The Best Indian in Irvine

Southern Spice

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (786) • $$

"This place used to be really good. Something changed about them. It's not quite the same. On a weekend I got vadas to try. These South Indian savory pancakes. Tasted tart like they used old flour mix. Waste of my money. Waste of my time. I did like this place for a long time."

Charminar Indian Restaurant & Catering - Orange County

★★★★☆ 4 (117) • $$

"We tried to place a phone order for takeout but were unable to for some reason so we had to go in person to order/come back to pick up. Service is otherwise fast and our large food order was ready in 30 minutes. The entrees come with basmati rice which was nice! I'm hoping this location will have lunch specials in the future for lower prices. From what we ordered the Butter Chicken was our favorite but the Chicken Sukka is quite spicy! The flavor is still good but beware if you can't handle spice."

Curry & Kabab Bistro

★★★★★ 4.5 • $$

"My newest go-to spot! I ordered a quick lunch to-go with my sister and everything was really yummy. I got the butter chicken and my sister got the vegan daal tarka. We both got medium spice which was just the perfect amount. My butter chicken was so creamy and bursting with flavors! The perfect combination with a steamy hot pile of rice. My sisters dish was also phenomenal, there were so many flavors going on - a comfort dish for sure. We ordered a side of garlic naan and it was perfect for dipping in our entrees. I did see that they had a lunch special where you could pick 2 entrees. I wish I saw that before I ordered online so we could try a few different things. I'll keep it in mind as we will definitely be going back, they have a lunch buffet that looks really good."

Indian Curry Cuisine

★★★★☆ 4 (344) • $

"My boyfriend's parents recommended this place to us :) I was a bit worried at first because the Yelp pictures didn't make it look that appetizing, but we gave it a try and the food was really good. Initially, it seemed like we might have ordered too little for the two of us, but we ended up having to take more than half of it to go. We'll definitely be back if we're craving Indian food again!"

Natraj's Indian Bistro

★★★★★ 4.5 (565) • $$

"Superb as always.It's not the cheapest Indian food but the service is 5 star and the ambiance is friendly. They are so fast when they cook, never a long wait for take out or for dine in.It's a SoCal must for me!"

Haveli - The Cuisine Of India

★★★★☆ 4.2 (26)

"Atmosphere: 5 starsI recently dined at Haveli Cuisine in Laguna Beach, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience! The atmosphere was lovely with soft, pleasant music that set the perfect ambiance. The restaurant was also spotless, which immediately made me feel comfortable and welcomed.Quality: 5 Star.I started with the white rice, which had a subtle hint of cinnamon--such a unique and delightful touch. Their Naan bread was fresh and warm, a perfect complement to the meal. The highlight for me was the chicken curry*. It was bold, rich, and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors that made each bite flavorful. I also tried lamb for the first time, and while the taste didn't quite align with my personal preferences, I could tell it was well-prepared and seasoned just right for those who enjoy lamb.Service 5 Stars.What truly set Haveli Cuisine apart was the outstanding service. The staff was incredibly friendly and polite, making me feel like I was their most important guest from the moment I walked in. Their warmth and attentiveness really enhanced the dining experience. I will definitely be returning to Haveli for another flavorful meal!Value: 5 Stars. Like Suchi, there is no cheap Indian food. For Laguna Beach, however, their price feel fair for the experience."

Everest cuisine

★★★★☆ 4.2 (933) • $$

"If you're looking for great Indian food, here it be. Pro tip for dining out - order ahead of time to avoid long waits at the restaurant (it's happened a few times to me). The details... THE FOOD ELABORATION. - Chicken Tikka Masala | Chicken is slightly firm, but still very good. The masala sauce has a sweet and earthy flavor with layers of spicing. - Lamb Curry | Lamb cuts are beautifully tender, but a few were a little on the dry side. Their deeply flavorful curry sauce is spicy, but not grotesquely spicy. I'd order this again. - Saag Paneer | The slightly firm Indian cheese cubes are a great contrast to the meltingly creamy soft spinach. Garlicky and mildly spicy, this dish was definitely my favorite. - Garlic Naan | Soft, thin naan bread with garlic flavors. Perfect for dipping into the Saag Paneer. - Cheese Naan | Melted cheese is sandwiched in between the naan and while it's good, more cheese would've been better. #cheesefiend THE PARKING AFFAIR.Plenty of free parking in the shopping plaza. THE RETURN QUANDARY. Yes, I'm plotting my return visit soon. Saag Paneer all day, every day."

