Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar

I recently visited Castro Indian American restaurant and was thoroughly impressed with the entire experience! Starting with drinks, I tried the Castro Mule, Avani Modi, and ABCD cocktails. While all were equally good, my favorite by far was the Avani Modi—an absolute must-try! The bartender did a fantastic job balancing the flavors in each. For appetizers, I went with their bestseller podi idli, which was simply perfect—light, flavorful, and beautifully plated. I also tried the chicken tandoori, and it was cooked just right, with great spices that didn’t overpower the taste. Moving on to the main course, I had what I can confidently call the best butter chicken I’ve ever had. It was rich, creamy, and full of flavor. I also tried the shrimp gravy, which was a little different from the usual, but delicious in its own way, especially when paired with their onion and garlic butter naan. The naan was fresh and fragrant, the perfect accompaniment to the curries. To finish off the meal, I had the sweet rasmalai dessert, which was the perfect way to round out the evening. Beyond the food and drinks, the restaurant’s interior is beautiful, and the plating of each dish was artfully done. If you’re looking for a blend of Indian and American flavors with a unique twist, Castro is definitely worth a visit! I’ll be returning soon to explore more of their menu.

I ordered from this restaurant and it wasn't bad. The Rasmalai was made with a weird texture that resembles when milk is spoiled. I didn't want to chance eating this due to that. The Gulab Jamun was very good and I would order it again. I ordered the Rasmalai again and the texture was the same. So I went ahead and tried it and it was very good. I would definitely recommend the restaurant and will return when in town.

We stumbled across this gem by accident while wandering the Castro. The inside is visually appealing and spacious. The staff was very friendly. We adored our server HamenShu was especially attentive. Regarding the food, I loved the okra dish and the salmon vindaloo was very tasty. My partner enjoyed the lamb boti kebab. Will definitely be returning to try more dishes.

As someone who's tried countless Indian restaurants in major US cities, I have to say Castro Indian is definitely among the best. The appetizers were fantastic—the Gobi 65 was flavorful, though I preferred the momos. The biryani was delicious and had just the right amount of spice for us. However, the highlight for me was the coconut milk chicken curry, which paired perfectly with some naan. Overall, I highly recommend this place and can't wait to return soon!

21st Anniversary dinner that was EXCELLENT! Loved our server, food and atmosphere. We will be back. Recommend the korma, vindaloo, the samosas and the Rose. 5 stars! 😊👍

This place is wonderful. The food was dynamite—we had the street-style curry and the coconut veg curry. Everything was fantastic. The food was the best ever. Perfect portion sizes. Service was very attentive. As a bonus, the restaurant is immaculately clean. Such a great experience.

This is my first time at Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar and I am very impressed. The restaurant is decorated beautifully, it’s very clean and the staff were very attentive. We got the onion/pepper/tomato uttapam, chicken korma, saag paneer and eggplant dish. They were all fantastic! Creamy, well spiced, hot, with tender chicken or satisfying curds of paneer. The sauces on the side were cool and refreshing and they started us out with some papppadum - those crispy lentil chips that are like the Indian equivalent of tortilla chips. We will definitely be coming back and we all left saying how incredible this meal was. Great local Indian food for a reasonable price.

They first served us papad and chutney which kept us busy. We tried the veggie korma, veggie tikka masala, garlic naan, veg biryani and they were top notch. We also ordered chowmein which wasn’t that great. Their hospitality was good and the location and ambiance has a good vibe to it. One of the most flavorful Indian food in SF.

The menu offers a delightful mix of traditional Indian dishes and fusion options. Here's what I tried and loved: Paneer Tikka Masala: The paneer was fresh and cooked perfectly. The creamy tomato-based sauce was rich and flavorful with just the right amount of spice. GLUTEN FREE Garlic Naan: Soft, warm, and buttery, it paired wonderfully with the curries. Podi Idli: A unique appetizer with a burst of flavors - light, spicy, and beautifully presented. Mango Lassi: The perfect sweet and refreshing drink to complement the spices of the meal. The pricing was reasonable for the quality of food and service. The portions are filling, and you feel you're getting value for every dollar spent. he interior design is sleek and welcoming, with soft lighting and tasteful décor. It's a perfect spot for casual dining or even a small celebration. The vibe was relaxed, and the background music added to the overall charm without being too loud or intrusive.

