If you live in Sydney you’re probably well attuned to a variety of flavours and cuisines from around the world. If not, there’s a rich world of vibrant culinary experiences waiting for you. With wholesome meals that include everything from fragrant curries to spicy chaats, Indian cuisine is one you can’t miss. Packed with flavour and uniquely distinct, Indian restaurants in Sydney are packing a punch with their rich and diverse menu offerings. Get transported to the bustling streets of Mumbai, savour the dishes from Hyderabad and discover the authentic flavours of Kolkata at these excellent Indian restaurants around town — if you can handle the heat.
1. Don’t Tell Aunty
Don’t Tell Aunty will ignite your senses in the best way possible perfectly encapsulating the colour, vibe and flavour of Indian cuisine. Serving vibrant dishes with a unique twist, guests can expect everything from street food to vegan pots and desserts. There’s also comforting masala chai and flavourful mango and rose lassi to wash it all down. Don’t miss out on tasting the cocktails, mocktails and wines which are just as vibrant and fun. This is a must-visit if you love Indian cuisine or just want to try something new.
📍414 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
2. Chatkazz Harris Park Restaurant
When we talk about Indian restaurants in Sydney, Chatkazz is always high on the list. The popular restaurant offers a seriously extensive menu that covers everything from North Indian to South Indian cuisine along with a vibey atmosphere you can’t miss. Try their popular chole bhature which pairs a soft, airy bread with a tangy curry or try the idly sambhar which is soft fluffy steamed cakes served with a delicious vegetable lentil stew. Don’t miss out on the steaming chai simmered with warming spices. Chatkazz is ideal for vegetarians with a range of food options on offer.
📍Shop 4-6/14/20 Station St E, Harris Park NSW 2150, Australia
3. The Spice Room
Located just minutes from Circular Quay Station, The Spice Room has a charming vintage vibe and opulent interiors that stand out. The menu offers a tantalizing variety of options from classics like butter chicken, kadai chicken and beef vindaloo to small bites like tangy pani puri, samosa chaat and more. Also on the menu is a tandoor selection perfect for foodies with a penchant for grilled meats and charcoal flavours. There are also plenty of vegetarian options with diverse offerings that have won favours with Sydneysiders over the years.
📍The Quay Building, 2 Phillip St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
4. INDU Dining
You’ll find Indu Dining in the basement of a heritage-listed building on George Street. Combining the best of Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine, it offers to take you on a journey through the rich and earthy flavours of the villages of coastal Southern India. Expect a variety of dosas, curries and grilled meats and a variety of handmade desserts on the menu. Indu is also well regarded for its excellent service and also doubles as a charity that supports widows displaced by the Sri Lankan Civil War into employment. So you know you’ll be spending money on a worthy cause.
📍George Street Entry Via, 350 Angel Pl, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
5. The Grand Palace – Indian Restaurant
The Grand Palace lives up to its name with sublime flavours and equally decadent decor that will transport you to food heaven. On offer are crowd-pleasers like velvety butter chicken and succulent beef saag plus a range of seafood dishes, kebabs and ample vegetarian options like paneer butter masala, a range of hearty daals and traditional bites like veg kolhapuri, rotis and of course biryani of every kind. Equally pleasing is the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere and furnishings that offer an unforgettable dining experience.
📍Basement/261 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
6. Pinky Ji
Pinky Ji might be a new entry on the scene but it’s already making waves. The moody CBD spot opened earlier this year and it’s a throwback to the golden years. On offer are delicious Indian food, Indian-inflected drinks and seriously colourful interiors plus tunes from the 70s, ’80s and ’90s. As for the dishes, there’s snacks, raw, street, grill, wok, tandoor and curry along with bread, sides and drinks to enjoy. This new restaurant is the brainchild of Restauranteur and chef Jessi Singh who also brought Don’t Tell Aunty to town so you know you’re in for a good time.
Read all about it here.
📍89 York St, Sydney NSW 2000
7. Malabar South Indian Restaurant
Love South Indian cuisine? Head down to Malabar South Indian Restaurant and enjoy an explosion of flavour thanks to its diverse menu offerings. The restaurant has been serving hungry customers since 2003 and you’ll find it a stone’s throw from Kings Cross train station. The 100-seater restaurant is famous for its Kerala fried chicken, succulent lamb verutha and delicious dals. There’s also a vegan menu on offer plus desserts, wines, beers and more. You’ll also find murals and stunning historical artworks as you dine.
📍1/274 Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
8. Flyover Fritterie
Loaded jaffles, delicious chai and hearty homemade treats are what Flyover Fritterie is known for. The eatery and chai bar specialises in Indian pakora which is essentially a spiced fritter packed with tasty fillings. Evoking a sense of nostalgia that people from the subcontinent have for the snack and tea pairing, the cosy spot offers flavour and hospitality in spades. Expect comfort eats like creamy khichdi, mushroom momos, chocolate chai and much more.
Read all about it here.
📍88 Regent St, Redfern NSW 2016
9. Delhi ‘O’ Delhi Indian Restaurant
Delhi ‘O’ Delhi Indian Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant that has been serving delicious Indian cuisine to punters for the last 16 years. Indulge in their terrific butter chicken and pair it with their soft and airy naan bread for a delicious combination of textures. There’s also camel curries, chutney beef and more along with vegan and vegetarian options so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Delhi ‘O’ Delhi promises an unforgettable experience with an ode to authentic Indian cuisine.
📍3 Erskineville Rd, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia
10. Masala Theory
Nestled in the heart of Surry Hills, the fun and funky Masala Theory is bursting with colour and flavour. The menu fuses traditional Indian dishes and gives them a fun, contemporary twist. Find biryani, dal khichdi, satisfying curries, flavourful naans and a lot more on the menu. There’s also a host of delicious and refreshing drinks to try plus an array of vegetarian options to explore.
📍545 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia