Brian Nagele
Welcome to a culinary journey through the flavors of India in the heart of Charlotte. In this vibrant city, where diverse cultures converge, you’ll find a treasure trove of Indian restaurants that serve up a delectable array of dishes from the subcontinent. From sizzling tandoori kebabs to creamy butter chicken, aromatic biryanis to spicy vindaloos, Charlotte’s Indian dining scene offers something to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re a fan of the fiery spices of the South, the aromatic curries of the North, or the coastal delicacies of the West, you’re in for a treat. Join us as we explore the Best Indian Restaurants in Charlotte, where authenticity meets innovation, and each bite is a delightful adventure into the world of Indian cuisine.
Copper Modern Indian Cuisine
311 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
704-333-0063
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Copper Modern Indian Cuisine fuses contradictory notions into a surprisingly cohesive whole. The restaurant brings a modern sensibility to classic Indian cuisine. The dining rooms are intimate, but the restaurant is busy. While the cuisine is authentic Indian, American sensibilities inform its final form. Copper Modern Indian Cuisine is located in the historic Mayer House, which draws in literary fans eager to tour the rooms where Carson McCullers composed The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. Hungry book enthusiasts need only walk a few paces to sate their appetites at Copper. Tripadvisor ranks Copper number 57 out of Charlotte’s 1,734 restaurants, and its wide array of delicious dishes earns it that spot. Be sure to order the fried cauliflower appetizer. The dish is sure to delight even the most hesitant diners. Copper Modern Indian Cuisine offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Royal Biryani
9624 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270
980-339-5842
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Don’t let Royal Biryani’s utilitarian website fool you; the restaurant makes some of the best Indian cuisine in North Carolina. The unassuming restaurant sits on a bustling Charlotte street, surrounded by local businesses. It may not be the fanciest establishment, but it serves excellent, authentic food. The restaurant serves classic Indian dishes quickly and efficiently. The friendly staff brings each course swiftly and with a side of rice. Indian food connoisseurs must try the chicken tikka masala. The dish is the cuisine’s gold standard, and Royal Biryani’s is unimpeachable. Enjoy the meal in the clean facility or order it for takeout; either way, the staff happily gets you from ordering to eating quickly and efficiently. Royal Biryani earned the 278th spot on Trip Advisor’s list of 1,734 restaurants, held back only by its informality. The restaurant offers vegan and vegetarian-friendly options.
Bombay Grille
8706 Pineville-Matthews Rd Ste 170, Charlotte, NC 28226
704-542-3933
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Tandoori cooking is the cornerstone of northern Indian cooking. Bombay Grille specializes in this art, incorporating traditional cooking techniques, recipes, and spices into delicious authentic cuisine. The restaurant is a family affair. Naval Sethi opened Bombay Grille in 2000, and his son Nishal took over management in 2003. The Sethi family brought traditional Indian meals to the North Carolina Research Triangle; Bombay Grille was the first restaurant of its type in the area. The Research Triangle houses three major North Carolina Universities. Bombay Grille provides naan for hungry scholars’ stomachs while the colleges feed their minds. Rated 394th of Charlotte’s 1,734 restaurants, Bombay Grille offers diners an unbeatable lunch buffet and prepared dishes. The restaurant specializes in Tandoori, or clay oven cooking, making an unmissable chicken korma. Diners with dietary restrictions breathe a sigh of relief. The establishment offers vegetarian and vegan options.
Botiwalla Optimist Hall
1115 N Brevard St UNIT 203, Charlotte, NC 28206
980-296-3993
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Botiwalla creates unique fusion cuisine for fearless diners. Their unique fare made a remarkable journey. Iranian immigrants opened cafes in India, where English colonists introduced a love for high tea, which chefs fused into their own cuisine and brought to America. Meherwan Irani opened Botiwalla to share his beloved Irani-Indian dishes with Charlotte. The restaurant serves Irani-cafe-style meals as well as various foods inspired by Indian street vendors. Diners are in good hands with Chef Irani. He has been an unstoppable force in spreading Indian cuisine throughout the United States. The formidable cook has garnered adulation and applause. TIME magazine named him one of “31 People Changing the South.” Clearly, the man knows his way around the kitchen. Visitors will appreciate Botiwalla’s quirky, chic decor while they enjoy their meals. Pops of Indian memoranda adorn the walls, making the meal an authentic, colorful experience. Be sure to try their mango lassis as a sweet, refreshing meal accompaniment.
