Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Pakwan – San Francisco
Pakwan - San Francisco
Photo from Pakwan
Pakwan at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍛 Pakistani Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 125 of the guests
#1708 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#7 Pakistani Restaurant out of 9 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
719
Reviews
66.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Food
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Poor Ambience
- Inconsistent Service
The restaurant Pakwan Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District is your go-to spot for authentic Pakistani cuisine. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving healthy options, vegan dishes, or delicious small plates, this eatery has you covered. Plus, it’s a fantastic choice for late-night food, ensuring you can satisfy your cravings whenever they strike.
Overview: Introducting Pakwan
Pakwan offers a culinary experience centered on its authentic flavors and hearty portions, drawing diners primarily for its kitchen prowess. While the food consistently receives praise for its quality and taste, the overall dining environment presents a more mixed picture.
Guests often note a casual setting, but some experiences point to issues with cleanliness and a less than ideal atmosphere. Service, while sometimes described as friendly, can also be unprofessional or self-serve, suggesting a focus on efficiency over hospitality.
Good
6.9
out of 10
719
Reviews
66.9%
Satisfaction
191
negative
47
neutral
481
positive
Pakwan achieves an overall Restaurant Score of 6.9, placing it in the good range, though customer satisfaction sits at a 66.9% mixed level. This assessment is drawn from 719 customer remarks, with 481 positive observations outweighing 191 negative ones, indicating a generally favorable but not universally acclaimed reception.
Delving into specifics, Food (7.4) stands out as the strongest aspect, consistently earning high marks for its quality and taste. Value (6.6) also performs reasonably well, suggesting that patrons feel they receive fair pricing for their meals.
However, Service (6.2) is more average, and Ambience (5.5) lags behind, indicating areas where the dining experience could see improvement.
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Generous, hearty portions
- Good overall value
What people don't like
- Subpar dining ambience
- Cleanliness concerns
- Inconsistent service quality
If your priority is genuinely flavorful and authentic Pakistani cuisine at a reasonable price point, Pakwan is certainly worth considering. The kitchen consistently delivers on taste and portion size, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal focused purely on the food.
However, be prepared to manage expectations regarding the dining environment and service, as these aspects are less consistent. With a Recommendation Score of 7.2, it suggests many find the food quality outweighs other concerns, especially for those seeking a casual, food-first experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pakwan
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 73.3%. Many diners, based on 344 positive remarks, rave about the authentic flavors and large portions, often praising the tender meat and smokey flavor of their dishes. However, not every plate is perfect, with 100 negative comments pointing to occasional oily food and inconsistent quality.
Some found dishes flavorless or noted dry chicken, suggesting there might be some room for improvement in consistency.
Food
469
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
100
negative
25
neutral
344
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic flavors
- Generous portions
- Tender, smokey meat
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Oily food
- Flavorless dishes
Often praised
- foodThis place is a self-serve spot where you get your own plates, utensils, and water. I don’t go for the ambiance or service, but the food is so authentic! If you’ve never tried the beef nahari, it is AMAZING!
- naanIf you’ve never tried the beef nahari, it is AMAZING! The fish tandoori and popular dishes like biryani’s, chicken masala, naan, lassi, and samosas are also great. I brought my grandmother here who was visiting from Brazil, and she loved it 🥰.
- chicken tikka masalachicken tikka masala is excellent with a great, smokey flavor
- portionsIt's a true hole-in-the-wall that delivers bold flavors and zero frills. The curries were rich, the portions hearty, and the service was warm like family. The absolute star for me was the cheese naan—it was pillowy, gooey, and addictive.
- biryaniMy experience at this restaurant was primarily driven by the food, which was exceptional. I had the best biryani I’ve tasted in the USA. The staff were polite and friendly, and the chefs were top class!
- tandoori chickenThe staff was also warm and welcoming. Whether you're craving buttery naan, smoky tandoori chicken, or a hearty curry, Pakwan consistently delivers. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking delicious, traditional Pakistani food in a casual and friendly setting.
- samosasIf you’ve never tried the beef nahari, it is AMAZING! The fish tandoori and popular dishes like biryani’s, chicken masala, naan, lassi, and samosas are also great. I brought my grandmother here who was visiting from Brazil, and she loved it 🥰.
