Atlanta, the vibrant capital of the U.S. state of Georgia, is renowned for its diverse culinary scene. Among the multitude of dining options, Indian restaurants hold a special place, offering a delightful journey into the flavours, aromas, and culture of India. These establishments have flourished, catering to the city's diverse population and attracting food enthusiasts from all backgrounds.
The presence of Indian cuisine in Atlanta can be traced back several decades, with its roots primarily in the city's Indian immigrant community. Early Indian restaurants served traditional dishes like biryani, samosas, and tandoori meats, catering mainly to homesick immigrants craving a taste of their homeland.
Over time, as Atlanta's Indian population grew, so did the culinary offerings. Today, Indian restaurants in Atlanta span a spectrum of regional cuisines, from the North Indian delights of Punjab and Delhi to the fiery flavours of South India, creating a comprehensive and authentic culinary landscape.
One of the striking features of Indian restaurants in Atlanta is the diversity of regional cuisines they offer. The North Indian cuisine, characterised by its rich gravies, tandoori bread, and succulent kebabs, is widely represented. Iconic dishes like butter chicken, paneer tikka, and naan are staples on most menus. South Indian cuisine, known for its extensive use of rice, coconut, and aromatic spices, is equally popular. Restaurants serve dosas, idlis, upma, sambar, and spicy curries, providing a contrast to the North Indian fare.
Beyond North and South, Atlanta boasts restaurants specialising in the flavours of specific regions like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Kerala. This diversity reflects the vastness of India's culinary heritage and the dedication of restaurant owners to showcase the authentic tastes of their respective regions.
If you’re new to Atlanta and missing your own country, then don’t worry. We have a list of Indian restaurants in the heart of Atlanta that will serve you authentic Indian foods, thus enabling you to miss your homeland a little less. Take a look at those restaurants:
- Tabla
This may look like any other traditional Indian restaurant from the outside, but as you step inside, you’ll be transported to your homeland, India. Besides, the restaurant provides outdoor seating too. The restaurant provides authentic Indian dishes like butter chicken, chicken korma, chicken moilee, palak patta chaat, and many more. You’ll find the cocktail menu playing with different Indian liquors. Additionally, delicious jalapeno or garlic naans will tantalise your tastebuds. Although it is on the pricey side, if you like extra spicy food, this is the place for you.
Address: 77 12th St. NE #2, Atlanta, GA 30309
Specialties: Butter chicken, chicken korma, chicken moilee, palak patta chaat, naan
Time: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM; 5:30 -10:00 PM
- Bhojanic Takeaway/Catering/Market
It is one of the largest and most popular restaurants in the greater Atlanta area. The history narrates when the chef of Bhojaic, Archana Becker, came here with her family when she was 11 years old and spent her whole life perfecting several Indian dishes. Their chicken curries, salad bowls, Punjab khati, and thali are some of the dishes that are preferred by the immigrants.
The food is served hot and has the aroma and flavours of India. Besides, you can also enjoy some lychee martinis and bottomless mimosas along with your meal. If you visit on Saturdays, you’ll be able to experience live music as well. The ambiance is relaxing and distinctly Indian.
Address: 739 Lambert Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Specialties: Chicken curries, salad bowls, Punjab khati, and thali
Time: Mon-Sat: 11:30 AM-10:00 PM; Sun: 12:00 Noon-9:00 PM
- Chai Pani Decatur
Chai Pani is a common language used in India to get a cup of tea or a snack. The name perfectly reflects the atmosphere of the restaurant. They are renowned for both Indian street food and full home-cooked meals. Some of the popular items include Aloo Tikki Challe, chilli chicken, pani puri, suki ka halwa, and mango lassi. Another favourite food is samosas in chickpea and tomato sauce. The restaurant also served hot and steaming chai, along with other classic Indian drinks and cocktails. To create an authentic ambiance, the Chai Pani uses real steel plates and cups.
Address: 406 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030
Specialties: Aloo Tikki Challe, chilli chicken, pani puri, suki ka halwa, mango lassi, and samosa.
Time: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM; 5:00–10:00 PM
- Blue India
This restaurant pays homage to India and England’s historical influence on each other. According to some Indian immigrants, it serves the best Indian delicacies in the midtown area of Atlanta and is excellent for first-time Indian food eaters. Try eating Bhindi chaat, the chicken tandoori grill, the Hyderabadi biryani, Malabar paratha, and masala fries, among other dishes. Their Peshawari naan is a best seller. If you’re confused about the variety of drinks, lean towards strawberry margaritas.
Address: 933 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Specialties: Bhindi chaat, chicken tandoori grill, Hyderabadi biryani, Malabar paratha, masala fries, Peshawari naan
Time: Mon-Sat: 11:30 AM-2:30 PM; 5:00-10:00 PM; Sun: 5:00-10:00 PM
- Botiwalla
This is a great one-stop shop if you’re missing your childhood in India. It is a counter-service restaurant with a colourful storefront in the Ponce City Market. The food available there blends flavours as well as the aroma of India. Some of the people’s favourite foods include paneer wrap, masala mashed potatoes, chicken tikka roll, tamarind-glazed spareribs, lamb kebab roll, and chicken tikka wrap. They offer burgers here, including the Bottiwala lamb burger, which is a modern twist to Indian food.
Address: Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE n134, Atlanta, GA 30308
Specialties: paneer wrap, masala mashed potatoes, chicken tikka roll, tamarind-glazed spare ribs, lamb kebab roll, and chicken tikka wrap
Time: 11:00 AM-9:30 PM
- Cafe Bombay
This fancy bistro located in the heart of Atlanta has beautiful chandeliers and drapes of fabric joined at the central ceiling lamp, blending elegance and cuisine together. The bistro also offers live belly dancing groups on Saturday nights. Besides, you can customise the spiciness of your food according to your taste. Some of the yummy foods include butter chicken, goat biryani, gulab jamun, Bombay mixed grill, garlic naan, or palak paneer. Kadhi pakoda and onion pakoras are also favourites of Indian immigrants.
Address: 2615 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
Specialties: Butter chicken, goat biryani, gulab jamun, Bombay mixed grill, garlic naan, or palak paneer.
Time: Mon-Thurs & Sat: 11:30 AM-9:45 PM; Fri: 11:30 AM-10:45 PM; Sun: 12:00 Noon-10:45 PM
- Masti: Indian Street Eats
Masti, which literally translates to fun in Hindi, pays homage to its name as the restaurant serves authentic Indian street food menus. It is one of the best for its variety and overall atmosphere. It is a typical Indian restaurant with colourful bottles and designer wallpapers. Their lovable foods are Chinese bhel, sheek kabob, chicken momos, kabab dogs, Samosa chaat, and masti wings. Besides, their drinks are pretty creative, including mango martinis, jalapeno mojitos, and masala coffee.
Address: 2945 N Druid Hills Rd. C, Atlanta, GA 30329
Specialties: Chinese bhel, sheek kabob, chicken momos, kabab dogs, Samosa chaat, and masti wings
Time: Mon-Thurs: 10:00 AM-0:00 PM; Fri: 10:00 AM-11:00 PM; Sat: 11:30 AM-11:00 PM; Sun: 11:30 AM-10:00 PM