Indian in Phoenix

3130 E. Union Hills Dr. #101 North Phoenix

602-996-6389

Indian

At Biryani and Bites, there are six flatscreen televisions, two displaying the menu and three cued to various channels of Indian entertainment. They all set the scene. Biryani and Bites can be a little rough and tumble, dining room-wise, but the rice is cooked perfectly — slightly moist and tender. The overall taste is buttery, but with very little spice or flair to the dish, meaning diners get the opportunity to dress it up. Our recommendation? The guntur pachimirchi boneless chicken biryani.

1 article

Bombay Spice

10810 N. Tatum Blvd. North Phoenix

602-795-0020

Health, Indian, Vegetarian, Recommended

The folks behind Bombay Spice Grill & Wine call their fare "redefined Indian food. Indeed, it's a welcome change, especially if you go for healthful instead of heavy. Nothing's fried. Dishes are prepared with olive oil instead of butter and heavy cream. There's no cheese, either, but a few items contain non-fat yogurt. And best of all, you won't be ready for a nap by the end of dinner - unless, of course, you indulge in one of their inexpensive bottles of wine.

6 articles

Bombay Spice Grill

4720 E. Cactus Rd. North Phoenix

Gluten-Free, Indian, Vegetarian

3 articles

Chennai Chettinaad Palace

2814 W. Bell Rd. #1445 North Phoenix

602-993-0085

Indian, Middle Eastern, Contemporary, Critics' Pick, Best Of

Featuring the hard-to-find cuisine of Chettinad, a dry, remote region of the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India, this decidedly grand restaurant on the city's west side offers many of the region's meat-centric, highly fragrant, and abundantly spiced food (even to the southern Indian palate) as well as around 200 dishes from both northern and southern India. Reap the rewards of an India rarely tasted in the Valley with dishes like Chettinad pepper lamb, smoky and spicy Chettinad chicken, and the fiery fried anchovies called nethili fish. Read our review.

12 articles

Chennai Fusion Grill

4929 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler

480-705-5444

Indian

1 article

Chutney's

1801 E. Baseline Rd. Tempe

480-730-2555

Buffet, Indian

1 article

City of Spice

2945 E. Bell Rd. North Phoenix

602-603-9457

Indian, Best Of

After being disappointed by the Indian restaurants in town, the owners of City of Spice decided that instead of complaining, they’d open their own spot. Co-owner Azher Uddin and his wife, Bhoomi, both have hospitality in their blood, with their families in India running restaurants and catering businesses. At City of Spice, Uddin and his brother and business partner, Syed, want to provide a taste of home and are eager to share the cuisine with those who may be unfamiliar with it. This starts with explanatory slides rotating on the TV screens overhead that give details about specific dishes. The Uddins' dedication likewise comes through in their friendly guidance while you order — and in every bite. There are shatteringly crisp dosa and rich, comforting malai kofta — fried balls of potato and paneer in curry — as well as familiar dishes, such as biryani and kebabs, all expertly executed and bursting with flavor. But take a look at the slides or ask the staff, and taste something you may not have tried before.

2 articles

Copper Kettle

1250 E. Apache Tempe

480-967-4365

Indian, Middle Eastern, Pakistani, Menu

5 articles

Curry Corner

1212 E. Apache Blvd. Tempe

480-894-1276

Pakistani, Indian, Best Of

Curry Corner is a longtime favorite in the heart of Sun Devil country. This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Pakistani eatery on the light rail line near downtown Tempe is known and beloved for serving hearty plates in an approachable no-frills space on a college-friendly budget. Sure, there are the expected samosas, pakora, and hummus. But what keeps regulars flocking here are the six varieties of biryani served with lamb, goat, or seafood. The melt-in-your-mouth naan is a perennial crowd-pleaser. The plain or garlic naan serves as the ideal accompaniment to any dish, while the stuffed curry potato version is a hearty snack all on its own. Slow-cooked goat with lentils or beef shank that’s leisurely stewed overnight are homeland comfort food favorites. For a contemporary twist, start with a plate of crispy fries bathed in a spicy tikka masala sauce and finished with ranch dressing and cheese.

22 articles

Delhi Palace

933 E. University Dr. #103 Tempe

480-921-2200

Indian, Buffet, Pakistani, Best Of, Menu, Readers' Choice

Buffets can be hit or miss, and we've had far too many bland entrees overcooked under a heat lamp to claim the title of buffet buff. But one of our favorite lunch time destinations just happens to be a buffet that's finger lickin' good and easy on the wallet. Delhi Palace Cuisine of India offers an $8.95 buffet lunch that has plenty of options for the vegetarian and the carnivore alike. Plus, everything on the menu is very mild, so even the picky coworkers in your lunch crew can dig in to tasty tandoori chicken and flavorful curries.

