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oChef » Viva Goa – San Francisco
Viva Goa - San Francisco
Photo from Viva Goa
Viva Goa at a glance
San Francisco Marina District
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 81 of the guests
#238 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#19 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
483
Reviews
87.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Goan cuisine
- Friendly staff
- Fair prices
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Food quality
- Noisy environment
The restaurant Viva Goa Indian Cuisine, an inviting spot in San Francisco’s vibrant Marina District, offers a truly cozy dining experience. You can discover a menu rich with authentic Indian flavors, perfect for both lunch and dinner.
This spot is known for its casual atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed meal. Whether you are looking for healthy options or a delightful small plate, you will find something to savor here.
Overview: Introducting Viva Goa
Viva Goa offers a culinary journey that consistently impresses, with many highlighting the exceptional food quality and distinctive flavors. Diners frequently commend the friendly and attentive staff, who contribute significantly to a welcoming dining experience.
However, the experience isn’t without its occasional challenges. Some guests have noted that service can become inconsistent during peak hours, and there have been isolated comments regarding specific food preparations that didn’t quite hit the mark.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
483
Reviews
87.2%
Satisfaction
50
negative
12
neutral
421
positive
Viva Goa achieves a commendable Restaurant Score of 8.5 out of 10, paired with a strong Customer Satisfaction of 87.2% . These figures reflect a largely positive reception, with 421 positive sentiments outweighing 50 negative ones across 483 customer observations.
The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring an excellent 8.8. Service (8.1) and Value (8.1) also stand out as good aspects, often praised for their attentive staff and reasonable pricing. The Ambience (7.6) rounds out the experience, generally contributing positively to the overall impression.
What people like
- Authentic Goan cuisine
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Occasional food issues
- Loud, cramped space
For those seeking authentic Goan cuisine, Viva Goa presents a compelling option, particularly given its strong Recommendation Score of 8.6 . The restaurant generally delivers on its promise of flavorful dishes and good value, making it a worthwhile destination.
While the food and overall hospitality are often celebrated, it’s wise to consider visiting during off-peak hours if you prioritize seamless service. Despite minor inconsistencies, Viva Goa remains a solid choice for its distinctive culinary offerings.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Viva Goa
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Prepare your taste buds, as the food here truly shines with a fantastic score of 8.8 and a strong customer satisfaction of 89.9%! Based on 275 positive remarks out of 306, guests consistently rave about the delicious Chicken Tikka Masala, fresh garlic naan, and authentic Goan cuisine. Many highlight the flavorful dishes and authentic spices, making it a culinary delight.
However, not every experience is perfect, with 21 critical observations. Some diners reported issues like uncooked fish, naan that was too thick, or even concerns about food poisoning. A few found the food unappetizing, indicating occasional inconsistencies in preparation or quality.
Food
306
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
21
negative
10
neutral
275
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Goan cuisine
- Flavorful, well-cooked dishes
- Fresh, quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Uncooked fish reported
- Food poisoning concerns
- Unappetizing food mentioned
Often praised
- foodMy family and I were greatly impressed by the service during our visit. I would highly recommend this restaurant for their amazing and delicious food and very friendly staff. We are planning on visiting this place again soon.
- Indian foodMy experience at Viva Goa has been exceptional, making it head and shoulders the best Indian food in the city. I order from here a couple of times a month, whether for take out or dine in, and it never disappoints.
- dishesAbout the food, I really have no words as everything was the best: chicken xacuti, prawns curry, naan, and chicken lollipops. I really enjoyed all the dishes. This was much beyond my expectations.
- FoodThe Food seemed to be freshly prepared and TASTY
- butter chickenI'm so happy to have found this place. My favorite dishes are sorpotel, ambot tik, fish curry, xacuti, chicken lollipop, cafreal, caldin, prawns biryani, and butter chicken. I highly recommend all of them!
- naanWe enjoyed the prawn ambottik, naan, and rice, and finished with their homemade gulab jamuns. All of the dishes were amazing!
- Goan foodamazing Goan food. It’s flavorful, authentic, delicious food
- food qualityThe food quality was top, mouth watering prawns xacutti
- Goan cuisinehighly recommend for AUTHENTIC Goan cuisine
- flavorsthe unique flavors were unforgettable
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was incredibly unappetizing.
- Chicken lollipopChicken lollipop is super red. Lots of coloring.
- Prawns ambotikPrawns ambotik tasted like prawns manchurian. Completely missed the mark.
- Tandoor rotiTandoor roti was too thick
- average foodaverage food that they say will be 20 minutes
- chickenThe chicken had a little of fat
- chicken portionWish there was a bit more chicken though.
