10 Best Indian Restaurants in the USA
Indian food has become a global sensation, loved for its rich spices, bold flavors, and diverse regional specialties. While the USA is home to a melting pot of international cuisines, Indian food has carved out a special place in the hearts of food lovers. From authentic South Indian dosas to rich North Indian curries, the best Indian restaurants in the USA offer a tantalizing experience that blends tradition with innovation.
But where do you find the absolute best Indian dining spots in the USA? Whether you’re craving tandoori delights, buttery naans, or aromatic biryanis, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 Best Indian Restaurants in the USA that promise an unforgettable experience.
Why Trust Our List?
Our recommendations are based on:
✔️ Michelin Guide Ratings & Accolades
✔️ Customer Reviews & Popularity
✔️ Authenticity & Unique Dishes
✔️ Ambiance & Service Quality
Let’s embark on a delicious journey across the USA and explore the top Indian restaurants that are redefining fine dining and comfort food alike.
10 Best Indian Restaurants in the USA
| Rank | Restaurant | Location | Specialty Dish | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Rasika | Washington, D.C. | Palak Chaat | Michelin Guide Recognition, James Beard Award-winning chef |
| 2️⃣ | Junoon | New York City | Ghost Chile Murgh Tikka | Michelin Star Restaurant |
| 3️⃣ | Adda | Long Island City, NY | Lucknowi Dum Biryani | Authentic homestyle Indian dishes |
| 4️⃣ | Dhamaka | New York City | Whole Rabbit Rajasthani | Regional Indian dishes rarely found in the U.S. |
| 5️⃣ | Rasa | Burlingame, CA | Cardamom Brûlée | South Indian flavors with a Michelin star |
| 6️⃣ | Saravanaa Bhavan | Nationwide | Thali & Dosas | One of the largest Indian vegetarian chains |
| 7️⃣ | Ghee | Kendall, Florida | Lamb Neck Curry | Farm-to-table concept |
| 8️⃣ | Dosa | Oakland, CA | Spicy Habanero Mango Dosa | South Indian street food flavors |
| 9️⃣ | Lehja | Richmond, VA | Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs | Creative fusion of Indian & American seafood |
| 🔟 | Bombay Palace | Beverly Hills, CA | Tandoori Lamb Chops | Fine dining with Bollywood vibes |
Best Indian Restaurants in the USA
1. Rasika – Washington, D.C.
Rasika redefines Indian fine dining in the heart of Washington, D.C. With two locations, this Michelin-recognized restaurant has hosted influential figures like Barack Obama, the Clintons, and Jeff Bezos.
Why It’s Special?
-
Chef Vikram Sunderam, a James Beard Award winner, ensures culinary perfection.
-
Signature dishes include Palak Chaat (crispy spinach with yogurt, tamarind, and date chutney) and Black Cod marinated with dill, honey, and red wine vinegar.
-
Rasika’s cookbook, Flavors of India, allows fans to recreate its magic at home.
📍 Location: Washington, D.C.
2. Junoon – New York City
A Michelin-starred experience since 2010, Junoon blends modern sophistication with Indian flavors.
What Makes It Unique?
-
Offers a prix fixe menu alongside à la carte and tasting menus.
-
Chef Akshay Bhardwaj experiments with innovative dishes like Tandoori Octopus and Ghost Chile Murgh Tikka (spicy tandoori chicken with pistachio crumble).
-
Their Brain Toast (goat brain on brioche with pomegranate) is a daring yet delicious choice.
📍 Location: New York City
3. Adda – Long Island City, New York
Meaning “a place where people hang out,” Adda is all about authentic Indian street food in a casual setting.
Why People Love It?
-
Recognized by Bon Appétit and The New York Times.
-
Specialties include Lucknowi Dum Biryani, wrapped in a bread crust, and Dahi Batata Puri, crispy shells filled with potatoes and chutneys.
-
Chef Chintan Pandya keeps flavors bold and traditional, from Butter Chicken to the daring Bheja Fry (goat brain).
📍 Location: Long Island City, New York
4. Dhamaka – New York City
Nicknamed “The Other Side of India”, Dhamaka celebrates bold flavors and regional Indian dishes.
Why Visit?
-
Named one of the Top 50 Restaurants in the USA by The New York Times.
-
Signature dish: Gurda Kapoora (goat kidney & testicles with onion and bread).
-
Pre-order the Whole Rajasthani Rabbit ($190), marinated for two days and slow-cooked in a clay pot.
📍 Location: New York City
5. Rasa – Burlingame, California
A Michelin-starred South Indian restaurant, Rasa focuses on fresh, vibrant flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
-
Prawn Chutney with Cucumbers – A flavorful seafood delight.
-
Bombay Sliders – Spiced potato fritters on soft buns with chutney.
-
Idli & Uthappam – Classic South Indian favorites.
📍 Location: Burlingame, California
6. Saravanaa Bhavan – Nationwide
With 81 international locations, Saravanaa Bhavan is the gold standard for vegetarian South Indian food.
Why It’s Famous?
