Indian Cuisine in Atlanta (2025)

A festive Decatur staple for Indian street food and a lively lunch buffet, led by a James Beard Award–winning team. Michelin Guide–recommended and frequently cited by local critics for okra fries, chaats, and vibrant community energy.

Madras Mantra - Review - Decatur - Atlanta - The Infatuation

While they offer a la carte for dinner, their AYCE lunch experience has our hearts—and our budget's approval. At $14 per person, Madras Mantra’s entirely vegetarian Indian buffet is like a playground for non-meat eaters who want to fill up on more flavorful things than just a boring salad bar. Here, you'll be joined by Decatur’s lunch break buddies, neighborhood regulars, and seniors having meet-ups over crunchy mushroom manchurian. The restaurant is roomy. And the buffet, which does South Indian food very well (the savory beet poriyal and thick eggplant potato curry in particular), moves quickly. So this place works for on-the-clock lunches just as well as it does for days when you want to tuck yourself in a corner with a bowl of hearty tadka dal and tune out the world. Food Rundown Mushroom Manchurian This is maybe the best thing at the buffet. Crispy batter-fried mushrooms are tossed in a thick, tangy, and spicy glazewhile the mushrooms stay perfectly crunchy. Beet Poriyal This dish is delicious, and balances earthy-sweet cubed beets with a mild kick from the spices. Eggplant Potato Curry Thick and hearty, this is a great dish for when Atlanta weather turns rainy and gloomy. The potatoes act as a natural thickening agent, making this spicy dish more velvety. Tadka Dal Tender lentils swim in a flavorful, soup-like broth infused with spices (we’re guessing some heavy cumin), and chilies add a nice layer of heat. Medhu Vadai The crispy, golden lentil fritters are soft inside, nicely spiced with hints of cumin. They’re the ideal dunking companion for tangy chutney or hearty sambar. - Jacinta Howard

Inside Patel Plaza, this vegetarian stalwart fuels the city’s chaat cravings—pani puri, bhel, raj kachori—and fresh mithai. Featured by Eater Atlanta as a go-to for street snacks; expect lines at lunch and real-deal flavors.

Jai Ho Indian Kitchen - Review - Inman Park - Atlanta - The Infatuation

This Indian stall at Krog Street Market Place is perfect when you want to eat great food without the whole white tablecloth drama or prices that necessitate a career change. Most of the dishes have significant heat, but not so intensely that it overpowers the tang of ground spices or the subtle sweetness of roasted tomatoes. On a menu full of hits, our favorite dish is the chana masala with plenty of ginger kick. But if you're looking for meat in your meal, order some chicken tikka masala with creamy sauce that comes with rice, butter naan, and a samosa for $15. The only seating option is in the food court, but you can always get something to go. (Jai Ho's wraps and burritos work best for this, especially the juicy shrimp naan loaded with onions, peppers, cucumber, and garlic.) With its expansive menu, generous portions for the price, and standard-setting menu staples, Jai Ho has earned its place as a top Indian spot in Atlanta. Food Rundown Shrimp Naan Wrap With Chips This is a perfect wrap for lunch, and it is one of the best things on the menu. It comes loaded—onions, peppers, lettuce, cucumber, tomato, garlic sauce and chutneys squeeze between soft naan bread with juicy shrimp. The house-made potato chips come on the side of every wrap and burrito, and impressively maintain their crunch even after days in the fridge. photo credit: Amy Sinclair Samosa The samosa's crispy shell breaks easily, letting out a warm, spice-scented puff of air. It's a nice prelude to set expectations for this tasty potato and pea-filled pocket. Chana Masala Get this vegan, gluten-free Indian staple. It's the perfect rainy day dish, which is half the week in Atlanta. The tangy chickpea tomato-based curry has a decent amount of heat, and its warmth builds gradually with each bite. photo credit: Amy Sinclair Chicken Tikka Masala The most notable thing about this tikka masala is the velvety sauce—smooth like a Frankie Beverly riff. It’s not too sweet, and leans more into smoky garlicky, ginger notes. photo credit: Amy Sinclair Naan Lots of fresh garlic gives this soft naan a nice kick. Lentil Soup This soup is on the thinner side but it works. The light, brothy consistency allows the lentils' savory flavors to come through clearly. Biryani The vegetable biryani stands its ground against the heat, and cumin, cardamom, and saffron shine without doing too much. - Jacinta Howard

