Dosa

 

1

9

Kenn E.

San Mateo, CA

Yep I know this place is too popular. But I'd post my review here nonetheless. I do this because this restaurant deserves it.

I only wish Dosa would become less attractive to people so I wouldn't have to wait. :)

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9

13

Beth W.

San Francisco, CA

Named for the South Indian crepe made of rice and lentil flours, Dosa is a haven for gluten-free eaters. Although their entire menu is not gluten-free (ask and they'll give you an allergen cheat-sheet that tells which allergens are in which foods), Dosa's focus on South-Indian cuisine reveals just how versatile gluten-free grains are, and how core those grains can be in some cultures. It'll make you feel like other cultures' foods were made for your tummy.

The pungent scent of Indian spices greets you at Dosa's door, and sticks to your clothes when you leave. Their menu focuses on two styles of South Indian pastry, including the dosas -- stuffed with vegetables, curried potatoes or paneer cheese -- and uttapams, which are more like pancakes with a variety of items mixed in. The dosas and uttapams are served with a pair of chutneys, typically coconut and tomato, as well as rich lentil soup that they cook for nearly a full day before bringing it to your table.

Dosa also offers an array of curries and a tasty range of appetizers -- but stay away from the spicy Chennai Chicken, which is unsuspectingly dusted with flour. On top of everything else, the prices here are reasonable, especially for such deliciousness.

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Elite '08

12

92

Jeff W.

Menlo Park, CA

Why write the 704th review of Dosa? Because I am perplexed at the high ratings.

Everything started great: cool atmosphere, packed room, great service, great explanation of the Dosas. And the starter, recommended by the waiter, was excellent: Chennai Chicken, boneless chicken marinated in yogurt, spiced and fried, served over greens. So far, I'm liking it.

Problem #1: _Do not_ order the tasting menu. At $39, it's expensive for what you get. My Lamb Kofta had two meatballs the size of nickels. A complete disappointment for what I was paying. My friends who avoided the tasting menu had reasonable servings at reasonable prices.

Problem #2: _Beware_ of going with a party of 6 or more. We had 7 and received a 20% service charge, rather steep, but when Dosa slaps on another 4% surcharge for S.F. Heath Care, you end up with everything on menu really 33% higher with tax, tip, and surcharge.

Paying $85 for one beer, one glass of wine, one tasting menu, where the main is tiny is absurd.

Aside from feeling gouged, I wish Dosa could solve the pricing problem. Some of the food is very good. Some of the Dosas average. It nets out to Decent Indian food in a cool atmosphere for high prices. Pass.

P.S. I too have been emailed by the owner. Although I appreciate his thoroughness in reading these reviews, he needs to take to heart the criticism on price/quality/portion. I agree with Lorraine L's review: http://tinyurl.com/5g5o2k: the owner needs to address the problem, and not write three-page rebuttals.

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12

42

Jessy B.

Menlo Park, CA

Okay, the good, the bad and the ugly
The positive
+ Hip atmosphere
+ Great service

The Bad
+ Some of the food was pretty good, some not so good.  Generally  the dosas were mediocre.    

The Ugly
+ Way overpriced tasting menu - omigod!  Shocking.  Don't do it.
+ Waiter said we under ordered, but we *way* over ordered.
+ They added a 20% tip for 5 people or more plus a 4% SF service fee.  Just a little over the top.

Warning - long wait if you don't do a reservation.  Need 5 people to make a reservation though.

My guess is they can improve these things, but they are a hot restaurant right now, so not sure if they will.  Would I go again, no.  Was it a horrible experience.  No, it was fine.

UPDATE
I had a good e-mail exchange with one of the owners after my posting - I think its nice when they respond in an open way to reviews.  I should note that the we pay the 4% SF health fee, regardless of whether its an additional fee, or whether its imbedded in the cost of the food.

The 20% was still a source of disagreement between us.  But heh, we both said our thing.

Anjan mentioned they increased the lamb portion, so they are listening to feedback.  Always a good sign.  Might I try them again - well, maybe.  If Anjan makes my dinner selection:~)

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41

93

mac m.

San Francisco, CA

I can't believe I didn't immediately review Dosa after eating there.  I had wanted to eat at Dosa for months.  And I was not dissapointed in the least after my experience.  From the friendly hostess, bubbly at the bar, super server - who explained everything so well and made great recommendations, to the incredibly nice couple seated next to us who were experts in dosa-eating.   Each of our choices were amazingly delicious - so full of flavor.  I was ready to come back for more before the meal was even completed.

I got dosed at Dosa and I can't wait to do it again!

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2

13

Paawan K.

San Francisco, CA

A bit pricey and a bit yuppy, but thats the price to pay for good south indian food in the city. Unless you are willing to drive to the south bay, it is definitely worth shelling out $11 for a damn good dosa.

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62

82

Shannon B.

San Francisco, CA

This is my first one star review on Yelp, but I think this place must be hiring marketing specialists or something because the food was very standard in quality.

Here are the basics:
Plus two stars for the amazing Mung Bean Salad and the Dahi Vata.
Plus one star for serving Southern Indian food in the Mission.
Plus one star for the lounge feel inside, its is nice inside but the paintings were pretty tacky

Minus one star for the long wait for a table and the strange acting hostess
Minus one star for the inflated price (normally Dosas are $4 in this area)
Minus one star for the sambar, it gave two of us bad heartburn and stomach pains
Minus stars for the semi-soggy Dosas we ordered, they were not as good as I was hoping. I was embarrass that I choose this restaurant.
Minus one star for the switch of waitstaff in the middle of our meal, we went from the most attentive and friendly waiter I have ever experienced to the rudest waitress that made us wait for the check for over 30 minutes.

This place is too pretentious. The Dosas are not special here and the atmosphere is lacking, it is just hype. Try Annapoorna in San Mateo for affordable, good South Indian food, homestyle or Alhamra (on 16th near Valencia) for cheap, Northern Indian food in the Mission.

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3

3

Miki N.

San Francisco, CA

After an evening of some amazing indian classical music at the Sangati Center a few blocks away (ever heard carnatic music played on an alto sax?) i was craving some indian food. Dosa wrapped up the evening very nicely. We got a table in about 15 min, not bad for a saturday night, and the staff was super efficient and friendly.

The spring dosa was good, though the accompanying sambar was too sour - but the heavenly coconut and tomato chutneys more than made up for it. Portions were good size (i could have sworn the server said their special for the day was Fish Barramundi, coz i was a little taken aback when i got something as big as a Barracuda), but if you're one of those people with a mind-bogglingly large appetite, then add an appetizer or two and dessert and you should be in good shape.

Overall, the food was above average (note to indians: don't be disappointed if you don't get the down-home indian cooking that you were expecting). There's definitely better south indian food to be had, but it involves a drive to the south bay and not-so-fine dining.
So if it's a nice evening out you're looking for, Dosa fits the bill well, not to mention the perfectly reasonable prices for the ambience and service.
Will definitely be going back.

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2

5

elizabeth t.

San Rafael, CA

Reading over the recent 1 star (or -3 star review) I want to laugh -- Or hunt down the poster.

I went to Dosa this past weekend and it was an incredible experience. I ended up waiting over an hour for my table, but the hostess was amazing. When the 20 minute wait turned longer, she brought fresh pappadam ONTO THE STREET for me and my 3 friends to munch on. When 10 more minutes passed, she came out herself to apologize that the party before us was lingering so long, and comp us a free appetizer. Menu in hand, she had us choose a selection there, and sure enough, it was delivered to us (with more pappadam) the moment we sat.

The food from there was spectacular, the waiters wonderful, and after the meal they were friendly and let US linger, even when we asked if we were holding up another table. (They said we were not and assured us they would let us know so we didn't shaft another party like we'd been.)

This place is fantastic. Great food, great service, the whole deal. If you are looking for cheap Indian food, don't come here. If you are looking to be seated immediately, don't come here. (It only seats 49 people in the entire place.) But if you are looking for an amazing meal.... This is your place.

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6

26

Eryn L.

