Sometimes the most unassuming joints hold the biggest secrets, and it's a given that if a restaurant has been around for decades, there's a good reason. We looked to recommendations from local food writers, customer reviews on sites like Yelp and Google, and our own personal experiences to identify the top hole-in-the-wall Indian restaurants across America.
Birmingham
"The best versions of zarda and gulab jamun I've ever had" is how one Google user described this Alabama gem. Lunch choice options include a buffet and traditional Thali dishes. Try the bengen bhartha (grilled pureed eggplant cooked with onions, tomatoes, and fresh herbs).
Anchorage
You can nosh on the restaurant’s Mixed Grill with tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, and seekh kabab (either garlic or lamb made with garlic and ginger) at one of Bombay Deluxe’s two Anchorage locations: South or Midtown.
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Mesa
“The tikka masala and butter chicken are some of the best I've found in the valley,” one Yelp reviewer raves. Grab your meal via curbside pickup, or eat inside when the dining room reopens in May. Try the mango lassi — guests rave about the tasty drink.
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Little Rock
Tucked into a strip mall, this local gem is known for its lunch buffet and robust dinner menu. Order the saag paneer or the shrimp curry, which have received customer praise. Google reviewer Brett B. says simply, “Star of India, you have my heart.”
Los Angeles
The late-night option for those craving Indian food, India’s Restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Daily. Try the tandoori chicken and the garlic naan. Guests appreciated the portion size and professional-but-friendly manner of the staff.
Colorado Springs
With menu options for those hungry for something familiar and other tasty morsels to surprise North American’s used to korma and tikka, Urban Tandoor gives diners the opportunity to try something new. Go for the chicken lababdar (chicken in a cheese and onion tomato gravy) or pudina paratha, a tandoor bread baked with a smidge of mint. Another must-try is tandoori achari (pickle-flavored fried cottage cheese cubes).
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Cos Cob
Guests love both the food and the service in this little gem. The lunch specials ($9 for vegan or vegetarian options $10 for chicken, with lamb or seafood for $2 or $3 more respectively) are an option for diners in a hurry. For appetizers, the specialty of the house is lasoni gobi (cauliflower, onions, and bell pepper).
Wilmington
With 1,369 reviews and counting, this popular South Indian cuisine restaurant keeps diners coming back with a tasty food and efficient service. Try the Prawn 65 or the yellow curry.
For a special treat, order off the Sigdi (or open fire) section of the menu. The curry section is equally impressive, with palak, vindaloo, and korma options, but worth noting is the addition of malabar (a south Indian coconut curry). While you eat, sip a cardamom gimlet from Pappe’s extensive beer, wine, and cocktail list.
Miami
Feast on the mango chicken curry or try the lamb rogan josh (lamb cooked in a tomato curry). Reviewers appreciate the wine and beer selection at Bombay Darbarand gush about the decor, which includes TVs playing Bollywood music videos.
Atlanta
Set your GPS — the Midtown location of the popular restaurantis tucked away on a busy street and it’s easy to miss. Once inside, however, the elegant charm of the dining room takes over. The menu is worth taking your time to ponder the offerings. Standouts include the fried okra straws that accompany the wraps and the aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower curry). Parking is available in the adjacent garage — bring your ticket inside since the restaurant validates parking.
Honolulu
Boasting that all of their appetizers come with their homemade mint and tamarind sauce, Cafe Maharani hopes you’ll have fun dipping your tandoori chicken wings, samosas, or tandoori shrimp. Open for limited dinner hours during the pandemic, the restaurant offers both takeout and indoor dining options.
Idaho Falls
Tucked inside the historic Earl Building, Cardamom’s menu, full of familiar favorites, is complemented by a thoughtful wine list. Standouts on the menu include the crisp herb paneer and the fava bean hummus with naan chips. Stop by on Sunday for brunch from 9 to 2 for anday ki bhujia (Indian scrambled eggs) — brunch also offers both sangria and mimosas (both with a bottomless option).
Chicago
Guests love the food as well as the decor in this popular restaurant. One reviewer gushed about how, even after going to the restaurant several times, “each time, the food is beautiful, the service is fantastic and the atmosphere when dining in is perfect.” Try any of the tandoor dishes — they’re specialities of the house.
Bloomington
The butter dishes are the winners here; try the butter chicken or the butter lamb. If you’re looking for something different, consider the badaam kheer, a rice pudding with cardamom, almonds, and raisins. Close to the nearby Indiana University campus, one reviewer misses dining at Taste of India, writing ‘Since graduating IU, the Indian food in my life has gotten significantly worse.” Delivery and curbside pickup available.
West Des Moines
Biryani is to be expected at a restaurant specializing in Indian cuisine, but Persis goes beyond the standard chicken, beef, and lamb to add an egg biryani to its offerings. Try the cut mirchi appetizer (stuffed chili peppers coated in flour and deep fried) and the goat pepper fry.
Kansas City
Signature dishes at the cheekily named Korma Sutra include goat pashoo (goat with cauliflower, potatoes, and topped with a homemade yogurt sauce) the spicy shrimp vindaloo. Guests caution that asking for ‘spicy’ means the food will be especially hot, so keep that in mind when you order
Richmond
An impressive seafood menu, including shrimp dhansak (shrimp marinated in honey, vinegar and spaces and cooked with lentils) with an equal attention paid to the vegetarian menu, is the highlight of Masala. Try the panir bhurji (homemade shredded cheese, with onions, peppers, and tomatoes cooked with herbs in makhni sauce).
Hammond
Don’t let the location in a gas station rattle — this restaurant gets consistent 5 star reviews for it’s service, attention to detail, and fresh ingredients. The restaurant is open from 11 to 3, then again from 5 to 10. Try the biryani and garlic naan for a tasty meal, then finish with the gajar halwa (carrot pudding).
Biddeford
Locals love the seafood curries at Jewel of India, with the thali offering very good options for those looking for a variety. Make sure to save room for the mango ice cream, a specialty of the house. The dessert is garnished with a tasty mango pulp.
Columbia
Dining at Royal Taj is an elegant experience, from the chandelier hanging overhead to the waiters dressed in ties and vests. The menu is careful to include sections for dishes without onions or garlic. For a decadent experience, try the Kashmiri naan, which is stuffed with raisin, cashews, almonds, sugar-coated fennel seeds, and topped with rose water. Order a cocktail from the full bar and enjoy the setting.
Cambridge
A local fave for more than 40 years, India Pavilion is a must-try for visitors to the area. The buffet may be closed due to the pandemic, but the restaurant still offers takeaway. Try the lamb samosas and tandoori salmon, and perhaps order a beer to go, as well.
Grand Rapids
Soup lovers will be happy to see nalli charu (country-style goat soup) as well as a corn soup on the menu at Curry Leaf. Try Amma’s Special Idli (steamed rice and lentil patties) and try their sizzling 65 (cauliflower or mushroom). The uthappam (pancake served with chutney) are dishes not often seen in American Indian restaurants and are a must try.
Minneapolis
Offering tasty options like palak paneer and vegetable curry bowls, Gandhi Mahal’s serves familiar Indian dishes with friendly service and quick turnaround. Try the spicy piyaju (chili, onion, and lentil fritters) appetizer and choose one of your favorite Indian meals. Be sure to order plenty of naan to dip into the flavorful sauces and chutneys.
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Jackson
Guests at Spice Avenue enjoyed the lamb curry, chicken tikka masala, and dal tadka. Others appreciated the adjustable spice levels to suit every taste. Try the tandoori fish tikka, which is mahi-mahi marinated in cilantro and spices and grilled in the traditional clay oven.