CURRY GATE
630 W 24th St, Charlotte, NC 28206
704-712-2968
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Curry Gate looks unassuming enough from the outside. Don’t be fooled by its simple facade; Curry Gate serves delicious Indian food quickly and efficiently. The restaurant has very little web presence. They’re content to let their food speak for itself. The establishment’s many five-star reviews validate this hands-off technique; happy customers swear by Curry Gate and its chicken tikka masala. Curry Gate is easy to miss. From the outside, the restaurant resembles a convenience store, and its location is a bit away from the madding crowd. However, Curry Gates greets intrepid diners willing to venture off the beaten path with friendly service and helpful breakdowns. Even Indian food novices need not fear; the staff happily explains each dish’s spice levels. Curry Gate serves hot, quick brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks.
Maharani Indian Cuisine
901 S Kings Dr, Charlotte, NC 28204
704-370-2455
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Maharani Indian Cuisine values tradition, infusing every dish with a strong sense of pride and culture. Armandeep and Manjeet Singh opened Maharani (meaning “Queen”) in 2002 and have been delighting customers ever since. The restaurant is a hands-on, family affair. The Singhs interact with customers, creating a warm, welcoming environment. The Singhs immigrated to Charlotte from New Delhi, and their cuisine reflects their roots. Maharani uses classic Indian spices and recipes to craft some of North Carolina’s finest dishes. Maharani is conveniently located near uptown Charlotte. Diners can stop in for the expansive lunch buffet or order off the menu. The chef prepares dishes to your heat specifications, so don’t be afraid of spicy fare. Maharani’s vegetable samosas aren’t to be missed; in fact, the restaurant provides plenty of vegetarian and vegan options for diners with dietary restrictions. Ranked number 361 of Charlotte’s 1,734 restaurants, Maharani is a must-stop for Indian food enthusiasts.
Persis Biryani Indian Grill North Charlotte
3130 Driwood Ct B, Charlotte, NC 28269
704-716-7001
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Persis Biryani Indian Grill serves traditional Indian food in a modern setting. The restaurant specializes in biryani, a mixed rice dish previously reserved for royalty and special occasions. Friendly, knowledgeable staff serve up heaping helpings in a bright, clean contemporary space. The service is quick so that customers won’t be hungry for long. Persis Biryani has multiple locations across the United States but takes great care to provide great food and superior service to every diner. Chains sometimes lose a personal touch; Persis Biryani has not. The restaurant offers a wide array of vegetarian, vegan, and meat dishes. Additionally, Persis Biryani boasts an impressive variety of naan, the delicious Indian flatbread. Stop into number 324 of Charlotte’s 1,734 restaurants and order their signature dish or tandoori chicken; you won’t be disappointed!
Saffron Indian Cuisine
2135 Ayrsley Town Blvd B, Charlotte, NC 28273
980-297-7722
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When Renu and Sunil Handa opened Saffron Indian Cuisine in 2008, they brought a wealth of knowledge and experience with them. His years of experience inform every plate of food served at Saffron Indian Cuisine. The authentic Indian cuisine is expertly prepared and served efficiently in Saffron’s clean, modern space. The restaurant offers a vast menu and a buffet for those who want to try a little of everything. Saffron provides vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. Charlotte’s 131st best restaurant caters to each individual palette’s spice level, crafting dishes for those who want a fully authentic experience as well as dialing back the heat for those who cannot tolerate it.