I stopped here for a snack and a cocktail, what a find! This is located in the Castro district of San Francisco, a super cute and absolutely friendly neighborhood. We sat at the bar since we weren't going to really have a meal, the bartender was so incredibly helpful with the menu. We ordered the eggplant dip with garlic nan and samosas. Both absolutely delicious! I could not believe how full of flavor the dip was and the Samosas were out of this world! I will definitely be going back and having dinner there! This was an amazing experience

I've eaten here twice now. The food isn't bad, but the service is not good. They really need a professional host and professional wait staff. It doesn't seem like anyone here has experience working in or running a restaurant. Our waiter had a ball cap and workout jacket on and might possibly have shaved a week or so ago. The host had on a down jacket and is not all that welcoming. The host brought us a large glass bottle of water and carried it from the top of the bottle (when did he wash his hands last?) and then he didn't bother to pour any water for us. He just set it on the table next to our empty glasses. It took forever to get our food and there were only two other people in the whole place. After we finished eating, we sat and sat, because our waiter was busy checking his phone messages and talking to the kitchen staff. He never once looked up to see if we were finished and by then we were the only ones in the restaurant. It was much the same the last time we were there. This restaurant could be fairly nice if the people running it would get some training or hire some experienced help. It seems like they're trying to run a somewhat upscale restaurant, but they act and dress like they're running a fast food restaurant. Even some fast food restaurants are more professional.

I recently visited Castro Indian American restaurant and was thoroughly impressed with the entire experience! Starting with drinks, I tried the Castro Mule, Avani Modi, and ABCD cocktails. While all were equally good, my favorite by far was the Avani Modi--an absolute must-try! The bartender did a fantastic job balancing the flavors in each. For appetizers, I went with their bestseller podi idli, which was simply perfect--light, flavorful, and beautifully plated. I also tried the chicken tandoori, and it was cooked just right, with great spices that didn't overpower the taste. Moving on to the main course, I had what I can confidently call the best butter chicken I've ever had. It was rich, creamy, and full of flavor. I also tried the shrimp gravy, which was a little different from the usual, but delicious in its own way, especially when paired with their onion and garlic butter naan. The naan was fresh and fragrant, the perfect accompaniment to the curries. To finish off the meal, I had the sweet rasmalai dessert, which was the perfect way to round out the evening. Beyond the food and drinks, the restaurant's interior is beautiful, and the plating of each dish was artfully done. If you're looking for a blend of Indian and American flavors with a unique twist, Castro is definitely worth a visit! I'll be returning soon to explore more of their menu.

Nice large open area for seating. Very friendly and helpful service. Huge menu. Very generous servings. We ordered pakoras, cucumber onion salad and two orders of the lamb chops. We definitely could have ordered just the apps and one order of lamb chops. Prices were reasonable! The free papadum was delicious as was the pakora. The cucumber salad was quite generous for the price. The lamb was meaty and very filling. I asked for mine spicy. It could have been spicier for sure and it tasted a tad too sweet for me. Overall this is a nice restaurant with a solid menu and excellent value!

I recently moved from LA and have struggled to find my go-to Indian restaurant in SF, but think I finally have. Their chicken tikka masala is super flavorful and featured quality chicken breast. Also loved their naan (cheese naan is my guilty pleasure). Staff was really friendly and I thought the menu was very reasonably priced. Ambiance is also welcoming. I will definitely be back.

I love their korma. It always hits the spot whenever I'm walking through the Castro. Their other curries aren't as good in my opinion. The naan is also nice and stretchy! Just the right amount of garlic.

Once Bhoga, now Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar. Same Indian staff members, same dazzling flare, and some additional changes in their menu options! What more could they please us since they have more customers than ever? First off, their masala chai. Bold but less peppery. Free pappadum upon my first check-in; its green chutney was both spicy and tingly in my mouth. Lentil turmeric soup, grainy and hearty like how a mother used to make. Soya chaap would be my main course. I should've asked for the saffron rice to compliment, but a man like me handled the heat from the combined herbs and spices. Its spicy tomato sauce covered bean curd tasted like fishcakes. Finally, a nice plant based dessert! I say it's a coffee cake. My experience at the Indian restaurant and bar won't have to get better; it's already better with a name change. I wanted to settle for a dosa plate, but I might do so only for lunchtime.