India Kitchen

★★★★★ 4.5 • $$

"I don't eat a lot of Indian cuisine but this is definitely one of the better ones that I've had and also for a good value. The restaurant is located in a small parking lot with a decent amount of parking. The decor feels traditional too which is a plus. As for the food, it seems a bit pricy at first but the portions are actually pretty big so it's justifiable in my opinion (the 10% Yelp check-in discount helps with the price too if you ask your server)We got- Mango lassi: very good. The drink is pretty thick and addicting- Garlic naan- Vegetable samosa: the dipping sauces were really good- Chicken Tikka masala- Butter chicken"

Biryani Hunter

★★★★★ 4.6 (7)

"Chicken Biryani was very well marinated and tender. It was delicious to eat. I would order it again. It was a lot to eat in one setting so I save half for dinner. Salad, Green Chutney and Dessert were deliciously fresh tasting. Green Chutney definitely paired well chicken/rice. Chicken Biryani reminded me of Pho ingredients/favlors consisting of star anise and cinnamon sticks. I stumbled upon Biryani Hunter online. It was a very ineresting experience because I could not find the store. The address did not include "Suite F". Once entered as customer to pick up food, there was not any humans except a TV giving directions plus many small cameras for each individual restaurants. Well, I eventually figured it out and got my food. I rang the Camera bell and a staff came out smiling, said Thank you and delivered my food. You could order in person (self-serve kiosk) once you arrived. There are many other restaurants that you can self-order as well. There are tables outside in the parking area if you want to sit down but it was more of a pick-up and go kind of food."

Tandoor Cuisine of India

★★★★☆ 3.6 (366) • $$

"This has become hands down my favorite Indian restaurant lately and it's hard to believe that I haven't left a review for them sooner.The restaurant is located right across the street from the Anaheim Packing District with plenty of onsite parking.Tandoor Cuisine of India has locations throughout Southern California and the guy behind the counter informed me that they just opened a new location in Norwalk-LA.The restaurant itself is rather big inside and nicely decorated.My go to dish here is the Mushroom Marsala and the fried vegetables.The dish also comes with a large portion of steamed rice plus fresh made naan bread with every order.On top they will also give you a small container of their homemade milk rice which gives the meal a perfect ending.4.5 stars for reasonably priced and tasty food plus friendly service. I'II be back! Enjoy and Bon Appetit!"

India Grill

★★★★★ 4.5 (296) • $$

"Ordered delivery for my first try and all I can say is WOW! I love that you can order medium+ for heat. Chicken tikka masala, garlic naan, rice, raita and a mango lassi. All really tasty. Chicken was fork tender, loaded with so much depth and good heat. Naan was the weakest part for me, not quite fresh, more like a day old. After 3 years trying to find good Indian, food, I may have found my go-to finally."

Himalayan Grill Waterfront

★★★★★ 4.5 (947) • $$

"I feel like a little trip to India when dining here. Good vibe with great view of the harbor tooHighlights of the menu:1. Lassi traditional Indian mango2. Vegetable Thali set: fermented spinach, mountain style black lentil, mustered green, mixed veg curry rice, pickle, papad, yogurt, salad3. Indian bread nan - all cooked in clay oven4. Chicken tikka masala"

Kebab Kurry Express

★★★★☆ 4.4 (169) • $$

"Beautiful art on the walls, cute and cozy place. Service was great. We meet the owner and he was very friendly and explained to us about the culture and food very well. The food was so good. The portion are huge and great for family style. We loved the Chapli kabob. Very spicy and flavorful. Parata was so yummy as well. Definitely will come back again."