St. Louis
A recent Yelp reviewer raved about the bhaingan (smoked eggplant with peas) and paneer masala. As with most other places on this list, the dine-in option is temporarily suspended due to COVID, but the restaurant is open for takeout. “Exceptional flavor and portion sizes,” one reviewer wrote.
Great Falls
Featuring a limited and revolving menu, guests might have few choices, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be missing out on flavor: saffron basmati rice, naan, coconut water, and strawberry rose spa water are among the standouts. Guests also appreciated the spiciness of Saibeen’s Kitchen’s dishes.
Lincoln
Only open evenings on Sundays, eager diners should check their watch before taking the trip to The Oven. The menu, drinks, and ambiance more than make up for any confusion about hours. House specialties include chicken or lamb bhuna (shredded lamb or chicken sauteed with garlic, jalapeno, and cream sauce), kheema matar (ground beef in masala sauce with onion, ginger, peas, jalapenos, and tomatoes) and shrimp or salmon madras (shrimp or salmon cooked in a coconut-based sauce). Biryani lovers should consider the mumtaz biryani (sliced lamb, chicken, and shrimp).
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Las Vegas
Consider dropping in early on Pure Indian Cuisine, as it’s one of the few restaurants on the list that also serve breakfast. Breakfast offerings include punjabi egg bhurji (scrambled eggs with onions and chilis) and pav bhaji (cauliflower, potatoes, carrot, peas, bell pepper, and beans — served with bread and butter). The dinner menu has an impressive Indo-Chinese section, with chicken 65, vegetarian noodles, and chili shrimp. Pre-pandemic diners loved eating in the dining room, with its views of Las Vegas and of planes taking off, but the restaurant does a brisk takeaway business, too.
Hanover
Sure it’s no-frills at Samosa Man, but don’t let that stop you. Diners rave about the spot-on flavor profile and modest prices. The menu offers some unexpected samosa options, with offerings that include broccoli and cheese, spicy chicken, and Vermont apple.
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Pequannock Township
Thoroughly modern and very cool, this new addition to the area brings mixologists and new favorites to the traditional Indian fare. Try the chicken chettinad, a tasty South Indian chicken stew, or the goan shrimp curry.
Milan
A no-frills restaurant that focuses on what it does best: the food. Families and large parties take note: reviewers say the large sizes can feed 4 to 5 people. The lamb and chicken curries each come highly rated, as does the garlic naan.
New York
Take the stairs to the second floor and you’ll find one of New York City’s hidden gems. Lunch specials include one appetizer and entree for $15, while the $22 prix fixe menu includes dessert. Guests appreciated the large portions and the balance of flavors.
Asheville
Spice lovers, get your fix at Mela. A reviewer said “their mild is pretty spicy, but a great spot for those who love spicy.” The restaurant recently launched an app for limited delivery. Lunch options include a filling platter, and you can enjoy your nibbles between sips of local beer.
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Bismarck
With the motto ‘Food tastes better when you eat it with your family,’ India Clay Oventakes the honored visitor approach to their hospitality. The inviting decor is both quirky and cozy while customers rave about the service. “You’ll leave saying it’s the best Indian food you’ve ever had,” one Google reviewer writes. Try the clay oven mixed grill, which offers tandoor chicken, chicken tikka, and more.
Cincinnati
With takeout, dine-in, and delivery options, this local favorite offers diners whatever option strikes their fancy. Try the samosas, which come with thick and colorful chutneys, ready for your social media timeline.
Edmond
A great place to bring a family, Mt. Everest Cuisines offers two special packs: chicken tikka masala and chicken curry with rice and naan for twenty bucks. Spend ten dollars more and get a four-pack. The family pack includes chicken tikka masala, daal tadka, chana masala, two butter naan, and rice.
Portland
Fans of dosa should try the Mysore masala dosa at Dil Se, which the menu describes in these mouthwatering terms, “Dosa with thin spread of a spicy lentil chutney, typical of the Indian city of Mysore and filled with medium spiced mashed potatoes, green peas and cashews.” Dil Se also offers wine by the glass and by the bottle. The restaurant also offers delivery.
