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Daru Indian Restaurant & Gastropub in San Diego

4.6 (196) 9430 Scranton Rd, San Diego, CA 92121, United States

Daru Indian Restaurant & Gastropub image

Location on the map

San Diego, San Diego County, California, US

Phone: +1 858-230-6104
Site: https://darusandiego.com/

Opening hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:11:30 AM–2:30 PM
Wednesday:11:30 AM–2:30 PM
Thursday:11:30 AM–2:30 PM
Friday:11:30 AM–2:30 PM
Saturday:5–10 PM
Sunday:5–9 PM

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Total reviews rating 4.6

196 Reviews for Daru Indian Restaurant & Gastropub 2024:

Review №1

2023-10-22 02:41:47

Amazing food and great service !Ordered pani puri: spicy just like it should be . Pav bhaji, chicken lollipop, kati roll, samosa were great choices. Even the bread for pac bhaji was amazing. Gajar halwa was amazing ( I never like it unless it’s home made ) . Mocktails were great: masala nimbu soda was the best for me .

Review №2

2023-08-12 01:48:42

Looking for a good Indian restaurant in San Diego, we stumbled across this gem that just opened a few months ago. The food reminded me of Home, this is a huge compliment. The cardamom chai with the biscuit was artfully prepared and was exquisite in taste. The Pani puri shots were also incredibly delicious, just amazing in flavor. We also tried the vada pav was so good that we ordered in extra after finishing one. In addition to all of this, we had the chicken masala burger - honestly and truly the most flavorful chicken burger Ive ever had. Very very well done. If I wasnt full from the vada pav I wouldve had another. We finished our meal with the Alfonso mango lassi that hits just right in terms of flavor and sweetness and the pistachio kulfi that was icing on the cake. If youre looking for a place to eat with amazing food, ambience, seating, and free parking - look no further. Im definitely coming back. Also - the meat is halal! How great is that for my fellow Muslim folk! This place wins in every aspect.

Review №3

2023-10-17 18:54:23

Great food! They served our group of 12 on arrival with no notice. The food was tasty and large portions. The service was friendly as well! I had the Chai for my drink, which came with a butter biscuit. The group got a few orders of pani puri shots, and I had the Chile Batura for dinner.

Review №4

2023-10-31 07:12:51

Hi, me n my bf visit here today and we found the best indian and mumbai’s vada pav here! Apart of that we ordered pav bhaji and veg tikki burger also that was fantastic. The service was also good, the staff is too friendly. We came back soon guyz.

Review №5

2023-08-04 07:32:58

We had an amazing experience! The food is excellent and has got Indian flavors!The service is great! The owner of the place ensures we are served well and gives amazing recommendations based on our likes and dislikes! Great place for date night and to hang out with friends alike.Food - 5/5Service - 5/5Atmosphere - 5/5Parking - 5/5

Review №6

2023-10-03 05:20:39

Delicious food! Alfonso mango lassi was amazing! ALL the dishes are very well made! The service was also extremely friendly and the ambience is very chill with classic Bollywood songs playing in the background :D

Review №7

2023-07-16 05:46:20

The ambience is nice with Indian songs playing in background, food was up to expectations but couldve been better in some ways of spice or condiments use! But I would say good job done overall! The pav bhaji was kinda okay, couldve been better! Paneer Tikka was epic nice but less in quantity! The chakna was the key highlight to beer in the gastropub! After a long time, spicy groundnuts! Overall had a fun night with friends there

Review №8

2023-08-23 01:14:59

Best indian food in the area. Owner was super friendly. Had a great conversation with him. Excellent service. Good quality of food. Must try. It’s an amazing concept of fusion with a twist. I would definitely like to go again. After a full day of exploring the San Diego zoo this place was just what we needed. Good comfort food with awesome and delicious food. They have great cocktails options. Must try panipuri. Ambience of the place was fantastic.

Review №9

2023-03-02 14:57:42

Everything we ordered was amazing! I couldnt even get good photos of the food because, as soon as that plate hit the table, fingers were grabbing evening up!The team was amazing. I have to say, the best service Ive had in quite some time. Nice, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu and wine.Fantastic experience!

Review №10

2023-08-26 01:35:17

This is exactly what I wanted to eat! Pav baji was amazing, the mango lassi was nice and fluffy, and finally the burger wasnt too big or small, just perfect and so yummy! This is being written by an 8yr old and her 6 yr old sister because their dad is too busy finishing the tasty kesar kulfi!! 👏🙏🎉💯👌✅🕐🤠😀😃😄😁🧩Dad: This is the restaurant [Indian Cuisine segment] to beat in San Diego!!

Review №11

2023-03-31 05:31:47

Hands down one of the most delicious indian food I have had in a while.We had Pani puri shots, paneer tikka, pav bhaji. My friend also had chicken tikka burger. Everything smelled and looked amazing and tasted even better!!!. And fun fact, they make their paneer from scratch!!!!I would definitely recommend this place and personally I will visit it again for sure 😋

Review №12

2023-07-20 02:17:28

Finally a great Indian spot close to us.. we loved every dish we had.. highlights were chicken lollipop and the cocktail samosas. Pani puri and chicken tikka masala pizza were also great, and I wanted to try a dozen other things on the menu so we are planning to come back, soon!

Review №13

2023-04-21 06:46:54

Im visiting from Houston where we have amazing food and plenty of Indian food but Ive never experienced a cuisine like this at a dine in spot. Pub style food that requires no utensils. The flavors were mind blowing. I was fortunate enough to speak to the chef and learn about the detail he puts into the food. Almost everything is prepared daily by the kitchen. As simple as the cocktail peanuts and seasoning on the chips, all made in house. I enjoyed the tandoori lamb chops and paneer kati roll and was blown away by the whiskey cake. Dont miss this opportunity to enjoy high quality food at unbelievable pricing!

Review №14

2023-04-12 01:55:47

We are visiting from San Antonio, TX. There is a Texas-based restaurant called Whiskey Cake that has a their namesake dessert of a whiskey cake. Daru’s whiskey cake is hands-down way better than Whiskey Cake’s whiskey cake. It has loads more flavor and not overly sweet. It’s sweet enough that you know it’s a dessert but the spices and flavor are its predominant feature. By far the BEST whiskey cake I’ve ever had and by far the best Indian food I’ve had. This restaurant far exceeded expectations and we will be talking about this place long after we return home.I wish this restaurant much success and the next time we are in San Diego, we will stop here again…unless y’all want to open in Texas! ;-)

Review №15

2023-10-26 18:47:20

I came in randomly as I was looking for a place to eat after exiting the freeway from a trip from the border to OC. It was happy hour so I was able to try a bit of various dishes. The Chicken Lollipops were so delicious, they came with this spicy sweet sauce that was out of this world. Ill literally go back here just to taste the sauce again. The service was exceptional and the owner and I had a good convo. Very accommodating and friendly. Hopefully I can eat there next time Im around. Tapped beer selection was unique and tasty. I approve!👌

Review №16

2023-01-19 03:19:26

Amazing place. Owner and server were welcoming, honest, and authentic. Food made from the freshest ingredients (I personally ordered the veg stew which was perfect this time of year). Beer selection is top notch. German variety that you don’t typically see around these parts. This is the restaurant to bring some friends and have a great time with some great food. I will be coming back, and I am looking forward to it!

Review №17

2023-07-02 02:52:09

Food was great. Must try: chaiChai was the best ever I’ve tried. Chicken lollipop was good enough spicy and crispy.

Review №18

2023-01-06 06:20:37

Amazing place. Owner was extremely friendly. We had a Tikki Masala Pizza, as well as the Paneer Tikki as an app. Great selection of German beers I recommend the Kostritzer Black Lager. My fiancé had the German Reisling. Superb service, clean cozy environment with a warm ambiance. Makes for an intimate dining experience.

Review №19

2023-03-10 17:39:53

Food:- Ginger Cardamom Chai/Tea: *The Best in town* One small complaint, make it without sugar as some people like chai with least sugar possible. The biscuit stands out.- Kanda Bhajji - Best in SD that I have tried.- Pav Bhajji - Very good.- Burger - probably the only place where you get a good Indian veggie burger in Mira Mesa comes along with masala fries (tastes like peri peri fries)- Pani Puri Shots - Tastea good. But $9 for 4 puris & 10ml of Pani doesnt do justice for Pani Puri lovers. You gotta give fill the glass up!- Katti Rolls (Panner) tastes similar to paneer Tikka. So do not take both at once. Else both are good individually.Ambience : Its a gastropub, gives good posh vibe.Drink Menu: If you love Indian beer, must go. Would love some indian cocktails though.Parking: Plenty available.Seating Capacity is limited. Gets filled up quite easily. Maybe start reservations to keep up the good vibe & experience. 😊

Review №20

2023-03-04 00:34:51

Cool spot for Indian fusion food. Went with a group of six and everyone enjoyed their meal. Good options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. I had the paneer burger and it was quite flavorful. Small plates such as pani puri and khanda bhaji were quite good. Lots of different menu options like kati rolls and pizza; I’m looking forward to going back and trying something new. Service was very friendly and the place wasn’t too busy.

Review №21

2023-08-01 21:14:53

Hands down the best Indian food experience I’ve ever had. You can tell the food is very high quality!

Review №22

2023-11-13 03:53:20

Food and atmosphere are good but the service is really slow. At the time we came in, there was only one server who took orders (and there another guy who just brings out the food) and the place was really busy. Not sure about the kitchen situation but the food came out very slow (considering the restaurant has “small plates” only menu). Will probably come back if the service becomes better.

Review №23

2023-11-17 02:18:59

I was picking up an order for a company lunch. Although I did not stay long, everyone was very friendly and accommodating. The food… WOW! Absolutely delicious. We had veg and non-veg to-go lunches. Fragrant, savory, slightly spicy, just beautiful. Ordered 16 lunches and 16 lassis… Not a smidge of anything was remaining for anyone.I’ll be going again next time I’m in San Diego.Thank you Lyle.

Review №24

2023-06-11 05:26:01

Clean place, friendly atmosphere, bartender was so nice. He helped me to choose my meal. It was Fresh and yummy.

Review №25

2023-10-24 00:57:58

Unlike any Indian restaurant I’ve been to. Great ambience, very carefully catered menu and delicious food. Top, top marks on their wall art. A mix of films, history, architecture and cultural trivia! This won’t be our only visit 😊

Review №26

2023-02-02 07:19:34

I had the best time after a long time. This hands down the most unique Desi menu in Sandeigo. They have organic wine and desi beers too ! The menu is just very diversified Indian. I am pretty picky about who I review ! But they deserved it all. Thanks for the bartender and the owner for being such fun hosts. It was really nice meeting you. Will definitely be back to try more of your amazing food

Review №27

2023-11-17 03:19:07

Food was wonderful! Paneer tikka unique and very flavour-able. Blake our waiter was wonderful especially for someone newly diagnosed with celiac. Steered me to the right food. Lyle the owner is lovely, personable and went out of his way explaining how their food is made.Definitely you must go here. Food is amazing.

Review №28

2022-12-20 01:13:52

I love the zen atmosphere in the restaurant with bamboo curtain and cheerful Indian music - you just want daaanncee with the food 🥘 awesome butter veggi stew with fresh/clean taste wine! Met the owner, a very fun guy and he gave us yummy dessert samples 😋

Review №29

2023-12-10 06:55:23

Malai Prawns is a must try. Everything on the menu tasted great. Curated beers and BIRA and old monk from India available.Friendly staff.Highly recommend.

Review №30

2023-01-26 05:31:39

Phenomenal concept and execution. Although the idea of an Indian gastropub was unique to me at first, ambience was nice and the bartender was exceptionally friendly.The food was stellar - I shared the Pav Bhaji; it was delicious and paired nicely with the Indian Lager.The deserts were outstanding as well. The ginger cardamon chai was particularly delicious, and the saffron ice cream was that perfect balance of sweet and flavorful, without overdoing either.I loved this place and am eager to go back!

Review №31

2023-06-18 20:22:46

Everything we ordered was fantastic. We came for fathers day with a large group and tried many different things on the menu, and everything was good. Service was friendly, the owner was helpful, and the atmosphere was very nice. Lots of new things I’ve never been able to try at other Indian spots. We will definitely be back.