-
Affordable, delicious, and authentic.
-
Specialties include Dosas, Thalis, and Uthappams.
-
Known for Badam Halwa (almond sweet) and Gulab Jamun.
📍 Locations: New York, New Jersey, California, Texas
7. Ghee – Kendall, Florida
Chef Niven Patel’s farm-to-table Indian restaurant in Miami is all about fresh ingredients.
Why Visit?
-
Most ingredients are grown on Patel’s own farm.
-
Lamb Neck in Tomato-Cardamom Broth is a must-try.
-
The Yellowfin Tuna Bhel is a creative fusion of Indian and seafood flavors.
📍 Location: Kendall, Florida
8. Dosa – Oakland, California
Dosa specializes in South Indian cuisine and has evolved into a successful takeout and retail brand.
Best Dishes:
-
Spicy Habanero Mango Dosa – A fiery twist on a classic.
-
Egg Dosa & Naan Wraps – Perfect for breakfast or quick bites.
-
Fresh Sugarcane Juice & Tamarind Lassi – Refreshing drinks to complement your meal.
📍 Location: Oakland, California
9. Lehja – Richmond, Virginia
A hidden gem in Richmond, Chef Sunny Baweja’s innovative menu blends traditional and modern Indian flavors.
Top Picks:
-
Lamb Vindaloo & Kerala Seafood Curry – Spicy, flavorful, and rich.
-
Firecracker Chicken Tikka – Ghost pepper-marinated for a fiery kick.
-
Duck à la Pondicherry – A fusion of South Indian and French influences.
📍 Location: Richmond, Virginia
10. Bombay Palace – Beverly Hills, California
A luxurious Indian fine dining experience in the heart of Beverly Hills.
Standout Features:
-
Elegant marble bar, chandeliers, and high ceilings.
-
Signature dishes include Lobster Masala, Chicken Makhani, and Lamb Rogan Josh.
-
An extensive wine and cocktail menu enhances the experience.
📍 Location: Beverly Hills, California
11. Badmaash – Los Angeles, California
A modern Indian gastropub run by two brothers who blend Indian flavors with American street food.
Why People Love It?
-
Butter Chicken Poutine – A Canadian-Indian fusion masterpiece.
-
Lamb Burgers with Masala Fries – A creative and delicious twist.
-
Crispy Saag Paneer – A unique take on a vegetarian classic.
📍 Location: Los Angeles, California
FAQs
1. What is the most famous Indian restaurant in the USA?
📍 Rasika (Washington, D.C.) and Junoon (New York City) are among the most famous Indian restaurants, both known for their fine dining and Michelin-starred experiences.
2. Which Indian restaurant in the USA has a Michelin star?
🌟 Junoon (NYC) and Rasa (Burlingame, CA) have received Michelin stars for their exceptional Indian cuisine.
3. What are the best Indian street food restaurants in the USA?
🍛 Adda (NYC) and Dhamaka (NYC) serve authentic Indian street food, including Biryani, Pani Puri, and spicy chaats.
4. Are there vegetarian-only Indian restaurants in the USA?
🌱 Yes! Saravanaa Bhavan (multiple locations) and Dosa (Oakland, CA) specialize in vegetarian South Indian cuisine.
5. What is the best Indian restaurant for fine dining in the USA?
✨ Junoon (NYC), Rasika (Washington, D.C.), and Bombay Palace (Beverly Hills, CA) offer elegant fine-dining experiences with premium service.
6. Where can I find the best Indian fusion food in the USA?
🍔 Badmaash (Los Angeles, CA) is famous for Indian-American fusion dishes like Butter Chicken Poutine and Masala Burgers.
7. Which Indian restaurants in the USA serve authentic biryani?
🍲 Adda (NYC) and Dhamaka (NYC) serve some of the most authentic Lucknowi and Hyderabadi-style Biryanis.
8. What is the best Indian restaurant for South Indian food in the USA?
🥞 Dosa (Oakland, CA) and Saravanaa Bhavan (nationwide) are known for their delicious dosas, idlis, and uttapams.
9. Are there farm-to-table Indian restaurants in the USA?
🌿 Ghee (Kendall, FL) sources fresh ingredients from its own farm, offering a unique farm-to-table Indian experience.
10. What is the most expensive Indian restaurant in the USA?
💰 Dhamaka (NYC) offers an exclusive Rajasthani Whole Rabbit dish for $190, making it one of the most premium Indian dining experiences.
Conclusion
Indian cuisine in the USA has evolved far beyond traditional curry houses. Whether you’re craving Michelin-starred fine dining, spicy street food, or modern Indian fusion, there’s an option for everyone. Restaurants like Junoon, Rasika, and Dhamaka have set the gold standard, while casual spots like Adda and Badmaash offer bold, creative takes on Indian flavors.
From butter chicken and biryani to masala fries and dosa, Indian restaurants in the USA offer something for every palate. So, whether you’re a die-hard Indian food lover or a first-time explorer, these 11 restaurants are a must-visit! 🍽️🔥
