Mela Tandoori Kitchen

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Address:
536 Golden Gate Ave
San Francisco, CA 94102

Neighborhood:
Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

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Cuisine:
Indian

Price: $30 and under

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Mela Tandoori Kitchen Details

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Website: http://www.MELATANDOORI.COM
Phone: (415) 447-4041
Hours of Operation:
Lunch: M-F 11:30am-2:30pm
Dinner: Daily 5:30pm-10:00pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Indian, Asian
Executive Chef: Moiz Subedar
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Beer, Delivery, Late Night, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Catering: check with Management for details..

Getting there

Cross Street: Van Ness Avenue
Parking: Street Parking
Parking Details: Plenty of street parking is available as well as reasonably priced parking garages nearby

A word from Mela Tandoori Kitchen

Welcome to Mela Tandoori Kitchen, San Francisco"s Premier Restaurant specializing in Indian and Pakistani Cuisine !!! Here at 'Mela' we offer the most exquisite assortment of Indian and Pakistani dishes in the Bay Area. With an extensive menu, serving only Halal/Zabihah meats, brilliantly… designed decor, blending a beautiful ambiance with silk sarees, candles and wall tapestries we have more to offer than just great food and a cool vibe, we have perfected the most memorable experience in Indian and Pakistani dining !!!Continued

