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Hands down best Indian food in San Francisco and you can't tell me otherwise. Food is incredibly fresh and flavorful. The perfect portion of food served fast and perfect temp. The restaurant always has parking out front, good seating, and the staff is personable and responsive. Viva Goa is located on a busy street but you would never know as it's super relaxing inside and comfy. I've eaten almost everything on the menu over the e years but the butter chicken is my go to favorite.
I loved the food here! I hate that it took me 2 years to finally come here. The fish coconut curry was delicious and really stood out to me. It was both flavorful and extremely spicy. (Actually spicy) the Chana masala was pretty average. The service was great, attentive but not overbearing. And the vibe of the place was on the fancier side but the actual food prices were very affordable. My favorite combination. Will definitely return!
Goa on the west coast of India used to be a colony of Portugal, and the food is a fusion of Portuguese and Indian flavors. Viva Goa is a rare breed of restaurant serving regional Goan cuisine (along with more typical Indian fare). The Prawn Xacuti was a savory, tangy, spicy, soupy curry made of onions, spices, grated coconut, poppy seeds, and red chilies, along with plenty of whole shelled prawns. I was an even bigger fan of the Vegetable Caldin, a thick, grainy spiced coconut stew with mixed vegetables including green beans, cauliflower, and carrots. On the side, I had a thick whole wheat tandoori roti flatbread, which was rather dry and hard, but went nicely with the curries. A better option was the Aloo Paratha, a whole wheat bread with a thin layer of spiced potatoes stuffed inside, which separated the layers of bread. In addition to the Goan specialties, I also tried a few more typical Indian dishes including Chicken Tikka Masala, made of chunks of chicken in a creamy tomato sauce; Navrattan Korma, made of peas and carrots in a thick, mild sauce made cashews, onion, and tomato; and the creative fusion Pesto Paneer Tikka, made of cubes of homemade cheese grilled with onions, peppers, and a flavorful pesto sauce. Though the Goan specialties were the items to come for, everything was flavorful and delicious!
Service was good. The tandoori chicken was a bit dry and didn't have much flavor. Chicken tikka masala was tasty but needed more spice at a medium level. Lamb vindaloo was solid and the garlic naan was incredible. Also got the mango lassi which was solid.
Everything was good. Service was excellent. Food yummy. You couldn't even tell from inside we were on busy Lombard. It's the place to go for Indian in the neighborhood. There wasn't really a coconut milk taste to the chicken and they recommended it. Needless to say it was all pretty good.
We saw this restaurant while waking around SF and decided to give it a try! We ordered the Veg Pakora, rice and raita, onion and garlic naan, malai kofta and paneer tikka masala. All of the dishes were super tasty! My favorite was the Paneer and I also thought that the onion stuffed naan was unique. The service was good as well and the interior was clean and has a nice ambiance.
Really tasty - I came here with a friend who had family in the Goa region in India and she was explaining to me that the region is known for its seafood and also tomato-ey flavors (with Portugeuse influence). I got the butter chicken and my friend got lamb korma - both very flavorful and juicy meat. The garlic naan was some of the crispiest and most garlicky I've had in the city. We also got an app that was very crispy outside moist inside (forgot what it was though oops). The inside atmosphere was pretty old school (white tablecloths, lots of Indian families) and quite the gem in the Marina. Service was good and the servers were patient as we explored the menu. Would come back with friends or family
Went to Viva Goa for another amazing dinner last night. The service here is always so friendly and quick. They also decorated really nicely for Christmas this time of year. We started with the vegetable samosas which were delicious. Crispy on the outside and warm and flavorful on the inside. For our mains we got the butter chicken and baingan vindaloo (our favorites here). We asked for the vindaloo extra spicy and it came out the perfect amount. Also got garlic naan and rice with the curries. The garlic naan was so good we had to get a second basket later in the meal! Overall this is still my favorite Indian restaurant in SF. The food is consistent, delicious, and affordable, and the service is always welcoming and friendly.
