In Dallas, scoring a table at the right Indian restaurant can feel like trying to find parking in Deep Ellum on a Saturday night—nearly impossible. These 15 spots aren’t just serving great food; they’re the ones everyone’s fighting to get into. Here’s our take on which are worth the wait, and how to finally land that reservation.
Tikka Shack Indian Grub
$ | (214) 812-9855 | WEBSITE
Verdict: This modern Indian eatery in Dallas—from the team that also runs Naan Pizza Co.—serves our favorite Indian food in the city. And even at $18 per entrée, lunch here feels like a fairly decent value for what you get. Tikka Shack’s menu mixes Indian classics with Thai-inspired touches, and though options vary with customization, expect things like Thai Pepper Fried Rice with chicken, Thai Dynamite with shrimp, and Mango Lassi during a satisfying meal.
India Chaat Cafe
$ | (972) 381-0003 | WEBSITE
Finding India Chaat Cafe isn’t complicated. Partly because it’s right there on the main road, but also because there’s plenty of free parking out front. But once you step inside the clean, spacious dining room, you’re in for a $25, multi-dish Indian feast, where traditional chaat and curries are consistently served fresh with vegetarian options.
Even if the service can sometimes feel a little odd, the overall dining experience unfolds like a satisfying meal—one where you’ll want to save room for their kheer dessert.
Roti Grill
$ | (214) 521-3655 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Remembering its original counter-service setup, we’re convinced Roti Grill serves some of Dallas’s best Indian food. And our opinion hasn’t wavered now that they’ve relocated to a larger space around the corner that feels like a bustling market stall. Head to this casual spot for standout curries and incredible appetizers, including veggie samosas with tamarind chutney that arguably have as many fans as the main dishes.
Tikka N kabab
$ | (469) 857-3000 | WEBSITE
Scoring a weekend dinner reservation at Tikka N Kabab these days feels tougher than landing a table at the city’s trendiest new spots. Tucked away in a bustling Dallas neighborhood but worth the hunt, this Indian gem offers a vibrant, spice-scented space where food lovers and spice enthusiasts gather over lamb biryani and chicken seekh kebabs.
The dishes aren’t reinventing the wheel, but Tikka N Kabab’s experience is fantastic if you want to slip into something comfortable, settle into a cozy booth, and debate whether that’s the best garlic naan you’ve ever had or just the perfect pairing for that chicken tikka masala.
CAFE LAZIZ
$ | (214) 774-9933 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Meals at this authentic Afghan spot in Dallas have the warmth of a cherished family gathering. Almost every dish, from the savory Lamb Kabob to a Kabuli Palau so aromatic it could fill the dining room, gets crafted with care and tastes all the more memorable for it. Café Laziz is built for comforting dinners, so it’s not a surprise regulars make the drive across town—but if there’s a restaurant worth clearing your evening for, it’s this one.
India Palace
$$ | (972) 392-0190 | WEBSITE
Verdict: In most ways, India Palace is pretty much what you’d expect from a long-standing Indian restaurant in Dallas. There are flavorful curries, a popular lunch buffet, and staff who clearly know their way around the menu. And yet, it doesn’t feel tired. If you’re looking for reliable Indian food at reasonable prices, it’s a solid choice.
Vindu Indian Cuisine
$ | (972) 931-5999 | WEBSITE
Verdict: While we’ve never had a disappointing meal at Vindu Indian Cuisine, the overall experience at this authentic Indian spot could feel a little straightforward to some. There’s no elaborate décor and only casual chatter from the friendly staff. If your focus is solely on generously portioned, flavorful Indian food, consider it a reliable choice, but there are also other options for an exciting lunch buffet in town.
Namak Indian Cuisine
$$ | (972) 982-2006 | WEBSITE
Verdict: One of the OG Indian restaurants in Dallas and a place that put authentic Indian cuisine on the map. Almost a decade since it opened, this warm and inviting spot remains the epitome of flavorful, high-quality dining. The friendly and welcoming staff, including Hardeep Kaur, create a pleasant atmosphere with excellent service and professionalism.
