Reviews & Ratings for Darbar Restaurant

02/23/10

Slightly Inconsistent Food; Totally Consistent Low Price

by Magic Westside , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

"Where royalty comes to eat" is their motto; the service is unquestionably good, and you do feel like royalty because of it. Inconsistent food means it's not going to be as good as you remember it was, say...after you had a few beers. Other times, it's good enough to make you think you should have paid at least $3 more for your $6-9 entree. The vegetarian dishes are actually flavorful, and not hiding an ineptitude behind a generous layer of spice. Delivery can take as long as an hour, maybe longer, depending on the night--which is why I only gave them 3 stars, instead of 4. But really, getting 3 entrees, 2 different kinds of naan, 1 order of samosas, and rice for two and only paying $32 (not including tip)? So worth the wait. Important tip: Don't get the lamb. You'll regret it in that "digestive" way later.

• Pros: the food isn't always as good as you remember it was
• Cons: super-duper cheap, and well worth the money.

08/20/09

Delicious.

by LaceyM at Citysearch

Had a great time here last night. The food is spicy and tasty and the restaurant is clean. Live in the area and plan to go back soon!

• Pros: clean, friendly, fresh ingredients

08/16/09

Excellent Food!

by KasiaUSF23 at Citysearch

By far the best Indian food we have had in the Bay Area. Very authentic flavors. Prices super low! OMG!!! We are def. coming back and having some more of naan, roti and raita. Oh- and Chicken Tika Masala- to die for!!:-)

• Pros: fantastic food- low price
• Cons: none

05/26/09

Great food. Good price.

by Antonius at Citysearch

We went here to satisfy a craving for Indian food after reading the reviews and were not disappointed. The tandoori prawns were flavorful and delicious, although a little pricey at $13 for 5 of them. The other entrees, such as gobi aloo, lamb vindaloo, and others were reasonably priced and quite flavorful. We had some garlic naan and keema naan, both of which were delicious. They were chewy and thick and probably some of the best tasting naan we have ever had. We started the meal with some papadam and samosas, both of which were quite tasty, especially the papadam. Overall, we spent about $50 before tip and ate until we were going to explode.

• Pros: Great Naan, tasty entrees
• Cons: Kind of a seedy area

05/25/09

GRACIOUS DINING ON THE CHEAP

by weedygardens at Citysearch

This little bit of Indian/Pakistani food heaven has a modest entrance. Inside is artfully decorated, clean and quiet (no echo chamber. Menu has many entrees-2 big samosas for $3, Naan for $2-so cheap we knew we had gone to heaven. So- the tandoori chicken was neon and sizzling on carmelized onions- impressive for $6.00. The samosas and sauces yummy. Lamb/okra- to DIE for. etc- the wrap was immense for $7 and lots of salad greens with it...all is a la carte but for 4 women who wanted to taste all and not fill up on rice, that was GREAT!!! The tea was yummy (no beer/wine,sad)

• Pros: Great food,nice setting,gracious service
• Cons: it is not in my home town of Sebastopol- boo hoo

07/23/08

Pakistani/Indian cuisine

by khanster08 at Citysearch

4 stars for this place!!!! excellent food and i would suggest to go at dinner time, order from menu and enjoy there specialties. Very clean and great service!! Try there Bangan Bharta, Chicken tikka masala with fresh garlic naan grrrrrreat!!!!

• Pros: Sevice

05/19/08

This restaurant is a real gem

by newenglandtransplant at Citysearch

Whenever I eat at Darbar I am amazed at the quality of the food and the price you pay for that quality. The last time I was in I had the samosa which is like a fried wonton with potatoe, peas and spices. You get two and they are fantastic. I also like the spinich, palak paneer. The Dabari Nan is great but if you need it doctored up they have garlic and onion nan too. I usually get the Dabari Chawal for a rice. The Tandori Fish comes out sizzling and has just the right amount of spice. The last time I had it they used talapia. I have to say that the food and service are consistently good. At night the owner is always there tending to his customers. He really makes sure that they are satisfied. The restaurant has a nice decor and is clean. If you're looking for terrific Indian/Pakistani food Darbar is the place. Parking, it's easy there is a city lot nearby.

• Pros: Great prices, terrific food

03/20/08

bad experience !!!

by wqn at Citysearch

i complete agree with Sonu1 reviews for this restaurant. where i too had same bad experience.. This is one of the worst restaurant i've seen in SFO.

I TOO FOUND "FLIES" ON THE TABLE, WHICH WAS IRRITATING TO EAT ANYTHING THERE.

i dint see cleanness in that restaurant.

so i dont recommend any 1 to go DARBAR.....

01/12/08

Hands down the best Indian food for the price

by turkfish at Citysearch

Amongst the many Indian restaurants I have eaten at, this restaurant is certainly at the top of the list in both the quality of food and service. I've been to about a dozen Indian restaurants and this restuarant is exceptionaI. I chose this restaurant based on Citysearch's positive reviews since I was visiting from out of town and was unfamiliar with local restaurants. Choosing Darbar turned out to be a great move, surpassing my high expectations.

The samosas were inexpensive and freshly made. The naan was fluffy and perfectly cooked. Usually naan is burned in many areas, yet this naan was burn-free. My boyfriend ordered lamb skewers, which tasted just a good as the restaurants that charge almost double for the same thing.

The manager was concerned about the comfort of his guests, and seemed eager to please. We ordered extra naan, and it was out almost immediately, despite the packed house he was simultaneously attending to. At the end I was offered complimentary tea, which was an extra perk for such an already great meal.

12/20/07

Can't say enough good things

by raylikesfood at Citysearch

I love this place. The dining room is warm and inviting. The owner is always there at dinner and provides wonderful customer service every single time my girlfriend and I have eaten there. Most importantly, the food is exceptionally delicious. I highly recommend the tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala, vindaloo and my personal favorite, lamb brain masala. The food always arrives promptly and perfectly prepared. I have never eaten a bad dish here yet, and to date I've dined at Darbar more than a dozen times. Ive eaten at quite a few restaurants serving Indian/Pakistani cuisine in the city, but none so far come close to the quality and low prices of Darbar. If you enjoy Indian/Pakistani cuisine or want to try it out for the first time, this is the perfect place to go.

• Pros: Prices, service, food.
• Cons: none!