The Best Indian Restaurants in Sydney You Need to Try ASAP

Sydney is a treasure trove of culinary experiences, whether you’re yearning for an authentic curry that warms your soul or a high-end dining affair. The best Indian restaurants in Sydney span fine dining and street food in equal measure, think Urban Tadka in Terrey Hills, bringing a Chef Hat pedigree to modern tandoori and grills, Flyover Fritterie in Redfern, turning share plates into an all-vegetarian street food feast, or The Colonial which pays homage to British Indian cuisine.

From the vibrant streets of Circular Quay to the chic neighbourhoods of Darlinghurst and Barangaroo, Sydney’s Indian restaurant scene is genuinely diverse. Delight in traditional spices and aromatic biryanis, explore inventive interpretations of classic Indian dishes, and discover restaurants that hold the promise of an unforgettable dining adventure. From Pinky Ji’s playful CBD reinvention to Malabar’s decades-old South Indian cooking in Darlinghurst and Crows Nest, this edit covers the city’s full range.

Best Indian Restaurants in Sydney for Fine Dining

Urban Tadka

This is fine dining Indian, but not as you know it. One of the only Indian restaurants to be awarded an Australian Good Food Guide’s Chef Hat ten years in a row, Urban Tadka is a hidden gem on Sydney’s Northern Beaches that puts a modern twist on authentic cuisine.

Presenting refined dishes from diverse regions and states, and reflecting on modern food trends, expect a range of quality Indian grills, tandoori, curries and tapas selections to satisfy your every craving.

Sitchu Tip:  Start your food journey with the theatrical experience of sipping on a Smoked Southside, paired with Taco Chaat. We also loved the Lamb Tujj Adraki Champein (slow-cooked, grass-fed spring lamb cutlets) – but save room for the dessert. Trust us, you don’t want to miss the Egg-Citing Showstopper. 

Suburb Terrey Hills
Price Guide $$
Cuisine Indian
Best For Date night, special occasion, cocktail lovers

Best Indian Street Food in Sydney

Flyover Fritterie 

Fun street food, layers of flavour and incredibly attentive service are all part and parcel of the Flyover Fritterie experience. The perfect place to gather, share plates reign supreme here with colourful twists on traditional favourites – and they’re all vego. Think tandoori paneer momo, dosa potato jaffles and pistachio soft serve. 

Sitchu Tip: Wrangle a group because the share menu is a feast of mass proportions and comes in at a bargain $65. The more friends you gather, the more dishes you’ll be able to try – and that’s where the fun lies. 

Suburb Redfern
Price Guide $$
Cuisine Indian, vegetarian
Best For Group dining, budget-friendly, weekend plans

Chatkazz Harris Park Restaurant

When it comes to Indian street food in Sydney, Chatkazz is a top choice. Their Mumbai Roadside Special menu is a passport to India’s streets, featuring pani puri, pav bhaji, and paneer tava pulav. Save room for sweets, they’ve got India’s best roadside sweets and Western options, too.

Suburb Harris Park
Price Guide $$
Cuisine Indian
Best For Quick bite, budget-friendly, locals

Best North Indian Restaurants in Sydney

Spiced by Billu’s

Looking for a delicious Indian feast in the heart of Sydney? Spiced by Billu’s is it.. Situated in picturesque Barangaroo, this place takes North Indian cuisine to new heights (without breaking the bank!). 

Spiced by Billu’s boasts a menu that caters to every craving. Menu highlights including classic onion bhajis to contemporary options like salt-and-spiced calamari mean there’s something for everyone.

To elevate your dining experience, the cocktail and wine selection perfectly complements the flavours of your meal. The Signature G&G cocktail is a zesty match for spicy dishes.

Suburb Barangaroo
Price Guide $$
Cuisine Indian
Best For Budget-friendly, cocktail lovers, wine lovers

The Colonial

The Colonial pays homage to a period that gave rise to British-Indian gastronomy. Not your average Anglo-Indian curry house, The Colonial’s menu is a rustic and robust fusion of Eastern spices and Western cuisine.

Using clay tandoors to ensure succulent and tender meat, you’ll be vying over every last skerrick of that lamb Madras or butter chicken on your plate.

Suburb Balmain, Darlinghurst & Neutral Bay
Price Guide $$
Cuisine Indian
Best For Locals, long lunch, weekend plans

Manjits

Another star player, Manjit’s has a touch of history in its offering as Australia’s first Indian restaurant. Since 1984, it has grown to include three locations, and it continues to showcase some of the best Indian dishes in Sydney.

From fresh onion bhaji to warming kadai beef curry, traditional flavours are at the heart of the menu. The eatery is renowned for its delicious Indian desserts, so be sure to leave enough room after your mains.

