Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar

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 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 foodThey served us complimentary papad with mint and tamarind chutneysPodi idli: crispy fried idlis with podi powder. Came with coconut chutneyHariyali chicken kabab: very tasty. Very fresh and succulent meat. Veggies were yum too.Street style chicken curry: authentic Indian home cooked style chicken curry. YumButter tikka masala - nice sauce. we ordered it with chicken and another one with salmon. Can't go wrong with thisChicken dum biryani: slightly on the spicy side but very flavorful. Loved the presentation! Butter naan, garlic naan and chilli naan - freshly baked

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 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.