Must-Try Indian Restaurants in Dubai for Food Lovers

Dubai, widely known for its luxury living standards, technological innovations, and diverse culture, is also a culinary heaven. It is a gourmet destination for foodies. Dubai hosts a substantial number of Indian expatriates, and thus, the city is home to a multitude of Indian restaurants.

Indian cuisines, ranging from traditional dishes such as biryani, butter chicken, and tawa naan to street foods, Dubai has everything. The Indian culinary heritage in Dubai is dynamic and diverse.

List of Best Indian Restaurants in Dubai

In this article, let's find out the best Indian restaurants in Dubai. It touches every aspect, including its offerings, specialties, prices, and ambiance. Whether you are an expatriate, missing food back home, or want to try Indian cuisine, this article is the ultimate guide to finding the best restaurant.

Follow us on this journey to discover the best spots for succulent barbecue, spicy biryani, and juicy mutton, and to top it off with delectable sweets.

1. Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar

To experience fine dining in Dubai, visit Rang Mahal, which master chef Atul Kochhar runs. It is a culinary masterpiece located in JW Marriott Marquis. The restaurant, by a Michelin-starred chef, offers delectable Indian cuisine.

It is widely renowned for its classic blend of quintessential flavors and contemporary presentation. The sophisticated, calm ambiance makes it a top pick for a special dine-out.

The Butter Chicken and baked lamb leg are the Chef's kiss. They truly showcase the culinary heritage of India, which is rich in spices and flavors. Dal makhani is also considered a signature dish.

• Location: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay
• Average Meal Cost:AED 300-500 per person
• Best Food: Butter Chicken and baked lamb leg

2. Indego by Vineet

Indego by Vineet Bhatia is considered to be another top-rated restaurant by a Michelin-starred chef. The aesthetically decorated, intimate dining space offers a wide array of traditional Indian dishes. The flavors, spices, and texture teleport one back to India straight from Grosvenor House.

The restaurant has something to suit everyone's plate. From street food to grilled barbecue, they offer plenty of options. They have outdoor sitting space with a scenic view of the marina. Ever thought of a union of classic and traditional cuisines?

The Tandoori Prawns and Duck Seekh Kebabs by Indego are the perfect examples. Their succulent taste, tender meat, and flavorful aura with a perfect ambiance are what add to the fine dining experience. To top the experience off with a creamy delight, Malai Kulfi offers a perfect end to the dinner.

• Location: Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina
• Average Meal Cost: AED 350-550 per person
• Best Food: Tandoori Prawns and Malai fish tikka with coconut khichdi

3. Bombay Brasserie

Bombay Brasserie offers a blend of classic and contemporary cuisines. The authentic taste, live open kitchen, botanical bar, and oversized art make this dining experience out-of-this-world. The aesthetic aura of dim lighting, low music, and vibrant interior gives a luxurious vibe.

The signature item is a coastal Indian dish, the Cochin Lobster Curry. The chef recommends the Martabaan ka Meat for meat lovers. The Lamb curry served with pickle enriches the taste and flavor. For vegetarians, grilled Paneer Tikka is a must-try.

• Location: Burj Khalifa St, Business Bay
• Average Meal Cost: AED 300-500 per person
• Best Food: Cochin Lobster Curry and Martabaan ka Meat

4. Carnival by Tresind

Carnival by Trèsind is a one-of-a-kind Indian restaurant in Dubai. Its hallmark feature is the space-age-inspired interior decor and innovative delicacies. It offers an authentic Indian taste but with a tinge of unique flavors.

The presentation is what makes these dishes stand out. The recent iteration of the seasonal tasting menu presented the dishes in a book; it was a breakthrough. Pie as “Life of Pie” and a pumpkin transformation to “Fifty Shades of Pumpkin” were novel moves.

Next comes the beverages; you see a cloud of dry ice being served in a bell-shaped jar with dazzling lights. These are the vanguard cocktails offered at the restaurant.

The top picks include Chicken Slider, Soya Chaap, Gajak, Mushroom, and Lemon Rice.

• Location: Za'abeel - DIFC
• Average Meal Cost: AED 300-500 per person
• Best Food: Chicken Slider, Soya Chaap, Gajak, Mushroom, and Lemon Rice

5. Punjab Grill

If you love Innova in traditional Indian cuisines, Punjab Grill is the perfect spot for you. The eatery is located in Anantara Downtown Dubai and has branches all around the world.

