The 20 Best Indian Restaurants in New Jersey

Molly Gregor

7 months ago

Prepared dish by Mauka, one of NJ's 20 Best Indian Restaurants

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 20 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 country. Of course, many Indian restaurants are also known for their lunch buffets, and this list includes a number of favorites. From Northern and Southern cuisine to specific preparations such as Hyderabadi, to Indo-Chinese favorites, this list has it all.

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North Jersey

Featured from Passaic County:
Paheli Indian Cuisine

Where: 239 Berdan Ave, Wayne
Details: A relatively recent addition to the town of Wayne, 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, and Butter Chicken. But the real standouts are their signature Chef’s Specials. These include unique takes on Masala Roast (chicken, lamb, or goat), Dhansak, Veinchina Mamsam, Shahi Korma, and Kashmiri Rogan Josh. Paheli is BYOB, offers takeout options, and has catering services. Their catering focus is on a specific type of Indian cuisine, such as Punjabi, Kashmiri, South Indian, and 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: Their authentic Rasmalai dessert offers dumplings boiled in milk with saffron, cardamom, and pistachios.

Jashan by Dhaba

Where: Parsippany
Details: Stepping into Jashan by Dhaba is like stepping into the heart of India’s vibrant, unmistakable culture. The decor is sophisticated, with ornate tapestries adorning the walls and intricately carved wooden furnishings throughout the spacious dining hall. Their menu beautifully blends authentic North Indian cuisine with a selection of popular Indo Chinese dishes. Highlights include the Biryani, Goat Saag, Shahi Tukda, and Chicken 65. We also recommend the Handi Paneer Lababdar or Purani Delhi ka Butter Chicken.

Bollywood Grill

Where: Lake Hiawatha | Morris Plains
Details: The original Lake Hiawatha location is where Bollywood Grill first wowed patrons with their unique Indian cuisine. This counter-serve spot fuses fine dining flavors with fast-casual service. The walls and TVs are filled with images of classic Bollywood films and famous actors from throughout the years. Standout dishes include their curries (such as egg curry and chicken curry) and the Tandoori Chicken Tikka. We also recommend the mushroom and egg fried rice. Bollywood Grill also offers Gujatari catering for parties of 20 guests or more.

Empyrean

Where: Hoboken
Details: Empyrean offers customers a complete tour of India. The menu spans North Indian curries, South Indian street food, and both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Signature dishes include the lamb seekh kebab (made in their clay oven), lemon rice, and vindaloo with choice of meat. The restaurant has a full-service bar and offers a selection of beers, scotches, whiskeys, and wines. Empyrean also offers catering for special occasions. Order directly from the restaurant instead of a third-party app and receive a 10% discount on any order.

Essence of Kesar

Where: Englewood
Details: “Kesar” means saffron, which is a prominent ingredient in many Indian foods. So it’s the perfect central theme for Essence of Kesar, a BYOB restaurant that serves modern Indian cuisine. Popular dishes include spinach kale chat, with crispy battered fried spinach, yogurt mousse, tamarind gel, and dragon-fruit dust. Other favorites are lamb chop biryani, Amritsari fish tacos, tandoori momos, and chicken tikka masala. Vegetarian dishes such as FireCracker Pani Puri (diced potatoes) and Konkani Eggplant are also available.

Sapthagiri

Where: Jersey City
Details: Sapthagiri offers guests a taste of India. Specifically, southern India, with a focus on dosas and an all-vegetarian menu. The menu spans starters to desserts, offering a complete meal for vegetarians. Highlights include the Dahi Vada appetizer, fried lentil donuts soaked in yogurt and served with sambar and chutney. Their house specialty Paneer Mysore Masala Dosa is also a fan favorite. New for this year, the restaurant has introduced Indo Chinese options as well. Sapthagiri is open seven days a week, from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm.

Mumbai Maskaa

Where: Montclair
Details: Casual dining meets authentic Indian favorites in the heart of Montclair at Mumbai Maskaa. The menu features traditional dishes such as Chicken Tekaa Masala, Dhaba Chicken Curry, and Goat Vindalo; but also showcases creative twists on popular delicacies like Aachari Panner Tikaa, Tandoori Mushroom, and Tulsi Kabab. From street eats to formal cuisine, Mumbai Maskaa offers a range of dishes. This makes them a popular option for more than just a memorable dinner experiece, but special event catering as well.

Central Jersey

A2B Indian Veg

Where: Princeton | South Plainfield
Details: This popular restaurant is beginning to spread its wings across New Jersey, with three locations and counting. Their two Central Jersey-based locations in Princeton and South Plainfield feature a wide variety of Indian vegetarian dishes. This includes soups, appetizers like Mixed Veg Pakoda, dosai, Southern Indian specialties, curries, rice and noodle dishes, and more. We recommend saving room for one of their South Indian desserts, either the Brown Sugar Kesari or Pineapple Rava Kesari. (Made with semolina, pineapple, and sugar.)

Bhog Indian Restaurant

Where: Somerset
Details: Bhog is on a mission to redefine Indian cuisine for a western audience. Their menu takes guests on a culinary journey across all of India, introducing not just the flavors but the culture. From the Papdi Chaat to their signature Chicken Soola/Motia kabab, every dish is authentically prepared. They even have a handful of Indo Chinese specialties, including Szechuan Eggplant with Crispy Okra. For main course recommendations, we say to try either the Kodi Vepudu or classic Tikka Masala with lamb cubes.

Delhi Garden

Where: Edison
Details: Surprisingly absolutely nobody who lives in the Edison area, Delhi Garden is among Middlesex County’s premier Indian dining destinations. Chef and Owner Satyan Sethi has a passion for cooking that continuously motivates him to prepare the best Indian cuisine. Fan favorite items on the menu include Veg Samosas, Bhindi Masala (with fresh Okra from their garden), and Bihari Kebab. The latter marinates chicken in sour cream, yogurt, mint, and coriander for a unique flavor profile that’s hard to forget. Stick around for their Gulab Jamun dessert.

Four Monkeys

Where: Summit
Details: What’s the deal with Four Monkeys? The restaurant was founded by four friends who wanted to merge Indian and American culture into a single dining experience. Of course, the name is inspired by the ancient legend marking the four virtues of a peace and harmonious life: Hear No Evil. See No Evil. Speak No Evil. Do No Evil. Signature dishes include the ‘Bandar’ Butter Chicken, Aloo Gobi, Baby Goat Curry, and Shrimp Vindaloo. Besides traditional dinner seating, they offer lunch takeout specials from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm daily.

Jhopri

Where: Plainsboro
Details: Jhopri curates a fine dining atmosphere with a focus on traditional Indian cuisine. In addition to dinner, they host a lunch buffet seven days a week from 11:30 am to 2:45 pm. Highlights include the Garlic Naan and Chicken Tikka Masala. The menu focuses on vegetables and leaner meats to offer a healthier set of options. Special event catering and banquet options are also available by request. (Jhopri can make any North Indian, South Indian, Maharashtrian, or Indo-Chinese dishes to fully customize the catering menu.)

Moghul

Where: Edison
Details: Moghul is known as one of the top Indian restaurants in the Tri-State area. (Which forces other Edison-based Indian restaurants to continuously up their game.) 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.

Nagpuri Saoji

Where: Iselin
Details: Nagpuri Saoji uses the three most important ingredients to life in all of their dishes: Heart, Soul, and Spice. Customers can taste all three when ordering signature dishes such as Kala Masala Chicken Curry and Methi Malai Mutter. The Saoji Goat Kheema is also a fan favorite among frequent patrons. Their dessert menu features both traditional options like Puran Poli and Orange Kulfi as well as ice cream and brownies. The restaurant is looking to expand its footprint, and franchise inquires are currently open.

