Brian Nagele
Indian restaurants in Cleveland considerably add to the city’s unique culinary tapestry. The city’s Indian restaurants have made a name for themselves by providing a delightful voyage through the rich and varied world of Indian cuisine. Cleveland’s Indian restaurants offer a lovely and genuine experience whether you’re an expert on Indian flavors or a newbie eager to learn more about this thriving culinary culture. Cleveland’s Indian restaurants provide a sense of the subcontinent that is both rich in flavor and culture. Traditional meals like tikka masala and biryani, as well as the daring and imaginative concoctions made by outstanding chefs, are warm, flavorful, and full of flavor.
Bombay Chaat
2044 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115
216-331-4598
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Bombay Chaat is an excellent Indian restaurant in Downtown Cleveland, near Cleveland State University. They serve a range of Indian fare from multiple regions and offer both dinner-style meals and street food snacks. I love coming for their self-service lunch buffets on the weekdays, especially when I’m super hungry. But no matter when I go, I appreciate the casual, spacious, and clean settings, as well as the wall art depicting elements of Mumbai. The best items available include Dani Puri, Chicken Tikka Masala, Samosas, and Gobi Manchurian.
Cafe Tandoor
2096 S Taylor Rd, Cleveland, OH 44118
216-371-8500
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If you’re looking to select from a list of classic Indian dishes, look no further than Cafe Tandoor, a cozy restaurant in Cleveland Heights near Cain Park. Cafe Tandoor has a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere that makes dinner time there such a treat. I like going with family or a small group of friends and sharing several things off the menu—family-style. You only have to order a few things because the portions are gigantic. You have to pay a little extra for white rice with your entree, but the entrees are so good that it’s worth the slight inconvenience. My favorite things to get here include the Aloo Gobi, Lamb Biryani, and Salmon Biryani.
Indian Delight
5507 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102
216-651-4007
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Indian Delight is an appropriately named restaurant because their Indian fair is truly delightful! It’s located in the Detroit-Shoreway area of Cleveland, near Edgewater Park. I love the low-light settings at Indian Delight because it cultivates a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere, especially after they completed renovations that made the place look artsy and inviting. And like Cafe Tandoor, Indian Delight will leave you wobbling out the door with their humongous, family-style portion sizes. Some tasty menu items include Pakora, Salmon Curry, and Hyderabadi Biryani—which might be the most authentic-tasting Indian dish in the entire city! The Chicken 65 dish is also a must-try dish here.
Tandul
2505 Professor Ave #4610, Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-860-4530
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Tandul is an intimate restaurant and bar between the Tremont and Central neighborhoods of Cleveland. This restaurant is family-owned, which I can feel almost immediately upon entering. It has a friendly, inviting atmosphere and lovely decor. Beyond the appearance and feel, the food is incredible. The Chicken Tikka Masala has a depth of flavor that’s hard to find at other restaurants, and the Garlic Naan goes perfectly with it. I also like the Lamb Chettinad and Butter Chicken dishes. Their portion sizes aren’t as large as some other Indian restaurants in the area, but if you prefer quality over quantity, this is the spot for you.
Cuisine of India
6857 W 130th St, Parma Heights, OH 44130
440-842-5907
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Cuisine of India, near Nike Site Park on W 130th St, is a spacious eatery serving traditional Indian fare, with plenty of options for everyone to enjoy. This variety makes it a fantastic choice for large groups because everyone can order something they genuinely enjoy. I like the tandoori shrimp here more than anything. But I also frequent Cuisine of India when I feel like going entirely vegetarian, as there are plenty of tasty veggie options. Like Bombay Chaat, they offer lunch buffets that are great for indecisive people like me. I can get a little of everything during the lunch buffet and walk away exceptionally pleased!
India Garden
18405 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
216-221-0676
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India Garden is undoubtedly one of the best Indian restaurants in Cleveland, which is why it is so popular and highly rated. The space, east of the Rocky River near Clifton Park, is incredibly cozy, with colorfully painted walls and casual sitting. The best items to get here include Samosas, Lamb Saag, Baingan Bharta, and Goat Curry. If you have to choose just one, go with the Goat Curry because the flavors are bold and stand out among the rest. They ask you to indicate your preferred spice level, which is helpful for both spice-haters who want to make sure they can enjoy their food and spice-lovers who wish to stimulate their senses to the max. I typically ask for about a 7/10 because I love spicy food, but I suggest starting on the lower end for your first time there because you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away!
Indian Flame Restaurant
11607 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106
216-791-5555
Near the University Circle at Case Western Reserve University, you’ll find Indian Flame Restaurant, a popular yet small lunch buffet spot for typical Indian fare. They have traditional decor that elevates the appeal of eating there, but it’s also a nice place to go if you want a quick takeout meal. Outside the lunch buffet, people tend to order the Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken the most, but I love their lamb, goat, and chicken Vindaloo dishes. Their Shahi Paneer is also a unique dish worth adding to your meal if you’re hungry.
