Best Affordable Indian Restaurants in San Francisco | Affordable Indian Food

30 restaurants in Best Affordable Indian Restaurants in San Francisco | Affordable Indian Food

• Last Drop Tavern — American · rated 5/5: This spirited neighborhood haunt hums with energy, inviting guests to settle in amidst a warm, amber glow for an evening of elevated comfort food and vibrant conversation. The kitchen masters the art of the shared plate, turning out golden heaps of curry-dusted chips and crackling buffalo wings that burst with bold, spicy personality. From the zesty snap of blistered shishito peppers to the tender crunch of salt and pepper calamari, every dish offers a playful celebration of texture and flavor designed for lingering until the very last drop.
• Butter& — American · rated 5/5: Sunlight dances across minimalist wood accents at Butter&, a sanctuary where the intoxicating aroma of browned butter and fresh-baked sourdough creates an immediate sense of warmth and home. The experience centers on the beauty of simple indulgence, offering meticulously crafted dishes that celebrate rich, velvety textures and the pure, elevated flavors of artisanal ingredients.
• Fiery Hot Pot and Grill — Chinese · rated 4/5: Wisps of fragrant steam rise from bubbling cauldrons of aromatic broth, inviting guests into a lively space where the bold scents of coconut curry and zesty Tom Yum fill the air. This interactive sanctuary celebrates the art of the simmer, offering a customizable journey through intense fiery spices, comforting roasted tomato, and the savory depth of traditional rich pork. Between bites of crispy, golden potstickers and cool seaweed salad, diners craft a vibrant communal feast that balances heat, heart, and soul.
• Nippon Curry — Japanese · rated 4/5: The air at Nippon Curry is thick with the inviting, earthy aroma of slow-simmered spices, drawing diners into a space dedicated to the ultimate Japanese comfort food. Crispy, panko-crusted cutlets and golden karaage rest atop velvety pools of mahogany sauce, while inventive additions like the spinach-rich "Popeye" blend or briny fried oysters offer a vibrant twist on tradition. From the satisfying crunch of a katsu sandwich to the hearty warmth of a steaming box meal, each dish captures a perfect balance of texture and soul-warming flavor.
• Kasa — Indian · rated 4/5: Kasa pulses with the vibrant energy of a modern Indian kitchen, where the air is thick with the fragrance of toasted spices and the comforting warmth of freshly baked naan. Guests dive into colorful thali plates and crispy spinach pakoras, or enjoy a playful twist on tradition with zesty Indian-inspired tacos and savory, hand-held kati rolls. It is a communal celebration of bold, home-style flavors, perfect for sharing a sprawling family picnic platter or savoring a quick, spice-dusted bite in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
• Biscuit Bender — American · rated 4/5: Golden-brown crusts give way to pillowy, steam-filled centers at this vibrant spot where the comforting aroma of toasted flour and melting butter fills the air. Artisanal biscuits serve as the canvas for a playful array of sweet and savory toppings, ranging from decadent house-made jams to hearty, slow-cooked fillings that redefine the classic comfort food experience. Each bite captures a nostalgic warmth that lingers long after the last crumb is gone, making it an essential stop for those seeking a soulful, handcrafted treat.
• Besharam — Indian · rated 4/5: Vibrant murals and a bold, rebellious spirit define this modern Indian sanctuary, where the air is thick with the intoxicating fragrance of toasted spices and fermented batters. Chef Heena Patel reimagines her Gujarati heritage through a kaleidoscope of colorful, soul-warming plates that balance traditional heat with contemporary flair, inviting diners to rediscover regional flavors in a space that feels both deeply personal and electrifyingly alive.
• Cuisine of Nepal — Indian · rated 3/5: The air here is thick with the inviting scent of toasted spices and simmering lentils, drawing guests into a space where hand-pleated momos arrive in steaming bowls of savory, golden broth. Velvety cashew cream curries and smoky, charred chicken chhoila offer a masterclass in Himalayan comfort, balancing delicate textures with the bold, earthy heat of traditional mountain cooking. Every plate serves as a vibrant gateway to Nepal, turning a simple meal into a soulful journey through high-altitude flavors.
• World Wrapps — Mediterranean · rated 3/5: This vibrant culinary crossroads invites diners on a global flavor journey, where the aromatic sizzle of tikka-spiced fries meets the crisp, refreshing crunch of garden-fresh salads. The atmosphere hums with energy as guests dive into golden heaps of papas bravas and bowls of nutty peanut noodles, creating a fast-paced yet soulful experience that celebrates bold international street food in every bite.