San Francisco, CA

I love this restaurant. Yes, it's crowded and busy but it is delicious. Not to mention the woman who owns this restaurant is lovely and truly cares about her customers and their experience.  
I choose DOSA to go on a date because I wanted to go there and my date was incapable of figuring out where to take a vegan. Loss of brownie points for him. I choose wisely!
It was a friday night and the place was packed. We waited for an hour or a little more but it was worth the wait. I was in love with everything. Plus, DOSA also offers a vegan/vegetarian ingredients list for needy people like me. The food was excellent, service was perfect! I was dreaming about DOSA fro the next two days that I had to eat there again 2 days later with other friends.

I disagree with people who says the place is overpriced. You could easily get two items and share bringing your bill to no more than $25 without drinks of course. I have yet to do the tasting menu which I want to try sometime. So.. maybe another date with...

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2

17

Dyuti S.

Belmont, CA

I really wish I could give 1/2 stars. I'd give it 3 and a half if I could. Ok, it's a four. I'll give it a four.

Ambiance: super duper, just like a trendy spot in the city should be

People: Good for watching people. Nice people. (Why did I write that?) Feels like a new age Indian restaurant - white people with nose rings, etc. No offense white people. I love ya.

Service: Service was very good. Is this really an Indian restaurant? It's uncharacteristically efficient for an Indian restaurant.

Food: The food here is good. The starter of medu vada was really nice. They hit the nail on the head with spice combo. The dahi vada was also kick ass. Good job on that!

The main dish, a dosa in my case, was really nice. It was as good as any dosa I've had in Fremont, Newark, or even dare I say, Berkeley. The thing is that this is not a trendy upscale type of food, but it's being served in such an atmosphere. I'm giving the stars based on the food. If I were giving it stars for a whole "experience", I guess, well, I'd give it 3 and a 1/2. Wait, didn't I already say that?

Four stars for the delicious cardamom gelato. Wow, that was yummy.

And FIVE STARS for excellent service. Really.

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9

20

Miguel U.

Venice, CA

Overpriced.  Overcrowded.  Overrated.  It's way too much of a hassle to eat here for what it is (hour long wait for a table, anyone?).  You're better off eating at Pakwan on 26th and Valencia.

P.S.  One of Dosa's owners emails people who review this restaurant negatively on Yelp.  As such, I would interpret some of their high ratings with a grain of salt, as some of these positive reviews may have been influenced by a fear of being stalked.  Creepy.

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4

17

sava s.

Berkeley, CA

I try and avoid South Indian restaurants as a rule... simply because I know they will not be as fulfilling as the real thing. BUT, was meeting friends here, so what the hell.

ok, it wasn't bad.
we got and I sampled:
the mung bean salad - YUMMY.
dahi batata puri - we-el... o-k. didn't taste the batata (potato) much and could've done with more of the flavors... and I miss dbp that's doused in sweet dahi sprinkled with chili and tamarind chutneys!
masala dosa - good dosa, reasonable veggie inside
rava masala dosa - good dosa, same veggie
chicken curry special - very good chicken! this was really yummy!
I got the chilli onion uttapam - not so good. it was smaller and thinner than I expected, the inner layer was a little gooey, but the chillies were authentic yummy!
sambar - was pretty good and the coconut chutney was awesome.
ras malai - I don't like this stuff, but my friends said it was good.
mango lassi - don't order this. NOT good.
madras coffee - not the best, but not bad either. we asked the waiter to reheat ours (it DOES have to be hot enough to burn your tongue on the first sip otherwise there's no point!) and he was nice enough to do that.

a little on the pricey side, though... when the bill came, I had a number in my head and the amount was more than twice the number!!

the decor was a little odd - loungey for a south indian place? eh.
but the waiter was nice to us and it was fun listening to his very american, but pretty good pronunciations!

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6

41

Lorraine L.

Los Angeles, CA

I went to Dosa once, and that was enough.  I went on the suggestion of a friend who insisted the food was amazing.  The food was good, not the best south indian I've ever had (not like the kind my friend's family fed me!), but the service was really terrible.  See, I'm the kind of person that usually makes reservations for this type of "hip" establishment, because it's the kind of place where you will have to wait eons otherwise.  However, that's exactly what happened anyway.

