There’s no food quite like Indian food. From the curries and spices to the unique and complex flavor pairings, Indian dishes always stand out. Some dishes are known for their pungent aroma, while others their spicy level of heat. To celebrate the growing popularity of this cuisine in our area, we’re showcasing The Best Indian Restaurants in New Jersey.
The restaurants on this list typically specialize in cuisine from one specific area of India. However, many of them serve a fusion of dishes from throughout the county. Of course, many Indian restaurants are also known for their lunch buffets, and this includes a number of favorites. From North and South cuisine to specific preparations such as Hyderabadi, this list has it all.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find the Best Indian Restaurants nearby.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
North Jersey
Paheli Indian Cuisine
Where: 1210 Hamburg Turnpike #7, Wayne
Details: Though only open for under two years so far, this Halal Indian restaurant is a huge hit. They offer extensive, multi-regional dishes from North India along with lesser-known ones from the South. Made fresh-to-order, choices include Assorted Manchurian, Palak Paneer, Goan Shrimp Curry, Malai Kofta, Butter Chicken, and a Chef’s special Masala Roast. Paheli is BYOB, offers takeout options, and has catering services. Their catering can focus on a specific type of Indian cuisine, such as Punjabi, Kashmiri or Gujarati. Catering requests can also specify a preference for traditional recipes or contemporary fusion dishes. Patrons love the large portions, bold flavors, excellent customer service, and range of vegetarian options.
Why I Like It: Paheli is a true diamond in the rough, located in the Preakness Shopping Center strip mall.
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Urban Tandoor
Where: 206 Harrison Ave, Harrison
Details: Urban Tandoor delivers authentic Indian Cuisine popular in regions across India, including dishes from Hyderabad, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Their executive chefs are flown in directly from India and use only the freshest quality ingredients and imported Indian spices. Urban Tandoor is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, and also provides catering services for all occasions. Signature dishes include authentic Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani, made with traditionally-marinated chicken and saffron rice. Other highlights include the Crispy Chicken 65 and Braised UT Lamb Curry. Meanwhile, the “URBN” Bar serves signature Indian and organic cocktails, as well as draft beers brewed exclusively for them.
Why I Like It: The restaurant creates a unique dining experience where handcrafted signature dishes and refreshing cocktails take center stage.
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BayLeaf
Where: South Orange
Details: This casual South Indian restaurant is a favorite for both its takeout and dine-in options. BayLeaf offers a popular lunch buffet, as well as an a la carte menu for dinner. One thing that stands out about the restaurant is their Chinese spin on traditional Indian fare. For example, they serve fried rice and hakka noodles alongside masalas, paneers, biryanis, and tandoori kebabs. Besides the food, locals love the location in the heart of downtown South Orange.
Begum Palace
Where: Madison
Details: Begum Palace offers traditional classic Indian dishes, plus new options with a Western twist. Their brightly-colored booths and tables provide comfortable seating for large parties. The menu includes vegetarian entrées along with halal and kosher-certified meat. They serve a weekend lunch buffet with both vegetarian and meat dishes. In particular, diners love the Chicken Tikka Masala, and the Meat Lover Samosa Platter, with lamb, crab, and Tandoori chicken.
Bengal Spice
Where: Woodland Park
Details: Bengal Spice is a casual restaurant that mixes Indian and Bengali cuisine. Guests rave about the affordable dinner entrées served in large, family-style portions. They also love the all-you-can-eat $14 lunch buffet, with a large selection of frequently-refreshed dishes. Lamb Madras, Korahi Chicken, Shrimp Tikka Masala, Aloo Gobi, and Cheese Naan are some of the menu standouts. The restaurant suggests making dinner reservations, but also offers takeout.
Indian Masala
Where: Newton
Details: Sussex County’s first Indian restaurant is only a couple years old, but continues to delight its customers. Indian Masala is situated in a 1920s townhome with just 30 seats. They produce made-to-order dishes using fresh ingredients. Entrée choices include chicken, lamb, shrimp, fish, vegetables, or paneer (a classic Northern Indian cheese). Available sauces range from tikka masala, curry, makhana, and korma, to aamwala, saag, and vindaloo.
