Indian food is so flavoursome, and there are so many great dishes to try. Indeed, the country is known for its bright, tasty food, and its use of amazing ingredients such Spices, Chillies, Nuts, Coconut and various Fruits. What’s more, given that a large percentage of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian cuisine is often heaven for plant-based diners.
Often, Indian restaurants have huge menus and it’s difficult to know which dishes are worth ordering, let alone which establishments you should visit.
Sydney is a beautiful place, with so many cultures and cuisines. So as you might expect, there are lots of Indian dining options in the ‘Harbour City’ . Whether you favour modern Indian cuisine or prefer classic dishes, everything is available.
With so much choice, it’s difficult to know which restaurants are going to be good. And how can you tell which dishes are incredible?
Luckily, we’ve done the leg-work for you. We’ve compiled a list of the fifteen best Indian restaurants in Sydney, so all you have to do is making a booking.
And to help you decide, we’ve included a brief menu overview – so you don’t miss any noteworthy dishes.
Location: 128 New South Head Rd, Edgecliff, NSW 2027 Ph: (02) 9326 2659
We’re opening our look at the best Indian restaurants in Sydney with a much-loved local favourite.
The team at Flavour of India have been cooking high quality Indian cuisine for almost thirty years. Their menu encapsulates flavours and cooking techniques from every part of India.
Their head chef, Hayat, has been at the restaurant since the beginning. He is passionate about delivering food that is full of love, and flavour.
The restaurant describes itself as a fun-loving, passionate restaurant that even brings in some Hollywood A-listers!
As starters/entrées, they have crispy Bombay Rolls stuffed with lamb, potato ginger and coriander, Deep-Fried Samosas with potatoes, peas, and spices, and Spicy Crab Meat with ginger, chilli and onions, served in potato skins.
They also have their iconic Butter Chicken Masala cooked in a creamy red Masala Sauce and Chicken Jalfrezi in a cinnamon, cardamon and clove curry. Their Goat Burry – sautéed in spices and slow cooked for hours – is also a stand-out.
Of course, their seafood dishes are of a similar high standard. We recommend the Green Fish Curry, and their Malabar Prawns in coconut cream and fresh lime leaves.
Editor’s Update: The Malabar group has added Malabar Indian Restaurants to its family. Location: 334 Pacific Hwy, Crows Nest, NSW 2065 Ph: (02) 9906 7343
Also known as Malabar Darlinghurst, this spice gem first opened in 2003. Decorated with murals and traditional Indian decor, eating here is an immersive experience. The restaurant replicates South Indian heritage through its dishes as well as its interior design choices.
There are 100 seats, and it is known as one of the most atmospheric Asian restaurants in Sydney.
For Starters, they have Garlic and Pepper Rasam with fresh tomatoes and tamarind, Cauliflower and Potato Bonda and the street-stall favourite Spicy Chaat (spinach leaves, chickpeas and yoghurt). For the meat eaters there’s Kerala Fried Chicken done in chickpea flour, and Tiger Prawns in red onion and fennel seeds.
Happily, their choice of Mains is just as enticing. Try the hot Kashmiri Prawn Balchao in a Goan Masala or their Slow Cooked Beef Kerala in ginger, chilli, and coriander. Another great meal is their Lamb Shank Rogan Josh which is slowly cooked in yogurt and tomatoes with ratanjot and cardamon.
No wonder Malabar Cuisine is one of the best Indian restaurants in Sydney.
It’s fair to say that with Indian restaurants in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, Jessi Singh is building a spicy empire here in Australia. We have a wee review of Pinky Ji below, but first, let’s have a look at Don’t Tell Aunty.
The Street Food section of the menu is a list of greatest hits. We love the Cashew Delight ($18) – Chickpea & Potato Croquettes Stuffed with Cashews & Peas. Another winner is the Aussie Lamb Chops ($35) from the Tandoor selection. Here, juicy cuts of marinated Lamb marry perfectly with a wonderful Eggplant Pickle. And whilst it’s hard to ignore the kitchen’s famous ‘Unauthentic Butter Chicken’ ($30), our tip is the Beetroot Infused Curry Fish ($30). It’s a pretty as it is yummy.
Since opening in 1990 this cosy Indian eatery has be a popular fixture of the Inner West dining scene. Regarded as one of the top fine dining Indian restaurants, Nawaz Flavour of India serves beautiful food in a welcoming space.