A group of 5 of us arrived around our reservation time, and were told we had to wait.  About an hour and a half later my friends were more than annoyed, but I insisted we stay.  Once seated, I was so annoyed I couldn't really enjoy my dinner. The service left much to be desired, especially after waiting so damn long on the street.  I have not gone back since.

UPDATE: After writing my review, not 30 minutes later I received an e-mail from one of the owners.  He apologized for the service and then turned around and told me that I was wrong about their reservation policy.  Like I once told a woman whose child kicked the back of my seat for the entirety of a 3 hour flight, don't apologize do something to address the problem.  Perhaps if he spent less time stalking yelpers who didn't rave about his place and more time actively managing the establishment so that these issues are resolved, then Dosa wouldn't have as many angry reviewers complaining about waiting and bad service.

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0

7

Tracy M.

San Francisco, CA

The food at Dosa is decent, but unfortunately the service is  not. I have eaten there 3 times now and every time it is the service I have been disappointed with. This last time, my husband asked to take the remainder of his meal to go, and I kid you not- the waitress rolled her eyes at him! Then, just after that, she was rude to the table next to us and we overheard them discussing how unhappy they were with the service. Although this restaurant is only a block from me and I love Indian food, I won't be returning.

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47

65

Stephen K.

San Francisco, CA

What else can you add to a place that has over 650 reviews? The food is great. Their Dosa's are awesome and the pakora's are nice and spicy. We got there a bit early (around 6:30) and found a couple seats at the bar no problem. by the time we left it was packed and people just kind of hanging around waiting for people to get up from the bar. The only real complaint i had was that the bartender that was serving us wasn't that good. A lot of people sit at the bar to eat so i didn't feel like we were putting him out but that was the attitude he gave.

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Elite '08

165

220

Tom H.

San Francisco, CA

Yeah, I'm totally on this bandwagon. Dosa is not perfect, but it is pretty damn good. In order to get the full effect, you kind of have to be willing to put with with some bullshit. Like, the wait. Even though I had made reservations (only taken for parties of 5 or more), we still had to wait about 20 minutes for our table to clear up. Probably because they only have about two tables in the whole place capable of seating five, and the place was PACKED on a Wednesday night. But, I was in a good mood, so we just sat at the bar and had a drink while we waited. When we finally got seated and ordered, all of the food was fucking awesome. All of it. Almost too good, considering that the place seemed to be staffed almost entirely by caucasians. Seriously, I don't think I've ever seen an Indian place with a single non-brown person working there before, much less the whole staff. I'm just saying, it was a first for me. They were very polite, though. Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, try the South Indian Moons uttapam sampler and the vada sambar. Good stuff.

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7

33

Michelle D.

San Francisco, CA

Dosa is like the boy you had the perfect date with who then waits 5 days to call you. You eat that coconut rice and you obsess. And obsess some more. And remember how good each bite was. And wish you could spend more time with Dosa. But NO, Dosa is aloof. He is too busy to see you again for a very long time. He's in high demand... But he's always on my mind. And I know that one day I'll fight my way through his gaggle of admirers to spend time with him once again, because he's THAT GOOD!!

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3

87

jenniflava r.

San Francisco, CA

A friend from out of town wanted to try a new indian place with a good wine selection. The dinner last nite was amazing. We got there a little before 6pm , so seating wasn't bad at all. Our server was really nice and helpful. I will definitely put this on the list of restaurants to return to.

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41

272

George K.

San Francisco, CA

Wow, almost 700 reviews.  Well, let me just add to the raves.  Went for Saturday lunch and had the chicken coconut lime cilantro curry special plus the non-traditional cheese dosa, which was like a crepe and a quesadilla all in one.  Mmmm, cheesy goodness.  Had the rice puff starter where you put potato, lentil and sauce in there and it was definitely a well rounded impressive meal.  Would certainly return.  Also must say that our waitress was fantastic.

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6

24

Ken L.

San Francisco, CA

delicious!!  the dosa style indian crepe is wonderful... they're pretty big - generous portions.  various fillings offered with great curries to dip into.  we had an awesome appetizer lentil salad.  and the free papadum (crispy flat bread) which is a tasty chip-like dish, will hold you over until your meal comes.

