Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Udupi Palace – San Francisco
Udupi Palace - San Francisco
Photo from Udupi Palace
Udupi Palace at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 131 of the guests
#1918 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#53 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
695
Reviews
61.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Good Value
- Quick Service
Frequently criticized
- Rude Service
- Hygiene Issues
- Extra Charges
The restaurant Udupi Palace invites you to discover authentic Indian flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving healthy options, exploring vegan dishes, or simply looking for a delightful vegetarian experience, this Indian restaurant offers a welcoming spot for you to enjoy. It’s a fantastic choice for lunch, dinner, or even a delightful dessert.
Overview: Introducting Udupi Palace
Udupi Palace offers a culinary journey where the tasty dosa and other South Indian specialties often hit the mark, praised for their complex flavors. Many appreciate the fast service and the staff’s efforts to accommodate guests, even when busy, contributing to a generally positive dining experience.
However, some experiences at Udupi Palace reveal inconsistencies, with occasional reports of sour tasting food and concerns about hygiene. While the atmosphere can be welcoming, a few patrons have noted issues with horrible service and the overall dining environment.
Good
6.6
out of 10
695
Reviews
61.9%
Satisfaction
204
negative
61
neutral
430
positive
Udupi Palace holds a respectable overall score of 6.6, indicating a generally positive experience for many. Customer satisfaction sits at 61.9%, suggesting a mixed but leaning positive sentiment among diners.
This assessment is drawn from 695 customer remarks, with 430 positive observations outweighing 204 negative ones. Looking closer, Food leads with a score of (6.8), often highlighted for its authentic South Indian offerings.
Service (6.3) and Value (6.1) are seen as average, while Ambience (6) also falls into the average category. While the food generally impresses, there’s room for improvement in other areas to elevate the overall dining experience.
What people like
- Tasty South Indian food
- Reasonable prices
- Fast, attentive service
What people don't like
- Poor customer service
- Hygiene concerns
- Extra credit card charges
Udupi Palace, with a recommendation score of 6.7, presents a compelling option for those seeking flavorful South Indian cuisine at a reasonable price. If you prioritize authentic dishes and quick service, it’s certainly worth considering for your next meal.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and some concerns regarding the dining environment. While the food often shines, managing expectations for overall experience might lead to a more satisfying visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Udupi Palace
Food (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 6.8 score, indicating a good culinary experience. Many of the 303 positive comments rave about the authentic taste and delicious dosa varieties, often highlighting huge portions and excellent vegetarian options. It seems youre in for some fresh food thats often described as stupidly delicious!
However, the customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 64.5%, with 128 negative remarks pointing out some inconsistencies. Some diners encountered a soggy bottom on their dosa, awful Idli, or tasteless Dosa. There were also concerns about sour batter and undercooked items, suggesting that while the highs are high, there can be some misses.
Food
470
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
128
negative
39
neutral
303
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic South Indian
- Delicious dosa varieties
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Soggy dosa bottom
- Sour batter issues
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodI noticed they might have been a bit understaffed, as one staff member was struggling to manage everything, but he did his best to accommodate everyone. Despite this, the food arrived quickly and was incredibly tasty. I highly recommend trying their dosa—it's a must-have!
- FoodFood:5
- dosaI never had a dosa before in my life and now I want to name my first born dosa
- South Indian foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for South Indian cuisine. I found it to be the best place in San Francisco for South Indian food. They offer a great variety of dosas, and the ones we tried were excellent.
- Indian foodThe Best Indian food in the San Francisco mission area
- Thalithe selection of dishes in the Thali was great
- tastesurpassed the taste it’s much more better
- chutneysthe chutneys were good too
- flavorsThe complexity of the ingredients is masterfully blended together. Each bite reveals a harmonious blend of flavors, a testament to the culinary skill and care put into their preparation. What's equally impressive is the ambiance of the place; even when packed, it maintains a serene and welcoming atmosphere that invites you to relax and enjoy your meal.
- idlyMy experience at this restaurant was great! It's my go-to spot for tasty dosas, sag paneer, and idly. I only wish they offered other chutney tastes 😌.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was undercooked and very hard to swallow
- dosaThe idli and dosa were just awful, extremely sour tasting.
- food qualitynothing is good completely cross Mexican and Italian not Indian food
- idliThe idli and dosa were just awful, extremely sour tasting.
