Chutney Restaurant

An honest review. I went once in 2015 and enjoyed it so I vowed to return again. I did return in April 2025, and I must admit I was disappointed. The seekh kabab was dry. The chicken leg and thigh was dry. Two dishes where you’d expect to be moist/tender but they were far from it. The butter chicken lacked punch although the chicken itself was okay. The biryani lacked flavor; it was very plain. The naan was good however. Made fresh. And the magaz masala was just okay. To top it all off, the desi tea they give for free had no milk in it. Tasted like flavored water. They were however, busy so they must be doing something right. And they have been in business for a number of years. Maybe I just went on a bad day.

This was my introduction to South Asian food and I do not regret it one bit. In the moment I felt as though I had tasted the best food of my life. So much flavor that fulfills you like nothing else. I will say, the atmosphere isn’t the best, but the employees treat you well the food makes it all up to you. I will absolutely be a repeat customer. 5/5.

Their food is really delicious. specially chicken tikka masala, lamb rice seekh kebab chicken breast, their service fabulous. fast and Quick.

This place serves Indian and Pakistani food. It's on the outskirts of the tenderloin district in San Francisco, but don't let that scare you off. The food is fantastic. We've been there many times and each time the food was delicious. It's difficult to find parking, but if you can find parking nearby it's worth the effort.

Service is terrible and food undercooked I used to come here for a long time since 2016 but enough is enough changed a lot since then people don’t come here there are lots of good Indian food out there

We came upon the recommendation of our Lyft driver because we prefer local cuisine. It's absolutely no customer service. The restaurant is old and you get cups and plates like you did in elementary school (very old). I was not disappointed with the food but I was not overly pleased either. The three consistent truths from all the posts are (1) food is incredibly reasonably priced (2) food is cooked by Mexicans and (3)it does taste authentic enough. I had curry goat, hubby had chicken marsala and we shared the meat stuffed naan.

DO NOT EAT HERE!!!!!! I found a fly in a lamb biryani plate. City needs to inspect and investigate this place. Disgusting!!!

The food was very good and the service was even better he did not make us pay for drinks and gave us free chai. We are actually on the way to go back for some more good food now.

It's the best always, I'm hooked on the quality of their food..... check it out thank me later

My family and I have been eating here for the past sixteen years almost. Before the owner rebrand to Chutney. Never had any issue with the food, let alone the ambiance of the restaurant. Visiting back after four years as a family, we noticed the food has gone completely downhill. Food coloring is predominantly sprinkled all throughout their dishes and kabobs are tasteless and tough. Overall, the food is no longer worth the price, but hey, at least you can still grab a free cup of chai to wash down the gunk. Cheers!

You might not be impressed by the restaurant's presentation and decor, but the food here is really good. When I came here and saw no one was inside. I had a second thought whether we should try somewhere else. But, my friend insisted. We ordered two curries (one lamb and one chicken) and a chicken wrap. We loved all of them. They were all so tasty and creamy. I ate some fast, and that is how good that is. They also give out free chia milk tea. It was pretty good too. The people here are very nice. They spent time talking about their specials. I will come back or order take out next time.

Hot take, but the tenderloin is home to some of the best food in San Fransisco. I said what I said. Chutney is a halal Pakistani/ Indian restaurant that delivers. Making food for the heart and serving customers at break neck speeds, this restaurant is an essential for San Fransisco Muslims and anyone who enjoys this type of cuisine. Ordering delivery or coming in during Ramadan nights, chutney is the best in its class. The chicken is flavorful, the naan is fluffy, and the curries are to die for! The restaurant itself is a delight, and is so inviting for families and friends

I have been coming to chutney since 2005, this has been my most favorite Indian and Pakistani restaurant in San Francisco. The food was always consistently delicious, you could order the same thing, and it was always tasty. Sadly, I haven't been here in a couple years and just recently I came back, and the food was just OK. Very watery, less flavor, kind of bland, even a bit over cooked. I was so excited and then, pretty disappointed. I will say that one positive is that their prices are still very affordable as always. But to be honest, I would rather spend a few extra bucks and get the amazing food that used to be. Chutney, please come back to us, we need you.

My favorite dish to get! I get it every time I come here. Comfort food for sure. I always get it for 2.

Food was so good! Portions aren't big but it's generous for the price you pay. Between my husband and I, we ordered chicken tikka masala, ground chicken and beef seikh, rice, and garlic naan. It all came to roughly $30 and it was plenty of food for us. The service was okay and the ambiance is very basic. It definitely gives off a false vibe. You walk in and order your food, sit down and eat, then go up to pay. The place is very chill. Everything tasted fresh and delicious. Will be back.

Great Indian spot in the heart of the tenderloin! Three entres, garlic naan, and two sides of rice for under $50, hard to beat that. Staff was friendly, dining room was clean, bathrooms: 6.5/10.

