The ‘City of Love’ is the city where diversity and dynamic cultures unite to make a wonderful milieu. See cable cars and Victorian houses, and appreciate a good view of the Golden Gate of San Francisco. Stay in Airbnb vacation rentals or Vrbo vacation rentals to make the most of your getaway. Known for its wonderful and dynamic experience, the Bay Area is also a melting pot for diverse and world-class gastronomy. The best Indian food and biryani are also available and popular in the San Francisco Bay Area and it is an experience any visitor or local in the city should not miss. To enjoy the culinary culture of the region, check out the best spots for biryani in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, listed below.
Getting around San Francisco Bay Area:
- If you're planning on visiting multiple restaurants in the Bay Area, one of the best ways to get around without breaking the bank is to buy a Clipper Card. You'll find details about the card on the San Francisco Travel website, which is the official visitor portal for the city.
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1. Pakwan Indian Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Having been present in the bay area’s food scene since 1999, Pakwan Indian Restaurant is a household name for authentic Pakistani-Indian food and the best biryani in San Francisco. This restaurant quickly became a favorite among locals and tourists since its opening and now has expanded to four additional outlets in the rest of San Francisco and the East Bay area.
With dishes prepared using unique ingredients and a traditional cooking style, Pakwan serves mouthwatering specialties such as curries and barbeques that offer delight in every bite. The tandoori specialties and vegetarian meals are also a must-try if you’re after rich flavors, texture, and spices. Could be regarded as one of the oldest restaurants in San Francisco, Pakwan extends its services by offering professional catering for a wide range of social gatherings.
Pakwan Indian Restaurant
Address: 3180-82 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Website: Pakwan Indian Restaurant
Opening hours: Xam - Xpm (daily) / Sat - Sun: Xam - Xpm; Mon - Wed: Xam - Xpm (closed on Thu & Fri)
2. Biryani Bowl
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Indian food is all about the intensity and the balance of the flavors and Biryani Bowl is a restaurant that believes in it. Their priorities are providing stunning flavors and healthy food. Guests and visitors who are looking for authentic and world-class Indian food and biryani can come to visit. Foodies consider the palce to be one of the great stops for the best vegetarian biryani in the bay area.
The restaurant offers vegetarian, lamb, chicken, and seafood dishes that will just leave the guests speechless because of the quality food that the restaurant creates. The restaurant also reinvents its menu for the convenience and experience of regular customers and to be able to provide only the best for all guests.
Biryani Bowl
Address: 3988 Washington Blvd, Fremont, CA
Website: Biryani Bowl
Opening hours: 11:30am - 3pm, 5:30pm - 10pm (daily)
3. Kabab and Curry's
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you’re getting some time for yourself but looking to indulge your taste buds as well, go taste the authentic kebabs in Kabab and Curry’s restaurant. The place is perfect if you’re trying out new things to do alone in San Francisco or simply craving some Indian food. This restaurant has a rich history of being able to provide only the best and the highest quality Indian food for those who visit them. They are proud to introduce their world-class and well-curated kebabs.
You will be surprised that this restaurant serving one of the best biryani in the south Bay Area is frequented not only by Indians but by people from different nationalities as well. Check out their beef and chicken kebabs or their chicken biryani and be wowed at how delicious their dishes are!
Kabab and Curry's
Address: 1498 Isabella St. Santa Clara, CA.,95050
Website: Kabab and Curry’s
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 10pm; Tue - Fri: 11:30am - 11:30pm (closed on Mon)
4. Athidhi Indian Cuisine
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Authentic Indian food is one of the best and well-known cuisines in the world for having an intensity which comes with mixing strong flavors. That is why, in San Francisco, locals and visitors take Indian food seriously. Athidhi Indian Cuisine is one of those restaurants in San Francisco that takes the quality of their Indian food and most especially their biryani very seriously. If you are craving for the best biryani near you, you should consider visiting Athidhi Indian Cuisine anytime and on any day of the week. They serve different dishes of Indian food for your mood and taste.
