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10 Best Indian Restaurants in Boston
- 10 restaurants
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Updated January 3, 2026
The ten best Indian restaurants in Boston are The Maharaja, India Quality Restaurant, Punjabi Dhaba, Himalayan Kitchen, Mela Modern Indian Cuisine, Don’t Tell Aunty, Shanti Restaurant, Sarva Indian Cuisine, Vaisakhi Indian Kitchen, and Masala Square Indian Kitchen. Boston, which is located in the heart of New England, has a strong Indian food culture built on a foundation of North Indian and Punjabi establishments. Fine dining is presented at The Maharaja in Cambridge, while specialists such as Punjabi Dhaba provide a genuine taste of dhaba-style Punjabi food. This Massachusetts capital also has unique fusion spots like Himalayan Kitchen, which combines Indian and Nepalese food.
Indian restaurants are concentrated in cities and neighborhoods throughout the region, including Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston's South End. Indian restaurants in Boston include authentic North Indian establishments, modern gastro bars, and casual dhaba-style eateries. The settings range from the ornate, upscale dining room at The Maharaja to the bustling, no-frills counter service at Punjabi Dhaba. This mix of traditional regional specialists and innovative modern restaurants defines the dining experience in the Boston area.
The city's Indian establishments serve both traditional and inventive meals. The Maharaja stands out as the best Indian restaurant Boston for an overall experience, because of its Harvard Square location, comprehensive menu with dietary options, and fine-dining setting. Punjabi Dhaba is a top choice for a casual and affordable meal, known for its authentic dhaba-style service and hearty Punjabi dishes. Establishments such as Masala Square and Shanti provide menu options for both vegan and gluten-free diets.
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Seafood Indian Indian Curry Vegetarian Friendly Group Friendly Gluten Free FriendlyThe Maharaja is an Indian restaurant located in Cambridge's Harvard Square, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the area. The restaurant offers a menu that includes North Indian dishes, with options for various dietary needs such as vegan, gluten-sensitive, Halal, and Jain.- Item Prices
- 520
- Average Item Price
- $14.50
The Maharaja Menu PricesMore about The Maharaja
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
North Indian
Signature Dishes:
Chicken Tikka MasalaGarlic NaanVeg Samosa
Location:
57 JFK St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Special Feature:
The restaurant provides a daily lunch buffet and has a full liquor bar with a selection of exclusive cocktails, wines, and beers.
What Makes It Special:
The Maharaja is known for its authentic cuisine and provides catering services for events.
What Sets It Apart:
Its location in Harvard Square with views of the bustling streets sets it apart. The restaurant's interior is decorated with ornate Indian decor.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PMFriday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PMSaturday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PMSunday: 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
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2
India Quality Restaurant is an award-winning restaurant in Boston, Massachusetts, best known for authentic, home-style North Indian cuisine, sizzling tandoori specialties, and over thirty varieties of beer and wine near...- Item Prices
- 983
- Average Item Price
- $16.67
India Quality Restaurant Menu PricesMore about India Quality Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
North Indian
Signature Dishes:
Chicken Tikka MasalaSaag PaneerSpinach Poori Bread
Location:
484 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215
Special Feature:
The restaurant offers a selection of over 30 different kinds of beer and wine.
What Makes It Special:
India Quality Restaurant has been recognized by Zagat for its food. The owner, Parmjit Singh, has been operating the restaurant since its opening.
What Sets It Apart:
The restaurant has a long history in the Kenmore Square area and has maintained its traditional recipes over the years.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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3
Vegetarian Indian Healthy Indian Curry Asian North IndianPunjabi Dhaba is a dhaba-style eatery in Cambridge's Inman Square that has been in operation since 1998. The restaurant is modeled after the simple roadside cafes found in Punjab, with a casual and unpretentious atmosphere where customers order at the counter.- Item Prices
- 153
- Average Item Price
- $10.57
Punjabi Dhaba Menu PricesMore about Punjabi Dhaba
Type of Restaurant:
Fast-Casual
Type of Food:
North Indian, Punjabi
Signature Dishes:
Chicken Tikka MasalaDhaba Special Chicken CurryLamb Saagwala
Location:
225 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Special Feature:
The restaurant offers "Dhaba Specials," which are large portions served with sides like naan, basmati rice, and raita.
