The Best Indian Restaurants in Indianapolis, Indiana

When you’re looking for a specific type of international cuisine, it’s hard to tell which ones are good, and which ones aren’t. Indian food is innately delicious – all about rich flavors and tantalizing heat. You can find all this and more in delicious dishes served at Indy’s best Indian restaurants – if you know where to look!

India Garden, 207 North Delaware St, Indianapolis, Indiana; (317) 634-6060

Conveniently located downtown, this Indian kitchen has topped the Indianapolis Monthly’s Best Restaurant ratings for five consecutive years. Using true tandoori cooking style, their marinated meats are cooked in seconds in searing clay tandoor ovens. For dinner, enjoy their Tandoori Shrimp or Seekh Kabaab. Afterwards, try one of their authentic Indian desserts, like the Kulfi (an Indian ice cream with milk and nuts) or the Gulab Jamun (milk balls dipped in honey syrup). This is the first place to try when considering authentic Indian food in Indianapolis!

Shalimar Restaurant, 1043 Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana; (317) 465-1100

Located on the north side of Indianapolis in Broad Ripple, this restaurant is known for its delicious buffet of authentic Indian offerings. They have a delicious beverage selection, including Indian Masala Tea, Mango Lassi (a sweet or salted yogurt drink) and four imported Indian beers. Their extensive buffet is affordable, at only $6.99. In addition to the buffet, the menu is packed with tantalizing dishes such as the Paneer Masala or Chicken Curry.

India Palace, 4213 Lafayette Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana; (317) 298-0773

The India Palace is a great place to eat, and is located on the West side of Indianapolis. I have been there once myself – it was the first time I had eaten Indian cuisine, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Like many Indian restaurants, they offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Their lunch buffet is served up hot, fresh and delicious. If you prefer to order from the menu, your options are even greater, including traditional Indian favorites such as Chicken Vindaloo, Lamb Curry, Fish Makhani and Chana Masala.

Taj of India, 5929 East 82^nd St, Indianapolis, Indiana; (317) 578-4400

Located on the north side of Indianapolis near the Keystone and Castleton shopping districts, the Taj of India is known for its great vegetarian options and for the wide selection on the buffet. The restaurant has a great ambiance, decorated in pictures of India with relaxing background music. If you do forego the buffet for a menu entrée, be sure to try the Sag Paneer!

Masala Kitchen, 9546 Allisonville Rd, Suite 132, Indianapolis, Indiana; (317) 849-2996

While most Indian restaurants in the area focus on northern Indian cooking, the Masala Kitchen specializes in authentic dishes from southern India. Located on the far north side of Indianapolis, this eatery offers a sophisticated and varied menu full of delicious Indian dishes. Some of the popular favorites at Masala are the Dal Fry and Uttapam. For a twist on the usual northern Indian fare, be sure to try the Masala Kitchen!

The Udupi Café, 4225 Lafayette Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana; (317) 299-2127

This Southern Indian-style restaurant is located on the west side of Indianapolis and is completely vegetarian! They also offer a wide variety of vegan dishes, catering to both vegetarian and vegan patrons. With delicious dishes like their Dosai, the Udupi Café is possibly the most unique little restaurant in the city!

Bombay Tadkaa, 4150 Lafayette Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana; (317) 280-8009

This unassuming little restaurant may not look like much, but the warmth exhibited by the owners and their ability to offer truly authentic Indian cuisine more than makes up for it. Located on the west side of Indy, where Indian restaurants are more common, they manage to stand out. Their $6.95 buffet is packed full of a wide variety of offerings, such as cucumbers and tomatoes with mint yogurt dip, spicy potatoes, potato and onion fritters, chicken curry, Murgh Kolhapuri, Potato Pakoda, grilled chicken in onion sauce, veggies and a sweet mango ice cream for dessert. Drinks are also included. So, when eating Indian cuisine on the west side, remember: don’t judge a book by its cover, or a restaurant by its exterior.

Garam Masala Indian Grill, 8553 Ditch Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana; (317) 257-1213

This little Indian restaurant is located on the northwest side of Indianapolis. The lunch buffet offers a good selection, from mild to spicy, and the fare is consistent. The buffet offers fresh Indian bread, soup and a choice of two desserts. The curries are delicious. But you’ll need to look closely to find this one – it’s hidden behind the Tokyo Joe’s Restaurant.