Maharani
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 775-1988
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Polk Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Indian Food 2006
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 5pm-9:45pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10:15pm
Message from Maharani
The most honored Indian Restaurant in America; featuring Fantasy Room.
- #1 Indian in SF--Chronicle
- Ten Most Romantic--About.com
- Top 6 in SF--Money Magazine
Paid advertisement by Maharani.
Editorial Review for Maharani – by Marcia Gagliardi
In Short
The main dining area, the Peacock Room, is cozy with hand-painted murals and dim lighting. But the adjoining Fantasy Room, with private booths and four prix-fixe menus (including a vegetarian option), is what this restaurant is famed for. The main room's a la carte menu features a range of Indian classics, such as the popular tikka masaa and saag paneer, as well as a mixed tandoori platter. Warm naan and tasty bread items are made-to-order.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
ParkingIt's worth the one-block walk for reduced rate validated parking at the Cathedral Hill Hotel on Van Ness: $4 for three hours.
Where to SitWhile a bit expensive, the dining experience in the Fantasy Room promises to be one of a kind.
Know Before You GoOrder Fantasy Menu number four receive and get a complimentary signed copy of a book of love poems written by the owner himself.
User Reviews for Maharani
06/28/2008 Posted by monkies
I'm a bit confused, but seeing that every Tom, and Harry is capable of writing a review I guess I can't fault the review sites for giving restaurants more credit than they're worth. First off, we didn't eat in the 'Fantasy Room' but the regular dining area wasn't anything special. In fact, it wasn't anything I'd expect for a high end establishment. Seriously people, look at the part of town this place is in, do you really think that there's going to be this luxurious high end restaurant there??? Although the food is more new age Indian, Dosa is the type of nice establishment that would be comparable to the level this place is being advertised as by CitySearch. The food: below average. The Saag was literally un-flavored spinach in little sauce. The appetizers were bland as well. There was nothing special about the food at all, and this was below par by far. I'll be honest, the classiest Indian in this city has unfortunately been Dosa (too expensive, but a twist on Indian food). The best tasting Indian is the Naan and Curry right down the street from Maharnini....if you're in it for the food and not trying to impress, you can't go wrong with Naan and Curry...it's just like the food my mom made for me. As for Maharini, it's out of it's league for what CitySearch is calling one of the best Indian in town....trust me, not even worth going to. San Francisco in general has had some of the worst Indian I've had in the states...only LA might be as bad. Go to Dosa if you're on a date, go to Naan and Curry if you just want a good meal.
Pros: nothing really. much better places to try.
Cons: not a luxury or high end place as adverstised. Indian food is below par. so why go?
10/15/2007 Posted by malmec
From reading reviews and the restaurant's website, I had high expectations. There were 6 of us, so we did not eat in the Fantasy Room. The staff was nice but enough went wrong during the meal that I couldn't enjoy it. We were never asked if we wanted drinks before our order was taken, therefore the apperitifs came when the food arrived. This was 20 minutes after ordering them, and then only half of the drinks arrived. Two entrees came, which looked like appetizers and were treated as such. So one person's entree was eaten by all of us! Papadam came, without the dipping sauces. They were eaten, then the sauces came, but not any papadam. $14 a glass for California Pinot? In an Indian restaurant? The food was good, but not great. The staff did try to rectify things, but the service was uneven. Dessert was great though and the chef did accomodate one guest who had strict dietary restrictions. The decor didn't add anything to the atmosphere. I think there are better Indian places with great food (Masala in the Sunset).
Pros: Great desserts
Cons: Uneven service, avaerage food
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