The menu features Appetizers such as Pakoras, Samosas, a Seafood Platter, Aloo Chop, and Spicy Crab. All the classics such as Chicken Saag, Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, Lamb Korma, Lamb Rogan Josh appear amongst the Mains. From the clay oven, delicacies as Tandoori Mango Prawns and Reshmi Chicken, keep their regulars coming back.
Their Tandoori Breads are delicious, such as the Cheese Naan, Keema Naan and the Methi Roti. They also serve authentic Indian desserts such as Gulab Jamun, and Mango/Pistachio Kulfi.
When an eatery has been serving consistently good food for more than 35 years, it has to make our rundown of the best Indian restaurants in Sydney.
Grace of Indian may look modest, but the dishes – especially the north Indian options – are bang full of flavour. Chef Santokh Singh delights in cooking cleverly balanced Mughal dish, with his own flash of inspiration.
Kick off with a serve of the Crispy Prawn Pakora or the slow-cooked Tawa Goat. If the Lamb Afghani is on the menu, give it a try. We bet you won’t regret it. Similarly memorable is the Malai Kofta, where tender Cottage Cheese and Potato Dumplings are married with a subtle Cashew Sauce. And if you love a Saagwala as much as we do, the one at Grace of India is a must-order. Vibrant green with fresh Spinach, it packs a spicy punch.
Editor’s Update: The Grand Pavilion has extended it’s reach across the Central Coast with a branch at Umina Beach
We move up to the Central Coast for our next must-try eatery.
The Grand Pavilion is a beautiful restaurant, serving authentic Indian food made with organically harvested ingredients. The menu includes various vegetarian dishes as well as non-vegetarian dishes. It’s definitely one of the best Indian restaurants in Sydney.
They have daily specials, such as Malai Kofta Dumplings, Spicy Pavilion Chicken, and Almond Pumpkin Lamb. Their crispy marinated Butter Chicken, Murg Malai Tikka with spices, cream and yogurt cooked in a tandoor as all divine, as is the Cauliflower Bazule.
Some of their top chef recommendations include their Lamb Shank Korma, Nilgiri Korma Chicken, Handi Goat Masala, and Vindaloo Chicken. What’s more, they are masters’ of the naan bread. Both the Cheese and Spinach Naan and the Peshawar Naan stuffed with fruit and nuts are superb.
Location: World Square, Shop 10.68, World Square, Pitt St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9261 5775 See Website For Further Locations
The Masala Kitchen chain have slowly spread across Sydney with their honest, appetising fare. And no wonder. Any of their eateries are a great place to meet up with a group and order a pile of dishes to share.
Open with a plate of the Gobi – Spicy Fried Cauliflower – they go really well with the Chicken 65 Wings and Amritsari Fish Pakora. From there, be brave and give the Oh, My GOAT! – the Signature Goat Curry with Bones – a chance. It has a wonderful depth of flavour. Meanwhile, for the Veggies, we can very ignore the charms of the silky rich Daal Makhni, thick with Black Lentils and Kidney Beans.
Interestingly, the kitchen also does a few Indo-Chinese staples as well as a lunchtime Thali which is both filling and budget-friendly.
The Spice Room brings an authentic Indian experience and cuisine to the streets of Sydney. This restaurant is decorated beautifully with relics, treasured possessions and heirlooms from India, and is warm, elegant and atmospheric.
Of all our best Indian restaurants in Sydney, this is one of the most attractive. However, it’s not all appearance. At The Spice Room, they also take care to only source the finest, organic ingredients.
They serve banquets as well as regular meals, and they also have a function room for birthdays and events.
On their Small Bites and Street Food Menu, they serve Onion Bhajis, Punjabi Paneer Pakoda (paneer and green chutney, deep-fried), and Lentil Dumplings in cream yoghurt (Dahi Bhalla).
They have special Tandoori dishes, such as Star Anise Chicken Tikka, Paneer Sizzler Skewer Ajwaini (cheese marinated in spices and smoke roasted), and Lamb Cutlet Masala.
If you love fish, try their Salmon Tandoori Tikka which is succulent and flavoursome, as well as their Spiced Fish Fry, a dish from the streets of Amritsar.
Other excellent plates in Butter Chicken, Chicken Chettinaad, Curried Mustard Lamb Chops, Beef Do Pyaza, and Beef Vindaloo.