I first ate here in April of 2023. On that day they received a five-star review. Almost 1 year later, it's even better the second time. The Paneer Tikka Masala is the best I've ever had. It is seasoned to perfection. I order it mild but there is still a tiny tinge of spiciness just for flavor. The garlic cheese naan could not be more fresh. It too is cooked and seasoned to perfection. Service is outstanding. The restaurant is immaculately clean. Castro Indian Restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best, if not the best, Indian restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Went on a Friday Night in a group of 7 at 11 pm. Place was open until 12. Pretty nice ambience. Can't miss this place. It's right in the heart of Castro opposite the Castro theater. They brew their own beer and the brewing machine is in clear view. Folks who tried it liked it. We ordered a bunch of food They served us complimentary papad with mint and tamarind chutneys Podi idli: crispy fried idlis with podi powder. Came with coconut chutney Hariyali chicken kabab: very tasty. Very fresh and succulent meat. Veggies were yum too. Street style chicken curry: authentic Indian home cooked style chicken curry. Yum Butter tikka masala - nice sauce. we ordered it with chicken and another one with salmon. Can't go wrong with this Chicken dum biryani: slightly on the spicy side but very flavorful. Loved the presentation! Butter naan, garlic naan and chilli naan - freshly baked

I can't believe I found out about this place so late. The menu covers a lot of items ranging from south Indian to north Indian to Indo Chinese appetizers and main course. I loved the podi idli, jhol veg momo and Samosa chaat as well as the Hara bhara paneer kebab. The chili paneer we ordered was okayish though. The menu is so big that I would like to go and try new things next time. The decor of the restaurant is cute and it's located in the middle of Castro, so it's really accessible.

Everything we ordered was good here and service was friendly. We sat outside on the sidewalk which was ok since it was nice outside. Will definitely be back.

Very underrated spot! They have North and South indian food as well as some indo chinese dishes (Hakka noodles Manchurian). The presentation of all their dishes (drinks included) is great. The Hakka noodles were not too greasy and had lots of flavor. The mysore masala dosa was huge and came with the potato stuffing on the side along with 3 chutneys. The price is slightly higher than your usual Indian place but I think it's reasonable considering the effort put in to the ambiance and decor. Great service and convenient to pay - you can use the qr code on the receipt to pay using Google Pay.

This restaurant is amazing. we always pass by this restaurant when we hang around Castro area. we finally made it in the front entrance with that big light menu. Looking through has assortment of items ,staffs so friendly, ask away n you will receive lol..we order few yummy items n soso tasty , so cheesy naan he loves, n my mixed seafood curry not overcooked yay, tandoori chicken is worth every juicy bite that comes with roasted , And the cumin rice wow, refills on my ice tea. Now we know where to eat late nights.. the bad part is I couldn't check in at the restaurant, you get a free homemade brew beer. My t-mobile didn't work in Castro area grrrrr..... but we be back to try more from the menu...

I tried this atmospheric spot over three years ago when it was called Bhoga and owned by Prem Makkena who owned the excellent Deccan Spice (now Deccan House) in the Mission (review: https://bit.ly/3AEdSHQ). I thought Bhoga was quite good, more fusion-focused than I expected but tasty. I had not returned recently, so I was surprised to see the new name but the same decor. It turns out Makkena's former business partners have taken over and turned the menu into even more of a Cal-friendly selection, still predominantly Indian but with more mass appeal plates including pasta, sandwiches, and entree salads. The mix may rankle purists, but it probably makes sense for the variety of tourists that still come to the Castro. The complimentary lightly crisp papadum was familiar from their Bhoga days, and it was nice to see them offer dipping sauces this time (photo: https://bit.ly/3oX4gWf). I decided to order the $15.95 Tandoori Chicken Sandwich which placed the grilled poultry between slices of toasted house-baked sourdough bread with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, cilantro and a chutney mayo sauce. It was very much like a South Asian BLT and quite tasty for lunch. They provided a choice of fries or salad, and frankly I was in the mood for fries. Out came a generous basket of them straight out of the fryer (photo: https://bit.ly/3VgvqU5). That was definitely a full meal. The decor leftover from Bhoga struck me as more formal than they need for their current menu, but I can think of worse lapses. FOOD - 4 stars...a tandoori CLT that tastes like a satisfying BLT AMBIANCE - 4 stars...still looks like the more upscale Bhoga SERVICE - 4 stars...quietly attentive TOTAL - 4 stars...the needed change in identity works in the Castro RELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2HrpFPC