Review №32

2023-10-02 15:42:49

Good authentic food and flavors. Vada from the vada pav was great, the bread was a bit too thick. But flavors were spot on. Pizza was great, mango lassi had the cardomom flavors and was very authentic. The dessert cake could have been warmer instead of cold. The music was too loud for us. The TV playing bollywood songs clashed with the loud music. Id keep one source of music on. Also with their retro bollywood vibe, I think it would be better to play the old bollywood songs rather than the loud modern music. I get that they are trying to create a pub like atmosphere, but when I cant hear people across the table, I just dont enjoy the experience as much.

Review №33

2022-12-14 08:03:02

I ate chicken Tikka pizza today.It is very unique and tasty.You can enjoy draft beers 🍺 together.

Review №34

2023-06-30 02:49:07

Really good Indian food. Very unique experience! Definitely recommend!

Review №35

2023-07-14 05:25:00

Was a great atmosphere all around! The owner of the restaurant, Lyle, was an extremely warm and welcoming gentleman, who even though we arrived twenty minutes prior to closing, still hosted us with grace and kindness. Was helpful in offering information and passionate about his business. This is what makes the difference between someone who does it for business versus passion and love for service and good food.

Review №36

2023-08-03 03:53:24

One of the best Indian restaurants I have been to lately. The spicy peanuts with the beer were great. The pav bhaji and kulfi were amazing. The ambience was good and the owner Lyle takes pride in making quality food. I will highly recommend this place.

Review №37

2023-02-20 22:27:01

It was def one of best Chai I have had in SD. I would highly recommend it. I tried the Chicken Lollipop which was quite good too. Finished it off with the amazing Kesar Malai Kulfi which was amazing!! Almost similar to the one’s we have in India. Would def recommend this place to my friends as well.

Review №38

2023-06-30 00:59:45

Went here when it first opened up with my coworkers as we were excited to have another Indian food option close by. We all ordered different items to try a variety: a pizza, Kati roll, kabobs amongst other sides. We did not enjoy any of the food- I felt so bad about the lunch that I paid for everyone. This was right when they opened and the service was also terrible. I am willing to try again to see if the food/ service has improved since then.

Review №39

2023-07-24 04:46:07

What an amazing experience! The owner was continuously available, taking care of our table of 7. All the dishes, from the house made paneer to the cardamom ginger chai were delicious!! The ambience was authentic and original. Loved it!! Highly recommend!!

Review №40

2023-09-26 18:58:02

Keema pizza with keema crust filling was Amazing and cocktail samosas these are my favorites they had lot of flavor and the taste was exceptionaly amazing. Whisky cake is a must try to finish the amazing indian flavors.

Review №41

2023-07-15 20:37:03

We have been going to this place ever since it opened its doors for the first time and we have never been disappointed.The place is well maintained and is decorated with a few Indian stars pictures. We sat outside in the patio - it was perfect weather.This time we took our friends visiting SD and they loved it. So since we were alot of us we tried most of the things from the menu!The owner is really friendly and gives us the best suggestion. The hospitality is extraordinary. He makes sure youre happy and having a good time.The food prepared here is made with a-lot of effort. You can taste the optimum level of spice, flavours, and the authenticity of the foods.We tried paneer tikka, chicken boti kabab, chicken lollipop, hariyali paneer kathi roll, chicken kathi roll, peppy paneer pizza, lamb roast, shrimp!Everything tasted really amazing and different from each other. They didnt taste monotonous. All the items are tandoor grilled and not oily! The kathi roll is made on thin tortilla crispy on the inside and filled with paneer or chicken of your choice. They serve items with either Indian green chutney and imli chutney which are also nice.We also had the kulfi which are available in pista and malai flavours. Thick, very filling kulfi.The catch and the thing which made me feel very close to home was they served Indian masala peanuts with drinks we all know how much we love our peanut masala with beer.Highly recommend when youre craving for good grilled Indian starters and a couple of beer. Youll not be disappointed!

Review №42

2023-07-30 21:46:49

The atmosphere is posh and the staff were very warm and welcoming and helpful with making suggestions. We came during happy hour and I really appreciated the specials. The bar has a unique collection of German and Indian beers. The Flying Horse was my favorite and was large and a good value and I also enjoyed the Taj Mahal and a German pilsener which paired well with the complimentary Indian pub peanuts. For appetizers we tried the Pani puri, Khanda bhaji and Indian spring rolI. Khanda bhaji is hard to get right but these were perfectly fried and generously portioned. It was my first time trying an Indian spring roll and it was actually the best spring roll I’ve ever had! My meat eating friends tried the Chicken Tikka pizza, chicken lollipop, and tandoori lamb chop and loved them. For veg entrees we tried the pav bhaji and chole batura which were tasty and filling. We didn’t think we could eat anything else but we ordered the whiskey cake anyway and it was gone in 60 seconds! The owner was friendly and explained his inspiration behind the concept and decor. The presentation of the food was sophisticated. Every dish was enjoyable and you could taste the love put into the food. Indian music in the background was pleasant and helped set the mood. There’s a lovely patio which I plan to try out next time. I heard they’re starting a Monday movie night where they show classic Indian films and have free masala popcorn and discounts on pizzas and I look forward to going to that. My only complaint is there are not enough vegan options. There are only a couple vegan appetizers, no entrees and not enough options to eat a full meal. This is surprising since Indian food is so vegan friendly and easy to veganize and there are a ton of Indian restaurants in San Diego that are more vegan friendly. In 2023 a lot of people have dietary restrictions and everyone deserves to have a full meal. Hopefully this is something that will change so I can recommend this place to my vegan networks. I will definitely be back!

Review №43

2023-09-22 22:15:39

Poor quality food, should not claim to be Indian cuisine; The worst Indian food I have tasted, No exaggeration! I am Not sure how they received 4.6 Rating ! theres not a single dish we could relish. Food had no flavor! We love Indian food but sadly, this was really disappointing. The food was bland. Based on the review we went to this restaurant expecting good authentic Indian food but its a shame in the name of Indian restaurant.

Review №44

2023-08-14 03:43:03

It was my first time in this place today and I loved it. We ordered vada pav and veg burger with masala fries. Both items were delicious. The staff was friendly and the owner talked to us informing about the movie nights that they do there, food and so on. Overall a great experience. It was a little on the pricey side looking at the quantity of food but I think the quality justifies the cost.

