Darbar Restaurant

Had a great time here last night. The food is spicy and tasty and the restaurant is clean. Live in the area and plan to go back soon!

Pros: clean, friendly, fresh ingredients

Posted 08/19/09

By far the best Indian food we have had in the Bay Area. Very authentic flavors. Prices super low! OMG!!! We are def. coming back and having some more of naan, roti and raita. Oh- and Chicken Tika Masala- to die for!!:-)

Pros: fantastic food- low price

Cons: none

Posted 08/15/09

We went here to satisfy a craving for Indian food after reading the reviews and were not disappointed. The tandoori prawns were flavorful and delicious, although a little pricey at $13 for 5 of them. The other entrees, such as gobi aloo, lamb vindaloo, and others were reasonably priced and quite flavorful. We had some garlic naan and keema naan, both of which were delicious. They were chewy and thick and probably some of the best tasting naan we have ever had. We started the meal with some papadam and samosas, both of which were quite tasty, especially the papadam. Overall, we spent about $50 before tip and ate until we were going to explode.

Pros: Great Naan, tasty entrees

Cons: Kind of a seedy area

Posted 05/25/09

This little bit of Indian/Pakistani food heaven has a modest entrance. Inside is artfully decorated, clean and quiet (no echo chamber. Menu has many entrees-2 big samosas for $3, Naan for $2-so cheap we knew we had gone to heaven. So- the tandoori chicken was neon and sizzling on carmelized onions- impressive for $6.00. The samosas and sauces yummy. Lamb/okra- to DIE for. etc- the wrap was immense for $7 and lots of salad greens with it...all is a la carte but for 4 women who wanted to taste all and not fill up on rice, that was GREAT!!! The tea was yummy (no beer/wine,sad)

Pros: Great food,nice setting,gracious service

Cons: it is not in my home town of Sebastopol- boo hoo

Posted 05/24/09

4 stars for this place!!!! excellent food and i would suggest to go at dinner time, order from menu and enjoy there specialties. Very clean and great service!! Try there Bangan Bharta, Chicken tikka masala with fresh garlic naan grrrrrreat!!!!

Pros: Sevice

Posted 07/22/08

Whenever I eat at Darbar I am amazed at the quality of the food and the price you pay for that quality. The last time I was in I had the samosa which is like a fried wonton with potatoe, peas and spices. You get two and they are fantastic. I also like the spinich, palak paneer. The Dabari Nan is great but if you need it doctored up they have garlic and onion nan too. I usually get the Dabari Chawal for a rice. The Tandori Fish comes out sizzling and has just the right amount of spice. The last time I had it they used talapia. I have to say that the food and service are consistently good. At night the owner is always there tending to his customers. He really makes sure that they are satisfied. The restaurant has a nice decor and is clean. If you're looking for terrific Indian/Pakistani food Darbar is the place. Parking, it's easy there is a city lot nearby.

Pros: Great prices, terrific food

Posted 05/18/08

i complete agree with Sonu1 reviews for this restaurant. where i too had same bad experience.. This is one of the worst restaurant i've seen in SFO.

I TOO FOUND "FLIES" ON THE TABLE, WHICH WAS IRRITATING TO EAT ANYTHING THERE.
i dint see cleanness in that restaurant.
so i dont recommend any 1 to go DARBAR.....

Posted 03/19/08

Amongst the many Indian restaurants I have eaten at, this restaurant is certainly at the top of the list in both the quality of food and service. I've been to about a dozen Indian restaurants and this restuarant is exceptionaI. I chose this restaurant based on Citysearch's positive reviews since I was visiting from out of town and was unfamiliar with local restaurants. Choosing Darbar turned out to be a great move, surpassing my high expectations.

The samosas were inexpensive and freshly made. The naan was fluffy and perfectly cooked. Usually naan is burned in many areas, yet this naan was burn-free. My boyfriend ordered lamb skewers, which tasted just a good as the restaurants that charge almost double for the same thing.

The manager was concerned about the comfort of his guests, and seemed eager to please. We ordered extra naan, and it was out almost immediately, despite the packed house he was simultaneously attending to. At the end I was offered complimentary tea, which was an extra perk for such an already great meal.

Posted 01/11/08

I love this place. The dining room is warm and inviting. The owner is always there at dinner and provides wonderful customer service every single time my girlfriend and I have eaten there. Most importantly, the food is exceptionally delicious. I highly recommend the tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala, vindaloo and my personal favorite, lamb brain masala. The food always arrives promptly and perfectly prepared. I have never eaten a bad dish here yet, and to date I've dined at Darbar more than a dozen times. Ive eaten at quite a few restaurants serving Indian/Pakistani cuisine in the city, but none so far come close to the quality and low prices of Darbar. If you enjoy Indian/Pakistani cuisine or want to try it out for the first time, this is the perfect place to go.

Pros: Prices, service, food.

Cons: none!

Posted 12/19/07

Darbar Restaurant is a restaurant that everyone should try out at least once. My friend told me about it and I went for lunch, and the buffet was cheap and delicious. The restaurant itself is a small, cozy place with cute pictures and lighting. The food (especially the Tandoori chicken) was fresh and sizzling, with the plate leaving a trail of seasoned aromas behind it. The hostess is attentative and helpful with her recommendations of spicy or mild dishes (all of which were awesome). Lastly, the bathroom was extremely clean...the cleanest I've ever seen in an Asian restaurant. For me, the bathroom is really the critical point. If the staff can take the time to clean out the bathroom, it suggests their service and food is worth a try. I experienced eating at Darbar earlier this week, and I must say, I definately did not regret the experience. Go try Darbar!!!

