The Absolute Best Indian Restaurants In The US

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When you're in the mood for intense flavors, fragrant aromas, and tantalizing spices, Indian food checks those boxes. The large country is home to an assortment of cuisines, each with its own regional specialties. Unfortunately, Madhur Jaffrey and Priya Krishna, two well respected Indian cookbook writers, tell CNBC that typical Indian food with its local distinctions is rarely showcased outside the country and instead, many recipes are mild hybrids. So while you may feel you've covered with Indian cuisine by eating take-out chicken tikka masala with naan bread and samosas, there are endless dishes to discover.

According to the South Asian American Digital Archive, Indian food in the United States was already the subject of curiosity a century ago due to an influx of immigrants. Although the number of Indian restaurants in the USA has yet to explode, the 5,000 or so options provide a taste of the cuisine (via CNBC). It's well worth it to let yourself be surprised by authentic Indian cuisine, which Jaffrey remarks shines due to "the magic of spices."

Before you try your hand at some recipes in the kitchen, we recommend tasting the true flavors of Indian food at some of the absolute best spots in the country. Whether they are fine dining restaurants with Michelin stars or small family-owned eateries with humble beginnings, your taste buds will recognize the undeniably heavenly dishes.

For a gastronomical experience to wow your taste buds, Junoon in New York City is a definite bet. Since opening in 2010, the restaurant has consistently received a Michelin star for its fine cuisine. The modern Indian establishment is also featured on the American Food Guild's list of Best Wine and Dine Restaurants in America.

The fine balance at Junoon, "French service, in the family, Indian style," as noted by waitstaff attending to New York Magazine reviewers, sets the scene for the overall experience. Whether you choose the prix fixe lunch, an à la carte selection, or opt for a luxurious multi-course tasting menu, get ready for an unforgettable meal. If you want to bring those enticing flavors home, don't miss the restaurant's marketplace.

Chef Akshay Bhardwaj tells Eater, "We are not trying to play it safe," and this novelty is evident in the dishes. Try the tandoori octopus which is slow-grilled for three hours with spices or the ghost chile murgh tikka (tandoori chicken thighs with a pistachio crumble and grape chutney) for a kick of heat. Carb lovers will love the selection of breads on Junoon's menu, and if you want to step outside the box, order the brain toast (goat brain on brioche with jalapeño and pomegranate). Don't forget to end the night with dessert; the assortment of kulfi pops (frozen dairy treats) is the perfect way to freshen up your palate.

Described as "The other side of India," Dhamaka is the perfect place to fill up on authentic bites. Among endless accolades, in 2021 the eatery made it onto The New York Times' lists of 50 exciting restaurants in the U.S. and the top 10 restaurants in NYC, and named one of Esquire's 40 best new restaurants in America. The owner and chef-owner duo Roni Mazumdar and Chintan Pandya have already proven to be a winning team at Adda (via Eater). At Dhamaka, expect dishes that will surprise tamer palates, displaying a refined balance that makes them as tempting as those with more familiar ingredients. Mazumdar and Pandya tell National Geographic Traveller that their goal is to share the diversity of Indian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and regional fare.

A prime example is gurda kapoora, goat kidney and testicle with red onion and pao, which Eater praises for its nuanced flavors and textures. Although the menu veers towards extremely spicy, items including the tabak maaz (Kashmiri lamb ribs with fennel and spices) and the semolina-crusted pomfret fish are milder. If you want to go all out and have the flashy budget to match, Robb Report recommends pre-ordering the whole rabbit ($190), a Rajasthani meal that is only served once a night. Starting with a two-day yogurt and spice marinade, the rabbit is slow-cooked in a clay pot with aromatics producing the tenderest meat you could imagine. Served with potatoes, bread, rice, and lentil, this is a dish to share and savor.

Great restaurant chains reach success by consistently serving delicious food, and Saravanaa Bhavan is no different. The international restaurant chain has 81 locations outside of India, serving up quality vegetarian meals on a daily basis. The team behind the endeavor is certainly doing something right since the first restaurant opened in 1981. Select among hundreds of flavor-packed dishes at one of the American locations in New Jersey, New York, California, or Texas. Both excellent food and service are at the heart of the enterprise, and on-site dining, take-out, delivery, and catering are all available.

A wide assortment of appetizers, dosas (thin crispy crepes), uthappams, and breads are on offer, or try one of the thalis — a mixed platter highlighting an array of flavors, perfect for when you can't settle on an item from the extensive menu. With such appetizing options, meat-eaters won't even realize the restaurant is fully vegetarian. Thrifty diners will love the affordable prices, which make it the ideal place to feast on a variety of items with a group. If you have a sweet tooth, save some room for a quintessentially sugary Indian treat such as badam halwa (ground almond cooked with honey and butter) or gulab jamun (milk and cheese balls soaked in syrup and rose water). For a tasty meal without any airs, be sure to visit Saravanaa Bhavan.

The restaurant industry has faced overwhelming challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and the capacity to pivot has been crucial. While Dosa's San Francisco location has closed its doors, a takeout version of the popular menu was launched and ready-made meals are being sold at Whole Foods. Co-owner Anjan Mitra tells The San Francisco Chronicle that the current model is working for now, as their brick-and-mortar establishment requires a constant influx of customers to maintain the glitz. While you won't be able to enjoy the sophisticated restaurant for the time being, you can still savor the familiar flavors from dosa by Dosa in Oakland, a casual counter-service location that offers outdoor seating as well.