Its menu offers a wide array of delectable dishes, including Kashmiri lamb chops served with buttery naan, tandoori portobello mushrooms, and the juicy, tender chili chicken tikka.

Mouthwatering! Still not sure what to order? Go for their tasting menu, which gives you an idea of the kind of dishes they serve.

• Location: Anantara Downtown, Business Bay
• Average Meal Cost: AED 250-450 per person
• Best Food: Kashmiri lamb chops served with buttery naan, tandoori portobello mushrooms, and the juicy, tender chili chicken tikka

6. Amala

The Jodhpur Royal Dining Restaurant, Amala, is set up in the aristocratic ambiance of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel. It has been known widely for its fine dining experiences since 2011.

Its signature style is a blend of timeless flavors in a contemporary fashion. Amala Restaurant serves North Indian cuisines in their authentic taste and textures.

The well-decorated interior and peaceful ambiance are add-on features of the restaurant. It makes you feel relaxed. Here comes the most celebrated dish at Amala, the Lobster Curry.

The lobsters are caught freshly, simmered in coconut curry, and served with special sauces. Sounds interesting. This is for the ones who love to try out new dishes. A safe option for traditional food lovers is Butter Chicken. It is a rich, creamy, flavorful delicacy preferred by the South Asians.

• Location: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
• Average Meal Cost: AED 300-500 per person
• Best Food: Amala, the Lobster Curry, and Butter Chicken

7. Mint Leaf of London

Next on the list of famous Indian restaurants in Dubai comes Mint Leaf of London. It is located in the sky-high buildings of Dubai, the Emirates Financial Tower, which occupies the 15th floor. The breathtaking views of Burj Khalifa add to the experience.

The menu offers a wide variety of options to cater to your needs and satisfy your cravings. Vegan, non-vegan, and seafood options are available.

Organic vegetables, freshly caught seafood items, and special meats enhance the taste and flavors. The main course comes with beverages to enjoy the meal.

• Location: Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC
• Average Meal Cost: AED 200-550 per person
• Best Food: Noori Paneer Sushi and Dhaba Gosht Lipata

8. Little Miss India

Up Till now, you have been looking up to restaurants and eateries well known for their taste and authenticity of flavors. Now comes a unique twist to the story. Little Miss India is a Bohemian restaurant and a lounge.

Located at the Fairmont The Palm, it offers a dining experience you will remember for a lifetime. It basically entails the journey of a fictional character, Miss Mohini Singh, belonging to a rich family of spice traders in the Subcontinent. The exotic experiences of Miss Mohini Singh encourage her to play with the spices and create a unique cuisine.

For vegetarian customers, paneer cut into small cubes, marinated in freshly ground spices, and cooked in creamy tomato sauce makes Paneer Tikka a signature item. Other famous dishes include Lamb Rogan Josh, Butter Chicken, and the Tandoori Platter. What a scrumptious menu!

• Location: Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
• Average Meal Cost: AED 250-450 per person
• Best Food: Lamb Rogan Josh, Butter Chicken, and the Tandoori Platter

9. Gharana

The name Gharana entails the detail and history of where it stems from. The menu is inspired by the respected ancestral homes of Indians, offering gastronomic pleasures that bring together traditions and flavors. Gharana is situated in Holiday Inn Dubai, Al Barsha
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The dull aesthetics and slow music offer the ambiance and feel as if you are sitting in your home, back in India. The taste and flavor make you travel to those streets and places. The Murgh Makhani Masaledar is their most famous item, and customers love it.

The chicken tikka grilled and cooked in onion tomato gravy is what makes it finger-licking good. The Gharana Dal, the Chef's recommendation, is a unique blend of spices and lentils. These dishes served with naan and chutney enhance the experience to four folds.

• Location:Holiday Inn Dubai, Al Barsha
• Average Meal Cost: AED 150-300 per person
• Best Food: Murgh Makhani Masaledar, Chicken Tikka Grilled, and Gharana Dal

10. Patiala

Present in Souk Al Bahar, Patiala is a famous restaurant offering traditional Indian flavors with modern presentation. It is named after the princely state of Indian Punjab, Patiala. It has North Indian dishes on its menu, presented in traditional Patiala style.