Anjappar Orange County

★★★★☆ 3.8 (444) • $$

"Fantastic restaurant. Friendly service, delicious food, and parking was not difficult to obtain. I did find it a bit odd that the menu did not appear to have any lamb options, but they made up for it by having a seemingly greater variety of sweet/dessert options than most Indian eateries I have visited!P.S.Probably a good idea to clarify requested spice levels during ordering, if you palate is used to fare on the milder side."

Charcol Indian Kitchen

★★★★★ 4.8 (93)

"The new kid on the restaurant block in Huntington Beach.I might have gone a bit overboard with my recent meal at Charcol - the dangers of ordering takeout while hungry. My order included the mango lassi, samosas, garlic naan, the Chicken Tikka Dosa roll, and Chicken Tikka Masala. When I arrived, the gentleman at the counter offered me a pistachio ice cream to hold me over while they prepped my meal. This dessert is a no-brainer for future visits! It's possibly the best ice cream I've ever tasted. The meal was also incredibly delicious. This was my first time trying a dosa roll, and I loved the crepe consistency with the Chicken Tikka. I also thought the mango lassi was the perfect pairing for this spice filled entree. For fellow sensitive-stacies, the Chicken Tikka Masala was a little spicy for my infant-like palate.It can be tough to find a meal under $15-$20 these days, but Charcol has got you covered. Their meals range between $12 - $15, so you can dine like a king. I absolutely love that they have the option to build your own bowl. This is something I'll be exploring on my next visit."

Curry Up Pizza

★★★★★ 4.7 (76)

"Curry Up Pizza replaced eureka. Looks and feels the same but with a twist. We were the second customer of the day. Small shop owned by a nice Indian man who was a bit flustered from the previous customer so he started off on the wrong foot with me. (Previous customer had a large order of $500 for next day pickup. Asked for a discount and would not take no for an answer. After asking 100 questions about what type of pizza they should order. I thought it was tacky to pressure a newly opened small business for a discount) I asked if the pizza is spicy and he abruptly waved his hand at me to say "just relax you'll be fine". Not in the nicest tone but more like he was tired of answering questions and I was another customer who was worried about Indian food being too spicy. He quickly realized it (likely from my facial reaction and change in tone) and made up for it by being very attentive and pleasant after we got our food. Everyone deserves an "off moment" so I left feeling good about the experience and would defs give it a second try. - Butter Chicken/Tandori Chicken Pizza: if you order a large, you can choose to do two flavors. I favored the Tandori over the butter chicken and added Serrano peppers to give it more kick. - Curry Wings: good flavor, not oily or overpowering. - Tandori Wings: my hubs favored this one over the curry. Nice flavor with very slight kick."

