Is there anything more satisfying to eat during the cold weather months than a warm plate of Indian food?
Of course, the Boston area offers lots of great cuisines that may want to vie for that “best winter food” label, but there’s something magical about the freshly-ground aromatic spices used to create tasty Indian curries, biryati, dosas, and kebabs that will take your taste buds to an exciting new place.
Best of all, if you’re one to fill yourself up on garlic naan and a mango lassi before you get the chance to start your main course, don’t worry. Many of these restaurants offer generous serving sizes that will keep you covered for tomorrow’s lunch, too.
In this post, you’ll learn about more than 15 of the best Indian food restaurants in Boston. Let’s dive in!
The Maharaja
Combine some of the best Indian food in Boston with an exquisite location that offers a prime view of Harvard Square, and you’ll find yourself seated at The Maharaja.
Located just off the Harvard red line stop, you’ll rise above the hustling and bustling streets full of students, faculty, and tourists when you enjoy a meal from this second-floor restaurant.
You may be best off with securing a reservation in advance for The Maharaja, but you’ll find the hassle is worth the effort. Take in the panoramic views of the city while enjoying Tandoori Chicken, Lamb Kebabs, Vegetable Biryani, and more.
Address: 57 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: The Maharaja
India Pavilion
You can’t have a complete list of the best Indian restaurants in Boston without including India Pavilion.
The place has been in business since 1979, making it the oldest Indian restaurant in the Boston area. Since then, founder Mohan Singh has trained many chefs, meaning his influence on the Indian food community extends far beyond the walls of the India Pavilion restaurant.
Address: 17 Central Square, Cambridge, MA 02139
Website: India Pavilion
Punjabi Dhaba
Another restaurant owned by Indian restaurateur Mohan Singh, Punjabi Dhaba has been serving up mouthwatering curries, biryani, and Tandoori dishes at Inman Square since 1998.
What really caught our eye on the menu was the fine specialty bread. While we all love a fresh serving of warm garlic naan bread, Punjabi Dhaba also offers buttery roti bread stuffed with savory goodness like onions, cauliflower, and spices.
Address: 225 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Website: Punjabi Dhaba
Mela Indian Restaurant
Mela offers authentic Indian cuisine at its picturesque location set in Boston’s South End.
When the weather allows, take a seat out on the patio to enjoy a fresh plate of Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan with your friends, family, or colleagues.
After your main course, why not grab some Badami Kulfi before you head home? This unique ice cream includes almonds and saffron (when it’s real, one of the most expensive spices in the world!) that will give your taste buds a cool, novel treat.
Address: 578 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118
Website: Mela Indian Restaurant
Shanti Indian Cuisine
With three locations across the Boston area, Shanti Indian Cuisine has the kitchens and staff to support your Indian food needs for parties of any size. In addition to its standard service, the restaurant also offers catering for corporate events, weddings, and other occasions.
Shanti hosts unique events throughout the year that keeps the Boston community engaged. One fan favorite is the Xtreme Vindaloo Challenge, where patrons can attempt to finish a particularly spicy plate of the fiery curry with a free future entrée riding on the line.
Address: 1111 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA 02125; 4197 Washington St, Roslindale MA 02131
Website: Shanti Restaurant
Punjab
Punjab derives its name from the northern region of India. Its menu is also clearly inspired by this geographic tie with Punjabi cuisine specialties like Tandoori Chicken and Punjabi Lamb Chops.
Punjab is currently only offering dinner, opening its Arlington doors to customers every night at 5 pm.
Address: 485 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02474
Website: Punjab
Punjab Palace
Owner Parmjit Singh has been providing top-quality Indian food to the guests of Allston’s Punjab Palace for many years. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available with varying degrees of spiciness.
Stop in for any of the lunch or dinner specials. Prices are very reasonable (especially for lunch!), and you’ll quickly see why this place is one of the best Indian restaurants in Boston when you’re in the mood for a cheap, tasty meal.
Address: 109 Brighton Ave, Boston, MA 02134
Website: Punjab Palace
Dosa n Curry
Dosa N Curry sets itself apart from all of the other Indian restaurants in Boston with its strictly vegetarian menu that’s free of any and all animal by-products.
You won’t be bothered to miss the meat or butter at this restaurant, though. Stop in on Tuesday nights for their “Dosa Night,” where you can enjoy unlimited dosas (think crepes) filled with perfectly seasoned vegetables like onions, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, and more.
Please note:Dosa n Curry is closed on Mondays so make your plans accordingly!
Address: 447 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143
Website: Dosa n Curry
Shan-A-Punjab
Take a seat at the bar in this lime green Indian restaurant found in Brookline. Shan-A-Punjab offers a mix of both modern Indian and more traditional South Indian fare.
You can’t go wrong with their signature Shan-A-Punjab Dosa, a crepe filled to perfection with onion, paneer, potatoes, and green pepper that will give you an interesting range of flavors with every bite.
Address: 500 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446
Website: Shan-A-Punjab Boston
Masala
Masala offers free delivery for orders within a mile and a half of its Teele Square location.
