Best Indian Restaurants San Diego: Must Try for Once in 2023

San Diego, California, is known for its great variety of delicious cuisines worldwide.

Indian food lovers have much to look forward to in this city, as many excellent restaurants offer authentic and tasty Indian food. 

Recently, we covered the best breakfast burritos and halal food options; now it’s time to look at the best Indian food options to fulfill your masala cravings!

Best-Indian-Restaurants-San-Diego

If you are looking for a delicious curry, fragrant biryani, or sizzling tandoori chicken. There is something for everyone.

Here is a list of some of the best Indian restaurants in San Diego.

1. Himalayan yak & yeti   

Himalayan Yak & Yeti Restaurants are some of the best Indian restaurants in San Diego. Located in North Park, they offer authentic Himalayan and Nepalese cuisine with various vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Himalayan-yak-yeti

The decor is inviting and cozy, making it the perfect spot for a casual dinner with friends and family.

The menu is extensive, with several dishes featuring local ingredients like chicken tikka masala, butter paneer, vegetable biryani, and the popular lamb korma dish.

They also offer a range of traditional Nepalese dishes like momo dumplings, aloo gobi curry, and chana masala. 

The restaurant also offers a variety of appetizers and side dishes like naan bread, raita, and chutneys.

Himalayan Yak and Yeti Restaurants are dedicated to serving their customers the best possible experience with their friendly staff and flavorful cuisine.

With so many options for a delicious meal, it’s no wonder why it is one of the best Indian restaurants in San Diego.

2. Curryosity

Curryosity is one of the best Indian restaurants in San Diego, offering an array of authentic Indian dishes.

Curryosity

Located near downtown San Diego. Curryosity provides a unique dining experience with its flavorful Indian cuisine and friendly service.

The restaurant’s menu consists of traditional Indian favorites like Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Rogan Josh, various curries, and some unique dishes like Butter Chicken Pizza and Indian Poutine.

The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian options, such as vegetable samosas, chana masala, and aloo gobi. 

For those with a sweet tooth, there is gulab jamun, kheer rice pudding, mango lassi, and several other Indian desserts. All dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked to order.

The restaurant also has a full bar with various beers, wines, and cocktails. With its vibrant atmosphere, Curryosity is the perfect spot for Indian food lovers in San Diego to enjoy a delicious meal. 

3. Taste of the Himalayas

Taste of the Himalayas is a unique Indian restaurant in San Diego, California. Offering genuine flavors from the Himalayan region. This restaurant serves traditional dishes and modern twists on classic recipes.

Taste-of-the-Himalayas

With an inviting and comfortable atmosphere, Taste of the Himalayas will make your next dining experience memorable and enjoyable.

On the menu, you will find all the Indian staples, such as samosas, butter chicken, and naan bread.

There are also some unique dishes, such as Himalayan-style curries and momo dumplings. All their ingredients are freshly sourced from India to ensure that each dish is flavorful.

If you’re looking for a more casual experience, Taste of Himalayas offers takeout and delivery. You can enjoy their delicious dishes in the comfort of your own home or office.

4. Royal India

Royal India Restaurant is an excellent choice for Indian cuisine in San Diego. Located in the city’s heart,  Royal Indian Restaurant offers a wide selection of Indian favorites, including curries, tandoori dishes, biryani, naan, and more.

Royal-India

Vegetarian options are always available as well. Royal India has something for everyone. 

The restaurant offers both dine-in and take-out options, ensuring customers can enjoy their Indian dishes even when short on time.

The atmosphere is also pleasant and inviting, with amazing Indian music playing in the background. The staff at Royal India Restaurant is friendly and knowledgeable, ensuring a great experience each time you visit. 

5. Madras Cafe

Madras Cafe is one of the best places to experience Indian cuisine in San Diego. It serves various delicious dishes, from classic curries to flavorful biryani.

Madras-Cafe

The restaurant offers various vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, as well as some unique regional specialties from South India. 

The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring every visit is a pleasure. Plus, the prices are very reasonable, making Madras Cafe one of the best choices for an affordable and delicious Indian meal in San Diego.

6. Punjabi tandoor

If you are looking for the best Indian food in San Diego, look no further than Punjabi Tandoor restaurants.

Punjabi-tandoo

These restaurants serve up some of the best dishes from North India, featuring a variety of traditional tandoori recipes. 

