10 Best Indian Restaurants in Charlotte
The ten best Indian restaurants in Charlotte are Copper Modern Indian Cuisine, Curry Gate, Exotica Indian Kitchen and Bar, Royal Biryani, Kolapasi Indian Canteen, Nalan Indian Cuisine, Curry Junction, Aahaar 25 Indian Vegetarian Restaurant, Kasthamandap Kitchen, and Raahi Art of India. Charlotte, in the state of North Carolina, has a growing Indian food scene that features both modern dining rooms and homestyle regional specialists. The city is home to upscale establishments like Copper, which serves contemporary Indian food in a historic house, balancing the modern Indian restaurant in Charlotte with authentic and casual spots like Royal Biryani.
The Indian restaurants in the city present a full range of dining formats, where the best Indian food Charlotte NC can be found in elegant, historic settings and simple, counter-service canteens. This selection includes restaurants that also feature Nepalese food, like Curry Gate and Kasthamandap Kitchen, creating a mix of fine-dining destinations and accessible local favorites that defines the Indian food choices in the Queen City.
Charlotte's Indian establishments are known for both creativity and tradition, with Copper as a top destination for a refined and modern Indian meal in an elegant setting. For a taste of a specific Indian region, Royal Biryani provides an authentic experience with its Hyderabadi dum biryani, while Kolapasi Indian Canteen is a go-to for homestyle South Indian street food. Indian restaurants Charlotte NC include Aahaar 25 and Kolapasi, which also provide menu options for vegan and gluten-free diets.
10 Best Indian Restaurants in Charlotte are listed below.
-
1
Curry GateCurry Gate is a popular restaurant in Charlotte, NC specializing in authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisines. Popular menu items include...- Item Prices 162
- Average Item Price $10.19
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Indian, Nepalese
Signature Dishes:Chicken MomosLamb SekuwaChicken Tikka Masala
Location:630 W 24th St, Charlotte, NC 28206 (multiple locations available)
Special Feature:The menu includes a dedicated section for Nepalese street food and traditional dishes, offering a taste of Himalayan cuisine.
What Makes It Special:Curry Gate is known for its well-prepared momos, Nepalese-style dumplings, which are a main draw for diners seeking authentic Himalayan flavors.
What Sets It Apart:Its dual focus on both Indian and Nepalese food, particularly its extensive selection of traditional Nepalese items, distinguishes it from restaurants that serve only Indian cuisine.
Operating Hours:Tuesday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
-
2
Royal Biryani Fine Indian CuisineRoyal Biryani is a casual restaurant that specializes in the cuisine of Hyderabad, a city in Southern India. The menu is centered on Hyderabadi-style dum biryani, a slow-cooked rice dish known for its intense flavor and aroma.- Item Prices 72
- Average Item Price $9.63
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:South Indian, Hyderabadi
Signature Dishes:Hyderabadi Chicken Dum BiryaniGoat Fry BiryaniChicken 65
Location:9624 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270
Special Feature:The restaurant's main focus is its "dum" biryani, a traditional slow-cooking method where meat and rice are layered and cooked in a sealed pot to lock in flavors.
What Makes It Special:Royal Biryani is a destination for its authentic Hyderabadi biryani, which is considered one of the most genuine versions of the dish available in Charlotte.
What Sets It Apart:Its specific dedication to the fiery and aromatic cuisine of Hyderabad, particularly its mastery of the biryani, distinguishes it from other Indian restaurants that offer a more generalized menu.
Operating Hours:Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PMSunday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
-
3
Nalan Indian CuisineIndian Group FriendlyNalan Indian Cuisine is a casual dining restaurant that offers a menu of classic dishes from both North and South India. The restaurant serves a large selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian entrees, from curries to dosas.- Item Prices 362
- Average Item Price $13.76
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:North & South Indian
Signature Dishes:Masala DosaChicken Tikka MasalaGoat Curry
Location:1600 E Woodlawn Rd #150, Charlotte, NC 28209
Special Feature:The restaurant provides an extensive menu that covers multiple regions of India, allowing diners to order North Indian tandoori and South Indian dosas at the same table.