Have been intrigued to try Viva Goa so we did takeaway tonight. Prawn Korma - shrimp in a creamy cashew sauce Lamb Vindaloo- ground lamb in fragrant spices Paneer Pakora - chickpea coated farmer's cheese Naan - both onion and pesto naan breads Basmati rice, Raita yogurt, mango chutney Galub Jamun - rose water & coriander mini donuts Every bite was delicious and even with a hungry teenage swimmer we both ate heartily and still had some leftovers (light lunch?) The Lamb Vindaloo looked like it might be too spicy but it wasn't, just lightly and perfectly so with lots of fragrant spices (cinnamon, fenugreek, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, garlic). It was the standout dish ($17.49). The Prawn Korma (a tomato cashew cream sauce) ($17.99) was so good and didn't skimp on large, juicy shrimp, about 9-10 in this dish. Wasn't a fan of the Paneer Pakora because it was so dense. It was good to dip in the savory tamarind and mint sauces but half of one was enough. I thought the onion naan was too sweet (cooked sweet white onion and/or shallots); the pesto naan was superior. Casual ambiance, good service and our order was ready under the time promised. Would totally return!
The food was delicious and I will be sure to order it again next time I'm in San Francisco. I got the vegetable caldin, channa xacutti, samosas, plus naan and rice. As is often the case with Indian food, it doesn't look like much in a photo! Also, I should note that I requested no cilantro, so if you don't see any in the photos that's why. I'm going to lead with the vegetable caldin because it tasted so amazing. It's rich and coconutty, well spiced, and I'm planning to learn how to make it at home. The channa xacutti was very good, too. It's supposed to be coconut-based but to me it leaned more towards having garam masala-type flavors. Hard to go wrong with those, though. The samosas were fine, but bland - although I find most restaurants' samosas to be bland so this may be a "me" thing. The food was all hot (in temperature) and plentiful, and I have no complaints about the naan and rice. I was very glad they left the cilantro out for me. The only snag in the delivery was that I requested utensils and a napkin, but didn't get any. Nothing was the least bit spicy, so if you want something with some heat I imagine you'd have to ask. I probably will, next time. Be aware that you have to explicitly order rice and naan; the entrees don't come with either of those.
I've been wanting to try viva goa ever since my friend told me it's his go to Indian take out spot! I ordered chicken tikka masala, rice and garlic naan. I appreciated that I could choose the spice level and opted for medium. The spice was no over powering which I appreciated, but probably could handled the spicy version too! Everything was great! Will definitely be ordering again.
We have been here twice and each time we had their off-the-menu Goan pork curry, sorpotel. Me and my husband both love that dish. Their service is also quick and the ambience is cozy! Only parking can be a hassle in that area read more
The service here is amazing, the staff is very attentive and the vibe inside is perfect for any occasion. I enjoyed the lamb the most (not pictured) and the vegetable samosas. Great experience and probably one of the best Indian restaurants in the city. read more
3 months ago
It was cold today - I was in the mood for curry. I ordered the fish curry upon recommendation of Joseph. The owner . It just hit the spot! Fresh ingredients, curry sauce tasted home made, sole fish was tender , garlic naan was thin and not greasy . This restaurant is a hidden gem !! I did not remember writing a review 3 years ago ! Well food is still delicious and inexpensive! Well if the owner is at the restaurant all the time, that is why ! Thank you for bringing authentic Goan food here ! This is why we love neighborhood places in San Francisco !!!! read more
1 year ago
Hands down best Indian food in San Francisco and you can't tell me otherwise. Food is incredibly fresh and flavorful. The perfect portion of food served fast and perfect temp. The restaurant always has parking out front, good seating, and the staff is personable and responsive. Viva Goa is located on a busy street but you would never know as it's super relaxing inside and comfy. I've eaten almost everything on the menu over the e years but the butter chicken is my go to favorite. read more
1 year ago
I loved the food here! I hate that it took me 2 years to finally come here. The fish coconut curry was delicious and really stood out to me. It was both flavorful and extremely spicy. (Actually spicy) the Chana masala was pretty average. The service was great, attentive but not overbearing. And the vibe of the place was on the fancier side but the actual food prices were very affordable. My favorite combination. Will definitely return! read more