What Makes It Special:
Punjabi Dhaba is known for its budget-friendly, hearty food that is served fresh and fast.
What Sets It Apart:
The restaurant provides an authentic Punjabi dhaba experience, from its counter-service style to its focus on traditional Punjabi flavors.
Operating Hours:
Daily: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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4
Vegetarian Indian Indian Curry Asian Beer Wine Nepalese Dumpling House HimalayanHimalayan Kitchen, located in Union Square, serves a combination of Nepalese and Indian cuisines, along with American dishes. The restaurant offers a range of dishes, including goat biryani, tandoori tangri chicken, and house-made momos.- Item Prices
- 277
- Average Item Price
- $11.41
Himalayan Kitchen Menu PricesMore about Himalayan Kitchen
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Nepalese, Indian, American Fusion
Signature Dishes:
Goat BiryaniTandoori Tangri ChickenChicken Tikka Pizza
Location:
40 Bow St, Somerville, MA 02143
Special Feature:
The menu includes cross-cultural items such as pizzas with toppings like Buffalo chicken or tikka masala, and Punjabi-style fire-roasted wings.
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant is known for its inviting atmosphere and the hospitality of its owner.
What Sets It Apart:
Himalayan Kitchen's fusion of Nepalese, Indian, and American cuisines provides a unique dining experience.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:45 PMWednesday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:45 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:45 PMSunday: 12:00 PM – 9:45 PMMonday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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5
Mela Modern Indian Cuisine, located in Boston's South End, combines traditional Indian recipes with fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant's chefs focus on balancing spices, herbs, and authentic techniques.- Item Prices
- 120
- Average Item Price
- $13.68
Mela Modern Indian Cuisine Menu PricesMore about Mela Modern Indian Cuisine
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Modern Indian
Signature Dishes:
Tandoori ChickenPalak PaneerVegetable Biryani
Location:
578 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118
Special Feature:
The restaurant offers special dinner packages for two, including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
What Makes It Special:
Mela is recognized for its cozy and cute atmosphere, with a focus on fresh ingredients and fragrant spices.
What Sets It Apart:
The restaurant's modern approach to Indian dining, from its artfully plated curries to its inviting dining room, distinguishes it from other Indian restaurants.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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6
Vaisakhi Indian Kitchen in the Brighton & Allston area offers traditional North Indian cuisine. The restaurant was started by three friends who wanted to bring the authentic flavors of Punjab to Boston.- Item Prices
- 217
- Average Item Price
- $11.37
Vaisakhi Indian Kitchen Menu PricesMore about Vaisakhi Indian Kitchen
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
North Indian, Punjabi
Signature Dishes:
Butter ChickenGarlic NaanDhabha Chicken
Location:
157 Sutherland Rd, Boston, MA 02135
Special Feature:
The menu includes a variety of tandoori specialties, including lamb seekh kebab and tandoori salmon.
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant is known for its delightful blend of traditional North Indian flavors in an inviting and vibrant atmosphere.
What Sets It Apart:
Vaisakhi Indian Kitchen's focus on authentic Punjabi cuisine, born from the passion of its founders, sets it apart from other Indian restaurants in the area.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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7. Don’t Tell Aunty
Billed as Boston's first Indian gastro bar, Don't Tell Aunty serves tapas-style dishes in an upbeat environment. The restaurant features Bollywood dance clips on TVs and a faux tree in the center of the space.More about Don’t Tell Aunty
Type of Restaurant:
Gastro Bar
Type of Food:
Indian Fusion
Signature Dishes:
Indian Fusion Chicken WingsButter Chicken CroquettesKale Chaat
Location:
1080 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02115
Special Feature:
The restaurant offers a "Samosas & Mimosas" brunch experience and has a late-night menu.