Athidhi Indian Cuisine
Address: 14513 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy Ste B Chantilly, VA 20151
Website: Athidhi Indian Cuisine
Opening hours: 11:30am - 10pm (daily)
5. DUM Indian Soul Food
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
DUM Indian Soul Food is not only a restaurant but at the same time a food truck that serves the best Indian dishes in town. Well, this restaurant is very popular in its own way but the food is as creative as it’s known for its appearance and taste. The restaurant is also famous for its wildly popular soul food. The creativity of the chef has given birth to their well-known yogurt-marinated fried chicken that is quite unique. Their chicken biryani is also very popular. That is why, if you are looking for Indian food with a twist, DUM Indian Soul Food is a must visit in the Bay Area.
DUM Indian Soul Food
Address: Serving San Mateo Area 724 S Amphlett Blvd San Mateo, CA 94080
Website: DUM Indian Soul Food
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 10pm; Tue: 3pm - 10pm (closed on Mon)
6. Gulzaar Halaal Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Gulzaar Halaal Restaurant offers a large menu for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Indian food and cuisine have a wide range of dishes and this restaurant gives the kind of service to its customers where the best is offered. The restaurant also assures guests and their customers that they serve the best biryani they have ever tasted in San Francisco. Visit Gulzaar Halaal Restaurant and you will know what it feels like to taste authentic and world-class Indian food.
Gulzaar Halaal Restaurant
Address: 1880 W San Carlos St San Jose, CA 95128
Website: Gulzaar Halaal Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 8pm (closed on Sun)
7. Saffron Indian Bistro
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
There are those who are looking for authentic food from a specific culture but want it prepared elegantly for their expensive tastes. If you are one of those people Saffron Indian Bistro is the best restaurant you can visit that serves luxurious biryani and Indian food. Make sure to bring your friends and family for a gastronomic experience they would never forget. It is wonderful to notice how they curate their food aesthetically as well. The restaurant is definitely something to root for in the Bay Area.
Saffron Indian Bistro
Address: 1143 San Carlos Ave San Carlos, CA 94070
Website: Saffron Indian Bistro
Opening hours: 11:30am - 9pm (daily)
Other spots for Indian food in the San Francisco Bay Area
If tasting flavorful biriyanis has ignited a craving for other Indian food items in you, you’re in the right place! The San Francisco Bay Area has plenty of joints serving delicious Indian food, from curries to chaats. Check them out below!
8. ROOH
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Savour Indian cuisine that looks good and tastes even better at ROOH. Nestled in the heart of San Francisco Bay Area, this urban, Indian-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar is a bright and polished gem at the South of Market (SoMa) scene. Guests will love their distinct seasonal menu which combines Indian ingredients and the very best of California produce. Some of the must-tries at ROOH are salmon and bay shrimp paturi, paneer pinwheel and chilli sambal prawns. Unique on the menu are their seafood and meat specialities such as tandoori octopus, duck haleem and beef short ribs curry. With swanky interiors, extensive menu, excellent service and stylish ambience, dining here can unsurprisingly be a fantastic affair.
ROOH
Address: 333 Brannan St #150, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States
Website: ROOH
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9:30pm; Fri: 11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 10:30pm; Sat: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 10:30pm (closed on Sun)
9. Keeva
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Think of classic Indian cuisine, and you’ll think of Keeva where food is served with flawless attention to detail and contemporary flair. Located in Inner Richmond, just below the Golden Gate Bridge, Keeva’s spectacular locale guarantees many repeat customers. Enter the relaxed and cheery restaurant which sets the right mood for casual dining, romantic dates or family celebrations. Recommended on the menu are their wide variety of curries, tandoori meats, vegetarian dishes and exceptional lunch specials that are reasonably priced. Signature dishes that will satisfy any cravings are chicken tikka masala, lamb curry, goat curry, lamb vindaloo, palak paneer and tandoor grilled chicken cooked in creamy tomato sauce.
Keeva
Address: 908 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
Website: Keeva
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 2:15pm, 5pm - 9:15pm (closed on Mon)
10. Chutney Restaurant
Good food at affordable prices makes Chutney Restaurant the preferred restaurant among the locals and tourists alike. In fact, the loft-style space of the restaurant creates the perfect ambience for casual dining. Further, the counter service makes it easy for speedy take-outs. Guests gush about the well-served portions, fast and friendly service, plus delicious dishes that are staples on their menu. Best of all, there is also a free tea service. Menu selections that impress guests are chutney dishes, classic Indian-Pakistani meals, chicken biryani, seek kebab and vegetable samosas. Also popular are the naan breads, veggie curries and tandoori charcoal barbeque.
