9 Must-Try Indian Restaurants in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is known for its melting pot of cultures and cuisines. While Cajun and Creole flavors may first come to mind, the Indian food scene has exploded recently.
From traditional dishes to fusion concepts, New Orleans now boasts many Indian restaurants for locals and visitors.
This blog post explores the top Indian restaurants in New Orleans, highlighting their distinct styles, popular dishes, and what makes each a must-try.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Indian cuisine or looking to expand your palate, these restaurants offer an exotic yet welcoming escape. Join us on a tasting tour of the best Indian food The Big Easy provides!
Indian Restaurants in New Orleans
Saffron Nola
Located on Magazine Street in New Orleans, this stylish New Orleans Indian restaurant blends traditional Indian food with local flavors.
The Vilkhu family opened Saffron Nola in 2017. Their creative menu earned the James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant in 2018!
At Saffron Nola, Chef Arvinder Vilkhu put a modern twist on classic Indian dishes. They use fresh local seafood like gulf fish, shrimp, and oysters.
Their recipes also incorporate local staples like gumbo. Try their Chicken Lasooni or Pakoda, which has the perfect spice and dipping sauce.
Inside, Saffron Nola is chic but cozy. Earthy brown and gold tones make a warm, inviting mood. Beyond the tasty meal, they mix craft cocktails with exotic flavors.
By fusing Indian and New Orleans food traditions, Saffron Nola has invented a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Their menu celebrates both cultures’ rich culinary heritage.
Nirvana Indian Cuisine
Locals have voted Nirvana Indian Cuisine as one of the best Indian restaurants in New Orleans. This restaurant serves authentic flavors from India that you’ll love.
You can find Nirvana Indian Cuisine at 4308 Magazine Street in New Orleans. They have been delighting the local community with delicious Indian food since 1982.
The owners of Har and Anila Keswani present a variety of Indian dishes. Some examples include samosas, mulligatawny soup, pakoras, chicken tikka masala, mixed biryani, and butter chicken.
We recommend you try their Chicken Tikka Masala! This delicious dish features juicy chicken tikka roasted in the tandoor. Vegetarians will also find plenty of options.
Whether you already love Indian food or want to try something new, you must visit Nirvana Indian Cuisine when in New Orleans.
Aroma Indian Cuisine
Located in ACE Cash Express, Aroma Indian Cuisine is a jewel for those seeking an authentic Indian dining experience.
The cozy atmosphere immediately envelops guests with fragrant spices and fresh-baked bread aromas. Despite its unassuming exterior, the interior ambiance is warm and inviting.
Aroma focuses on North and South Indian dishes, with vegetarian options aplenty. The balanced flavors showcase the care and quality of the ingredients.
They masterfully execute standards like garlic naan, tandoori chicken, chili chicken, and many more.
For an escape to India without leaving town, Aroma Indian Cuisine transports diners with sophisticated interpretations of classics coupled with culinary creativity.
Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine
Taj Mahal is a family own restaurant in Metairie, just 12 minutes from Downtown New Orleans. They opened their doors in 1982 as the first Indian restaurant in New Orleans.
Nestled in the Metairie neighborhood just 12 minutes from the city, this vegetarian-friendly spot welcomes you with warm hospitality and brightly colored curries.
Bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, their diverse dishes represent cuisines across India.
You can customize the spice level to your taste. Tandoori specialties and complex curries tempt your palate in the simple, art-filled dining room.
Taj Mahal has spent over 30 years perfecting scratch-made dishes, building a reputation for excellent service, and cultivating a devoted following. Locals and visitors find this place a comfortable escape for lunch or dinner. Don’t miss the fantastic Sunday buffet!
For large events like weddings, the Taj Mahal offers customized catering. You can also get smaller orders delivered through their Waitr app.
Namaste Nola
Namaste Nola is a delightful Indian restaurant near Duncan Plaza in Central Business District.
A group of friends from India who know hospitality opened Namaste Nola in 2022. They wanted to share traditional Indian dishes with a modern twist.
You can find all kinds of yummy choices there, like tandoori, biriyani, bread, sides, desserts, and vegetarian and meat dishes. So it’s great for folks with different diets!