Castro Indian was a great Indian fusion restaurant with a fun menu! I came here for dinner on Sunday night, and immediately loved the decor inside. I was surprised that it was pretty empty, my party of 4 was the only group for most of the night- not sure if this was an off night though. Anyway, I loved that the menu had so many options including the classic Indian meals and some twists on pasta and other American dishes. There was a lot of meat and vegetarian options as well. I ordered the Chicken Tikka Linguine and it was so creamy and flavorful. It wasn't too spicy which I liked and a great option if you're looking for an American-Indian fusion dish. The dosa was huge, perfectly cooked and crispy with tasty chutneys and sambar. The curries were super flavorful, others in my group got the seafood and chicken curry. We did personally feel that medium spice was too much for us, would recommend mild or lower if you don't have too high of a spice tolerance. The grilled meat plate was solid, though I did think they could've given more meat for the price of it. The cocktails were tasty too, I recommend the Boozy Pina Colada Lassi. It was sweet and creamy but had a good kick of rum! Would definitely come back here and recommend others to try it out as well!

They have dosas which is rare to find in SF. Masala dosa was pretty tasty. Also liked the goat curry. Usually also get the chicken tikka masala.

Food was not up to the mark. Service was decent and staff was friendly and polite. Their cocktails were excellent! Many dishes we ordered were lacking taste and authenticity. It's a fusion restaurant but certain dishes like kebabs and veggie curries are standard recipes but unfortunately they were not palatable. Also, the person cleaning the table and the plates, was the same who was serving which is not hygienic. Don't think we'll go here again for food but might go for some drinks!

Great tika masala, naan and pakora. Only thing to be aware of was the cheese dosa came with a shredded three cheese blend, not paneer, as we expected. Kind of a quesadilla thing? Anyway service was great!

Wow! Delicious Indian & American food with some Nepalese treats thrown in there (say "momo momo"). The chef is clearly talented, they offer more than the usual standards, prices are reasonable and the portions are generous. The highest compliment is that our friend from India really enjoyed the food, as did we Americanos. They've got more than the usual standards, and yes, if you're with someone who doesn't care for Indian food, there are alternatives. The waitress recognized the friends who brought us here and remembered their favorite drinks (mango lassi and an IPA style beer). Besides the delightful momo appetizers, we also had garlic naan, Aloo Gobi, an okra dish, cumin rice, a coconut vegetable curry and a wonderful mixed grill of lamb, salmon, chicken, and shrimp, pappadams, pickles, raita, some chutneys. All fresh tasting and unexpected. The decor is a little offbeat, but the dining area is spacious and relaxed. Best of all we could have a proper conversation (when we weren't stuffing food in our faces) because the room is not designed to echo sound. (I do not enjoy eating while yelling at my table mates.) Why isn't this place packed every night?

Caught a late lunch on a Monday. Was so surprised at how good the food was. We ordered several different dishes to get a sense of the menu figuring we'd take the left overs home for dinner or next day. Presentation of food was excellent but flavors were a match. Tried veggie Momo, chicken kebab, Chana masala, Bhindi (okra), and a veggie paneer tikka masala. The Momo was really tasty and came with a great sauce. The chicken kebab came with a really excellent selection of veggies like radish, carrot, beetroot, potato, green pepper. The veggies were super fresh and perfectly cooked. Rounded it all off with a couple of different nans. Will definitely be back.

