The 20 Best Indian Restaurants in New Jersey – 2026 Edition is Written by Vinny Parisi
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 strong 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. Many Indian restaurants are also known for their lunch buffets, and this list includes a number of favorites. Ready to experience the flavors of India right here in New Jersey? Keep Scrolling to See the Full List!
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find the Best Indian Restaurants nearby.
| 2026 Featured Restaurants | North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
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Featured From Atlantic County:
Aroma – Touch of Flavors
Where: 224 E White Horse Pike, Galloway
Details: Galloway is a popular pass-through for casino-goers headed to Atlantic City. But insiders know, the town is also home to top-notch Indian cuisine, courtesy of Aroma. The restaurant prepares an expansive menu with both Biryani and rice entrees, egg entrees, and Tandoori naan. Specialty dishes include Butter Sauce Chicken and the Aroma Special Biryani with shrimp, goat, and chicken. Vegetarians can also choose from nearly twenty different entrees. Meanwhile, all of their Tandoor Sizzlers are made in a clay oven and include makhani (butter) sauce and basmati rice. As for sweet desserts, Aroma has authentic Indian treats like Rasmalai, Gulab Jamun, and Phirni. The restaurant handles large parties and private events, and can also cater birthdays, graduations, weddings, and more. Locals also love their daily lunch buffet. They specialize in North Indian, South Indian, Gujarati, Chinese, Far-Eastern, and Middle-Eastern catering packages.
| Visit their Website | Reserve a Table | Follow @flavorsofaromanj on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 609-380-2842 |
North Jersey
Dhamaal
Where: Montclair
Details: Dhamaal presents a fusion of Indian flavors paired with artisanal mocktails. (Or, as they describe it, “a journey through the kaleidoscope of Indian cuisine.”) The menu features both small and large plates, as well as their inventive take on pizza. This includes the Mushroom & Paneer Pizza, Ghee Roast Pizza, and Red Pepper Pizza. Popular mocktails include the Guava Glitch (guava soda, citrus), the Tongue Flick (blood orange, rassam), and the non-alcoholic Vinya Tanta Red Wine.
Dosa and Biryani House
Where: Saddle Brook
Details: This casual spot lives up to its namesake by specializing in authentic Indian dosas and biryani specialties. Options range from the simpler Rava Cheese Dosa to the more complex Rava Butter Onion Chili Coriander Dosa. As for the Biryani menu, they serve these basmati rice dishes with choice of shrimp, goat, lamb, chicken, or veggie. Dosa and Biryani House is also notable for their dedicated lamb and goat menu, offering a variety of curries, korma, vindaloo, bhuna, and kadai.
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 discount.
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 and Konkani Eggplant are also available.
Kebabs & Kurries
Where: Fairfield
Details: This authentic Indian restaurant employs master chefs that provide a transportive culinary experience. Customers rave about the generous portion sizes, attentive service, and quaint ambiance. The menu features, of course, a number of signature kebabs and curry dishes. Popular items include the Lamb Seekh, Mixed Kebab Platter, Lamb Makhani, and Longia Gosht. But we recommend the Kalm-e-Murgh, Awadhi Lamb Chops, or Coastal Chutney Pomfret. The restaurant is owned and operated by Fine Indian Dining group.
Nelmani
Where: Wood-Ridge
Details: Locals line up for a taste of Nelmani’s authentic biryani, curries, and fresh naan. But the real beauty of the menu is that it captures a wide range of popular Indian dishes. From vegetarian samosas and paneer tika to Indo-Chinese favorites like Chicken Schezwan Rice, there is something for every taste. Naan fans are in for a particular treat, as their expanded menu includes Kashmiri Naan, Chicken Tikka Cheese Naan, Garlic Naan, Paneer Naan, and more. Don’t sleep on the Gulab Jamun and Rasmalai desserts.
NEER Modern Indian Dining
Where: Madison
Details: NEER stakes its claim as the home of Madison’s favorite Butter Chicken. But locals also love their clay oven tandoori specials and signature giant naan. Their tandoori chicken and shrimp dishes are of course some of their most popular requests. But lamb fans will want to check out their Barrah Kebab, boneless lamb marinated in yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices. NEER has over a dozen Naan, Paratha, and Kulcha options to choose from, and serves an authentic Moong Dal Halwa dessert as well.
Nirvana Indian Kitchen
Where: Allendale
Details: When you can’t decide what region of India you want to taste, Nirvana makes the choice easy. Their kitchen takes patrons on a tour of India’s diverse regions, with stops at every prominent flavor. Popular dishes include Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Vindaloo, Samosa Chaat, Saag Paneer, Kalmi Kebab, and Tandoori Murgh. Every dish is meant to transport diners to a different part of India. Meanwhile, the restaurant’s intimate, zen-inspired atmosphere evokes the feeling of a relaxing getaway.
Ora Indian Kitchen
Where: Ledgewood
Details: One of the newest entries on this list, Ora has made a positive early impression on all who have visited since opening in June of 2026. Owner Sanjay Dhariwal quickly won over the neighborhood with warm hospitality and high-quality ingredients. Signature dishes include the Goat Masala (slow cooked, tender goat garnished with crispy fried onions); the Chicken Lollipop (tossed in a wok for a crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside texture); and the Palak Chaat (creamy spinach and sweet yogurt in a crispy, tangy bite).
Paheli Indian Cuisine
Where: Wayne
Details: This Halal Indian restaurant offers 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.
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.)
Bombay Blue
Where: Edison
Details: It’s just one of those things, IYKYK: Edison is a hot spot for Jersey’s best Indian cuisine. The cluster of authentic Indian restaurants in town ensures every spot has to elevate their game in order to compete. So in a town that sets the gold standard for Indian restaurants, it’s no small feat that Bombay Blue rises to the top. The restaurant specializes in North Indian dishes, in addition to a selection of popular Indo-Chinese options. Standouts from their clay over include Tandoori Paneer Tikka and Chicken Malai Tikka.
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.
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.
Jersey Shore
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.
Bombay River
Where: 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. 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. Keep an eye out for specials like Happy Hour (1/2 off select apps), Vegan Wednesdays, and more throughout the year.
Dhaba Indian Cuisine
Where: Ventnor City
Details: For Amit Chokshi, owner of Dhaba Indian Bistro in Ventnor, authenticity is everything. His ultimate goal: To introduce Indian cooking to the Jersey Shore. Their menu invites guests who have never tried Indian food to give it a try without feeling overwhelmed by spices. Each dish is specifically made to appeal to the Ventnor coastal area, and those new to Indian food. Their signature dish is called the “Mother’s Recipe”. To make it, a whole branzino is marinated and cooked in a secret family spice blend.
Mauka Indian Restaurant
Where: Eatontown
Details: Mauka prides itself on being an Indian restaurant that anyone can visit, regardless of spice tolerance. Owner and Operator Nadir Gillani ensures each dish 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. Save room for their dessert platter, featuring authentic Gulab Jamoon, Rasmalai, Moong Dal Halwa, and Gajar Halwa.
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.
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