Karahi House

Restaurant · Polk Gulch

Karahi House

Restaurant · Polk Gulch

2

1409 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109

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Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null
Karahi House by null

Highlights

Pakistani & Indian comfort food, open late with flavorful karahi  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

1409 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109 Get directions

karahihousesf.com

$10–20 · Menu

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1409 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109 Get directions

+1 415 757 0940
karahihousesf.com

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 16, 2025

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@infatuation

San Francisco’s New Restaurant Openings

"Open late (until 11:30pm on weekdays and until 2am on weekends), Karahi House has the potential to become a late-night go-to on Polk Street. They’re serving a long list of meat and vegetarian Pakistani dishes, mostly cooked in a karahi, as well as curries, kebabs, and biriyani. " - ricky rodriguez

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/guides/new-san-francisco-restaurant-openings
View Postcard for Karahi House
@eater

Memorabilia from San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing Is on Display at the Smithsonian - Eater SF

"Fans mourned when local mini-chain Shalimar closed its doors in March 2023. A new bright banner hangs over the Polk Gulch location, though, just next door to newcomer Juniper from the Saint Frank Coffee family. Karahi House, a 100 percent Halal restaurant serving Pakistani and Indian food, will take over the space." - Paolo Bicchieri

https://sf.eater.com/2023/10/18/23922570/anchor-brewing-smithsonian
View Postcard for Karahi House

Sayem Shah

Google
Food was great and tasty. Service was exceptional. Server was very helpful. Got a chair for my niece. Got us room temperature water bottles. Served the food hot.

Joe & Rex Benson & Rodriguez

Google
Very good lunch buffet for $22. Nice selection of meat and veggie. Staff is great. Only complaint or suggestion is to have labels for those who don’t know the dishes. Judging by my experience most customers looked like they knew this type of food but it would still be nice. Also access to a knife only for the chicken would be nice. I want to come back again Not sure if this is normal for buffet but owner who rang us up did not give us option to tip. Just skipped that screen. Thanks guess he felt set price is good enough

Eagle Bound

Google
All around a great spot for halal Indian food! We got the tandoori chicken (you get two pieces and get to decide how many pieces of breast meat and leg meat you want) and goat butter masala, plus some garlic naan. The tandoori chicken was delicately spiced, and quite good. The goat butter masala was rich and decadent, with a slight spice to it. Free chai with the meal was a delight :) Servers were very friendly and attentive, and the food was made fresh to order. We went around 11 pm, so a great spot for a late night bite to eat!

Melissa Puga

Google
We give this place a 10 out of 10. The food was absolutely delicious. Restaurant was very clean. Staff was friendly. Got our food in a timely manner. We will definitely be back.

Jaskaran Virdi

Google
Excellent Indian food! Great service and a great location. Slowly becoming my go to Indian place in SF! Tried the lamb biryani and lamb Karahi. The lamb is tender, juicy and full of flavor.

Nicholas Sawyer

Google
I dont usually leave reviews, enjoyed the food a lot until I was eating left over saag paneer and got a sharp piece of some kind of ceramic (maybe a bone?) Regardless of what it was unacceptable it made it in there

Iqra Akram

Google
I had the Seekh Kabob, Karahi, and Falooda — everything was absolutely delicious! The flavors were rich and authentic, and the food was served fresh and hot. The Seekh Kabob was perfectly spiced, the Karahi was full of flavor, and the Falooda was the perfect sweet ending to the meal. Highly recommend this place — definitely coming back!

Abishay Gill

Google
Love the food!! I am from Lahore and moved to SF recently and it reminds me of true Lahori Karahi🤤

Alec O.

Yelp
The food here was pretty darn good! Especially the Lamb seekh kabob Karahi! Goes great the garlic naan!
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Olivier G.

Yelp
Karahi House is a Pakistani restaurant that opened a few months ago on Polk Street. They serve karahi dishes, tandoori items, biryanis, and some vegetarian options. The waiter mentioned they might add nihari to the menu in the near future. The restaurant also has a small terrace on the street side. Given the restaurant's name, I decided to try their chicken karahi, a very popular dish in Pakistan. I was pleasantly surprised that the dish was served directly in a karahi (a type of Indo-Pakistani iron wok). The chicken was perfectly cooked, and the thick gravy had subtle and flavorful spices. Overall, it was a delightful experience at Karahi House.
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Anontto J.

Yelp
Worst food ever. The biriyani rice was hard because rice was half done. The taste was awful as I never had anything like this as Pakistani/Indian food. The chicken karahi dish had no flavor whatsoever so ever - as if the meat and the spices were thrown into a dish and removed before even the onion got a chance to blend with spices. GROSSLY SERVED AND RIDICULOUS TASTE. Got to be a fool to eat at this restaurant.
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Cassandra J.