• Berliner Berliner — German (Note: Since: Stepping into this vibrant space feels like a journey to the heart of a Kreuzberg night, where the sizzle of the grill and the tang of house-made curry sauce create an intoxicating, urban atmosphere. Guests unwind over golden, crispy schnitzels and ice-cold pilsners, finding a slice of Berlin’s soulful grit and warmth tucked away in every communal corner.
• The Thonglor — Thai: The Thonglor captures the electric energy of Bangkok’s most stylish district, inviting guests into a vibrant space where the air is thick with the fragrance of lemongrass and charred spices. Golden-fried pumpkin and crispy curry puffs offer a satisfying crunch alongside succulent skewers of caramelized moo ping, each bite bursting with the bold, balanced heat of authentic Thai street food. Whether sharing a platter of delicate vegetarian rolls or savory hoi jor, diners are transported to a bustling night market through a refined lens of modern culinary artistry.
• Dancing Yak — Indian: Vibrant colors and the comforting scent of toasted spices fill this lively sanctuary, where the spirit of the Himalayas comes alive through warm hospitality and soulful, aromatic flavors. Hand-pleated momos burst with savory juices alongside bowls of steaming thukpa, offering a culinary journey that balances rustic tradition with a spirited, modern energy.
• Rosamunde Sausage Grill — American: The air at Rosamunde Sausage Grill is thick with the savory perfume of spiced meats hitting the open flame, drawing diners into a vibrant, high-energy space where the spirit of a modern beer hall comes alive. Each bite offers a satisfying snap of perfectly charred sausages nestled in crusty French rolls, complemented by indulgent helpings of golden, cheese-laden spaetzle and crisp, tender schnitzel. Whether sharing a plate of warm, salted pretzel sticks or diving into a saucy bowl of currywurst, guests find a soulful sanctuary of comfort food that celebrates bold flavors and communal cheer.
• Chaat Corner — Indian. * Return ONLY: Vibrant and unpretentious, this lively corner captures the electric energy of an Indian street market, where the air hums with the sizzle of griddles and the aromatic warmth of toasted spices. Each plate is a kaleidoscope of color and texture, balancing the satisfying crunch of golden fried dough with the cooling swirl of creamy yogurt and the sharp, bright zing of tamarind chutney. It is a sensory celebration where every bite delivers a bold explosion of sweet, spicy, and savory notes, offering a spirited escape into the heart of authentic street-side dining.
• Paprika — Indian: Stepping into Paprika feels like a warm embrace, where the air is thick with the smoky, comforting aroma of slow-simmered goulash and the savory sizzle of gourmet sausages. Communal platters of artisanal cheeses and vibrant Caprese salads invite lingering conversation, setting the stage for rich, velvety bowls of chicken paprikash that celebrate the bold, earthy spice of the restaurant's namesake. Whether tucking into a hearty vegan sausage or a crisp, garden-fresh salad, diners find a soulful retreat where rustic tradition meets contemporary flair in every flavorful bite.
• Aaha Indian Cuisine — Indian: The air at Aaha Indian Cuisine is thick with the enticing fragrance of toasted spices and simmering broths, drawing guests into a space where traditional comfort meets vibrant energy. Golden, hand-folded samosas and crisp vegetable pakoras offer a satisfying crunch that gives way to savory interiors, while the signature Rasam Firebroth provides a bold, peppery kick that warms from the inside out. Whether you are diving into a bowl of hearty, slow-cooked goat soup or sharing a plate of spice-dusted masala fries, every dish celebrates the rich, soulful textures of authentic Indian soul food.
• Gurung Kitchen — Indian: Gurung Kitchen transports diners to the mist-shrouded hills of Nepal, where the comforting aroma of toasted cumin and hand-ground spices fills a space defined by genuine Himalayan warmth. Vibrant thali platters and delicate, hand-pleated dumplings showcase a mastery of mountain soul food, balancing the citrusy snap of timur pepper with slow-cooked, earthy flavors that invite guests to linger over every bite.
• North India — Indian: The air at North India is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted spices and smoky tandoor char, drawing guests into a space where golden, crispy pakoras and vibrant sampler platters set the stage for a soulful feast. Velvety signature butter chicken and succulent tandoori meats emerge from the kitchen alongside fragrant, steam-filled mounds of biryani, each dish offering a masterclass in the deep, layered flavors of the subcontinent. It is a culinary journey that balances heat and comfort, inviting diners to linger over every aromatic bite in an atmosphere of genuine warmth.
• The Spice Jar — Indian: The Spice Jar invites diners into a vibrant, sun-drenched space where the air hums with the intoxicating aroma of toasted peppercorns and warm turmeric. Each dish serves as a fragrant map of global flavors, layering bold heat with delicate herbs to create a sensory journey that celebrates the transformative power of the world's most prized seasonings.