What an amazing find! Normally when a restaurant has a gigantic menu with items as eclectic as curry, dosas, noodles, and sourdough sandwiches, I get a bit concerned but Castro Indian Restaurant pulled it off. My partner and I split a masala dosa and Kotthu Parotta (shredded paratha with chicken) since we weren't very hungry but we ended up being blown away by the portion sizes! The dosa was HUGE - at least two feet long - and came with a delicious set of chutneys, flavorful potatoes, and other veggies. I am always impressed by how crispy and thin dosas can be, and this restaurant did not disappoint. The kotthu parotta is unlike any Indian dish I've ever had - it's paratha shredded into small pieces and mixed with either veggies, chicken, or paneer. The flavors were awesome - though would probably have preferred eating it with some naan or rice. Would love to try some other dishes at this place in the future. Worth a stop if you're in the area!

Best Indian food I've ever had, EVER. The food was savory, flavorful, and fresh. The atmosphere is inviting and the staff is welcoming. My daughter and I were not expecting such a great experience. We had the mule and the tequila/mezcal cocktail. The waiter let us try the beer on tap which was crispy and refreshing. Don't miss out on this place!

We decided to come to this very highly rated restaurant in the fun Castro neighborhood and we're not disappointed and are to be able to heap more praise on it. This is some of the best Indian food I've had anywhere. Everything was made well, using local and organic when possible. The bengan bharta was tart, smoky, and smooth, while the coconut curry veggies were sweet, nutty, and so delicious. The cilantro sauce was better than usual, though the tamarind sauce was a little too thin. And the piña colada with coconut yogurt was quite an unusual treat. We're already planning to return next week with our cousins.

Loved the chicken tikka linguine! The drinks were delicious as well! Will definitely be coming back soon!

Beauuutifullyyy decorated modern interior! A bit pricey, but I guess we did want to try a bunch of things on their menu and have leftovers for later lol. Chai was great, food was delicious and well presented, and service was quick and kind. We went in the afternoon when it wasn't very busy, but I would definitely come again!

Loved the food. I got the Tandoori Chicken Sandwich and fries, along with the mango sauce. Delicious is an understatement. They also have their own beer that they craft in-house, and had one after my meal. Loved the service as well - the owner was friendly and had a great attitude. Ambiance is also awesome, as you can see from the photo. Give this place a shot.

This was the first time I tried their Chicken Dal, (chicken with lentils), so good. It's my new favorite now

Delicious Indian food in the heart of the Castro! What really impressed me was the chicken tikka linguine. I've heard of sandwiches and pizzas but never a chicken tikka pasta! It was very flavorful with lovely pieces of chicken. The restaurant is beautiful inside. Go try it for yourself!

Been by a few times and the food I saw being served outside looked good. Time to go in. Nice interior, great bar area in the front half of space, the back with tables. Big menu, lots of interesting choices. The garlic naan was a perfect indication of the goodness to come, so fresh and richly flavored. Street curry with lamb was excellent, deeply flavorful. Butter chicken was also excellent, so rich and satisfying. Crazy good dosa choices, nice big dosa , enough to share. Great service, attentive and helpful. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Have been craving good Indian food in the City and decided to give this spot a try. Absolutely delicious! We had the masala dosa and the chicken tikka (tandoor) w/butter naan. Also ordered a few drinks - which were great. This will now be on the rotation of favorite restaurants. Friendly service to top off the experience. What a gem!

Nice decor, tableware. Don't miss 65. Full bar. There is a microbrew setup, but I don't drink beer. Probably the best food in the Castro now.

Really good food. A little pricey, but much better than the other Indian offerings around. They also make their own beer.

My favorite part about visiting this restaurant was their service. Our waiter was very friendly and we ended up having a conversation about japan and his trip all around asia. The food was amazing and the wait for the food was not long at all. Highly recommend checking this place out! The interior is also very cute

I came here with a friend a couple weeks ago and she got Chicken Tikka Masala (mild) with Garlic Naan and I got the Lamb Vindaloo (medium) with Butter Naan. Hands down my favorite Indian food of all time (both of our meals, I'd never had tikka masala before), I would come back from Oakland just for this place. (Since leaving, I've tried tikka masala at 2 different places and they ranged from good to barely edible.) It was the Saturday before Halloween and they had a big baby shower going on so they were quite busy, but service was still good. Our server was knowledgeable about their cocktails and steered us in the right direction. Ambiance was beautiful. It had almost a Mayan feel to it. We wondered if that was leftover from a previous restaurant? The Castro itself is always a lot of fun. Generally friendly people (let's keep it that way, please :) and lots going on. Go eat, drink, be merry!