Goa on the west coast of India used to be a colony of Portugal, and the food is a fusion of Portuguese and Indian flavors. Viva Goa is a rare breed of restaurant serving regional Goan cuisine (along with more typical Indian fare). The Prawn Xacuti was a savory, tangy, spicy, soupy curry made of onions, spices, grated coconut, poppy seeds, and red chilies, along with plenty of whole shelled prawns. I was an even bigger fan of the Vegetable Caldin, a thick, grainy spiced coconut stew with mixed vegetables including green beans, cauliflower, and carrots. On the side, I had a thick whole wheat tandoori roti flatbread, which was rather dry and hard, but went nicely with the curries. A better option was the Aloo Paratha, a whole wheat bread with a thin layer of spiced potatoes stuffed inside, which separated the layers of bread. In addition to the Goan specialties, I also tried a few more typical Indian dishes including Chicken Tikka Masala, made of chunks of chicken in a creamy tomato sauce; Navrattan Korma, made of peas and carrots in a thick, mild sauce made cashews, onion, and tomato; and the creative fusion Pesto Paneer Tikka, made of cubes of homemade cheese grilled with onions, peppers, and a flavorful pesto sauce. Though the Goan specialties were the items to come for, everything was flavorful and delicious! read more
1 year ago
Service was good. The tandoori chicken was a bit dry and didn't have much flavor. Chicken tikka masala was tasty but needed more spice at a medium level. Lamb vindaloo was solid and the garlic naan was incredible. Also got the mango lassi which was solid. read more
Everything was good. Service was excellent. Food yummy. You couldn't even tell from inside we were on busy Lombard. It's the place to go for Indian in the neighborhood. There wasn't really a coconut milk taste to the chicken and they recommended it. Needless to say it was all pretty good. read more
We saw this restaurant while waking around SF and decided to give it a try! We ordered the Veg Pakora, rice and raita, onion and garlic naan, malai kofta and paneer tikka masala. All of the dishes were super tasty! My favorite was the Paneer and I also thought that the onion stuffed naan was unique. The service was good as well and the interior was clean and has a nice ambiance. read more
Really tasty - I came here with a friend who had family in the Goa region in India and she was explaining to me that the region is known for its seafood and also tomato-ey flavors (with Portugeuse influence). I got the butter chicken and my friend got lamb korma - both very flavorful and juicy meat. The garlic naan was some of the crispiest and most garlicky I've had in the city. We also got an app that was very crispy outside moist inside (forgot what it was though oops). The inside atmosphere was pretty old school (white tablecloths, lots of Indian families) and quite the gem in the Marina. Service was good and the servers were patient as we explored the menu. Would come back with friends or family read more
2 years ago
Went to Viva Goa for another amazing dinner last night. The service here is always so friendly and quick. They also decorated really nicely for Christmas this time of year. We started with the vegetable samosas which were delicious. Crispy on the outside and warm and flavorful on the inside. For our mains we got the butter chicken and baingan vindaloo (our favorites here). We asked for the vindaloo extra spicy and it came out the perfect amount. Also got garlic naan and rice with the curries. The garlic naan was so good we had to get a second basket later in the meal! Overall this is still my favorite Indian restaurant in SF. The food is consistent, delicious, and affordable, and the service is always welcoming and friendly. read more
2 years ago
Have been intrigued to try Viva Goa so we did takeaway tonight. Prawn Korma - shrimp in a creamy cashew sauce Lamb Vindaloo- ground lamb in fragrant spices Paneer Pakora - chickpea coated farmer's cheese Naan - both onion and pesto naan breads Basmati rice, Raita yogurt, mango chutney Galub Jamun - rose water & coriander mini donuts Every bite was delicious and even with a hungry teenage swimmer we both ate heartily and still had some leftovers (light lunch?) The Lamb Vindaloo looked like it might be too spicy but it wasn't, just lightly and perfectly so with lots of fragrant spices (cinnamon, fenugreek, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, garlic). It was the standout dish ($17.49). The Prawn Korma (a tomato cashew cream sauce) ($17.99) was so good and didn't skimp on large, juicy shrimp, about 9-10 in this dish. Wasn't a fan of the Paneer Pakora because it was so dense. It was good to dip in the savory tamarind and mint sauces but half of one was enough. I thought the onion naan was too sweet (cooked sweet white onion and/or shallots); the pesto naan was superior. Casual ambiance, good service and our order was ready under the time promised. Would totally return! read more