Tabla Indian Restaurant – Charlotte
15025 Lancaster Hwy # D8, Charlotte, NC 28277
704-210-8484
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Tabla Indian Restaurant is your new favorite utilitarian restaurant. The building isn’t fancy, and the decor is simple, but the food is delicious. Table Indian doesn’t have much web presence, but that hasn’t stopped satisfied customers from leaving rave reviews. Tabla Indian Restaurant opened in Charlotte in 2017. The restaurant emphasizes traditional North and South Indian cuisine. Tabla Indian prepares exclusively Halal meat. They offer ample vegetarian and vegan options alongside their meat dishes. Tabla Indian Restaurant is a casual establishment; not suitable for a fancy date night, the establishment is perfect for a quick, informal lunch or dinner.
The Blue Taj
14815 Ballantyne Village Way Suite 170, Charlotte, NC 28277
704-369-5777
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Are you looking for a fun, chic night out supplemented with delicious Indian food? The Blue Taj is the ideal spot for a weekend in the town. The restaurant sits in the heart of Charlotte’s bustling Ballantyne Village. The neighborhood is a hip center of commerce and businesses. Visitors spent from shopping need only walk a few steps to The Blue Taj for a stylish dinner. The facilities are modern. The Blue Taj has multiple themed dining rooms, allowing diners both an immersive experience and a measure of privacy. Additionally, the establishment offers patio seating, ideal for moderate weather. Be sure to stop by on Sunday for the special lunch buffet. The buffet includes offerings the restaurant doesn’t have on its weekday menu. Rated number 122 of Charlotte’s 1,734 restaurants, the Blue Taj offers customers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes.
Zafran Kabab Palace
230 E W.T. Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262
980-258-0651
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Zafran Kabab Palace makes Indian food unlike any other in North Carolina. The family-owned establishment serves a Pakistani-Indian fusion. The cuisine is authentic, down to the spice levels, so prepare your taste buds accordingly. Riaz Khan moved to the United States in 1980. He worked a variety of odd jobs before opening Zafran Kabab Palace in 2017. Zafran is ranked 15th among Pineville’s 50 restaurants. The restaurant provides diners with vegetarian and vegan options and meat dishes.
Chaat N Dosa – NC – Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant
8624 Camfield St C, Charlotte, NC 28277
704-271-9361
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Indian food often features vegetarian and vegan options; however, Chaat N Dosa ups the ante, serving exclusively meat-free options. Carnivores won’t miss the meat. Chaat N Dosa makes delicious, authentic Indian cuisine at affordable prices. The restaurant recreates classic Indian street fare. The menu is vast; diners aren’t limited because of the vegetarian and vegan nature of the establishment. The spacious restaurant attracts quite a crowd, so you may want to make a reservation. However, Chaat N Dosa also offers curbside pickup and takeout, so if the wait looks too long, simply get your order to go.
King of Spicy
8829 E W.T. Harris Blvd #107, Charlotte, NC 28227
704-900-5475
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King of Spicy is a big name to live up to. However, the Charlotte restaurant is more than up to the challenge. Nepalese emigrants opened the restaurant in 2015, hoping to share their native cuisine with North Carolinians. The restaurant prepares authentic Nepalese and Indian dishes, using traditional spices and ingredients. King of Spicy is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. The restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan dishes in addition to their meat options. King of Spicy provides diners with a weekend buffet. Prepare your tastebuds; King of Spicy lives up to the promise of its name.
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 Tripadvisor.com and Foursquare.com.
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://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g49022-c24-Charlotte_North_Carolina.html
https://charlotte.axios.com/140887/must-try-indian-restaurants-in-charlotte/
https://foursquare.com/top-places/charlotte/best-indian-restaurants
https://secretcharlotte.co/indian-restaurants-charlotte/
https://www.seema.com/best-indian-restaurants-in-charlotte-nc/
https://charlottelifestyles.com/best-indian-restaurants-in-charlotte/