Desi Spice Indian Cuisine - Review - Midtown - Atlanta - The Infatuation

Grabbing a seat at one of Desi Spice’s gleaming, gold-accented chairs will be far easier than the wrestling match you’ll have over for a parking spot in this Midtown lot. Once inside, you’ll watch delivery drivers float in and out (since most use this Indian restaurant  for takeout). But whether you’re dining in or carrying out, you’re here because this place serves some of the most flavorful Indian dishes you’ll find inside the Perimeter. Order the creamy chicken tikka masala or the chana masala with tender chickpeas simmered in a rich, tomato-based gravy customized to your spice preference. And as you tear into your warm naan bread, you'll know your parking lot tussle was worth it. Food Rundown Shrimp Curry Juicy shrimp with their briny sweetness cut through the velvety spices of a golden curry sauce. Chana Masala Tender chickpeas float in a rich tomato gravy. This is a solid, middle-of-the road chana. Order this with medium-to-high heat if you like spice. Chicken Tikka Masala This dish is creamy with tender chicken. It comes with a pinch of sweet, no matter which heat level you choose. Garlic Naan The bread is pillowy yet sturdy enough for scooping. - Jacinta Howard

A long-running metro classic that reopened in Chamblee with a loyal following for vindaloo, biryani, and a balanced spice range. Covered by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and appreciated for consistency and value.

Beloved for Gujarati-style thali—simple, homestyle dishes that change daily. Celebrated by Eater Atlanta and veteran critics; an essential metro experience for vegetarians and thali-curious diners alike.

A long-standing, independently owned favorite now in Old Fourth Ward, known for dependable North Indian comforts, breads, and late-hours energy. Noted by local outlets and embraced by in-the-know neighborhood regulars.

Swapna - Review - Cumberland - Atlanta - The Infatuation

At night, the scene at this Indian restaurant in Cumberland stays relatively quiet, aside from the Bollywood music videos on the TV and a few families sharing thalis of creamy paneer butter masala, tasty dal, and gulab jamun. But when Swapna opens its lunch buffet, the place really comes alive. Forks clank and folks shuffle out of booths to go for their umpteenth helping of tandoori chicken. Come then. The rotating buffet is the best way to try Swapna's various North and South Indian dishes and Indo-Chinese staples. Yes, we’re looking at you, crispy mushroom manchurian, creamy sambar, and those flaming red, expertly spiced tandoori chicken thighs. Food Rundown Cut Mirchi This fried starter isn't always on the buffet line. But you can order the dish a la carte. The hot peppers are coated in a thick, spiced chickpea batter that feels dense enough to cut into your hunger but light enough not to spoil your dinner. Just remember the side of sweet chutney sauce if you need to cool your tongue. Mushroom Manchuria Swapna usually has a manchurian option on the buffet line, and this is our favorite one. Pieces of meaty mushroom are battered in thick corn flour then sautéed with chunks of onions, peppers, and a sweet chili sauce. Dal Tadka Sometimes this lentil staple is on the buffet line. And sometimes it’s offered as a side on the Thali-style dinners. We understand if you want the entree version, though. That way you can fully devour this creamy, spice-rich dal in a giant portion. Boneless Lamb Biryani No need to send a search party—this biryani is packed with huge chunks of seasoned lamb. You can usually expect it on the buffet if you’re here for lunch. Tandoori Chicken It’s hard to miss these well-seasoned bright red beauties on the buffet. They usually accrue their own line of folks waiting for the kitchen to drop a fresh-from-the-tandoor batch. Follow suit, and get some too. photo credit: Amy Sinclair photo credit: Amy Sinclair video credit: The Infatuation photo credit: Amy Sinclair Pause Unmute - Nina Reeder

