Dallas offers an Indian food scene that’s layered, precise, and far more varied than many diners expect. From regional specialties and street-style snacks to richly marinated meats and delicate vegetarian stews, the best Indian restaurants in the metroplex don’t shout—they simmer. These are the spots where spice is technique, not just heat, and where the vibe is dialed in to match the depth on the plate.
Sanjh in Las Colinas offers one of the most polished Indian dining experiences in the region. Set beside the water with soft lighting and upscale interiors, the menu here leans opulent without being overbearing. The bharwan paneer tikka, house made paneer filled with spiced vegetables and grilled to a gentle char, is an essential order. Lamb chops come marinated in Kashmiri chili and black pepper, seared perfectly, while the kori gassi with buckwheat dosa adds a coconut-heavy South Indian touch to the otherwise North-leaning menu. Must-try dish: the bharwan paneer tikka.
Urban Tadka in Irving is where Punjabi food is bold, oily in all the right ways, and never toned down for the masses. Their goat saagwala is the standout—slow-simmered with spinach and mustard greens, it’s deeply satisfying and layered. The chicken tandoori has that essential balance of char and juicy meat, and the malai kofta arrives in a lush cream sauce, nutty and warm with cinnamon and clove. The room is plain but packed most nights, filled with families who know exactly what they’re here for. Must-try dish: goat saagwala.
Vindu Indian Cuisine in North Dallas straddles South and North Indian traditions without compromise. Their Mysore masala dosa is crisp, slightly sour, and smeared with red chili paste before being folded around spiced potatoes. Chettinad chicken lands fiery and fragrant, with curry leaves and crushed black pepper punching above their weight. The mutton curry is rustic and rich, and the chicken biryani is steamed in a pot sealed with dough, fragrant with fried onions and ghee. It’s an unassuming dining room, but the food here doesn’t need dressing up. Must-try dish: Mysore masala dosa.
Roti Grill near Uptown offers a fast-casual setup with flavors that punch above their weight. The chicken tikka masala is smoky and balanced, served in a tomato-forward gravy that doesn’t drown the spices. Paneer bhurji—soft scrambled Indian cheese with onions, green chiles, and spices—is a comforting surprise rarely found on local menus. Their lamb korma is a velvety stew that lands slightly sweet with ground nuts and cardamom. The restaurant is bright and modern, ideal for a weekday lunch or laid-back dinner. Must-try dish: lamb korma.
Shivas Bar and Grill has locations in Allen and downtown Dallas and brings modern energy to traditional flavors, with a cocktail list as ambitious as the kitchen. Chicken lollipops are a sharp-edged Indo-Chinese starter, crisp and coated in chili garlic sauce. Jackfruit biryani is surprisingly meaty in texture and studded with aromatics, while the tandoori shrimp is seared to a blister and finished with lime and cilantro. Bhindi masala—okra sautéed with onions, tomato, and spice—is sautéed hot enough to skip the slime. The space is moody and sleek, ideal for a night out or a late dinner after drinks. Must-try dish: chicken lollipops.
Dallas-Fort Worth’s best Indian restaurants don’t fit one mold. Some are sleek and curated, others loud and lived-in, but each of these spots brings something personal to the table—whether it’s a dosa that crackles or a curry that lingers longer than expected.
