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oChef » Tilak – San Francisco
Tilak - San Francisco
Photo from Tilak
Tilak at a glance
San Francisco Bernal Heights
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 64 of the guests
#1216 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#43 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
406
Reviews
73.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Attentive Service
- Fair Pricing
Frequently criticized
- Poor Ambiance
- Long Waits
- Uneven Dishes
The restaurant Tilak is an inviting Indian restaurant nestled in the vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving a quick bite, healthy options, or delicious late-night food, this spot has you covered. They offer a diverse menu including small plates, alongside a selection of wine and beer to complement your dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Tilak
Tilak offers a culinary experience where the flavors often shine, leaving a positive impression on many diners. Guests frequently praise the skillful preparation of dishes, noting a distinct quality that sets it apart.
The attentive nature of the staff also contributes to a generally pleasant visit. However, the dining environment at Tilak can be a mixed bag, with some finding the atmosphere lacking or the space a bit noisy.
While many appreciate the reasonable pricing, others feel certain items are a bit steep. It seems the focus on food and service is strong, but the overall setting could use refinement.
Good
7.4
out of 10
406
Reviews
73.4%
Satisfaction
81
negative
27
neutral
298
positive
Overall, Tilak garners a respectable 7.4 out of 10, indicating a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a solid 73.4% customer satisfaction rate, suggesting most patrons leave content.
With 406 total opinions, including 298 positive remarks against 81 negative ones, there’s a clear leaning towards favorable impressions. The culinary offerings are a definite highlight, with Food scoring a strong (7.6), reflecting its central role in customer feedback.
Service also performs well at (7.6), with many appreciating the staff’s attentiveness. While Value (6.5) is considered average, some find the pricing reasonable.
The Ambience (5.7), however, presents a more mixed picture, often described as needing improvement.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Attentive, kind service
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Lacking dining atmosphere
- Extended wait times
- Inconsistent food quality
If you prioritize flavorful Indian cuisine and appreciate attentive staff, Tilak is certainly worth considering. The kitchen consistently delivers on taste, making it a strong contender for a satisfying meal.
Just be prepared for a potentially less vibrant dining room experience. With a solid recommendation score of 7.7, Tilak generally earns its positive reputation.
It’s a place to visit for the culinary journey, perhaps for a casual meal or takeout, rather than for a grand, atmospheric evening. Manage your expectations regarding the setting, and you’ll likely enjoy the food.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tilak
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
Diving into the food, its clear theres a lot to love here! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 75.2%, many diners rave about the incredible flavour and authentic traditional Indian cuisine. Standout dishes like the butter chicken and dahl puri chaat frequently earn high praise, making up 228 positive remarks out of 303 total.
However, not every dish hits the mark. Some guests found certain items too sweet or on the oily side, while others noted undercooked naan or a surprising no flavor in some curries. These points, accounting for 52 negative remarks, suggest some inconsistency in execution.
Food
303
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
52
negative
23
neutral
228
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic bold flavors
- Excellent butter chicken
- Great vegetarian options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Often too sweet/oily
- Naan quality varies
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this Indian restaurant was off the charts good, quickly becoming my new favorite in SF. We opted for a pick-up order, and while some dishes traveled better than others, I was pleasantly surprised that even the delicate pani puri was still enjoyable at home.
- butter chickenOverall, I definitely recommend this place. My favorites are: sag paneer, butter chicken, chat, and paneer pakoda.
- Indian foodMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing, offering the best Indian food I've ever had. I visited with a group of friends for dinner, and every aspect, from the food and service to the ambience, was incredible, with the food being the standout.
- garlic naanThe garlic naan was warm, fluffy, and had the perfect hint of garlic
- bread basketbread basket... all came out really well
- chicken tikka masalaloved everything on the menu, including the chicken tikka masala
- flavorsMy experience at Tilak was highlighted by their truly delicious dahi puri chaat. It offered a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. The crisp puris were generously filled with yogurt, chutneys, and spices, resulting in a burst of freshness in every bite.
- naanthe texture on the naan was perfectly fluffy
- Indian cuisineUnique in many positive ways as compared to other Indian cuisine
- biriyaniTHE BEST biriyani in town
Frequently criticized
- foodThe naan was not freshly made; it appeared to be pre-made and kept warm in aluminum foil. Overall, the food was very disappointing. I've noticed that the Indian restaurants here are not authentic, which is sad given their advertising.
- garlic naangarlic naan, very thick and undercooked
- Indian fooddefinitely not authentic Indian food at all
- biryanithe curry and biryani were way too sweet
- naanThe naan was not freshly made but pre made
- Butter ChickenButter Chicken was awful, sooo sweet
- Chana masaladidn’t like the taste of the Chana masala
- Chicken Chettinadchicken chettinad was not authentic at all
- Lemon RiceI don’t think I would order the lemon rice again
- all the foodUpon arrival, we had to wait for them to pack it. When we finally got our order, the rice and naan were cold, and all the food was cold. I don't understand why they couldn't have microwaved it for us lol.
