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oChef » Red Chilli Halal – San Francisco
Red Chilli Halal - San Francisco
Photo from Red Chilli Halal
Red Chilli Halal at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🍛 Pakistani Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 21 – 30 €
mentioned by 91 of the guests
#135 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Pakistani Restaurant out of 9 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
524
Reviews
89.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional service
- Flavorful food
- Affordable pricing
Frequently criticized
- Casual ambiance
- Inconsistent food
- Billing discrepancies
The Pakistani restaurant Red Chilli Halal in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood invites you to a truly authentic culinary journey. You will discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for enjoying delicious Halal food.
Whether you are seeking a quick bite, healthy options, or a full meal with small plates, this establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere for every occasion. It’s a fantastic choice for those craving genuine Pakistani flavors.
Overview: Introducting Red Chilli Halal
Red Chilli Halal offers a compelling experience where the focus is clearly on the plate and the people serving it. Many appreciate the attentive `service` and the generally well-regarded `food` quality, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
However, guests should manage expectations regarding the `atmosphere`, which is often described as quite casual. Despite this, the establishment frequently delivers on `affordable prices`, often including thoughtful touches like complimentary chai tea.
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
524
Reviews
89.5%
Satisfaction
43
negative
12
neutral
469
positive
Red Chilli Halal achieves a strong overall `Restaurant Score` of `8.7`, with `Customer Satisfaction` also notably high at `89.5%`. This positive sentiment is built on a solid foundation of 469 positive opinions out of 524 total customer remarks, indicating a consistently good experience for most diners.
Digging deeper, `Service` stands out as exceptional (9.2), closely followed by the `Food` (8.8), which receives significant praise. While `Value` (8.1) is also considered good, the `Ambience` (7) is perceived as more functional, contributing to the overall picture without detracting significantly from the core strengths.
What people like
- Exceptional service
- Flavorful, fresh food
- Affordable pricing
What people don't like
- Casual, cramped ambiance
- Inconsistent food quality
- Occasional billing issues
If you prioritize excellent `Service` and flavorful `Food` over a polished dining room, Red Chilli Halal is certainly worth considering. Its strong `Recommendation Score` of `8.8` suggests many leave satisfied, especially those seeking good value.
However, be prepared for a very casual setting and occasional inconsistencies in certain dishes or billing. It’s a solid choice for a hearty, budget-friendly meal where the hospitality often shines through.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Red Chilli Halal
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Lets talk about the food – its a real crowd-pleaser here! With a fantastic customer satisfaction of 91% and an impressive score of 8.8, its clear diners are consistently delighted. Many rave about the authentic food, tasty food, and generous portions, often highlighting how fresh everything is.
Based on 304 positive remarks, the culinary experience is a major draw. However, its not entirely without its hiccups. Out of 23 negative comments, some diners mentioned dishes being dry or tasteless, with a few noting uncooked elements or finding the overall quality of the food mediocre.
While these are fewer, they suggest occasional inconsistencies.
Food
334
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
23
negative
7
neutral
304
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, fresh food
- Delicious, tasty dishes
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Dry, tasteless dishes
- Uncooked rice
Often praised
- foodThe meat was pretty tender and the sauce was flavorful over rice. While there were some bones and tougher pieces, the food was fresh. We also ordered garlic naan, and it came in a huge portion.
- butter chickenThe food was incredibly fresh, and the service was superb. We enjoyed dishes like naan, a lamb dish, butter chicken, and chicken karahi.
- naanLamb Kadai curry and naan are so as delicious as these things can be
- momosI could eat these momos every day
- FoodFood:5
- portionsthey didn’t skimp on the portions
- tandoori chickenWe also ordered garlic naan, and it came in a huge portion. Another order was tandoori chicken, which also had a huge serving and was very charred and pretty flavorful. I would revisit this place if the opportunity came.
- Indian foodIf you’re looking for a great tasty Indian food, you can’t go wrong coming to this place. I recommend the Butter Chicken and the Tandoori Fish.
- Pakistani foodclosest to Pakistani food I have had
- mango lassiadding a mango lassi, which was the best I've ever had
Frequently criticized
- paneer tikkared undercooked paneer? It was drowning in red food colouring and the paneer was hard
- Chicken Tandoori MasalaMy experience with the food was largely average, with nothing particularly outstanding. The chicken in the Tandoori Masala was not seasoned or cooked in a tandoor; it seemed like boiled chicken was simply added to the tandoori masala sauce. On a positive note, the naan was good and soft.
- Indian vegetarian foodAs a vegetarian, this was a deeply upsetting experience. I would not suggest anyone to risk eating Indian vegetarian food here.
- NaanThey forgot my Naan
- Seekh kabobsSeekh kabobs could be improved
- Vegetable Momoput chicken in my Vegetable Momo order
- butter chickenbutter chicken was so tasteless
- chickenput chicken in my Vegetable Momo order
- chicken chow runchicken chow run had barely any chicken
- chicken chowmeinstale pieces of chicken and disaster chowmein
If you're seeking a restaurant with overwhelmingly delicious and authentic food, this place is a strong contender. While a few experiences mention inconsistencies, the vast majority of diners rave about the quality and taste, making it well worth trying.
