From authentic South Indian restaurants boasting rich and flavourful regional dishes to an ‘Unauthentic Butter Chicken’ that defies tradition, this is our guide to the best Indian restaurants in Sydney.
Away from the westernised version of Indian food, a world of new flavours is waiting to be explored. Taking inspiration from across India’s rural regions and neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan, Sydney is home to some of the best Indian restaurants in NSW. Featuring many traditionally vegan and vegetarian options, choosing from one of Sydney’s best Indian restaurants is our go-to when looking for a dining experience that’s guaranteed to please palates.
Urban Tadka, Terrey Hills
Authentic dishes with reimagined presentation
Urban Tadka in Terrey Hills is a well-kept secret that offers a unique and unforgettable Indian dining experience. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this resort-style Indian restaurant boasts an elegant and classy interior, setting the stage for a memorable meal.
It specialises in North Indian, tandoori, and Mughlai cuisine, staying true to classic and authentic Indian recipes while incorporating contemporary food trends. The menu is a feast for the senses, with beautifully presented dishes bursting with rich and enticing flavours, accompanied by an element of theatre, such as smoking cocktails and sizzling platters.
Don’t Tell Aunty, Surry Hills
A regional Indian restaurant that doesn’t play by the rule book.
With a menu spanning across all the regions of India (with Australian and American influences thrown in for good measure) expect everything from epic banquet menus to the restaurant’s iconic butter chicken.
While the menu showcases authentic and traditional Indian dishes, the ethos of the venue is anything but. Pushing back on Indian cultural tradition, owner and head chef Jessi Singh defies expectations with whiskey in the chai, men in the kitchen and women at the helm. The result is a good time place serving up elevated Indian dishes covering everything from North Indian street food to authentic flavourful pot curries.
For a less authentic feed, don’t look past Don’t Tell Aunty’s ‘Unauthentic Butter Chicken’ made without butter, ghee or oil but managing to cram in plenty of lush, rich, thick flavour.
Chatkazz, Multiple Sydney Locations
100% Vegetarian casual Indian street food
Boasting over 200 dishes from regions across India, Chatkazz is Sydney’s best vegetarian Indian restaurant when it comes to family-friendly, crowd-pleasing dishes.
Expect fragrant dishes packed with flavour, many of which can rarely be found outside of India, including; the Vada Pav – spicy fried potato balls served in a soft buttered bread roll with chutney; a selection of Bombay Chinese dishes – an adaption of Chinese food that has become hugely popular in India including Paneer Manchurian – a dish of deep fried cottage cheese balls served with a rich Indo-Chinese gravy.
The venues themselves offer an ambience of casual chaos, somewhere between hawker-style seating and a family-friendly diner. The vast menu is also available for takeaway for those that prefer their Indian street food flavours without the bustle.
The Spice Room, Circular Quay
Authentic Peshwari-inspired Indian cuisine
Located on Sydney Harbour, The Spice Room serves up Authentic Indian cuisine specialising in Peshawari-style cooking. Peshawar, now in Pakistan, has a rich historical background which is reflected through an abundance of flavour in the vast food menu.
House specialities include; a Railway Canteen Goat Curry featuring tender goat meat slowly simmered in a rich sauce of Tomato, Ginger Garlic, yoghurt and coriander; and a House Black Daal of slow-cooked lentils simmered over 24 hours, in a rich, creamy and deeply flavoured gravy.
Due to its prime location, The Spice Room tends to get pretty booked up with diners seeking a pre-show feed. Be sure to secure a booking if you’ve got somewhere to be!
Foreign Return, Surry Hills
Indian-inspired dishes, reimagined with a modern twist.
Meet Foreign Return, another Indian bar and restaurant hell-bent on breaking all the rules. Founded by Javed Khan (from Newtown’s favourite Delhi ‘O’ Delhi), Gaurang Gahoi, and Kunal Patel, the vision was to create an offering that didn’t conform to traditional expectations.
The venue boldly refuses to typecast Indian food, instead choosing to recreate traditional dishes with a modern twist.
On the menu, expect dishes such as ‘Laal Maas’ (a slowly braised venison curry from Rajasthan), and a locally sourced, Pumpkin Wattleseed Naan with burrata.
Challenge your preconceived notions of traditional Indian cuisine on Surry Hills’ iconic Crown Street, 7 days a week.
Masala Theory, Surry Hills
Innovative neo-Indian restaurant on Sydney’s Crown Street
A huge, colourful mural lines the entrance to Masala Theory, setting the tone for the “Neo-Indian” theme that carries throughout the venue and menu.