4 articles

The Dhaba

1872 E. Apache Blvd. Tempe

480-557-8800

Indian, Contemporary, Recommended, Best Of, Slideshow, Essentials

This cozy, contemporary Indian restaurant, specializing in cuisine of the Punjab region of Northern India, is named after India's roadside pit stops, where truck drivers go for a cheap, filling meal. And true to its namesake, The Dhaba is an affordable place to relax and indulge in awesome homemade breads, tandoori meats, deep-fried treats and street snacks called chaat. The menu here is long, but there's a trick to trying it all. Order one of the three Thali options, which include hot masala chai, freshly baked naan and a house dessert. Pick between varieties of veggie curries or meat options to round out this complete meal.

27 articles

Feringhee

3491 W. Frye Rd. Chandler

480-534-7178

Indian, Best Of, Essentials

One cliche that proves true time and time again is that some of the best dining experiences are in nondescript shopping centers. At Feringhee, which translates to “foreigner,” chefs Sujan Sarkar and Karan Mittal aim to push boundaries with Indian cuisine. Start your flavor-packed experience with a cocktail, such as the Cutting Chai made with masala chai-infused vodka or a Ghee Old Fashioned, with ghee-infused Jack Daniel's' and spiced date syrup. Then get a sampler starter of multiple chutneys or different pani puri to share. The menu is further spit into small and large plates, and we recommend ordering family style to get a taste of it all. The Kashmiri Lamb Chops are a stunner, and don't miss the Black Dairy Dal. Many menu items are vegetarian and/or gluten free, so there's something for everyone. Finish your journey with sweet Galab Jamun Cheesecake with apricot murabba.

3 articles

Flavors of India

857 E. Warner Rd. Ste. 101 Gilbert

602-277-5546

Indian, Recommended, Menu

An excellent introduction to northern Indian food. While dishes are top-notch and sparkling fresh, spicing is toned down for an American crowd. The chef can be prodded to add heat, though, with each dish made from scratch. Standards are reliable, including aloo tikki, aloo gobi masala, and sumptuous sag lamb.

2 articles

Guru Palace of India

2048 E. Baseline Rd. Mesa

480-558-9300

Indian, Best Of, Menu

Step through the door at Guru Palace, and you'll find yourself inside a cocoon of Indian opulence that hints at all the excellent Punjabi cuisine on the menu. It's all so soothing that you might be compelled to curl up and take a snooze, especially after you've splurged on luscious plates of curry, fragrant biryani, and crispy, chewy naan sprinkled with garlic. Service is simply welcoming, and the lunch buffet best Indian spread we've encountered in years.

7 articles

Haldi Indian Cuisine

2945 E. Bell Rd. #102 North Phoenix

602-603-9457

Indian

Hilal Grill

1638 N. 40th St. East Phoenix

602-275-1815

Indian, Pakistani, Afghan, Best Of, Menu

Formerly known as the Tahoora Grill, this neighborhood spot serves terrific Indian, Pakistani, and Afghani fare in an unassuming east-Phoenix dining room. Hilal Grill satisfies any cravings for familiar Indian restaurant staples, including classics like chicken tikka masala and butter chicken. Don't miss Indian and South Asian specialties like shrimp biryani cooked with fresh herbs and spices, or the beef chapli kabab, a Pashtun-style minced beef kebab served with fresh veggies and herbs.

2 articles

India Gate

6245 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler

480-705-5565

Indian, Restaurants, Recommended, Menu

Reliable Indian fare from a low-key spot that caters to Chandler locals. India Gate's menu pushes nearly 130 items, including seafood, lamb, vegetarian dishes, and all kinds of fresh bread. If you're feeling indecisive, just go with one of the dinner sets and the kitchen will take care of you.

1 article

India Grill

325 W. Elliot Rd. Tempe

480-813-4443

Buffet, Indian, Punjabi, Menu

This casual, family-owned restaurant in south Tempe serves up decent and affordable Indian cuisine with an emphasis on the northern region’s creamier, richer, and moderately spicy dishes and cooking styles. Skip the complimentary naan and order Kashmir naan or onion kulcha to pair with top-notch dishes like lamb curry, mutter paneer, and chicken tikka masala. Like butter? Order up the popular Punjabi dish, butter chicken. A lunch and dinner buffet for around ten bucks a person features a nice (but only slightly spicy) selection of vegetarian and meat dishes in addition to desserts.