What Makes It Special:
Don't Tell Aunty is known for its creative Indian food and cocktails, as well as its vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
What Sets It Apart:
The tapas-style menu and gastro-bar concept create a unique and modern dining experience that fuses Indian street food with inventive twists.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AMFriday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
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8
8. Shanti Restaurant
Since 1999, Shanti Restaurant has been serving Indian and Bangladeshi food. The name "Shanti" means peace in Sanskrit, and the restaurant aims to create a peaceful ambiance for its guests.More about Shanti Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Indian, Bangladeshi
Signature Dishes:
Murg Tikka MasalaChicken BiryaniTandoori Chicken
Location:
1111 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02125
Special Feature:
The menu includes Bangladeshi-style cooking known as Bhuna. The restaurant offers a wide variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
What Makes It Special:
Shanti is known for its cozy and romantic atmosphere, with candles and Hindu statues creating a moody feel.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of Indian and Bangladeshi cuisines, along with the restaurant's long-standing presence in Dorchester, makes it a unique dining destination.
Operating Hours:
Daily: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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9
9. Sarva Indian Cuisine
Sarva Indian Cuisine on Newbury Street offers authentic Indian dishes in a stylish setting. The restaurant provides both indoor and outdoor seating.More about Sarva Indian Cuisine
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Indian
Signature Dishes:
Tandur Paneer TikkaMurg Malai KababButter Chicken
Location:
279 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116
Special Feature:
The menu clearly labels vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options.
What Makes It Special:
Sarva is known for its authentic Indian flavors and generous portions. The staff is noted for being friendly and attentive.
What Sets It Apart:
The restaurant's location on Newbury Street and its commitment to accommodating various dietary needs make it a standout choice.
Operating Hours:
Daily: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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10
10. Masala Square Indian Kitchen
Located in Union Square, Somerville, Masala Square Indian Kitchen offers a fusion of traditional and innovative Indian cuisine. The woman-owned establishment has a modern and upbeat setting.More about Masala Square Indian Kitchen
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Cocktail Bar
Type of Food:
North Indian
Signature Dishes:
Chicken Tikki MasalaGarlic NaanSupreme Samosa
Location:
23 Union Sq, Somerville, MA 02143
Special Feature:
The restaurant has a full bar and offers a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options. It also features a "Create Your Curry" section on the menu.
What Makes It Special:
Masala Square is known for its trendy and intimate atmosphere, making it a good spot for both a quick meal and a full dinner experience.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of a cocktail bar with authentic North Indian cuisine, along with a focus on sustainability with plastic-free packaging, makes it a unique dining spot.
Operating Hours:
Wednesday – Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMTuesday: Closed
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
On the map
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Indian Restaurants in Boston Famous?
Indian restaurants in Boston are famous for presenting a blend of traditional regional food and modern culinary interpretations. This city in Massachusetts is distinguished by its concentration of establishments specializing in North Indian cuisine, particularly Punjabi food, which is known for rich, buttery flavors and tandoori cooking. This specialization is a direct reflection of the culinary heritage brought by restaurant owners from that region. Boston's dining landscape also features restaurants that fuse Indian flavors with other cuisines, such as Nepalese and American, creating unique dishes like chicken tikka pizza. This innovative approach, combined with a commitment to authentic, homestyle cooking in establishments like Punjabi Dhaba, sets the city's Indian food scene apart from others in New England.
What Types of Indian Restaurants are Commonly Found in Boston?
Boston has several types of Indian restaurants, with a strong presence of North Indian establishments alongside other regional and modern styles. The types of Indian restaurants commonly found in Boston are detailed below.
- North Indian: These restaurants are the most prevalent and focus on the rich, savory food of Northern India. Menus feature tandoori-grilled meats, creamy curries like Butter Chicken, and fresh-baked naan. The Maharaja and India Quality Restaurant are examples.
- Punjabi: A subset of North Indian cuisine, these eateries, such as Punjabi Dhaba, offer the hearty, rustic dishes of Punjab. Roadside cafe-style meals and homestyle recipes are central to the experience.
- South Indian: Places like Madras Dosa Co. concentrate on the lighter fare of Southern India. The menus feature dosas (savory crepes), idlis (steamed rice cakes), and vegetarian specialties.
- Nepalese and Indian Fusion: Restaurants such as Himalayan Kitchen combine the food traditions of Nepal and India. The menus include dishes like momos (dumplings) alongside Indian curries and tandoori items.