Himalayan Taste San Juan Capistrano

★★★★★ 4.7 (404) • $$

"D24 - Valentine's Day LunchRestaurant front - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=ZtNLhsoqlxVYFEWolIrSCg&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQThe food was delicious but there were a couple of things that set off the "FoS" alarm... (Full o' Sh*t) 'But more on that later. It was a chilly SoCal afternoon, AR & I decided on Indian for lunch. Pho was a close second choice; next time.I arrived before AR, so I ordered us the mixed appetizer plate, chili naan, and two hot masala teas.First FoS incident:Me: I see you have garlic naan and chili naan. It is possible to get the garlic naan with added chili?Worker: We have garlic & chili naan.Me: So, may I have the garlic naan with added chili?Worker: No, it's either garlic naan or chili naan.(Insert sound of deflating balloon here.)So, what you're saying is that it is too difficult to add chili flakes to the garlic naan as you're making it? In other words, you are simply choosing to be difficult. I wasn't going to make a big deal of it but I was definitely going to note it in my review. After all, how hard is it to sprinkle a some chili flakes on a naan that you're already making? (Shrugs) First impression; customer service bites galub balls. - LOLA good word of advice, "Do not piss off your waiter or waitress until AFTER you get your food." Truth.The order:Himalayan Mixed Appetizer ($10.99)Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=JjPOlLkAkwo19K4K-UcGQw&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQChili Naan ($3.99)Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=AqrEFRfKKDJy7dvgOU9q_w&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQMasala Tea x2 ($5.98) - Served in paper cups; where's the real wares?Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=P1IsO-cIsYvA-6_iSgKHbg&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQVegetable Coconut Curry - Medium heat ($14.99)Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=bQ4HoiYP_QVTJBfrloX6Rg&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQChicken Tikka Masala - Spicy heat ($17.99)Raita ($3.99)Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=CNKhKoKOHvHU2pvCTCc8Bw&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQOverall, the food was very good, portions were a bit small for the $$, but the service was completely flat and lacking. The gentleman/host acted as if being asked for something was a bother. Again, the food was delicious but the lack luster customer service was quit prominent and notable. Who charges for raita? (Yogurt sauce) If a restaurant is going to charge for a basic condiment like raita, they may as well charge for the mint and tamarind chutneys as well. What's the deal? That's like an Asian restaurant charging for white rice... I'm somewhat surprised that Himalayan Taste didn't charge extra for the basmati rice. (I hope this doesn't give them any ideas. HA!) A small dollop of raita costs $4? Ridiculous. Raita - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Yxn7wCnrlmeV5AnGGjJK8g&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQAgain, the food was very good; the service was somewhat lacking which seems to be the norm when referencing other yelp* write ups.It always comes down to customer service and from my first visit, the service here leaves something to be desired. I will not be returning. Sure, the food is delicious but Himalayan Taste needs to remember that they're not the only good Indian restaurant around. As the ol' saying goes, "Don't believe your own hype." (i.e. - Don't get too full of yourself.)- Pau (Done)Overall rating: 3 StarsFood: 4Ambiance: 3Service: 2+Value: 3"

Social Aroma

★★★★★ 4.5 (79) • $$

"My first thought walking up was "hmm" (not bad just interesting lol) as i was not sure what i was expecting walking up but the restaurant was different than i assumed. The restaurant is inside a Comfort Inn hotel and basically consists of a handful of tables (from what i could see there may have been another seating area but unsure) attached via stairs to the "continental breakfast" room of the hotel and has outdoor seating couches as shown in images on Yelp! It was not what we were expecting in the slightest lol - the employees were very kind and helpful and explained that the majority of the menu is gluten free so if you see a "(G)" it actually meant it had gluten (we completely had that backwards before asking). We tried the fried Cauliflower (Desi Gobi Manchurian) as an appetizer which was really good however could have used slightly more crispy (8/10); we also got the chicken Tikka Masala which was delicious (9/10) however could have used more chicken and the chicken Biryani - this was our first time trying this and the spices were very good we just weren't a fan of a seed that's in the recipe that has a strong bitter like flavor when you bite into it. Avoiding whatever the seed was - another good item!! Lots of people think "hotel in a comfort inn??" But it's worth a try absolutely!!"

Hot N Chili Indian Restaurant

★★★★★ 4.6 (168)

"This is the kind of place that is very special. It seems to be small, but the menu is incredibly large. The food is made so careful and so well here you would be stupid not to come in. It is a wonderful place!I had the chicken tikka marsala but don't be silly. You must have the appetizer non-bread. It is a perfect accoutrement again. This food is being very specifically and very carefully you cannot get food made this well for this price..I enjoyed my food a lot. I consider myself very lucky but another thing you have to try when you come here is the mango lassi. It's been so delicious Lee well did you want more than one? They are very technology friendly as well. They will offer you a business card or all you have to do is click on the QR tag and you will get the full menu. I absolutely loved it here like I said the rice is prepared so perfectly it absorbs the flavor. I believe this is the kind of restaurant that you want to come to at least three times a week. If you are a family and you have a lot of people the menu is perfect. !Yum yum is all I feel!!!"

