11 Places to Discover the Best Indian Food in Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina has an amazing food scene. You can find nearly any type of cuisine that you are in the mood for and the restaurants all prioritize serving high-quality dishes.

If you have been tired of eating the same foods over and over, it might be time to try something entirely new and different. Here are 11 restaurants that serve the best Indian food in Charlotte!

1. Copper Modern Indian Cuisine

Copper Modern offers an updated version of Indian cuisine and elevates it to fine dining while still maintaining traditional flavors. It is a contemporary take on flavors that everyone knows and loves. The food is always delicious, and the service is amazing. It has a great dining atmosphere.  

Why we like it:

It is located in a restored historic bungalow, so it just adds to the charm of the dining experience.

2. Saffron Indian Cuisine

Saffron has been operating in Charlotte since 2008. One of the owners, Sunil Handa, learned to cook with his mother before receiving training as a chef. He has worked in numerous 5-star hotels within New Delhi. Saffron prides itself on the quality of food that they serve and only use fresh herbs and spices to elevate the flavors of each of their complex dishes.

Why we like it:

They offer a buffet during lunch, which is a great reason to come eat here during your break. Their customer service focuses on quality and helpfulness, so you will always feel satisfied dining here.

3. Passage to India Indian Cuisine

This restaurant is located in the University area of Charlotte. They offer various types of Indian cuisine, from North to South, and even Indo-Chinese. They have been open since 2009 and manage to succeed with their straightforward menu and large portions.

Why we like it:

The best restaurants serve up quality food at reasonable prices. Passage to India always delivers on those two aspects. You will receive massive portions with enough for leftovers, all at great prices.

4. Tabla Indian Restaurant

Tabla Indian Restaurant offers an expansive menu of classic Indian dishes. There is something to eat for everyone in your group, even if they are picky eaters. Their garlic naan is particularly delicious and is a fan-favorite among their regulars.

Why we like it:

Tabla is dedicated to only providing quality food, so they prioritize fresh ingredients. They only source from local farmer’s markets. It is a great way to control the quality of ingredients while also supporting local businesses.

5. Royal Biryani

Royal Biryani is located in a strip mall and seems unassuming from the outside. It just seems like an ordinary restaurant, but their menu and food pack a punch. It is one of the most loved Indian restaurants in the area. They offer a wide variety of traditional Indian dishes and have a casual atmosphere perfect for relaxing with friends or family.

Why we like it:

They always offer stellar customer service. During the pandemic, they have completely updated their services to provide safe preparations, including online ordering and curbside pickup. They also constantly offer coupons online.

6. Persis Biryani Indian Grill North Charlotte

Persis Biryani is a trendy restaurant that focuses on casual dining with high-quality meals. They offer a large menu of vegetarian options and serve a lunch buffet every day. You can dictate how spicy you want your dish to be as well, which is great for those who can’t handle their heat that much. They work hard on their customer service so that you always leave with a full stomach and a smile on your face.

Why we like it:

Not only do they have the usual garlic naan, but they also make a chili naan! This spicy bread is the perfect match for their popular shrimp curry.

7. Bombay Grille

Bombay Grille is one of Charlotte’s first authentic Indian restaurants, having opened over 20 years ago. It specializes in northern cuisine and cooks in the traditional Tandoori style. It was first opened and managed by Naval Sethi, but in 2003 his son Nishal took over. Despite the change in management, the restaurant still serves up delicious meals.

Why we like it:

Bombay Grille always makes an effort to support their community. Every April, they donate a portion of their sales to Autism Awareness charities. They even give out gift cards and food donations to schools and other fundraising events.

8. King of Spicy

King of Spicy is a casual, laid-back restaurant that focuses on Nepalese and classic Indian dishes. Like other Indian restaurants, they serve a lunch buffet. The restaurant is hidden away at the end of a shopping strip full of Latin American stores and restaurants. They have some of the best prices in town, too.

Why we like it:

It almost feels like a dive bar, with its atmosphere and pool tables. It is surprising because the restaurant also offers a banquet hall and catering services. This juxtaposition adds to the charm, though, and seems on-brand for this restaurant.

9. Chatpatay Casual Indian Kitchen

Chatpatay is all about casual yet upscale Indian cuisine. Their inspiration is the street food you can find along the beaches in Mumbai. Their mission prioritizes four F’s: food, friends, family, and fun. They have been successful and managed to expand to another location as well.

Why we like it:

The ambiance inside the restaurant is great and goes very well with the food. They painted murals on the walls to represent the beaches in Mumbai, so you can feel as if you were transported there when you take a bite.

10. The Blue Taj

One of the best Indian restaurants in Charlotte, the Blue Taj has won multiple culinary awards and has been featured in magazines of the city. The décor is eclectic but modern and gives off a cozy ambiance so that you can enjoy your meal comfortably.

Why we like it:

They even have a wine cellar and help you pick out ones that would best complement your meal.

11. Zafran Kabab Palace

Located near the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, this restaurant offers traditional Indian cuisine at great college-friendly prices. It is a casual dining experience and also has a lunch buffet. They are most known for their goat kabobs.

Why we like it:

They even specialize in catering, so you could order Indian food for all of your events.

indian food to discover in charlotte north carolina

All of these restaurants provide quality meals at affordable prices and in huge portions. Many of them also serve a lunch buffet. Regardless of which restaurant you choose to frequent, you will definitely have an enjoyable dining experience.

Charlotte Unlimited

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Back to top