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9 Best Indian Restaurants in Atlanta

tandoori chicken at atlanta indian restaurants

A delightful fusion of spices and aromas emerges amid the rich tapestry of flavors that the culinary scene in downtown Atlanta offers foodies on a vibrant journey through. We invite you to discover Atlanta’s varied culinary scene in this article, as the best restaurants tell a story of Indian culinary brilliance. Atlanta’s Indian-inspired eateries stand out among the Southern charm, providing a sensory experience through the complex and bold flavors that characterize this cuisine. With their tantalizing tandoori dishes and fragrant curries, these culinary havens demonstrate a cross-cultural mastery of spices. Regardless of your level of expertise with Indian food or your curiosity about discovering Atlanta’s culinary gems, our guide will show you where to go in the best parts of the city. Come celebrate the flavorful fusion, tantalizing aroma, and culinary expertise that characterize Atlanta’s Indian-inspired restaurants.


Bhojanic Takeout/Catering/Market

739 Lambert Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
404-841-8472
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Bhojanic Atlanta
Source: Instagram

Bhojanic has become one of the largest and most popular Indian restaurants in the greater Atlanta area. The chef, Archna Becker, came from India with her family when she was eleven years old and has spent her whole life perfecting several Indian recipes. Their chicken curries, salad bowls, Punjab khati, and Thali are the biggest favorites among patrons. Of course, the behl is excellent if you enjoy a lot of spice. You can also enjoy some lychee martinis and bottomless mimosas to spice up your meal. If you come on Saturdays, you might enjoy some live music. Otherwise, the ambiance is still relaxing and distinctly Indian.


Chai Pani Decatur

406 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
404-378-4030
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Chai Pani Decatur Atlanta
Source: Instagram

Chai Pani is Indian slang for going out to get a cup of tea or a snack. That perfectly describes the relaxed atmosphere of the Chai Pani restaurant since they make both Indian street food and full home-cooked meals. Some favorites include the Aloo Tikki Challe, chili chicken, Pani puri, suki ka halwa, and mango lassi. Samosas in chickpea and tomato sauce are another great dish. Chai Pani also serves delicious chai tea, among other classic Indian drinks and cocktails. The restaurant uses real steel plates and cups to create an authentic Indian ambiance.


Tabla

77 12th St NE #2, Atlanta, GA 30309
404-464-8571
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Tabla Atlanta
Source: Instagram

Tabla may not look like a traditional Indian restaurant from the outside, but step inside, and you may find yourself transported. There is outdoor seating too, but the inside presents the best Indian dining experience. Tabla does butter chicken quite well, and chicken korma, chicken moilee, and palak patta chaat. You should also look at the cocktail menu, which plays around with different Indian liquors. They have some delicious jalapeno or garlic naans as an appetizer. This particular restaurant is a little on the pricey side, but if you like your food extra spicy, this is a great place to try.

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Blue India

933 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
404-963-5775
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Blue India Atlanta
Source: Instagram

You probably would not expect an Indian restaurant to have a British undertone, but it pays homage to India and England’s historical influence on each other. Some patrons have said it is the best Indian food in the midtown area of Atlanta and is excellent for first-time Indian food eaters. I suggest trying the Bhindi chaat, the chicken tandoori grill, the Hyderabadi biryani, Malabar paratha, and masala fries, among other dishes. For something a little sweeter, try the Peshwari naan. It is hard to pick which drinks to get whenever I go, so I lean toward the strawberry margarita.


Botiwalla

Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE n134, Atlanta, GA 30308
470-225-8963
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Botiwalla Atlanta
Source: Instagram

Botiwalla may be a great place to stop for anyone who spent their childhood in India. It is a distinctly counter-service restaurant with a colorful storefront in the Ponce City Market. It has plenty of Indian flavor without feeling too sweet or too salty. My favorites are the paneer wrap, masala mashed potatoes, chicken tikka roll, tamarind glazed spare ribs, lamb kebab roll, and chicken tikka wrap. I would even argue that the glazed spare ribs may be better than any barbecue ribs I have tried. One little twist is that they offer burgers here, including the Bottiwala lamb burger, which is a welcome modern twist to Indian food.


Cafe Bombay

2615 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
404-320-0229
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Cafe Bombay Atlanta
Source: Instagram

The first fancy Indian bistro on this list, it is worth going just to see the inside of the restaurant. Beautiful chandeliers and drapes of fabric join at the central ceiling lamp, bringing an air of elegance to your dining experience. There is sometimes live belly dancing from different dancing groups on Saturday nights. You get to choose how spicy your food is, so you do not have to worry about overwhelming your mouth with spiciness. Such yummy food could include butter chicken, goat biryani, gulab jamun, Bombay mixed grill, garlic naan, or palak paneer. You might also like the Kadhi Pakoda and onion pakoras. They give pretty hefty helpings of rice with most entrees, which is always a plus.


Masti – Indian Street Eats

2945 N Druid Hills Rd C, Atlanta, GA 30329
678-949-9414
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Masti Atlanta
Source: Instagram

Masti means “fun” in Hindi, which makes sense since Masti tries to emulate a street Indian food vendor. It is among the best for its variety and overall atmosphere, and I recommend it to first-timers who do not want much spice in their food. Masti does not look like a typical Indian restaurant, but it is pretty colorful, with lots of glass bottles and designer wallpaper. There is much to love about Masti, including the nimbu paani, Chinese bhel, sheek kabob, chicken momos, kabab dogs, Samosa chaat, and masti wings. The drinks are pretty creative, such as their mango martini, jalapeno mojito, and masala coffee.


Zyka: The Taste | Indian Restaurant | Decatur

1677 Scott Blvd, Decatur, GA 30033
404-728-4444
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Zyka Atlanta
Source: Instagram

You can only visit Zyka in the afternoon or evening, but it does not matter when you visit. After all, the name Zyka means “taste,” so you know authenticity is essential here. Plus, the chef returns to India to continue learning new secrets for great Indian cooking. Luckily, Zyka’s food strikes a good balance in spices. A buffet is available so you can go back for as many helpings as you like. I like to get chicken curry, butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, naan, mutton biryani, and channa chaat. This restaurant is famous for its chicken 65, which is also delicious. For dessert, do not forget the Mango Kulfi ice cream, which comes in a clay pot.

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Amaars Indian Cuisine

100 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
404-257-6959
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Amaars Indian Cuisine Atlanta
Source: Instagram

Amaars Indian Cuisine might be the simplest-looking Indian restaurant on this list, with little to no frills on the exterior. It is also smaller than other places, so it might be better suited for a grab-and-go dining experience. They have some surprisingly good vegetarian food. Such as the vegetable samosas, garlic naan, and bullet naan. For meat lovers, the lamb korma, chicken biryani, and butter chicken are time-honored classics worth trying. The spice levels are pretty high, too, so you should order mild or medium if you need the spice toned down a little.

Why Trust Us?

When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 6 credible sites and blogs, including Atlanta.eater.com and Secretatlanta.co. 

We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible. 

Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 6 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.

https://atlanta.eater.com/maps/best-indian-food-restaurants-atlanta
https://secretatlanta.co/best-indian-restaurants-atlanta/
https://www.gayot.com/restaurants/best-atlanta-ga-top10-indianrestaurant_7at.html
https://www.thrillist.com/eat/atlanta/best-indian-restaurants-in-atlanta-georgia
https://www.accessatlanta.com/atlanta-things-to-do/seven-atlanta-restaurants-you-can-count-on-for-great-indian-food/4ENPCHJ2TJEQZBOUZM7QCYSROA/
https://atlantamom.com/family-lifestyle/discover-five-of-the-best-indian-restaurants-in-atlanta/

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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