, expertly balanced and beautifully presented. The service was impeccable, with attentive and friendly staff who went above and beyond to ensure a memorable meal.
- Chaithe Chai, it was really good too
Frequently criticized
- foodThis was the worst Indian food I have ever had. Your food is expensive, and you are essentially ripping people off by charging such a high price for this garbage. In the past, we took some risks with bad reviews and ended up with good experiences regardless.
- naanThe portion size was extremely small. The dal was bland, the naan was half baked, the mix veg was horrible, and the aloo tikki was just plain. There are much better options on Geary Street, so I would advise others to stay away!
- food qualitythe food quality is not worth the price
- quantityMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to the portion size relative to the price. I ordered two gravies for two people, and it was insufficient. The quantity certainly did not look like 16 oz.
- portion sizefound that it's portion size is actually smaller than Panda Express
- food tasteMy experience at this restaurant was not good. The food tasted not so good. Additionally, there's a $20 dining fee per person, which is charged regardless of order size.
- Indian foodExtremely disappointing Indian food, flavors were bland
- chickenOf all the times I've had tandoori, which has been great, this time at this restaurant was terrible. The chicken wasn't even cooked in some of the pieces. I enjoyed my beer while I waited, hoping to celebrate my birthday with my wife over some good tandoori, but by far it was shockingly bad, sad to say.
- tasteDuring my visit to San Francisco, I ordered takeout and found the food to be very subpar for the quality and prices. I paid $120 for 4 items which lacked in taste.
- Dal MakhaniDal Makhani tastes like only boiled and dosent have any flavour
If you're seeking a culinary adventure with potentially authentic and delicious Indian food, this place might surprise you. However, be prepared for a gamble, as many have found the flavors lacking and portions small, so manage your expectations.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
The service here often shines, with many guests praising the attentive staff and the personal touch from the owner/chef Ranjan. Reviewers frequently highlight the friendly staff and professionalism, making for a wonderful and stress-free experience. With 132 positive remarks, it's clear many appreciate the dedicated team.
While many experiences are positive, the service receives an average score of 6.6 and a customer satisfaction of 64.4%, suggesting a mixed bag. Some guests unfortunately encountered rude waiters or issues with manager attitude and communication, leading to frustration. With 72 negative remarks, there are clearly areas where consistency and staff accountability could be improved for everyone.
Service
205
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
72
negative
1
neutral
132
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Engaging owner/chef
- Wonderful, prompt service
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Poor manager communication
- Lack of accountability
Often praised
- serviceFrom the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the warm and inviting ambiance, which perfectly blends modern decor with traditional Indian charm. The service was impeccable, with the staff going above and beyond to ensure every need was met. Now, let's talk about the food—simply outstanding!
- staffThe food was phenomenal, presenting India's rich culinary traditions with a modern, elevated twist. The service was equally impressive – attentive, warm, and knowledgeable. The staff ensured each course was perfectly paced and that we felt taken care of throughout the entire meal.
- ownerMy experience at this restaurant was the best dinner during my entire 7-day San Francisco trip. The owner served us and was very pleasant, engaging in great conversation while we enjoyed excellent food. The servers were incredibly attentive, consistently checking in and refilling our waters.
- bartendermost amazing bartender I’ve had in a city outside of my own
- serversI've visited this restaurant on multiple occasions and consistently had a great experience. The food is awesome, the servers were polite, and the environment was welcoming. They foster a sense of community, with many dishes designed for group sharing, which is a unique approach compared to Western restaurants.
- Servicethe Service is great
- attentive staffattentive staff for always keeping our water glasses filled
- cateringHighly recommend New Delhi Restaurant for catering your next big party
- peoplego for the people who make it an experience
- waiterThe staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. Our waiter was constantly checking on us and refilling our drinks, and even the owner/manager came to our table to check on us. The butter chicken, rice, and garlic naan were all excellent.
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe were refused entry even though the restaurant was empty. The service was rated 1 out of 5.
- staffThe staff member suggested we get takeout, even though the restaurant closes at 11 pm. Despite the rude behavior, we proceeded to order takeout. We got the chicken tikka masala, and I was surprised how anyone could mess up such a simple dish.
