New Delhi Restaurant at 130 Ellis Street.
Ranjan Dey first opened New Delhi Restaurant in 1988, and the restaurant has since become a gathering place for colorful San Francisco locals and a hub of the Bay Area Indian community. It is located in the ballroom of the former Hotel Ramona (two blocks from Union Square), built in 1914. Though the restaurant boasts grand surroundings —ornate pillars, exposed brick, handmade Italian tiled floor— New Delhi offers a wide variety of affordable menu items to choose from that will satisfy your craving for delicious Indian food.
Interior of New Delhi Restaurant, the former ballroom of the historic Hotel Ramona. Photo courtesy of New Delhi Restaurant.
Ranjan started his career in the food business at the age of 14 at Calcutta’s Park Hotel as a vegetable cutter. After finishing high school, he graduated from the Institute of Catering Technology, Hotel Management and Applied Nutrition. After working as a chef for many years in luxury hotels in Calcutta and New Delhi, in 1984, Ranjan opened the first New Delhi Restaurant in Hong Kong. Following the birth of their first child, in 1987, Ranjan and his wife Kodi decided to settle in the United States – Kodi’s home country – where they consolidated their businesses into one restaurant in San Francisco.
Cutting the ribbon at the New Delhi Restaurant opening, November 8, 1988. Left to right: Karen Singh, Mayor Art Agnos, Sarah Dey, Darshan Singh, and Ranjan Dey. Photo courtesy of New Delhi Restaurant.
Ranjan and New Delhi were proud to join the #SFLegacyBiz Registry earlier last year. The restaurant was the first Indian restaurant and South-Asian owned business to be included.
Ranjan Dey speaking to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) on behalf of New Delhi Restaurant, January 15, 2020. As part of the process to become a legacy business, business owners are invited (but not required) to share support for their nomination at both an HPC and final Office of Small Business hearing.
New Delhi has a long history of giving back to the community, and this work continues during the pandemic. On Tuesday, May 25th, 50% of New Delhi’s food sales will be donated back to The American India Foundation’s COVID relief efforts in India to protect frontline workers and lives most affected by the pandemic.
Visit newdelhirestaurant.com to make a reservation or to browse their menu for takeout.
