New Delhi Restaurant

07/29/07

a real disappointment

by lima_bean

With all the glowing reviews, I decided to give this Indian restaurant, adjacent to Union Square on a vaguely skeevy side street, a try on a Friday night. The decor was pleasant enough, as was the customer service to start with. Everything went downhill from there. For an appetizer, we ordered the combination vegetable plate, which amounted to a single, cracked papadum atop a doily, two desiccated pieces of vegetable pakora and onion rings and one dry samosa. The sad presentation was matched by the bland flavors and texture of this first plate. I ordered one of the signature cocktails, called Madras Madness, which was made of different types of rum and mango juice. It was so strong and syrupy, I couldn't drink anything beyond my first sip. For dinner, my date ordered the non-vegetarian dinner and I had the black lentils and lamb. My lamb and lentil dish came completely a la carte, and was served simply in a small metal dish. My date's food was presented a bit more festively, and came with vegetable and rice accoutrements. Sadly, nothing we had that night possessed the bold flavors that we so enjoy from Indian food. Whether it was spicy or not, the flavor was what was really missing in our meal, and we won't be returning to this restaurant.

• Pros: near Union Square
• Cons: quality,flavor and presentation of the food

08/25/09

Naan bread from heaven

by ReecePeace

Whether you're from India or not, it's difficult to NOT enjoy this gastronomic experience. The food is simply, and I do mean simply amazing. Just the right amount of seasoning to let the flavor of the food stand out. The presentation is grand, the drinks are up to par with the food. I recommend the Lychee Martini...actually the entire cocktail list is amazing. Save room for dessert, it's well worth it. Every part of India is represented, North, South, East and West, some of which has the addition of a flavorful Western influence. Go- try, and enjoy. I know I have, and look forward to it every time.

• Pros: Fantastic food
• Cons: Lousy parking

05/16/09

Wonderful curries

by Vinaya

We went to New Delhi Restaurant on the strength of CitySearch and other reviews and were not disappointed. This isn't an inexpensive, let's-take-all-the-kids budget restaurant but an elegant and professionally conducted dining experience. We opted for several curry dishes, a tandoori sampler, and rice. The tastes on offer were subtle, well blended, perfectly pitched. This is a place I will definitely explore some more the next time I'm in San Francisco.

• Pros: Great food and service, the nan is outstanding
• Cons: Lack of street parking

04/13/09

Great authentic Indian cuisine

by Nighto

New Delhi just celebrated their 20th anniversary and it's easy to see why. The food and service are as great as ever and have drawn quite a fan club. Last time I was there, we decided to try some of the tandoori specials and were not disappointed. I've had similar dishes at other places and the meat is usually dry and charred to a crisp. This tandoori managed to be both spicy with just the right amount of grilling and still quite moist on the inside. Nice trick, I wish I could figure it out. I'll definitely be back to give the rest of the menu a go.

• Pros: Addictive nan bread
• Cons: Lack of parking

01/27/09

Great start to a wonderful evening

by Pentel

We went to New Delhi last night. Had a memorable evening and received wonderful service. We are vegetarians and our server recommended a delicious combination of eggplant and spinach dishes along with some wonderful nan bread and saffron rice, with an amazing indian beer. Service was great. Food was amazing. Our server was gracious enough to wrap up our dessert to enjoy later at our hotel. We had a very romantic evening. We got an amazing evening that and we left a 40% tip because our evening was that amazing.

• Pros: Right downtown near many hotels, easy to find, friendly staff
• Cons: Parking is terrible and the neighborhood is "transitional"

01/13/09

just average food and very expensive! Small portions

by cfriemann

If I didn't have a Restaurant(dot)com certificate for this place I would've passed on going. I don't understand why people rave about it. First, they charge you $18 for a soup-sized bowl of curry with 8 chunks of chicken swimming in sauce. No rice, no naan, nothing. Just a bowl. Must have some magic spices in it.

And I also found a hair in it!! (they were nice enough to replace the meal)

Considering how the place is in the middle of tourist trap hell, I'm not surprised about the prices. But I've had the same quality of curry in little hole-in-the-wall take-aways in England for $8 (full meal)

If you're dead-set on going here, get the Complete Meal deal. Comes with everything, even dessert. I wish I had gotten that instead. But since the "hair incident", I won't be going back.

• Pros: ok food
• Cons: small portions, too expensive, possibly dirty in the kitchen

01/06/09

Great Birthday Dinner

by sarahco

I went to New Delhi Restaurant tonight and they made me a great special veg. dinner. They heard it was my birthday and brought me a free dessert ice cream. The food was really good and the dinner was relaxing. The service was also great (free ice cream!). I had my mom with me and this was her first Indian food experience, the staff was awesome at going over the menu and making recommendations. We went with some of their suggestions and everyone had a great time. This is a fantastic spot to take a group for a party, they do a great job and don't freak out over big groups like other places.

• Pros: Awesome staff and food!
• Cons: Parking, but that's why God gave us Muni.

10/28/08

Just like eating in India

by BryceC

Having been to Southern Asia many times, I have experienced what true Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine is like, I have high expectations for Indian restaurants in the US. I have found that New Delhi Restaurant has gone above and beyond other Indian restaurants in San Francisco and the US with their authentic and irresistible cuisine. Everything is incredibly flavorful and nothing is hot for the sake of being hot. The nan bread is outstanding and I could eat the chutneys that accompany it with a spoon.

I've been going there for several years and the service has been outstanding every time. New Delhi is the most reliable restaurant in San Francisco.

• Pros: Full bar, great specials
• Cons: Parking, but what can you expect downtown?

08/26/08

Best Indian Food ever - including India

by NattyJay

New Delhi Restaurant has the best Indian food I've had anywhere (including in India). Amazing flavors and the right spice level combined with a unique menu and friendly, efficient service makes New Delhi the best Indian restaurant in San Francisco. The ambiance is of upscale elegance (without being pretentious) with amazing artwork by Indian artists. New Delhi has a excellent menu with dishes that you would not find anywhere else, for something different try the Balti Mongo Prawns and Paneer Ferezi. For drinks enjoy the Mango Martini

• Pros: Inventive menu, good spice blends
• Cons: Parking's a challenge

08/21/08

Hits all the marks every time

by Vikramster

The food is authentic and tasty, the service attentive and the decor is great. I've been here with groups twice and the space is always arranged to accommodate us. Having said that, I've also been by myself and with a friend and every time the service is great and the food is top-notch. I assume this place has an off night sometimes, but I've never seen it.

• Pros: Great atmosphere and food
• Cons: Can get crowded during dinner

07/29/08

Good food there or at your place

by PatelY

This is the first time I've tried ordering pickup from this place. The guy was very nice on the phone taking my order. Although the food maybe a bit more expensive than other places, it is VERY tasty and that makes up for it. The prompt service, hot food waiting for me when I got there and very friendly service. I highly suggest this place for take out in the Union Square area. A new place on my top 10!

• Pros: Fast service, great food
• Cons: Can get busy at dinner