- DosaThe Vada was good, but the Idli was awful, seemingly made with the wrong mold. The Dosa was tasteless, though one chutney was good, and the Sambar was also good. The meal cost roughly $18.
- FoodFood:1
- IdliIdli – ⭐ 0/5 The idlis were very tiny and could be finished in 2 bites, but bet you cant even eat a bite because of its sourness from old batter.
- Mysore Masala DosaMysore Masala Dosa – ⭐ 0/5 The dosa batter was 2–3 days old and extremely sour — inedible.
- VadaVada – ⭐ 0/5 Absolutely not a vada. Zero crispiness, and when cut open, uncooked batter oozed out.
- Bisibele Bathbisimila bath is only masala uncooked masala
If youre craving authentic South Indian vegetarian food with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many dishes are praised, theres a slight chance of encountering some inconsistencies in preparation, so manage your expectations.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
Many guests appreciate the friendly service and fast service, often noting how quickly food arrives and how staff go out of their way to accommodate everyone. With 69 positive remarks out of 112 total, many have had good experiences, contributing to a 61.6% customer satisfaction. However, the service isnt always smooth, with an average score of 6.3.
Some experiences mention rude servers or a lack of customer service, particularly regarding waitlist management and the owners attitude. These 36 negative comments suggest there's definitely room for improvement.
Service
112
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
36
negative
7
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, fast service
- Quick food arrival
- Accommodating staff
What people don't like
- Rude staff/owner
- Poor waitlist management
- Lack of attentiveness
Often praised
- serviceIt's one of the best places for South Indian cuisine in India, and it certainly did not disappoint. My expectations were exceeded in every regard, with great food, delicious taste, amazing service, and a cozy atmosphere. All in all, it was a great experience, and I cannot recommend it enough!
- ServiceThe main Indian staff member, possibly the owner, managed everything well, while the rest of the staff were Mexican. Service was quick, with minimal interaction, but the main staff member did check in to see if we needed anything. Considering he's trying his best to make the business profitable, I can't complain about the service effort.
- staffMy photo shows my plate partly eaten because it looked so good I forgot to take a picture before digging in. Despite being busy on a Saturday night, the staff was very nice and attentive. We had a delightful time here; it feels like a true gem of a restaurant.
- Friendly serviceFriendly service
- Indian staff memberHe managed everything well
- accommodate everyoneThe food was absolutely awesome, and the environment was super cozy. I noticed they might have been a bit understaffed, as one staff member was struggling to manage everything, but he did his best to accommodate everyone. Despite this, the food arrived quickly and was incredibly tasty.
- deliveryhow fast the delivery brought us our dinner
- dining experienceTheir proactive approach ensures that you're always well taken care of, eliminating the need to ask for anything. This establishment not only serves exquisite food but also provides a remarkable dining experience that makes you feel genuinely valued.
- extra tableThis is literally my favorite Indian place. Went here for a birthday and they gave us an extra table for food even though they were packed. Just really good Indian food!
- fast servicefast service
Frequently criticized
- serviceHorrible service esp if you’re an Indian
- ServiceService:2
- customer servicehe started using extreme profanity when I was not even rude.
- managerWhen I told the manager there he seemed to not care
- ownerOwner don't even bother to inform people during the payment
- Doordash orderI placed a Doordash order from this place and called them up to send plates/ spoons/ straws. He forgot to send it. I may seem like a minor issue but I am in a hotel with no access to this.
- attitude of the ownerthe attitude of the owner is never level
- check on our tabledid not even bothered to check on our table at all
- choiceIf you have no other choice, you may try.
- customer is never righthad the nerve to say “customer is never right”
If youre looking for quick service and generally friendly interactions, youll likely be pleased. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies, especially during busy times, as some experiences point to issues with attentiveness and waitlist management.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot has some real charm! Many guests, 42 out of 85 comments, loved the overall atmosphere, describing it as a calm and charming spot with good restaurant cleanliness. Youll find a generally pleasant ambience here, contributing to a decent experience, reflected in an average score of 6.
However, its a bit of a mixed bag with 49.4% customer satisfaction. About 29 comments pointed out issues like cramped seating, concerns about hygiene, and distracting elements like loud Indian Rap music or even spider webs. Finding parking can also be a challenge, and some found the restroom area messy, suggesting room for improvement.