There are definitely some authentic items found on the menu, but you’ll find more modern takes on regional dishes from all over India. Best-sellers include the Chicken Curry Bombs – similar to the traditional street food Pani Puri, which is a fried puffed-up ball, usually filled with masala veggies and chutney. The Masala Theory take is just as delicious, filled with chicken or veggies, and topped with butter chicken sauce. Definitely tailored to an Aussie-style Indian restaurant.
The dishes are as pleasing to the eye as they are the palette, boasting the same colourful beauty witnessed at the entryway.
Find Masala Theory at 545 Crown Street Surry Hills, open for lunch Saturday and Sunday and dinner 7 days a week. To find out more or book your spot, click here.
Abhi’s, North Strathfield
Award-winning Indian restaurant celebrating 35 years of regional mastery
ABHI’s Indian Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Sydney’s dining scene for over 35 years. Founded by acclaimed Chef Kumar Mahadevan, it offers a refined take on Indian cuisine—honouring classical recipes while adding a modern twist. The restaurant is known for its elegant presentation, warm service, and a menu that balances nostalgia with innovation.
What truly sets ABHI’s apart is its commitment to regional authenticity. The menu showcases flavours from across India: smoky tandoori dishes from the north, seafood specialties from Goa, and bold, aromatic curries inspired by Chef Kumar’s native Chennai.
ABHI’s has earned critical acclaim, including a Chef’s Hat from the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide in 2025, recognising its unique blend of comfort and creativity. With seasonal tasting menus, intimate ambience, and decades of consistency, ABHI’s continues to offer one of the city’s most memorable Indian dining experiences.
Find ABHI’s at 163 Concord Road, North Strathfield, open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday and lunch on weekends. To find out more or book your spot, click here.
Madam Ji, Darlinghurst
Playful, modern Indian dining with cocktails, colour, and a whole lot of spice
In the heart of Darlinghurst, Madam Ji delivers a bold new take on Indian dining. This colourful hotspot isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a vibe. With neon-lit interiors, an upbeat playlist and dishes that balance spice and style, it’s where tradition meets a party-ready twist.
The menu offers familiar Indian flavours reimagined for a Sydney crowd. Think street food snacks with flair, vibrant curries made with market fresh produce and one of the city’s most creative selections of Indian inspired cocktails. It’s the kind of place where you start with pani puri and end with a round of saffron margaritas.
Whether you’re tucking into a lazy weekend Bottomless Brunch or dropping by for Happy Hour cocktails and snacks, Madam Ji brings serious fun to the table. Their catering menu also makes them a go-to for events, from corporate functions to curry filled celebrations.
Find Madam Ji at 13 Burton St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010. Open for dinner seven days a week and Bottomless Brunch on weekends. For bookings or event enquiries, click here.
The Grand Palace, Sydney CBD
Elegant Indian dining inspired by the royal courts of India
Located in the heart of the city, The Grand Palace lives up to its name with opulent interiors, polished service and a menu that brings the rich culinary heritage of India to life. Stepping inside feels like entering a royal durbar, complete with ornate detailing, plush seating and warm hospitality.
The menu showcases timeless Indian classics made fresh daily—from fragrant biryanis and creamy kormas to bold curries layered with spice. Everything is crafted in-house by chefs who take pride in both flavour and tradition. The result is food that feels both luxurious and deeply comforting.
With HACCP certification and a Gold Catering License, The Grand Palace is trusted by some of Sydney’s most prestigious venues. Whether you’re dining in for a special occasion or planning a large-scale event, this is Indian cuisine at its most refined.
Find The Grand Palace at 261 George Street, Sydney. Open for lunch and dinner, with online ordering, private events and gift vouchers available. To book your table, click here.
Pinky Ji, Sydney CBD
Bold, cheeky and unapologetically ‘unauthentic’ Indian dining in the heart of the city
Step into Pinky Ji and leave all expectations at the door. Chef Jessi Singh’s vibrant CBD venue flips the script on traditional Indian dining with a menu that’s playful, unexpected and bursting with attitude. This is Indian food with an Aussie twist—loud, proud and full of flavour.
The interiors are just as bold as the menu. Neon lights, pink hues and buzzing energy set the scene for an unforgettable night out. Saturdays turn it up a notch, with two dazzling dancers bringing colour and movement to the dining room. It’s dinner and a show, wrapped into one wild, wonderful experience.
The menu spans punchy street snacks, fiery curries and cheeky cocktails that pull no punches. Whether you’re in for a midweek feast or a full-blown party with friends, Pinky Ji promises serious fun, big flavours and good times all round.
