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oChef » Tandoori Hut – San Diego
Tandoori Hut - San Diego
Photo from Tandoori Hut
Tandoori Hut at a glance
San Diego Hillcrest
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 70 of the guests
#598 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#14 Indian Restaurant out of 14 in San Diego
Average
6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
570
Reviews
56.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Generous portions
- Affordable lunch
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Unpleasant smell
- Cleanliness issues
The restaurant Tandoori Hut – Indian Restaurant and Catering Service is a delightful spot nestled in the vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego. You’ll discover a cozy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
This establishment offers a genuine taste of India, making it a fantastic choice for anyone craving authentic flavors in a comfortable setting. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dining experience, you’ll find it here.
Overview: Introducting Tandoori Hut
Tandoori Hut offers a mixed experience, with many customers praising its `tasty` Indian cuisine and `good value` for money. You’ll often find generous portions that satisfy, making it a popular choice for those seeking flavorful dishes.
However, the restaurant faces challenges, particularly with `customer service` and the overall dining environment. Some patrons have noted an `unpleasant smell` and concerns about cleanliness, which can detract from the meal.
Average
6
out of 10
570
Reviews
56.8%
Satisfaction
217
negative
29
neutral
324
positive
Tandoori Hut registers an overall restaurant score of 6, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at 56.8%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This assessment is drawn from over 570 customer remarks, comprising 324 positive and 217 negative observations. Delving deeper, the Food (7) is a clear strength, consistently rated as good.
However, Service (3.9) falls into the poor range, suggesting significant room for improvement. Both Ambience (5.8) and Value (5.6) hover around average, reflecting a balance of positive and negative feedback in these areas.
What people like
- Delicious Indian cuisine
- Generous food portions
- Affordable lunch options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Unpleasant restaurant smell
- Questionable cleanliness
If you’re primarily seeking flavorful Indian food and appreciate a good deal, Tandoori Hut could be a worthwhile stop. The 6.3 recommendation score suggests it’s generally considered acceptable, especially for its culinary offerings.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and a less-than-ideal dining atmosphere. It’s a place where the food often shines, but other aspects might leave you wanting more, making it a better choice for takeout or a casual, no-frills meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tandoori Hut
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre looking at a solid experience with a score of 7, which is pretty good! While customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.8%, many diners rave about the excellent taste, soft and crispy naan, and generous portions. With 236 positive remarks out of 343 total, theres a lot to love about their authentic Indian food.
However, not every dish hits the mark. Some guests have encountered stale food, poor portion sizes, or a surprising lack of flavor in certain items. There are also instances where requested spice levels were ignored, leading to disappointment among 85 critical comments.
Food
343
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
85
negative
22
neutral
236
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent taste
- Generous portions
- Authentic Indian food
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Poor portion control
- Ignored spice levels
Often praised
- foodThe serving size was very good, and I absolutely loved the ambience. The staff was super nice and helpful, and the food was also tasty. I would recommend to everyone.
- Indian foodMy experience at the restaurant was centered around their good Indian food and nice service. The masala is truly what you wait for, and the rice is as good as it gets.
- garlic naanI tried the lunch special for $12 plus taxes, along with a la carte items like Veg Manchurian and Chilli Paneer, which was really good. The Garlic Naan was also a highlight. The food was very tasty, and the service was fast.
- portionsgood portions. Takeout containers will filled to the brim
- Garlic NaanChicken Tikka Masala Daal Fry Chicken Seekh Kabab Garlic Naan
- buffetI enjoyed the delicious food, which was also offered at a decent price. I recall that prior to COVID, they had a buffet for less than $10, which was an excellent value.
- chicken tikka masalaMy personal favorite is the chicken tikka masala, it is so good
- lunch specialJust had the lunch special & it was amazing!
- FoodFood was fine
- butter chickenBEST butter chicken I've had since I moved to America!
Frequently criticized
- foodThey seem to ignore requests and don't follow instructions. Food was mediocre at the best. Spent over $60 for a BAD experience.
- riceThe butter chicken was mildly spiced without being bland. I would have enjoyed it even more had I received the rice that was supposed to accompany it (ordered through DoorDash). I ended up dipping the naan in and eating it like soup.
- Malai Koftamake Malai Kofta Vegetable mild they made that very spicy
- chickenThe chicken was underseasoned and a little dry.
- Chicken 65Chicken 65: This dish was extremely tough and difficult to chew.
- chicken tikka masalasell you a TikaMasala for “two people” and the plate literally comes with 5 mini bite sized pieces of chicken
- drinkspay for your drinks though
- jeera riceI got the chicken mild, and it still had a kick to it. I wasn't impressed with the rice at all; it was extremely starchy, dry, and had a burnt flavor. It must've also been my mistake when ordering, but it didn't specify that the chicken came with rice, which is why I ordered more.
- portion sizeYou can't just start sending out a third of the portion size and charge the same amount.
- Bhature thicknessBhature was so thicker than 2 naan’s.
If youre craving authentic Indian cuisine with generally great taste and generous portions, its definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that consistency can be a bit of a mixed bag, so manage your expectations regarding spice levels and portion control.
Service (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, some customers have had pleasant experiences, noting the friendly service and prompt service from the staff. Many appreciate the menu explanation and helpfulness, with 40 positive remarks highlighting instances where staff went above and beyond, like offering a free dish or accommodating requests. However, the overall picture for service is quite challenging, with a score of 3.9 and customer satisfaction at 29%.
A significant 95 negative comments out of 138 total point to issues like rude service, poor customer service, and long wait times. Many describe staff as unprofessional or having a bad attitude, making for an unwelcoming experience.
Service
138
Reviews
29%
Satisfaction
95
negative
3
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Prompt service
- Clear menu explanations
What people don't like
- Rude, unhelpful staff
- Poor customer service
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceWe started with the Chicken samosas and garlic chili Naan, which were so delicious that we ended up ordering more Naan and also tried the Saag. Everything was absolutely delightful, and the service was great. As we were finishing up and leaving, the staff at the register kindly offered us a free dish of Chicken Tikka Masala because it hadn't been picked up by another customer.
- customer servicetheir customer service is really appriciating
- staffThe serving size was very good, and I absolutely loved the ambience. The staff was super nice and helpful, and the food was also tasty. I would recommend to everyone.
- ServiceService:5
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- attention to serviceIf anything, I interpret a shyness of sorts, but it's definitely nothing deserving of a poor review. I've noticed more attention to service recently, so things are improving if you're considering some of the negative reviews. If you like Indian food, try it out!
- chefThe chef worked with my mother-in-law's for restrictions
- doordashedonly ever doordashed this place
- elder staffThe elder folks are good enough
- experiencehad a pleasant experience
Frequently criticized
- servicemistakes like that happen, it’s actually an opportunity for you to go above and beyond
- serverserver sneezed and continued touching and serving food
- customer serviceI spent $65, and they did not even send the whole order. Their customer service is terrible, and their manager was rude and unhelpful, so I had my bank reverse the charge. Totally unacceptable.
- staffOrders cannot be adjusted, and you're charged the maximum price regardless. The food is mediocre, and the staff is strict. My suggestion to the owner would be to be more friendly and willing to accommodate.
- attitudeshe got an attitude after I asked one question
- cashiergirl on cashier or owner probably one of the rude person
- wait timeMy experience was extremely negative due to the rude service and an excessive wait time. Despite the sign indicating “take out only, ” only their “friends” were allowed to sit inside.
- young ladythe young lady always gives a cold vibe to customers.
- ServiceThe service was very reluctant
- accommodateThe food is mediocre, and the staff is strict. My suggestion to the owner would be to be more friendly and willing to accommodate. Given the abundance of other Indian dining options, I will not be returning.
Given the generally poor score and low customer satisfaction, service here seems to be a real hit-or-miss, leaning towards the latter. If attentive and friendly service is high on your priority list, you might want to manage your expectations or consider other options.
Ambience (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to the restaurant's vibe, many guests appreciate the pleasant atmosphere and overall environment, often noting the cleanliness and cozy feel. With 26 positive remarks out of 47 total, people enjoyed the Indian art on the walls, the background music, and even the comfy booths, contributing to a relaxed setting. The overall score for ambience sits at an average 5.8, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 55.3%.
However, not all experiences were rosy. A significant number of 20 negative comments point to some serious concerns. Issues like challenging parking, unkempt washrooms, and particularly strong, foul smells were frequently mentioned.
Alarmingly, there were also reports of cockroaches and even vermin infestations, which understandably left a very poor impression on some diners.
Ambience
47
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
20
negative
1
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Indian art decor
- Comfy booths
What people don't like
- Foul smells
- Pest issues
- Poor parking
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere were also really nice
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibeSimple, quiet, low key vibe
- Indian artGives you Indian art on walls
- ambianceMoving on to the ambiance, I found it to be quite pleasant.
- ambienceI found it to be an awesome place for Indian cuisine. The serving size was very good, and I absolutely loved the ambience. The staff was super nice and helpful, and the food was also tasty.
- areathe area is really nice
- background musicand background music
- cleanlinessThe food was very tasty, and the service was fast. The restaurant was also clean and economical, offering good vegetarian options. I would highly recommend it.
- comfortable boothsseven comfortable boots in there
Frequently criticized
- parkingthere is no parking on 5th and University
- cockroachesdude behind cashier was trying to kill a handful of cockroaches
- AtmosphereThe atmosphere/ ambience was unupdated old Indian restaurant
- RoachesI don't doubt there are Roaches there
- SmellThe service felt very reluctant. The atmosphere was that of an unupdated, old Indian restaurant, and it smelled so badly that I wished I had opted for takeout. The musty, old fabric smell was quite off-putting, and I couldn't understand how the staff or owners didn't notice it.
- couriers picking up foodcouriers picking up food wait right in the middle of the store
- foul smelldistinct foul smell in the whole restaurant
- free parkingFinding free parking was challenge
- funky smellthe joint had a funky smell to it
- health code standardslow health code standards
So, should you go? If you're looking for a relaxed Indian dining experience and can overlook potential issues with parking, it might be worth a try. However, be aware that some serious concerns about hygiene and unpleasant smells could make it a risky choice for an enjoyable meal.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to offer a somewhat positive experience, with a score of 5.6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 52.4%. Many diners appreciate getting their moneys worth thanks to decent prices and generous portions, especially with the lunch special. Out of 42 total comments, 22 were positive, highlighting that many feel its a great deal.
However, not everyone agrees, as 17 comments point to some concerns. Some customers felt the pricey and nickel and dimed by extra charges for small items. There were also mentions of a lack of transparency regarding additional costs, like sneaky gratuity or unexpected meat charges on lunch specials.
Value
42
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
17
negative
3
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Affordable lunch specials
- Good overall value
What people don't like
- Unexpected extra charges
- Lack of transparency
- Often feels overpriced
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, especially considering the amazing food and great prices. I ordered the lunch Thali, which included rice and a choice of two curries, along with a bread.
- lunch specialLunch special $12.99 get a choice of two small entrees, rice and cucumber salad
- pricereally good price for the big amount of food
- best dealbest deal here
- decent pricefood at a decent price
- economicalThe food was very tasty, and the service was fast. The restaurant was also clean and economical, offering good vegetarian options. I would highly recommend it.
- good valueMy experience at this restaurant was positive overall. I would recommend it to others because it offers good value. The saag paneer was yummy, and so was the chicken korma.
- great dealWhile parking is limited, there is a parking lot nearby. I definitely recommend this place for anyone seeking a great deal and great food.
- lunch dealFantastic lunch deal.
- money's worthyou definitely get your money’s worth :)
Frequently criticized
- priceprice was to high $19.00
- $65The naan bread was undercooked and cold. I spent $65, and they did not even send the whole order. Their customer service is terrible, and their manager was rude and unhelpful, so I had my bank reverse the charge.
