Star India

"I should probably preface my review that I was having the lunch buffet, as I typically review full-service restaurants. The lunch buffet was gone for a while during the pandemic, and has returned, although with a much higher price: $21.95. Higher price, I can accept, but not poor service. I have been here a few times in the last two months, and while I can't claim that at $21.95, the buffet is a good value, given the small selection of foods they carry, they do have something I enjoy, which is lamb. Therefore, while I know I don't need to tip the typical 15%-20% at a buffet (typically I am told to tip $1-2 per person), I always tip as if I were in a regular restaurant, because I like to support smaller restaurants. However, today's experience really has me thinking if I would ever visit again. When I arrived at around 11:30AM (they open at 11AM), there was literally one single piece of lamb in the buffet. I took the piece and inquired if the owner could please get some more lamb. Reluctantly, she agreed. About 20 minutes later, she brought out some lamb, so I went there to get some more. And she has the nerve to tell me, "Make sure you leave some for other customers. " I said that, because the amount she prepared for a BUFFET is paltry to what it should be. I got like 3-4 pieces of lamb, and that was about 2/3 of the amount she brought out, LITERALLY. (see photos) I didn't want to argue with her, so I finished my food quickly (and also for the first time at this restaurant, only tipped a couple of dollars because I was just so upset with the way I have been treated.) I think it's perfectly ok for my parents to tell me to leave some food for others, but at a buffet, this is unreasonable, especially given how little food there was to start with (and then the tinyu. amount of lamb with which the restaurant refilled the serving tray). I am sorry to say, this is a restaurant I will never visit again. It's not reasonable having to spend about $30 and then be told how to eat at a buffet. Yes, I didn't dress in my normal Pata***** and Coto****, but that's no excuse to treat someone, period. (By the way, I noticed immediately the difference in the way I was treated at the moment I walked in, because they didn't recognize me as they usually did, and I can only assume it's the clothing I was wearing, which is the only difference)."

"Great service, woman server even came out to help us park since we were out of towners. The naan was thin but buttery and garlicky like I love. The sauces of the chicken and veggie masala were flavorful, savory, and not watery. I also loved how tasty, crunchy, hearty, and packed with flavor their lamb samosa was."

"My recent visit to Star India's Indian Cuisine was a culinary adventure. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Indian dishes, with the Lamb Bone-In, Chicken Tikka Masala, and warm Naan bread stealing the show. To top it off, the Mango Ice Cream dessert was a refreshing delight. The service was prompt, and the buffet spread was impressive. Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine or a newcomer, Star India's buffet is a great way to savor a diverse selection of flavors. I'm looking forward to my next visit."

"Great place to taste Indian food at downtown San Francisco! We had lunch buffet at this place and there were 12-16 dishes apart from 2 desserts and Salad bar. Food tastes great specially chicken tandoori, butter chicken, beef curry and the gulab jamun is just awesome! However, there naan bread hardens very fast as it cools while you are yet to finish it. This place has a nice environment, clean bathroom and very well behaved staff. Paid street parking available and we it was around $3 for 2 hours iirc. Overall I do recommend this place!"

"Star India is affordable, clean, uniquely decorated and also, provided with quality service. The staff is helpful as well as welcoming, the food is tasty, affordable, and there is a wide variety to choose from. Make sure to go to the buffet at $21.95 lunchtime, daily."