The food is excellent prepared with care and authentic to a t. It's a no frills Indian with tasty entrees and naan. Save your money and eat in a congenial atmosphere. And there's complimentary chai that you'll never get in a chain coffee place...

I love the food. I order on Door Dash and it doesn't take long to get to me. The samosas and chicken tikka masala are my favorites.

Probably the best Indian cuisine out in Bay Area. I've been on of their loyal customer customers since 2013. Never had I eaten bad chicken tikka masala here. It's so fascinating how it never changes. Always on point. Giving it 4 stars just for it's location. It's not their fault I guess:)

A few friends recommended this place but I was pretty underwhelmed by it. The tikka masala was so-so and the okra was so salty that I wasn't able to finish it (and I'm a big salt fan)! Not sure what the hype is.

I first ate from this place through take out and the food was always super tasty. I tried other Indian restaurants in San Francisco and no other place can beat how tasty Chutney is ! The food is always filling, tasty, and they have the best prices as well. Chutneys knows what they're doing! I usually order sheekh kebab, vegetable biryani, chicken tikka masala, rice pulao, and Chana masala. I love there mango lassi too!

This place sort of reminds me of the hole in the wall places back in NYC. But it's also a different vibe. Tried various dishes which included veggie biryani, chicken Tikka masala, various naans, a version of aloo Gobi, beef kufta kabob, and samosa. Food was all hot and fresh. But it was spicy. Soo spicy. Usually I can handle but was too hot for me this time. I would skip the samosas. The naan though- garlic and cheese was my favorite. I'd recommend you come with friends and no high expectations of the setting and neighborhood.

A delicious Indian restaurant located in the Tenderloin in SF. Be warned the location is def sketch & don't recommend walking to the location after parking alone, but the food is worth it. Everything was authentic, delicious and spiced perfectly. 100% authentic, and all of the meat was juicy and marinaded to the T. The only dish I would say I wouldn't have again is the Lamb Biryani. The biryani didn't look or taste like any biryani I've ever had before and it tasted just completely not like a biryani. On the plus side the lamb was beautifully ok melting and not fatty at all. ** keep in mind with some whole in the wall places the service might not be the best, it's ok you'll service. Help yourself to some complimentary chai and it'll calm your nerves.**

The naan was all burned and the chicken tikki masala had a whole layer of oil floating on top, the food was not eatable and all of it went to waste, when I called and complained I was told that I will get a replacement on the house but I was shocked it was all bull crap, the employee said that but the owner never did it. The employees inside are probably the worst quality of people you can meet, very bad service and extremely horrible attitude and the place is never cleaned up, the tables are dirty the floors are disgusting and the plates are not clean and outside there are a bunch of aggressive homeless people shitting on the sidewalk and bothering the people and don't forget all the feud addicts Don't try this place even if you were starving

We ordered Beef Seekh Kabab on two instances and they were on point both times. Their food was ready in time for pick up and it had all the needed condiments included.

The best Indian food I have ever tested. Very nice customer service. I will be coming back for sure. I love the most the chicken tik masala

The tandoori fish is amazing. When I go there I get the lamb biryani, chicken tika Marsala, w garlic naan. This is food is Amazing and it's done in a homie environment. I've been going for years and this is the only Indian Pakistani restaurant that I recommend in the Bay area!!!

My favorite indian restaurant in the city. I'm a bit biased because I lived a block away for years and have eaten here so many times. For my money its the best chicken tikka masala around.

Disclaimer: This is one of my most favorite restaurants of all time (been coming here since 2006 as a teenager). So what I'm going to write sucks but it has to be said: If you've been to Chutney, then you already know it's in the best neighborhood/area. I've had instances before of aggressive panhandlers outside (and even venturing inside) the restaurant- BUT in the past, the manager or whoever worked the front always took care of business by booting them out and making sure customers were SAFE here. Tonight, I ate with my friend and his family for a birthday celebration. Everything was going great until the end: we took a group photo, and a man sitting behind us began to SCREAM at us in English and another language. He was demanding we don't take a photo of him, to delete the photo, and he even said some shit like "Women don't belong here," which was fucking weird since he was there with his wife? The reason for my 1 star review: the manager/workers didn't do shit! They were literally staring without trying to intervene. It took me, my friend, and his dad to get our group safely out the door (the entire time the guy is shouting and trying to fight), and not a single person working there tried to help. They didn't talk to him, separate us, nothing. If we weren't there, would he have continued to shout and even maybe hit some of my friend's family? I honestly think so. This is disappointing because we've been coming here since teenagers, and it's still hella good. But I can't fucking believe NO ONE tried to help in a volatile situation, and I can't support a business that won't keep its customers safe.