2 articles

India Oven

1315 S. Gilbert Rd. #5204 Mesa

480-892-3333

Indian, Buffet, Menu

India Oven has been serving an extensive menu of Indian specialties for years. The restaurant -- which also operates as a banquet hall -- offers lunch and dinner buffets, as well as traditional dining. And with more than a dozen vegetarian menu items, there's likely to be something for everyone. We enjoy the flavorful chicken tikka masala as well as the mild, creamy shrimp korma, which features tender plump shrimp swimming in a buttery sauce full of Indian spices. With a side of freshly baked naan, you'll be in a satisfying meal. It's just a bonus that the service at this Mesa spot is alway friendly, attentive, and fast.

3 articles

India Plaza

1874 E. Apache Blvd. Tempe

480-557-8800

Indian, Restaurants, Best Of

Located on the north side of Apache's light rail route just east of McClintock, Indian Plaza is more grocery store then restaurant; check out The Dhaba next door if you are looking for a sit down meal. After wandering the aisles, head to the back of the store where you'll find ready to go Indian snacks, sandwiches and entrees. Try the chaat (Indian street snacks) or the fresh yogurt. We'd be amiss not to mention the pickle selection -- over twenty different types. Good luck finding your favorite.

3 articles

Indian Delhi Palace Cuisine of India

5104 E. McDowell Rd. East Phoenix

602-244-8181

Indian, Buffet, Recommended, Best Of, Menu, Readers' Choice

From crisp, white tablecloths and ornate Indian décor to the incredible, complex aromas wafting from the kitchen, everything about Indian Delhi Palace hints at a good meal to come, even before you crack open the menu. And sure enough, once the royal feast kicks in, you'll be dazzled by the flavors here — smoky chicken tikka masala, luscious lamb korma, and vibrant palak paneer (creamed spinach with cubes of cheese) are just a few of the standout dishes, which we like to wash down with a frothy yogurt lassi. As for the buttery garlic naan, it's simply fantastic, probably worthy of its own "Best of" for a perfect balance of crisp and doughy textures (not to mention how handy it is for cleaning up every last drop of curry on our plate). And come dessert time, try the creamy rice pudding or some syrup-soaked gulab jamun, even if you think you don't have room. A meal this tasty can't end with anything less than a food coma.

6 articles

Indian Maharaja Palace

5775 W. Bell Rd., #5 Glendale

602-547-1000

Indian, Restaurants, Recommended

Sure, Indian food is healthful, low-fat and chock-full of vegetables, but Maharaja Palace proves it can rival the flavors of the richest foods. The chef here knows his spices, applying them in lavish gusts to bring out the best of fresh ingredients. Mulligatawny soup is among the best in town, as are karahi dishes, served on sizzling plates. Karahi tandoori chicken positively glows, blending the bird with fresh spinach and complexly spiced gravy. Naan is fabulous, bar none.

2 articles

India's Flame

4427 S. Rural Rd., #3 and #4 Tempe

480-456-0155

Indian, Buffet, Best Of, Menu

At India's Flame, to start, the naan has a flaky, wafery bite and gives you the same warming goodness as buttered popcorn. During lunch, well-spiced cups of chai are included with a sprawling buffet, and so are bracing glasses of mango lassi. You can pick and choose from the extensive menu or ride with the buffet. In either case, don't miss daal maharani, a creamy slurry of lentils with a mellow curry heat. A hearty, refined curry features bone-in goat, a shade chewy but rich and satisfying. The list of standouts goes on: tandoori chicken perfectly moist inside despite oven-blackening on the surface, coconut-milk-deepened korma packed with vegetables, and a nice carrot rendition of halwa for dessert. This hidden gem does it all.

2 articles

Jewel of the Crown

7373 E. Scottsdale Mall Central Scottsdale

480-949-8000

Indian, Recommended, Menu, Readers' Choice

Tasty Indian fare in a pretty Scottsdale setting. All the usual suspects are here: curries, masalas, kormas, saags, vindaloos, biryanis and karahis, as well as a nice assortment of breads.

2 articles

Just Biryani

3539 W. Bell Rd. #7 Glendale

602-612-2383

Indian, Menu

Kabab Palace

710 W. Elliot Rd., Ste. 108 Tempe

480-775-6288

Indian, Restaurants, Best Of

A Best of Phoenix winner in its previous incarnation as an Afghan restaurant, Kabab Palace is under new management as of December 2009. These days, the fine Indian dining establishment serves authentic South Indian and North Indian cuisine.

