Serves a modern take on Indian food (I am not sure why other reviews say it is traditional food, but maybe the lunch buffet is). The overall experience was great, with really flavorful food and attentive service. The ambience is nice and welcoming too. We had an eggplant dish with scamorza cheese filling, bhel, paneer, and a variety of their naans. Definitely worth a visit!

Beautiful spot for dining, indoor and outdoor. Excellent service. Food is presented nicely, just rather bland for my tastes. I really prefer the spicier Indian food, but the flavor was lacking here. Very clean everywhere. Please note that the tip is already added to the bill, and so is a "Healthy San Francisco tax" or something....

During my trip to San Francisco, this spot was conveniently close to my hotel, so one evening we decided to give it a try for dinner. The place was packed — likely thanks to a big conference happening nearby — and with no tables available, we ended up seated in the lounge. The vibe was busy and a bit loud, but still comfortable enough to hold a conversation.

Service-wise, things were a bit on the slower side and definitely had room for improvement. We started off with cocktails, which were both solid and well-made.

Since neither of us were too hungry, we kept the order simple. We began with ‘Bhapa Maach’— a dish close to my heart as a Bengali. Traditionally, I expect a steamed or smoked fish served dry, but here it arrived in a soupy gravy, made with what seemed like flounder or another white fish. The flavors were okay — not memorable, but not bad either. Oddly, the broth came without any accompaniment, which felt a bit incomplete.

Next, we ordered kulcha alongside a goat meat (gosht) curry. This dish really delivered — rich, spicy, and packed with flavor, it instantly took me back to wedding-style ‘Kosha Mangsho’ back home. The portion was generous, but again, we weren’t too hungry, so it was just the right amount.

We wrapped up with desserts: my friend had the Rasmalai, which tasted pretty much like standard store-bought fare. I went for the mango yogurt, expecting a baked version, but instead it resembled a simple parfait — mango pulp at the bottom and plain yogurt on top — underwhelming.

Easily the best Indian food I’ve had in the United States! Amber offers an exceptional spread, outstanding quality, and excellent service. It doesn’t get more authentic than this. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted—more a work of art and skill than mere cooking. Compared to other restaurants, the prices are very reasonable. I thoroughly enjoyed their buffet, and the Indian sweets were truly out of this world. Amber is a true ambassador of India’s rich culinary heritage and incredible flavors. This is my first 5-star rating for an Indian restaurant.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ In all areas

I’ve been coming to Amber for over 13 years, and it remains one of my favorite Indian restaurants in the Bay Area. When I lived here, I was a regular, and even now, I make it a point to visit whenever I’m in town.

The ambience is inviting, the seating is comfortable, and the service is among the best I’ve experienced at any Indian restaurant. I’ve dined here countless times—whether for their daily buffet or à la carte dinners (at least 50+ times!)—and they have never missed the mark on taste or service. Whether dining solo, with a small group, or with a large party, my experience has always been exceptional.

As a vegetarian, I’ve tried nearly everything on their menu over the years, and I’ve never been disappointed. But this time, they surprised me! Since I was dining alone, they introduced me to their Thali menu for dinner, which I didn’t even know existed. It’s a perfect option for solo diners—highly recommended! (See the menu attached.)

I ordered the Vegan/Gluten-Free Thali, and every dish was superb. The Kale Kofta Curry could have been better, but overall, the meal was excellent.

As always, the service was stellar. Amber SF remains a must-visit for me whenever I’m in the Bay Area. Looking forward to my next visit!