- curriesthe curries had a strange, almost burnt taste.
- food poisoningI had a food poisoning from this restaurant
- ingredientsthe ingredients weren’t fresh
If youre seeking authentic Goan and Indian flavors, this spot is definitely worth trying for its generally delicious and flavorful food. While most experiences are stellar, be mindful of occasional inconsistencies in preparation. Overall, its a strong choice for a satisfying meal.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a strong score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at 82.5%, its clear most diners have a good experience. Out of 114 opinions, a whopping 94 praise the friendly staff, attentive service, and warm welcome.
Many highlight the knowledgeable team and quick service, making for an enjoyable visit. However, its not always perfect. 20 comments point to areas for improvement, particularly concerning wait times and occasional rude staff. Some guests encountered indifference or snarky remarks, especially when the restaurant is busy, leading to poor service experiences and long waits.
Service
114
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
20
negative
0
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Warm welcome
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
- Poor service when busy
Often praised
- serviceEvery dish offers more flavor than pretty much any other Indian spot I’ve been to, and the flavors themselves are delicious. The food is super high quality, the service is so friendly, and the whole team here has a lot to be proud of. This place is simply the best.
- staffTo end the meal on a sweet note, I highly recommend trying the Bebinca—an absolutely delicious dessert that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the meal. The staff here, including the friendly and welcoming manager Nick, truly elevate the dining experience with their warm hospitality. Highly recommend this place for its delicious food and exceptional service!
- ServiceService is solid and they are very friendly
- ownerthe owner also kind and came to checked on us
- ownerscan’t be miss out the Owens very much friendly
- suggestionsThe staff was attentive, very friendly, and helpful. Their suggestions were perfect for the order. The ambiance was perfect 🤩 for a special occasion.
- JelsonAsk for Jelson. Elegant and timely service
- Nicholasspecial shout out to Nicholas for all the hard work
- attentivethey stay very attentive towards the guests
- attentive and friendlyVery attentive and friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceterrible service when busy
- staffThe staff were unapologetically rude
- wait timeprepared to wait beyond the designated time
- delivery driverstreat them like they are not allowed to Enter inside
- discriminatory toneshows some discrimination to the delivery person
- employeethere was no response, an apology or nothing
- employeesThe employee who work there have no manners To talk
- extremely rudeextremely rude asking their customers
- indifferencemet with snarky remarks and indifference.
- pickup windowwhy is the restaurant missing pick up window
Overall, if you're looking for a place with generally great service and a welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant is a solid choice. Just be mindful that during peak times, you might encounter longer waits or less attentive staff, so plan your visit accordingly.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.6 and leaving 79.2% of customers feeling good about their visit. With 38 positive opinions out of 48 total, many rave about the "atmosphere, " "cleanliness, " and "cozy ambiance, " often describing it as an "authentic spot" with romantic lights and a welcoming feel.
It sounds like a truly pleasant environment! However, its not all sunshine and roses. A few of the 8 negative opinions mention issues like cramped space and concerns about unsanitary conditions due to dirty dishes or tableware.
Some also found the noise level to be quite loud, making it hard to hear. These are definitely points to consider.
Ambience
48
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy ambiance
- Clean environment
- Upscale decor
What people don't like
- Cramped space
- Dirty tableware
- Loud noise
Often praised
- atmospherethe owner personally makes you feel welcome
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely stunning. Don’t be fooled by the casual ambiance; this place is the real deal. I enjoyed super fresh, authentic, clean, and delicious Indian cuisine.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- cleanlinessDon’t be fooled by the casual ambiance; this place is the real deal. I enjoyed super fresh, authentic, clean, and delicious Indian cuisine. Every single dish was perfect.
- environmentThe environment was very laid-back and relaxing.
- ambiencelooks very cozy and has a decent ambience
- aristocratic styleIt’s an aristocratic style place
- authentic spotVery authentic spot
- bathroomClean bathroom!
- beautiful baradorned with a beautiful bar
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- dishestheir dishes were dirty
- noise levelNoise level:Very loud, hard to hear
- spaceIt was a little cramped in space
- stand outsidestand outside in the cold after making them wait
- super busyaddressed The restaurant is super busy
- tablewareThe tableware had visible smudges and stains.
- unsanitary conditionsThey probably have unsanitary conditions
If you're looking for a generally good atmosphere with a cozy, upscale feel, this place is worth checking out. Just be aware that some experiences mention it can get a bit cramped or noisy, and there have been occasional cleanliness concerns with tableware.
Value (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly hits the mark! With a strong score of 8.1 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 93.3%, guests consistently praise the reasonable prices and affordable eats. Many feel its truly worth of money, with the bill often surprisingly low, as highlighted in 14 positive opinions.