- FoodFood:5
- Garlic NaanEverything we ordered was excellent from the Garlic Naan
- Pakistani foodThe staff was friendly and served the food quite fast. I definitely recommend this place for authentic Pakistani food.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was terrible. The food was bad, and despite it being self-service, they had the audacity to ask for a tip. The male toilet was unclean.
- food qualityfood quality is 10% of pakwaan
- Chicken Tikka Masalaresembling ordinary tomato soup more than the rich and flavorful chicken tikka masala
- Garlic Naanlacked the distinct garlic flavor. It was the worst garlic naan I have ever had
- Nihari (Beef Curry)The beef was overcooked and felt like it was just smothered in gravy
- Pakistani foodHorrible excuse of authentic Pakistani food
- biryanican’t say the same about the biryani
- lamb currythe lamb curry was little bland
- naanThe sauce was alright, but the chicken was incredibly dry, nearly inedibly so. The naan was also dry, not at all fluffy, and had hardly any cheese. The staff were very indifferent, not interacting with customers at all except to bellow out order numbers.
- raitathe raita wasn't even mixed once and was watery
If you're seeking authentic flavors and generous portions, especially for tandoori items and meat dishes, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention inconsistency in quality or oiliness, so manage your expectations for every dish.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
You'll often find the service here quite pleasant, with many guests, accounting for 60 positive remarks out of 107 total, praising the friendly staff, quick service, and genuine hospitality. While customer satisfaction is a 56.1% mixed bag, indicating some room for improvement, the positive experiences often highlight attentive and welcoming interactions. On the flip side, 34 negative comments point to areas needing attention, such as unprofessional service, rude staff, and occasional order errors or lack of accountability.
The overall score for service is an 6.2, placing it in the average category, suggesting that while good moments exist, consistency can be an issue.
Service
107
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
34
negative
13
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Good hospitality
What people don't like
- Unprofessional service
- Rude staff
- Order errors
Often praised
- serviceThe service is good. ... the workers are polite
- staffthe service and staff everyone are super sweet
- ServiceService:5
- foodI was particularly impressed with their vegan options, managing to make biryani and masala taste amazing without ghee or butter. The service is good; while it's more of a self-ordering place, the workers are polite and the food comes out quickly. I would recommend this place if you want genuinely good food.
- BharathThe Tandoori fish was blunt. On the positive side, Bharath was helpful, providing good customer service.
- ServicesServices is great
- attentive and friendly staffThe attentive and friendly staff enhance the overall dining experience
- billing counterperson at the billing counter was friendly and respectful
- chefschefs top class
- customer servicegoos customer service
Frequently criticized
- serviceThis place is a self-serve spot where you get your own plates, utensils, and water. I don’t go for the ambiance or service, but the food is so authentic! If you’ve never tried the beef nahari, it is AMAZING!
- customer serviceVery unprofessional and disrespectful customer service
- staff memberWhile the food was good, the customer service and cleanliness of the restaurant were well below par. The staff member working behind the counter was very rude to customers and even abused someone. The restrooms were well below health code standards, and the plates and utensils used were also very dirty.
- PakwanSick one Pakwan
- cashier's supervisorThe food was satisfactory, but the service and cleanliness fell short. The cashier's supervisor was exceptionally impolite while taking the order, resorting to offensive language in Hindi during our departure. It's disheartening that what could be a great place is hindered by unprofessional and disrespectful service.
- counter serviceI used to love this place, but over the last decade, it has gotten so much worse. A couple of weeks ago, I ate here and it was $20+ per plate with counter service. You can get so much better within a couple of blocks for the same price, and even equal food for cheaper on the same block.
- counter staffcounter staff needs some American hospitality
- disrespectful serviceThe cashier's supervisor was exceptionally impolite while taking the order, resorting to offensive language in Hindi during our departure. It's disheartening that what could be a great place is hindered by unprofessional and disrespectful service.
- food accuracythey accidentally gave me tofu instead of chicken
- lack ingredientsthey didn’t have all the ingredients for the vegetarian wraps
If you're looking for quick and friendly service, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be prepared for the possibility of an average experience, as consistency and professionalism can sometimes fall short.
Ambience (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot offers a rather mixed bag, with a score of 5.5 and customer satisfaction at 49%. Many appreciate the comfortable vibe, great location, and warm, inviting ambiance, especially with outdoor seating options. Reviewers often mention it as a clean, low-key local hang-out, drawing a culturally diverse crowd, based on 50 positive opinions out of 102 total.