Royal Khyber

★★★★☆ 3.7 (564) • $$

"The food is fine, the service is great and I love the decor on the inside.... but... what keeps me coming here all the time is the Kheer - Rice Pudding! It is game changing rice pudding. I rate this place 5 stars because the rice pudding is "that" delicious. The Kheer (rice pudding) has a great thick, but not too thick consistency, it has slivered almonds, golden raisins and is topped with ground pistachio. It is absolutely delicious and one of it's kind. When I am in the area, I would stop by to get a couple of rice puddings to go with the ground pistachio on the side. It is just delicious and easily one of my favorite desserts of all time. Thank you Royal Khyber for the delicious Kheer!"

Masala Curry Indian Cuisine

★★★★★ 4.6 (157) • $$

"A great local option for Indian food in our area, Masala Curry is a hidden gem that is consistently delicious. For starters, we frequently order food here via DoorDash -- their fish tikka masala is SO good and is one of my favorites! I believe it's only available as an entree on their dinner menu.It wasn't until recently that we started going to their location in-person for their lunch buffet. For what you pay, you get an excellent assortment of different appetizers, curries, veggies, and a couple desserts. After a couple plates I'm usually so full and satisfied! The garlic naan is always super flavorful, fresh and delicious. The inside of the restaurant is clean and the walls are decorated with interesting famous quotes -- a very charming place. Their workers are always very quick to serve us and are easy to flag down when we need something. Highly recommend this place and can't wait to go back!"

Rk Indian Food

★★★★★ 4.6 (86)

"Nothing further to add from the last visit. Delicious food per last review. Got 3-item combo and cost after tax was $17.09Service us quick and easy."

Kahani

★★★★☆ 4 (39)

"For our last dinner at the the Ritz-Carlton we definitely wanted to try Kahani pop-up restaurant. They were closed the first two days we were here and we haven't ever gone to eat at an Indian restaurant so we knew we had to try it! Not only did it NOT disappoint, but we are still talking about how delicious everything was! Summer was our server and we also had her as a server at Raya- very sweet. The decor and vibe was authentic and that's what we loved about it. The sauces were incredible and the complimentary muse that they serve after they seat you was the best thing ever. We finished our little bowl of that and just couldn't resist asking for more, it was THAT good, so we knew we were off to a great start. We ordered the Masala Paneer, Snake River Farms Wagyu Short Rib for our entrées and for enhancements we ordered the rice and Saag Paneer. We left no crumbs, everything was THAT GOOD! Looks like we have to look up local Indian restaurants near our city and I hope they end up making this Indian pop-up a permanent restaurant!"

Curry Land Indian Food Anaheim

★★★★☆ 4.1 (21)

"New favorite spot Normally I don't eat Indian food because I always get some sort of allergic reaction but the delicious smell made me try it. Happy to say I didn't get any allergies !! No regrets at all The food is very flavorful and delicious. The customer service was beyond superb. Staff was very professional and friendly. This place is a must try! I wish I had taken photos of all the food we forgot but it was too delicious that I forgot to take photos."

MasalaCraft

★★★★☆ 4.1 • $$

"Great food cooked fresh with good portion size. Def a stand out Indian place. Fun decor with Bollywood posters ever and service friendly and attentive staff."

Nikis Indian Food

★★★★☆ 4.3 (570) • $$

"Nikki's always hits the spot! I don't even bother trying to find new Indian food restaurants because this IS the SPOT! Never disappoints and the service is always amazing and friendly"

Masala Bae

★★★★★ 4.5 (557) • $$

"$20 AYCE Indian lunch buffet with unlimited garlic naan, mango lassi (!!!!) and chai tea!! Huge selection of vegetarian and non-veg dishes, delicious buttery chicken tikka masala and the softest gulab balls. Service is fast and friendly, restaurant is very clean and spacious. We really love their tandoori and palak paneer. Husband enjoyed the goat curry! It is on Red Hill and 5, in the Ding Tea shopping center."

Biryani Pot Express

★★★★★ 4.5 (94)

"If you're looking for a world-class biryani spot in Orange County, Biryani Pot Express is where it's at. Specializing in--you guessed it--biryani, their flavors are phenomenal, and they easily rank among the best biryanis I've had in the area.They're open late, which is a huge plus, and their lunch combos are a great deal. The butter chicken, while tasty, leans a little too sweet for my liking, and I'd say Natraj or Nina's has the edge when it comes to tikka masala. But if you're here for the biryani or find yourself in Irvine, this spot should be on your radar.The pricing is a touch steep, but they make up for it with a solid loyalty program that's worth signing up for if you plan on coming back (and trust me, you probably will)."