- Modern Indian and Gastro Bars: Establishments like Mela Modern Indian Cuisine and Don't Tell Aunty present Indian food with a contemporary approach. The dishes may use modern cooking methods, tapas-style plates, and artistic plating, paired with creative cocktails.
- Fast-Casual Indian: This format, seen at places like Wow Tikka, allows customers to build their own bowls, offering a quick and customizable meal.
Are There Authentic Indian Restaurants in Boston?
Yes, there are authentic Indian restaurants in Boston, including Punjabi Dhaba, India Quality Restaurant, and Shanti. Punjabi Dhaba offers a genuine roadside dhaba experience, serving traditional Punjabi street food in a no-frills, counter-service setting since 1998. India Quality Restaurant has been a fixture in Kenmore Square since 1983, providing classic, homestyle North Indian dishes. Shanti has served the Dorchester community since 1999 with a menu of authentic Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine.
What are the Signature Dishes at the Best Indian Restaurants in Boston?
The best Indian restaurants in Boston are known for dishes ranging from North Indian staples like Chicken Tikka Masala to South Indian dosas. Key signature dishes from Boston's top Indian restaurants are detailed below.
- Chicken Tikka Masala: A creamy tomato-based curry with tender, tandoori-roasted chicken pieces. This classic North Indian dish is a specialty at restaurants like The Maharaja and Shanti.
- Dosa: A thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with spiced potatoes (Masala Dosa). This South Indian staple is a highlight at Madras Dosa Co.
- Saag Paneer: A vegetarian dish of spinach and other leafy greens cooked with cubes of paneer cheese in a creamy, spiced sauce. This is a popular item at India Quality Restaurant and Punjabi Dhaba.
- Biryani: A fragrant rice dish cooked with meat or vegetables and a blend of aromatic spices. Goat Biryani is a notable dish at Himalayan Kitchen.
- Tandoori Chicken: Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then roasted in a cylindrical clay oven called a tandoor. This smoky and flavorful dish is a feature at Mela and Shanti.
- Momo: Steamed dumplings, a specialty of Nepalese cuisine, filled with chicken or vegetables and served with a dipping sauce. These are a main attraction at Himalayan Kitchen.
Is Indian Food Popular in Boston?
Yes, Indian food is very popular in Boston, especially in Cambridge and Somerville. These areas support a high number of Indian restaurants serving everything from casual street food to fine dining. The presence of long-standing establishments, some operating for over four decades like India Pavilion, demonstrates a sustained demand for the food. The expansion of local restaurants like Shanti into new locations further indicates the food's growing popularity.
What is the Average Price of a Meal at Indian Restaurants in Boston?
The cost of a meal at an Indian restaurant in Boston ranges from $20 for a casual meal to over $60 for a fine-dining experience. Budget-friendly meals are available at fast-casual spots like Punjabi Dhaba, where a meal costs from $15 to $25. A meal at a mid-range, casual dining restaurant such as Mela or Sarva Indian Cuisine costs between $25 and $45 for an entree and a drink. Upscale restaurants like The Maharaja have prices that start at $50 per person.
Do Indian Restaurants in Boston Offer Vegan Options?
Yes, Indian restaurants in Boston offer vegan options such as Surya Veg & Dosa Company, Dosa n Curry, and Masala Square. Surya Veg & Dosa Company is a fully vegetarian restaurant with a large selection of vegan-friendly meals. Dosa n Curry is also a 100% vegetarian restaurant. Masala Square and Surya Indian Kitchen n Caterers both feature extensive vegan and gluten-free choices on the restaurant menus. Indian food naturally includes many vegetable- and lentil-based dishes, making the food well-suited for vegan diets.
Do Indian Restaurants in Boston Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, Indian restaurants in Boston offer gluten-free options, including Masala Square, Surya Indian Kitchen n Caterers, and Shanti. Numerous Indian dishes are naturally gluten-free, such as those made with rice, lentils, and chickpea flour. Tandoori meats, most curries, and lentil dishes (dal) are prepared without gluten. Restaurants like Masala Square and Indian Kitchen explicitly note gluten-free items on the restaurant menus to accommodate diners with dietary restrictions.
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