Best Indian Buffet Restaurants in San Francisco, California
1
India Clay Oven
Address: 2436 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121
India Clay Oven in San Francisco, California offers a charming dining experience with its elegant interior featuring high ceilings, traditional paintings, and large windows that create an airy, sophisticated atmosphere. The restaurant serves authentic North Indian cuisine with standout dishes like their tender tandoori meats, creamy curries, and freshly baked naan, while the attentive staff provides warm hospitality that includes thoughtful touches like complimentary desserts. The establishment maintains a romantic yet welcoming ambiance that makes it suitable for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings, with reasonable prices that complement its upscale setting.
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviews describe the prices as reasonable or affordable.
The overwhelming majority of reviews praise the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff.
One review mentions plenty of street parking being available.
Many reviews refer to customers ordering takeout, indicating it is available.
Several reviews specify the restaurant offers many vegan options.
2
Amber India Restaurant
Address: 25 Yerba Buena Ln, San Francisco, CA 94103
Amber India Restaurant in San Francisco, California offers an upscale dining experience with a diverse menu of traditional Indian cuisine served in an elegant setting. The restaurant is particularly known for its extensive weekend buffet featuring made-to-order dosas and specialty dishes like butter chicken, though some diners note the prices run on the higher end. While the attentive service and refined atmosphere draw praise, reviews suggest the food quality can be inconsistent, with some classics hitting the mark while other dishes may need fine-tuning.
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviews criticize the high prices, indicating the restaurant is not considered affordable.
The reviews frequently praise the attentiveness and friendliness of the staff.
Some reviews mention parking challenges, while others do not discuss parking.
While many reviews focus on dine-in experiences, there is no explicit mention of takeout availability.
Reviews mention vegan dishes, such as the Vegan/Gluten-Free Thali.
3
North India
Address: 123 2nd St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Located in North India Restaurant in San Francisco, California, this authentic dining establishment serves up flavorful Indian cuisine with generous portions and customizable spice levels to suit any palate. The welcoming atmosphere features traditional decor and attentive staff who provide warm hospitality while guests enjoy signature dishes like butter chicken, biryani, and freshly baked naan. Patrons particularly praise the rich, creamy curries and tandoori specialties that transport diners straight to the streets of India through their masterful blend of aromatic spices and fresh ingredients.
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviewers consider the prices reasonable or affordable, particularly in relation to San Francisco's cost of living.
Numerous reviews highlight the friendliness, attentiveness, and helpfulness of the staff.
Reviews mention parking challenges and the need to park in nearby lots, but do not indicate parking availability at the restaurant itself.
Many reviews explicitly mention ordering takeout or picking up orders.
At least one review explicitly mentions vegan options.
4
Star India
Address: 3721 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118
Star India in San Francisco, California delights diners with its extensive menu of authentic Indian dishes served in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is particularly known for its flavorful classics like butter chicken, garlic naan, and an array of vegetarian options, all prepared with traditional spices and cooking techniques. The attentive staff provides welcoming service while the lunch buffet offers an excellent way to sample multiple dishes, making it a beloved destination for both casual dining and special occasions.
Known For
Not Noted
Reviews are mixed; some mention reasonable prices, while others find them too high.
Many reviews praise the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff.
Some reviews mention parking, but do not specify the availability at the restaurant itself.
While many reviews focus on dine-in experiences, some explicitly mention taking food to go, suggesting takeout is available.
Several reviews mention vegan options, and one review even states that most dishes can be made vegan.
5
Clay Oven Indian Restaurant
Address: 385 W Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA 94127
Clay Oven Indian Restaurant in San Francisco, California is a welcoming establishment known for its popular lunch buffet featuring an array of authentic Indian dishes at reasonable prices. The restaurant specializes in traditional favorites like butter chicken, tandoori items, and garlic naan, all served in a warm atmosphere with attentive service. The friendly staff and generous portions make this neighborhood spot a reliable choice for both dine-in and takeout, with many customers particularly praising their thali platters and vegetarian options.
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviews describe the restaurant as affordable or mention good value for the price.
Numerous reviews highlight the friendliness, attentiveness, and kindness of the restaurant's staff.
One review mentions easy parking, suggesting its availability.
Many reviews discuss ordering takeout, indicating its availability.
Although several reviews mention vegetarian options, there is no specific mention of dedicated vegan dishes.
6
Urban Curry nepalese Indian Restaurant
Address: 14 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Urban Curry Nepalese Indian Restaurant in San Francisco, California offers a diverse menu of traditional Indian and Nepalese dishes in a casual dining setting. The restaurant specializes in classics like biryani, curry dishes, and tandoori specialties, with portion sizes that tend to be generous for the price point. While some diners praise specific dishes like the chicken tikka masala and biryani, others note inconsistency in the food preparation and service quality across different visits.
Known For
Not Noted
Reviews mention both affordable prices and overpriced food, indicating varied opinions on the pricing.
Reviews show mixed experiences with staff attentiveness, ranging from pleasant and nice to unprofessional and disorganized.
The reviews do not provide information about parking availability.
Multiple reviews mention ordering takeout from the restaurant.
Several reviews mention vegetable dishes, suggesting the availability of vegan options.
7
New Delhi Restaurant & Bar
Address: 160 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94102
New Delhi Restaurant & Bar in San Francisco, California offers a sophisticated dining experience with traditional Indian cuisine in an elegant setting with ornate decor and white tablecloths. The establishment features an extensive menu of classic Indian dishes and creative cocktails, with attentive staff who provide personalized service and recommendations to guests. While opinions on the food quality and portion sizes vary widely, the restaurant maintains its status as one of the city's longest-running Indian dining destinations near Union Square.
Known For
Not Noted
Opinions on pricing are divided, with some finding it affordable while others deem it overpriced for the portion size and quality.
Many reviews praise the staff's friendliness and attentiveness, although some negative reviews describe inattentive service.
One review mentions the lack of parking; however, other reviews do not mention parking issues.
Multiple reviews confirm that takeout is available.
Several reviews highlight the availability of vegan options.
8
Taj Indian Cuisine
Address: 5701 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121
Taj Indian Cuisine in San Francisco, California offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy authentic Indian flavors served by attentive staff. The restaurant specializes in both traditional favorites like butter chicken and tikka masala as well as unique dishes like Manchurian cauliflower and vegetarian specialties, all prepared with fresh ingredients and house-made spice blends. The generous portions and reasonable prices, combined with their extensive menu ranging from tandoori specialties to fresh-baked naan, make this family-run establishment a standout choice for both dine-in and takeout in the Richmond district.
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviews describe the prices as affordable, reasonable, or good value.
The overwhelming majority of reviews praise the staff for being friendly, attentive, and providing good service.
The reviews do not provide information about parking availability at the restaurant.
Multiple reviews mention ordering takeout or delivery, indicating that takeout is available.
Several reviews highlight the restaurant's many vegan and vegetarian options.
9
Apna Chulha
Address: 550 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Apna Chulha in San Francisco, California serves up authentic Punjabi cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere with skylights and elegant decor. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring both classic dishes like butter chicken and tikka masala alongside unique specialties, with a popular lunch buffet that draws locals and visitors alike. The family-owned establishment prides itself on attentive service, customizable spice levels, and freshly prepared dishes that showcase traditional Indian flavors without being overly heavy or oily.
Known For
Not Noted
Many reviews describe the prices as affordable, reasonable, or great value.
The overwhelming majority of reviews praise the staff for being friendly, attentive, welcoming, and providing excellent service.
One review mentions proximity to a parking garage, suggesting parking may be available nearby.
Several reviews mention ordering food to go or for takeout, indicating that takeout is available.
At least one review specifically mentions the restaurant's vegan options, and another reviewer states they are vegan and were pleased with the options.
10
Five Rivers Indian Cuisine
Address: 2245 Judah St, San Francisco, CA 94122
Five Rivers Indian Cuisine in San Francisco, California, offers a diverse menu featuring both traditional Indian dishes and unique fusion items like curry pizza. The restaurant serves generous portions of authentic dishes including butter chicken, paneer saag, and tandoori specialties, with a popular lunch buffet that runs daily from 11am to 3pm. While the food consistently receives praise for its authentic flavors and quality, customers should note that service can be slower than expected and it's wise to add extra time to quoted wait times.
Known For
Not Noted
Several reviews mention good value and reasonable prices.
Reviews are mixed; some praise the staff, while others mention slow or inattentive service.
Parking is not directly addressed in the reviews.
Multiple reviews mention ordering food for takeout.
No reviews specifically address vegan options.