22 Best Indian Restaurants in the United States

© Badmaash, Los Angeles

Badmaash in downtown Los Angeles, California is a somewhat kitschy gastropub serving Indian food crafted by Chef Pawan Mahendro, who has more than forty year of culinary experience. With badmaash being the Hindi word for “naughty,” the chef adds a touch of mischief with both the food offerings and the restaurant decor. Walls are adorned with Pop art-style art of Gandhi wearing colorful sunglasses, while the food includes twists on the typical Indian dishes, such as chicken tikka poutine, which is a nod to Mahendro’s Canadian background. There is also a variety of dishes inspired by Mumbai’s street food on the menu.

108 W. 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Phone: 213-221-7466

© Bollywood Theater

The Bollywood Theater is consistently rated as one of the best Indian restaurants in Portland, Oregon and provide an opportunity for both local residents and tourists alike to be transported to exotic India without having to buy a plane ticket. After a trip to India, Chef Troy MacLarty fell in love with the country’s cuisine and now serves an extensive menu of delicious Indian food at two locations in the city of Portland, with most dishes featuring inspiration from Mumbai’s food culture. The Bollywood Theater is open from 11:00am until 10:00pm seven days a week.

2039 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, Phone: 971-200-4711

© Rasa

Established in 2014, RASA has been bringing a new type of dining experience to the community of Burlingame, California, while presenting a culinary prowess that still celebrates the rich culinary traditions of India. In order to craft the menu at RASA, the owners traveled all over the coast of India, from Hyderabad to Kerala and beyond, combining the best preparations and flavors from the country’s various regions. With a commitment to providing innovative options made with sustainable ingredients, dishes on the seasonally-inspired menu features sustainably and locally sourced fresh seafood, meats, and produce from local vendors.

209 Park Rd, Burlingame, CA 94010, Phone: 650-340-7272

© Vik's Chaat Corner

Vik's Chaat Corner is a favorite Indian restaurant among locals in Berkeley, California for flavorful, crunchy, and crispy Indian food. For more than twenty-five years, Vik’s Chaat has been serving dishes for different regions of India. While the word “chaat” means “to lick,” it also has a meaning of street food dishes and this is what the restaurant’s menu mainly consists of. Guests at Vik’s Chaat Corner can order daal, roti, and a variety of South Indian cuisine classics, such as uttapam and dosa. A little bit of everything can be found on the menu, from pani puri to aloo tikki.

2390 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710, Phone: 510-644-4412

© Annapurna Cafe

The Annapurna Cafe is a unique basement-level restaurant in Seattle, Washington. What the restaurant’s dining room lacks in terms of natural light it seems to make up for in some of the city’s most delicious Indian food and friendly service. Highlights of the menu at the Annapurna Cafe include the slow-cooked lamb curry and the tikka masala, with the menu featuring several other traditional dishes from Tibet, Nepal, and India. Upstairs, guests will find the Yeti Bar, serving Himalayan and Nepalese snacks and interesting cocktails. The Annapurna Cafe is open every day of the week except for Monday.

1833 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122, Phone: 206-320-7770

© Awadh India Restaurant

The Awadh India Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio is a blend of the innovative and the traditional. The delicious food here combines the authentic flavors and the ancient traditions of the subcontinent of India with an ethnic, unique edge. The subtly aromatic and authentic cuisine is prepared by a culinary chef who trained in India and is served to guests within a sophisticated, yet casual atmosphere, through service rooted in eastern traditions. The Awadh India Restaurant is open seven days a week, from 11:30am until 3:00pm for lunch and from 5:00pm until 10:00pm for dinner.

2584 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220, Phone: 614-914-8884

© Babu Ji

Babu Ji, the Hindi term in India for the self-appointed ambassador of the neighborhood who knows everything going on and everyone in the village. In New York, it may be used to refer to the “mayor of the block.” It is also the name of one of the best Indian restaurants in New York City, as well as the country. The menu at Babu Ji is defined by a contrast and balance of flavors, consisting of everything from plates to share to signature dishes with bold and intense flavors. The restaurant is open for dinner Sunday through Saturday, from 5:00pm until 11:00pm.

22 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003, Phone: 212-951-1082

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Bombay Darbar is one of the top rated restaurants in Miami, Florida, located in the Coconut Grove area of the city. This 34-seat restaurant certainly packs a punch in the Miami food scene, featuring an array of authentic Indian dishes such as lamb rogan josh (boneless lamb in a tomato curry), chicken biryani, and mango chicken curry. Bombay Darbar’s colorful bar serves a good selection of cocktails, wines, and beers, some of which are imported from India. Guest can relax in the seating area and maybe watch a view Bollywood music videos playing on the bar’s televisions.

