Indian Food In Austin Is Second To Naan, And The Restaurants Are At The Top Of The List!
Masala dosa, Samosa, Dal Soup, and Curry- all of these flavorful dishes and more are served fresh at these spots!
Are you looking for a new restaurant to try? Well you’ve come to the right place, Austin, Texas is a food lover’s paradise. Within this bustling city, you can find a wide variety of South Asian restaurants serving delicious dishes with good service. The Indian food scene, in particular, boasts a number of great restaurants to try on your next night out!
If you’ve been itching to dine out for a while now, or you want something easy to get for take-out at the end of a work-week, we recommend starting with one of these restaurants cookin’ up the best Indian food in Austin. From tikka masala to murgh makhani, you can find the classic Indian dishes and new plates at these top spots!
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1. Tarka
“Fresh + Healthy + Flavorful,” that’s what this Indian Restaurant is known for!
Take a sip of your drink and enjoy the flavors of good food! Image courtesy of the Tarka Indian Kitchen Instagram page.
5207 Brodie Ln | Austin | tarkaindiankitchen.com
Tarka Indian Kitchen is a popular lunch and dinner spot in Austin that focuses on making vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, spicy, and nutty Indian foods. The restaurant’s first branch opened in Austin in 2009 and it has expanded to several cities around Texas since then due to their high praise and great reception. Each location serves fresh and authentic Indian cuisine within a contemporary and laid-back atmosphere.
On the menu, you’ll find numerous curries, vegetarian dishes, soups, salads, kababs, and biryanis. Whether you order the Samosa Chaat or the Tarka Daal, you are sure to leave full and satisfied. Soft drinks, mango lemonade, chai, lassis, wine, and beer are also available to enjoy with your main dish at this stellar Indian restaurant.
“Fast Indian food done well. Order at the counter, select your spice level and they are pretty prompt at delivering your food to your table. Rice prep is great and I love the Lamb dishes. Garlic Naan goes well with spicy dishes.” -Yelp Review
You can Purchase a Tarka Indian Kitchen GiftYa Gift Card here!
2. Swad Indian Vegetarian Restaurant
This welcoming spot is dedicated to providing homestyle Indian meals to all who come by!
1401 S I-35 Frontage Rd # 220 | Round Rock | facebook.com
At Swad Indian Vegetarian Restaurant, you can find a wide variety of foods from North and South India, as well as Indo-Chinese Street Food! So if trying any of these dishes pique your interest, Swad might be the place for you!
Some of the restaurant’s most popular appetizers include the Dahi Vada, Vada Pav, and Pani Puri. For your main dish, Mysore Masala Dosa or Uttapam is highly reviewed. Indo-Chinese cuisine like the Gobi Manchurian and Vegetable Hakka Noodles are also popular among guests. For dessert, you can try the Gulab Jamoon, Rasgulla, or Rasmalai. All three options are relatively inexpensive and great for finishing off an already perfect meal!
All throughout the week Swad Indian Vegetarian Restaurant offers specials on their best dishes, so you can enjoy food while you enjoy the savings.
“One of the best Indian authentic , fresh, vegetarian food I ever ate in United States. Fresh, healthy delicious. Highly recommend to someone who is gujju. You will love it even if not gujju.” -Yelp Review
3. Clay Pit Contemporary Indian Cuisine
A well-known restaurant known for providing delicious Indian food to Downtown Austin since 1998!
Change your spice level exactly to your liking at Clay Pit! Image courtesy of the Clay Pit Instagram page.
1601 Guadalupe St | Austin | claypit.com
Since 1998, Clay Pit Contemporary Indian Cuisine, aka Clay Pit, has enjoyed a stellar reputation as one of the best Indian restaurants in Downtown Austin. The Clay Pit offers a number of enticing specialty dishes like their Butter Chicken and the Nariyal Curry with Chicken. You can have Tandoori Kebabs, which are a mix of clay oven roasted meats like malai chicken, chicken tikedar, and boti kebab (lamb).
And if you’re looking for a new Happy Hour spot, the Clay Pit’s got you covered! Held every day from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Happy Hour at the Clay Pit features great deals for drinks and appetizers. You can also reserve the Clay Pit for special events, as the restaurant’s wine room, cellar, and hall are all perfect for special gatherings.
“Robert was a great waiter to my group of 14 this week. Clay Pit answers the phone promptly and is very accommodating to large groups with reservations. Menu is comprehensive and I would highly recommend the biryani!!! The butter chicken is too sweet and the mango lassi is delicious.” -Yelp Review
You can Purchase a Clay Pit Contemporary Indian Cuisine GiftYa Gift Card here!
4. Nasha
Indian restaurant in Austin serving fusion tacos and curried margaritas!
Sauce that’s flavorful and full of nutrients! Image courtesy of the Nasha Instagram page.
1614 E 7th St | Austin | nashaindia.com
Located in East Austin, Nasha is a great destination for delicious and authentic Indian cuisine. “Pulling flavors and techniques from the Mumbai to the Malvani coast of India” Nasha is making sure that everything that’s made in the kitchen has been cooked to perfection using only the best and healthiest ingredients.
Using rustic style cooking, Nasha offers all of the classic Indian dishes you’ve already heard of like tikka masala and vindaloo, but have also added their own takes on dishes like tacos, quesadillas, and enchiladas to expand their menu even further!
All of the restaurant’s dishes are primarily Indian with a little bit of Tex-Mex blended in, so if this sounds like a good combo to you then Nasha is where it’s at!
“There are few things in life as satisfying as a good curry, & after 5yrs in Austin we have finally found one at Nasha! Absolutely gorgeous meal & super service-already looking forward to coming back” -Yelp Review
5. Biryani & Co.
Order in or get take out for the whole family at this South Indian restaurant!
11150 Research Blvd #210 | Austin | biryaniusa.com
Biryani is a specially cooked rice dish served with the chef’s special combination of ingredients, spices, and sauce. And at the aptly named Biryani & Co., their chefs are experts at crafting unique, flavorful, and delicious biryani dishes. With 15 different biryani, there is sure to be one that catches your eye!
If you’re looking for something else, no worries! Their extensive menu covers tandoori, chicken, goat, and vegetable entrees as well. Biryani & Co. has a menu packed with appetizers, entrees, and sides so you’ll never run out of new foods to try!
“Had the tandoori chicken and goat biryani. Both were good and pickup was easy, no sit down yet, I'm not sure if that had changed. I would recommend the place, it was good food.” -Yelp Review
6. Saffron Austin
A storefront Indian restaurant that features a fusion menu you’ll come back for seconds for!
Get delicious vegetarian dishes that make for some great Indian food in Austin! Image courtesy of the Saffron Austin Yelp photo page.
3616 Far W Blvd #113 | Austin | saffronaustin.com
Ever wanted to try a taste of the Himalayas? At Saffron Austin, their chefs have perfected a wide array of Indian cuisine with all the flavors of the mountains. They make all of their dishes, sauces, naans, and desserts in-house, and the dedication to their craft is noticeable in every bite.
Saffron is the first Indian restaurant in Austin with a dedicated Nepalese menu, which adds to their already beautifully eclectic menu. At Saffron, there is something for everyone. Whether you order your own entrees or grab a few plates to share family-style, prepare for an assault on your senses in the best possible way. The presentation, aroma, and taste of their dishes are an amazing experience.
“It was amazing. Food was great. The service was nice. The ambiance was very inviting. The chicken masala was amazing and had beautiful flavors. The fish masala was spectacular. Chicken chow lo mein was great.” -Yelp Review
7. Asiana Indian Cuisine
Sit down at Asiana for fine Indian food in Austin either on the menu or at their buffet!
Smell the flavors of their food before the plate hits the table at this spot. Image courtesy of the Asiana Indian Cuisine Instagram page.
801 E William Cannon Dr #205 | Austin | asianaindiantx.com
Asiana Indian Cuisine is a no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point restaurant that believes in outstanding service and exceptional food. Their extensive menu delivers an authentic Indian meal in the heart of Austin, and their recipes have been perfected over the years through talented artists in the kitchen.
Alongside their food, Asiana prides themselves on their service. They guarantee a pleasant atmosphere, an attentive server, and an excellent meal. Some menu must-haves are the vegetable samosas, the chicken tikka masala, and the butter chicken.
“I had heard reviews about this place and finally got to try it. The service was fast and friendly! I had the Malai Kofta, naan, veggie fried rice and samosas. The Malai Kofta was the best part very creamy and flavorful. I will definitely be coming back.” -Yelp Review
8. Jaipur Palace - Austin
A perfect place to stop for lunch or dinner, you can dine indoors, outdoors, or get takeaway!
Chomp on delicious food dipped in delicious sauces! Image courtesy of the Jaipur Palace Indian Cuisine Instagram page.
9900 I-35 Suite P900 | Austin | jaipurpalaceatx.com
Jaipur Palace endeavors to bring a unique dining experience to Austin — and they’ve succeeded! The owner of Jaipur Palace is passionate about creating the best possible dining experience for the people of Austin, (plus all those who come visit)- and he is constantly learning new ways to bring his food to the next level. Jaipur Palace brings out the traditions and heritage of Jaipur city in Rajasthan in their menu.
Must-haves on their menu include the Malai Kofta, the Paneer Makhani, the Gobi Manchurian, and the Paneer Tikka. Similar to other restaurants on this list they have a substantial menu. If you aren’t sure where to start, your server will be more than happy to point you in the right direction!
“This is a hidden gem in South Austin near Southpark Meadows. I ordered the butter chicken with garlic naan and the veggie samosas. My friends and I enjoyed our meals. The place was clean, service was quick, and I would come back.” -Yelp Review
9. Whip In
Wine, beer, and Indian street food. What’s not to like?
A cold beer and Masala wings? Count us in! Image courtesy of the Whipin Instagram page.
950 S I-35 Frontage Rd | Austin | whipin.com
The Whip In is an absolute must. Independently and locally owned since 1986, they are more of a pub than a restaurant in all of the best ways. They come from humble beginnings too, they started as a grocery and convenience store, and have since grown into a go-to spot for bar food with an Indian twist, draft beer, and a great atmosphere.
In their kitchen their menu consists of Chicken Chili and Loaded Nachos, Tandoori Shrimp, Butter Masala, wraps, and more! They also have a selection of beers and wine, with a “Market” section that takes their “once-was” convenient store and brings it back to those who want to pick up some extras with their meal.
They host a lot of events and live music, keeping the place lively in every way they can. With both indoor and outdoor seating it is a perfect spot all year long!
“Lowkey but super yummy. It's a really chill place to talk and catch up with people while having amazing Gujarati food. I got the lamb biryani and lamb samosa and would highly recommend.” -Yelp Review
You can Purchase a Whip In GiftYa Gift Card here!
10. Bombay Dhaba
A popular spot selling popular Indian dishes makes this food truck something special!
1207 S 1st St | Austin | bombaydhabaaustin.com
On the IH 35 South Service Road between Riverside and Oltor is the Bombay Dhaba food truck that sells authentic Indian food at affordable prices. They are a well loved destination for all things Indian food and honestly? A truly great place to go and relax with your friends when the weather is right. Sit outside at their makeshift seating area or take your food on the go!
The Bombay Dhaba food truck’s menu has a great selection with items like:
- Padaum, Spring Rolls, and Samosa appetizers and Naan and Garlic Naan sides.
- Dal Fry, Saag Paneer, and Veg Korma for vegetarian options.
- Chicken Tikka Masala and Chicken Curry for some chicken centric dishes.
- With drinks, desserts, and more Indian food in Austin all available at this top stop!
“Delicious lamb and chicken tikka masala. Love that they have a mix of traditional dishes and some more unique ones outside of the usual items you'd find on an Indian food menu. Get the lamb chops- you won't be disappointed.” -Yelp Review
11. New Sitara Indian Cuisine
Indian food in Austin that features dishes from both North and South with local products showcased too!
1779 Wells Branch Pkwy Suite 102 | Austin | sitaraaustin.com
Looking for a refreshing take on all things Indian cuisine? Try New Sitara Indian Cuisine restaurant in Austin, Texas! They feature a ton of menu options of authentic Indian foods in a classy setting.
With their use of high quality ingredients that have been sourced locally, each dish has been cooked to perfection. They take classic recipes and give them a modern twist so everything you try is unique.
Try out New Sitara’s highest rated dishes like their Garlic Naan, Samosa Chat, Kadai Chicken, Gulab Jamun, Sitara Shrimp Biryani, and Mango Lassi for an excellent meal out on the town.
“This is our new go-to Indian place. Highlights include the lamb rogan josh and the navratan (vegetable) korma, but everything we've ordered so far has been good. Prices are super reasonable and the quoted wait time for takeout has always been accurate. Recommended!” -Yelp Review
All of these places make for great options to great Indian food in Austin! From casual goings to classy dining, there’s a little something for everyone here who loves Indian food.
Trae Bodge
Trae Bodge is the shopping expert here at GiftYa. Trae helps people find the best deals and ideas on popular new items to purchase.
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