The Best Indian Restaurants in Phoenix, Arizona

Vegetarians, vegans and omnivores head over to Udupi in North Scottsdale for reliably satisfying and veggie-focused Indian favorites in a fun and family-friendly setting. Among the house specialties are gobi manchurian, cauliflower fried with a fragrant combination of soy sauce, garlic and various spices, and channa batura, pillowy bread served alongside a hearty chickpea stew. Channa batura is traditionally eaten at breakfast, but is a good choice for lunch and dinner, too.

Award-winning Curry Corner in Tempe specializes in affordable and unforgettable curries and South Indian Thali dishes in take-away form – making it a go-to spot for a quick lunch-break meal, a snack or a worry-free dinner. If you want to explore a variety of flavors, Curry Corner includes both vegetarian and meat thali, which is a selection of curries, yogurt, salad and bread all served on a circular platter. It’s a good way to explore new dishes you haven’t tasted before.

Looking for an Indian buffet that won’t disappoint? Head over to India Oven in Mesa, an Arizona mainstay known for its fresh buffet with a wide variety of Indian food favorites, such as chutney and chicken tikka masala, best eaten with a side of hot naan. This restaurant sets itself apart from the rest by including mango lassi with your buffet meal – or you can choose to order off its equally abundant menu. This is an affordable and satisfying option for a night out with hungry friends or family.

Saffron, humbly situated in a Glendale strip mall, may not seem like anything too special from the outside. But one meal at this hidden gem will have you hankering for more. Begin your meal with a refreshing house-made ginger lemonade and crunchy samosas. Then explore the bistro’s selection of Indian snacks, such as bhel puri – puffed rice topped with herbs, spices and a tangy sauce. For your entrée, Saffon whips up a memorably decadent butter chicken.

Chettinaad is a remote desert region in southern India, with a heavily spiced, meat-centered cuisine. You can taste these flavorful Chettinaad specialties at Chennai Chettinaad Palace, just off the Interstate 17 in Deer Valley. The menu includes more than 200 items, many of which are hard to find outside India – including a delicacy called nethyli fish: crispy anchovies fried with an invigorating blend of turmeric, chili pepper, cilantro and a couple squeezes of fresh lemon.

Family-friendly Chutneys serves up authentic dishes from across India in a laid-back and welcoming space. Known for a generous and favorably priced lunch buffet, Chutneys allures diners with its impressive variety of mouthwatering menu showcasing Indian cuisine classics. Delectable choices include tandoori shrimp – glistening morsels cooked to perfection over a charcoal fire – and mango chicken, a delicate combination of musky sweetness with fiery spices.