If you're craving flavorful Indian food, especially their highly-praised butter chicken and chaat, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might lean a bit sweet or oily, and naan quality can vary, so choose wisely.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 80.4%, it's clear that many diners have had good experiences. Out of 56 customer remarks, a whopping 45 were positive, often praising the friendly and attentive staff, quick service, and knowledgeable servers who offer great recommendations.
However, there are some areas for improvement, noted in 10 negative comments. Some guests experienced long waiting times for their food, especially for dine-in orders, feeling that the focus was sometimes too much on app orders. This could lead to a less attentive experience for those dining in.
Service
56
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast service
- Good recommendations
What people don't like
- Long dine-in waits
- Prioritize app orders
- Inconsistent attention
Often praised
- serviceThe flavors were bold and fresh. The pro and attentive service, with a special mention to Sam, was a definite bonus.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with wonderful food and kind staff. While the place was a little loud and not the cleanest, the overall experience was still worth it.
- ownerThe owner was great, with good recommendations
- take outI ordered in to go and it was ready within 15 minutes.
- Chief Tilakthe chief Tilak is a magician!
- Samask for Sam
- ServersServers were very attentive and skilled.
- ServiceService:5
- dedication and passionThe atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating. It’s clear that the dedication and passion shine through in every dish. A MUST VISIT PLACE!
- greetingWe arrived on a Friday evening around 6 pm and were seated right away. The staff promptly greeted us and offered water with ice. For our meal, we ordered the Aloo Tikka Chaat Bites, Gobi Mussalam, Chicken Tikka Masala, Lemon Rice, Bhature, and Garlic Naan.
Frequently criticized
- app ordersthey were focused on app orders.
- deliveryWhen I first tried to call for delivery the other night, they said they didn't deliver. We decided to pick up the food instead.
- dine-in customersdon’t give two hoots about customers who come for dining.
- food takes foreverfood takes forever even when they're not busy.
- food took agesour food took ages to arrive
- guy servingThe focus seemed to be on app orders, leading to a constant stream of drivers and a long wait for our food. Initially, the server was attentive but lost interest, requiring us to flag down another staff member to place our order. A point of confusion was the spice level; we ordered mild and hot dishes, but couldn’t tell the difference in spice level.
- servicehiking up prices (with no adjustment to portions or service)
- waitWe decided to pick up the food instead. Upon arrival, we had to wait for them to pack it. When we finally got our order, the rice and naan were cold, and all the food was cold.
- waiting timeMade us wait 30 min for dine-in order.
Overall, if youre looking for friendly and attentive staff, especially for takeout or quick seating, this place is a good bet. Just be aware that dine-in service might sometimes involve a longer wait, particularly if theyre busy with app orders.
Ambience (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many guests found the ambience quite pleasing, with some even calling it amazing. People appreciated the colourful interior and noted it was a great place for a casual dinner, often without feeling too crowded. Plus, parking wasnt much of an issue for some.
Overall, the atmosphere garnered an average score of 5.7 out of 10, suggesting its not bad at all. However, the atmosphere is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at 46.7%. With 14 positive and 14 negative remarks, opinions are truly split.
Many found the space small, congested, and sometimes loud. Others mentioned a lack of decor and heating, leading to a cold environment. Issues like bright lights and no music also detracted from the overall experience for some.
Ambience
30
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Colourful interior
- Casual dining spot
- Easy parking
What people don't like
- Small dining space
- Bright lights
- No music
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was rated 4/5
- ambiencethe service, ambience, etc was amazing
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancethe ambiance was lovely, with a nicely decorated restaurant
- casual dinnergreat place to come for a casual dinner
- colourful interiorhas a colourful interior
- crowdednessit never got crowded
- overall experienceoverall experience have left a lasting impression
- parkingParking wasn’t too bad
Frequently criticized
- ambienceWhy don't they make ambience better?
- placeThe place was a little loud
- atmosphereabsolutely zero atmosphere
- bright lightsreally bright lights
- chef cookingcould hear the chef loudly cooking in the kitchen
- cleanlinessnot the cleanest
- decorThey are so well-priced for a place in SF, and the food is way better than most. It’s low on decor and okay on service, so maybe not a “lemme take you out and show you a good night” kind of place, but definitely the best Indian place for a down-to-earth meal. Try their fluffy fried white bread in addition to the naan!
- heatingThe food was terrible; it was lukewarm, the tortillas were burnt and a bit raw, and the rice was just okay. The place was also very cold, as they don't provide heating. The tea and water were better.
- neighborhoodin a rough neighborhood
- no musicWhile the food was tasty, the overall atmosphere was severely lacking. On a Saturday night, we were the only patrons, with bright lights and no music, only the sounds of washing up. The focus seemed to be on app orders, leading to a constant stream of drivers and a long wait for our food.
If youre seeking a casual spot with a potentially colourful interior and dont mind a possibly small or loud space, this place might work for you. However, be prepared for a mixed experience regarding the overall atmosphere, especially if you prefer a cozy, quiet setting with consistent comfort.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found plenty to cheer about, with 11 positive remarks out of 17 total. Guests frequently praised the good price, great value for the quality of food, and amazing prices, especially for an SF spot. The overall sentiment for value sits at an average 6.5 score, indicating its generally seen as reasonable.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as 5 negative comments suggest some felt the price per person could be too costly. A few even felt certain dishes were a ripoff without accompanying sides, and there were concerns about outdated menu pricing. Customer satisfaction for value is a 64.7% mixed bag, showing there's still room for improvement.