Out of 15 total opinions, there was one instance where a guest found the experience too much expensive. While this is a rare perspective, its worth considering that individual perceptions of pricing can occasionally differ from the overwhelmingly positive consensus.
Value
15
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Affordable eats
- Worth the money
What people don't like
- Too expensive
Often praised
- pricesreasonable prices
- pricezu einem sehr fairen Preis
- affordable eatsI stumbled across Viva Goa while looking for affordable eats before a movie at Presidio Theater. What a great surprise!
- billthe bill was so low
- corkagethe corkage was just $12
- fair pricefairem Preis
- food pricefood is priced reasonable
- moneyReally worth of money
- pricingvery VERY reasonably priced. That is unheard-of pricing
- reasonableI had awesome Indian food and would come back again in a heartbeat. The prices were also very reasonable. We tried the Pomphret, Goan Chicken Curry, Prawn Curry, and Tandoori Chicken appetizers, and they were delicious all around!
Frequently criticized
- expensivetoo much expensive
For those seeking a delicious meal that won't break the bank, this restaurant comes highly recommended. The overwhelming consensus points to excellent value, making it a smart choice for an affordable and satisfying dining experience.
How are the prices at Viva Goa?
You’re looking at roughly 33 per person – reported by 81 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an Indian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 33, a significant number of diners actually spend less, often in the 11 – 30 $ range. But don’t be surprised if some guests opt for a more premium experience, with a notable group spending over 40 $, which pulls the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 81 reviews.
How this Indian Restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the average spend and the range of options available, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Indian Restaurant in San Francisco. It seems to cater to different budgets, offering flexibility for diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Viva Goa
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Authentic Goan Flavors and Warm Hospitality
My experience at Viva Goa Restaurant in San Francisco was truly exceptional. The food was authentic and flavorful, offering a delightful culinary journey. The service was equally impressive, with very attentive staff and the owner personally ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
I highly recommend visiting this restaurant if you're in San Francisco; you won't be disappointed.
- food10
- staff10
- owner10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Tasty food and great service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The service was up to the mark, and the food was both tasty and awesome. I especially loved the butter chicken and naan.
Highly recommended!
- service10
- food10
- butter chicken10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Absolutely Delightful Indian Cuisine Experience!
Dining at Viva Goa Indian Cuisine was a truly delightful experience. The food was a delicious blend of spices. Their chicken xacuti, butter chicken, vegetable caldin, and bengan vindaloo were the best.
The staff was attentive, very friendly, and helpful. Their suggestions were perfect for the order. The ambiance was perfect 🤩 for a special occasion.
My family gave them 10/10⭐️.
- food10
- chicken xacuti10
- butter chicken10
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Exceptional Food and Service!
I had lunch with my family today and wanted to share my experience. We received a very warm welcome with a pleasant smile 😍. It was a table for 7 for a small get-together.
The service was great, and there was no disappointment. About the food, I really have no words as everything was the best: chicken xacuti, prawns curry, naan, and chicken lollipops. I really enjoyed all the dishes.
This was much beyond my expectations. I would definitely recommend this to anyone.
- welcome10
- service9
- chicken xacuti10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food and Great Service!
My experience at the restaurant was wonderful. The food was delicious, and the service was great, making me feel at home. I will definitely be back soon.
The Dal fry was 👍😊.
- food9
- service9
- Dal fry10
What Viva Goa 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
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and dietary options does Viva Goa offer?
At Viva Goa, you can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for both lunch and dinner. The menu features a variety of healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, alongside halal food and small plates. You can also find a selection of wine, coffee, and beer to complement your meal.
What service and accessibility features are available at Viva Goa Indian Cuisine?
Viva Goa provides flexible service options including no-contact delivery, takeout, delivery, and dine-in with table service. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Reservations are accepted, and high chairs are available, making it good for kids.
What is the overall impression of Viva Goa?
Viva Goa earns a strong Restaurant Score of 8.5 and Customer Satisfaction of 87.2% , indicating a generally positive experience. Its Food (8.8) is particularly well-regarded, supported by good Service (8.1), Value (8.1), and Ambience (7.6).
What are the standout features of Viva Goa's menu and hospitality?
The Food (8.8) is consistently praised for its authentic Goan flavors and quality, making it a primary draw. The Service (8.1) also receives positive remarks for its friendly and attentive staff, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
What should potential diners be aware of before visiting Viva Goa?
While largely positive, some experiences mention service can be inconsistent when the restaurant is busy, and there are occasional comments about specific food items not meeting expectations or the ambience (7.6) being a bit loud.