Pros: Cheap food that tastes great, good service

Cons: parking

Posted 10/24/07

The food is soooo incredibily CHEAP! And food is so fresh! I went in during lunch time for some snacks, and found the samosas to be very good, not to spicy just the way I like them. The Chicken Wrap was one of the cheapest filling food items I've bought ($5.30ish) full of chunks of chicken, perfectly seasoned, and fresh veggies. And to top it off, the Rice Pudding was very good! It was a creamy, cool texture doing down my throat. The restaurant is clean and service is great so I'm definatly going back! ! !

Pros: fresh food and inexpensive

Cons: parking

Posted 10/24/07

NOT A GUD PLACE FOR LUNCH
This is my first review to any restaurant and this time i couldn't stop myself from writing a review.
This is one of the worst restaurant i've been to. There were flies in the bathroom and on the tables.
No one is there to pick up plates from your table.
The owner doesn't care when i told him about all this .
Try other restaurants in town, they are better then this one.

Posted 09/27/07

I love Darbar! This is my top choice when I'm craving Indian. You can't beat the prices and if you're lucky enough to go when the owner is working, you'll have a best service too! Be careful when asking for "spicy" food though, because they don't hold back. The lamb samosas are delicious. They give you free chai also. Try it out! The service is great as well.

Pros: Cheap!

Cons: Not in the best part of town (tender-nob), cash only

Posted 09/27/07

Taste-wise the food rivals the best indian restaurants out there. It's very casual and the room is a bit plain, but the owner (I'm guessing he's the owner) is always friendly and has always made sure to take care of us. The to-go wraps are fantastic. The lamb wrap doesn't have as nice of a presentation as the others, but 'tis still tasty.

Pros: Food, service

Cons: Decor

Posted 04/02/07

Darbar is a modertly size place. When I walked in I was greeted gracefully. I had the papadams and garlic nan for starters, followed by a bowl of rice and Chicken Kofta for the main course. The wait staff was very attentive and not the food was even better. I can see why this place is Best of Citysearch.

Pros: food, service, value

Cons: street parking

Posted 12/19/06

Having read all the raves about Darbar, I decided to give it a try last week. I wanted to do a take-out.. When I walked in, there were two tables with customers and they had food/water etc.
An elderly gentleman started to take my "to go" order and then the phone rang. He answered the phone, and in the middle of his conversation, realized that he had been midway through my order. He then motioned the server to take my order. The server then continued to write down my order - I was ordering FOUR menu items for 1 person and he was at item #1!! Then a couple of customers walked in through the front door and the server left to take care of them!! That did it for me and I walked out.

I think that all the positive reviews have gone to Darbar's head. I didn't get even get a chance to try their food due to their "impeccable" customer service.

Pros: Didn't get a chance to find out

Cons: Service

Posted 11/13/06

Food here is great. Great value and service at times. I went here with my brother and sister. My brother is 12 and does not know how t eat Indian so we got him a pizza across the street. We were seated and then when we were about to order the lady tells us that we are not supposed to bring outside food in. My sister and I looked at each other in awe. So I suggested that we forget it and leave. It did not make sense that we were told AFTER we sat down and ordered. My sister and I were going to eat and ordered a good amount of food. So why was it a big deal that my little brother was eating a slice of pizza. I was not about to push him outside while my sister and I ate. She said it was okay but for next time. I told her to put up a sign. Other that that horrible experience, I recommend their food. At least taking it togo or when EVERYONE will be eating since they give you such a hard time.

Pros: Food

Cons: Service

Posted 10/28/06

I am absolutely addicted to this wonderful place. Cozy, clean, affordable, delicious...Need I say more? The owner is super friendly and the service is fast. Food is served sizzling and fresh. Two thumbs up!!!!!!!!!!! You need to give this place a try and then you will be addicted. Don't forget to bring your own beer/wine.

Pros: price, quality

Cons: none

Posted 07/28/06

Food is GREAT for what you pay(very cheap). Owner is the best! He is very friendly and makes it a warm environment. and you can bring your own alcohol! what more do you want???

Pros: byob, inexpensive, yummy food

Cons: parking (of course)

Posted 03/02/06

I am always amazed at the friendliness, quality and value of this place. Really an inbeatable combination.

Posted 01/04/06

Honestly, I've been sampling Indian around the city for years, love the higher ends like Masala, love the hardcore authentics like Pakwan. But Dalbar is my new fave. Delicious complex and spicy curries, tender perfectly braised meats, amazing service. The ambiance still needs some work but that appears to be on its way. Four of us overate to the tune of $65 TOTAL. And, no corkeage so bring a nice wine from one of the shops next door and you'll be supplied with glasses.

I can't recommend this enough....

Posted 12/05/05

Darbar is a cut above other Pakistani/Indian restaurants in San Francisco, but is just as as inexpensive. Your order is taken at the table and you are served, unlike other Pakistani/Indian fast food places. Darbar does not have a wine/beer license, but you can bring in beer and wine. They even have a corkscrew and wine glasses.

Posted 05/05/05

The foos is amazing and very cheap. The service is great but don't go for the decor. Plus I would rather do tale out if you don't want to smell like a samosa at the end of the night :)

Pros: inexpensive, service, food

Cons: decor

Posted 02/01/05

While the ambiance may not be the best, Darbar has the best service and food! So much better than Shalimar -- much better food, and at Darbar you are treated like a customer (not cattle).

Pros: Inexpensive, No wait, Great food

Posted 05/27/04