Indian food is a wonderful confluence of the most flavorful spices and herbs, beautifully creating several vibrantly complex and scrumptious dishes from all of India's diverse regions. From luscious butter chicken, to fluffy naan, and spicy Tikka Masala, the following restaurants below all exceptionally excel in these and so much more with their stylish decor, kind service, and inviting atmospheres.
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501 O'Farrell St, 1140 Ocean Ave, 3182 16th St / Website
With several locations in San Francisco and the East Bay, Pakwan is truly a local favorite! Stop by wherever you are in the city for a filling Pakistani-Indian meal that's both comfortingly genuine and generously served, such as their unmissably large biriyanis and indulgent kabab wraps.
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333 Brannan St #150 / Website
Rooh boasts "progressive Indian" both in SoMa and down in Palo Alto, serving up contemporary cutting-edge upgrades and reimaginings of classic dishes and ingredients. Definitely start with their creative Compressed Melon Salad before dining on their elegant Kurkure Mushrooms or Tandoori Monkfish. Wash it all down with any of their inventive cocktails as well, such as their Imli Express or the Khubanni Old Fashioned.
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1275 Minnesota St / Website
Besharam is the award-winning concept of Heena Patel, a mastermind graduate from La Cocina's food incubator program. Definitely make a point to stop into this gorgeous tucked-away Dogpatch favorite for the most exquisite paneers, crispy samosas, and culturally-creative libations which all deliver on Chef Patel's native Gujarat flavors.
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3111 24th St / Website
For a truly comforting taste of Mumbai that also integrates modern Californian, Chef Rupam Bhagat's Ritu in the Mission is devoted to everything "Indian Soul Food." Meaning "seasons" in Hindi, Ritu channels this seasonal freshness in their bright Vegetable Koftas and Artichoke Pakora. Also feel at home here with their irresistable onion kulcha to sop up their silky Lamb Rogan Josh.
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2217 Market St / Website
Located on Market Street in the Castro District, Tara Indian's magnificent interior elevates their equally spectacular menu. Stop in and be immersively whisked away by both their traditional decor and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth Chicken Achari and Coconut Lamb Curry.
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3501 Mission St / Website
Tilak Gurung's namesake restaurant in the Mission is a truly cozy, yet refined dining experience. We recommend the Paneer Tikka Masala for those vegetarian, and the generous Masala Lamb Racks for those looking to enjoy a larger serving, both of which are brilliantly plated and are highlighted as the Chef's favorites.
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1501 Noriega St / Website
Our Sunset selection is this fun and unexpected tasty find. You can't miss their large playful sign inviting you in, which only continues to delight when you try their pleasantly affordable fare of Tandoori Prawns, Hyderabadi Kofta, Aloo Gobi, and more. You also certainly won't be able to resist your sweet tooth with their classic Gulab Jamun or Saffron Rice Pudding!
What is your favorite Indian dish?
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