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Elite '08

30

95

James C.

San Francisco, CA

The wait was super long! It took us over an hour to get a table.  The wait was so long in fact that I was over the point of being hungry and I couldn't enjoy the food as much.  The service was top notch, and everyone was really friendly and helpful.  The dosas were okay, but sort of disappointing, partly because there was so much hype about them, and partly because we waited so long for them.  

What was really good though, were the veggie chips which were so crisp and had such a rich wheat flavor infused with vegetables.  Dip them in the chutney and the cream sauce and it's on.  

I probably wouldn't go back unless the wait was less than 20 minutes, but overall, I'm glad I went.

Happy birthday ZACK!

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3

9

annmarie k.

San Francisco, CA

SUNDAY BRUNCH

Service=Very attentive and attractive...helllooo hot girls...and boys

Food=Pani Puri were little crispy taste explosion pockets...A MUST ORDER

Atmoshere= Very tasteful and inviting.  Music a bit too loud for Sunday morning if you are slightly hungover....

Homo factor= not an issue

Price= $$$ but well worth the experience

Parking= mission parking... not so fun.

Bathrooms= Should have been a bit cleaner considering it was early in the day.

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5

37

Kimberly G.

San Francisco, CA

The food was pretty tasty, but the service was really pretty bad.  We showed up and they told us it would be 20 minutes until we'd be seated.  40 minutes later, we were still waiting for a table...no apologies, nothing.  When they finally seated us, I was expecting a little something to compensate, nope.  Instead they forgot to bring me my Lassie (oddly enough something I had read about from another Yelp reviewer literally just before we ate there!)  I had to ask for it three times before it finally arrived!

Our waitress was really nice and helpful in navigating the menu, but the main host/manager guy was really rude.  He actually came over and condescendingly explained that I was eating my dosa incorrectly!

I would recommend going on Monday nights when they're serving Chaat. That was the highlight of our meal by far.  Oh, and dessert was pretty nasty...tasted like pure corn syrup.

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Elite '08

14

93

Alyssa W.

San Francisco, CA

Dosa is one of my favorite restaurants in the city!  Amazing food, great crowd, good service, delicous drinks...I could go on and on.  

I am dying to go back here again.  Pleeeeease, sweetie?  Take me back to Dosa?

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0

16

Elizabeth Z.

San Francisco, CA

Extremely delicious and interesting Indian food! I love going to Dosa. It's a great date place because the seating is a little tight. But the lighting makes it quite romantic.

Get the firebroth - or at least that's what we call it. It's amazing and really opens up your sinuses! HA!

Be prepared to wait for a table though!

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0

1

Eve S.

San Francisco, CA

The staff at Dosa is not only helpful and knowlegeable about south Indian food but they are attentive and quick. The atmosphere is pleasant and the food is incredible. My favorites are the chickpea and mango salads and the spring dosa. The paper masala is my second favorite but there are so many delicious things for a vegetarian (they also have stuff for you meat eaters!) to enjoy I always leave wishing I had more room. You will have a wonderful experience at dosa. I honestly have become addicted to the food there and love the location. There is also a weekend brunch with "Bombay street food" like these little yogurty things to die for and spicy fruit salad. I have not encountered southern Indian food very frequently and we are lucky to have such a high quality example here in the mission. This unique restaurant keeps me coming back again and again.

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Elite '08

29

89

Inga B.

San Francisco, CA

I would like to dedicate this review to a soon to be fellow yelper, Scott (you know you want to make this place your first review....).

Wow, okay, fan -freaking tastic!!!  I am so glad I went here and will definitely come back.  The company also helped :)

For an appetizer we ordered the Dahi Vada.  Lentil balls immersed in a yogurt sauce.  This one totally blew my mind.  I loved it!

I am sorry, I can't remember the name of the Dosa ordered but I do remember it having peas.  Super delicious as well.  

Also ordered the Prawn Coconut Masala, curry dish (again super, super good) and the coconut sorbet (who doesn't like coconut?).