Mehndi
Where: Morristown
Details: Mehndi is known for its chic dining room and extensive signature craft cocktail menu. They offer over a dozen tandoor selections including chicken, lamb, shrimp, fish, salmon, vegetables, and paneer. In addition, they can pair their masala, curry, vindaloo, and makhani sauces with chicken, lamb, goat, seafood, paneer, or vegetables. They also offer an outdoor patio area and prix-fixe menu for lunch. The setting is equally fitting for fun date nights or special get-togethers.
Nirvana
Where: Allendale
Details: Nirvana’s goal is to live up to its name by offering fresh and healthy home-cooked Indian food. In fact, their dishes use little-to-no added oils or ghee. They receive meat, seafood, and produce deliveries daily, and grind their own garam masala a few times per week. Besides a weekend lunch buffet, they serve family-style dinner. Menu highlights include the samosas, Lamb Chops, Tamarind Eggplant, Kale Pokora, Shrimp Manga Curry, and Malai Chicken.
Rasoi
Where: Jersey City
Details: Rasoi consistently offers one of the best North Indian buffets in New Jersey. Diners love the large selection of meat, vegan, and fish options, along with an assortment of breads, desserts, and condiments. Favorites include their signature Pani Puri, Spicy Biryani, Vegetable Kebabs, Chicken Makhan, and Paneer Tikka Masala. Aside from the food menu, they also offer a full bar. This spot fills up quickly on weekends, so they recommend making a reservation.
Sapthagiri
Where: Jersey City
Details: This affordable all-vegetarian restaurant specializes in South Indian street food, with a variety of North Indian options too. In total, the menu offers over 131 dishes, with dosas—an Indian crispy crepe—as one of their main attractions. Other must-haves include Gobi 65, Vegetable Korma, Masala Vada, and Samosa Chaat. In fact, they host Dosa and Chaat nights every Wednesday from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm. They also serve a weekend breakfast buffet.
Sonny’s Indian Kitchen
Where: Chatham
Details: Meeting Owner Sonny is just as much of a reason to visit here as his high-quality, authentic dishes. First opening during the height of Covid, Sonny personally delivered orders daily. His dedication has since shifted to his restaurant, where he continues to please with his infectious hospitality. Local love feeling like family at Sonny’s Indian Kitchen. Menu favorites include Mango Coconut Shrimp, Sonny’s Butter Chicken, Kaju Paneer, and the Garlic Chili Naan.
Tabla
Where: Ridgewood
Details: Tabla offers high-end cuisine in a fine-dining setting in downtown Ridgewood. This elegant restaurant provides excellent service from the Rao family, who also owns Nirvana in Allendale. The menu showcases authentic dishes from different regions of India for both lunch and dinner. Diners praise the Lamb Vindaloo, Paneer Tikka, Goat Curry, and their rice pudding. Patrons looking for a more casual dining experience can visit Tabla’s sister business, Jalwa in Montclair.
Central Jersey
Punjabi Rasoi
Where: 1483 NJ-27, Somerset
Details: This restaurant serves up North Indian classics in a simple setting, all made in-house with love and passion. With anything-but-ordinary flavors, their authentic Punjabi food offers a variety of both vegetarian and meat options. Menu highlights include fresh naans, Makki Roti, Sarso da Saag, Paneer Lababdar, Choley Bhatura, Dal Makhni, Butter Chicken, Goat Curry, and Spicy Tandoori Shrimp. But save room for their eclectic mix of desserts to suit any palate. The dessert menu includes Rasmalia, Gulab Jamun, Moong Dal Halwa, Gajar Halwa, Ice Cream, and Pista/ Gulab Jamun /Falooda Shooters. Their interior dining inside is comfortable, but they also converted part of their parking lot into an outdoor seating area.
Why I Like it: Combining great food and excellent service, Punjabi Rasoi is a great choice for date night.