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Philadelphia
Locals and tourists alike will find a lot to love about this Zagat-reviewed restaurant. Sample the crispy spinach chaat at Indieblue and finish with the banana nirvana dessert (banana balls with salted caramel ice cream).
Providence
Kabob and Curry’s website boasts it’s the ‘longest serving Indian restaurant’ and it’s easy to see why customers love it: it offers vegan, gluten-free, and halal options, and the menu has choices for the whole family. As one reviewer raved, “Fantastic food dishes and friendly services. One of my evening favorites when the cupboard is bare and the fridge empty. It never disappoints.”
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Greenville
When a diner has to stop eating to write a review of Handi Indian Cuisine, you know the food is tasty: “I'm sitting here at the restaurant during buffet and had to post a review that's how much I'm enjoying and wanted to share,” a reviewer wrote. Sounds like a must-try if you’re in Greenville.
Sioux Falls
A cozy bar and restaurant. Shahi Palace offers halal meat, while also offering tasty vegetarian options like alu gobi. Grab a glass of wine (half price on Thursdays) or a mixed drink while you savor the biryani and naan.
Nashville
Locals know that Nashville cuisine is more than barbeque and whiskey. TAJ Indian Restaurant offers Tandoori namoone, roti ghar (homemade Indian bread), biryani, and a sumptuous curry shrimp that will hit the spot. For fans of spicy food, try the spicy chili oil naan.
Plano
The goat keema masala is a fan favorite at Wild Mirchi Indian Grill, with a Google reviewer gushing, “We drive from East Garland to get the delicious goat keema biryani.” For dessert, try the rasmalai, cottage cheese patties, served with a cream sauce and pistachio.
Salt Lake City
The Delhi chaat, with it’s crisp wafers, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, sweet yogurt, with an accompaniment of chutneys is a vegetarian’s dream, but don’t forget the chicken pakora or chicken tikka dosa at Saffron Valley. Make sure to order the naan. One Google reviewer raved, “The cheese garlic naan was delicious, but the nutty sweet naan absolutely took the show.”
Brattleboro
Bring your four-legged friends — dogs are allowed on the patio. The India Masala House offers staples like curries, tandoori, and kabobs, while also offering regional delicacies like chicken chennai (chicken with onion, garlic, coconut, and curry leaves).
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Alexandria
Customer favorites at Spice Kraft include traditional like options samosas, as well as shrimp sea-salt balsamic kebab. The menu also offers gluten-free options like herb-roasted eggplant with mushroom lentil sauce or chettinadu vegetable korma.
Kirkland
Vegetarian options, always plentiful in Indian cuisines, are inspiring at this Kirkland fave. Try the palakkad avail (green banana, carrot, white pumpkin, beans, yam, moringa, raw mango, jackfruit seeds, turmeric, cumin, green chili, ground coconut, yogurt, and a coconut oil drizzle). The restaurant promises authenticity with an urban twist, so prepare for a unique experience.
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Huntington
Pickle lovers will enjoy the achaar (hot and spicy pickles) while vindaloo lovers will enjoy the choice of lamb or goat at Nawab Indian Cuisine. Try the crab meat masala and wash the whole thing down with either a pina colada or a lassi.
Madison
“Great quality ingredients and friendly staff” is what one Google reviewer says of the Madison restaurant. The buffet is currently closed due to the pandemic, but carryout options remain. Be sure to check the website or social media for current promotions like a free samosa with the purchase of two entrees.
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Gillette
Spice lovers rejoice — everything on the menu at Sherpa Indian Kitchen can be made mild, medium, or spicy, depending on your preference. Try the daal makhani (black lentils, kidney beans, yellow split lentils, with onions, tomato, garlic, and ginger) or the chicken lajjatdar (chicken with cilantro and nut based sauce).