The menu includes a range of classic dishes such as tandoori chicken, lamb biryani, and naan bread.

The atmosphere is inviting and casual, with warm hospitality from the staff. If you are looking for a delicious Indian meal in San Diego, Punjabi Tandoor restaurants are perfect!

The best thing about Punjabi Tandoor restaurants is that they use authentic tandoor ovens for cooking their food.

This means that their dishes are cooked in the traditional clay oven, giving them a unique flavor and texture. 

The tandoori chicken is one of their signature dishes, marinated overnight in spices and yogurt and then cooked in the tandoor until it is tender and juicy.

The lamb biryani is also famous, with fragrant basmati rice cooked in the tandoor and served with succulent pieces of lamb.

7. Spice Lounge

Spice Lounge is the best Indian food restaurant in San Diego. Located in Mission Valley, this exclusive eatery has various delicious dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.

Spice-Lounge

From classic favorites like Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken to more adventurous options like Goan Fish Curry and Kashmiri Rogan Josh, Spice Lounge has something for everyone. 

The best Indian food in San Diego also has a selection of traditional desserts like Gulab Jamun and Kheer and many different drinks, including mango lassi and chaas.

8. Tandoori hut

Tandoori Hut is a household name in San Diego for the best Indian cuisine. Established in 2017, it has become an iconic restaurant for its delicious and diverse range of dishes from all across India.

Tandoori-hut

Whether looking for traditional recipes from the north or south regions, Tandoori Hut has something to offer everyone.

The restaurant is best known for its tandoori dishes and grilled items. The traditional clay oven is the hub for many delicious recipes like Punjabi Seekh Kebab, Tandoori Chicken, Paneer Tikka, Aloo Gobi, and more.

All these dishes are cooked with a unique blend of spices and herbs that give them their unique flavor.

Apart from tandoori dishes, the menu at Tandoori Hut also offers a wide selection of curries and biryanis.

You can choose from vegetarian or non-vegetarian options like Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani, Lamb Biryani, and more.

9. Shere Punjab

Shere Punjab is one of the best Indian restaurants in San Diego, known for its delicious foods.

They offer a wide selection of traditional dishes and desserts, all made with fresh ingredients and unique spices.

Their menu includes classic favorites like tandoori chicken, butter chicken, palak paneer, and vegetarian specialties like dal makhani and aloo gobi.

They also offer a selection of appetizers, breads, and desserts that are sure to please any palate.

With an inviting atmosphere and friendly staff, Shere Punjab is the perfect place to enjoy a meal with family or friends.

10. Hyderabadi House

Hyderabadi House is a top-rated Indian restaurant in San Diego that provides delicious and best Indian food.

Hyderabadi-House

This restaurant, located in various locations around the city, offers multiple dishes to satisfy all your Indian cravings.

From classic curries and tandoori to Hyderabadi biryanis and kebabs, there’s something for everyone at Hyderabadi House.

The presentation of their dishes is top-notch, and you’ll get your money’s worth! Not only does the food taste great, but it also looks beautiful.

The staff at Hyderabadi House are friendly and helpful, always ready to answer any questions and provide suggestions on the best menu options.

Best Indian Restaurants in San Diego FAQs

What is the best place to eat Indian Food in San Diego?

One of the best places for Indian food in San Diego is India Spice House. This restaurant serves traditional North Indian dishes with fresh and high-quality ingredients. 

What is the best affordable Indian food in San Diego?

San Diego has many delicious and affordable Indian food options. Try Curryosity for some of the best deals on traditional Indian dishes, or visit Taste of the Himalayas for various savory curries and naans.

Best Indian Restaurants San Diego – The Bottom Line

Several great Indian restaurants in San Diego should be considered when looking for a culinary experience.

From the delicious traditional dishes at Little India to the modern creative takes on classic flavors at Rangoli, San Diego has something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for an exotic vegetarian meal or a spicy tandoori dish, there’s an Indian restaurant in San Diego to satisfy your craving. No matter what you’re looking for, these restaurants will provide an enjoyable and flavorful meal.

Jonas Mike
Meet Jonas, a passionate foodie and travel enthusiast who loves to explore different cuisines and dining experiences in various towns and cities. Jonas has developed a keen eye for finding the best restaurants in any area. Through their blog, Jonas shares their personal reviews, recommendations, and insights on the top dining spots in each town, including hidden gems often overlooked by tourists.