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Cilantro Garden
Where: Flemington
Details: This halal restaurant cooks up fresh, authentic South Indian food. Guests love the generous servings and friendly atmosphere, saying each dish has just the right amount of flavor. Cilantro Garden offers a variety of vegetarian dishes in addition to chicken, goat, lamb, and seafood. Some of their most popular menu items include Paneer Butter Masala, Lamb Biryani, Chicken Korma, Gongura Goat, and House Curry. Both dine-in and takeout services are available.
Clove Fine Indian Cuisine
Where: Phillipsburg
Details: Clove Fine Indian Cuisine regulars admit there aren’t many other Indian choices in the area. However, that doesn’t stop this spot from consistently preparing fresh dishes loaded with flavor, and a popular Sunday buffet. Large booths, brick walls, and friendly owners create a welcoming, rustic ambiance. Aside from a large variety of traditional dishes, we recommend the Clove Dinner Special. This signature dish combines Chicken Tandoor, Lamb Rogan Josh, and Vegetable Korma served with papdum, chutney, rice, and naan.
Deccan Spice
Where: Edison
Details: Deccan Spice boasts a collection of noteworthy aspects. They offer small-batch modern Indian cuisine, a fine-dining atmosphere, creative cocktails, live music, and beautifully decorated rooms. Each table also has Complimentary Voss water bottles. But what stands out most might just be the robot that delivers hot plates to each table. All of these details combine to create a fun night out full of tasty dishes. Keep in mind their dress code is business-casual.
Delhi Garden
Where: Edison
Details: Delhi Garden only offers take-out and delivery, but don’t take that as a warning sign. In fact, this North and South Indian restaurant is so popular that patrons often drive from afar for the food. Authentic dishes that are consistently fresh, flavorful, and large portioned are why locals decree it’s the best spot around. We recommend the Bihari Kebab or Vegetable Kolhapuri. Each meal is made to order, so the restaurant asks customers to place their order 30 minutes in advance.
Four Monkeys Indian Bistro
Where: Summit
Details: Despite being a brand-new spot, Four Monkeys Indian Bistro is already making a splash in the community. Their menu takes traditional fine dining to an innovative level with interesting Indian fusion dishes and craft cocktails. Shrimp Balchao Lettuce Wraps, Crispy Okra Salad, Fish Amritsari Tacos, Buttery Lobster Tails Moilee, and Jackfruit Biryani are some standouts. But don’t miss the Gulab Jamun Tiramisu for dessert, it’s a sweet treat soaked in rose water.
Jhopri
Where: Plainsboro
Details: Jhopri’s interior and seven-day-a-week luncheon buffet are its main attractions. The sophisticated dark leather and wood banquets and modern décor create an elegant fine-dining atmosphere. Meanwhile, their unique menu focuses on healthy versions of classic dishes, using lean meats and vegetables. Home made breads, Biryani, and Tandoori specialties are typical customer favorites. Along with a chef’s tasting menu, they also offer an extensive list of vegetarian entrées.
Moghul
Where: Edison
Details: Moghul is known as one of the top Indian restaurants in the Tri-State area, and with good reason. For almost 40 years, they’ve been serving fresh, authentic Indian cuisine in a fine-dining setting. Patrons love seeing the chefs grill kebabs and bake bread from the open kitchen. The menu includes traditional dishes alongside more creative specials, including vegan and gluten-free options. They also offer weekday and weekend buffets, along with catering and private dining.
Samudhra Premium Restaurant & Lounge
Where: Franklin Park
Details: This stylish restaurant and cocktail lounge has a strict smart casual dress code. As for the experience, guests can expect authentic Indian cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and Bollywood music in a chic setting. The menu offers South Indian fare, along with Thali lunches that they lavishly serve on round platters. Their authentic Hyderabadi dishes are the stars of the menu, including Hyderabadi Goat Haleem; A delicacy from the royal kitchen of Nizams of Hyderabad.