Dishes like tikka masala, biryani, and methi malai panner are known for their authentic flavors, served in a comfortable setting with cricket matches on TV adding to the experience. Street parking is available, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking for a relaxing meal. Overall, Namak Indian Cuisine is highly recommended.
Lyari Cafe Finest Pakistani/Indian Halal Cuisine
$ | (972) 589-1260 | WEBSITE
Verdict: This authentic Pakistani/Indian halal spot tucked away in Dallas is designed for desi food enthusiasts with hearty appetites. You’ll pay around $25 for generous portions of kababs, curries, and biryani, prepared in an open kitchen visible from the dining area.
Other Indian restaurants in Dallas offer more variety (and frankly, are a little more polished), but if eating the absolute best bihari kabab and potato biryani in the city is your top priority, Lyari Cafe is worth the late-night trip.
Swadeshi Indian Cuisine
$ | (469) 802-9400 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Anyone who claims Swadeshi’s food is mediocre is mistaken. Anyone who claims it’s flawless is equally mistaken. At this authentic Indian eatery, the expertly prepared dishes are only part of the experience—you’re here to savor the aroma of spices, enjoy the quiet, clean atmosphere, and appreciate one of Dallas’s essential Indian dining spots.
The Kati Roll Company
$ | (214) 643-6436 | WEBSITE
Verdict: This vibrant Indian roll spot from the team behind the Bollywood posters and downtown buzz will make you—and other diners grabbing quick lunches and flavorful dinners—fall into a deep unda-chicken-roll-induced trance. Bask in the room’s cozy energy, slosh back spicy chutney in a booth, and down achari paneer and unda shami rolls like a person with a culinary degree told you they’d cure a parking struggle.
O’Desi aroma
$ | (972) 742-8986 | WEBSITE
Verdict: No matter which day you visit, it’ll feel like every Dallas foodie is savoring butter chicken and naan at O’Desi Aroma, a standout spot in the bustling Exchange Food Hall. But even when the welcoming space is humming with activity, O’Desi never loses its warm, neighborhood-friendly vibe. The butter chicken is perfectly spiced and creamy, the service is genuinely friendly and attentive, and prices are pleasantly affordable (most dishes hover around $18).
Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant & Bar
$ | (214) 692-0535 | WEBSITE
Verdict: This family-owned Indian institution has the most welcoming atmosphere in the city, with regulars chatting with staff about spice preferences and families sharing generous platters at simple wooden tables. There are modern touches—an efficient online ordering system makes takeout a breeze—but the experience is ultimately about the food. Get the creamy saag paneer and malsa chicken cooked with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Mughlai Fine Indian Cuisine
$$ | (972) 392-7786 | WEBSITE
Verdict: This vibrant Indian dining destination from the acclaimed Mughlai team has Dallas buzzing. Securing a prime table during the lunch rush might require some planning, but the payoff includes a generous buffet spread and delectable, expertly prepared Indian classics like the creamy Saag Paneer, the crisp Fresh Dosa and Samosa Chaat you’ll want to savor slowly, and a diverse Tandoori Grill selection that might be slightly overdone but remains satisfying.
If you want to experience the full menu without the buffet bustle, weekday evenings are a great, more relaxed option, too.
Shivas Bar and Grill
$$ | (469) 250-1429 | WEBSITE
Verdict: Shivas Bar and Grill’s authentic Indian cuisine with its bold, complex flavors is worth planning your evening around—and given the restaurant’s popularity, you might need to reserve ahead. For spice enthusiasts, watching dishes like the Mutton Biryani arrive at your table with its generous mutton pieces, fried onions, and cashew topping feels like experiencing culinary theater.
Along with their regular menu, Shivas offers a chef’s tasting experience for around $85 per person on Friday nights, a two-hour celebration of Indian flavors featuring creative interpretations of classics like Chicken Xaguti and Malai Kofta.