The decor and ambiance make it a fine dining experience. The dishes are prepared in a tandoor or flavored with charcoal on tawa, which gives them an aroma.

The rich and creamy butter chicken is to die for, and the contemporary touch is added by tandoori prawns. Yum! Kulfi takes you back to the streets of India, thus offering a perfect end to the meal. Authentic, Nostalgic, and Delicious!

• Location: The Old Town Island, Downtown Dubai
• Average Meal Cost: AED 200-400 per person
• Best Food: Patiala Veg Platter and Paneer Bhurji Pav

11. Maharaja Bhog

If you want to try Rajasthani cuisine, look no more! Maharaja Bhog marks an end to your search. It offers traditional Indian Thalis that are served with love and hospitality. The restaurant is vegetarian-friendly and has a limited menu.

There is no contemporary touch, and thus, the food stays close to the true Indian essence. Maharaja Bhog serves true North Indian cuisine in the heart of Dubai. Gujarati Thali and Rajasthani Thali are the top picks. The crispy, sweet Zafarani Jalebi is what makes thali complete.

• Location: Hamsah, Al Karama
• Average Meal Cost: AED 60-100 per person
• Best Food: Gujarati Thali, Rajasthani Thali, and Zafarani Jalebi

12. Calicut Paragon

Calicut Paragon offers a wide range of delectable dishes and cuisines of Malabar with a tinge of innovation. It houses an unmatchable culinary heritage. It offers a sentimental experience to people in UAE and Kerala.

It is ranked as one of the best restaurants in Dubai (Ahlan Masala Awards and TimeOut Awards winner). It also stands out in India for its famous coastal cuisines and dishes (Times Now Foodie Awards). Thus, it stands tall amongst its competitors and offers the best taste and service.

The traditional Kerala flavors are its signature style. Seafood is another specialty of Paragon; Fish Curry and Kerala Parotta are a must-try. The last to be mentioned is Mango Fish Curry, a unique addition to the menu.

Location: There are two branches of this restaurant in Dubai: Al Karama and Al Nahda
Average Meal Cost: AED 50-100 per person
Best Food: Fish Curry, Kerala Parotta, and Mango Fish Curry

13. Bikanervala

Missing Indian Street Food or want to try it? Bikanervala is a restaurant offering authentic vegetarian Indian food. It is present in Al Ghurair, Deira.

Chole Bhature served with chickpea curry and freshly baked bread, is a popular choice. Raj Kachori is another delicacy. It is difficult to find such food options abroad, but Bikanervala is a winner! Jalebi marks a perfect, sweet end to the meal.

• Location: This restaurant has different branches in Dubai: Deira, Al Karama, Gold Souk, Al Qusais, World Trade Center, Business Bay, Dubai Mall, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Al Barsha, JBR, Arjan, and JLT.
• Average Meal Cost: AED 50-100 per person
• Best Food: Chole Bhature, Raj Kachori, and Jalebi

14. Saffron

Saffron can only provide a luxury buffet experience with more than 220 dishes and around 20 live cooking stations. It is present in Atlantis The Palm.

It offers Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines, with seafood on the buffet, too. Saffron arranges dinners with different themed nights. You can likewise plan your dinner and enjoy one of the largest buffets in Dubai.

• Location: West Tower, Atlantis
• Average Meal Cost: AED 250-500 per person
• Best Food: Seafood dishes

15. Sanjeev Kapoor’s Khazana

Sanjeev Kapoor’s Khazana is also among the top Indian restaurants in Dubai that offer authentic Indian flavors. It has a welcoming and peaceful ambiance. It is a perfect spot for dinner as well as lunch, with a vast menu offering both Indian and Chinese dishes.

• Location: Bur Dubai
• Average Meal Cost: AED 150-400 per person
• Best Food: It offers Indian and Chinese dishes

Closing In

Dubai is a hub for gastronomic extravaganza and, thus, offers Indian cuisines and delicacies in their authentic taste and textures. The traditional dishes are either Indian street food or Rajasthani Thali.

Chole Bhatoore, or Chicken Tandoori, Dubai, is home to India's culinary heritage. It still brings to the table a blend of traditional dishes and contemporary flavors that amaze and delight you to the core.

Each restaurant has its own specialty to offer, with authentic flavors and a peaceful ambiance, making the dinner a core experience for you.

Next time you visit Dubai or miss Indian food, try the restaurants listed above. You will love it!