Spice Bazaar – Modern Indian Dining
Where: Westfield
Details: Spice Bazaar is a newcomer that offers a modern take on Indian dining. The interactive dining experience includes having the chef prepares meals on a trolley alongside the table. The menu includes small plates such as Stuffed Chicken Tikka Bao Buns, Octopus Sour Nimbu, and Truffle Lamb Keema Sliders. Standout entrées include Coconut Chettinad, Salmon in a Malvani sauce, and Mutton Curry. This restaurant requires making a reservation.
Jersey Shore
Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro
Where: Freehold
Details: Aarzu offers modern Indian food in an upscale, fine-dining atmosphere. The menu features traditional dishes while also presenting new twists on classic cuisine. Their most unique items highlight the diverse cuisines of India by combining fresh ingredients into original pairings. The Masala Fish Fry, Duck Parantha Tacos, and Black Pepper Shrimp are only a few of the standouts. Likewise, their popular Street Food menu includes options like Eggplant Chaat and Avocado Mango Bhel.
Aroma Touch of Flavors
Where: Galloway
Details: Aroma Touch of Flavors offers authentic, traditional Indian cuisine just a short distance from Atlantic City. The large dining room and seven-day-a-week lunch buffet are big hits with diners. Popular a la carte dishes include the Chili Shrimp appetizer, Vegetable Biryani, Butter Chicken, and Salmon Tikka. The menu also includes such desserts as the Aroma Milk Shake and Gulub Jamun. The latter is a selection of deep-fried Indian-style donuts dipped in sugar syrup and flavored with rose water.
Bombay River
Where: Red Bank
Details: This modern Indian restaurant with an eye-catching interior offers authentic North Indian fare. Navy and gold walls, unique chandeliers, and tiny lamps on each table create an intimate setting. The menu offers traditional classics in a health-conscious way. They offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian small plates. Entrées include chicken, salmon, and lamb either grilled or prepared in sauces such as vindaloo, korma, masala, and saag.
Curry Inne Indian Cuisine
Where: Wildwood
Details: Curry Inne brings the flavors of West Bengal to the Jersey Shore. This is especially noteworthy because there aren’t any other Indian restaurants in the area. Their South Indian cuisine is known for its varied use of flavors, including mustard oil. In addition to lunch and dinner options, they serve a large selection of sweets and desserts. Favorites here include Vegetable Jalfrezi, Mint Chicken, Goa Shrimp Curry, Chicken Xacuti, and rice pudding with pistachios.
Hyderabad Spice
Where: Matawan
Details: This casual restaurant offers both North and South Indian dishes, specifically from the Telegana/Andhra Pradesh region of India. Hyderabad Spice is one of the few restaurants in New Jersey that serves authentic Hyderabad dishes. This includes Hyderabad Biryani with extra-long basmati rice. The ingredients are always fresh, and all meats are 100% halal. Favorites include Hyderabad Chicken Curry, Paneer Tikka, Chetinnad Chicken, and Pomfret Fish.
The Nizam’s
Where: Egg Harbor Township
Details: Since there aren’t many other Indian restaurants in the area, The Nizam’s is a popular spot for fine dining. They offer a fusion of North and South Indian food, with a variety of biryani and tandoori dishes. Signature specials include Chili Shrimp, Lamb Seekh Kebabs, and Tangri Kebabs, along with Nizam’s Kulfi, a traditional Indian ice cream. Patrons love their mission to offer great food, great ambiance, excellent service, and a sense of community.
South Jersey
Indeblue Modern Indian
Where: Cherry Hill
Details: Indeblue doesn’t just offer modern Indian fare, they are recognized as one of the top Indian restaurants in America. Chef Ramola offers menus for both brunch and dinner, along with monthly specials and a tasting menu served family-style. Traditional and modern dishes include a Roasted Beet Salad, Butter Chicken Poutine, Shrimp Koliwada Tacos, Mirch Masala, and Dal Makhani. This spot requires a reservation to dine-in, but also offers take-out.
