If you’re exploring Durham’s vibrant food scene, a journey through its Indian culinary landscape should top your list. The Bull City, with its growing international flair and academic energy, now boasts more authentic curry houses and modern bistros than ever. Whether you crave traditional biryani at a family-run gem, a quick lunch of buttery naan and tikka masala, or an elegant dinner before catching a show downtown, Durham delivers.
Tandoor
$ | (919) 660-3900 | WEBSITE
A visit to Tandoor is all about indulging in generous portions of Chicken 65, Tikka Masala, and Paneer Saag in various combinations. They focus on classic Indian dishes, and most menu items deliver, but we consistently return for the $12 Chicken Tikka Masala. This cafeteria spot has straightforward service since savoring rich flavors and enjoying a satisfying meal is central to the experience.
Order multiple plates of naan and samosas, and before long, the bustling atmosphere will simply fade away.
Thali Indian Restaurant
$$ | (919) 908-0034 | WEBSITE
You discovered a new favorite last night at Thali Indian Restaurant. Now, it’s time to see if it holds up in the sober light of day. Head back for lunch, where, if all else fails, you and that friend (whose name you definitely didn’t forget) can happily dive into the buffet filled with vegetarian options, Durham’s authentic and very satisfying cuisine.
Curry Up Now
$ | (984) 250-7860 | WEBSITE
Like its counterparts in the Indian dining scene, Curry Up Now delivers a welcoming neighborhood vibe and is perfect for family meals—traditional enough for everyone’s tastes, but still fresh enough for a casual night out.
Bright lighting and a clean, open layout set the stage for classic Indian dishes done well—think aromatic vegetable biryani, creamy paneer tikka masala with its rich tomato gravy, and their signature chicken tikka covered in a yogurt marinade that’s tender and flavorful in all the right ways.
NaanStop Indian Cuisine
$ | (919) 641-3488 | WEBSITE
Since opening, NaanStop Indian Cuisine has been serving dishes that are as Punjabi as it gets—the city’s most flavorful shrimp biryani, garlic naan with just the right amount of char, and coconut soup that’s both creamy and aromatic. The clean ambiance and warm lighting give this welcoming spot the timeless yet relaxed energy you’d expect from any great Indian restaurant. However, it’s also a family-friendly destination.
You’ll be surrounded by a mix of regulars enjoying the lunch buffet and groups sharing generous portions of tandoori chicken and chicken tikka masala, while traditional Punjabi music plays softly in the background. Head here for a satisfying meal, or anytime you want to enjoy the feeling of celebrating culture while still feeling completely at ease.
Curry Point Express
$ | (919) 474-7447 | WEBSITE
You might think that with the fluorescent lighting, plastic tables, and steam trays behind the counter, Curry Point Express is one of those basic takeout spots serving passable to mediocre food. Not the case here. Their Indian menu is packed with heavy hitters. You’ll eat buttery chicken tikka masala while watching the kitchen staff prepare everything fresh in the bright, no-frills space.
The menu has other hits like perfectly blistered naan, crispy samosas with mint chutney, and a variety of vegetarian and vegan options that don’t feel like afterthoughts. The best part of a trip here is that you can walk out having spent just $15 for a solid lunch with tikka, rice, and a samosa, and somehow, they always have a booth ready for you and your big group of friends, even though they’re always busy.
Saffron Indian Cafe Durham
$ | (919) 973-0026 | WEBSITE
When it arrived in Durham’s dining scene, Saffron Indian Cafe quickly became a go-to spot for quick lunches, casual dinners, and group gatherings. The appeal of this authentic Indian restaurant stems largely from its open kitchen concept—a rarity in Durham and executed perfectly at Saffron, especially when their butter chicken, served with freshly made roti, is involved. Just don’t expect to walk right in during peak hours, as this place is typically packed with students and local food lovers.
Although it’s open for lunch and dinner, the lunch combo box is the move. Get the perfectly spiced kadhai paneer that’s a little indulgent.
Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar – Durham
$$ | (919) 748-3456 | WEBSITE
There’s a growing appreciation for Indian cuisine in Durham, and you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you skipped one of the authentic spots in the city. Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar has steadily become a local favorite, and it’s without a doubt one of the best Indian restaurants in the area. Everything here is incredibly flavorful, but the perfectly cooked paratha bread is really something: a simple yet incredible side served warm as the butter melts all over it.
Other standouts include the mango chicken with its complex spices, as well as the grilled salmon in that rich curry sauce.
Tandoor Indian Restaurant
$ | (919) 484-2102 | WEBSITE
This welcoming spot near Durham’s live music venues has all the charm of a quality Indian restaurant but without the overwhelming spice or crowded tables. Prices are moderate, and the atmosphere is warm, making it feel comfortable right from the start. The predominantly curry- and tandoori-focused menu is consistently delicious, and we’d expect nothing less from the caring staff behind the standout service.
Knockout dishes include the Lamb Rogan Josh with tender meat in rich gravy, and the Butter Chicken accompanied by perfectly fluffy garlic naan.
Urban Turban Indian Grill and Bar I Durham
$$ | (984) 666-5216 | WEBSITE
The best $18 you can spend in Durham is Urban Turban’s butter chicken: tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. This is an upscale, polished spot with a focused selection of Indian classics like Salmon Sagg and chicken tikka with gravy, plus a few well-crafted cocktails. And while the menu is concise, the variety of dietary accommodations you can request is anything but, with vegan options, kid-friendly dishes, and excellent service from a friendly staff.
Mango Indian Grill
$ | (336) 676-3982 | WEBSITE
You’re at Mango Indian Grill, in a bustling food hall that feels like a vibrant Delhi market thanks to warm lighting, colorful spice displays, and the constant hum of satisfied diners. The menu is packed with all the great things that come from the Indian kitchen: chicken tikka masala that’s as flavorful as it gets, buttery naan wraps, and consistently delicious plates like the tikka masala with basmati rice, paneer, and chickpeas.
Like the best quick-service spots, there’s also a must-order mango lassi on the menu, but this version is perfectly creamy and sweet. The staff remains friendly even during the lunch rush, making it a favorite for those craving good Indian food in the Raleigh-Durham area.
Tandoori Bites
$ | (984) 219-7363 | WEBSITE
This step-above-casual spot is hands down one of the best Indian restaurants in Durham. Their buffet is traditional with a modern twist. Prioritize the lamb chops, tender meat with spices, served with rice and curry—it’s perfect for sharing and even better with a cup of chai. While the inside dining room is quieter, we like to prioritize a seat in the always-warm atmosphere, which has a view of the friendly staff and flavorful meals.
Barsa New Indian
$$ | (919) 908-1800 | WEBSITE
You’ll instantly feel welcome at Barsa New Indian, a casual spot where the staff make you feel like they’re your real friends, and not just someone you’ll ask food-related questions to for the next few hours. The Indian-leaning menu includes comfort classics like beautifully presented Chicken Tikka and other updated classic dishes. If you’re not in the mood for a long dinner, act like one of the regulars and enjoy an affordable meal for three at just $120.
India Gate Indian restaurant
$ | (919) 237-3900 | WEBSITE
India Gate Indian restaurant is a delightful dining spot serving incredible butter chicken and garlic naan in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere—this place is inviting with soft lighting and comfortable booths decorated with traditional Indian artwork. Start with some classic appetizers like samosas and pakoras, before moving on to their standout dish—flavor-packed butter chicken, loaded with spices, cream, and tender chicken.
What else keeps us coming back is their pleasant, courteous service that isn’t too formal, mellow music for added relaxation, and garlic naan that’s both delicious and worth every bite.
Viceroy
$$ | (919) 797-0413 | WEBSITE
There are two sides of Durham: the bustling downtown core and the more residential neighborhoods. Viceroy is located in the latter, which also happens to be home to some of the area’s most authentic Indian cuisine. Take a drive over, and stop here for fried cauliflower and a creative cocktail. Like the neighborhood itself, it may not be the first place you visit in the Raleigh-Durham area, but we can almost guarantee it’ll be one of your favorites.
The dishes are delicious (try the London Mixed Grill Tandoor or the kofta curry with paneer, potato, and fig dumplings) and it’s one of the more affordable places to sit down for a quality meal in the region.
Sitar Indian Cuisine
$ | (919) 490-1326 | WEBSITE
You probably already know that Sitar has some of the best Indian food in Durham. But even if you’ve been two or three times before, you should still prioritize at least one Thursday visit during your week to catch their all-vegan buffet. Definitely get a plate of the butter tofu—instead of overly rich or heavy, Sitar’s version is creamy yet balanced, with just the right amount of spice, resulting in a satisfying depth of flavor.
And, yes, you should also try their tandoori dishes, which are arguably the best in all of the Triangle.
