Canberra has some amazing Indian food. The city now has Indian restaurants that are just as good as the ones in Delhi or Mumbai. You can find old-style family restaurants making real Indian curries, plus newer spots that mix things up with their own twists on classic dishes.

Looking for a quick butter chicken on a Tuesday night? Or maybe planning something special with your mates?

Here are the seven best Indian restaurants in Canberra that offer mouthwatering Indian food. Each one brings something different to the table, showing off food from different parts of India with great menus and friendly service.

You’ll find everything from tasty biryanis and hot tandoori dishes to crispy dosas and creamy North Indian curries. These places have built up their good name by serving quality food, big servings, and giving you that warm Indian welcome that makes every meal special.

Best Indian Restaurants in Canberra

1. Amara Indian Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.8

Located at 51-53 Northbourne Ave, Amara Indian Restaurant stands out as a must-visit spot for authentic Indian cuisine at fair prices.

The restaurant delivers truly authentic flavors without the heavy oils and creams usually found in Indian restaurant food.

Their tandoori chicken tikka and chicken tikka masala are too good alongside perfectly made naan bread that sets the standard in Canberra.

If you are a vegetarian, you should try the Bangalore Dosai, featuring potato masala with a spicy coconut that creates a memorable taste experience.

If you are a seafood lover, you can order their Goan fish and Malabar prawns, both prepared with traditional Indian spices.

The restaurant maintains high standards with fresh ingredients, friendly service, and clean facilities.

Health-conscious diners will appreciate their lighter cooking style that doesn’t compromise on flavor. This combination of authentic preparation and reasonable pricing makes Amara one of the best Indian restaurants in Canberra.

2. Delhi to Canberra Indian Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.8

Located at 12 Chinner Cres, Melba, Delhi to Canberra Indian Restaurant specializes in North Indian cuisine that attracts both locals and the Indian community itself.

This Indian restaurant in Canberra proves its authenticity by drawing customers from the culture it represents, which speaks volumes about its great food quality.

Their authentic Indian curries offer complex flavors and are made from traditional spices rather than pre-made pastes.

If you are on the quest for a good butter chicken in Canberra, you should definitely try their Butter Chicken, it’s almost the same that you will find in Delhi.

You should also try their chef’s special tawa goat that will alone fulfill your Indian food craving. Also, their variety of biryani covers all preferences, including chicken, goat, and vegetarian options, each prepared with aromatic basmati rice and traditional spices.

Another special item on the restaurant’s menu is the Lamb Rogan Josh which deserves a special mention for its rich, tender preparation that captures the essence of Kashmir cuisine.

For vegetarians, the restaurant offers veg options like Daal Makhani and Aloo Baingan.

3. Rasam Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.7

Located at 4/35 Childers St, Rasam Restaurant offers an authentic South Indian vegetarian experience that caters to diverse dietary needs.

This entirely vegetarian and vegan Indian restaurant in Canberra offers extensive gluten-free food options, making it accessible to many different foodies.

Their sambar stands out as exceptional, earning praise from South Indian food lovers throughout Canberra.

Also, their dosas are amazing with variety that ranges from classic Plain Dosa and Masala Dosa to Cheese Dosa and Onion Rava Masala Dosa.

If you are a Uthappam lover, you can choose between Plain Uthappam and Mini Podi Uthappam, both prepared in traditional South Indian style.

You should also order their amazing Sambar Vada and Medhu Vada which are perfect examples of South Indian street food done right.

For someone who is looking for the best Sambar Idli in Canberra, Rasam delivers soft, fluffy idlis served with their signature sambar.

The restaurant’s interior features heavy wooden tables decorated with bright yellow and orange garlands, creating an inviting atmosphere that complements the authentic South Indian dining experience.

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4. Spice Affair Indian Cuisine

Google Rating: 4.7

Located at Shop 8/15 Kingsland Parade in Casey, Spice Affair Indian Cuisine offers authentic dishes from various Indian regions.

The restaurant creates a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy traditional Indian hospitality alongside flavorful cuisine and refreshing beverages. This establishment serves as more than just a dining spot – it’s a place to unwind and socialize.

Their standout dishes include Chicken Madras, Saag Lamb, and Daal Tadka, perfectly paired with freshly baked garlic naans.

Also, their Barah Kebab deserves special mention – tender lamb marinated in yogurt, ginger, and garlic with carefully selected spices, then cooked in a traditional clay oven and served with cooling mint sauce.

What makes Spice Affair particularly appealing is its combination of affordable prices, excellent service, and generous portions. These things have established Spice Affair as one of the best restaurants in Canberra for North Indian food.

5. Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.5

Located in the Melbourne Building at 39 Northbourne Ave, Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant specializes in North Indian cuisine prepared using their own secret recipes.

This family-owned Indian restaurant has maintained its reputation over many years through consistent quality and authentic Indian flavors.

Their butter chicken stands out as one of the best in Australia, offering rich, creamy textures that satisfy every palate.

Moreover, the medium-spicy lamb Madras provides the perfect balance of heat and flavor for those on the quest for South Indian food.

Vegetarian options shine equally bright, with their vindaloo vegetable curry and Bengali chicken curry earning particular praise from regular diners. Also, don’t miss their garlic naan, which elevates every curry dish to new heights.

The restaurant’s dimly lit, cozy atmosphere creates an intimate dining experience that transports guests to another era. Despite changing times, this family-run restaurant continues to deliver exceptional Indian dining experiences.

6. Namaste India Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.8

Located at 83 Theodore St in Curtin, Namaste India Restaurant is among the favorite Indian restaurants in Canberra for its consistently rich, aromatic dishes and genuine warm hospitality.

This classic Indian restaurant attracts food lovers looking for authentic flavors from India in a welcoming environment.

You should start your meal with their delicious Aloo Tikki Chat, which perfectly sets the stage for the main course.

If you are a vegetarian, you’ll surely love their Chickpeas Curry, Dal Tadka, and Palak Paneer. They all are amazing and will make you feel satisfied.

Non-vegetarian options include must-try items like Chicken 65, Tandoori Chicken, Biryani, and creamy Shahi Korma. Also, their seafood items receive particular praise from diners.

Whatever you order, just make sure to conclude perfectly with their refreshing mango kulfi. Many locals consider Namaste India among Canberra’s best Indian restaurants, making it a food destination worth visiting.

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7. Blu Ginger

Google Rating: 4.2

Located at 2/5-21 Genge St, Blu Ginger began its journey in Sydney’s famous MC Mahons Point dining district before expanding to Canberra.

The Indian restaurant has maintained its reputation for quality, attracting a diverse clientele including many Indian diners who appreciate authentic flavors.

Their tandoori chicken tikka delivers excellent taste, complemented by fresh mint yogurt sauce that balances the smoky flavors perfectly.

Also, the mixed seafood platter impresses with its combination of prawns and fish, prepared with careful attention to freshness and seasoning. The naan bread deserves special recognition for its exceptional quality and texture.

Other standout dishes include their perfectly spiced samosas and well-balanced goat curry that achieves ideal flavor harmony. Complete your dining experience with their super refreshing mango dessert.

While the restaurant maintains a reasonable atmosphere despite its large size, expect slightly higher prices that reflect the quality of food and preparation methods used throughout their menu.