Review №45

2023-08-01 21:14:22

Came for lunch and everything was amazing. Staff was friendly and attentive. Can’t wait to come back again!!!

Review №46

2023-09-05 05:25:44

The traditional Indian menu items (pav bhagi, etc) were really good, but the fusion stuff is really hit or miss. The pizza we tried was really bland.Service was great despite a large party coming in right after us.

Review №47

2023-07-10 20:48:01

We were group of 4. Ordered PavBhaji, Paneer Role, Veggie Pizza.Everything was very good. One of the best Indian food we had in the USA. Options are limited but very good taste and ambiance.

Review №48

2023-09-27 16:50:19

My suggestion to make this place even better is to install a few more large TVs and play sports on it, to make it feel more like a gastropub, but with indian street food, which would make it a unique ambience than other indian restaurants. And honestly, the pricing was a bit high for the portion sizes, everything tasted good though.

Review №49

2023-08-25 23:41:22

I ordered takeout from this restaurant. They forgot that I had ordered, which meant that I had to wait for an hour. When I finally got my food, they had gotten my order wrong. They gave me a veggie masala burger when I had ordered a chicken tikka burger. They also gave me bhaji with my samosa chaat (bhaji belongs with pav bhaji, not samosa).I was really excited to try the food but ended up very disappointed. :(

Review №50

2023-09-13 10:04:18

Amazing food and super welcoming service. Our server gladly answered any questions we had and even offered a sample to try one of the dishes. One person in our party had a cashew nut allergy and the server gave us a menu with the highlighted dishes containing cashews, which was incredibly helpful and there were still super delicious dishes to choose from, not just sides. The chole bature is the best! A bit on the higher end of the bill but well worth your while :)

Review №51

2023-06-19 05:22:46

The coolest place! We were 14 people and had 34 different orders between drinks, starters, desserts etc. not only did they not get our orders right, they went out of their way to accommodate our dietary preferences too! We are all def going to come back to this place again and I def recommend it for fantastic Indian fusion food!

Review №52

2023-04-10 03:39:42

I really enjoyed Daru with my parents! The pav bhaji and chole bhature were amazing and I left very impressed. I really enjoyed the concept of an indian gastropub. The owner Lyle is kind and attentive. I highly recommend!!

Review №53

2023-08-13 00:06:45

Pricey for the portion sizes when compared to Indian restaurants in the nearby-ish area (i.e., further into Sorrento Valley & Miramar). However, it stands out because of its unique concept. The pub ambiance and styling might lend better to after-work socials with coworkers less familiar/more hesitant about Indian food. Pizza was a bit greasy and paneer?/cheese stuffed crust wasnt worth the upcharge.

Review №54

2023-08-26 01:26:18

This is a new restaurant that just opened up and we randomly recalled that one of our neighbors spoke highly of it. So we decided to check it out today and boy was the food goo...ood! I am typing this up while I am still here because I have to. We had the pav bhaji, the chholay bhatooray (yummm), the masala burgers, the chicken Kari roll, and ended the visit with kesar kulfi! I now have to run because the typing this up here is keeping me away from the kulfi which is almost over

Review №55

2023-08-04 17:58:53

You guys need to post your hours on your sign outside. Nobody wants to scan a QR code to see what time your restaurant opens when theyre hungry, thats absolutely ridiculous. If Im walking around looking for somewhere to eat and Im like oh this place looks good, but they have a QR code instead of hours, I will go somewhere else.

Review №56

2023-09-10 03:38:33

Tikka pizza was delicious. Mango lassi also a must order. Great atmosphere and waiters were attentive

Review №57

2023-05-13 19:40:51

Food was surprisingly excellent. A modern take on classic Indian dishes. On top of that, the patio is dog friendly with great heaters! The staff are very friendly and accommodating. We cant wait to go back.

Review №58

2023-03-15 04:57:01

Good is top notch. Tika pizza is amazing as are several curated apps. The alcohol is where this place really stands out. Fantastic German beers and old world French dry wines that leave the palate wanting a bit more. I think theres still a few opportunities for upping the ambiance but otherwise fantastic all around.

Review №59

2023-09-30 05:45:29

Very kind staff. Gentleman allowed me to use the restroom upon no purchase 5/5. great service always will continue to receive a 5 star all around.

Review №60

2023-05-18 05:53:30

Great food and ambience. Menu is small, but good. Great mocktail selection.

Review №61

2023-01-07 04:08:50

Awesome food, great ambience.Must visit this place and owner is super nice with recommendation! Pavbhaji is too good! Must try

Review №62

2022-12-22 04:32:51

Food was delicious! I went during opening week and the owner immediately greeted us, explained the menu and made recommendations. Super polite and personable. Prawns were amazing! Chicken lollipops were so good! Very reasonably price, especially for the quality! Highly recommend..Will be back soon!

Review №63

2023-01-08 02:39:22

This place was absolutely outstanding. Upon entering, my boyfriend and I were greeted warmly by our bartender/server Erwin. We were offered samples of different beers that they had on tap and were given Indian style beer nuts with our beer selection. For food, we had the Samosas, Chicken Tikka pizza with the amul cheese stuffed crust, and the Pav Bhaji. All were amazingly delicious. The owner, Lyle, checked in on us multiple times to make sure everything was to our liking. Overall, this was a wonderful dining experience, and I will certainly be returning.

Review №64

2023-11-10 22:41:07

An absolute gem! Great food great environment. The owner is super cool. Definitely recommend!

Review №65

2023-01-07 04:38:41

This place has great ambiance and really good pizza. Adding the stuffed crust made it even tastier!

Review №66

2022-12-22 23:51:37

My friend and I tried Daru before going to see a comedy show. Andrew and I both thought the parking was easy, restaurant was clean and the food was excellent!!!I read the reviews before going and dont agree with what was said. I thought the bathrooms were clean and the staff and owner were very nice. The bathrooms are separate from the restaurant so I wouldnt fault the owner for them not being spotless.My friend had never tried Indian cuisine before and he loved it! The beer was super cold and I really enjoyed the cheese stuff crusted chicken pizza! So yummy!!! I think about it still, lol.The chia tea came with a delicious cookie and my friend loved it so much he ordered two. Temperature was perfect :)I would definitely come back to Daru and have told many friends they should try the food!