All in all, it was an excellent meal, reasonably priced and worth it.

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14

35

jeremy l.

San Francisco, CA

Oh yeah, this place is good. Our friends Chamath and Bridgette took us here - they told us it is the third time they've been there that week! We've eyed this place for a couple of years but always end up going elsewhere because it is hard to park in the mission, and the lines extend way out the door when we walk past.

We ended up going on a Sunday night when parking was relatively easy, and the line, although long, still had us seated in 10 minutes. We opted for the 4 course tasting menu so that we could try more things - the courses are smaller sized than usual. The dosas were good; I especially liked the coconut based dipping sauce. But the lamb curry was just outrageously flavorful and delicious. We will be back for sure.

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11

72

helen l.

Berkeley, CA

i finally got to check out this place after hearing constantly about it. since there was only 2 of us, and there were so many different options on the menu, we went for the tasting menu. i was quite surprised as we didn't have to wait more than 5 min for a table, but this could have been due to it being a 8pm on a weeknight.

their curries were just ok, but the dosa's were delicious! they come served with dipping sauces that are heavily spiced and very flavorful. dessert was interesting as well. i tried the mango lassi, kind of like a very rich mango ice cream that you can cut into cubes.

as we were leaving, the server mentioned them serving brunch. i'm looking forward to trying an egg dosa one of these days.

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0

16

Jason M.

Mountain View, CA

This place is amazing.  Cheap prices and great food.  Highly recommended for people that like spicy food.  The mysore dosa is my favorite and definitely punches a kick.  The little soup that accompanies the dosa packs heat as well.  A good non-spicy dish is the prawn coconut masala curry .  Be prepared to wait during dinner time though because there is always a line on the street.

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11

30

Sandy Y.

San Francisco, CA

After reading glowing reviews about this place, I was excited to finally try it with hubby this weekend. Since this place only takes reservations for parties of 5 or more, hubby and I went for an early dinner (esp. after reading about the ridiculous long waits here).

The waitress recommended the tasting course, which runs $40 a pop and gets you an appetizer, dosa, entree, and desert. Being first-timers to South Indian cuisine, hubby and I opted for this option.

While the food was above average, the portions that come with the prefixe menu were paltry. The dinner definitely was not worth the total bill of over $100 we paid for our meals (and from what I can tell, not worth the crazy wait some people are willing to put up with to have some dosa).

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6

46

Pooja S.

San Francisco, CA

Like wow man

I didn't expect to like this restaurant!  I'm indian afterall, and superpicky about my indian food, and...I digress.  I really liked Dosa!  My dosa and the sambar were fabulous!  Plus I had a lychee martini which was fabulous too.

Only cons: really really busy on weekends, and quite pricey for dosa.

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Elite '08

182

619

Jennifer S.

San Francisco, CA

4.75 (no oinky, this does not make it to a 5) =D

Ok, one thing you should know once in for all - I am not a Mission gal, ok, well excoosy moi, i haven't fully indulged myself in the foodie section but the bars, please, don't even bother converting my "district views" - been there, done that.... It's just not me, it's just not my style, nor is it my scene, and speaking of which, I am also not a Marina gal, thank you very much...

and yet,
Dosa -- *pause* -- is a different story. Dosa is fantastic! One very delicious S. Indian fare located right in the Mission...

Vibe, presentation, food quality, service, everything was great - paying less than $100 for dinner, minus the drinks w/5 solid dishes was well worth it, but of course, let me just say the downfalls before I get to the foodie part. Parking was slightly a bitch and the place can get a bit too squishy but the food - delicious! The red/orangey walls and the paintings throughout definitely made it cozy. It can get a bit loud, so enjoy it!

*Cochin calamari ($9.50) definitely not your ordinary crispy, battered calamari. had quite this funky spicy punch, but it was well balanced and tasty!
*Rava Masala Dosa ($11) - good...
*Spicy Mung Dosa ($11)-- tasty...
*Tamil Lamb Curry ($16.50) - my favorite! mmm *must get w/the coconut rice*
*Baby Eggplant Curry ($12) - so so, but yum
*Coconut Rice w/Curry ($2.50) - yummy
*Rice Side w/curry ($2.50)--fair. Just rice w/curry. what do you expect?