However, the ambience isn't without its challenges. A significant number of comments, 45 to be exact, point to issues like a persistent restaurant smell, particularly from the bathroom areas, and concerns about dirty tables and overall cleanliness. Some describe the restrooms as being in a bad state, impacting the overall dining experience.
Ambience
102
Reviews
49%
Satisfaction
45
negative
7
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Comfortable vibe
- Outdoor seating
- Clean places
What people don't like
- Restaurant smell
- Dirty restrooms
- Unclean tables
Often praised
- atmosphereThe flavours were truly on point! The service was great, and the atmosphere was also excellent.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationThe location is pretty ideal by Dolores Park
- placeNice place to have dinner
- ambiancethe vibe on a Wednesday afternoon was full of ambiance
- ambienceGreat ambience
- aromathe aroma of freshly cooked spices and grilled meats hits you
- bustlingthe place was bustling
- casualIt’s casual
- casual and friendly settingWhether you're craving buttery naan, smoky tandoori chicken, or a hearty curry, Pakwan consistently delivers. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking delicious, traditional Pakistani food in a casual and friendly setting. I'll definitely be coming back!
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe food was tasty, which is the most important thing. However, the place is fairly stinky these days; it smells like stale sewer in the back of the restaurant.
- placeI highly recommend the take-out option instead of dining in. This place is too congested, and there are two restrooms that are filled with graffiti all over their walls. The restrooms are toward the back, and they use the walkway to it for all kinds of food-related storage, so the smell was very strong and it permeated the dining area, making the eating experience bad.
- tablesThe tables were dirty, which impacted the overall meal experience.
- ambianceThis place is a self-serve spot where you get your own plates, utensils, and water. I don’t go for the ambiance or service, but the food is so authentic! If you’ve never tried the beef nahari, it is AMAZING!
- bathroomAnd it's funny to still see it referred to as a divey restaurant because, child, you have no idea how far it's come. This place was the epitome of squalor back in the day, with kitchen hygiene that could be as best regarded as "discretionary" and a bathroom that was literally outside the restaurant. It was not for the faint of heart.
- cleanlinesscleanliness of the restaurant was well below par
- parkingThe parking situation was terrible
- restroomThe restroom is in pretty bad state
- restroomsI highly recommend the take-out option instead of dining in. This place is too congested, and there are two restrooms that are filled with graffiti all over their walls. The restrooms are toward the back, and they use the walkway to it for all kinds of food-related storage, so the smell was very strong and it permeated the dining area, making the eating experience bad.
- utensilsThe naan is also HUGE, so I suggest one naan for two people. On the downside, the restaurant's interior was a little dirty, and the utensils weren’t fully clean. Despite these cleanliness issues, I would totally come again to eat the food!
If youre looking for a casual, no-frills spot with good outdoor seating and a lively crowd, you might enjoy the atmosphere here. Just be prepared that some aspects, particularly cleanliness and odors, might not be up to everyones standards, so perhaps consider takeout if that's a dealbreaker for you.
Value (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners are quite pleased, with 27 positive remarks highlighting that you get good food for the value and great portions for the price. Terms like affordable, reasonable price, and Money's worth frequently pop up, suggesting that for many, this spot offers a genuinely good deal. However, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.6 and customer satisfaction at 65.9%.
While not bad, 12 negative comments indicate some concerns. Terms like "pricey, " "expensive, " and even "waste of money" appear, with some feeling that "prices have gone up" and its overly expensive for what you get.
Value
41
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good food value
- Reasonable prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Prices have risen
- Waste of money
Often praised
- priceOnce that Chicken Tikka Masala and Naan hit your taste buds, all the surrounding depravity just disappeared. It was just you and some of the most delicious (and cheap) Indian food served in SF. Roll call on my favorites: 1) Chicken Tikka Masala - could eat it with a spoon (and have a couple of time).
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed with the great food, great portions, and great prices. The Lamb biryani was delicious and generously portioned, and the Karahi Chicken was incredibly tasty.
- Money's worthMoney's worth
- affordableMy experience at this restaurant was great! It’s a casual and affordable place, and the food is absolutely delicious. I would highly recommend the eggplant, as well as any of the naans.
- affordable costserved food of affordable cost
- affordably pricedI appreciated that the menu was well labeled, making it easy to identify vegan dishes. The affordably priced menu was also a plus. I enjoyed the mix vegetable curry made vegan, which was great, and the Chana masala made vegan was excellent.
