Dosa
San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: (415) 642-3672
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- 21st Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Indian Food 2007
- Hours:
- Tue-Fri 5pm-10pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am-3:30pm, 5pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Dosa – by Daniel Liszt
The Scene
An assortment of thin hanging lights gives this hotspot an alluring glow. The orange-gold walls are mostly barren, with the exception of framed mirrors behind the bar -- reflecting a good-looking crowd seated at tall chairs. Tables for two line the front window, while groups take up larger tables in the back of this single-room space.
The Food
Newcomers to Indian cuisine are put at ease with casual, informative menu descriptions and eating tips. The citrusy Chennai chicken is a superior starter -- moist cubes are bathed in organic yogurt, lightly fried and spiced with a medley of cilantro, coriander and cumin. The restaurant's signature dosas are akin to thin, finger-friendly crepes and can be ordered with a host of fillings ranging from garden veggies to traditional masala. Mint lovers will enjoy the Tamil lamb curry blanketed by a molasses-colored tomato and onion sauce.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe fabulous international wine list, which offers eight by-the-glass options, includes two bottles from Indian vintner Sula. Suds-lovers are also in for a treat: There's a host of intriguing beers such as the rich, Scottish Traquair Jacobite.
ParkingA pay garage is located around the corner on 21st Street between Valencia and Mission.
Know Before You GoReservations are only accepted for parties of five and more. Otherwise, arrive early to avoid waiting during peak dining times.
The ExtrasWeekend lunch service is available from 11am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
User Reviews for Dosa
05/06/2008 Posted by hardware1197
Went to Dosa with my lovely friend from Kerala and her 11 year old daughter who grew up in India, and both had just returned from a visit back home and were homesick. Impressing them with authentic South Indian Cusine is a tall order but I took the plunge! They were very happy with the fair, and quite impressed with the authentic taste. They concede that is a slight Western twist to the dishes, but they welcomed it. Recommend the Chennai chicken, and th Masala dosas.
Pros: Food, Service, Ambiance
Cons: Intimidating menu - I had a guide! No way to get in on a Friday or Saturday! come early!
03/04/2008 Posted by level2bliss
I frequent a large number of restaurants in the city, enjoying the diversity of flavors available in this small menagerie of food and cultures. There is a long wait, yes and it can take a bit to get your food, but a lot of the reviews before mine seem to give a sour image to this restaurant. Comparing the prices to what you would pay in India is just ridiculous, two different lifestyles. Yes it's indian food but this is still America, so keep in mind the prices will reflect as much. There is a massive amount of diversity in the tastes, ordering several dishes is recommended so you can get as many tastes as possible. Do yourself a favor and go check it out for yourself. Just go early, the wait can get you.
Pros: great food and awesome bar!!
Cons: the wait and the snotty staff
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