Ambience
85
Reviews
49%
Satisfaction
29
negative
14
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Calm, cozy atmosphere
- Charming, family friendly
- Convenient public parking
What people don't like
- Poor hygiene concerns
- Cramped seating
- Loud, distracting noise
Often praised
- atmosphereEach bite reveals a harmonious blend of flavors, a testament to the culinary skill and care put into their preparation. What's equally impressive is the ambiance of the place; even when packed, it maintains a serene and welcoming atmosphere that invites you to relax and enjoy your meal. The staff deserves special mention for their kindness and attentiveness.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceEach bite reveals a harmonious blend of flavors, a testament to the culinary skill and care put into their preparation. What's equally impressive is the ambiance of the place; even when packed, it maintains a serene and welcoming atmosphere that invites you to relax and enjoy your meal. The staff deserves special mention for their kindness and attentiveness.
- Parking optionsParking options:Paid parking lot
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- ambienceThe outside world fades away as you cross the threshold, replaced by an oasis of calm and sensory delight.
- calmIt stands as a timeless fortress in the bustling Mission district. Crossing the threshold, the outside world fades away, replaced by an oasis of calm and sensory delight. It's a place where busy citizens find solace and pure enjoyment, showcasing a dual mastery of tradition and tranquility.
- charming spotcharming spot with room for improvement
- environmentthe environment was super cozy
- family friendlywas very family friendly
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- atmospherethe place is excessively stuffed
- hygieneThat was it—we jumped out of our seats and left immediately. To top it off, the staff showed zero concern for hygiene or customer experience. They still charged us nearly $60 for this horrific experience, without a single word of apology.
- Indian RapThe Indian Rap was zero talent with idiotic dancing was annoying.
- Indian Rap musicTV was blasting Indian Rap. LOUD!
- ParkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- ambianceambiance could use some attention
- coffee mugConsidering he's trying his best to make the business profitable, I can't complain about the service effort. However, the utensils were dirty, including the coffee mug and other items. The atmosphere was that of a typical Indian restaurant with very small tables.
- dining experiencesone of the worst dining experiences I’ve had in SF
If youre looking for a casual, cozy spot and dont mind potential quirks like tight seating or a bit of noise, you might enjoy the vibe. However, if cleanliness and quiet are top priorities, you might want to consider other options.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to offer a pretty good deal, with a 6.1 score indicating its average, and customer satisfaction sitting at a 57.1% mixed bag. Many folks rave about the "price and quantity, " finding "great value" and "affordable places" that offer an "amazing deal. " Based on 16 positive remarks out of 28 total, guests often feel they get a lot for their money, especially with generous portions.
However, its not all sunshine and savings. Some diners have been caught off guard by extra fee for credit cards or unexpected gratuity charges for larger groups. There are also mentions of shrinkflation and feeling a specific item wasn't worth the price tag, with 11 negative comments suggesting some inconsistencies in perceived value.
Value
28
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for price
- Affordable, generous portions
- Amazing deals available
What people don't like
- Credit card fees
- Unexpected gratuity charges
- Shrinkflation concerns
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was quite positive. The South Indian food was really solid, and while perhaps not completely perfect, it was damn good for the price. The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated a perfect 5, indicating a very enjoyable visit.
- pricesI absolutely love their crispy dosa and soft Yuta pants, which are always served with three or four delicious sauces for dipping. The prices are super reasonable, and the service is very quick. It's my go-to comfort food spot.
- affordable placesone of the most affordable places in the city
- dealcurry plates are an amazing deal
- fair priceDelicious meal at such a fair price!
- good pricesgood prices
- great valueBut Udupi was a great value
- price and quantitythe price and quantity make the food special
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- surprisingly cheapI was impressed by the incredible food and the huge portions. What made it even better was that it was surprisingly cheap. I've been coming here for years, and it has never disappointed.
Frequently criticized
- businessThey are just worried about the business not even taking reviews honestly
- chargesfor the charges levied
- credit card paymentalso charges for credit card payment
- fee for credit cardsMy experience at this restaurant offered great value on some excellent dosas, which are hard to find in SF. I highly recommend it, but be aware that it's a very no-frills place and they tack on a fee for credit cards.
- gratuitythey will charge the gratuity if you are more than 5 people
- priceTo top it off, the staff showed zero concern for hygiene or customer experience. They still charged us nearly $60 for this horrific experience, without a single word of apology. Disgusting food, an unhygienic environment, and careless service.