What Makes It Special:Nalan is known for its broad menu that appeals to a wide range of tastes, making it a suitable choice for groups with different preferences.
What Sets It Apart:Its generalist approach, offering popular dishes from both the north and south of India, sets it apart from the many highly specialized regional restaurants in Charlotte.
Operating Hours:Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PMSunday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
-
4
Curry JunctionHalal Vegetarian Indian Indian CurryCurry Junction is a restaurant in Miami, Florida, specializing in authentic Indian cuisine. Popular menu items at Curry Junction include...- Item Prices 79
- Average Item Price $10.61
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:North Indian
Signature Dishes:Butter ChickenSaag PaneerGarlic Naan
Location:8200 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
Special Feature:The restaurant offers daily lunch specials that provide a complete meal with an entree, rice, and naan for a fixed, affordable price.
What Makes It Special:Curry Junction is known for being a reliable local spot for well-prepared, standard North Indian fare, serving as a convenient option for takeout and casual meals.
What Sets It Apart:Its focus on being a simple, no-frills neighborhood restaurant with a classic menu of Indian standards distinguishes it from more upscale or specialized establishments.
Operating Hours:Tuesday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
-
5
Copper Modern Indian CuisineCopper Modern Indian Cuisine is a fine-dining restaurant located in a historic bungalow in the Dilworth neighborhood. The menu reinterprets traditional Indian recipes with a contemporary and sophisticated approach, served in an elegant setting.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Modern Indian
Signature Dishes:Tandoori Lamb ChopsGoan Shrimp CurryVegetable Samosa Chaat
Location:311 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Special Feature:The restaurant is housed in the Mayer House, a registered historic landmark built in 1902, which provides a unique and charming ambiance with its wrap-around porch and classic architecture.
What Makes It Special:Copper is known for its refined atmosphere, attentive service, and its role as one of Charlotte's original upscale Indian dining destinations.
What Sets It Apart:Its unique location in a historic home, combined with a long-standing reputation for sophisticated, modern Indian food, distinguishes it as a premier fine-dining establishment.
Operating Hours:Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:30 PMSunday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Price:$50 to $100 per person
-
6
Exotica Indian Kitchen and BarExotica Indian Kitchen and Bar is a contemporary restaurant that presents Indian cuisine with a modern approach. The menu features classic dishes updated with refined presentation and a focus on high-quality ingredients in an upscale atmosphere.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Modern Indian
Signature Dishes:Lamb ChopsButter ChickenChili Paneer
.jpg.jpg)
Location:500 S College Street, Ste. 150 Charlotte, NC 28202
Special Feature:The restaurant includes a full bar with a cocktail program that incorporates Indian spices and flavors, with drinks created to pair with the menu.
What Makes It Special:Exotica is known for its stylish decor and its elevated take on Indian classics, providing a polished dining experience suitable for both casual dinners and special occasions.
What Sets It Apart:Its combination of a modern, design-forward interior with a creative, contemporary menu sets it apart from more traditional Indian restaurants in the Charlotte area.
Operating Hours:Daily: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
-
7
Kolapasi Indian CanteenKolapasi Indian Canteen is a fast-casual restaurant that serves homestyle South Indian cuisine. The menu focuses on simple, traditional meals, tiffin items, and street food snacks in a straightforward, counter-service setting.Type of Restaurant:Fast-Casual
Type of Food:South Indian
Signature Dishes:Kothu ParottaMasala DosaIdli with Sambar
Location:2040 Freeman Park Dr #100, Charlotte, NC 28273
Special Feature:The restaurant operates as a "canteen," offering a simple, no-frills environment focused on providing quick, affordable, and authentic homestyle meals.