Chutney Restaurant
Address: 511 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
Website: Chutney Restaurant
Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)
11. Saffron Grill
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Fire up your taste buds at Saffron Grill, a contemporary Indian restaurant serving delicious curries, kebabs, biryanis and a wide choice of vegetarian dishes. Indulge in authentic North Indian cuisine prepared with exotic, flavourful spices for a memorable dining experience. Start with their amazing appetizers such as aloo chaat (fried potatoes with tamarind and mint dressing). Continue with signature mains such as butter chicken with garlic naan, saag paneer (fresh spinach cooked with cheese), lamb korma or lamb biryani. End your meal with yummy desserts that include gulab jamun (fried milky doughnuts) and saffron rice pudding.
Saffron Grill
Address: 1279 Fulton St suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States
Website: Saffron Grill
Opening hours: 5pm - 9.30pm (daily)
12. Red Chilli
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Add spice to life when you dine at Red Chilli, the traditional Indian and Nepalese kitchen that offers scrumptious dining, take-out and delivery. In fact, Red Chilli is known to be a cornerstone in the San Francisco community with its outstanding Indian cuisine, excellent service and friendly crew. What’s more, the restaurant offers a modern interpretation of classic dishes using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Signature dishes to try include their lamb vindaloo, chicken momo and tandoori special. Perfect for kids and seniors are the variety of curries ranging from boneless chicken curries, boneless lamb curries and seafood curries. For vegetarians, the menu of vegetable specials will surely impress.
Red Chilli
Address: 522 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
Website: Red Chilli
Opening hours: 11:30am - 10:30pm (daily)
13. Chaat Corner
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Dreaming up new takes on Indian classics is what the charming menu at Chaat Corner offers. Most customers adore their mouth-watering spicy Indian fast food options and lunch buffet. What’s more, many have found the food to be authentic and serves in generous portions, making it perfect for sharing. Service is speedy and prices are affordable. The casual dining place with booths and tables create a cosy atmosphere for families and couples. Not to be missed are chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, garlic naan, samosa chaat and dahi batata puri (crispy shells filled with potatoes, spices and chutneys).
Chaat Corner
Address: 138 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
Website: Chaat Corner
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am
14. Little Delhi
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Little wonders happen at Little Delhi, where traditional favourites reign supreme. The place is small but cosy and serves affordable Indian food in the heart of San Francisco. Notably, the dishes use the freshest and finest Indian spices to create genuine Indian flavours and flair. Moreover, customer favourites are the boldly seasoned chicken tandoori and the house special, saag paneer (spiced cottage cheese in vibrant spinach curry). Just as popular are the tasty appetisers, soups, salads, tandoori, breads, rice dishes, curries and more. For customer’s convenience, take-out is available and delivery is free for orders amounting to 20 USD or more.
Little Delhi
Address: 83 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
Website: Little Delhi
Opening hours: 11:30am - 10pm (daily)
15. Aslam's Rasoi
When in search of contemporary Northern Indian and Pakistani cuisine, Aslam’s Rasoi is the ideal choice for a lovely dining experience. The name is special too as rasoi, which means kitchen, defines Chef Aslam’s special culinary skills. Dazzling every guest with uniquely crafted culinary creations, the restaurant specialities include sizzling tandoori, tikka masala, lamb korma, spicy vindaloo and rogan josh. Just as delightful is the calamari tandoori served with rice and garlic naan, as well as delicious desserts. Guest dine in a warm, comfortable interiors decorated in eclectic style.
Aslam's Rasoi
Address: 1037 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
Website: Aslam’s Rasoi
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 5pm - 10pm (closed on Tue)
Enjoy a fingerlicking visit to the San Francisco Bay Area
There is no doubt that San Francisco has a very diverse culture and the Bay Area reaffirms it with a plethora of dining options. Biryani and other Indian dishes available in the city testify to a world-class food scene. There is plenty of vegan food available too! Taste only the best Indian food here with this quick guide.
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