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerIndian

Mela Tandoori Kitchen - Best Restaurants in Hayes Valley

Diner Reviews

"Another GREAT meal at Mela Tandoori Kitchen! This is our favorite Indian restaurant. We love the fact that it's family owned and makes a great date night. I normally have the tandoori chicken with yogurt and mint, and eat some of my wife's Chicken Tikka Masala, but this time decided to eat order the CTM, too. Wow, what a great meal! Jasmin saffron rice and onion seed naan was the perfect accompaniment. We started with some crispy Chicken Samosas with two kinds of chutney. More food than we could eat, but we now have lunch to look forward to. :-) The chef sent us a gift for dessert - a pressed dough in a sweet milk sauce with rose water. Yum! Later in the evening they open for hookah in the upper dining area,"
Dined on 7/19/2014
"We enjoyed the flavors of some Pakistani/Indian foods that were new to us as well as some familiar. The masalas were perfectly seasoned and the portions just right. Since we were in a bit of a hurry they accommodated us with quick, pleasant and very efficient service. Will definitely keep Mela Tandoori on our pre-Opera dinner list."
Dined on 7/3/2014
"One of the best Indian-Pakistani restaurants in the Bay Area. Very tasty food; I have never been disappointed. The only problem is slow service. Plan ahead accordingly. If you have a large appetite, the Mixed Grill can't be beat."
Dined on 6/28/2014
"I live one block away from Mela Tandoori Kitchen and have eaten there at least five times. I appreciate the beautiful surroundings, the attentive service and, most important of all, the excellent Indian cuisine. It is a perfect place to dine befor the Opera, Symphony or Ballet. If you alert the waiter that you have a curtain to make, you will be served promptly. I adore Indian Cuisine, and Mela just keeps improving in every way. It is a gem!"
Dined on 6/27/2014
"This is a wonderful restaurant close to the Civic Center - so great for pre-opera, pre-ballet, pre-symphony dinners."
Dined on 6/21/2014
"I came here with my mother. She was very impressed! The table, menu, dishes, everything looked nice. The staff was always polite and prompt. The prices are very reasonable. And the food was great! I just had the chicken tika masala and some cheesy nyan bread and rice. But I would like to try other things on their menu next time. The mango ice cream was a delicious dessert. It's nice to have a reliable Indian place nearby."
Dined on 5/17/2014
"I have had so much greasy Indian food, and Mela was so refreshing. Fresh vegetables in the curry, the tomato gravy was so creamy and the acidity and spice were well-balanced."
Dined on 5/14/2014
"Tandoori dining for westerners is always a bit of a crap shoot because of the spice level, but this chef manages to capture the essence of Tandoori without going overboard. The prices are very reasonable to start with and the portions are HUGE. It took me three days to eat all of my Tandoori mixed grill. A lot of hard surfaces so a bit noisy, but the tables are well designed to be long and a little narrow, so you are actually sitting close enough to be heard."
Dined on 5/10/2014
"More than just your standard Indian fare. food was great! Fabulous fruit lassis. Service uneven."
Dined on 5/8/2014
"Food was really outstanding! Large and diverse menu, not just the usual Indian standards. Everything is a la carte, but our total tab including two main courses and sides of rice, naan, chutney and raita was quite modest. And we had more food than two people could eat! Decor is metro-trendy, not at all typical Indian restaurant. A terrific addition to the Symphony/Opera/Ballet neighborhood!"
Dined on 4/11/2014
"We went there for lunch after finding out there was a lunch buffet. The food was good, I just wish there was more to choose from. I would have ordered something from the regular menu, but our server took a while to come to the table, so I just opted for the lunch buffet. Definitely worth 11.95. The next time that I'm in San Francisco, I will try this restaurant for dinner."
Dined on 4/9/2014
"We arrived right on time for our reservation, there were multiple empty tables but we were kept waiting."
Dined on 4/5/2014
"Excellent South Asian cuisine - Indian, Pakistani, etc. A great addition to the Civic Center / Hayes Valley restaurant scene. Mixed grill is very generous and delicious. Highly recommended. We have already scheduled a return visit with friends."
Dined on 4/4/2014
"Outstanding quality food, especially the curries. Great spot for pre-Opera, etc. dining in the Civic Center area."
Dined on 4/3/2014
"How refreshing to find a comfortable, moderately-priced restaurant in the Civic Center with well-prepared, delicious food. I have not had better Indian/Pakistani food in San Francisco. I was there for dinner on a Monday night -- ordinarily not a good restaurant night, especially in the Civic Center -- but everything was fresh and flavorful. Service was friendly and professional. The background music was a bit loud, but I think that the management would have accommodated us by turning it down had we asked. Overall, this is a great find for those looking for a place to eat before the symphony or ballet, or after work. Mela also serves a lunch buffet. I haven't yet tried it, but I expect that it would be delicious, and a great deal."
Dined on 3/17/2014
"Everything was flavorful, the spices were fresh and the presentation of the dishes was inviting. Will definitely be back."
Dined on 3/15/2014
"Food is cooked fresh, the Naan was soft and fluffy. Best Indian. Food period!! L"
Dined on 3/14/2014
"My last review I complained about the speed of service (we had an unexpectedly long traffic jam and were late - we told them we had a curtain but and they assured us it was ok but that didn't make anything faster). This time we got there at 6om - the traffic was unexpectedly easy and had no trouble making our curtain. It is a wonderful restaurant, foodwise. The chicken tikka masala, the kulcha (special naan), the lamb vindaloo was wonderful. The Indian Chenin Blanc is also really nice. Light, not very sweet, not very dry. They are closed on Sunday but for the rest of the week, parking on the street just before 6 and taking your time to eat before the show is a very pleasant plan. There is little enough in the area that isn't $$$$"
Dined on 3/1/2014
"We love this restaurant - great food and flavors, nice wait staff, and reasonably priced. We've been 3 times, and will be back"
Dined on 2/26/2014
"Good Indian food, at least most of the dishes. Very crowded pre theater though and the staff had trouble keeping up. Since everyone was heading for the theater, it was a bit of a problem."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"I came in on Valentines Day with my girlfriend and was promptly seated for our 7:45 reservation. All the servers where very courteous and made great recommendations on food choices for the both of us. Will come back very soon and try the traditional seating area."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"I read about the opening of this restaurant and decided to try it Thursday evening before the ballet. Very friendly staff and extremely attentive making excellent recommendations; it's clear they have an intimate knowledge of the menu items. There is a lot of care put into the presentation from the stoneware plates carrying the restaurant name and heated to the well laid out menu and lighting that was low enough to be cozy yet still bright enough to read the menu with ambient lighting. This is definitely a step up from most of the other Indian/Pakistani restaurants in the area. Prices are a couple of dollars more the but quality of the meats and sauces are top notch and worth the bit extra. I will definitely go back again."
Dined on 1/30/2014
"I was searching for a good place to eat before going to the ballet and I have found it! Mela's food is superb - I had the Palak Paneer and Garlic Naan - the staff were friendly and prompt, and the atmosphere was nice. I didn't feel too dressed up, eating here before going to the opera house around the corner, and the value for all of that cannot be beat."
Dined on 1/25/2014
"We've been here before and will go back again and again. We especially love that the sauces all have distinct flavors but are not too spice for American tastes. The eggplant is not to be missed (I wish I knew how to make it - I'd eat it every day). The Tandori chicken is succulent and tender."
Dined on 1/25/2014
"This was our third visit to Mela Tandoori and it was better than ever. I cannot imagine the food being more delicious and the service was excellent. Absolutely our favorite and a great pre-show choice!"
Dined on 1/15/2014
"This Indian restaurant has terrific food at reasonable prices. The portions are very large. The tables are far enough apart and the background music at low volume that it is fairly quiet,. allowing easy conversation. The mixed grill was heavenly; samosas and lamb with spinach excellent. Just back from India, I found the food as good as much that I had eaten there. The outside is now covered with scaffolding, but the inside is dim and reasonably attractive. Cost was $50 for two with appetizer, 2 main dishes, beer, and rice."
Dined on 1/9/2014
"We enjoyed the food and service. It should be noted that though the main room is in a neighborhood rather than special occasion style, there is a banquet room upstairs with traditional seating that would be good for a special group event."
Dined on 12/30/2013
"After living in Europe for two years, we thought we'd never find any Indian food that equalled what we ate in London . . . until we ate at Mela Tandoori Kitchen last week. The flavors were exquisite. Service was thoughtful, super-attentive, and friendly. Ambience perfect. And what's more? The prices are more than reasonable. Super affordable for the amazing quality of food you receive. We are recommending this place to everyone we know. Eat here before the ballet, opera, or show at the Golden Gate. What a gem!"
Dined on 12/19/2013
"Good spot for meal before an event in the Civic Center area. We ordered a lamb tikka marsala, tandoori chicken, rice and naan. The food was flavorful and plentiful. The chai was skimpy and weak; it was served in a small juice glass, whereas I am used to it being served like a cup of coffee. Service was friendly and attentive."
Dined on 12/13/2013
"I came here with high expectations after reading all the rave reviews but, was disappointed. First off we tried to order veggie samosas but, were told they ran out. What indian restaurant runs out of samosas?! We then ordered the chili paneer which was okay, a tad salty for my taste though. The main meal dishes weren't anything spectacular either."
Dined on 12/7/2013
"If you're looking for your favorite Indian food this place is great. Much of the food is moderately spicy which is what I love."
Dined on 11/14/2013
"This was so good I don't know if I will ever go anywhere else for Indian food. It looks like a hole in the wall on the outside but inside the restaurant is quite lovely. We tried the chicken samosas and the chicken tikka masala that were listed as house specialties and the tikka masala was so good I wanted to cry. I also got a rose lassi and garlic cheese naan and highly recommend them also. The staff is flawlessly polite and attentive and when I complimented the food to our waiter he seemed genuinely thrilled that we had enjoyed it so much. Food was perfectly spiced and the extra effort they put into presentation really goes a long way. Even the rice was prepared with extra flourishes. The entree was only $11.95, but felt very high end."
Dined on 11/2/2013
"A convenient restaurant near Civic Center for reasonably priced, good Indian food. Lunch is served buffet style. The entres were very tasty and the staff very nice. Enjoyable."
Dined on 10/29/2013
"... such as I imagine Indian construction workers relishing. I mean that as a compliment; this is cooking for people who are hungry. The tandoori chicken was zesty, the vegetarian dishes were distinctive and flavorful, and the naan was exceptionally good. Portions are adequate; don't over-order. This is a neighborhood where many restaurants are pretentious without being truly special. I dine in the 'hood often because of its proximity to music venues, but I often feel exploited by "trendiness." At Mela, I can get a meal and then proceed to the main course, music. However, Mela is a narrow, stuffy, unattractive facility, with altogether too much noise (the biggest problem in so many SF restaurants). If you need ambience, you won't like it."
Dined on 10/4/2013
"The food here is excellent! Every dish we tried was wonderful and we had several. I recommend the saag gosh if you like food a little spicy. We also had a chicken biryani and a chicken daal dish and I had the daal soup which was very tasty as well. Be sure to come hungry so you can try several dishes. The place is somewhat small and fairly quiet, but we got there right when they opened for dinner. There were a good number of patrons by the time we left and it was a Thursday. I would recommend reservations if you want to go on a weekend. You'll be glad you did!"
Dined on 9/24/2013
"We'd been looking for a good Indian restaurant in the city. Finally found one!"
Dined on 9/3/2013
"Food is consistently awesome. The service was hit-miss. Some of the wait staff were very friendly, some ignored us most of the night (we had a big group). One waitress poured water into my beer and didn't bring a new beer or take the beer-water away. No one checked in with us for long stretches. Granted this has never happened before, but still not cool."
Dined on 8/23/2013
"First time eating at Mela after a movie at Opera Plaza. Was a little unsure when you walk in and the kitchen up-front seems more boarded up. But the food was incredibly tasty (think Amber India but yet different) but you don't have the high prices that other high-end restaurants have. The Mango Lasi was the best I've had in SF. Highly recommend the Chicken Keema too, and the samosa bites. Presentation on the meals was quite nice. You get ample helpings of rice and naan. The staff is very friendly and attentive. Next time I'll want to try eating in their traditional dining room upstairs. I'll definitely be coming back again."
Dined on 8/17/2013
"A pleasant surprise awaits in this large space, occupied by only a few people early on a Friday night. Cordial service, delicious food - and street parking. What more could you want?"
Dined on 8/9/2013
"an excellent indian restaurant has opened a block and a half from the Opera House. It is clean and pleasant inside (it doesn't look that great from the street) and it is reasonably priced. Although I think they have a buffet at lunch, at dinner time you order and I would warn you that it is not fast. They don't seem to be able to make it faster just because you got stuck in traffic and have a curtain. But given the lack of moderately priced good food in the area (I so miss CPK), this is a real find. Just leave enough time - expect to be there for over an hour."
Dined on 8/9/2013

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