2901 Florida Ave, Miami, FL 33133, Phone: 305-444-7272

© Cumin, Chicago

Cumin in Chicago, Illinois is a great place for anyone wanting to venture a bit outside their comfort zone and try crispy vegetable samosas, chicken tikka masala, and many other tasty Indian dishes. Serving both Nepalese and Indian favorites, highlights of the menu at Cumin include Nepalese dumpling, garlic naan, lamb biryani, and Namche Bazar Ko Sekuwa, which is boneless goat cooked inside of a tandoor oven and served like fajitas. Situated within the city’s Wicker Park neighborhood, Cumin is run by Nepalese brothers Sanjeev and Rajesh Karmacharya, who strive to bring the best of Nepalese cuisine and Indian dishes to Chicago.

1414 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, Il 60622, Phone: 773-342-1414

© Dil-e Punjab Deli

Open from 10:00am until 10:00pm daily, the Dil-e Punjab Deli is located in New York, New York and is a good choice for locals and visitors alike who have a craving to savor the many rich and bold flavors of Indian cuisine. The restaurant aims to provide an excellent dining experience that can be appreciated by both vegans and vegetarians. The cooking at the Dil-e Punjab Deli relies on using fresh ingredients, such as mint, ginger, cilantro, garlic, and much more, providing a true punch of flavors in all of the dishes on the menu and preserving Indian cooking’s authentic flavors.

170 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 212-647-9428

© G’raj Mahal

The G’raj MahalCafe and Lounge is rooted in a feeling of typical Southern hospitality and family values. Located in Austin, Texas, the restaurant offers some of the best of the attitude and atmosphere the city is known for, as well as a blend of innovative and traditional Indian comfort food. Open from 12:30pm until 11:00pm, Tuesday through Sunday, the G’raj Mahali an old house transformed into a beautiful funky space that features a premium beer and wine bar, comfortable indoor seating, and a spacious wooden deck. Along with the delicious food, guests can enjoy local music.

73 Rainey Street, Austin, TX 78701, Phone: 512-480-2255

© Indian Accent

Indian Accent is a rare gem of an Indian restaurant in the United States due in part that it actually comes from India. A popular restaurant in New Delhi for many years, the restaurant opened a location in America in 2016, bringing Indian food to New York City not like anything before. Every dish at Indian Accent is served with amazing structural plating, providing a dish that’s not only delicious, but looks photo-worthy as well. Unique dishes here include Keema made with soy crumbles, butter kulcha, and butter chicken, along with desserts like the makhan malai with saffron-flavored whipped cream.

123 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019, Phone: 212-842-8070

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While Indika certainly isn’t the only Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas, it sits comfortably at the top of many “best of” restaurant lists for the city. The restaurant features innovative, modern Indian food, including Silk Road and North Indian cuisine. Dishes with a Silk Road influence at Indika include vegetable and meat stuffed breads, layered biryani, Tandoori vegetables and meal, seafood, lamb, grilled poultry, and Silken kabobs. Traditional favorites, such as creamy Kormas, Tikka Masala, and classic curries, can also be found on the menu. Indika is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday and Sundays, and for dinner Tuesday through Sunday.

516 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006, Phone: 713-524-2170

© Junoon

Named after the Urdu term for “obsession,” Junoon features a different vibe than most Indian restaurants in the United States, featuring lotus blossoms in pools, latticed sandalwood screens, luxuriously upholstered banquettes, and amber lighting. Inside the open kitchen, the chefs prepare updated, elegant takes on several traditional Indian dishes, such as mango and goat cheese cheesecake and Hyderabadi chicken korma. Junoon, New York City’s only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, offers both an a la carte menu and tasting menus, inspired by the different regions of the subcontinent of India. Cocktails here also feature some of the classic Indian spices and herbs.

27 W 24th St, New York, NY 10010, Phone: 212-490-2100

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Karaikudi serves some of the spiciest Indian food that people can find in the United States, serving the famously pungent cuisine of the Chettinad region of southern India, considered to be possibly the spiciest regional cuisine in the country. The meat-heavy dishes take center stage in Karaikudi, located on Oak Tree Road in Edison, New Jersey, which is a hub for the large Indian population in the state. This is done in the form of a variety of intense food options, such as the nandu masala and the pepper chicken. The fish curry is another popular highlight of the restaurant’s menu.

1671 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820, Phone: 732-516-0020

© Keeva

Keeva in San Francisco, California believes good food is about doing the small things right and patience. Dishes are prepared using the traditional techniques of Indian cooking developed over five thousand years and blended with the cooking of current street vendors, neighbors, and family that the owners of the restaurant spent time with in India. Keeva is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 11:00am until 2:30pm for lunch and from 5:00pm until 9:30pm for dinner. Traditional dishes on the menu are complemented by creative and thoughtful variations of the typical dishes inspired by street trends and family.

