Udupi Palace

Udupi Palace

1007 1/2 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

+1 415-970-8000

Indian restaurant, South Asian restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant
(1829)
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About This Place

Nestled in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco, Udupi Palace is a haven for lovers of authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine. This warm and inviting restaurant transports diners on a flavorful journey to Karnataka and beyond, delivering traditional dishes crafted with care and genuine culinary passion. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of South Asian food or exploring these rich flavors for the first time, Udupi Palace offers a carefully curated menu that promises to satisfy and delight.

The highlight undoubtedly lies in their diverse array of dosa offerings—pancake-thin rice crepes expertly prepared to embrace savory fillings like spiced potatoes or creamy makhani-curried spring vegetables. The Mysore Masala Dosa Combo stands out as a signature favorite, spilling aromatic, tangy chutneys and perfectly tempered sambar alongside it. For those craving variety, the Special Rava Masala Dosa, with its subtle sweetness from onions and silky cream of wheat, or the towering 2-foot Paper Masala Dosa filled with spiced potatoes, showcase the care put into authentic dosa artistry. Although a few guests have noted a wish for crisper edges, the overall texture and rich flavors remain deeply satisfying.

Beyond dosa, the menu celebrates the diversity of South Indian vegetarian delights—Idly Sambar offers soft, cloud-like rice cakes with a comforting lentil stew, while the South Indian Thali serves as a colorful, balanced feast punctuated by seasonal vegetables and hearty dals. The Samosa Chat and Dahi Vada provide a playful burst of texture and tang, revealing Udupi Palace’s flair for combining street food nostalgia with refined preparation.

To accompany these delectable dishes, the beverage selection is thoughtfully composed to complement the cuisine’s bold spices. The Madras Coffee, a robust milky brew, serves as a quintessential South Indian pick-me-up, while cooling choices like the Mango Lassi or refreshing Sweet Lime Soda provide a perfect counterbalance to the dishes’ spice and richness.

The cozy, casual atmosphere of Udupi Palace invites diners to relax and immerse themselves fully in their meal. Guests consistently praise the attentive and friendly service, which adds a welcoming personal touch to an already memorable dining experience. The unpretentious setting—often buzzing with a blend of locals and newcomers—feels like discovering a hidden gem in the heart of San Francisco’s bustling food scene.

What truly sets Udupi Palace apart is its commitment to authenticity and generous portions that honor traditional South Indian hospitality. As one regular shared, “Walking into Udupi is like stepping into a culinary portal that transports you straight to the heart of Karnataka.” This sentiment echoes throughout the community, with many appreciating not only the deeply satisfying flavors but also the accessibility and value the restaurant offers.

For dessert lovers, the luscious Carrot Halwa—shredded carrot slow-cooked in sugar and cream—melts delightfully on the tongue, while classic treats like Gulab Jamun and Rasmalai deliver a silky, sweet finish that often leaves guests craving one more bite. Whether dining in or ordering via delivery, Udupi Palace remains a reliable go-to for those longing for genuine South Indian vegetarian cuisine served with warmth and heart.

In essence, Udupi Palace is more than just a restaurant—it’s a flavorful refuge for anyone seeking honest, soulful South Asian vegetarian food in San Francisco. With dishes that burst with vibrant spices, textures, and tradition, it’s a destination sure to become a cherished favorite for locals and visitors alike.