Saffron Patch
Park In The Back, 20126 Chagrin Blvd, Shaker Heights, OH 44122
216-295-0400
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Saffron Patch is a chic, soothing Indian eatery located inside an office building in Shaker Heights, near Shaker Heights Thornton Park. If you’re going to play it safe anywhere and order Chicken Tikka Masala, it’s best to do so here because they have one of the best Chicken Tikka Masalas I’ve ever tasted. Their entrees are a bit pricier, but they have sizable portions and always come out fresh and hot, so they’re worth it. The stylish decor makes dining there a treat, so it’s a lovely spot for a special event or date night.
Cafe Everest
14304 Puritas Ave, Cleveland, OH 44135
216-476-2990
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Nepalese and Indian food have similarities and overlap, so if you’re willing to branch out a bit from your classic Indian eats, try Cafe Everest. Cafe Everest, near Memphis Kiddie Park in Linndale, is an authentic Nepalese restaurant where you can’t go wrong with anything you order. I’ve had the Chicken Momo—similar to a dumpling—Fish Curry, Lentil Soup, and Chicken Biryani, and they were all exceptional. Surprisingly, they also serve Mangonadas, a tasty Mexican drink with mango, tamarind, chili, and other punchy flavors.
Vintage India
14423 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
440-857-0639
Vintage Indian, near Pier W and Lakewood Park, is a straightforward Indian restaurant with delicious meals and a friendly atmosphere. There’s nothing bad to order here, but I especially enjoy their Dal Makhani, Butter Chicken, and Punjabi-style Biryani. Vintage India is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a nice, clean, open, and friendly space to eat all of your favorite Indian dinners. This is one of the places I just keep going back to time and time again.
Taste of Kerala
3429 W Brainard Rd, Woodmere, OH 44122
216 450-1711
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Kerala is a state in India on the southwest side of the country, and along with its beaches, retreats, and ecotourism, it’s known for its delicious cuisine. Taste of Kerala allows you to enjoy the best of this cuisine right on Brainard Rd, near Beachwood, in a simple, casual setting. I love the South Indian flavors that incorporate ingredients such as tamarind, coconut, curry leaves, mustard seeds, tamarind, etc. My ultimate favorite dishes here include Kerala Fish Curry, Chicken Curry, Veggie Appam, and Masala Dosa. This restaurant also deserves credit for its perfectly crispy and flaky Parottas, which go well with virtually every sauce dish.
Choolaah
Multiple locations
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Choolaah is an Indian BBQ chain that first started in Beachwood, Ohio, but has now expanded to several locations. In my opinion, the one in Beechwood is still the best, as it has a modern, industrial-chic feel. But at all the locations, they serve clay-oven Indian fare where you can order counter-service-style bowls, similar to Chipotle or Bibibop, but for Indian food. They also have wraps and sandwiches, like the Chicken Naan Wrap or Tandoori Chicken Wrap. I prefer the bowls most of the time, and I can’t help but include Lamb Meatballs every time I go.
Zupadi Indian Restaurant
14741 Pearl Rd, Cleveland, OH 44136
440-783-1529
Zupadi Indian Restaurant, in the Strongsville Plaza Shopping Center, offers a slightly more upscale dining experience than many other Indian restaurants in Cleveland, with old-fashioned decoration, comfy booths, and a calming atmosphere. They have a buffet lunch, but I enjoy coming here for dinner and just relaxing with a huge, family-style meal with a group of friends, especially because the staff is so welcoming and attentive. Zupadi serves a chili-garlic naan that is uniquely delicious and goes well with all the classics—Methi Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Cheese Butter Masala, etc. It’s also a good idea to order a few starters right away, such as Veggie Manchurian, Royal Shrimp, and green peppers fried in chickpea batter.
Biryani Hut-Indian Restaurant
26569 Center Ridge Rd, Westlake, OH 44145
Phone: 440-471-4607
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As its name suggests, it would be wise of you to order biryani at Biryani Hut, an Indian spot on Center Ridge Rd in the Westland area. The Hyderabadi Biryani is my absolute favorite, even though it may not be exactly the same as traditional Hyderabadi Biryani. I also enjoy the Gongura Mutton Biryani, Kadai Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, and Murgh Masala. It’s a casual spot that’s nice and clean to sit in, but I often place an order for pickup to enjoy these delicious meals at home.
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https://www.seema.com/best-indian-restaurants-in-cleveland/
https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/19-indian-restaurants-in-cleveland-you-should-have-tried-by-now/Slideshow/38343775
https://threebestrated.com/indian-restaurants-in-cleveland-oh
https://www.maharajacleveland.com.au/
Hi Brian , There is a new Indian restaurant in Aurora that would be a great addition to your list and they have multiple locations across town . It’s called paradise Indian cuisine in Aurora. You should check it out. Thanks.