Dine on Delicious Indian Food in Charlotte
If you’re craving Indian dishes – from dhokla to butter chicken – look no further than these hot spots in the Queen City.
by Callie Langhorne Sep 16, 2020
Although the Festival of India was canceled, there are still a variety of ways to celebrate the culture and cuisine throughout the Queen City. Check out our list of top restaurants around Charlotte for a place to start. Happy eating!
Bawarchi Indian Grill & Bar
Neighborhood: Concord
Bawarchi Indian Grill & Bar offers the very best of Indian cuisines covering various regions of India. Bawarchi specializes in rotating chef menu items like kashmiri (dry fruits and nuts) naan and kheema naan. They are currently offering a 10% discount on all orders using code: bawarchi10.
The restaurant also believes in giving back to the community. Look for the Food Karma symbol next to the featured menu items and cocktails. For every purchase of these items, they donate $1 to local charities.
Must order: Chicken 65 or Butter Chicken
The Blue Taj
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
Located in Ballantyne Village, The Blue Taj serves authentic Indian food, an exciting selection of both signature and innovative cocktails, and popular wines by the glass. This establishment has been a go-to for lunch and dinner in South Charlotte. Menu items are only available for curbside pick-up and delivery. There is no dine-in at the moment.
Must order: Chicken Tikka Masala or Lamb
Bombay Grille
Neighborhood: Matthews
This family establishment carries on the traditions established from their first authentic Indian cuisine restaurant in the North Carolina “Research Triangle” over 20 years ago. Led by owner Nishal Sethi, the restaurant uses a combination of fragrantly mixed spices and specializes in northern Indian cuisine, cooked in the traditional Tandoori style. Known as the “gateway to superb Indian cuisine,” Bombay Grille is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Must order: Tandoori Chicken
Copper Modern Indian Cuisine
Neighborhood: Dilworth
Located on East Boulevard in the Mayer House, Copper serves a distinctly modern yet delightfully traditional innovative presentation of Indian cuisine. The restaurant, with nods from Charlotte Magazine and Charlotte Agenda, serves lunch and dinner seven days a week in the Dilworth bungalow. With Indian-inspired art and music, craft cocktails, and a trendsetting wine list, the experience is like no other in the city.
Must order: Murgh Tikka Masala or Black Sesame-Apricot-Chili Glazed Chicken Tikka
Jaipur Indian Cuisine
Area: South Charlotte
Jaipur Indian Cuisine was the second Indian restaurant to open in the Queen City. Established in 1999, the family owned restaurant located on South Boulevard serves traditional Indian fare in a modest strip mall setting. With over 20 years of experience, it’s no surprise that they are known for serving food with taste, tradition and love.
Must order: Tandoori Chicken or Naan
Maharani Indian Cuisine
Neighborhood: Midtown
Open for dine-in, pickup and delivery, Maharani Indian Cuisine has been serving an array of traditional Indian cuisine in Kings Court Shopping Center since 2002. Led by owners Amandeep and Manjeet Singh, both New Delhi natives, Maharani quite literally means “queen,” – which is why it’s a perfect fit for the Queen City.
Must order: Butter Chicken or Chicken Tikka Masala
Passage to India
Neighborhood: University City
Since 2009, Passage to India has been serving food with diversity and distinctiveness. Here, you can expect to dine on North Indian, South Indian and Indo-Chinese food. Whether you’re looking for a place to gather your family, grab a quick meal after class, or meet with coworkers for lunch, Passage to India has something delicious for everyone. If you order online, you’ll receive 10% off with the coupon code PTI10%OFF.
Must order: Tandoori Chicken or Veg Kadai
Royal Biryani
Area: Sardis Woods
Royal Biryani offers fine halal authentic Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Located on Monroe Road, they pride themselves in consistently providing fresh and tasty ingredients with outstanding service for an extraordinary experience. Don’t overlook this unassuming strip mall eatery.
Must order: Paneer Tikka Kabob or Bhindaloo
Saffron Indian Cuisine
Area: Ayrsley
Led by Sunil and Renu Handa, Saffron is said to have set the standard for innovative Indian dining in Charlotte. With over 35 years in the hospitality industry, including stints at 5-star hotels in New Delhi, Sunil is committed to presenting the fresh and exciting tastes of the many regions of India in a warm and inviting atmosphere in the quaint community of Ayrsley. Patrons are invited to dine in – don’t miss out on their great patio. If you’d rather choose delivery, order via Grubhub, TakeNow, Uber Eats or Postmates.
Must order: Shakahari Pakwan or Ghost ki Rasoi
Zafran Kabab Palace
Neighborhood: University City
Experience authentic traditional Pakistani/Indian cuisine delicately prepared at Zafran Kabab Palace, a family owned and operated restaurant. Their diverse menu offers something for every mood, appetite and occasion. Choices include a range of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, all cooked to perfection with the finest ingredients and spices.
Must order: Chicken Charga or Lamb Chops with Afghani Rice