- managermanager refuse to listen our complaint he said he can’t do anything
- waiterThe naan bread was undercooked, and the overall meal was a disgrace to Indian cuisine. When we expressed our concerns, the waiter's response was offensive; she attempted to invalidate our experience by suggesting we didn't understand Indian cuisine because we were born and raised in the US, which felt like a disgusting use of race. While it might be a good place for a picture, if you're genuinely hungry, I strongly recommend eating ANYTHING else.
- ServiceService:1
- bartenderbartender cut me off, because, even though I was not acting super drunk
- ownerHigh headed owner
- serverhe insisted that the food was fine even though it was clearly undercooked
- serversThe servers were not friendly
- tea servicetea was served in a glass, again carried out by hand, without a tray or saucer
The service here is a bit of a mixed bag; you might encounter incredibly attentive staff and a charming owner, or less consistent interactions. It's worth trying for the potential personal touch, but be prepared that experiences can vary.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
The ambience here is generally quite good, scoring a solid 7.4, with customer satisfaction at a respectable 76.5%. Many guests, with 88 positive remarks out of 115 total, loved the luxurious atmosphere and elegant Indian restaurant feel. Its often described as a "beautiful restaurant" with "authentic vibes, " perfect for a "date night" or a "cozy place" with charming decor.
However, its not all perfect, as 21 comments pointed out some areas for improvement. Some found the atmosphere lacking, mentioning unpleasant smells and a nasty carpet that raised concerns about cleanliness. A few also noted it could be a loud or unfriendly environment, suggesting that certain aspects might detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
115
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
21
negative
6
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Luxurious, charming atmosphere
- Elegant Indian decor
- Perfect for date night
What people don't like
- Unpleasant smells
- Dirty carpet
- Loud environment
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's a great place for vegetarians, with a large vegetarian selection and is highly recommended for them. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the food and service also received a 5. Parking can be somewhat difficult to find, but it offers free street parking and reservations are not required.
- ambianceTheir passion for the food was evident as they took the time to explain each dish with such detail and enthusiasm that I found myself compelled to order even more. The personal touch added to the ambiance of the restaurant, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that made the evening truly memorable. This gem of a restaurant serves not just a meal, but a culinary journey that I can’t wait to revisit.
- ambiencethe ambience was great which set the mood for our party
- placeIt’s a great place to have a good drink
- locationconveniently located at the Union Square
- settingthis food, setting, and atmosphere is 10/10
- spaceThe space is comfortable
- 1920s feelfelt to us like a 1920s feel
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphere aestheticshad some cool aesthetics
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere was lacking.
- parkingThe atmosphere was rated a 5, and the food and service also received a 5. Parking can be somewhat difficult to find, but it offers free street parking and reservations are not required.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- ambienceambience also wasn't as great for the price
- carpetthe carpet makes you wonder how old it is and about the cleanliness
- come hereplease if you are seeing this dont even come here
- environmentExtremely unfriendly environment.
- fan noisethe fan noise is terrible
- glassthis glass was absolutely smeared with soap
- lockedMy experience at this restaurant was that it seemed to be permanently closed. I visited in the afternoon, but it was locked.
If you're looking for a place with a generally charming and elegant atmosphere, especially for a special occasion, this spot is worth considering. Just be aware that a few guests have noted issues with cleanliness or noise, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Value (1.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot unfortunately struggles to hit the mark. While a tiny handful of diners found the pricing to be a fair price
or even modest pricing
, these positive remarks are few and far between, representing only 2 out of 64 total comments on this topic. The overwhelming sentiment, with 62 negative remarks, points to a significant issue.
The value score sits at a rather poor 1.9, and customer satisfaction is also quite low at 3.1%. Many guests felt the experience was a waste of money
due to high price
, expensive
dishes, and often small portions
, frequently compounded by unexpected service charge
additions to the bill
.
Value
64
Reviews
3%
Satisfaction
62
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Waste of money
- Overpriced dishes
- Mandatory service fees
Often praised
- fair priceat a fair price
- modest pricingVery modest pricing
Frequently criticized
- priceWhen I complained about the tasteless Murgh Akbari, the chef offered hot sauce, which is an odd solution for enhancing Indian food. To add to the issues, the price was too high for the portion sizes. Ultimately, it was not authentic Indian food.