- costThe cost is affordable
- expensiveThey’re not very expensive
- food priceThe food is reasonably priced
- great pricesMy experience at this restaurant was that it's a local hang-out. I enjoyed the great food at great prices. They have also recently added some upgrades to the place, which is a nice touch.
Frequently criticized
- pricesprices have gone up
- OVERLY EXPENSIVE foodIt seems like regular customers know better and are avoiding this place. I feel it is BAD and SICKENING & OVERLY EXPENSIVE food. I would AVOID IT at ALL COSTS!
- changehanded a hundred dollar bill at 12:00 they said they had no change
- costall at the cost of 109 dollars for 5 ppl.
- parkingpaid $25 to park at a private lot
- priceI dined in and also took out. Bit pricey though. Yo Pakwan!
- price per plateI used to love this place, but over the last decade, it has gotten so much worse. A couple of weeks ago, I ate here and it was $20+ per plate with counter service. You can get so much better within a couple of blocks for the same price, and even equal food for cheaper on the same block.
- qualityfound the quality to be very disappointing
- riceI did not know that rice had to be ordered as an extra ($4) for the chicken tikka masala.
- time and moneyCan't eat it. Don't waste your time and money.
Overall, the value here is a bit of a toss-up. You might find some fantastic deals and generous portions, making it a worthwhile visit. However, be prepared that some experiences suggest the prices can feel a bit steep, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at Pakwan?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 125 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Pakistani Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what everyone spends, prices tend to cluster nicely around this average, with many guests finding options in the slightly lower $11–$20 range too, offering a good mix for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 125 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, the pricing feels quite fair for a Pakistani Restaurant in San Francisco. We think it offers good value, especially with options available across the mid-range.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pakwan
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Pakistani Food in California!
This is my favorite spot for Pakistani Food. I have traveled throughout California and been to many Indian restaurants and food trucks, yet this is the best one out of all. It’s a must every time I come to San Francisco, definitely recommended.
I honestly always get the same dish: chicken tikka masala, a side of rice, and of course my favorite cheese naan!
- Pakistani Food10
- chicken tikka masala10
- cheese naan10
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Missing Order - Disappointing Experience
My experience at Pakwan was extremely disappointing. Upon arriving home and opening my order, I discovered that half of my order was missing. This was a truly sickening experience.
- order1
- Pakwan1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Indian Food Ever!
I’ve eaten a lot of Indian food in my life and this is some of the best I’ve ever had. The food was exceptional, and the atmosphere was also rated a perfect 5. The service also received a perfect 5 rating.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Food, Okay Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was fantastic, and the prices were very reasonable. The location was also a plus.
However, the environment and cleanness were just average, rated at 3. 5 stars. The service wasn't bad, but it could be improved with a simple smile to make the experience more welcoming.
- food10
- location9
- prices9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Good Food, Spartan Space
My experience at this restaurant was centered around the consistently good food. The space itself is described as spartan yet functional. While the service is minimal, they do ensure tables are cleared for the next guests.
I often opt to sit outside at the tables set up on the sidewalk.
- food10
- space6
- service5
What Pakwan offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dietary and meal options can you find at Pakwan Restaurant?
At Pakwan Restaurant, you can enjoy a diverse menu featuring Halal food, healthy options, and a variety of choices for those seeking vegan or vegetarian dishes. They also offer small plates and are a great spot for a quick bite or late-night food.
What are the service and dining arrangements available at Pakwan Restaurant?
Pakwan Restaurant provides flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. You can also enjoy outdoor seating. They serve lunch, dinner, and dessert, and are good for kids, even allowing dogs outside in their seating area.
How is Pakwan generally rated by customers?
Pakwan holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.9, which is considered good, though customer satisfaction is at a 66.9% mixed level. The Food (7.4) is highly rated, while Value (6.6) and Service (6.2) are average, and Ambience (5.5) is the lowest-scoring aspect.
What are the standout features of the food at Pakwan?
Customers frequently praise Pakwan for its authentic and flavorful Pakistani dishes, often highlighting hearty portions. Specific items like beef nahari, biryani, and various naans receive positive mentions for their quality and taste.
What should I know about the dining experience at Pakwan?
While the food is a strong draw, the ambience at Pakwan is often described as casual and can be a point of concern, with some mentions of cleanliness issues or a stinky atmosphere. Service is generally efficient but can be self-serve and occasionally unprofessional.