Best Indian Restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area

Kulchas are a menu highpoint here, deliciously stuffed with the likes of peak-season peas and ricotta and served with a bright green kale chutney. Deep-fried cauliflower florets flecked with cracked black pepper and arranged with Asian pear deliver a delightful contrast of tastes; while crisped branzino with a chutney of green garlic, herbs, and chilies is all heart and soul.

While the best dishes here tend to be more traditional pan-Indian at heart, they boast a host of intriguing garnishes. Kale pakoras are deep-fried fritters served with onions in a light chickpea batter and a spectrum of chutneys; while lamb curry reveals a leg of lamb slow-braised with over 21 Indian spices. A cool rice pudding, studded with crushed pistachios and fresh strawberries, is sweet, creamy and brimming with a wonderfully warm spice.

Rooh's innovative menu fuses the subcontinent’s myriad flavors with modern restaurant staples (oysters, pork belly, burrata). Its approach is casual, but tabs can grow stratospheric in this pricey tech corridor. For the best value, opt for a meal of delicious small plates, like the piquant paneer chili, coated in crispy shreds of kataifi noodles. Wrap up with the exquisite carrot halwa cake, accented by cardamom kulfi and yogurt mousse.

Namesake chaat may be the star at this counter-service eatery/market, but lunch specials are the best bargain—think perfectly tender tandoori chicken with a mouthwatering smoky char, served alongside basmati rice, dal, raita and papadum. Dinner ends at 7:30pm, so unless you’re an early bird, go for lunch.

Prepare to be enveloped in an orbit of colors and textures. Every dish is elegantly composed and flavors are infinitely varied. Carnivores will savor lamb skewers with roasted spices; pescetarians won't be able to resist the Malvani fish curry. Earthy mushrooms strike a wonderful contrast against sweet English peas. Desserts like tapioca kheer are quite simply out of this world.