What Makes It Special:Kolapasi is known for its authentic, unpretentious South Indian comfort food, with dishes that taste like they were prepared in a family kitchen.
What Sets It Apart:Its specific focus on quick, homestyle South Indian tiffin and street food, particularly the Kothu Parotta, makes it a unique and specialized eatery.
Operating Hours:Daily: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
-
8
Aahaar 25 Indian Vegetarian RestaurantAahaar 25 is a restaurant that serves an entirely vegetarian menu of classic Indian dishes from various regions. The offerings include South Indian dosas, North Indian curries, and a selection of street food snacks.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Vegetarian Indian
Signature Dishes:Masala DosaChole BhatureGobi Manchurian
Location:9824 Rea Rd Ste B, Charlotte, North Carolina 28277-6730
Special Feature:The restaurant's menu is 100% vegetarian, providing a wide array of options for diners seeking plant-based Indian food.
What Makes It Special:Aahaar 25 is known for its extensive and diverse vegetarian menu that covers dishes from multiple Indian regions, from street food to classic entrees.
What Sets It Apart:Its strict adherence to a purely vegetarian menu, combined with its broad selection of regional favorites, makes it a primary destination for vegetarian Indian dining in Charlotte.
Operating Hours:Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
-
9
Kasthamandap KitchenKasthamandap Kitchen is a casual eatery that specializes in the cuisine of Nepal, with some Indian dishes also on the menu. The restaurant focuses on traditional Nepalese specialties like momos, thukpa, and sekuwa.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Nepalese, Indian
Signature Dishes:Chili MomosGoat SekuwaThukpa
Location:9335 Center Lake Dr, # 230 Charlotte NC 28216
Special Feature:The restaurant is known for its Chili Momos, a popular Nepalese preparation where steamed or fried dumplings are tossed in a spicy, tangy chili sauce.
What Makes It Special:Kasthamandap is a destination for its authentic Nepalese food, offering a menu that goes deep into the specific flavors and dishes of the Himalayan region.
What Sets It Apart:Its primary focus on Nepalese cuisine, rather than Indian, distinguishes it as a specialist eatery where diners can experience a full range of traditional Nepalese meals.
Operating Hours:Monday, Wednesday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:30 PMSunday: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PMTuesday: Closed
Price:$20 to $30 per person
-
10
Raahi Art of IndiaRaahi Art of India is a casual dining restaurant that serves a menu of classic North Indian cuisine. The restaurant offers a selection of traditional curries, biryanis, and tandoori-grilled items in a welcoming neighborhood setting.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:North Indian
Signature Dishes:Chicken Tikka MasalaLamb Rogan JoshSaag Paneer
Location:100 W Worthington Ave Ste 104, Charlotte, NC 28203
Special Feature:The restaurant offers a daily lunch buffet, allowing diners to sample a large selection of its North Indian dishes for a fixed price.
What Makes It Special:Raahi is known for being a reliable and popular choice for traditional North Indian food in the University City area, with consistent preparation of classic dishes.
What Sets It Apart:Its focus on providing a classic, straightforward North Indian menu with a well-regarded daily buffet makes it a dependable fixture for the local community.
Operating Hours:Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PMFriday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PMSaturday: 5:00 AM – 10:30 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
What Makes Indian Restaurants in Charlotte Famous?
Indian restaurants in Charlotte are famous for having a mix of modern restaurants and places that cook food from one specific region. The city has upscale restaurants like Copper, which serves modern Indian food in an old house. Charlotte also has more restaurants that serve food from one area, like the Hyderabadi biryani at Royal Biryani or the South Indian meals at Kolapasi Indian Canteen. Nepalese restaurants like Curry Gate and Kasthamandap Kitchen also add to the city's food choices.
What Types of Indian Restaurants are Commonly Found in Charlotte?
Charlotte has different kinds of Indian restaurants, from modern establishments to casual neighborhood spots. The types of Indian restaurants found in Charlotte are listed below.
