SanDai

Name: SanDai
Address: 1522 N Main St, Walnut Creek, CA, United States, 94596-4607
Telephone: (925) 300-3120
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.2

4.2

73 Reviews

$31 to $50

Indonesian / Malaysian

Top tags:

Traditionally inspired from dishes, ingredients & techniques spanning the Malay archipelago, namely Singapore & Indonesia. Regionally influenced by Northern California’s palette of producers, produce, and presentation. Essentially: expressing these tropical, cosmopolitan island flavor profiles through the abundance of what thrives in Northern California’s Mediterranean climate and terrain. Nusantara cuisines could be characterized as intense, rich, spiced (more than spicy). Steeped in time and layers of complexity, both in the kitchen and in the long history of diverse peoples in this part of the world. Chef Nora Haron draws from this wealth of culinary knowledge, plus contrasting Californian influences, which some could say to be the polar opposite: that deconstructed-composed, whole-ingredients-laid-bare simplicity, the lightness that has evolved in California eating through the few decades of this relatively young place.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 29, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Indonesian / Malaysian, Californian, Southeast Asian
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Wed–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Happy Hour Wed, Thu 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Bar Fri, Sat 9:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(925) 300-3120
Website
http://www.sandai.us/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Business Casual
Owned/operated by
Asian & Pacific Islander, Women
Executive Chef
Nora Haron
Private party facilities
We offer a private dining room for exclusive private events that has space 10 people

Location
1522 N Main St, Walnut Creek, CA 94596-4607
Neighbourhood
Walnut Creek
Cross Street
North Main
Parking Details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wine

What 73 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4.3Service
4Ambience
3.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
Innovative
East Bay
Innovative