Review №67

2023-09-23 19:21:45

Love this place.. been here multiple times and we’ve recommended it to multiple people, both friends and family.. never failed, everyone loved it! Nice place for a date night.

Review №68

2023-04-22 21:24:53

Such great food and service. Wed never had the flavor of Indian cuisine in a pub format. The owner was very friendly and shared a bit with us about the food and culture. Our server, Irvin, was genuinely kind and knowledgeable. My husband is very picky about restaurant quality and service. He couldnt say enough good things about this place. We had the chicken Tikka pizza, the chicken masala burger, and the pani puri shots. Rounded off the meal with a cup of chai. Well definitely come here anytime we visit the San Diego area.

Review №69

2023-06-27 22:55:06

Awesome place - love the ambiance! Grilled prawns - superb! Chicken Kati Roll - excellent!! Will definitely return! Thank you!

Review №70

2023-04-05 04:45:14

Great new Indian place in San Diego, loved the Kathi rolls and the Chicken Tikka pizza!

Review №71

2023-04-30 20:43:17

I wish I could give a zero star to this place.So we were asked to wait for 20 minutes to get a table as the owner said the place was packed a bit. We agreed to wait for 20 minutes. While waiting we saw people leave the restaurant so we were waiting for our turn. The owner didnt bother to inform us and when we went and asked he pointed at a empty table and said he would get the table ready in 2 minutes.We waited for another 15 minutes outside and he didnt bother to clean the table and call us in at all.Worst experience ever. Either hire more people or have some basic courtesy to inform people.

Review №72

2023-03-23 21:21:40

If you are looking for truly delicious Indian food, you have to try Daru Indian Cuisine in Sorrento Valley.This is a special place with high quality ingredients and fun selections.Our server, Estevan, listened to what I was in the mood for and then made Chloe Batura his recommendation. WOW.It hit the spot and I was incredibly satisfied.The owner, Lyle, made a point of coming over to say hello. His enthusiasm and knowledge is impressive. He made the experience enjoyable.Be prepared to be wowed.

Review №73

2022-12-20 02:42:34

Elegant and inviting. Easily the best kati roll Ive ever had. The pav is phenomenal as well, and the pizza had a crust stuffed with meat. Never seen that before. And what a uniquely classy beer and wine list. This place is a special experience. The vision of the owner is on full display, and if you get a chance to meet him, his passion really drives the point home.

Review №74

2023-04-05 04:51:37

Really good Indian food. One of the most authentic Indian serving restaurants in Dan Diego. The chicken lollipops were excellent. Had the hariyali paneer kaati roll- was really tasty too. Will come back again to try other items on the menu!

Review №75

2023-01-20 19:50:20

Place is very cozy and has a decent ambience. The pros about this place ends there.Ordered the chicken Tikka pizza, chicken katti rolls, chicken lollipop and shrimp.For drinks we ordered a pitcher of Paulaner-Hefeweizen. The pitcher cost 32$ and a beer mug costs 7$. The pitcher was just about enough for 4.5 glasses of beer. I would recommend buying mugs of beer since that works out cheaper.- Pizza was ok but lacked the chicken Tikka taste. We ordered the stuffed chicken kebab pizza and they basically had a sausage cut in half inside the crust.- Chicken katti roll had no flavor or salt. Could be one of the worst katti rolls Ive had for this price.- chicken lollipop was decent although it was a bit burnt- shrimp starters were goodI dont recommend any dish here. You would be better off getting better Indian food at other places.

Review №76

2022-12-20 03:45:18

There are mixed reviews about this place, people wrote about the unhelpful and rude owner and staff. Still, I went there with my colleagues from office today. I wanted my colleagues to try Indian cuisine and this place is in vicinity of all major companies in the area.The owner and the staff were welcoming at first, then they explained the menu and recommended some items. This restaurant is very very costly. But we ordered a lot of food.I think here are the problems with this place:1. The food is too costly.2. The service is slow and clumsy.3. The toilets are not clean.4. They will talk a lot about their speciality but in reality, being an Indian I can tell, there is nothing special in taste and quality. We felt it’s just hefty boasting.Probably, owner had read the reviews about his behaviour, he did not interact with us a lot.But, I do not recommend wasting your precious money and time here.

Review №77

2023-04-22 19:22:53

Went to this place and I must say the vibe and the food are amazing. The owner is a very generous and passionate man. The food is delicious and you can get authentic taste of Indian food in SD. This has become my go to place, as the food is absolutely delicious!

Review №78

2023-02-02 07:13:39

An amazing vibe here at Daru ! Opened just 2 months ago. We had a great time with the bartender and the owner himself ! The menu is curated to utmost perfection. I do not get impressed that easily. But they deserved all the good reviews. All the best guys!

Review №79

2023-02-20 20:20:28

We really enjoyed this restaurant. The food was delicious. We ordered a Kati paneer roll and a tikka Masala chicken pizza…both to share. Super tasty! The staff were very nice and accommodating. We only had water this time but they gave a full bar with several beers on tap. We will definitely be back!

Review №80

2023-02-06 05:23:19

A wonderful experience and great food. Irvin, the bartender was very helpful in recommending what to try from the menu. The food had just the right amount of seasonings and not too overpowering.I definitely recommend trying this place to anyone looking for great flavors and a nice relaxing atmosphere.

Review №81

2023-12-01 05:12:23

Authentic tasting Indian Food. I hope they open one in the SF Bay Area.

Review №82

2023-07-21 06:53:19

This place is a brilliant. The owner understand what he is doing. He can give you not only good food, but an awesome food and culture exchange.

Review №83

2023-03-18 04:16:06

My girlfriend found this spot and I am so thankful for a refreshing change of pace. Cocktail Samosas, Chicken 65 Lollipops, and the Keema pizza were outstanding, fresh, and textures to die for. Which beer? I went for the German Dark Lager. Cheers!

Review №84

2023-03-18 04:21:19

This place exceeded my expectations. The food was unique and tasty, as was the beer. Service was amazing! Irvin was the best. We met the owner, Lyle, and it was great to get his insight and perspective. You gotta try this place!