Great food. The flavors are rich, the menu has something for everyone, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Definitely worth a visit! The ambiance combines vibrant decor with warm lighting, creating an inviting space that's ideal for anything from casual meal to formal gathering.

Delicious food, great service, and ambience at this restaurant. I love coming to eat here and also enjoying their desserts.

Great food, service, and ambiance. Highly recommend if you're in the area and looking for some great tasting Indian food.

Excellent food and service! A great menu with lots of choices and some exotic dishes. Their mamos are delicious and that sauce on the side amazing!

Gosh this place was so, so good. We had the plant-based-chicken tikka masala. And the waiter was hot! The only bad part about the place is that I forgot my leftovers at the hotel.

The current incarnation of this restaurant is excellent - much improved by the new owners. My Korma was flavorful and rich. The add-in salmon was plentiful and top quality. I don't eat Indian food often and am fairly ignorant, but what we saw going by and what we were served were excellent blends of Indian dishes and class American food. Nan accompanying a "Castro Bowl" of healthy, fresh vegatables typifies what's on offer. The atmosphere is low-key and the service is friendly. The fact that they're open for lunch greatly increases a reason to go to the Castro middays.

First time was an impromptu lunch on the sidewalk and was pleasantly surprised with the value. I recently went again for dinner, mostly because it was the only spot that is open late - got drinks, the bowl salad and a curry - again, all a really great value! Would recommend!

Wonderful service from all of the staff members. Especially after coming from a bar down the street where my friends and I were not treated with respect. They also had the cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen in SF. Not to mention the food was delicious, and my personal favorite the mango lassi. I accidentally left behind one of my belongings and they kept it safe for me behind the bar until I came back to get it. Will definitely be coming here again 10/10 recommend!

Great food and efficient service. Highly recommend their gobi 65 and paneer tikka masala.

Guys the drinks here are amazing. So unique and unlike anything you will find on the Castro. Ask for Binod when you get here and he will def hook it up with some of the yummiest recommendations.

Had tried take out on a late night, my overall impression was that the food is very expensive and really not tasty, tried once and done. Not worth another try, the review is harsh, but very frank and honest. The cashier seemed friendly and the location is amazing, but... they really should improve the taste and ingredients

So so so good! The best Indian Food I've had in many years. Had an awesome dinner there while visiting San Francisco. Beautiful restaurant too. Great service. Don't miss this one in the Castro!

Castro R&B is my recent discovery i had a unique dining experience which I am thrilled to share. Standout features of this restaurant to my observation is their fusion menu, which blend traditional Indian delicacies with other cuisines. Loved their fusion creations . 1. Pesto panner kebob (5/5) 2. Steamed chicken pot stickers(5/5) 3. Gluten free garlic bread (5/5) 4. Chicken tikka linguine (4/5) The restaurant's bar had a wide selection of cocktails, local brewed beers and some Indian beers. 1. Mango vesper. (4/5) 2. Calicraft kolsch(5/5) 3. Taj Mahal(5/5) The ambiance of the restaurant is also pleasant and cozy. My eating experience is delightful from start to end thanks to the attentive and polite service provided by the knowledgeable staff, who are delighted to offer recommendations. For everyone who enjoys Indian cuisine with a unique flavour, Castro R&B is a must-visit. This Indian restaurant is destined to become a new favorite for foodies and casual eaters alike thanks to its full bar, fusion cuisine, and warm atmosphere. Wishing you the best and always happy to support small, local and family owned businesses in the neighborhood.

I got the hakka noodles and they were good but i wouldn't go out of my way to eat it again. I wouldn't say it's worth the price (around $15 i think) slightly spicy which i liked but i still feel like there wasn't that much flavor or anything special about it! It was still good though and i wasn't upset with the meal! The staff also were kind but again nothing note worthy. They did have a vegan pina colada lassi though which was good and it's nice that it uses vegan coconut yogurt! Outdoor seating was nice and warm with the heaters (: