Dublin is a thriving multicultural city with an impressive global food scene to match. If you love the complex, spicy flavours of traditional Indian food, you’ll find no shortage of fantastic restaurants to try throughout Dublin. From relaxed curry houses that specialise in traditional Indian cooking methods to sophisticated cocktail lounges serving Indian tapas, the best Indian restaurants in Dublin cater to all types of diners. Meat and seafood fanatics can find places that serve succulent tandoori slow-cooked dishes, while vegans and vegetarians can find plenty of fresh options.
Sample foods from all over India, from fiery south Indian cuisine to warming north Indian styles. Dine out on sizzling skewers loaded with marinated meats, veg and shellfish, or feast on hearty Hyderabad biriyanis. Sample traditional Indian street food dishes or experience modern fine dining with a Nepalese twist. These are the best Indian restaurants in Dublin for serious food lovers.
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Read on for the best Indian restaurants in Dublin for an incredible meal out
For Indian tapas and creative cocktails – don’t miss The Lucky Duck in South City Centre
Known for its tapas-style small plates and its unique cocktails, The Lucky Duck in the South City Centre is one of the best restaurants in Dublin for Indian food. Made up of several elegant cocktail rooms, The Lucky Duck is the perfect location for a relaxed drinks date or a glamorous evening out. The bar specialises in making mouth-watering cocktails using seasonal and sustainable produce. Sip on signature favourites, like a Dan Donnelly – a smooth blend of Irish whisky, sherry, honey and orange bitters – or a vodka-based peach and passion fruit diceman. Pair your cocktail with satisfying small plates, like chilli cheese toasties filled with blue cheese and cheddar or the South Indian chicken pepper fry. Refreshing sides, like a mango salad or onion bhajis, are a perfect accompaniment. For sweet-toothed diners, dessert cocktails like a white chocolate and crème de menthe grasshoppe will hit the spot.
For one of Dublin’s best South Indian restaurants – visit Andhra Bhavan on Marlborough Street
South Indian cuisine is known for being spicy, fruity and complex. Andhra Bhavan on Marlborough Street is one of the best Indian restaurants in Dublin for mouth-watering South Indian recipes. Traditional Hyderabadi biriyani – a baked saffron rice dish made with spicy, marinated chicken, lamb or paneer – is one hearty and delicious option. Meanwhile, the chicken Chettinadu and the Malabar fish curry are fiery South Indian classics. Diners at Andhra Bhavan can also try traditional Indian street food – or chaat – dishes. This selection includes crunchy light snacks, like pani puri crackers and samosas. Choose something from the wine list to complement your meal or enjoy unique Indian drinks, like a rose lassi or Indian beers. Unique decor that features Indian wall art and a relaxed yet elegant feel makes Andhra Bhavan a great location for a family celebration or a business lunch.
For special occasions – visit Diwali Restaurant Camden Street on Camden Street
Located in the historic Dublin 2 area, Diwali Restaurant Camden Street is one of Dublin’s best Indian restaurants for a stylish meal out. Specialising in traditional Indian and Nepalese food, the restaurant offers a range of meat dishes prepared in the tandoori clay oven and Himalayan curries. Diners can tuck into a la carte options, like the tandoor-roasted monkfish or the spicy Gorkhali lamb curry, made with yogurt, green chillies and cashews. If you’re planning a meal out with a group, you can book in for the Saturday-Sunday feast special, which is served until 7 pm. It includes a starter and a main with sides for £27.95 per head. Diwali Restaurant is also known for its cocktails. Try a refreshing Everest Ice Fall made with gin and blue curaçao or a classic pina colada. Warm service and a sophisticated vibe make Diwali great for special occasions.
For one of the best Indian restaurants in South Dublin – don’t miss Doolally in South City Centre
Inspired by historic trade and cultural links between India and Ireland, Doolally in South City Centre is one of the best Indian restaurants in South Dublin. Head here for traditional Indian food made with premium Irish produce. Unique modern decor gives the dining room a luxe feel, while super fresh local ingredients elevate every dish. Start your meal off with a mussel and clam moilee – shellfish cooked in a Keralan ginger and coconut broth – or try crispy idli rice pancakes served with chutney. Popular mains include the prawn jalfrezi and the malai chicken tikka kebab. Creative signature cocktails, like the Mangifera – made with mango vodka, ginger beer and lime – are perfect for a fun night out with friends. You can also enjoy a refreshing watermelon and mint sharbat cooler if you want something non-alcoholic. The restaurant has a smart casual vibe and a glamorous hotspot feel.
For one of the best Nepalese restaurants in Dublin – try Everest Kitchen Nepalese and Indian Restaurant in Rathgar
Everest Kitchen Nepalese and Indian Restaurant Rathgar is one of the best spots in Dublin to try traditional Nepalese food. The kitchen team is headed up by two Nepalese chefs and the menu offers a wide range of tandoor-cooked dishes and Nepalese curries. Meat lovers can chow down on the meat platter for two, which includes a selection of tandoori-roasted chicken tikka, prawns and lamb chops. You can also enjoy a plate of Nepalese momo steamed chicken dumplings in tomato sauce. Elsewhere, the Himalayan curry and the Everest Special Curry are served with a choice of lamb, chicken, paneer, prawns or veg and showcase rich Nepalese spice blends. The wine list features a range of high-quality European and New World bottles so you can choose a vintage that complements your meal. The relaxed yet refined atmosphere makes it perfect for a business lunch.
For one of Dublin’s best Indian restaurants for outdoor dining and cocktails – visit Kinara Kitchen in Ranelagh
Located just a short walk from Dublin city centre, Kinara Kitchen Ranelagh is one of the city’s best Indian restaurants for show-stopping food and a fun, friendly vibe. As well as the stylish dining room, Kinara Kitchen Ranelagh also has an elegant rooftop terrace where visitors can dine and enjoy some cocktails alfresco. Sophisticated starter options include the tandoori-cooked lobster tail and the tali wali machali – calamari fried in garlic and coriander, served with mango chutney. For the main event, diners can tuck into sumptuous seafood dishes, like chargrilled sea bass and tandoori-roasted monkfish. You can also sample rich curry dishes, like the beef lobia tenderloin in a tomato and onion gravy and the makhani murgh butter chicken. The curated cocktail list is specially designed to complement the dishes on offer. Meanwhile, the elegant modern decor gives the restaurant a chic, upmarket feel.
For spectacular curries – try Aleena Indian Restaurant in Temple Bar
Aleena Indian Restaurant in Temple Bar is one of the best Indian restaurants in Dublin for traditional curry dishes. The menu features a selection of different curry styles from around India, as well as meat that is slow-cooked in a traditional tandoori oven. Diners can choose from affordable set menu options, like the two-course menu for £9.95, which offers a selection of curries along with fresh naan or pilau rice. Tuck into the prawn vindaloo if you love to keep things spicy or try the mild and creamy chicken korma. The Aleena special balti curry is an excellent choice and features a traditional Punjab recipe of meats, tomatoes and green chillies prepared in a Karahi iron pot. A fruity mango lassi – a yoghurt-based smoothie – is perfectly refreshing. The restaurant’s inviting and intimate atmosphere makes this a perfect spot for a cosy date night.
For one of the best Indian restaurants in Dublin for groups – try Kathmandu Kitchen on Dame Street
Serving up traditional Indian and Nepalese food, Kathmandu Kitchen on Dame Street is one of the best restaurants in Dublin for a memorable meal out with friends. The lively, intimate atmosphere and sleek decor make this an ideal spot for a celebratory get-together or a chatty catch-up. Popular starters include the Kathmandu mix – a spread of vegetarian samosas, barbeque chicken tikka and sheesh kebab – and the poleko squid roasted in a tandoori clay oven. The tandoor also features heavily in the mains selection, with items like the mixed sizzler skewer loaded with king prawns and chicken and the vegetarian gorkhali sakahari sizzler made with aubergines, peppers and marinated mushrooms. The menu also features a delicious range of Nepalese curries, from the Kukhura chicken tikka to the garlic chilly masala. Raise a glass with something from the wine selection or enjoy a hot masala tea.
For one the best vegan-friendly Indian restaurants in Dublin – try Thindi in Phibsborough
With its fresh, modern feel and its varied, vegan-friendly menu, Thindi in Phibsborough is a must-visit for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. The menu focuses on a light cooking style to create hearty, nutritious meals. Kick your evening off with a tiffin box starter – a luxurious platter of onion bhajis, samosas, chicken wings and mint chutneys. You can also choose from vegan starters, like the veggie selection or the Punjabi samosa. For mains, vegan diners have plenty of options, including a tofu saag and a vegan chicken masala. The menu also features a unique selection of signature dishes, such as the mango coconut curry and the loaded naan filled with juicy chicken tikka. A fun, casual vibe and soft-drink menu make this a bustling lunch hotspot.
For one of Dublin’s most romantic restaurants for date night – book at Delhi Rasoi Indian Restaurant in Dun Laoghaire
Serving traditional Indian cuisine in a cosy, intimate setting, the Delhi Rasoi Indian Restaurant in Dun Laoghaire is one of the best restaurants in Dublin for a romantic evening. The menu features a range of curries served with a choice of proteins or paneer, along with signature dishes, biriyanis and Indian bread. Popular items include the lamb nihari – succulent lamb cooked on the bone with green chilli, coconut and cashew nut gravy – and the Indo-Chinese manchurian gobi manchurian – meat or vegetable fritters tossed in spicy sauce. Pair your meal with a soft, fluffy naan or egg-fried rice. Set meal deals for two also make this a perfect place for date night. Choose from mixed platters and dine out on a selection of curries, with steamed rice, naan, poppadum and dips. Enjoy a soft drink with your meal and finish off with traditional sweets like Gulab jamun.
With its bustling international restaurant scene, Dublin is a great city to sample some Indian cuisine. Whether you’re looking for elegant, upmarket dining or a cosy weeknight spot, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Dublin. The city has an ever-expanding range of amazing Indian restaurants to try.