Punjabi Rasoi

Where: 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, and Butter Chicken; we also recommend the Goat Curry or and Spicy Tandoori Shrimp. But save room for eclectic desserts like Moong Dal Halwa and the unique Pista/Gulab Jamun/Falooda Shooters.

Jersey Shore

Featured from Monmouth County:
Mauka Indian Cuisine

Where: 78 NJ-35, Eatontown
Details: Mauka prides itself on being an Indian restaurant that anyone can visit, regardless of spice tolerance. Owner and Operator Nadir Gillani is committed to ensuring every guest enjoys a taste of traditional Indian cuisine. Every dish on the menu is made to order, so guests can select their spice level and preferred meat. Their popular Tandoori Sizzlers come in options like Tandoori Vegetables, Chicken Tikka Banjara, Lamb Sheekh Kebab, and Tandoori Salmon Tikka. In keeping with their theme of accessibility, the full list of entrees feature vegan, chicken, lamb, goat, and seafood dishes. This is definitely a spot to save room for dessert, with two standouts in particular: Their desset platter mixes traditional Indian desserts such as Gulab Jamoon, Rasmalai, Moong Dal Halwa, and Gajar Halwa. Likewise, the Kulfi Medley features a mix of Orange, Pista, Mango, Guava, and Malai Kulfi. Corporate event and special occasion catering is available, and they accept online reservations for parties up to 15 guests.

Featured from Monmouth County:
Bombay River

Where: 90 Broad St, Red Bank
Details: Bombay River offers authentic Indian cuisine in a boutique fine dining setting. The restaurant’s signature dish is “BR’s Famous Tikka Masala” which comes with a choice of chicken, shrimp, or crab. We recommend the chicken, which pairs perfectly with the dish’s creamy tomato gravy, fenugreek, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, and garam masala. But Bombay River’s most popular dish with fans is the Apricot Lamb Korma. This unique lamb entree is made with gravy, Turkish apricots, turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves. Kids can also enjoy a trip to Bombay River. Their dedicated kids menu offers chicken nuggets and fries alongside Tikka Masala and Cheese Naan or Malai Chicken with fries. Keep an eye out for specials like Happy Hour (1/2 off select apps), Vegan Wednesdays, and more throughout the year. Besides lunch and dinner service, the restaurant has pickup and delivery options. Custom catering options are available for special events, with bespoke menus tailored to each event’s unique needs.

Aarzu

Where: Freehold
Details: Aarzu brings upscale fine dining to Historic Downtown Freehold. They put special emphasis on the presentation of dishes, because they know first impressions are everything. The menu balances both time-honored traditional Indian recipes alongside modern interpretations of familiar flavors. Locals love their homemade samosas, Chilly Garlic Fish, and Duck Paratha Tacos as starters. As for main entrees, their Smoked Butter Chicken and Namkeen Kali Mirch Gosht (made with goat) are popular picks.

India Garden

Where: Belmar
Details: Traditional Indian dining meets creative culinary innovations at India Garden. The menu is meant to celebrate authentic Indian flavors while introducing modern techniques and ingredients. The end result are popular dishes such as Chicken Hariyali Tikka, Tandoori shrimp, and lamb chops. They also have a full menu of vegetarian entrees, chef’s specials, biriyani / rice dishes, and desserts. India Garden is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner service from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm. (Or later on Friday and Saturday.)

South Jersey

Spicy Affair Indian Cuisine

Where: Swedesboro
Details: When South Jersey residents are in the mood for authentic, aromatic Indian food, they head to Spicy Affair. The area’s premier destination for home-cooked family recipes is owned by Nik and Cindy Minhas. Nik was raised in New Delhi, while Cindy’s mother passed down much of her Indian heritage; including how to use spices to elevate dishes. Together, the couple moved to South Jersey to raise their family and follow their dream of introducing food diversity to the area. We recommend the Karahi Chicken or Lamb Rogan Josh.