1 month ago
8 months ago
The food was delicious and I will be sure to order it again next time I'm in San Francisco. I got the vegetable caldin, channa xacutti, samosas, plus naan and rice. As is often the case with Indian food, it doesn't look like much in a photo! Also, I should note that I requested no cilantro, so if you don't see any in the photos that's why. I'm going to lead with the vegetable caldin because it tasted so amazing. It's rich and coconutty, well spiced, and I'm planning to learn how to make it at home. The channa xacutti was very good, too. It's supposed to be coconut-based but to me it leaned more towards having garam masala-type flavors. Hard to go wrong with those, though. The samosas were fine, but bland - although I find most restaurants' samosas to be bland so this may be a "me" thing. The food was all hot (in temperature) and plentiful, and I have no complaints about the naan and rice. I was very glad they left the cilantro out for me. The only snag in the delivery was that I requested utensils and a napkin, but didn't get any. Nothing was the least bit spicy, so if you want something with some heat I imagine you'd have to ask. I probably will, next time. Be aware that you have to explicitly order rice and naan; the entrees don't come with either of those. read more
2 years ago
I've been wanting to try viva goa ever since my friend told me it's his go to Indian take out spot! I ordered chicken tikka masala, rice and garlic naan. I appreciated that I could choose the spice level and opted for medium. The spice was no over powering which I appreciated, but probably could handled the spicy version too! Everything was great! Will definitely be ordering again. read more
4 months ago
11 months ago
Amazing food and customer service! Chicken is well cooked and seasoned, server asked for spice level and kept checking in on us read more
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I recently went to Viva Goa with my uncle. We are both Aquarians and both celebrated our born day this past week. I have a friend from Bombay where I have been many times who recommended Viva Goa. He eats both veg and non-veg. He was keen on the fish dishes here. Both me and our uncle are veg aka he is vegetarian and I am vegan so we wanted to check it out here. First off I spent over a year in Goa doing intensive yoga studies with my teachers there. I lived all over Goa and traveled extensively there by a Honda Active scooter as I had hella tapas and loved my time in Goa. Our server approached us. I asked where he was from and he said Goa. I wanted to talk Goa culture from different places I lived and a yatra to Ponda yet he was strictly business like EPMD from Long Island where I lived. No problem though. My uncle ordered the saag paneer, basmati rice, and naan. I went with the Channa Xacuti aka chickpeas and potatoes and a brown rice with roti. Naan here is vegan and so is the roti. We shared the papadam and two piece samosa. Papadam was just fine and samosa was tasty. I found my main dish okay. I cooked at an award winning vegan/vegetarian cafe so am a very good cook in a moment in satya so thought the main could have been better. My uncle thought the same with his main. Both of us had been to India and experienced Indian cuisine in the source. My uncle is at the yoga lifestyle longer than I am alive and I have been at it since 19 and just turned 45. All good though. Maybe we come back again to try something else. Nice so many veg options on the menu. Atmosphere was just fine and service was strictly business as didn't want to chat up Goan culture where I lived over a year which is fine. Satya aka truthful review is FINI. Many vegan options on the menu which was cool including: Vegetable Caldin, Channa Xacuti, Vegetable Biryani, Samosa, Roti, Dal Fry, Saag Aloo, Saag Chana, Bengan Bertha.....and more read more
9 months ago