Not bad Chutney, except for the fact that you're insanely spicy! All the dishes, including the chutney itself were so spicy! If you're not Indian, or don't have a pretty high tolerance for spice, ask for mild if possible, since the flavor is there and the prices are super chill! This place is kinda sketch tho I mean it's the tenderloin, but hey bang for your buck here! We ordered the aloo palak methi which was a little on the oilier side but we got free rice with it! Great naan and great dal and standard curries. I would come again! Plus free salad and yummy chai!

I really liked the Indian food here. Very clean place, nice location downtown San Francisco.

Chutney is definitely worth walking through the Tenderloin which says alot about the food. My favorite is the chicken tiki masala. Nans are great and you can get the garlic or stuffed cheese as well. Been coming here for a while. Just a heads up, watch your step while walking there and back... if you been to the Tenderloin you know exactly what I'm talking about lol. But yes this place is a must try! Everything is good.

Food was not as good as before. I'm really surprised and disappointed that after pandemic everything changed. The food quality, food serving, and they don't serve salad anymore. I used to like their chicken tikka masala. Place looks dirty too. I'm not coming back to this place anymore.

The food was average. We got the chicken vindaloo, beef nihari, naan and lamb biryani. The vindaloo was really spicy while the other items were a bit more bland. The naan was really good. It was pretty packed for a Sunday night.

This is by far my favorite Indian/Pakistani restaurant... I absolutely love it here and wish I could have it all the time. I always order the chicken Tikka Masala and Seekh Kabab with extra naan!!! Flavors are wonderful, and I'm always left feeling satisfied by their flavors. My only wish is for them to do catering at my wedding one day lol

Can you guys please come back to Fremont ca, please please. I need you guys back here. I will sign a petition.

Food was hot, and the guy at the register was friendly. Got the Chicken Biryani ($11.99) for take-out. I've had nothing but great experiences with Chutney for the past 4+years, but am starting to notice a decline lately in both quantity, and quality. They used to add large chunks of potatoes to their biryani, which is apparently no longer included,as well as quantity/quality of the chicken(but the price is still the same). The meal was basically a large container full of seasoned rice and scattered chicken bones with little to no meat, that had to be slivered off of chunks of surrounding bone marrow. I don't know what happened with their biryani plates, but they really need to step their game up, and not cut corners if they're going to charge the same price for a disappointing fraction of the ingredients that they used to include.

Prices are cheap, the food is middle of the road, and the service is marginal. I go here for the wraps. They are about $9. Its a naan filled with meat... like an Indian burrito of sorts. They have ground chicken, chunk chicken, lamb and beef. I typically do the chicken because its $1 cheaper and I am cheap. After you place your order at the front, you take a seat with your number. A server brings over a plate of vegetables... lettuce, onions and tomato. After multiple visits, I found that they keep a sweet plum sauce in squeeze bottles in the refrigerator also used for the drinks. The guests are permitted and encouraged to help themselves to these squeeze bottles. The noise level can get high on a busy Friday night, and the ambience is nothing to write home about. This is definitely not a date spot, but one of the Tenderloin's cheap eats.

Food is descent, hence two stars instead of one star, but the Customer Service is terrible. So I ordered Two Chicken Tikka Masala but when I checked it later they did not put the Tandori Chicken in to both orders. I called them up to explain the situation and they stated they will compensate me for the two orders of Chicken Tikka Masala and for the mistake and my time, as I had to go pick up the order myself they will give an additional Chicken Tikka Masala or another dish. I was told my name, number and some notes will be left at the front desk explaining the situation. I could not pick the food up that night or the next day because of work so when I called in on Saturday Afternoon they would no longer compensate me for the Third dish. I mean it is kind of logical if you mess up an order that you would compensate the customer for their time and inconvenience right? I stated what was the point of me even calling and trying to fix this issue, I mean would you rather have people write a Negative Reviews? The person over the phone goes "Do it! Write a Negative Review!" I guess they missed my point completely. I have never seen an Employee, probably Family, incite a customer to write a negative review. Good Job, you received your wish! I have owned a business for 20 years, if my employee of mine told a Customer to write a Negative Review I would probably fire them on the spot. But obviously, this is probably Family, because no employee is that dumb or spiteful, and probably knows they will not be fired. So now I have a Second Problem? Fantastic! So now I have to call back after 4 pm to speak to another person about the Second Problem, to find out they know nothing of the First Problem and I now have to explain the First Problem to them. Love the Communication they have between early and late shifts. So I am like you know what just Refund me for the entire order as my Rice and Naan are 2 1/2 Days old now but since I Paid in Cash they pushed back and will not Refund me or compensate me as Promised. They will not even pay for Delivery for their mistake but the funny thing I was willing to pick up the food earlier that day as I was in the area. Now here is the kicker I go out of my way to pick up food from restaurants so Myself and the restaurant can save money. I have been ordering from Chutney for 15 years and I think it is time to find another place I order 1-2X a month from.