Suburb Sydney CBD
Price Guide $$
Cuisine Indian
Best For Families, locals, special occasion

Best South Indian Restaurants in Sydney

Malabar Cuisine

Specialising in Southern Indian flavours, Malabar is a local favourite in Darlinghurst and Crows Nest – and for good reason.

The intricately decorated restaurants have been around for more than two decades, with a menu boasting rich, authentic flavours – we highly recommend ordering the Goan Fish Curry.

Suburb Darlinghurst & Crows Nest
Price Guide $$
Cuisine Indian
Best For Locals, long lunch, special occasion

Best Indian Restaurants in Sydney for a Modern Twist

Pinky Ji

Pinky Ji is a lively Indian restaurant located in the heart of Sydney CBD. The restaurant serves an extensive range of ‘unauthentic’ Indian dishes – think lamb chops with horseradish and charred zucchini – all made with the freshest ingredients and the utmost care. 

Suburb Sydney CBD
Price Guide $$
Cuisine Indian
Best For Group dining, locals, weekend plans

Don’t Tell Aunty

In Surry Hills, Don’t Tell Aunty is bringing its brand of ‘unauthentic Indian fare’. The sister venue to the aforementioned Pinky Ji, this eatery also boasts a fun and cheeky atmosphere, whilst putting a twist on tradition by using ingredients that aren’t typically found in Indian cooking.

The beverage program complements the kitchen’s efforts with a strong wine menu and a playful gin and mezcal-centric cocktail list.

Suburb Surry Hills
Price Guide $$
Cuisine Indian
Best For Cocktail lovers, wine lovers, group dining

Best Indian Restaurants in Sydney for Groups and Feasts

Maya Da Dhaba

When it comes to some of the best Indian in Sydney, there’s no skipping Cleveland Street, and Maya Da Dhaba is the first important pitstop.

The award-winning restaurant offers a fusion of traditional flavours and innovative dishes with their signature meals including the goat masala and goan fish curry.

The good news? You can skip hosting the next barbeque and opt for their outdoor catering instead.

Suburb Surry Hills
Price Guide $$
Cuisine Indian
Best For Group dining, special occasion, locals

Abhi’s Indian

There’s a reason why Abhi’s has been a favourite among the locals for decades. From Tandoori flavours from the north to seafood dishes from Goa to classic dishes from Chennai, the head chef brings them together to create a dining experience that draws people from all over Sydney.

Trouble deciding where to start? Opt for the banquet to try a little bit of everything.

Suburb North Strathfield
Price Guide $$
Cuisine Indian
Best For Group dining, families, locals

Frequently Asked Questions about Sydney’s Best Indian Restaurants

What is the best Indian restaurant in Sydney for fine dining?

Urban Tadka in Terrey Hills is Sydney’s standout for a refined Indian dining experience, having held an Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat for ten consecutive years. The menu draws on diverse regional Indian cuisines and includes tandoori, grills, curries and tapas-style share plates. It’s a strong pick for a special occasion meal on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with a wine and cocktail list built to match the spice of the kitchen.

Where can I find good vegetarian Indian food in Sydney?

Flyover Fritterie in Redfern is entirely vegetarian and built around share-style street food, including tandoori paneer momo and dosa potato jaffles. The share menu is designed for groups, making it a strong option for a casual catch-up rather than a formal sit-down meal.

What are the best budget-friendly Indian restaurants in Sydney?

Spiced by Billu’s in Barangaroo offers North Indian cuisine at accessible prices without compromising on flavour, spanning classic onion bhajis through to more contemporary dishes. Chatkazz in Harris Park is another solid budget pick, focused on Mumbai-style street food including pani puri and pav bhaji.

Which Sydney suburb has the most Indian restaurants?

Sydney’s Indian dining scene is spread across several pockets rather than one dominant strip, with standout venues in Darlinghurst, Crows Nest, Surry Hills, Barangaroo and the Sydney CBD. Malabar Cuisine has locations in both Darlinghurst and Crows Nest, while Surry Hills is home to Don’t Tell Aunty and Maya Da Dhaba.

What is the difference between traditional and modern Indian restaurants in Sydney?

Traditional Indian restaurants in Sydney, such as Manjit’s and Abhi’s Indian, focus on classic regional dishes and long-standing menus that stay close to their cultural roots. Modern or reinterpreted Indian dining, seen at venues like Pinky Ji and Don’t Tell Aunty, takes a looser approach, using non-traditional ingredients and playful presentation while keeping Indian flavours at the core.

Loved our list of the best Indian restaurants in Sydney and looking for more delicious Asian cuisine in the city? Be sure to check out our restaurant guides of the best Japanese, Chinese and Thai eateries.