Delhi ‘O’ Delhi is an award-winning Indian restaurant, with lots to offer. They have bee serving some amazing Indian food for over ten years, and their food is a modern interpretation of India.
They keep the traditional, flavour-packed roots of Indian food, whilst using contemporary techniques and cooking practices.
For starters, we recommend the Ragda Patties (Crispy Potatoes with White Pea Mash and Watermelon). That said, the Laung Elaichi Murgh (Chicken Tikka with Cardamom, and Fennel Root Salad) is also great, along with the Spiced Prawns and Australian Adraki Chops cooked in a clay oven.
Do you ever cook Indian food at home? These Balti Dishes are ideal for serving spicy dishes at a dinner party.
Feel like dining plant-based? Then try the Palak Cheese Kofta, along with Aloo Wadiyan (Lentil Nuggets with Spices). This venue is bursting with fabulous vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Their Chicken Pepper Fry is tossed with Onions, Curry Leaves and Pepper, and their Calcutta Chili Chicken is stir-fried with Soy Sauce, Chilies and Onions.
They serve an Assamese Duck Curry which is blended with Ash Gourd, along with their spicy, but popular, Beef Chutney which is braised with Mint, Chilies and Fresh Ginger.
Location: Entry Through MacKenzie Blvd, Shop 7/12 Harwood St, Seven Hills, NSW 2147 Ph: 0493 088 307 See Website for Further Locations
There are modern Indian restaurants, and then there’s Icy Spicy – an Indian Dessert & Momo Bar.
Born out of the 2 founding members love of Momo dumplings and the others obsession with Desserts, they had the brainwave of combining the 2. The result is a colourful, casual Indian dining experience that is proving so popular, outlets are springing up across the country.
Momos come in flavours such as Masala Paneer where Indian Spices give pep to Cottage Cheese, along with a punchy Dipping Sauce. The most vibrant are the vivid pink Beetroot Momos. As for the Ice Creams, we’re suckers for the Alphonso Mango and the lush Gulab Jamin. But that’s just the tip of the pudding iceberg at Icy Spicy.
Whether you prefer savoury or sweet, Icy Spicy pathing the way for Indian fast food in Australia. That’s why they are amongst our best Indian restaurants in Sydney.
Pinky Ji is the prolific Jesse Singh’s first foray into Sydney. If you aren’t aware of his other ventures, he’s been winning over diners in Melbourne and Adelaide with his vibrant cooking at Daughter In Law and a handful of other spots in the Victorian capital. Chef Singh is the proud promoter of what he calls ‘unauthentic Indian’. All I can say is that here at Eatability, we don’t care what he names it – it tastes fabulous!
Fortunately for the hungry of Sydney, many of the winning dishes from Daughter in Law make an appearance on the Pinky Ji menu in some form or other. The Balls of Happiness ($5) are exactly that. Airy Panipuri filled with tart and spicy Mint Chutney and a cooling Yoghurt. Divine!
Editor’s Note: – The Lighting at Pinky Ji was very pink when we ate so…
From the Tandoor, the Lamb Chops, Horseradish Yoghurt & Charred Zucchini ($10) is a must for carnivores. And of course, you can’t eat at a Singh establishment and not order the Unauthentic Butter Chicken ($32) – it’s a signature dish.
Yes. All-in-all, it’s easy to see why Pinky Ji is already one of the top Indian restaurants in Sydney.
Location: 235 Darling St, Balmain, NSW 2041 Ph: (02) 9818 3272 See Website for Further Locations
Not Just Curries believe that Indian food is one of the beat and most diverse cuisines, aiming to bring a assorted menu to the people of Sydney. They aim to replicate India’s home cooked food, and serving a large variety of dishes to choose from.
They have two restaurants, one in Balmain, and one in Harris Park. For starters, they have aloo tikka chaat, dahi puri (puffed bread with potatoes, chickpeas and yogurt), chingari tikka (chicken with vindaloo and mint chutney), prawn pepper fry, and masala bass with saffron honey yogurt.
They serve home style chicken curry, butter chicken, Delhi style butter chicken, mango chicken, lamb vindaloo, prawn and barramundi masala and goan curry with basa or barramundi.