Review №85

2023-02-07 04:36:15

I went to Daru for the first time today. I will definitely go back again. The ambience and service was impeccable and I got to meet the owner Lyle, he was a jovial gentleman, cordial and welcoming. We just had an appetizer to eat and it reminded me of food back in India. Overall quite an enjoyable experience and definitely worth another visit

Review №86

2023-03-10 02:49:04

Nice restaurant with good food. We went in on a weekday and were able to through placing order and food i. 15 mi s or so. The food tasted well, and they were able to adjust the spice levels for kids. The ambiance of the place is nice and relaxed.

Review №87

2023-09-23 01:33:04

Great food and atmosphere, very friendly staff willing to explain all of the tasty Indian treats.

Review №88

2023-04-05 06:46:50

Finally an Indian food spot with a good vibe AND a menu that explores things beyond all the similar tasting curries. Kathi rolls, pani puri shots, and kulfi are a must try! The amazingly friendly staff also enhances the food experience. Will definitely be back! :)

Review №89

2023-09-26 03:31:06

This place is a hidden gem. I’m new to the area, found them on Google and I was not disappointed! Come for the food and stay for the beer selection.

Review №90

2023-03-07 19:45:56

Dinned in for lunch with a colleague during the work week. Service was top notch as all the employees were very welcoming and kind. The manager was onsite as well and greeted everyone dinning in. The food was super tasty! I tried the burger and the flavor was the best I’ve had in forever. Must try new spot!!

Review №91

2023-03-07 03:59:49

Must try. Limited menu and they do it right. We tried cocktail samosa and Chicken Tikka pizza. They are delicious and fresh straight out from oven. I love the ambience and retro style.

Review №92

2022-12-19 18:59:51

Came here with my wife yesterday for dinner. What a cool place. This newly opened spot is an indian restaurant with a modern twist on it. The ambiance of the restaurant is awesome. The menu is simple (not like a 10 pager regular indian LOL) and very authentic. We had the wild prawn app, the mutton kati roll, the chicken tikka pizza with chicken kebab stuffed crust and the saffron ice cream. They are ALL must try!!! They beverage menu is pretty unique, very well sourced, too. The owner clearly put lots of thought into theese offerings. I had the Fruh Kolsch on tap and the Kingfisher Lager, then a few glasses of the Rose. All very very tasty and goes perfectly with the food. If you like Indian cuisine this will be your new favorite spot! Great concept!

Review №93

2023-05-19 02:03:34

Food was delicious! Best paneer pizza in all of SD! Owner is great, love supporting a small business.

Review №94

2023-01-16 22:03:08

The paneer kati roll was great though it wasn’t especially packed with flavor, loved the soft paratha wrap especially. The khanda bhaji appetizer was super crispy and had a nice melt-in-the-mouth sort of quality. The Pav Bhaji had delicious, soft, and buttery bread with a good vegetable rich stew which were good complements with each other. Service was great!

Review №95

2023-01-05 05:23:35

This spot is cozy, the staff is super friendly and the food is perfectly portioned and spicy. Definitely a great spot to go to after work for a drink and a small bite! We will be back to try more of the menu soon!

Review №96

2023-02-24 07:18:32

Great food and atmosphere! The lentil soup is to die for. Dishes are simple but well executed. San Diego Indian food is not great, but this place is.

Review №97

2022-12-03 01:26:03

Finally a good Indian hangout spot in San Diego! Amazing vibe, outstanding service and the food is fresh, delicious and dare I say the best Indian bites in San Diego! Personal favorites were Lollipop, Pizza with mutton kebab stuffing and kesar kulfi. Looking forward to our next visit :)

Review №98

2023-01-07 04:08:26

Great place to grab a beer and some interesting Indian fusion cuisine! The Lamb Kati Roll was delicious, and the Peppy Paneer pizza is not to be missed, pro tip, add the Mutton Kabab stuffed crust.

Review №99

2023-09-18 03:52:45

The Food here is amazing, it will remind you of Indian street food. Try the Fish Fingers, it will remind you of Kolkata.

Review №100

2023-01-14 04:49:42

Great atmosphere and a fun take on Indian food. We had a trial of most items on the menu and everything was excellent. Our party had a lot of fun here.

Review №101

2023-04-21 19:50:07

Really tasty food. The staff and the service is very friendly. The owner hangs around the restaurant and really helpful.Will definitely come back here.Good for larger groups too.

Review №102

2022-12-19 05:19:09

BEWARE: Impolite and condescending ownerDon’t be attracted by the name and the location !!!We went to this bistro-pub to celebrate something very important to us. They served us cold chaai (tea) and when we drew his attention humbly towards it and requested to warm it up a bit, he went to the kitchen in disdain.After few minutes he came back to our table and reprimanded us for this humble request we made and asked us in turn to “be respectful” and rejected the service.Later on he canceled our order and asked us to vacate the premises.Please refrain from visiting this awful restaurant and the condescending owner.

Review №103

2022-12-20 03:25:54

Customer Service should be the priority. It looks like the owner is new in the business. He doesn’t know how to treat his customers. When we complained about the food being cold, he came back to us with a rude behavior. He asked us to be respectful where I think he needs to learn to be respectful to his customers.Never going back to this place.NOTE FOR THE OWNER : Learn to respect customers specially in this business. They can make or break your business. Set aside your ego.

Review №104

2023-01-05 22:00:22

I wasn’t sure what to expect from an Indian Gastropub, but I really enjoyed it. It’s Gastropub food with an Indian twist. Pizza with chicken tikka or peppy paneer onion, masala burgers and more including many small plates. I had the Chicken 65 Lollipops marinated with Indian spices and Masala seasoned fries. I didn’t have a beer with lunch, but they had a good selection of international beers. Very nice manager and wait staff.

Review №105

2023-01-05 04:06:18

Stylish and tasty. The samosas were dusted with a fantastic seasoning and the chicken Kati roll was succulent. Definitely worth a visit!

Review №106

2022-12-30 21:26:07

My first time in this brand new restaurant. I had their veggie burger and it was super delicious. The atmosphere is super friendly, the waiter was super nice. I am definitely coming back here soon, with my friends 😊

Review №107

2023-01-03 21:16:38

Customer service A 1. Friendly, informative, attentive. Food is 🔥.What can I say about this place, the Amaritsari Chole is tasty, the chicken Tikka wont upset. If you want to try indian bar food, come here and have a beer.

Review №108

2023-08-06 01:50:16

Incredible authentic flavor in an Irish Pub environment with an Indian touch. The Indian Pub rules!