• Chai Bar by David Rio — Indian: Sunlight streams into this sleek, modern tea haven where the air is perpetually perfumed with the intoxicating scent of cardamom, ginger, and sweet vanilla. Each cup of signature chai is a masterclass in balance, blending velvety steamed milk with bold, aromatic spices to create a comforting ritual that feels both indulgent and revitalizing.
• Spice of America: Modern Indian Cusine — Indian: Step into a vibrant space where the rich heritage of Indian spice meets a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, filling the air with the intoxicating aroma of toasted cumin and warm cardamom. Artfully plated dishes bridge the gap between old-world tradition and modern innovation, offering a sensory journey of bold, layered heat and velvety textures that dance across the palate. This is a celebration of flavor where every bite tells a story of cultural fusion and culinary artistry.
• Keeva — Indian: Keeva unfolds as a vibrant sensory retreat where the air is perfumed with the intoxicating aroma of toasted cumin and fresh ginger simmering in traditional copper pots. Guests are swept away by a symphony of textures and bold flavors, from the delicate, yogurt-drizzled crunch of signature Palak Chaat to the velvety, spice-kissed depths of slow-simmered Butter Chicken and zesty Amritsari fish.
• Apna Chulha — Indian: Step into a space where the comforting glow of the traditional hearth serves as the heart of the home, filling the air with the smoky, nostalgic aroma of spices toasted over an open flame. The kitchen honors time-worn recipes, turning out charred, buttery breads and slow-simmered curries that capture the soulful essence of a rustic village kitchen. Every bite offers a journey through heritage flavors, inviting guests to linger over communal plates in an atmosphere that feels both timeless and deeply welcoming.
• Tiya — Indian: Tiya serves as a culinary love letter to San Francisco, weaving together the diverse flavors of the city’s storied neighborhoods from the spice-laden streets of Chinatown to the coastal charm of the Marina. Guests embark on a sensory journey through the Bay Area while sipping on globally inspired gin and tonics infused with Indian, Japanese, and Spanish botanicals, all within a stylish space that pulses with eclectic urban energy.
• Copra — Indian: Copra transports diners to the sun-drenched shores of Southern India within a breathtaking, high-ceilinged sanctuary adorned with lush greenery and intricate woven textures. The air hums with the fragrance of toasted coconut and coastal spices as the kitchen turns out vibrant, soul-warming dishes that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Every bite, from the delicate lace of fermented rice crepes to the bold depth of aromatic seafood curries, offers a lush sensory journey through a spice-laden paradise.
• Jade Chocolates — Chinese: Step into a boutique sanctuary where the delicate aromas of lychee, rose, and toasted miso infuse the air, transforming traditional confectionery into an edible art form. Each hand-painted bon bon and velvet-smooth meltaway serves as a bridge between East and West, blending bold notes of curry and ginger with rich, decadent chocolate to create a sophisticated sensory journey in every bite.
• Curry Up Now — Indian: This vibrant eatery reimagines Indian street food with a playful, modern spirit, where the bold spices of the subcontinent meet the casual comfort of Western favorites. The air hums with energy as guests tuck into inventive mashups like tikka masala-stuffed burritos and "sexy" fries, or savor the nostalgic, interactive crunch of deconstructed samosas and spicy kathi rolls. Every bite offers a colorful explosion of flavor that bridges the gap between traditional roadside snacks and contemporary culinary innovation.
• Shalimar — Indian: Shalimar serves as a sophisticated retreat where the comforting warmth of artisanal coffee and velvety hot chocolate meets the refined elegance of a curated wine selection. Guests are invited to sink into an atmosphere of relaxed luxury, whether savoring a frothy, indulgent milkshake or sharing a full-bodied vintage amidst an ambiance that seamlessly transitions from a sun-drenched morning cafe to an intimate evening lounge.
• Toast'N Egg — American: This vibrant eatery transforms thick, buttery slices of golden toast into artisanal canvases piled high with an inventive array of savory treasures. Diners can dive into the satisfying crunch of curry-spiced chicken or the melt-in-your-mouth luxury of Wagyu beef, all layered with velvety eggs and fresh accents like creamy avocado or sweet crab. The air hums with the sizzle of the griddle, promising a playful yet sophisticated handheld feast that reimagines comfort food for the modern palate.
• Himalayan Pizza & Momo — Indian: This vibrant fusion hub hums with energy as the scent of toasted cumin and bubbling mozzarella wafts from a kitchen where Himalayan traditions meet modern comfort. Hand-pleated momos arrive steaming and succulent alongside inventive pizzas topped with bold, aromatic spices, creating a playful and soulful dining experience that bridges two worlds on a single plate.