Value
17
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great food value
- Reasonable pricing
- Well-priced for location
What people don't like
- Specific dishes costly
- Outdated menu prices
Often praised
- priceso well priced for a place in SF
- pricesGreat prices for quality of food.
- free street parkingThey have a large vegetarian selection and are highly recommended for vegetarians. I also noticed they have free street parking, although finding a parking space can be difficult. The price per person is between $50–100.
- good valueMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. The lamb biryani was thick and delicious, and I found it to be good value for the price. One notable aspect was that I could hear the chef loudly cooking in the kitchen from the dining room.
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- pricingPricing is reasonable
- valueGreat value as well for the quality of food you receive
- wine by the bottle pricingwine by the glass vs wine by the bottle pricing is adorable
Frequently criticized
- costlyToo costly
- menu photographedprices on the menu photographed here are lower than the price on their site
- parking spaceThey have a large vegetarian selection and are highly recommended for vegetarians. I also noticed they have free street parking, although finding a parking space can be difficult. The price per person is between $50–100.
- price$17 for it with no rice seems like a ripoff
- price per personprice per person was between $20–30
If you're looking for a spot that generally offers good bang for your buck, especially considering the quality, this place is worth a look. Just be mindful of specific dish pricing and potential menu discrepancies, as some found certain items a bit steep.
How are the prices at Tilak?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 64 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners cluster around the $21–$30 bracket, with a good chunk also in the $11–$20 range. So, while there are a few higher spenders, the pricing is pretty consistent around that mid-range sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 64 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Indian restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the consistent spending patterns we see. It offers good value for a comfortable mid-range meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tilak
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Flavors, Varied Indian Cuisine
I absolutely love this place and have been a loyal customer since they opened. The food is consistently flavorful and excellent overall. What sets them apart is the variety of flavors, which I find is often lacking in other Indian restaurants that tend to equate spiciness with flavor.
Some of my favorite examples of their approach include the Dahl puri chaat, masala lamb racks, and butter chicken. It's truly good stuff!
- food10
- variety of flavors9
- Dahl puri chaat9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Indian Food at Tilak
My experience at Tilak Indian Hotel was fantastic! I found the food to be absolutely delicious and full of flavor. I really enjoyed it!
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Tilak: Unmatched Indian Cuisine in SF
My experience at Tilak has been exceptional. We've moved around SF and searched extensively for Indian restaurants that could rival Tilak, and while we've come close, Tilak truly stands in a league of its own. The butter chicken is incredibly rich and flavorful, hands down the best I've had in San Francisco.
Our favorites are the butter chicken and the biryani, which is beautifully topped with strings of sweet caramelized onions. We always look forward to returning.
- butter chicken10
- biryani9
- caramelized onions9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Comforting North Indian Fare
My experience at this restaurant was like stepping back into the glorious days of traditional Indian dining. The unassuming interior, painted a bright turmeric yellow, houses conventional North Indian food that's becoming a rarity. I started with the dahi papdi chaat, which was good, though the tamarind date chutney could have been better.
The edible flowers it came with felt unnecessary. For my main, I ordered the saag channa and bature. The saag was delicious and creamy, and the bature were a pleasant surprise – not giant balls of dough, but well-leavened, stretchy oval bread that paired perfectly with the channa.
Overall, I'd come here for comfort food on a cool night, seeking warm, home-style fare.
- dahi papdi chaat7
- saag channa9
- bature8
- tamarind date chutney4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
2
Curry and Biryani Too Sweet
My first time ordering from here, and unfortunately, I found both the curry and biryani to be way too sweet. I can't say I enjoyed my meal.
- curry2
- biryani2
What Tilak offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
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
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of food does Tilak offer, and are there options for specific diets?
At Tilak, you can enjoy a variety of Indian dishes, including small plates. They cater to diverse preferences with healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options readily available. If you’re looking for a quick bite or late-night food, Tilak has you covered with delicious choices.
What is the atmosphere like at Tilak, and what are the parking options?
Tilak offers a cozy and casual atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for your dining experience. For parking, you’ll find convenience with free street parking and a free parking lot available. There’s usually plenty of parking, so you can easily visit and enjoy your meal.
What is the overall dining experience like at Tilak?
Tilak offers a generally good dining experience, reflected in its overall score of 7.4 and 73.4% customer satisfaction. The Food and Service both score well at (7.6), while Value is average at (6.5), and Ambience is a bit lower at (5.7).
What are the main strengths of Tilak's offerings?
Customers frequently praise Tilak for its delicious and flavorful food, often highlighting the authentic taste. The service is also noted for being professional and attentive, with staff often described as kind and helpful.
Are there any common drawbacks to consider before visiting Tilak?
Some patrons have noted that the dining atmosphere can be lacking, with descriptions of it being loud, not the cleanest, or having bright lights and no music. There are also occasional concerns about long wait times for food and inconsistencies in dish quality.