Everything was perfectly marinated! I can't remember what each and one of them tasted like now because I'm sick *AGAIN?* and my head is a bit foggy, so...  I'm wondering if this fog is having to be in SF a bit too long... Anyways, just think of the dosa like a crepe...

Drinks - average $9 and up.

TIP: sure, I'd HIGHLY recommend you in making a ressie, but do prepare to wait approx 30 mins.. I don't get that, but minus that, I recommend this place.

It is and was, --indeed-- quite, a DELIGHTFUL treat!

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1

71

Thighmaster M.

Menlo Park, CA

Yes it's good. A tad shi-shi and noisy for my taste; however, if you want a fun place with slick ambience, fascinating/tasty food - you gotta go. The dosa is like taking classic stuff out of Hyderabad and putting a haute cuisine spin to it. The dosa is as delightful to eat as it is to look at, and I could say the same thing about the decor and the wait staff.

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1

9

Sam H.

San Francisco, CA

I just had to find out what all the fuss is about since I am a fan of south Indian cuisine. I've passed by this restaurant many, many times and it seems to be always packed.
One Easter Sunday, we decided to take a gamble and try it out. We were seated after a 10 minute wait - not bad. I guess the key is to get there early, that is, before the dinner rush hour.

The beverage menu was thoughtful, offering a variety of wine, cocktail,and beer selection well suited to the menu. To my surprise, they had Lillet! What a perfect aperitif to a warm evening in the Mission.

For starters, we had the The Chennai Chicken (good but no outstanding characteristic ) and the Idli Sambar (flavourful). The main course, Masala Dosa and Rava Masala - our favorite of the two. We also ordered  the Prawn Coconut Masala - rich, tasty, great flavours, along with the 2005 Albarino.. For desert, we shared the Gulab Jamoon - my favorite, paired with a nice Tawny port. Made to perfection, not too dense not too spongy - just right in my opinion.

Did I say that it had a really nice atmosphere, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and a great crowd. Overall, Dosa made a great impression and I will definitely comeback. Yummmy!

Why only 4 stars? It's my first time.

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5

53

toisha t.

San Francisco, CA

this is not 4 star south indian food. the dosas were no where near as awesome as i've had in other places, and they were far less spectacular than they should be if your restaurant is named after them. the prices were reasonable - i could see thinking it was expensive if you were getting the tasting menu at $40 a pop ($56 if you want the wine pairing), but a paper dosa, an appetizer, a mango lassi, the coconut chicken dish and a 7up came in under $50, which isn't that bad for a night out in SF. the two stars is for the portion size, the fact that we had a really nice server and the ambiance. the food, however, just wasn't that good and if i'm paying to go out, then i want it to be good.

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0

7

TK G.

San Francisco, CA

I love Indian food!  Love, love, love.  This is a bit different than any kind of Indian food I'd had before, but it was a good different.  It's definitely worth trying.  I had the Mysore Dosa, which was delicious!  The dipping sauces that come with the Dosas and the Uttapam are so good.  There's a tomato chutney, a coconut chutney, and a kind of lentil broth/soup stuff.  Oh my goodness, talk about all kinds of yummy-ness in my mouth.  The service was great.  We had a nice waitress who made really good recommendations.  The place is pretty trendy, which can be both a good thing and a bad thing.  I'll leave that part up to you.

One thing we didn't know before we went was that the Dosas and the Uttapam are all vegetarian.  I don't mind that, but the boyfriend was a little disappointed.  It was like that scene in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, "What do you mean you don't have no meat?!"  Luckily, he got over it and thoroughly enjoyed his Masala Dosa.

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28

40

laura b.

San Francisco, CA

i have no idea what all the fuss is about when it comes to dosa.  sorry, but the food here just isn't that good, in my experience.  i've been here 4 - 5 times and the food and service has always been mediocre at best.

there was also that one special time when THEIR DOSA GRILL BROKE, so their namesake meal was, um, missing from the menu that night. lame.

there are much tastier indian options in the mission, like aslam's rasoi.

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