Krish’s Indian Bistro
Where: Sewell
Details: While it doesn’t look like much from the outside, this small strip-mall restaurant offers up large flavors. The decorated dining room at Krish’s Indian Bistro offers a modern, rustic atmosphere, perfect for a night out. For one thing, diners love the fresh, authentic dishes and generous portions that last until the next day. They also offer an affordable lunch buffet. Menu favorites include samosas, Paneer Pakora, Butter Chicken, and Lamb Biryani.
Naan Indian Bistro
Where: Moorestown
Details: This fine-dining Indian restaurant offers a modern, hand-crafted menu focused on fresh ingredients and quality spices. The chic dining room and outdoor sidewalk café feature serving vessels that have been custom made and imported from India. The end result is a dining experience that feels as authentic as possible. Naan Indian Bistro hosts both a lunch buffet and dinner menu, in addition to weekend brunch. We say to try the East India Lamb Shank.
Nimit Palace
Where: Voorhees
Details: Nimit Palace is a family-owned restaurant that offers North Indian Cuisine. They work with small local farms, ensuring they use the freshest ingredients in their authentic dishes. The $8.99 lunch special, with a choice of two entrées, is popular among diners. Meanwhile, the dinner menu offers a large variety of appetizers, soups, vegetarian entrées, tandoori specials, chicken, lamb, and goat dishes. They also have more than 17 types of bread.
Royal Spice
Where: Millville
Details: Royal Spice is another strip-mall restaurant that offers solid, authentic Indian fare for the South Jersey area. Customers love the friendly customer service and clean, casual space. Not to mention, the portions are generous, fresh, and full of flavor. Menu highlights include Chicken 65, Lamb Rogan Josh, Goat Masala, and Chole Bhature. But we recommend ending any meal with their sweet Rasmalai, a rich and creamy dessert. Royal Spice provides take-out options, too.
Spicy Affair
Where: Swedesboro
Details: For Owners Cindy and Nik Minhas, the inspiration behind Spicy Affair was simple: To bring the diverse culture and cuisine of an Indian restaurant to their hometown. Located inside a renovated, historic bank, Spicy Affair offers both authentic, home-cooked family recipes and Indian street food. Shrimp 65, Curry Chicken, Butter Chicken, and a variety of samosas are always a hit. They also offer outdoor dining along with take-out and delivery.
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The Best Indian Restaurants in New Jersey FAQs
Some of the most popular Indian dishes include chicken, lamb, shrimp, fish, vegetables, and paneer. Vindaloo, Tikka Masala, and Biryani are all fan-favorite options. Likewise, popular styles of preparation include Tandoori and Hyderabadi. Lunch Buffets are also a popular staple of Indian Restaurants.
The primary differences between North and South Indian cuisine are in the ingredients and preparation of each dish. For instance, North Indian food tends to be milder, using only moderate spices with a focus on meat and dairy. Conversely, South Indian dishes tend to be spicier and more often prominently focus on seafood and vegetables. Of course, there is often crossover between the two cuisines.
Many of New Jersey’s best restaurants for Indian food have a wide menu of vegetarian options. For example, Sapthagiri in Jersey City exclusively serves vegetarian meals. Cilantro Garden in Flemington also serves a number of vegetarian dishes. Jhopri in Plainsboro is yet another spot with an ample vegetarian selection.
Visit Best of NJ to find out! Our statewide list of The Best Indian Restaurants in New Jersey features NJ’s best spots in every county. Some standout restaurants include Punjabi Rasoi in Somerset and Paheli in Wayne. In general, some of NJ’s best spots for Indian cuisine tend to be in Jersey City and Edison.
Rasmalia, Gulab Jamun, Moong Dal Halwa, and Gajar Halwa are all popular Indian Desserts. Gulab Jamun is almost like an Indian-style donut, whereas Moong Dal Halwa is a decadent lentils-based dessert. Meanwhile, Rasmalia is a creamy, sweet dessert that often uses sugar, nuts, saffron and cardamoms.
Top Photo: © Paheli Indian Cuisine / Facebook
Other Photos (in Order):
Paheli Indian Cuisine / Website
Punjabi Rasoi / Facebook
