Tracey A.
Yelp
If you, like me, lament current restaurant prices but also don't wish to sacrifice great taste as the trade-off I'd like to introduce you to Raavi. Numerous placards inside the sparsely furnished interior attest to the fact that "people love us on yelp" and now I can get in that line.
With a location that straddles North Beach, Jackson Square, and Chinatown, Inidan fare might not be what you thought you sought and peering inside might confirm that. Step up to the register, order, and pay. Food will be brought to your table but not before you help yourself to utensils, a plate, napkins, and a self-serve, free, unsweetened chai. The place lacks charm or, really a cohesive decor, but the food and prices make up for that.
The prices here are so reasonable that I was downright joyful to see the portion sizes. Both Basmati Rice ($3) and Baingan Bharta ($9; an eggplant dish) were ample enough in size to fully satisfy me and the remainders proved good for a whole second meal at home.
None of this meal - which ran a total of $13 - would matter if the food weren't good but it is actually so good, so delicious, that I am already planning a return visit. The menu is large and even dishes containing seafood seem to top out at around $12.
Thank you, Raavi, for helping me again find the joy in dining out.