This is my favorite place to get Pakistani food from! It's a self service type of place so you grab a menu and order at the counter. The sauces are all the way in the back as well as the chai. I try to eat here every time I'm in the city. I like majority of their dishes. Any of the lamb dishes with a side of naan is delicious! I love how they ask you what level spice you want in the food. I can't handle spicy food so this is perfect for me. The food is flavorful and warm. It pairs well with the side sauces. Wish they had a location closer to me!

The place to go for Indian food in the Tenderloin, but be very careful when walking around this area and would recommend bringing a friend. Upon entering, you will be greeted by the owner who takes your order and bring the food to your table. I usually order the Chicken Biryani, Tikka Masala, Lamb Saag, and Garlic Naan. As for the quality of the food, it's very flavorful and their meat quality is very tender. Usually when I get food from here, we have leftovers, but for some reason it tastes even better overnight. If you dine in, they will offer you a pitcher of water and you can also get tea at the back counter. As for the service, the owner is very friendly and runs most of the restaurant by himself. Overall a very good place to get Indian food if you don't mind walking or driving into a rough neighborhood.

I've tried Indian spots all over the US.. and this is definitely one of the best if not THE best I've ever had. I would've taken a picture, but I ate it so fast, got the Itis and passed out.. lol. But my only regret was not getting more rice and bread to go with the butter (Chicken Masala).. 10/10 recommend.!!

This is the best tandoori chicken in the hood great prices and portions for the amount of love put in this dish. Must try if you love Indian food it taste like home..

Sleepy service, poor food quality, and Very very very bad service, I was waited 45 minutes for my small order after that they said they lost my order, Very very bad costumer service, Never ever back to this restaurant.

So many options- it's the most extensive menu I've ever seen, in a great way. A nice quick spot in the tenderloin. Food was comforting, tastes like real home cooling

My childhood go-to restaurant! You can't never go wrong with this place! Try the Chicken Tikka Masala w/ rice, potato naan and chicken seekh kababs, don't forget to ask for chutney's!

This was my first time coming here and it was delicious! We all had the lamb and chicken wraps and they were so flavorful. They are very filling and the chai is the cherry on top!

Good food affordable prices in competition with San Francisco food war. Recommend: Tendori Chicken - (Taste better if you are buzzed) comes out hot on the touch. Shesh Kabob (beef, affordable, spicy to the touch, and good) Con: Parking not preferred, walking or buzzed preferred. Enjoy getting your hand dirty!

One of my favorite places to eat at. Delicious foods, especially Tandoori and Tikka Masala are the good ones.

The place is a hidden gem not the fanciest, but like they say never judge a book by its cover!! The chicken tikka masala and garlic, naans to die for.

Filling! I'm not that into Indian/Pakistani food but, went here after a 1 hour swim at Aquatic Park with a group of friends. I only had half a lamb wrap and I was full!!!! The meat was deliciously smoky. I wrapped it to go and shared it with my friend and he loved that smoky flavor.

This restaurant is located in Tenderloin, which is a notorious location known to avoid. If you come here, especially in the evening, make sure you're with a friend. The food is really good, I'd definitely order to go next time. Maybe it's because I went close to closing but it was filled with nothing with men who have staring problems. My friend and I were the only women in there, and I could hardly enjoy my food I felt so uncomfortable.

Today was my first time trying the chutney restaurant and I was pleasantly surprised! The environment was extremely welcoming and the owner was really nice to my group. We ordered goat churgha, lamb curry, regular naan and a qeema naan. My favorites were regular naan and lamb curry. I was just disappointed with the fact that lamb curry had more bones than the meat. But the taste of that curry was Delicious! I was craving some fresh tandoori naan as well and the naan at the chutney restaurant exceeded my expectations. Also, make sure to try their chutney with your friends because their chutney makes the taste ten times more delicious. I loved my experience their and the Taste of their food. The only wish I have is to have more meat than bones in the curry next time I visit. I definitely recommend everyone to give this place a shot!

Environment 3 Out of 5 stars Casual place and unimpressive decor Service: 3 Out of 5 stars Once you order your food you're on your own to serve your own water Food: 3 Out of 5 stars Underwhelming and par for Indian food. I'd only really come back if there was nothing else open and better. Overall 3 Out of 5 stars. Meh

Best Indıan restaurant in town. Prices are eligible. For the people who like spicy food definetely go there. I had Chicken Tika Masala, lamb tika masala seems pretty good too.

No improvement I'm afraid. And they still try to pass off lamb as goat meat. Also, I've found Pakwan (just across the street) & Lahore (a block away) far tastier.

Walked by and saw the place was jam packed with families eating with their hands so I figured it give it a shot.... good move on my part! Highly recommend the tandoori Trout (Special if they have it) and Lamb lula kebab... some of the best I've had in SF. Didn't try the naan or Curry's... yet