2 articles

Karaikudi Palace

8752 E. Shea Blvd. North Scottsdale

480-998-6006

Indian, Restaurants, Recommended

This pleasant South Indian restaurant in Scottsdale, from three Indian-born friends who attended culinary school together, features some of the Valley’s most vibrant examples of South Indian cuisine. Boldly flavored, expertly prepared, and packed with handfuls of ingredients like chiles, tamarind, ginger, cumin, and cardamom, don’t-miss dishes include vegetable curries of okra and stuffed baby eggplant; outstanding seafood creations of spicy shrimp and fish cooked in coconut sauce with red onions and green chilies; and crispy stuffed dosas served alongside dip-ready chutneys. Read our review.

8 articles

Khaana Khazana

4929 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler

480-893-0030

Indian, Restaurants, Menu

With a name that translates to "treasured foods," the restaurant has the same owner, new management, and, instead of offering both northern and southern Indian dishes, now focuses on just the northern ones. You'll find many familiar Indian dishes here, including several selections of thalis (meals made up of various small dishes), as well as starters, chaats (Indian street food), and light entrees.

1 article

Khyber Halal Restaurant & Catering

4030 N. 24th St. East Phoenix

602-954-5290

Afghan, Indian, Pakistani, Recommended, Menu

This culinary crossroads blends foods from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India, and each nation's cuisine is as diverse as the restaurant's staff of family members. Here, flavorful bowls of rusty red chicken tikka masala and plates of rich goat biryani sit alongside such Afghani specialties as yogurt-topped eggplant and giant potato pancakes. Start with very good seasoned ground chicken inside a flaky triangular samosa and accompanied by a cool mint chutney, or a mix of spiced potato, flattened and fried into a golden brown shami kebab patty and served with a refreshing and creamy sauce of yogurt, vegetables, and spices. The hummus is delicious, and the menu is flush with dishes in which meat meets rice, sauces, and skewers combine in traditional Middle Eastern ways.

10 articles

Little India

1813 E. Baseline Rd. #108 Tempe

480-730-7770

Indian, Best Of, Menu

To compare this place to a mini-market wouldn't be quite accurate, because it feels even smaller than an ordinary convenience store. But its three aisles are surprisingly well stocked with Indian ingredients. Besides that, you can chow down on freshly prepared dishes (Indian snacks), from aromatic curries to chunky potato cakes laden with chutneys, yogurt sauce, and fresh cilantro. Cool your tastebuds with a frothy mango lassi so you can go the distance.

8 articles

Marigold Maison

4720 E. Cactus Rd. Ste. D118 North Phoenix

602-795-0020

Indian, Middle Eastern, Recommended, Best Of

Marigold Maison could be considered a reincarnation of the original Bombay Spice Grill. The restaurant, which is tucked into the side of a north Phoenix strip mall, still feels slightly like its former self. Yes, the dining room is handsomely decorated with murals and hanging lanterns; it also features an open kitchen clearly designed for a quick-service concept. The restaurant offers a small but acceptable selection of wines by the glass and bottle, as well as beers, three cocktails, and five homemade natural refreshments. About a third of the restaurant's food menu is dedicated to starters and shareable plates including a section of street food and South Indian Specialties. And though it's tempting to go for familiar options like samosa or chickpea hummus, taking a risk on something new will probably be more rewarding. Read our review.

10 articles

Nandini Indian Cuisine

1845 E. Broadway Rd., #101 Tempe

480-967-5234

Indian, Best Of, Menu

You won’t come to Nandini Indian Cuisine for its sleek ambiance or trendy menu. You’ll come to this modest Tempe restaurant for its Punjabi-inflected menu brimming with reliably good tandoori-style dishes, including a wonderfully smoky tandoori chicken and juicy, marinated lamb boti kebabs. You’ll also find a slew of creamy, buttery curries, including a spicy, gravy-like molai kofta and a nutty matar paneer. If you need a break from ghee-heavy curries, there’s vindaloo, a traditional western Indian curry known for its blisteringly hot tomato-and-chile sauce. You can have it with your choice of protein, including a shrimp rendition that is garlicky and intensely spicy.

3 articles

Nasha

2051 W Warner Rd. Chandler

480-707-9696

Indian, Restaurants

1 article

Indian in Phoenix

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