Review №109

2022-12-19 01:26:17

Daru is an elegant and enchanting Bar with a lively crowd, excellent service, and a small curated menu of elevated Indian Pub fare executed with grace and precision. The Bar features an eclectic domestic and imported draft beer selection and a small but very impressive European wine list. The menu centers around Indian Pan Pizza and fresh baked bread Sandwiches (PAVs) and fresh baked Wraps (Kati Rolls). The appetizers include Wings (Lollipop), Grilled Marinated Shrimp (Prawns Tikka), Fried Battered Onions (Khanda Bhaji), Fried Meat Dumplings (Samosas), Savory Pastries (Masala Puff) and Tandoori Grilled Cheese Skewers (Paneer Tikka). Fresh Desserts, Tea & Coffee rounds out a perfect lunch/dinner or after work drink or two.

Review №110

2022-12-19 04:57:32

Recently we went for our cricket team lunch at this restaurant. We had very bad experience at this place.! The owner of the restaurant is too arrogant and the hospitality is not welcoming.We had ordered chai, it was not served warm. So we informed the owner about the same. He took the chai from the table and then came back after 5 mins saying the temperature of the chai is still high and we are complaining without reason. He used very harsh words for complaining about the chai which made all of us very uncomfortable. Also he was scolding us in the kitchen which all of us can hear it outside.The food is pricy for the quality, atmosphere, in comparison to the surrounding restaurants.

Review №111

2023-06-22 21:11:32

The service was excellent. The food was amazing and the restaurant was light and easy to hang out in. Highly recommend.

Review №112

2023-02-05 23:13:48

Owner Kyle has an interesting take on Indian street food along with a great beer selection. Hoping he opens one in our Hillcrest area. Great service from Tilly also!

Review №113

2023-03-05 05:11:47

Great food and really friendly owner. Loved the chicken 65 lollipop, chicken tikka kati roll, masala fries, and mango lassi, and will be back to try the chicken tikka burger (among other things).

Review №114

2023-04-05 04:46:01

Very authentic Kathi Roll, Indian Tikka Pizza and Chicken Lollipop, the flavors were spot on and delicious. Highly recommend.

Review №115

2023-03-13 05:36:12

The food was terrible. Especially the veg puff. So oily and soggy and just sooo bad. Very expensive too. The pav Bhaji was edible but barely. Take your hard earned money elsewhere

Review №116

2023-11-17 16:02:27

You’ll love Lyle and the crew and you’ll feel like family by the time you leave! Cheers y’all!

Review №117

2022-12-20 02:31:57

Rude behavior and arrogance is the last thing one can expect from a person whose restaurant we are visiting. This owner is so proud about his business and has no sense to talk to his clients. Should definitely improve on customer service.

Review №118

2023-10-11 01:54:43

I would love to see a Daru in a Daru restaurant and have some extra protection for your sizzlers :)

Review №119

2023-01-16 02:14:59

Saw this place as a new interesting venue to check out on a news channel. Started appetizers: Khanda Buaji, chicken 65 lollipop and the Paneer Tikka with delicious German beer Früh. Finished with a chicken Tikka pizza with stuffed goat kebab! Ill definitely be back to Daru!!

Review №120

2023-07-16 06:26:46

Experience a delightful variety of delicious and mouthwatering food options that are sure to please your taste buds.

Review №121

2023-04-19 03:54:59

Owner happened to be there and he is very personable and accommodating. Nice atmosphere, great food, extremely clean and reasonably priced. Well worth the experience.

Review №122

2023-01-21 05:52:45

Great food. Great beer. Great vibes. Our new go-to spot.

Review №123

2023-09-23 01:34:16

Great food, great songs, loved the hospitality. Loved the vibes.

Review №124

2022-12-30 21:52:30

Super friendly people running the restaurant! Even gave us free Mango Lassi and Masala Chai after we ordered Pav Bhaji! Tasted fresh and great!

Review №125

2023-02-28 06:35:58

Good vibe, modern Indian cuisine, fun friendly and welcoming staff. Menu option are limited ( soft opening ) but includes something for everyone . Must try : Masala fries !

Review №126

2023-04-30 04:57:33

Owner was very nice and respectful working by himself !!! Food is really good for the price and also good collection of beers on the draft !!! Overall good chill out place!!!

Review №127

2023-04-26 01:24:12

They made a mistake on their end (we’re all human), called in to resolve it. The owner was quick to respond and very nice, amazing service despite me leaving rather not nice review in the heat of the moment. Can’t wait to go back!

Review №128

2023-01-03 05:37:24

I am a vegetarian - tried the1. Paneer kathi roll2. Paneer tikka masala3. Veg puffBoth paneer items were excellent, the paneer was really soft. Its made inhouse.Nice food

Review №129

2022-12-15 07:59:29

I work nearby, and have been anxiously waiting for this place to open. Ive become a regular already. The menu changes, but is always a blend of familiar and new. And the staff is a blend friendly and awesome.

Review №130

2023-07-07 18:25:04

Amazing drinks, yummy food. Must try if you are in San Diego.

Review №131

2023-01-29 21:41:38

Loved everything about Daru!Ambiance, service, music, food… ✅✅✅✅The pani puri shots and malai prawn tikka were so delicious! 💕This will be the first of many visits!

Review №132

2023-03-25 04:17:08

This has to be the best Indian food I’ve had in San Diego! They have a focused menu but boy do they knock it out of the park with that.

Review №133

2023-04-25 06:39:17

Pretty good indian food, not cheap for a random strip mall spot. Food is good tho. Beer & wine only too.

Review №134

2023-02-23 05:28:16

This is some of the best Indian food, and certainly the most creative, I’ve ever had within the continental United States! I plan to make it a regular spot :)

Review №135

2023-01-03 05:36:34

We really loved the Paneer tikka and the kathi roll. The food was perfectly balanced with flavors. The staff was great and provided the perfect service.

Review №136

2023-02-20 19:14:25

Food was average. Horrible service, we went on a Sunday evening and there were no servers at all, only one bartender handling the entire place, 30mins just to hand the menu card, 1 hour to get the food. This place is not managed well.

Review №137

2023-03-22 21:29:53

Excellent good . They are the only restaurant in Sandiego that I know who makes paneer from scratch. Fantastic paneer for Vegetarian lovers .