Their menu is extensive and flavoursome, with sides such as a large range of roti and naan, masala poppadoms, peanut masala and fresh salads. Everything is delicious and so we’ve included it amongst our best Indian restaurants in Sydney.
This is very much an upmarket Indian dining experience, from the prime Sydney Harbour Waterfront spot to the elegant menu. In fact, rather than offering a Banquet, Lavendra does a Tasting Menu (currently Persian Mughlai), so you know it’s a cut above the usual Indian take away.
If you choose to eat a la carte, there is quite a selection to choose from. The Chand-e-Hazaar Chaap is a deeply satisfying entree of Lamb Cutlet with Baked Garlic and an earthy Mushroom Sauce. For the plant-based eaters, the Sabzi Kuku – a Persian Herb Fritter with Walnut and Mint Sauce – may ruin you for bland vegan starters.
Mains-wise, the Yakhni Biryan – Goat, Smoked & Spiced Rice & Charcoal Infusion – is a ripper of a dish. All soft, melting meat and warm, comforting spices.
And whilst you dine, you can sit and take in the lights twinkling over the water of Lavender Bay.
Location: 4-6/14-20 Station Street East, Harris Park, NSW 2150 Ph: (02) 8677 0033 See Website for Further Locations
Chatkazz promises an authentic street food experience with over two hundred dishes, inspired from all parts of India. All of their dishes are fragrant and flavorful, and their restaurant is modern, taking influence from Mumbai and Bombay, with murals and colorful walls.
They are popular in Sydney, and they have three locations in the city. Their menu is well categorized, with their Mumbai section containing dishes such as stir fried rice with onions, raita and papadam, as well as butter masala spicy potato balls.
They have samosas, along with cheese dabeli (potato burgers with peanuts and chutney, as well as masala puff pastry with chutneys and potatoes.
We love that there are also Indian sandwiches on offer. Their masala cheese toast sandwich with vegetables and chutneys, and their Bombay aloo slice. They also serve street wraps, containing potatoes, onions and vegetables, with a curry sauce of your choice and chutney.
Give the Biriyani a try – you won’t regret it. Other winners include classic curries such as kadai paneer, as well as daal, rice, rotis and naans, and their popular chapatti chat range. These are small crispy Indian breads stuffed with tasty vegetables and chutneys.
Ginger strives to feed the people of Sydney authentic north Indian mughlai cuisine, whilst sitting in an inviting, and relaxed atmosphere.
Their menu is simple, with classic starters such as chicken tikka cooked in a tandoor clay oven, garlic prawns, fish amritsari (fried and spicy fish), or the sheekh kebab.
Their main dishes are popular, such as their rezala lamb cooked in tomato and yogurt, their mango chicken and their goat champ masala which is a historic Indian dish.
They serve classic and delicious sides such as poppadoms, pickles, chutney, cucumber yogurt and onion salad. They have classic Indian desserts such as mango or pistachio kulfi (similar to ice cream, but thicker), and gulab jamun, which is deep-fried cottage cheese in rose syrup.
This is an eatery that cooks traditional food really well. That’s why it’s made our rundown of the best Indian restaurants in Sydney.
We pop over to Barangaroo for the last of our best Indian restaurants in Sydney.
Formerly known as Spiced by Billu’s, the kitchen here creates some amazing North Indian dishes. Their secret? Using authentic, home style cooking methods. The restaurant is on the waterfront in Barangaroo, and its decor is modern stylish, but with a cosy feel.
Start with the onion bhaji and salty spiced calamari in a chickpea batter, or perhaps the paneer tikka, tandoori prawns and Billu’s ling fillet with chickpea flour and coriander yogurt. They have a large vegetarian range, serving classics such as eggplant masala, and Punjabi chickpeas.
Their Jag’s lamb shank is rightly famous. Braised in mint and warm spices, it’s a memorable dish. Other delights include their classic mango chicken, beef vindaloo, and tandoori snapper.
Sydney has some Indian gems, and each restaurant is completely different. There are so many to choose from, but we hope this list may help you in some way. Whether it is a fusion restaurant, street food, or modern Indian; the Harbour City has it all!
We hope you enjoy working your way through our best Indian restaurants in Sydney.
When it comes to great places to eat in Australia, the list really is endless. There are so many different restaurants, cafés, and chains to try that you really are spoiled for choice. From Italian food, to Japanese food, to a good ‘ole rump steak, the food options are endless.
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