74 Reviews

A
Angie
Greater Boston
17 reviews
vip
1.0
17 reviews
Dined today
overall1food1service2ambience3
Food is overpriced and mediocre. Our waiter disappeared from the restaurant before even taking our order. The poor young woman who had to take over for him was perfectly nice and competent but not enough to redeem the food and basic bad vibe
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CW
ChickW
San Francisco
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall2food2service5ambience3
I ordered a dirty Martini it came in a small glass (not dirty) but I was charged $3 extra for two olives supposedly f=due to it being dirty,$17 instead of $14. We ordered rice it came dry so we asked for something to put on it they brought a small cup of peanut sauce probably cost them $.10 cents cost to us $3.00 extra. Total nickel and dime treatment. We ordered Urab supposedly with "shaved" Asparagus, Brussel sprouts and cubed beets, plus 4 chips on top. Must have cost them $2 to make and we paid a lot more than that. We ordered wine by the glass. The amount looked like it came out of a drink dispenser that measures to the exact amount. More nickel and dime treatment, The only good part was the service.
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K
Kevin
San Francisco
39 reviews
vip
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was very flavorful and different being Southeast Asian cuisine. One dishes recipe was from the chef's mom and definitely feel homey.
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p
patrickd
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What Walnut Creek needs. Sophisticated food with big flavors, and at the same price point as the mediocre places. Really glad to have such a nice place to go out to without having to hop on BART.
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RF
RobinF
San Francisco
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall1food3service4ambience2
we had an 8:15 pm reserv, only to find out the kitchen closed at 8:30!!!! We felt pressured the entire time. The only positive was the server Tatiana who was terrific and tried her best to make things better. Food so so. Would not go back.
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n
ndg40
San Francisco
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
go go go here. amazing food. loved it and can’t wait to go again.
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GG
GiGi
San Francisco
38 reviews
3.0
38 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience2
It was so noisy in the main room that I could barely hear across the table. The pastries from the coffee bar were outstanding. The avocado coffee was good and interesting.
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k
keirenz
San Francisco
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience5
My first visit was better. Last night some of the dishes were very good and some just ok. Portions were small for the cost. We like SanDai, and hope things will improve!
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K
Kent
San Francisco
29 reviews
vip
3.0
29 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Menu options were limited. Not enough medium-priced entrees. Didn't have the starter I had been expecting - bakwam elote. Too bad.
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H
Hansel
San Francisco
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall3food3service1ambience1
The service was terrible.. the food was tasty but overpriced.. and lukewarm
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LS
LouS
San Francisco
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
The food and service were both excellent. We found the dining room way too loud for our taste as the music was loud and sounds reverberated in room with the acoustics amplifying other conversations around us. If you're OK with the noise levels then I'd say you'll be very happy with your experience. If you'd like a quieter dining experience, I'd suggest a different venue.
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CO
CORALIEW
San Francisco
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Beautiful presentations. Unique cocktails. Very pleasant wait staff. The kitchen seemed a little slow, but considering the presentation, it was worth it. Beware: if you order the shrimp satay, it comes with the shells on...some cultures eat the shells, but, as a California woman, I do not.
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DV
DV60
San Francisco
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
We were a group of 6 & we all loved the food! Unique flavor profiles that were enchanting! Sharing plates/family style is a great way to experience many of the dishes. Be sure to try the Tahu Goreng!!! We were also impressed with the owner who came around to each of the tables & the attentiveness of the wait staff. If there was a negative, it was the seats that were extremely hard & the noise level made it hard to have discussions. I think much simple seat cushions would add to the experience & absorb some of the noise. We will definitely be back!!!
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LK
LindaK
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Every aspect of our dining experience was exceptional. And, because I dined at Sandai two nights in a row, I'm able to state that each of the nights offered the same terrific experience Server was well-versed in the flavors and ingredients of the various dishes. What a wonderful addition to the East Bay restaurant scene!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the food. Loved the ambiance.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience4
Food was tasty. Try the rice. We were disappointed that they were out of the rendang. The service and noise level really diminished the dining experience. I felt that waitstaff needed more training. Long absences occurred . Had a reservation but we weren't seated until 40 mins. after. The acoustics in the dining room were not good-super noisy.
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L
Leki
Jackson Hole
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food5service2ambience5
Everything we had ordered was delicious! Beautiful restaurant!
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K
Ksw1
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really fantastic flavors. I don’t think I’ve seen so many people say “wow” after taking a bite of a dish they’ve never tried before. Nothing else like it in Walnut Creek.
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AN
AnneN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exceptional food and service. We Nasi Goreng, Nasi Lemak, and Pandan Waffles were full of flavors and transported us back to Asia.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really good meal. I would recommend it to a friend.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
8 reviews
vip
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
We had asked before going if they could cater to a no oil entree for some of the group members and had been assured they will but once there they did not and said could not - Over all it was decent but they said something else and did something else -
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JC
JacinthaC
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
The food was amazing with representation from South East Asia. Great cocktails infused with Asian spices. Friendly staff and welcoming staff and we didn’t have to wait long for our food to arrive. A gem of a restaurant in Walnut Creek!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
The food was unimpressive although the margarita was good
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M
Mimi
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a gem tucked on Main St in Walnut Creek. What a treat it was to have the lobster laksa! It was a briny spicy treat. I just wished it had more broth. Everything we ordered was outstanding. Delicious with an artistic execution that was a treat for the eyes.
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WM
WendyM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience3
The noise level in the restaurant is loud. Difficult to hear people sitting across from you. It’s worse in the main dining next to the kitchen. I’d recommend sitting in the Kopi room, front of the restaurant. Our first time dining was great. Second time was not as good. Our server seemed new, and we had to flag him for drinks, dinner order, and dessert. He brought our check before dessert arrived. It was confusing. Food and cocktails are great. My only critic would be that the Lobster Laksa was much more spicer the second time, too spicy. I preferred the less spice level the first time we had it. Wouldn’t recommend the shaved it dessert. It was more liked crushed ice than shaved. The passionfruit tart is delicious!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