Review №138

2023-09-23 01:32:34

Excellent service, great food ! Hospitality top class 🙏🙏🙏

Review №139

2023-01-27 21:08:48

First time trying this spot for lunch - wings & fries were delicious! definitely would come again & try the whole menu!

Review №140

2023-12-09 13:22:52

Very good authentic Indian food

Review №141

2023-01-03 21:21:27

I had the cheese & chili pepper pizza. It has an Indian white sauce with the chili peppers and it was fantastic. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Review №142

2022-12-20 05:42:08

Absolutely love this place. The food, the staff, and the ambiance. It’s a great place to escape to and unwind after a long day at the office, I’ll definitely be coming here often

Review №143

2022-12-19 06:12:02

Very arrogant owner. For politely pointing out that the tea is cold and requesting to make it warmer, the owner said “Be respectful; I won’t tolerate,” out of nowhere.

Review №144

2023-07-23 22:31:32

Delicious food as always. And service is great!

Review №145

2023-03-25 04:14:13

Amazing food, everything here is probably the most authentic Indian food Ive had in San Diego.

Review №146

2023-01-03 03:52:51

Stopped in a few times service & food have always been amazing. A must have are the chicken lollipops, the prawns, & paneer tikka!!

Review №147

2022-12-24 03:06:28

This resturant not only has great tasting food but unique entrees! Tikka masala pizza with lamb stuffed crust…. Yes please!

Review №148

2023-01-09 02:59:57

This is a must-go restaurant. The restaurant has amazing Indian-style pizza’s, and all the other food is top-tier as well.

Review №149

2023-01-05 01:35:01

Glad this place opened up near my job. Definitely adding to my weekly rotation. Kati Roll highly recommended.

Review №150

2023-01-14 04:48:19

Estaban was a fantastic waiter, and the owner stopped by multiple times to make sure we were having a good experience. Highly recommend

Review №151

2023-01-22 06:39:50

Nice little place with desi vibes. Great tasting small plates and drinks !! 5 star service.

Review №152

2023-05-21 20:16:16

Really good food. Recommend trying the pizza, masala burger.

Review №153

2023-01-21 05:52:48

Place is awesome! Great to have a spot for quality Indian food and beers in the area!

Review №154

2023-01-03 05:37:00

Im veg - loved the paneer items. Personally tried Kathi roll and paneer tikka. It was awesome.

Review №155

2022-12-19 23:01:48

Finally an Indian place with a unique menu andrn vibe. Super great staff and experience.

Review №156

2022-12-19 05:43:09

Good place to hang out. Authentic Indian snacks. Their mango lassi is good too.

Review №157

2023-04-21 19:51:38

Really nice guyAnd the taste it very authenticMust try there Mock-tails

Review №158

2022-12-19 18:38:41

A jewel! This place satisfies. Tasty treats with cold suds. Cant wait to be back.

Review №159

2023-04-30 04:43:27

Bad service. Had to wait 30 min to get a drink, 1 hour to get food and another 20 minutes to get the bill. Food was okay. NOT WORTH THE WAIT!!!

Review №160

2023-01-07 04:10:15

Good food, nice staff & service. Should try Masala fry with Beer 🍺 😁.

Review №161

2022-12-21 02:52:22

Awesome place, awesome food, awesome people. I would give it 10 stars if I could. I’ll be back

Review №162

2022-12-20 00:53:31

Menu is conceptually Innovative.Reasonably priced.Staff cordial in their approach n service.

Review №163

2023-08-05 00:01:17

Masala Chai is highly recommended

Review №164

2023-04-02 06:18:55

Visited this place 2 times, both the times we had nice and tasty food.

Review №165

2022-12-19 18:33:08

Rare find of a restaurant, daru has a high standard for exceptional food and providing a great atmosphere to socialize

Review №166

2023-01-07 04:07:58

Amazing Indian food and great beer. What more do you need!

Review №167

2022-12-20 00:46:18

What a fantastic place to eat! Food was great and staff was very good.

Review №168

2023-03-25 04:14:44

One of the best place in San Diego. The food is delicious.

Review №169

2022-12-20 23:16:51

Cool place to eat. Food and service excellent. Staff super friendly.

Review №170

2022-12-21 06:46:02

Took a friend here to try a new spot. Had a great time and good food.

Review №171

2023-04-17 04:13:59

Very welcoming owner. Great food.

Review №172

2023-06-21 04:38:15

Great food and customer service.

Review №173

2023-01-05 01:33:38

Great food, great ambiance. Definitely coming back.

Review №174

2023-01-21 06:09:05

Nice place to eat food! Kulfi was splendid 👌

Review №175

2022-12-22 04:36:21

I love the place! It’s amazing… great concept!

Review №176

2023-04-13 01:32:14

I have been hunting for Cati Rolls for years and finally…

Review №177

2023-02-23 03:21:37

Good food, really clean and friendly staff

Review №178

2023-02-12 04:33:00

Loved it!!! Great food and great service

Review №179

2022-12-31 03:46:20

Great location & ambience, good food!

Review №180

2023-01-14 04:46:44

This is great. The owners are very friendly.

Review №181

2023-01-03 21:51:45

Amazing customer service!!! The food is unbelievable 🤩🤩🤩

Review №182

2023-02-23 06:17:40

Food was great. Service was great.

Review №183

2023-03-18 05:23:06

Great food, great ambience.

Review №184

2023-04-05 04:43:22

Kathi rolls were legit

Review №185

2023-03-29 23:15:10

Delicious and wonderful atmosphere

Review №186

2023-07-02 01:25:53

Delicious!

Review №187

2023-01-19 03:52:52

✨ Amazing ✨

Review №188

2023-08-15 00:49:02

Amazing food

Review №189

2022-12-31 03:43:35

Good food and good service.

Review №190

2023-01-21 05:52:56

Food was bomb!

Review №191

2023-02-20 21:31:05

Review №192

2023-01-14 04:49:58

Great service and food

Review №193

2023-01-05 02:51:03

Trying something new!!!

Review №194

2023-01-08 06:01:25

Great food

Review №195

2023-11-22 17:54:23

Amazing chai, pav bhaji and kathi roll.

Review №196

2023-01-03 05:36:16

Good food, amazing paneer items.