Brian Nagele
Look no further as we have compiled a list of must-try Indian restaurants in the city. Denver has a plethora of Indian eateries that offer classic flavors and innovative twists. In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Denver’s vibrant Indian restaurant scene, highlighting each restaurant’s standout dishes and ambiance. From authentic family-run restaurants to trendy modern spots, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. We’ll also provide helpful tips on making reservations, parking options, and any special deals or events to keep an eye out for. Don’t forget to check out our recommendations for must-try dishes and drinks at each location. So, get ready to indulge in delicious naan, fragrant curries, and flavorful biryanis that will transport you to India. Let’s dive into Denver’s top Indian restaurants and expand our taste buds with a fusion of classic and contemporary Indian flavors.
Mehak India’s Aroma
250 Steele St Suite 100, Denver, CO 80206
720-638-9350
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Visit Mehak for a fine dining experience in the Cherry Creek neighborhood. Mehak is a quiet, upscale location with a full bar, and it’s notable for merging traditional and contemporary Indian flavors. Book a reservation or walk right and enjoy a high-end dinner with authentic Indian meals. Try a traditional vegetarian dish like the Bharta Makhani, a savory eggplant dish with fresh tomatoes and slow-cooked garlic and onions. Or check out the contemporary menu and try a meat dish like the Chicken Korma. It’s a creamy, gluten-free curry with soft morsels of chicken and coconut powder, fresh cilantro, and cashews.
Serene Cuisine of India
2070 S University Blvd, Denver, CO 80210
303-284-6584
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Head to the Wash Park area and check out this casual Indian diner. It’s a great place to eat when you’re in a rush, and you can order take-out curries or sit and eat at the booths. Serene Cuisine of India is on Evans Ave and S University Blvd, near the University of Denver, and it’s committed to serving authentic Indian meals. Start with the Momo, an Indian-style dumpling with house chutney. Next, I like to order the traditional combination curry. Don’t forget to try the tandoori, a Serene Cuisine specialty. The tandoori plates have a smoky flavor, and you can order the meals with vegetables or meat.
Spice Room | Neighborhood Indian Bistro
3157 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
303-455-3127
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Spice Room is the best place in Denver for vegan or vegetarian Indian food. It’s a relaxed little neighborhood cafe, and everything on the menu is plant-based. The restaurant is in the heart of Northwest Denver, on Irving St and W 48th Ave. You have to try the Bombay potatoes. They’re super spicy, and they come with tomato and onion sauce. Pair it with an Indian lemonade, a Masala soda drink, and your favorite curry. I recommend the house specialty, the Madras curry, a southern Indian dish with coconut and curry leaves. You can order it with vegetables or chicken.
Zaika Indian Express
575 Lincoln St Ste-B, Denver, CO 80203
303-830-1000
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Visit this casual Indian restaurant in the Baker district. Zaika Express is the best way to get fast Indian food that’s fantastic quality. It has a modern vibe and a counter-serve style, and it’s famous for tandoori dishes with seasonal vegetables. I like to get the tikka masala sauce at Zaika Express when I’m in Denver. The cream-tomato sauce pairs nicely with a vegetable mix. Zaika Express puts a unique spin on naan bread, and you can order cheesy or garlic naan with your curry. Make sure to order a mango lassi, a classic Indian drink with saffron and sweet milk.
India Oven
2890 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80222
303-756-5866
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Check out India Oven, a welcoming traditional Indian eatery, and enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet. The cuisine is Indian, but it also has Nepalese and Tibetan flavors. India Oven is in University Hills, across from the Denver Public Library, and it’s a casual restaurant with a cheerful vibe. I like the traditional curry with basmati rice, especially with a side of tandoori chicken. Try the lamb biryani, a rice entree with hints of saffron, or sample the salmon saag. It is a creamy dish with a kick of garlic and ginger, and finish off your meal with a plate of raisin kheer, a traditional Indian sticky rice pudding.
