The 5 Best Indian Restaurants in NYC

Authentic flavors from across the Indian subcontinent

Food•April 23, 2025

From authentic Punjabi cuisine at Dhaba to vegetarian specialties at Honest, discover the most flavorful and authentic Indian restaurants across New York City.

The Best Indian Restaurants in NYC

Dhaba→

Punjabi CuisineEditor's Choice

This Long Island City gem brings the vibrant flavors of Punjab to New York City. Known for their authentic tandoori dishes and rich, complex curries, Dhaba offers a taste of Northern India that stands out even in NYC's crowded restaurant scene. Their butter chicken and freshly baked naan are consistently praised as some of the best in the city.

Signature dishButter Chicken

Address42-07 Northern Blvd, Long Island City

NeighborhoodLong Island City

Pro tipDon't miss their weekend brunch buffet

Angaar→

Modern IndianEditor's Choice

This Upper West Side restaurant has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, specializing in charcoal-grilled kebabs and regional Indian specialties. The name 'Angaar' means 'ember' in Hindi, reflecting their focus on tandoor cooking. Their diverse menu showcases dishes from across India, with particularly excellent vegetarian options that even meat lovers rave about.

Signature dishLamb Chops

Address2728 Broadway, Manhattan

NeighborhoodUpper West Side

Opened2022

Angel Indian Restaurant→

Local Favorite

A Jackson Heights institution for over 30 years, Angel offers authentic Indian cuisine in the heart of one of Queens' most diverse neighborhoods. Their vast menu covers everything from fragrant biryanis to fiery vindaloos, but it's their dosa—crispy South Indian crepes filled with spiced potatoes—that keeps locals coming back. The unpretentious setting lets the food take center stage.

Signature dishMasala Dosa

Address7414 37th Rd, Queens

NeighborhoodJackson Heights

Pro tipTheir weekend specials often include hard-to-find regional dishes

Honest Restaurant→

Vegetarian SpecialistEditor's Choice

This Floral Park standout specializes in vegetarian Gujarati cuisine, particularly street food from the western Indian state. Their chaat (savory snacks) and thalis (complete meals served on a platter) offer an authentic taste of Gujarat rarely found elsewhere in the city. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for groups looking to share multiple dishes.

Signature dishPav Bhaji

Address26104 Hillside Ave, Queens

NeighborhoodFloral Park

StyleGujarati Vegetarian

India Cafe→

Hidden Gem

Nestled in Bellerose, India Cafe is a hidden gem serving home-style Indian cooking that reminds many expats of meals from their childhood. The small, unassuming spot focuses on quality rather than flash, with perfectly spiced curries and some of the most tender tandoori chicken in Queens. Their daily specials often feature seasonal ingredients and regional specialties not found on the regular menu.

Signature dishChicken Tikka Masala

Address25023 Union Turnpike, Queens

NeighborhoodBellerose

Pro tipAsk about their off-menu family recipes

Exploring India's Diverse Cuisines in NYC

The beauty of Indian cuisine lies in its incredible diversity. With 28 states and 8 union territories, each with distinct culinary traditions, India offers an endless variety of flavors, techniques, and dishes. The restaurants on this list represent just a small sampling of this diversity, from Northern Punjabi specialties to Southern dosas to Western Gujarati street food.

While well-known establishments like Adda, Dhamaka, and Junoon didn't make our top five, they're certainly worth exploring for anyone wanting to dive deeper into India's rich culinary landscape. Each neighborhood in NYC has its own gems, often specializing in regional cuisines that might be hard to find elsewhere.

This list is based on multiple visits to each establishment, and all meals were paid for by dothings.nyc (we don't accept free food or special treatment).