It was a first time to try it. Food and service was very good. They have some unique dishes that were quite tasty. We did leave there a little hungry, however, for a $120 dinner.
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e
elbowk
San Francisco
16 reviews
vip
3.0
16 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience1
Back room is way too loud. We could barely hear each other talk. Plus the noise from the other tables didn’t help. The food was mediocre. Definitely need more value for the price of the dishes. Not rushing back.
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DE
DebraE
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The wait staff was very knowledgable on the menu and asked questions about what our desires were. There is very good wine by the glass.
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a
annp
San Francisco
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
food was different and good! I would make sure to try different sauces next time. Servings were on the small size. Both 3 shrimps and 3 chicken wings were $20 each. But I think eating out has just gotten expensive everywhere. Desserts were delicious and different! Good service and quiet to have a nice conversation.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service was excellent! We enjoyed the brunch offerings and look forward to trying the dinner offerings in the future.
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DK
DaveK
San Francisco
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
Excellent food. Possibly the noisiest restaurant in Walnut Creek.
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MC
MatthewC
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really good food and service! Everything on the menu was good!
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D
Deniese
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall5food5service3ambience5
Food was authentic, delicious and the servers were knowledgeable about the cuisine. Ambience in main dining area is nice and bar area is lively. Getting the check in a timely manner was a bit slow and the severs are not as attentive to the diners as they should be when working.
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SF
SFWhu
San Francisco
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on June 25, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience3
Mediocre bland food requires top notch service for a return visit. Unfortunately, the service was pretty lackluster, so we will not be returning. Coffee and the dragonfruit bowl were good, so perhaps you’d get more value for money at Kopi Cafe? All of our food lacked flavor - the chicken down the street at Hotboys has much more flavor and is a better deal. Only item on the menu that had flavor was sambal, the dipping sauce. Did someone forget the salt? The restaurant itself is nice and polished, but the openness of the dining area means the noise level is pretty deafening. We had high hopes. SanDai did not deliver.
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DC
DavidC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing restaurant- top notch cocktails, super interesting food that is well spiced (read: balanced) and familiar but unique. The space is pretty nice too. Will be coming back, good date night splurge.
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PM
PaulM
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very different. Very unique. Very tasty. Will definitely return.
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JD
JodyD
San Francisco
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
So much wrong with this dining experience! First time there-won’t go back. Gosh where to begin! First of all-it’s so loud. Modern with all hard surfaces making noise levels uncomfortable. They’ll need to do some noise baffling in the back by the open kitchen for it to be an enjoyable place to sit. Servers are order takers. No engagement. Just a, “Are you ready?” This is a new restaurant and a type of food lots of diners aren’t familiar with. Get excited! Talk about it. Share the back story, share some favorites. Don’t tell me you’re vegan as an answer to my question about a dish! We were offered a pastry by the host (?) shift manager(?) when we were were seated and waiting for our cocktails. Again, no explanation no discussion about this chef being renown for her pastry. We were offered, 3 of four of us accepted-later showed up on our bill. Fine to pay but communicate that we will be charged. Annoying. The woman who appeared to be the general manager never greeted us, no one asked how our meals were, we were engaged by no one and the GM was wearing open toed sandals (not even allowed under health code I believe) and slipped off her shoes and sat barefoot at a table next to us. Gross! The cocktails were pretty- expensive at SF prices of $18 a piece. Food was reasonably priced but portions reflected the price. Small, which I prefer. I was really excited about this new, redesigned restaurant with interesting food opening but there are to many good restaurants with similar cuisine in the area to go to this one again. If this is the best they have as a brand new establishment that is still all bright and shiny, I’m concerned for their long term success.
1 person found this helpful
C
Clint
San Francisco
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Huge DISAPPOINTMENT. I had been looking forward to some good Indonesian food all week and our reservation on Sunday. Got there only to find out they were only serving brunch; no regular menu (this was in the afternoon, long after morning brunch time). If I had wanted a waffle and egg I would have gone to Denny's! We got up and left... found a nice Burmese restaurant a block away that was happy to accomodate us and serve us an authentic meal.
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s
skay
San Francisco
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience5
The food was delicious. We shared every plate. Lovely variety doing that. If you do not want all the heat -peppers, you have to ask about every dish, we missed one. We will request peppers on the side for all dishes next time. We will also request the noodles to be less well done. Staff still training with service, for water, cleaning table… And overall: still a 5, food is tasty😊
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LH
LinaH
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 17, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience3
The food was incredible especially if you’re craving authentic Malaysian food which is so difficult to find! The service was just ok especially considering the price. I asked for a wine list and not a single server was anywhere to be found for at least 15 minutes afterward to place an order. Overall still recommend trying this place for the food!
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily

FAQs

SanDai offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (925) 300-3120.

SanDai is rated 4.2 stars by 73 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 29, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

1522 N Main St, Walnut Creek, CA 94596-4607

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
North Main
Neighbourhood
Walnut Creek
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Wed–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Happy Hour Wed, Thu 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Bar Fri, Sat 9:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Indonesian / Malaysian, Californian, Southeast Asian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Business Casual
Parking Details
Street Parking
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Owned/operated by
Asian & Pacific Islander, Women
Executive Chef
Nora Haron
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
http://www.sandai.us/
Phone number
(925) 300-3120
Private party facilities
We offer a private dining room for exclusive private events that has space 10 people

SanDai

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 73 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

FAQs

Does SanDai offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is SanDai restaurant rated?

Is SanDai currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information