Some top picks are the Lamb Biriyani, Kadai Paneer, and Mutton Curry. And don’t skip dessert – the Gulab jamun is the bomb!
The restaurant’s big windows open onto Baronne and Common Street. Vibrant Madhubani paintings on the walls tell lively stories about Hindu gods and goddesses. Their bright colors and fun details capture your attention.
You can make reservations or get delivery or takeout too. Stop by Namaste Nola to enjoy its deliciousness!
Lufu Nola
This exciting new Indian restaurant Lufu Nola opened in the Central Business District!
Founded by three friends, Lufu Nola started as a pop-up before becoming a permanent restaurant.
Their menu cheerfully features traditional dishes like Chicken Biryani, Butter Chicken, Vada Pav, and Papdi Chaat. They also creatively mix Indian-inspired craft cocktails.
Lufu Nola welcomes you for lunch and dinner most days, except Wednesdays when they take a break. In addition to dining in, you can order catering or host a special event there.
With a commitment to authentic flavors and community, Lufu Nola has quickly become a popular spot for locals and visitors to enjoy unique Indian cuisine in New Orleans.
Tava Indian Street Food
You’ll find a modern twist on traditional Indian food at Tava, near the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Owner Manish Patel playfully reimagines classic Indian dishes at his restaurant, focusing on dosas – a popular Indian street food.
Tava’s menu boasts a variety of tasty options, including the Baby Cheese Dosa and Fruit Chaat. There are also many vegetarian choices, like the Chaat Dosa, made with garbanzo beans and served with tamarind.
Besides mouthwatering dishes, Tava serves original cocktails like Masala Old-Fashioned and Curry Mule.
Happy Hour runs Wednesday to Friday and offers beer, white and red wine, and bites like Mini Masala Dosa, Kati Roll, and Vada Pav.
With its creative Indian-inspired menu and inviting vibe, Tava has quickly become a beloved gem in New Orleans, winning over locals and visitors alike.
Plume Algiers
Chef Tyler Stuart and Merritt Coscia brought culinary magic to New Orleans with Plume Algiers opening in 2020.
They present a range of Indian food that brings people together. The restaurant is in the historic neighborhood of Algiers, just over a mile from the French Quarter.
This little restaurant feels relaxing, with room for about 20 people inside. Outside, some benches offer extra seating when the weather’s nice.
The chefs here constantly switch up the menu with new dishes, so you’ll never get bored with the options! You can try their popular dishes like Shrimp Kaathi Rolls and Banana Chaat.
Among the New Orleans Indian restaurants, Plume Algiers puts a unique spin on traditional flavors! You won’t find some Indian dishes anywhere else.
Silk Road Restaurant & Wine Bar
Silk Road serves Indian and Asian fusion cuisine in the Marigny neighborhood. The head chef mixes classic Indian dishes with Creole, American and Asian flavors.
The menu has something for everyone – green curries, paneer, lentil soups, samosas, and more.
Whether you eat meat, seafood, veggies, or no animal products, Silk Road can satisfy your appetite.
Every plate nails that sweet, salty, and savory combo you crave, while the family-style seating creates a chill community vibe.
You’ll wonder about their wine and beer list. Refresh yourself with their wines list, served by the glass or bottle.
You can also quench your thirst with our refreshing selection of craft beers from independent breweries.
Whether you need the perfect place for a private party or want to catch the game with a cold one, Silk Road has you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some of the most popular Indian restaurants in New Orleans?
Some of the most popular and well-reviewed Indian restaurants in New Orleans include Saffron Nola, Nirvana Indian Cuisine, Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine, and Namaste Nola.
What kinds of Indian cuisine can I find in New Orleans?
You can find various types of Indian cuisine in New Orleans, including North and South Indian dishes like tandoori chicken, samosas, curries, biriyani, and vegetarian options. Restaurants fuse classic Indian flavors with local New Orleans and Creole influences.
Which New Orleans Indian restaurants offer catering or private events?
Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine caters for significant events like weddings. Lufu Nola also offers catering and can host special events at their restaurant.
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
