Where is the Best BYOB Restaurant in San Francisco, California?
A quintessential dive so you’ve got to have a strong stomach for a place lacking in hygiene and fancy restaurant amenities. But if you’re into food that’s authentic, finely tuned with spices and gives you the true-to-form flavors of the region, this is it! Everything is made to order and you can watch them make it in the open kitchen. Plus it’s SO cheap!It was the first visit for 3 of us so we ordered a variety of dishes and after gorging ourselves, still had plenty left over. It all totaled less than $25. I’m definitely going back! As first-timers, we took their recommended dishes and had a tandoori chicken, curry dish, okra, lentils, garlic naan and rice.Pros + Great value! Authentic Indian flavors.Cons – Parking is tough and I wouldn’t want to be in the neighborhood at night.
Sultan is a very good Indian Restaurant. I do not agree with the reviewer who dissed it vehemently. Don’t forget that the chain of Nan and Curries are everywhere including right next door. Sultans’ food is much better than theirs, though, (I do like the one on Irving Street in the Sunset- It is ok- their chai is the best. ) Sultans’ chef is original and talented, her food is unique and I recommend you try it. At the lunch buffet they have wonderful salads and fresh veggies which are nearly impossible to get at an Indian restaurant. Most Indian Restaurants overcook the vegetables until they are mush and bathe them in oil. Also the decor is understated but classy in a relaxed way. My friend goes there at least once a week and he is Indian.Pros + Nice atmosphere, different dishes, fresh ingredients, less oilCons – It’s right next door to an Indian chain of restaurants who are cheap and rude in SF.
Most Indian places flavor their food using heavy cream and butter, but Alhamra flavors its delicious fare with authentic Indian spices. Therefore, their food is spicy and tasty, but not as heavy as most other Indian restaurants. This is how food is cooked in a traditional North Indian or Pakistani home. Try the matter paneer, it’s delicious! Also, the lunch special is a steal at around $5. Enjoy a cup of freshly made (and complimentary) masala chai tea at the end of your meal. This chai is the typical tea served in most Indian homes. Although the service is less-than-friendly, this type of service is what is found in typical restaurants in India. It’s a reflection of cultural differences. The service is just as authentic as the food.Pros + authentic, spicy Indian food at ultra-low pricesCons – not-so-friendly service