Find Pinky Ji next to the Barbershop at 89 York Street Sydney. Open for lunch Monday to Saturday and dinner Monday to Saturday, click here for more.
Spiced by Billus, Barangaroo
Modern North Indian cuisine with waterfront views and a homely heart
Tucked along the buzzing Barangaroo waterfront, Spiced by Billus brings classic North Indian flavours to one of Sydney’s most scenic dining precincts. It’s the kind of spot where traditional recipes meet contemporary elegance—with homestyle dishes, warm hospitality and unbeatable views all on the menu.
Whether you’re after a power-packed Corporate Thali at lunch or looking to kick back with a cocktail during daily Happy Hour, Spiced caters to every occasion. Their signature thali is served fresh between 1pm and 3pm on weekdays—hearty, homely and hassle-free. Come afternoon, Happy Hour runs daily with mocktails, house wines, cocktails and beers paired with irresistible Indian nibbles.
The menu is rich with flavour, showcasing everything from slow-cooked curries and fragrant rice dishes to sizzling street snacks and banquets built for sharing. With modern interiors, friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a go-to for both corporate catch-ups and romantic dinners.
Find Spiced by Billus at Barangaroo Avenue, just metres from Wharf 2. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with easy ferry and parking access. To book your table or view the menu, click here.
Manjit’s, Corrimal & Darling Harbour
A local favourite serving authentic Indian cuisine since 1999
Serving the Illawarra since 1999, Manjit’s Indian Restaurant in Corrimal is a local gem known for its traditional Indian flavours, warm service, and vibrant menu featuring curries, tandoori favourites and vegetarian classics. Family-owned and proudly rooted in the community, it’s a go-to for dine-in, takeaway and catering.
But if you’re after a more elevated experience, head to Manjit’s at the Wharf, their stunning Darling Harbour venue. Here, you’ll find the same beloved recipes with a contemporary twist, paired with sweeping waterfront views and a premium dining atmosphere. It’s ideal for special occasions, romantic dinners, or long lunches with a view.
Whether you’re in Corrimal or by the harbour, Manjit’s delivers bold flavour, genuine hospitality and a true taste of India.
Corrimal: 241–243 Princes Highway, Corrimal
Darling Harbour: Manjit’s at the Wharf, King Street Wharf 3, Lime Street, Sydney. Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, click here for more.
If you love Indian cuisine, you should try this Sri Lankan restaurant…
Lankan Filling Station, Darlinghurst
Traditional Sri Lankan restaurant with a focus on hoppers
Replacing the need for cutlery, plates and bread, hoppers are a bowl-shaped savoury pancake made from a fermented batter of rice flour and coconut milk with crispy, latticed edges and a soft doughy crumpet-like centre.
Torn, folded, rolled, stuffed or dipped hoppers are undoubtedly the must-try vessel to shovel in the flavourful array of curries and sambols at Lankan Filling Station. Sop up prawns in a fiery chile, paprika, cardamom, turmeric, cumin and fennel curry sauce, or for those that can’t handle the heat, a gentle white cashew nut curry with cumin is just as flavourful.
The narrow, corridor-like space quickly gets filled with diners desperate for a taste of that famed Sri Lankan flavour, so be sure to head in early to avoid a long wait.
On the last Sunday of every month, Lankan Filling Station hosts a Crab Curry feast, serving up Sri Lanka’s most famous dish as a banquet meal. Seats are highly sought after so be sure to secure a spot in advance to avoid disappointment.
Delhi ‘O’ Delhi, Newtown
Authentic North Indian cuisine with a focus on flavourful dishes
Tucked in the vibrant heart of Newtown, Delhi ‘O’ Delhi stands as a testament to the enduring vision of founder Javed Khan, who brought authentic Indian hospitality to Sydney’s dining scene 18 years ago.
Known for its rich, flavourful North Indian-inspired menu, Delhi ‘O’ Delhi offers signature dishes like Masala Goat, Achamma’s Camel Curry, and Butter Chicken with Pepe Saya butter each one a celebration of Javed’s roots and culinary expertise. The minimalist yet inviting space, with its thoughtful design, sets the stage for a memorable dining experience where the food truly takes center stage.
Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, Delhi ‘O’ Delhi promises an unforgettable meal that goes beyond just food, offering a personal touch from a hospitality veteran committed to excellence.
Where: 3 Erskineville Road, Newtown NSW 2042
Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 5:30pm – 10:30pm and Friday – Saturday: 5:30pm – 11:00pm