Service (9.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.2 and a fantastic 95.6% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Based on 108 positive remarks out of 113 total, patrons frequently praise the friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive staff.
Many also highlight the kind owner who goes out of their way to ensure a great experience. However, a small handful of 4 negative comments suggest minor areas for improvement. Some experiences mentioned communication challenges, occasionally citing English skills as a factor.
There was also an isolated instance of an unprofessional staff' member, though these seem to be rare exceptions rather than the norm in an otherwise stellar service record.
Service
113
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
108
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Communication issues
- Unprofessional staff
Often praised
- serviceThis was the best place we ate at since leaving Texas on our long road trip. The food was amazing, service was spectacular, and the chicken curry was the closest to my husband’s grandfathers he has had ever! The employees were kind, helpful, and especially attentive.
- staffI had some of the best and authentic food I have eaten in a while. The establishment was very clean, and the staff were very nice and friendly. I will definitely be returning.
- ownerWe tried different dishes each time. The owner was very helpful and gave us good advice. If you order a meat dish with Naan or rice, you'll spend around $20, and it's definitely enough.
- ServiceService:5
- ownersThe owners add to the experience by making you feel genuinely welcome
- peopleThe food was good and the prices were low. Additionally, the people were all very kind. They also have vegetarian options that are clearly labeled and note dairy content, making it very vegan friendly!
- customer servicevery welcoming and attentive customer service
- hospitalitythe hospitality of the owner extends by him to the customer
- older gentlemanolder gentleman there is really welcoming
- open latethey are open late
Frequently criticized
- English skillshis English skills were not so great. All of a sudden his English is really really good
- big guyThe big guy in there was very unprofessional and disrespectful
- communicationthe experience was so bad In just communication
- ripping off peoplethis place obviously thrives on ripping off people
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely cared for, this is it. The overwhelmingly positive feedback on service, from friendly staff to attentive owners, makes it a clear winner. Dont let a few minor communication hiccups deter you; youre likely to have a fantastic, welcoming experience here.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
The vibe here generally hits the mark, with a 7 score indicating a good experience, though customer satisfaction is a more mixed 66%. Many guests, based on 33 positive remarks out of 50 total, really appreciate the Atmosphere and find the place clean and a friendly environment. Some even say it makes them feel like home, describing it as a lively space or a hidden gem with a rustic charm.
However, not everyone is completely charmed. With 13 negative observations, some mention an unpleasant smell in the restaurant or describe the dine-in area as a cramped place. The location and parking can be challenging, and a few found the restaurant itself a bit dingy or disliked the hideous red paint inside, leading to a messy ambiance.
Ambience
50
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively, homey atmosphere
- Impressively clean space
- Authentic, friendly feel
What people don't like
- Unpleasant restaurant smell
- Cramped dining area
- Challenging parking/location
Often praised
- atmosphereThis has been a favorite of mine for more than 9 years. It's a tiny hole in the wall style atmosphere, with complementary chai for customers. The food is fantastic, and they have a real tandoor!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- placeVery decent place for a quick meal
- cleanImpressively clean
- WiFiThe service was also really good and friendly. They offer free chai tea and WiFi. If I return to San Francisco, I will definitely go there again!
- aroma of curryyou’re surrounded by the rich aroma of curry
- dining experienceThis was one of the best meals I've had recently. I highly recommend a pitstop here if you're in the Union Square area for a fantastic dining experience.
- family-run restaurantIt's a family run restaurant
- feel like homemade us feel like home
- friendly environmentvery friendly enviroment
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is very casual so don't expect ambiance
- parkingShady part of town in regards to parking
- cramped placeIt is a cramped place
- dine-in areaThe dine-in area is a little crampy
- locationThe chicken dish with peppers and gravy was YUCK, and the butter chicken was so tasteless. The restaurant is in a very shabby location, making it hard to find parking. The restaurant itself looks dingy and unkempt, with hideous red paint inside that did not enhance the look and feel.
- messy ambianceI was pleasantly surprised by the free milk tea. The food was so savory it was worth the messy ambiance.
- red painthideous red paint inside which did not add to the look and feel
- restaurant itselfThe restaurant is in a very shabby location, making it hard to find parking. The restaurant itself looks dingy and unkempt, with hideous red paint inside that did not enhance the look and feel. The gentleman was polite, and the order was ready on time; these were the only positive aspects.
- smell in the restaurantwish if they can something about the smell in the restaurant
If youre looking for a cozy, unpretentious spot with a lively, homey feel and dont mind a potentially cramped space or a challenging location, this place could be a hidden gem for you. However, if a pristine, spacious, and easily accessible dining room is a must, you might want to manage your expectations or look elsewhere.
Value (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction hitting a high 88.9%, its clear guests are thrilled. Based on 27 customer remarks, with a strong lean towards the positive (24 vs 3 negative), many rave about the `affordable prices` and `reasonable pricing`.
Diners frequently mention the `good price` for portions and the delightful bonus of `free tea`, making it perfect for those on a `budget`. However, a few guests did point out some minor hiccups. There were occasional comments about `extra charges` for items like rice, which some found a bit unusual.
A couple of experiences also mentioned being handed the regular menu instead of `lunch specials`, leading to unexpected costs. These instances, though few, suggest a need for clarity on whats included.
Value
27
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable menu prices
- Complimentary tea offered
- Excellent buffet value
What people don't like
- Unexpected extra charges
- Separate rice cost
Often praised
- priceThe owner was very helpful and gave us good advice. If you order a meat dish with Naan or rice, you'll spend around $20, and it's definitely enough. After the meal, they offer free Chai tea.
- pricesTheir prices are affordable.
- free teaAnd he told us that tea is FREE all day from the restaurant.
- affordable pricesI was impressed by the authentic food, which had an excellent aroma and presentation. The portions were large, especially considering the very affordable prices. To top it off, they even offered FREE Chai tea and water!
- buffet priceIt's one of the best halal buffets in San Francisco. The staff were incredibly friendly, and the buffet price was only $20 each, which is so reasonable. They offer a great variety of meat options and veggie options, with every item having a unique taste.
- couple on a budgetgood for a young couple on a budget
- economical pricingeconomical pricing
- good pricegood price too
- pricingreasonable pricing
Frequently criticized
- extra chargeshands me the bill with extra charges for 2 naans
- lunch specialshanded me the regular lunch menu
- riceCombined with rice (charged separately which is bizarre)
If you're looking for a place that offers excellent bang for your buck, especially with its `affordable prices` and complimentary tea, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of potential `extra charges` for certain sides like rice to avoid any surprises on your bill.
How are the prices at Red Chilli Halal?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 91 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.
Interestingly, while the average is 25, a good number of guests actually spend less, often in the 11 – 20 € range. This suggests a nice mix of options, from quick, affordable bites to more indulgent meals.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 91 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Pakistani restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to different budgets while still delivering on flavor.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Red Chilli Halal
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Absolutely Delicious Momos!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the incredible momos. I could honestly eat them every day for the rest of my life. To top it off, there was complementary chai, which was stellar.
I have no notes; it was a perfect experience.
- momos10
- complementary chai9
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Food and Amazing Hospitality!
My favorite spot to eat when I am in SF. The food is DELICIOUS and the staff went above and beyond with their hospitality. I definitely would recommend this place to anyone looking for some tasty food!
- food10
- staff10
- tasty food10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Absolutely Marvelous Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was nothing short of marvelous. The food tasted superb, and the service was superb with an attitude that was more than humble. I absolutely love it here and especially loved the recommendations from the chief chef Mr. Raja.
- food10
- service10
- recommendations of chief chef10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Authentic Pakistani Food & Kind Owner
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was incredibly authentic and the closest to Pakistani cuisine I've had in San Francisco. The owner was very kind and made sure to take care of each customer, which really enhanced the dining experience.
- food10
- Pakistani food10
- owner10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Chapli Kabobs and Aloo Naan!
My experience at this family-owned restaurant was wonderful. The staff were very polite, and the Chapli kabobs and Aloo naan were absolutely fire! The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was great.
- Chapli kabobs10
- Aloo naan10
- polite9
What Red Chilli Halal offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dinner
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What unique dining experiences and offerings can you expect at Red Chilli Halal?
At Red Chilli Halal, you can savor authentic Pakistani cuisine in a cozy and casual setting. The restaurant offers a diverse menu including late-night food, healthy options, vegan and vegetarian dishes, and small plates. You can enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, or dessert, with wine and other alcoholic beverages available to complement your meal.
What convenient services and amenities does Red Chilli Halal provide for its guests?
Red Chilli Halal offers flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. You can make reservations for table service, and the venue is wheelchair accessible with both an accessible entrance and seating. For your comfort, free Wi-Fi and restrooms are available. It’s also good for kids, featuring a dedicated kids’ menu.
How does Red Chilli Halal generally perform?
Red Chilli Halal scores well overall with a Restaurant Score of 8.7. Its Service (9.2) and Food (8.8) are particularly strong, while Value (8.1) and Ambience (7) are also noted.
What kind of food can I expect at Red Chilli Halal?
Customers often praise the flavorful and fresh Indian and Pakistani dishes, including tender meats, naan, and even highly-rated mango lassi. However, some experiences note inconsistent quality in certain items.
Is Red Chilli Halal a good option for budget-conscious diners?
Yes, many find the prices affordable, with generous portions and complimentary chai tea. It’s often described as good for those on a budget, despite occasional reports of extra charges.