Open from 11:00 am to 10:45 pm seven days per week, you’ll find all of the essential Indian food specialties like Garlic Naan, Chicken Korma, and Tandoori Chicken.
Before you make your next order, check out their website for the latest specials and coupons!
Address: 1127 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144
Website: Masala
Vaanga
There’s no more eccentric of a restaurant to find great Indian food in Boston than Vaanga. The self-labeled “crazy Indian joint” remixes classic flavors into newly-imagined fusion dishes like a Samosa Burger and Chicken Tacos.
Even if you opt for something more conventional like meat or vegetable curry, don’t expect to be bored when you stop in at Vaanga.
Address: 102 Water St, Boston, MA 02109
Website: Vaanga Boston
Nirvana
Stop in for the lunch buffet at Nirvana, a go-to Indian restaurant located in Cambridge between Harvard and Porter Squares. Nirvana is open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery seven days a week.
You’ll love their dosas, South Indian crepes made with rice and lentils and filled with meat, potatoes, and onions.
Address: 1680 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: Nirvana The Taste of India
The Kebab Factory
If you love Indian food but are feeling a little tired of the same old dishes, why not give The Kebab Factory a try?
Kebabs are skewered pieces of marinated, bite-sized meat cooked over an open flame and then paired with roasted vegetables or fruit over a bed of rice.
At The Kebab Factory, you’ll enjoy meat prepared with classic Indian combinations of mint, garlic, or ginger with a yogurt or cream cheese base. Order the Chef’s Kebab Sampler and enjoy a whole variety of aromatic flavors.
Address: 414 Washington St, Somerville, MA 02143
Website: The Kebab Factory
Vaisakhi Indian Kitchen
Vaisahki Indian Kitchen was started by two friends, Baljit and Arvind, who wanted to share their favorite Punjabi staples with the Allston-Brighton community.
Stop in to enjoy their delicious biryani dishes that can be served with chicken, lamb, goat, or shrimp. Starting with a Basmati rice base, the fresh vegetables and exotic spices complete this filling meal that will leave you satisfied.
Address: 157 Sutherland Rd, Boston, MA 02135
Website: Vaisakhi Indian Kitchen
Guru the Caterer
Don’t let the name confuse you… Guru the Caterer offers its flavorful, small-batch Indian food as takeout at both of their locations in Somerville or downtown Boston.
Enjoy any of their combination meals like Chicken Vindaloo or Palak Paneer, but don’t wait until too late in the day. Guru the Caterer is committed to keeping their food waste low, and when fan favorites run out for the day, that’s that!
First serving customers in 2004, the business found new ownership under Mitzy Shaikh and her partner in 2015, who immigrated to Boston from India in 1998.
Influenced by this, part of Guru the Caterer’s mission is not only to dish up satisfying Indian meals but provide valuable employment opportunities and job training for other immigrants as well.
Address: 1295 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144; 187 Devonshire St, Boston, MA 02110
Website: Guru the Caterer
Mint Indian Eatery
Just outside of Powder House Square, Mint Indian Eatery offers a wide range of Indian and Nepalese food at affordable prices.
If you’re a student or faculty member at nearby Tufts University, you’ll be happy to sneak away from campus to grab a kati roll (essentially “an Indian burrito”). Popular varieties include the Chicken Curry Roll and Chicken Tikka Masala Roll.
Address: 868 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144
Website: Mint Indian Eatery
Passage To India
Few Indian restaurants in the Boston area have the same rich history as Passage to India. More than 30 years ago, Narinder Guhania founded this longstanding Porter Square culinary fixture.
Guhania wants to ensure guests aren’t just eating but “eating right.” Whether you’re starting your meal with Malbec or a mango lassi, patrons of Passage to India will enjoy a thoughtfully crafted menu that offers covers everything you’re looking for in Indian cuisine.
Address: 1900 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Website: Passage To India
Chutney’s
The owners of Chutney’s believes that everybody should experience the rich flavors of Indian food.
Called “the Chipotle of Indian food” by one enthusiastic fan, this restaurant fulfills its mission by offering something everyone can enjoy, whether it’s Indian street food fare or more traditional selections like Chicken Tikka Masala or Lamb Curry.
Address: 36 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138; 334 Massachusetts Avenue Boston Massachusetts 02115; 350 Longwood Ave Boston Massachusetts 02215
Website: Chutney’s Cambridge
Tanjore
You’ll find more outstanding Indian food at Tanjore, located near Harvard Square. Enjoy a big plate of tandoori chicken or one of their combination dinners.
The restaurant is open seven days a week, with the main exception being that they’re only open for dinner Sunday through Tuesday.
You can skip the expensive delivery fees on GrubHub or UberEats by ordering your food directly through the website. Tanjore offers delivery within three miles of their restaurant for a nominal fee.
Before your next visit, pull up Tanjore’s website to find coupon codes for $5-10 off your next meal.
Address: 18 Eliot St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: Tanjore