- price for the coffeedisappointed when the price for the coffee came out as $4.99
- price in the menu cardprice in the menu card was $3.99!!
- price tagnot worth the $13 price tag
- ratingI don't know why they have 4.2 rating and looks like overrated
If you're looking for an affordable meal with generous portions, this place could be a solid choice, offering good value for many. Just be mindful of potential extra charges like credit card fees or automatic gratuity, which can sometimes dampen the overall experience.
How are the prices at Udupi Palace?
You’re looking at roughly 26 $ per person – reported by 131 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.
Most guests tend to spend in the $11–$20 or $21–$30 ranges, showing prices cluster nicely around this average, offering a solid mid-range experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 131 reviews.
Discover how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar places in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Indian Restaurant. It offers a good balance, making it accessible for a nice meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Udupi Palace
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
1
Insect in South Indian Thali - Terrible Experience
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I ordered the South Indian thali and was horrified to find an insect in the food. This was a worst experience and a worst place to eat food.
- insect in food1
- South Indian thali1
- food1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
A True Gem: Wonderful Cozy Dinner Spot
What a wonderful cozy and casual dinner spot! This was my first time trying an uttapam, idli, and medu vada, and they were all great. My photo shows my plate partly eaten because it looked so good I forgot to take a picture before digging in.
Despite being busy on a Saturday night, the staff was very nice and attentive. We had a delightful time here; it feels like a true gem of a restaurant. I would absolutely recommend it.
- uttapam9
- idli9
- medu vada9
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Good food, problematic payment
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food was good, but the service regarding payment was problematic. The waiter attempted to charge me twice, claiming the initial payment failed, despite the POS machine clearly indicating a successful transaction.
- food8
- payment2
- payment failure2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
3
Terrible Service, Great Food
My dining experience was truly sad. The customer service was trash, with no warm greeting or pleasantries. Getting seated was a feat; I was placed next to a partition with a folded stroller on the right side of my table, despite other open seats being available.
I was offered a seat in front of a table of poorly monitored children. Food ended up in my hair, on my sleeve, pants, sock, and shoe. The floor was also covered in some sauce, making me feel like I had to flip the table to get a clean towel.
There was no help from staff or other adults. When ordering, I asked for the okra dish and whatever the table in front of me was having. The waitstaff asked if I wanted two dishes, and I replied yes, perhaps for leftovers.
The floor was a mess after the table with the children left.
- Okra dish5
- food5
- customer service1
- greeting1
- getting seated1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Indian Food, Great Value!
As a white person who enjoys making and dining on Indian food, I'm always on the lookout for new, delicious places. While some reviews mentioned poor service or sour dosas, my experience was the opposite. The service was fast and friendly, and the dosa was crispy and delicious.
Both the cauliflower and spinach fillings were flavorful and well-spiced, though those seeking extra heat should ask for it. All the sauces were also flavorful, and the sambar was delicious. The price is unbeatable for San Francisco, with a huge dinner costing less than $15 per person, which is incredibly hard to find.
I would happily return. The atmosphere is casual, making it a great place for family or friends rather than a romantic dinner.
- service10
- dosa10
- cauliflower filling9
What Udupi Palace offers
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dietary options and beverages can you expect at Udupi Palace?
At Udupi Palace, you’ll find a wide array of choices to suit your preferences. They offer healthy options, dedicated vegan options, and extensive vegetarian options. To complement your meal, you can enjoy a selection of wine, beer, or coffee, making it easy to find something you love.
What service options and accessibility features does Udupi Palace provide for your convenience?
Udupi Palace offers convenient service options like no-contact delivery, takeout, and dine-in. You’ll find excellent accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Paid street parking is available. For families, high chairs and changing tables are provided, making it a good choice for kids.
How does Udupi Palace rate overall, and what are its key strengths?
Udupi Palace has an overall score of 6.6, with customer satisfaction at 61.9%. Its Food scores highest (6.8), while Service (6.3), Value (6.1), and Ambience (6) are considered average.
Is Udupi Palace known for specific dishes or flavors?
Yes, many patrons praise Udupi Palace for its dosa, Thali, and other South Indian food, often highlighting the complex and harmonious flavors and good chutneys.
What are some common issues customers have experienced at Udupi Palace?
Some customers have reported sour tasting food, particularly idli and dosa, as well as instances of horrible service and concerns about hygiene and additional credit card fees.