Natraj Cuisine of India

★★★★☆ 4 (632) • $$

"The butter chicken and the kahari chicken were the two curries we tried and I must say that the butter chicken was definitely my favorite of the two! The butter chicken was cooked to perfection and the chicken pretty much melted in your mouth. I was so impressed. The kahari chicken was recommended by the waiter and it was a little too spicy for my liking. The vegetables and bell peppers were cooked nicely. Services is always great and they have a wonderful staff all around. Ambiance is fantastic. It's a casual restaurant but still has a white cloth vibe."

Natraj's Tandoori - Irvine North

★★★★☆ 3.5 (585) • $$

"Natraj's Tandoori is a fast casual Indian restaurant chain with locations throughout southern Orange County. I always opt for a two item combination meal which is served with rice and freshly baked naan. You can sub garlic naan for a small fee.On a recent visit, I ordered the Chicken Curry and Chicken Vindaloo with my combo. The chicken items are always flagrant and flavorful, and I always appreciate the portion size. Unfortunately the garlic naan was disappointing this time and was tasteless. Also, the service was subpar and the staff member behind the counter was both impatient and inhospitable. Despite the poor service, Natraj's is a good option if you're craving Indian cuisine and don't have time for a proper sit down meal."

Mint

★★★★☆ 4.4 (668) • $$

"I have so far only tried their small bite appetizers, so having not tried any mains you can trust my review maybe 75 percent ok? As of what I've had, the kitchen delivered tasty things all around. The food was flavorful and not too inventive. The owner is friendly and quick to serve. Inside, their decor is dark, candlelit and tidy. Some Indian restaurants I find to be really overrun by music playing far too loudly. Here, yes there's music and the expected music video playing, but it's not as overwhelming. This may be a repeat place, glad to say."

Sana's Curry Bowl

★★★★☆ 4.3 (90) • $$

"This was my introduction to Pakistani-Indian cuisine, and it was really good! The flavor of the Shahi Paneer was perfectly balanced. The Paneer Naan was super yummy. Wish they had more to offer as far as beverages go, but glad they let you BYOB at least. My only complaint would be the location. Until the Union Market becomes what I think the developers want it to be, it just gives off a sad, empty food court vibe. Not ideal for a restaurant that's this good. I hope they get the business they deserve, and if they don't, at least they can rest assured it's the location and not them."

Rangeen Kitchen

★★★★★ 4.6 (333) • $$

"I made a to-go order, commenting how good it smelled and how impressive their reviews were. The man working assured me that everything is made fresh and was very polite. As I waited, he gave me a small plate with a sample of my appetizer. I admired his cool confidence, because he was sure I would love it-- I did. In fact, I loved all of it. Great experience."

Punjabi Tandoor - Irvine

★★★★☆ 4.2 (203) • $$

"I was looking for my new go-to spot for indian takeout and i stumbled upon this little hole in the wall restaurant. It's tucked away in a little food court. It doesnt look like much but the food is absolutely amazing! The price is more reasonable than most indian restaurants i've tried and it's just as good, if not better. The cashier here was super friendly on the day that I went. I will be coming again!"

Himalayan Delights

★★★★★ 4.8 (95) • $$

"It was a quiet Friday night when I stopped in around 8pm on my way home. Fortunately, it meant getting my takeout order pretty quickly. I tried their butter chicken (spicy 4-mild( and the garlic naan. As well as an order of their samosas (2 to an order). Everything is delicious! One of the best samosas I've e joyed. So much flavor. The butter chicken had a rich creaminess, but did not feel too rich. I enjoyed it with the rice. Generous serving sizes so I enjoyed it for a few meals. I also received their complimentary rice pudding. Thank you so much for your hospitality. Definitely will be back to try more from their menu."