Tandoori Pizza & Wing Co. - Review - Midtown - Atlanta - The Infatuation

We love pizza. And we love Indian food. So we’re fans of this fast-casual spot in Midtown that has a tasty butter chicken pizza and a menu stuffed with other Indian fusions we never knew we needed. If you’re stumped at the order counter, skip the samosa and get a pie, along with the plump lemon pepper tandoori wings or their Kerala Fried Chicken Sandwich (crispy tandoori chicken doused in a garlic chili chutney with a hint of mint). Wash it all down with a sweet mango lassi or a fizzy, sweet Thums Up. A few tables and a hodge-podge of brightly colored artwork makes sitting inside tolerable. But since Tandoori Pizza & Wing Co. is inside the always hectic Colony Square, we prefer to grab and go. Food Rundown Butter Chicken Pizza Though a little doughy, the pizza crust does its job of holding up the butter chicken, shredded mozzarella, and drizzles of garlic chili chutney as it makes its way from the box to your mouth. It’s one of the better pies here, so you should get it. Kerala Fried Chicken Sandwich Regulars call this the KFC sandwich—and it’s a lot better than the fast food chain. There’s a thick piece of chicken with a myriad of flavors from the spicy garlic chili chutney to the hint of mint. Lemon Pepper Tandoori Wings These wings are smoky and a little spicy, finished off with Atlanta’s favorite seasoning: lemon pepper. Sure there are better wings elsewhere in the city, but this combo is pretty fun and tasty enough in a pinch. Vegetarian Samosa This is a run-of-the-mill samosa with a standard potato and pea filling. It's dry and could use more seasoning, but it'll do if you're craving one. - Juli Horsford

Zyka The Taste Indian Restaurant - Review - Decatur - Atlanta - The Infatuation

Zyka, an Indian spot in Decatur, sits in the bones of an old church, and the fellowship hall vibes make sense here. In their massive dining room, you’ll often find extended families or whole little league teams gathering around mounds of biryani and curries too good to hoard to yourself. Add in standouts like the humongous spicy-potato-filled samosas and the fiery red chicken 65, and you’ll want to keep this counter-service operation as your first option the next time you’re rolling nine deep and looking to walk in somewhere that can fit the whole crew. Just prepare to wait at least 20 minutes for your rich, hearty, and comforting Indian dishes to arrive at your table. photo credit: Sarah Newman photo credit: Sarah Newman photo credit: Sarah Newman Pause Unmute Food Rundown Samosas These housemade samosas are bursting with so much spicy potatoes and vegetables that the dough looks stressed. They are about the size of a softball, come in an order of two with tamarind chutney and yogurt sauce, and set the city standard for what a great samosa should be. photo credit: Sarah Newman Dal Hyderabadi This is a decent dal. It’s satisfying and a tad spicy, but not very memorable. photo credit: Sarah Newman Chicken 65 The Chicken 65 is listed as a house signature, and we get why. It’s very good. The fried chicken pieces are coated in a red chili spice mix, which is more savory than hot. You may even contemplate returning to the counter for another (as many diners do), so save yourself another lengthy wait and place your take-home order along with your dine-in order. photo credit: Sarah Newman Kadhai Chicken The stewed dish is a little greasy, but it’s packed with flavor, including garlic, cumin, and tomatoes. Just get an extra order of naan to scoop up the sauce, and enjoy the messiness of it all. - Nina Reeder

Niramish - Review - Little Five Points - Atlanta - The Infatuation

The interior of Niramish off Euclid Ave in Little Five is sparse, with just a few booths and tables. We like to make up elaborate Liam Neeson-movie backstories for the rare one to two loners who actually eat inside since this is mostly a takeout joint. The menu is massive so pretty much any Indian dish is on the table including curry, biriyanis, and three types of naan (the garlic is our fave). And every dish can be made with your choice of protein from lamb to tofu. The options are endless, but just know one bite of their creamy butter chicken will solidify their place on your regular takeout food roster. - Juli Horsford