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned
Service options
-contact delivery Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Coffee Comfort food Healthy options Quick bite Small plates Vegan options Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Tourists Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids Changing table(s) High chairs
Parking
Paid street parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    09:00 AM - 09:30 PM
  • Friday
    09:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    09:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Akash Chaurasia
    3 week ago

    Solid spot for South Indian food. I love South Indian food and eat a lot so had to try. Not a lot of South Indian food in SF, this is a decent option but nothing like what you can get in South Bay. Got a butter rava masala dosa and it was solid, flavors were all good and the chutneys were great. Dosa could have been crispier. Sambar was pretty good too. Would probably come back if I’m craving South Indian and not willing to drive all the way to Sunnyvale or something

  • Kristen Fissell
    1 month ago

    such a wonderful cozy and casual dinner spot!! this was my first time trying an uttapam, idli, and medu vada and they were all great. my photo is of my plate partly eaten because it looked so good I forgot to take a picture before digging in. they were busy on a Saturday night but the staff was very nice and attentive. we had a delightful time here it feels like a true gem of a restaurant. would absolutely recommend

  • Ingrid
    1 month ago

    So good and cheap! We even tried DoorDash the second time knowing the dosa won’t be crispy - but it hit the spot. Besides the dosa and uttapam we also love the samosa chaat and dahi vada! The dosas are better than dosa corner imo

  • Abhay Gupta
    2 month ago

    Walking into Udupi in San Francisco is like stepping into a culinary portal that transports you straight to the heart of Karnataka. My recent visit was a true revelation, a testament to the fact that authentic, soul-satisfying South Indian vegetarian food thrives right here in the Bay Area. We went on a quest for the perfect "tiffin" experience, and Udupi not only met our expectations but completely surpassed them. Our journey began with the classics, and oh, what classics they were! The Idli was a cloud of perfection—steamed to a pillowy softness that dissolved on the tongue. Paired with their vibrant, flavourful sambar and a variety of chutneys, each bite was a symphony of tangy, spicy, and savoury notes. The Vada was a revelation of its own. Crispy on the outside, light and fluffy within, it was everything a good vada should be, with a delicate hint of spices that made it utterly addictive. But the real showstoppers of the meal were the dosas. The Masala Dosa was a work of art—a paper-thin, golden-brown crepe with a crisp, lace-like texture, generously filled with a perfectly seasoned potato masala. It was pure comfort food elevated to an art form. The Masoor Masala Dosa, however, was a pleasant and innovative surprise. The addition of lentils gave it a richer, earthier flavour and a satisfying texture that made it stand out from the crowd. The individual portions we tried were equally impressive. The Upma was a testament to the chef's skill—light, fluffy, and packed with flavour from mustard seeds, curry leaves, and vegetables. It was a humble dish done with true grace. The Pongal was another star; a creamy, comforting rice and lentil porridge, beautifully seasoned with black pepper and cashews. It was a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for a cozy afternoon. The Onion Poha was a delightful discovery. Unlike the flatter versions you often find, Udupi’s was perfectly moist and tender, with the gentle sweetness of onions and a medley of spices that made each spoonful a pleasure. It was a simple dish, but executed with such finesse. And finally, to end our incredible feast, we had the Kesari Bhath. This wasn't just a dessert; it was a grand finale. The vibrant orange hue, the fragrant aroma of saffron and cardamom, and the rich, buttery texture studded with nuts—it was pure bliss. It was the perfect sweet conclusion to an overwhelmingly amazing meal. Beyond the incredible food, the service was prompt and friendly, and the ambiance was bustling yet comfortable. Udupi San Francisco isn't just a restaurant; it's a destination for anyone seeking a true taste of South India. Whether you're a seasoned fan of the cuisine or a curious first-timer, this is the place to be. We left feeling not just full, but truly nourished, with a promise to return soon to explore more of their menu. This is, without a doubt, a five-star culinary experience.

  • Mahendra Bagaria
    2 month ago

    Tried the Malabar paratha, chana batura, samosa chaat, thali, and rasmalai—everything was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. Generous portions and authentic taste make Udupi Palace a great choice for Indian vegetarian food.

  • Snigdha Adhikari
    3 month ago

    The food here was absolutely awesome, and the environment was super cozy. It seemed like they might have been a bit understaffed when I visited, as the guy was struggling to manage everything, but he did his best to accommodate everyone. Despite that, the food arrived quickly and was incredibly tasty. You should definitely try their dosa—it's a must-have!

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