908 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118, Phone: 415-742-4010

© Punjabi Dhaba, Cambridge

Punjabi Dhaba in Cambridge, Massachusetts is a rather unassuming Indian restaurant that has gained quite a cult following. A dhaba in India is a roadside food stall often visited by truckers, and the authentic dhaba-style Punjabi Dhaba is a no-frills food establishment that is just a bit above the namesake, but attracts a non-trucker crowd that ranges from multi-generational Indian families to hipsters to college students. For more than eighteen years, the restaurant has been serving generous portions of shahi paneer, chicken tikka masala, and much more, serving bold flavors of the Punjabi cuisine and authentic, fresh comfort food.

225 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139, Phone: 617-547-8272

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Rasika can be considered one of the most popular restaurants, and not just Indian restaurants, in the Washington, DC area among both locals and tourists alike, including President Obama. Due to the popularity of the flagship location in Penn Quarter, a second location opened in West End to similar rave reviews. Visitors to Rasika can expect to find nouveau Indian dishes on the menu, such as apple jalebi beignets and lobster pulao, all paired well with an array of creative cocktails. At the helm of Rasika is Chef Vikram Sunderam, a recipient of the James Beard Award.

633 D St NW, Washington DC, DC 20004, Phone: 202-637-1222

© Sanaa

Located in the Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World, Sanaa offers an opportunity to experience African cooking combined with bold Indian flavors, while also getting a great view of animals roaming the savanna outside the windows. Guests can savor a variety of vegetarian specialties, salads, slow-cooked meats, and seafood. The Indian-style bread service, however, is often considered to be the star of the menu, featuring nine accompaniments that range from the mango chutney on the sweet end to a spicy chile sambal. The food here also pairs well with South African wines, Kenyan beer, and unique specialty cocktails.

3701 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747, Phone: 407-938-7400

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Seva indian Cuisine in Astoria, New York aims to provide guests with a hospitable dining experience that transports them to a dining table in a home in New Delhi, India. Diversity is a crucial aspect of Indian cooking, and balancing new with old, sweet with sour, and cold with hot is a cooking art that the kitchen of Seva has seemed to master. Specialties on the menu at Seva Indian Cuisine include Coconut Naan, Garlic Naan, Chana Masala, Sag Paneer, Lamb Vindaloo, Chicken Tikka Masala, lamb spring rolls, and vegetable samosas. During the weekends an all-you-can eat buffet is offered for lunch.

3007 34th St, Astoria, NY 11103, Phone: 718-626-4440

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An authentic Indian restaurant, Sher-E-Punjab first opened in 1998 in the southwestern city of Tucson, Arizona. Serving Northern Punjabi regional Indian cuisine, this family-owned and operated Indian restaurant strives to make sure all of the food served to their customers offers a fresh, homemade taste and aims to provide the best quality of authentic dishes,sourcing ingredients from the local farmers markets. Sher-E-Punjab boasts an extensive menu that includes dishes for nearly any palate, such as lamb shahi korma, mushroom chili, both seasoned and simple naan, gulab jaman, and kulftee. Dishes can be ordered with a variety of heat levels.

853 East Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85719, Phone: 520-624-9393

© Tamarind Tribeca

The Tamarind Tribeca is a restaurant in New York City that serves delicious Indian cuisine and has been praised by several notable publications, including Zagat Survey, Village Voice, the New York Post, and The New York Times. This fine dining establishment combines Tribeca sophistication and South Asian cuisine. With seating for up to 175 guests and a stunning interior, the Tamarind Tribeca provides a great ambiance for both business meals and date nights. Highlights of the impressive menu include the saag paneer, sirkha gosht (lamb cooked in coriander chili chutney, chili vinaigrette, garam masala, and malt vinegar), and the lobster masala.

99 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013, Phone: 212-775-9000

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The Udupi Palace has become something of a vegetarian mainstay for authentic food, with two locations in Berkeley, California and San Francisco, California. The menu includes dosas, a staple of the cuisine of South India, offering guests an opportunity to try the large lentil-and-rice crepes served with tamarind chutney and coconut and often topped with spiced potatoes. Side dishes at Udupi Palace include rice-and-lentil pancakes known as uttapam, sambar, and steamed-rice cakes called idlis. The family-friendly restaurant and its flavorful food is a popular place for Indian cuisine in the Bay area among both vegetarians and carnivores alike.

1007 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, Phone: 415-970-8000