An absolute gem of a place! Was looking for authentic fish curry and thought Viva Goa might be just the place to find it. We made a reservation for 2 on a Sunday and the restaurant was fairly empty. Great service! Warm and cozy ambiance that is slightly more on the upscale side. Mango lassi- 3/5 pretty typical, ends up being very filling Chai- 3/5 also pretty typical, more on the milky side Channa Xacuti- 4/5 wanted to try an authentic goan dish. Great flavor and has a decent amount of chicken Fish curry- 5/5 the definite favorite! Fish is so so soft Side of rice- 4/5 good portion size but not quite enough to split between 2 people and 2 dishes Garlic naan- 5/5 YUM Bibingka- 5/5!! Perfect end to a meal. Light and sweet. Had a great time and brought my family back when they visited. Stopped in for a table of 4 on a Tuesday and was able to get seated easily. Vegetarian samosas- 5/5 dipping sauce was a great compliment. More medium than mild spicy Fish xacuti- 4/5 forgot what fish dish I ordered last time and think curry is better than xacuti but love both Paneer tikka masala- 5/5 great vegetarian option. Paneer on the stiffer side Mattar paneer- 5/5 similarly, great taste, paneer is a bit more stiff Bibingka- still 5/5!! read more
2 years ago
Good regular, suggested this delicious dish! Service is great as well! Never eaten in, but seems like it would be a delightful experience. read more
5 months ago
2 years ago
I can see why this place has 4.5 stars. The food was really good and they have great service. We were going to do take-out but decided to dine-in instead. It was not too busy as it was a holiday weekend, but the ambiance was just lively enough. Upon arrival we were greeted by a gentleman and then a young lady took our order shortly after. I can't believe the bill was so low considering we ordered so much. And best of all, the corkage was just $12. Reservations not necessary but I would make one to be safe. I would definitely come back. read more
6 months ago
Probably some of the best Indian food in the area. Had a large party for a birthday dinner, came on a Thursday night. Service was amazing; the staff was all very friendly and attentive. The place is pretty small overall. Parking is not the easiest, but that's not uncommon in SF. Had a variety of dishes, including chicken biryana, chicken tikka masala, naan, malal kofta, channa masala, and chicken korma. Every dish was amazing, and I had no complaints across the board. Malal kofta was definitely the table favorite. Goan places are hard to find, so I'd recommend trying those dishes. Would highly recommend to anyone, and I'd definitely come back. read more
2 years ago
I love this place. I order from here often from food delivery apps and have wanted to eat in. The walls were decorated with leafy accents and photos from beaches, adding to the seaside charm of Goa. The service was a bit slow to take our order but once we gave it our food came out in a reasonable amount of time. We tried to order many of the traditional dishes on the menu. I quite liked the sorpotel. While it does have pig intestines, tongue, etc, it had a good amount of spice to it and the meat was tender and complemented by the tangy vinegar. The fish cutlets were slightly crispy on the outside and were packed with well-seasoned fish on the inside. They made for a solid appetizer, and I'd definitely recommend them. Other dishes of note were the goan lamb masala, chicken xacutti, and the fish curry. The paneer was decent. I'd highly suggest getting the Goan dishes over dishes like paneer and butter chicken. The chai was smooth and aromatic, a great way to round out the meal. read more
1 year ago
Weekday lunchtime is quiet for them in store so we got to chat with the owner for a few mins - really nice and friendly. We enjoyed the fish cutlets for the appetizer, the fluffy garlic naan, shrimp curry and chicken xacuti. Next time we would go for the creamier shrimp masala with the coconut base. read more
1 year ago
My absolute favorite Indian food in the city. Everything Viva Goa has is delicious- onion naan is amazing, tandoori fish, chicken tikka masala, samosas are all stars. Not to mention service is top tier. All employees are so kind and make both the dine in experience and take out experience wonderful. I love Viva Goa!! read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
they were able to take our walk in party of 6 people without a reservation. service was phenomenal, they were very attentive to our needs and offered great food recommendations. food quality was good and there were many options of veggie, meat, and seafood dishes. it's located off a busy street but the ambiance inside is very nice. i would definitely return. read more
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More info about Viva Goa
2420 Lombard St
San Francisco, CA 94123
Marina/Cow Hollow
Directions
(415) 440-2600
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https://vivagoaindiancuisine.com
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Ask the Community - Viva Goa
Do they have rava fish or rava prawn?
I am sorry unfortunately we don’t have any rava fried items.
Do they have buffet on weekends?
Hey! No they don't do buffets anymore unfortunately.
Do they offer lunch buffet?
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