Yelp
We were excited to see a new Indian restaurant open up near us, especially since the previous Indian restaurant in this spot closed down! My partner was also really interested in getting the chicken karahi, as they're one of the few restaurants that has a boneless option. I ordered my standard paneer tikka masala as I use that for my initial barometer for my first time at an Indian/Pakistani restaurant, along with a side of rice and garlic naan for the two of us. The karahi came out first and it was sizzling! It was ok waiting for the rest of our food to come out since the dish needed some time to cool down for consumption. The rest of our meal came out not long after, pretty much perfect timing with the karahi being ready. The tikka masala was good, not as sweet as I usually expect it but was silky smooth. The chunks of paneer were large and soaked up the sauce nicely. Huge shout out to the rice which had a really nice flavor (despite most of it being coated in masala). My partner though the karahi was perfect, a lot of intense flavours and the cumin really jumped through. I was happy that the portions weren't *huge* like some other Indian restaurants we go to, as we wind up eating too much (because it's so delicious). We cleaned out most of what we ordered and felt just full enough. I love the huge room and space they have, you don't feel crowded at all, plus there's outdoor seating (with a barrier between the seating area and sidewalk and an overhang above). We're going to put this on our list of regular Polk Street restaurants for lunch/dinners.
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Joseline M.

Yelp
What a great new spot on Polk street. The restaurant has been open for a few months now and I'm glad I finally got to try it. The inside is very modern and new! You can seat inside but also have the option of seating on their patio. We were greeted by a very nice man that guided us to a table and served us water immediately. We did ask for recommendations on what to eat but ultimately went with something we were familiar with. Food came out very fast and it was warm, it smelled amazing and portions were perfect for 2. The lamb karahi was one of the best I've ever had! The lamb was tender, the curry was full of flavor and well balanced, peppers were not overcooked and it had the right amount of fresh herbs. We found ourselves sitting in complete silence and finishing our meal in minutes from how good it was. This place hasn't received the hype it definitely deserves. I hope to come back soon and try other yummy items
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Renny T.

Yelp
It was late and i was back from a trip and starving! Karahi House saved my night! Because, hey they are OPEN LATE! I wanted rice, meat and vegetables so i ordered their Lamb Karahi which came out soooo huge in a hot stone pot. I absolutely loved it. It tasted amazing and i am sorry i ate the whole thing all on my own and even forgot to take a picture of it. My mouth is watering already just by thinking about the dish. People there are friendly. Atmosphere is nice and calm. Clean and organized. They have outdoor seating also. Everything was exceptional! I wanna try their desserts too. Lastly, this place totally deserves to be packed and busy! Why aren't you guys coming? Come try!!!
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Shalin B.

Yelp
We went to this place on a Wednesday evening, we were the only ones there. We were greeted with such kindness and given menus and seated immediately. They gave us ample time to pick and even gave some recommendations. At the end we chose the Chicken Seekh Kabob Karahi and damn if it wasn't delicious. We didn't expect it to come out on a sizzler but when I tell you I bit into that thing and transcended, I'm not lying. The chicken was moist, the herbs was incredibly fresh with the chili kick that you want. Practically caramelized onions, too. Delicious. And then if that wasn't enough, they gave us some watermelon slices on the way out on the house. Juiciest watermelon i've ever had, didn't even regret dripping it all over my hands while walking down the street after. check this place out. lovely people and good ambiance, will be going back.
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Muhammad Usman R.

Yelp
High rating due to Fake reviews most likely... steer clear of this place. Got both whole bone-in chicken Karhai and goat karhai and could not have had a worse experience. 1- Undercooked karhai with tough tasteless chicken swimming in pieces of onions and bell pepper. 2- Goat karhai had large diced onion, tomatos and bell pepper which would have been a underwhelming jalfarezi somewhere. 3- this place cannot be called karahi house as serving in a karhai cannot qualify your food at karhai. 4- Naans were bad too, even frozen super market naan are better.
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Brian L.

Yelp
Best pakistani restaurant in the city. Better than 99% of the indian/ pakistani places in san jose ive tried also. Karahi plates are cooked on sizzling woks in a nice authentic way which is new to me and tastes epic. Naan is crisp and fluffy with delicious amounts of garlic, and sikh kebabs were incredibly tender and flavorful. Just the right taste, not dry and hard. Goat curry has very good variety of spices, warm and hearty with great portions. 5/5 would definitely recommend a try - this new spot is a true hidden gem (for now) !
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Sanna A.

Yelp
First time here for dinner with a group of friends. First thing I noticed it was super clean and spacious inside. The food was freshly made. It took about 20-30 mins. So beware, it does take time when eating here. They were nice and as quick as one could be. Price is very comparable to any Pakistani/ Indian restaurant. 4/5
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Christine V.

Yelp
i really enjoyed my time and meal here; i could tell that they just opened and are still figuring out the best way to do things. the man that took my order was very polite and welcoming. my partner and i were the only ones in the empty restaurant, and he made sure to take care of us. he brought us two cups of complimentary chai, which we were grateful for on such an unusually cold evening. i am not too familiar with pakistani food, but the two entrees we ordered were new to us and tasted like a warm, home-cooked meal. i do wish that both were seasoned a bit stronger, and less oily/greasy--they were a bit heavy handed on that front.
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James D.