- CHEAP & CHEATSThey're CHEAP & CHEATS
- chargesThey charge for EVERY little thing
- experienceFood was mediocre at the best. Spent over $60 for a BAD experience.
- gratuitya gratuity had been sneakily added to our bill
- lunch specialcharged $3 extra for the meat but their lunch special doesn’t say so
- maximum pricecharge you max price
- mealVery CHEAP after spending $22 a meal
- meat chargecharged $3 extra for the meat
If youre looking for a good lunch special or generous portions, you might find some great deals here. However, be mindful of potential extra charges or feeling nickel and dimed on other items, as some customers found the overall price a bit pricey'.
How are the prices at Tandoori Hut?
You’re looking at roughly $26 per person – reported by 70 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.
While the average is $26, it’s interesting to see that many guests actually spend less, often in the $11–$20 range, suggesting a nice mix of affordable and slightly more indulgent options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 70 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Indian Restaurant in San Diego. With options for both budget-conscious diners and those looking to spend a bit more, it offers good flexibility.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tandoori Hut
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Indian Food and Service!
As first-time visitors to San Diego from Pennsylvania, we decided to try Indian food here. Our experience was fantastic; the service was amazing and the food was delicious. We rated it 5 out of 5.
- service10
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Overcooked Chicken 65 and Kadai Paneer
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to the food quality. The attached photo shows the Kadai Paneer and overcooked Chicken 65. This suggests that the rest of the food might also be of similar quality.
The group size was 3-4 people, and we experienced no wait time. The price per person was between $20–30.
- Wait time8
- Price per person5
- Kadai Paneer2
- overcooked Chicken 651
- rest of the food2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Awful Chinese Chicken 65 Experience
My experience at this restaurant was awful. I could never imagine a restaurant would deliver a Chinese style awful vegetable chicken curry recipe in the name of chicken 65! It was the most terrible food experience I had at this hypocrite restaurant.
- vegetable chicken curry recipe1
- chicken 651
- food experience1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Excellent Food and Service in SD
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was great, expertly made by Miguel. The service provided by Kashish was very nice and welcoming.
The restaurant itself is very nice and cozy, contributing to a great atmosphere. I will definitely go back again when I am back in the SD area!
- food10
- service10
- restaurant9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Indian Food, Worth Trying
We eat here frequently and love the food. It's quality, and the prices are reasonable. The lunch special is perfect for a relaxing, sit-down meal without spending a lot.
Personally, I haven't had any bad experiences with service. If anything, I interpret a shyness of sorts, but it's definitely nothing deserving of a poor review. I've noticed more attention to service recently, so things are improving if you're considering some of the negative reviews.
If you like Indian food, try it out! Thanks for dinner!
- food10
- prices8
- lunch special9
What Tandoori Hut offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- All you can eat
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What kind of dietary options are available at Tandoori Hut?
At Tandoori Hut, you’ll find a wide array of choices to suit various dietary preferences. They offer healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone. Additionally, halal food is available.
Can I dine at Tandoori Hut with my family, and what are the service options?
Absolutely! Tandoori Hut is good for kids and provides high chairs for your little ones. You can enjoy dine-in service in a cozy, casual setting, or opt for convenient delivery, takeout, or curbside pickup. Outdoor seating is also available, and dogs are allowed outside.
How does Tandoori Hut generally perform?
Tandoori Hut holds an overall score of 6, indicating an average experience. Its Food (7) is a strong point, while Service (3.9) is a notable area for improvement. Ambience (5.8) and Value (5.6) are considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about Tandoori Hut?
Many customers praise the `tasty` Indian food and `good value` offered, especially with lunch specials. The portion sizes are often highlighted as generous.
What are the main concerns at Tandoori Hut?
Key concerns revolve around `customer service` issues, including rudeness and slow service. Some patrons also reported an `unpleasant smell` and general cleanliness issues.