Whether you're new to the colorful cuisine or a curry connoisseur, finding the best Indian restaurants in town is a daunting task.
We've compiled a list of Atlanta's best Indian restaurants with dishes ranging from traditional entrees to Indian street food for your next spicy food craving.
Chai Pani: If you just can't get yourself to India, this Decatur restaurant is a good substitute. Chef Meherwan Irani and his wife, Molly, have created an atmosphere that will make you feel like you're smack-dab in the middle of Mumbai. The menu is filled with traditional Indian dishes, but is best known for its vibrant, flavor-blasting street snacks — or chaat — including samosas covered in chutney or okra fries. A popular item on the menu is Chai Pani's take on the Sloppy Joe — Sloppy Jai — a tasty spiced lamb hash. 406 W. Ponce de Leon Ave
Bhojanic: It's a fusion of homestyle North Indian cuisine served in a sleek and contemporary environment. Bhojanic offers a variety of Indian tapas including chili pakora — spicy green chilies batter fried and served with a cool tamarind yogurt sauce — and seasoned potato pancakes called alu tikki. The website offers a few words of caution to visitors: WARNING: Food Contains Flavor. You've been warned. 3400 Around Lenox Road, Suite 201
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Masti: Masti is kind of like Indian Food 101. Masti means "fun" in Hindi and that's the tone of the restaurant. There are menu items called both "Burgers" and "Dogs." Guess what? They are Masti's answer to those standards of all-American cuisine. An AJC reviewer called the chicken masala burgers "snarftastic." Masti's specialty is Indian street food, and having never been to India we won't challenge that claim. It's fun food, there's no language barrier and there's hot stuff if you want it. 2945 North Druid Hills Rd, Suite C, Atlanta (Toco Hill shopping center)
Tabla: This contemporary Indian restaurant features a variety of traditional dishes like samosas, fried okra and fritters with goat cheese and vegetables. The menu also lists several curries to choose from and includes an option to upgrade to a thali — a selection of various dishes served in a round platter. If you're looking for some booze, the chef even created a menu of cocktails made with Indian-spice-infused liquor. 77 12th Street NE Suite 2
Himalayan Spice Restaurant and Bar: Cuisine at this hidden gem is a fusion of authentic Nepali and Indian food. Himalayan Spice visitor reviews rave about the lamb coconut curry, chicken tikka masala and Nepali-style dumplings. The Indian specialties include several traditional dishes including the famous Chicken 65 — chicken pieces spiced and sauteed with curry leaves and chilies, garnished with coconut powder. 2773 Clairmont Road
Panahar Bangladeshi Cuisine Buford Highway is known as one of the best food destinations in Atlanta, so Panahar is definitely something you'll want to keep in mind next time you're in the area. Dine on roasted tandoori chicken and naan bread or order some vegetable pakoras — a dish made of your favorite vegetables dipped in a spicy batter and then deep fried. The restaurant is also BYO, so bring your favorite wine or beer to sip on while enjoying the lunch buffet. 3375 Buford Hwy
Chat Patti: This family-run Indian restaurant is famous for its variety of vegetarian finger food. Enjoy some chole batura — spiced chick peas with Indian style fried wheat bread or a famous South Asian dish called the masala dosa, a rice and lentil crepe filled with spiced potatoes and onions. Taste buds on fire? Order a refreshing mango lassi drink of sweetened yogurt flavored with mango. You're welcome. 1707 Church Street C-7
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