- pricesDuring my visit to San Francisco, I ordered takeout and found the food to be very subpar for the quality and prices. I paid $120 for 4 items which lacked in taste.
- service chargetip themselves by adding an 18% service charge
- waste of moneyBoth the Palak Kofta Kashmiri and Murgh Akbari shared the same bland cashew-based curry. Every dish lacked flavor and felt like a waste of money. When I complained about the tasteless Murgh Akbari, the chef offered hot sauce, which is an odd solution for enhancing Indian food.
- Pricethe cost was around $20 including tax
- billa $180 dollar bill for 1 chicken starter and 3 chicken main dishes, the price did not match what we had received.
- expensiveThe taste of the food was just average. The quantity was also less than expected, and considering this, the meal was quite expensive. I would suggest keeping this as your last option.
- gratuitybill that already included 20% gratuity for the horrible food, drink and service
- moneyMy experience at this restaurant was not worth the money. The portion size was extremely small.
- $22They charged me $22 for a tiny bowl of spinach
If youre looking for good value, this restaurant might disappoint, as many guests found it to be overpriced for what you get. Its probably best to manage your expectations regarding cost versus quality and quantity, especially with potential extra fees.
How are the prices at New Delhi?
You’re looking at roughly 54 per person – reported by 140 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For an Indian Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is in this range, the actual spending is quite spread out, showing a mix of both more budget-friendly and more premium dining experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 140 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant to similar ones in San Francisco.
Considering the average spend and the variety of price points, we think the pricing feels fair for an Indian restaurant in a city like San Francisco. It offers flexibility for different budgets while maintaining a mid-to-higher-end experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about New Delhi
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Unacceptable Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. The chicken and meat dishes were served completely raw, even to the children, which was unacceptable. When we brought this to the attention of our server, MD, he insisted the food was fine despite being clearly undercooked.
The food was inedible. Upon requesting to speak with the manager, there was a complete lack of accountability and unwillingness to listen. None of the staff acknowledged our concerns, and the entire situation was handled very poorly.
We ended up leaving because both the food and service were unacceptable. I rarely write negative reviews, but this was one of the worst experiences I've had. Unless significant improvements are made in food preparation and management's attitude, I cannot recommend this place.
- chicken and meat dishes1
- food1
- server1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Bengali Food and Atmosphere
I had a very good experience at this restaurant. The stuffs and owners are Bengali, which adds a unique touch. The food is very good, and the old Kolkata interior creates a wonderful atmosphere.
- stuffs9
- owners9
- food9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Stale Food, Poor Quality, Waste of Money
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. The taste of the food was completely lacking, and the presentation was poor. Everything tasted like it was made just a few days ago and wasn't fresh.
I've had much better food here previously. Please don't serve frozen or stale food. The food is very expensive compared to the taste, and the spoons provided are of very poor quality.
Eating such stale food would make people sick. Visiting this restaurant would be a waste of money, and eating such food would be very harmful to your body. 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
- taste1
- presentation1
- freshness1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Worst North Indian Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was likely the worst North Indian food I have had in San Francisco. I strongly advise against eating here; you would be better off eating anything you find outside. I tried the daal makhni, mix veg, and paneer, and unfortunately, everything was bad.
- North Indian food1
- daal makhni1
- mix veg1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible food, high price, low quality
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. The food looked stale and was of low quality, making me question its healthiness. To add to the disappointment, the price was high, which is unacceptable given the poor quality.
I have never encountered such bad food in any Indian cuisine before.
- food1
- low quality1
- high price1
What New Delhi offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is New Delhi Restaurant & Bar accessible for all guests?
Yes, you’ll find that New Delhi Restaurant & Bar is fully wheelchair accessible, including its entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
What dining and service options are available at New Delhi Restaurant & Bar?
New Delhi Restaurant & Bar offers convenient takeout, delivery, and dine-in services. You can enjoy lunch, dinner, or dessert with table service, and catering is also available for your events.