Dosas certainly feature prominently on the menu, with meat and vegetarian choices as well as a spicy habanero mango option for those who like some heat. True to its Californian location, you can order salads with protein add-ins such as tandoori chicken or lamb kebabs. Snacks, wraps, and rice bowls are especially convenient for take-out, and the breakfast menu is a great way to start your day — you might have a hard time picking between stuffed naan bread and an egg dosa. To round it out, the refreshing drinks include non-alcoholic options like a spicy tamarind lassi and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice, or try one of the appropriately named "spice route cocktails" such as a Kerala Old Fashioned: coconut washed rum, saffron bitters, mace, jaggery, and star anise.

Beverly Hills might not be the first place you would think to go for Indian food, but Bombay Palace has been going strong since 1985. It fits right into the glitzy neighborhood, with a marble bar, cozy nooks, and high ceilings, according to Gayot. So, if you're ready for a night out on the town and craving fragrant spices, Bombay Palace is the place to be.

The eatery highlights Northern Indian cuisine, with à la carte dining options or a royal banquet menu if you're ready to splurge. From traditional dishes prepared in a tandoor oven to Western favorites like chicken tikka masala and butter chicken, it's not hard to be tempted by the menu. Gayot recommends the seafood vindaloo if you can take the heat, and vegetarians will be pleased to see an extensive selection of dishes suiting their needs. Mop up excess sauce with tandoor-baked bread, and for dessert, you can't go wrong with a creamy pistachio kulfi.

Located in Asheville, North Carolina (with another outpost in Georgia), Chai Pani is the place to go for a comforting and creative dining experience. The name translates to tea and water, which hints at the laidback street food vibe you can expect. Thanks to five-time James Beard award-nominated chef Meherwan Irani, the food is definitely a step up from any old snack you might grab on a street corner. The New York Times named it among the country's top 50 favorite restaurants in 2021, and other publications including Condé Nast Traveler have been equally impressed.

Besides all of the public praise, the vibrant fresh zingy flavors are the winning factors that will make Chai Pani your favorite spot. An eclectic take on Indian flavors is evident — follow GQ's advice and order a Sloppy Jai (spiced minced lamb with warm spices), tandoori chicken wings, or try the Bombay chili cheese fries for an East meets West bite. Bon Appétit's go-to order is the dahi sev papdi, which they describe as a mashed potato and nacho hybrid. Whether you order an assortment of chaats (snacks) or a couple of naan wraps, your taste buds will be undoubtedly satisfied. Did we mention it's incredibly affordable?

The food has got to be great at Kalachandjis, the oldest vegetarian buffet in Dallas going on 40 years. All of the dishes are prepared with high-quality ingredients, and the restaurant follows the Ayurvedic principles of feeding the body, mind, and soul. The majority of the items on the menu are vegan, and the restaurant even avoids using onion or garlic, an element of certain Ayurvedic diets. Unfortunately, buffets have not been a winning equation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and manager Danny Thomas tells The Dallas Morning News that significant adjustments to the set-up have been made. Although it is not currently a self-service affair, customers can still savor the fluctuating menu.

The options are a mix and match and include decidedly non-Indian items such as lasagna and jambalaya (via Culture Map). Among the Indian favorites on the menu, pakoras (spicy chickpea flour vegetable fritters) are always a good choice. For a nourishing soup be sure to order the dal and pair it with whole grains for a nutritious high-protein vegan meal. You won't want to miss Kalachandjis' aromatic warm cinnamon and raisin bread — you might even have to take a loaf home. Wash it all down with a glass of tamarind tea, a sweet and sour drink that will refresh your palate.

You'll want to head to Indian Accent with an appetite (and a padded wallet) to enjoy the inventive selection of dishes. Chef Manish Mehrotra originally opened the fine-dining institution in New Delhi, and success followed him to London and New York City. While the London location is no longer open, New Yorkers continues to savor the dazzling array of flavors coming out of Mehrotra's kitchen. For the full experience, try the tasting menu, which includes vegetarian delights that will please all.

New York Magazine recommends the soy keema with a quail egg, a creative variation on a dish typically made with minced lamb. An assortment of breads are perfect for soaking up the sauces or to enjoy on their own — wild mushroom and truffle butter or saag paneer with chili butter are some top picks. Jackfruit makes a few appearances on the menu as an alternative to pulled pork and crisped up as a main. Meanwhile, entrees like the tandoori salmon and beef tenderloin with fenugreek are the ideal balance of traditional and cosmopolitan flavors. For a meal highlighting Indian fragrances and ingredients with unpredictable and international twists, nab yourself a reservation at Indian Accent.

Expect a feast of flavors at Bollywood Theater in Portland, Oregon. With two locations, the restaurant has been a favorite thanks to its menu showcasing traditional specialties in a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. Bon Appétit notes that chef Troy MacLarty previously worked at Chez Panisse, a highly acclaimed Berkeley restaurant known for its seasonal dishes. His extensive experience and creative flair are evident in the menu at Bollywood Theater, which is ideal for anyone with a taste for good food.

The Infatuation recommends going the sharing route, and it's really the best way to get the most out of your dining experience. Try some of the snacks to start; the kati rolls (chicken or paneer, egg, chutney, and pickled vegetables wrapped with flatbread) or bhel puri (potato, mango, peanuts, with crispy add-ins) are popular favorites. Fill up with pork vindaloo or a grilled tikka bowl and order an Indian-inspired cocktail or a mango lassi to wash it all down. If they're available, follow Bon Appétit's advice and go home with a set of Bollywood Theater's spices, a trio of flavors from Kerala.