Yelp
A truly fantastic new Pakistani restaurant to build out affordable, tasty late night options in Polk Gulch. Counter service, quick turnaround, and delicious food; all you'd expect in a solid quick service SF Pakistani/North Indian spot. Bright lighting and open super late. Great QPR as well: Two curries plus rice and a garlic naan for $40 plus tip. This was easily enough food for generous portions for two or probably three hungry people. Can't beat that in this neighborhood. Or in this economy! The goat tikka masala was the standout, and the okra masala and basmati rice were great as well. All were perfectly prepared, came out hot, and had flavors in perfect balance. No overwhelming spice in any of these. The garlic naan was maybe half a step back, perhaps a little dry and the garlic didn't add much, though in fairness it's the same price as the regular naan. It still made a nice contrast to the curries, and I found myself spooning more and more onto the plate and powering through more of all four items than I had intended. Self-justifying curry; the best sign that they do it right. In truth I'd been in mourning since my favorite Pakistani house in the TandoorLoin closed late last year, and I'd been eyeing this new entrant and watching it steadily take shape over the past several weeks. I'm so glad now they're finally here - welcome to the neighborhood!
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Chandni S.

Yelp
One star less cause they said the Karachi for 2 was enough for 2 which it wasn't and instead said that 1 rice isn't for 2 when it was. Overall, the food was really good though. I just wish there was more chicken in the chicken Karahi. Loved the aloo gobi we ordered with it. It was a Togo order so not bad.

Imtiaz A.

Yelp
Great food , service and excellent staff and taste. Very neat and clean place. Friendly staff, accommodating and knowledgeable
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Zonda F.

Yelp
Had the Chicken Seekh Kabob Karahi last night and I seriously can't wait to go back and reorder it, yum yum yum
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Mirwais A.

Yelp
The food the food was amazing Test I am Indian Pakistani food lover. I tested food all around Bay Area so far but the most delicious Pakistani food located vertically on this restaurant veggie biryani rice chicken Jafalzi chicken, tikka masala and fish was really amazing. Thank you for good service. Definitely recommended for Indian and Pakistani food lovers.
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Lex F.

Yelp
So glad to stumble upon this place during a walk along Polk St. Everything we had was delicious and location was so clean! Also, you know a place is legit when more than 50% of the patrons appear like they are the appropriate ethnicity. If they give are happy to dine there, then they have my vote LOL Definitely will be returning for more!
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HO T.

Yelp
You want to eat authentic lamb curry or other curry dishes come to Karachi House. They have been open about a month or so and I have been there about 4 times. They have not disappointed me. I find the taste same as in B
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Liz M.

Yelp
Fresh and delicious. Really good Pakistani food. Everything cooked to order. Wish we lived closer!
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L L.

Yelp
OMG so good! Obsessed! Terrific food with gorgeous flavors! Even something as simple as their basmati rice was made with care (they add cumin and cardamom which makes the rice beyond amazing!) Their mango lassi also has a hint of floral flavor that gives the mango the right amount of va va voom. Nice ppl and totes clean! Can't wait to return again!

Yasmine L.

Yelp
I called and put an order in for takeout and it took less than 20 minutes. I got the Saag Paneer which was delicious. The Lamb Karahi was amazing, it was flavorful and spicy. The lamb was perfectly tender and soft marinating in the spicy curry. Highly recommend and I can't wait to go back and try more off their menu. Genuinely really delicious.

Maria D.

Yelp
Great food, great service, reasonable prices. Check out my previous review as well :)

Latte Queen W.

Yelp
Clean new spot with good service. Chicken karahi was one of the best I've ever had. Love the abundant raw onions in the dish. Daal makhani was also really delicious and a great complement to the chicken. The shrimp karahi dish was the only miss for me. Too creamy, not enough flavor. Also, the free chai had no masala at all. I would definitely come back and try some of the other dishes.
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Jason W.

Yelp
The chicken tikka masala was bomb! Loved the fresh quality dish. The lamb Karahi was delicious! Definitely worth the bang for your bucks.

Bob J.

Yelp
They really fixed things place up from the restaurant that was here. New everything. The service was amazing and the food was good. The naan was descent . Definitely looks way better the restaurant they replaced.

Joseph C.

Yelp
Amazing value and authentic Pakistani and Indian food. Great value for the money. Highly recommend.

Kathleen

Yelp
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the whole neighborhood. The owner and team are very friendly, all the vegetarian dishes are consistently very good, and my meat eating friends are always willing to join me. I'm really glad they opened, and happy that Pakistani food has become comfort food for me!

Moez R.

Yelp
Great food. Great service. Very peaceful environment. My top 3s in SF and they were all very polite.