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Welcome to Diya

Diya is a culinary gem in San Francisco, offering an authentic Himalayan/Nepalese-Indian dining experience. Located at 25 Mason St, this vibrant eatery welcomes guests to savor a diverse menu packed with flavorful dishes, including tender lamb biryani and creamy butter chicken, each made with generous portions and aromatic spices. Diya prides itself on providing many vegetarian options, creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere for all diners. Commended for its attentive service and inviting ambiance, Diya is perfect for both casual dinners and pre-theater meals. With accessibility features and a fantastic selection of authentic beverages, it's a must-visit for food lovers.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to Diya, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of San Francisco at 25 Mason St. This casual yet inviting restaurant serves up an impressive array of Himalayan and Nepalese-Indian cuisine that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Diya offers a unique dining experience that is perfect for any occasion, be it a leisurely dinner, a pre-theater meal, or a cozy lunch with friends.

One of the standout features of Diya is its extensive menu, which caters to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Customers rave about dishes like lamb biryani and butter chicken, which are known not only for their generous portion sizes but also for their rich, comforting flavors. Many have commented on the excellent balance of spices, particularly in the chicken tikki masala, where the harmony of cream and tomato creates a delightful experience. The garlic naan, a perfect accompaniment to any meal, has received accolades for being warm and inviting, making every bite a treat.

  • Generous Portions: Patrons frequently highlight the ample serving sizes, which often lead to satisfyingly hearty meals.
  • Lauded Service: The attentive and friendly staff add to the welcoming atmosphere, with many guests noting the owner’s personal touch in ensuring a memorable dining experience.
  • Versatile Dining Options: Diya is equipped to handle reservations, delivery, and takeout, making it a flexible option for any dining preference.
  • Vegetarian Haven: With a plethora of vegetarian dishes, like paneer tikka masala and goat curry, there’s something for everyone at Diya.
  • Convenient Location: Situated just a block or two from Powell Station, Diya is easily accessible for those using public transit.

What sets Diya apart is not just the food but also the vibrant ambience. Guests often find themselves enjoying the atmosphere with good music playing on TV and heated outdoor seating options that can elevate any dining experience. No detail has been overlooked, from wheelchair accessibility to gender-neutral restrooms, making it a welcoming space for all.

In a world where the hustle and bustle can overshadow the culinary arts, Diya stands as a reminder of the simple joys found in well-crafted food. The thoughtful combinations of ingredients and spices forge delightful culinary narratives that resonate with both newcomers and returning patrons. With a thumbs-up from satisfied customers like Scott H. and Lindy C., it’s clear that Diya has earned its spot in the hearts—and stomachs—of many. Whether you are dining in or taking out, prepare for a feast that leaves a lasting impression. Don’t miss out on this delightful haven of Himalayan and Nepalese flavors; your taste buds will thank you!

START YOUR REVIEW OF Diya
Scott H.
Scott H.

OMG, what great food! Admittedly, my daughter and I only scratched the surface of the menu with a few dishes, but this is way better than the usual Indian food I get in the Lamorinda area. Was in the neighborhood for a show, so went early (6:00ish) and there was nobody else in the large, spartan restaurant space. My daughter had the lamb biryani and I had the lamb hariyali, which is way better than the lamb saag I'm used to. We also had garlic naan on the side, another winner. Large portions and generous amounts of meat in the two dishes of deliciousness. She had a mango lassi and I had one of the interesting Nepalese beers to round out the meal. Yes, the neighborhood is seedy, but not unsafe, so don't be deterred. The only bummer was not being able to bring the leftovers into the theater, so we had to give them away. Diya is a solid spot for a pre-theater meal (or takeout) if you like Nepalese/Indian food. I will be back. Highly recommended!

yossie S.
yossie S.

Me and some friends got our dinner there before heading to the Warfield. So much tasty food for such a reasonable price! I'd love to name my favorite dish, but, to be honest, they all rocked. I'll go back, again and again..

Lindy C.
Lindy C.

I love when food makes you want to sing at the top of your lungs. Looking for a comforting and warm dinner, I stopped by Diya for some butter chicken. The food was superb and I enjoyed our garlic naan. We ordered goat curry and butter chicken - both were well portioned and enough for dinner + a midnight snack after. I really enjoyed how tomato-y the butter chicken was. The service was friendly and attentive. I believe it was the owner? who was helping us out and he graciously explained the menu and made sure we wanted exactly what we ordered since people mix the dishes up sometimes. We also went at a quieter time so we ended up talking about the music videos playing on the tv with him hahaha.

Grace L.
Grace L.

Got a thali with chicken from Diya! Large portions and came with a choice of meat along with rice, salad, and daal. Also great vibes for a social lunch or dinner and friendly service!

Cory A.
Cory A.

Portion size was good for the price and the food was tasty! Tons of vegetarian options. Not too many people on a Friday night, but overall we enjoyed it. Service was quick and for being on market street the noise levels were fairly quiet. Best to take public transit as there is little parking but you are just a block or 2 from the Powell Station.

Seth R.
Seth R.

One of the best Indian food in sf for me. I always got the take out from them. The restaurant is very open and spacious. And I always see the one guy there that I assume he also the owner. I've been there many times now and he also recognize me after a few visits. I've never dined in but I can tell the service from him would be great. The usual that I always order were rice biryani. The texture of the rice and flavor is really great and you can tell how spicy you want it to be, I ordered chicken to come with in also and it really juicy and tender. Fresh garlic nan is really nice and warm that go with the curry lamb or vindaloo lamb. The lamb here has no funky smells which I hate , just tender and lamb flavor is perfect. The spicyness of these 2 dishes could be really spicy if you let them know. I like the curry more because it got more sourness from the tomatoes but the vindaloo also great! The last couple times, he even gave me some dessert on the house to go home with. What a nice gesture from him. I've tried some of the Indian food restaurant in the city but this place just got my heart to it.

Dan B.
Dan B.

I think Diya opened right before Covid hit and thankfully they were able to stay open. So right off the bat, they have an extensive menu that includes fried rice and chowmein which was totally unexpected and something I may want to try at a future visit but for this time I want going to try some more standard dishes. chicken tikki masala - the balance between cream and tomato sauce is a true test for this dish and Dayi nailed it. saag paneer - which they don't have on the menu but is called something else but is amazing just the same. little spice. little cream. tons of spinach. winner. chilli cheese naan and garlic naan - order both. you'll thank me later. light. crisp. soaks up sauce wonderfully. it's a must. rice - it's rice. helps absorb the flavors. I get that you already got the naan to carb you up but come on. you gotta get some rice. I'm a fan and will be lunching here often. More menu reviews to follow.

Jenny P.
Jenny P.

This is my second time getting Diya for lunch through my workplace lunch system called Forkable. I ordered the Paneer Tikka Masala and a side of garlic naan ($15.98) The tikka masala is slightly different than other spots because it is cooked with onions and bell peppers! They really bring out all the flavors and the curry is so tasty!! The garlic naan was also good! But not as garlicky as I would like it to be (but that's just me bc I love garlic). It also tasted more flour based. Portion size wise, the first time I got it, I had only 3 pieces of Paneer (cubes the size of a quarter). I was disappointed but I didn't like it deter me because of how much I enjoyed the curry flavor. I'm glad I ordered again because the second time around there was a lot of paneer and veggies! I would recommend Diya and would try some of their other curries next time!