INDIA’S Restaurant, Denver
8921 E Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231
303-755-4284
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India’s is perfect if you’re looking for an upscale dining experience. It’s in the Hampden area, near Hampden Heights Park, and it has traditional cuisine. The extensive menu ranges from tandoori meats to vegetarian curries, and the chefs prepare everything with care and detail. Order lots of appetizers while you wait, and don’t be surprised if your meal takes a while. I recommend the Onion Bhaji to start. It’s a plate of fried onions with a touch of spice. I like the Dal Makhani main dish, a lentil meal with creamy spiced sauce and seasonal vegetables. Pair it with chai tea.
Mint Indian Restaurant & Lounge
1531 Stout St Suite 130, Denver, CO 80202
720-931-1111
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Mint Indian is a chic restaurant and lounge in the Central Business District. It’s on 15th St and Champa St, near Sculpture Park, and it has a hip vibe. Try contemporary Indian cuisine at this Denver standby, or check out the bar. I recommend the hummus with garlic naan bread, but the Kurkure fried shrimp is also a favorite. You have to try the chef’s specialty, salmon. The chef chargrills it in a traditional tandoor and infuses it with mustard marinade. Also, try the Baingan Bharta with tender steamed eggplant and Indian spices, and pair it with an Indian beer.
Taste of India – DENVER
901 S Oneida St #1707, Denver, CO 80224
303-399-4580
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Taste of India is a relaxed, family-owned restaurant in the Washington-Virginia Vale area. It’s right off the Leetsdale Dr highway and has a great buffet and traditional eats. The restaurant is a Denver staple with classic vegetarian and vegan plates and modern meat curries. When I’m in Denver, I always go to Taste of India. I like to order the Mulligatawny, a spiced chicken soup, and a salty lassi drink. I also recommend sampling the seafood menu, especially the fish madras. Don’t forget the Gulab Jamun for dessert! It’s a share plate with traditional milk balls and sweet honey syrup.
Himchuli – Highlands Indian & Nepali Cuisine
Parking lot, 3489 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
303-728-9957
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Change things up a bit and try Nepali cuisine at this casual spot. The menu pulls from northern Indian and Nepali cuisine, and you can order everything from Dal soup to Momo dumplings. It’s in the Northwest area, on W 32nd and Lowell Blvd, near Highlands Park. Try the chicken tikka kebabs with yogurt, mint Adraki lamb chops, or Ananda salad with orange dressing. I like to get a side of mango chutney and a local beer with my meal. Enjoy a decadent treat and order Gulab Jamun for your table. The place has deep-fried balls of dough with a drizzle of cardamom syrup.
India Express Den
727 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80206
Phone: 303-331-8220
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India Express Den is a casual place to get fast Indian food in Denver. The chefs use fresh ingredients in the classic dishes, and it’s the best traditional Indian restaurant in Congress Park. Head down to E 7th Ave Parkway and Colorado Blvd and grab a bite at this fun, laidback joint. I like to load my plate with curries, rice, and naan at the lunch buffet. Make sure to try the shrimp masala with thick, creamy sauce and the spicy chicken madras with garlic. Top your dish with mango chutney and drizzle creamy raita yogurt sauce on your rice.
Little India Restaurant & Bar
Multiple locations
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Go to Little India Restaurant & Bar and grab a plate of fresh kebabs and a signature cocktail. It’s a chic cafe with casual vibes, and it’s well worth a visit, especially if you order a specialty korma! There are four locations, and Colorado locals have voted Little India the best Indian restaurant in Denver for many years. My favorite korma dish is chicken tikka. The meat is juicy and flavorful, and the dish has a slow-cooked mixture of onions, nuts, yogurt, and whipped cream. The spicy Saag Chole is a great vegetarian option. Enjoy with a side of paratha bread.
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 4 credible sites and blogs, including Trip Advisor and 5280.
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 5 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.ph/Restaurants-g33388-c24-Denver_Colorado.html
https://www.5280.com/best-indian-restaurants-denver/
https://www.femalefoodie.com/restaurant-reviews/colorado/denver/indian-restaurants-denver/
https://secretdenver.com/indian-restaurants-denver/
https://www.westword.com/best-of/2022/food-and-drink/best-indian-restaurant-13812022