- Modern Indian: These restaurants, such as Copper and Exotica, are upscale places that present Indian food with a contemporary style, focusing on refined plating and new recipes.
- South Indian: Places like Royal Biryani (Hyderabadi) and Kolapasi Indian Canteen (general South Indian) serve the cuisines of Southern India, with menus based on biryani, dosas, and tiffin items.
- North Indian: Restaurants like Curry Junction and Raahi Art of India serve the tandoor-based food of Northern India, known for classic curries, grilled meats, and naan bread.
- Indian and Nepalese: Establishments like Curry Gate and Kasthamandap Kitchen offer a combined menu that includes Indian dishes next to Himalayan specialties from Nepal, such as momos.
- Vegetarian Indian: Aahaar 25 is an example of this type, offering a completely meat-free menu with dishes from all over India, including dosas, chaat, and curries.
Are There Authentic Indian Restaurants in Charlotte?
Yes, there are restaurants in Charlotte that serve traditional Indian food. The city has places that make homestyle food. Royal Biryani prepares Hyderabadi dum biryani with a traditional slow-cooking method. Kolapasi Indian Canteen serves simple, homestyle South Indian food like Kothu Parotta. Kasthamandap Kitchen and Curry Gate both offer traditional Nepalese food, with menu items like momos and sekuwa.
What are the Signature Dishes at the Best Indian Restaurants in Charlotte?
The best Indian restaurants in Charlotte are known for certain dishes from India and Nepal. The main signature dishes from Charlotte's top Indian restaurants are listed below.
- Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani: A layered rice and chicken dish cooked slowly in a sealed pot to infuse the ingredients with flavor and aroma. This is the main specialty at Royal Biryani.
- Chicken Momos: Nepalese-style dumplings filled with seasoned ground chicken, served steamed or fried with a dipping sauce. This is a popular item at Curry Gate and Kasthamandap Kitchen.
- Kothu Parotta: A South Indian street food dish made from shredded flatbread that is stir-fried with egg, meat, or vegetables and a spicy sauce. This is a signature item at Kolapasi Indian Canteen.
- Tandoori Lamb Chops: Lamb chops marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked at a high temperature in a tandoor oven. This is a specialty at the fine-dining restaurant Copper.
- Masala Dosa: A thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with spiced potatoes. This South Indian staple is a highlight at Aahaar 25 and Nalan Indian Cuisine.
Is Indian Food Popular in Charlotte?
Yes, Indian food is popular in Charlotte. The city's growing South Asian community wants Indian food, so many Indian restaurants have opened all over the city, from University City to Ballantyne. The number of restaurants, from simple canteens to upscale dining rooms, shows that Indian food is an important part of the city's food options.
What is the Average Price of a Meal at Indian Restaurants in Charlotte?
A meal at an Indian restaurant in Charlotte costs between $15 and over $100. Fast-casual restaurants like Kolapasi Indian Canteen charge from $15 to $25. Mid-range places such as Curry Gate or Royal Biryani cost between $25 and $45. Dinner at a fine-dining restaurant like Exotica is over $50, and a meal at Copper can cost more than $100.
Do Indian Restaurants in Charlotte Offer Vegan Options?
Yes, Indian restaurants in Charlotte offer vegan options. Aahaar 25 Indian Vegetarian Restaurant has many plant-based dishes on its all-vegetarian menu, and many items can be made vegan by request. South Indian restaurants like Kolapasi Indian Canteen also have many vegan-friendly dishes made from lentils, rice, and vegetables.
Do Indian Restaurants in Charlotte Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, Indian restaurants in Charlotte offer gluten-free options because many Indian dishes do not contain gluten. Restaurants like Copper, Royal Biryani, and Nalan Indian Cuisine have many gluten-free choices. Most tandoori-grilled meats, seafood, and the majority of curries are gluten-free. Rice dishes like biryani and South Indian items like dosas are also gluten-free.
Find your next favorite spot
Can't decide? start here: