Welcome to Hartford, a city where history meets innovation—and our food scene reflects that vibrant blend. Whether you crave the fiery curries of Punjab or the delicate biryanis of Hyderabad, our local Indian restaurants deliver authentic flavors from across the subcontinent. With so many options, choosing can be daunting. Here are the top spots to savor India’s rich culinary heritage right here in Connecticut’s capital.
Bhog Multi-Cuisine Indian Restaurant
$$ | (860) 786-1919 | WEBSITE
Bhog Multi-Cuisine Indian Restaurant, which has been serving Hartford since the early 2000s, lets you enjoy some of the best Indian food you’ll get in Connecticut while taking in the pleasant ambiance. Despite the popular buffet, you can usually just walk in and grab a seat, whether you’re dining solo at the live cooking station or having a family meal in the main dining area.
And while you don’t need to dress up, skip the gym clothes if you want to blend in with the regulars enjoying the attentive service.
Marina Indian Restaurant
$ | (860) 633-7799 | WEBSITE
The best Indian restaurant in Hartford requires some planning if you want to taste their famous Samosa Chat, served with chickpeas, yogurt, and tamarind chutney. After years of perfecting their recipes, the Marina spot only offers catering for large gatherings with advance notice. That makes it perfect if you’re hosting an event, but block out some time for your order because things take care here.
But as they say, good things come to those who wait, and the wait for dishes like the butter chicken that have been perfected with incredibly tender chicken, is most definitely worth it.
Rasham Restaurant
$$ | (860) 290-7826 | WEBSITE
It’s easy to overlook Rasham Restaurant, nestled in Hartford behind a cluster of unassuming storefronts. In fact, you might mistake the Indian eatery for a specialty shop, with its small dining area anchored by shelves displaying Arabian parfum oils and Yara air fresheners. This is a straightforward spot that’s better than it needs to be, and the varied menu of North Indian and Pakistani dishes has options for whenever you might stop by.
They’re known for quick service and reasonable prices, but we like it best for dinner with friends where everyone can enjoy the lively, fun atmosphere. Try the chicken balti, cooked to perfection with fresh ingredients, or mix and match dishes like aloo paratha, grilled chicken mix, and mango lassi, all with that home-cooked flavor everyone praises.
Taste of India
$$ | (860) 561-2221 | WEBSITE
This West Hartford gem is a great place to grab a meal and imagine all the flavors these walls have tasted. It looks like a cozy neighborhood spot, full of warm lighting and traditional decor that makes you feel transported. There are, of course, regulars who know the menu by heart and families sharing large platters, but you’ll also find newcomers discovering the place for the first time.
If you’re lucky enough to come through with someone who’s been before, they’re likely to have a Chicken Tikka Masala story that will make you understand how rooted the restaurant is, not just in Hartford, but to the people who make up the fabric of Connecticut’s dining scene.
Indigo Indian Bistro
$ | (860) 646-8600 | WEBSITE
If you want to see what Indian dining in Hartford should be, head to Indigo Indian Bistro. The cozy space with clearly marked menus and gluten-free options so thorough even your most sensitive friend will feel safe eating here is reminiscent of a kitchen that truly cares. While the restaurant can feel a little bustling at peak hours, the flavors here are huge—finishing the rich, aromatic chicken tikka masala will require a serious appetite.
If you’re looking for a satisfying meal that’s on the more affordable end, this is your place.
India Foods Kitchen
$ | (860) 356-7502 | WEBSITE
India Foods Kitchen in Newington is so authentic it feels like a street vendor brought it straight from Mumbai. Focusing on vegetarian street foods that tell the story of India’s bustling markets, the menu stays true to its roots, but if the deservedly popular Chole Bhatura is available, order it. With chickpeas in a flavorful sauce that puts canned varieties to shame, the pairing with light, puffy Bhatura bread is as satisfying as street food can get.
For other dishes, the Samosas taste like a recipe that’s been carefully perfected through tradition, and the humble Puri, typically the simplest item on any menu, is spectacular. Skip the more generic offerings if you’re looking for adventure, and go straight for the Kati Roll, packed with just the right amount of spice. The functional dining area with disposable plates keeps things casual, while owner Pavan’s attentive service makes every detail count—all at prices that won’t break the bank.
It’s a quick, tasty meal that delivers authenticity without pretense.
Dhaba Wala Indian Kitchen
$ | (860) 232-1500 | WEBSITE
Hartford’s Indian dining scene gets a standout with Dhaba Wala Indian Kitchen, a cozy spot tucked away in central Hartford with warm lighting and simple, clean decor that feels both authentic and inviting. It’s humble and welcoming—which is exactly the vibe at Dhaba Wala, where dishes are served on stainless steel thalis to guests in casual jeans and comfortable shirts. On the menu are flavorful and satisfying classics like the chicken Tikka Kati roll and samosa chaat.
But, as is the charm with some of the best neighborhood spots, the experience is consistently delightful. Some items are excellent, like the Kathi Rolls, with soft wraps and tender, well-marinated chicken, and some are irresistible, like the perfectly spiced chai and mango lassi that just work perfectly.
With generous portions often enough for two meals, quick service, and friendly staff like Ganesh who provides professional care, this hidden gem is highly recommended for its delicious, authentic Indian cuisine.
Himalaya Restaurant
$ | (860) 505-0812 | WEBSITE
If you’re in Hartford craving Indian food, you’re probably looking for takeout. Stop by Himalaya Restaurant on a rainy evening and order the chicken tikka masala, a classic dish with tender chicken in a creamy tomato sauce. The space is straightforward, so you can call in any time and pick up your meal, even with a larger order. They let you choose your spice level, with the heat options adding a couple dollars to the price.
While some might find the flavors straightforward, it’s a solid choice for an affordable, convenient meal when you want something warm and satisfying without fuss.
Utsav Indian Cuisine – Wethersfield
$$ | (860) 563-1818 | WEBSITE
That perfect eggplant appetizer, the third region you’ve never tried, an issue of wait times… At one point, you could experience all these things at Utsav while navigating the tight booths. Today, it’s embraced its role as a reliable neighborhood Indian spot in Wethersfield. And that’s a good thing, because what Utsav does best is offer a wide variety of dishes from different regions.
The extensive menu features standout eggplant appetizers, various vegetarian options, and Utsav’s specialty, regional Indian cuisine. It’s open for dinner but is especially decent during the daytime, when regulars take away samosas while families navigate the seating and sample the unique dining experience.
Spice Venue
$ | (860) 244-0000 | WEBSITE
Spice Venue is our go-to spot for, well, anything you want from an authentic Indian restaurant. The restaurant opens for dinner most evenings, if you want to swing by for a satisfying meal of Lamb Biryani and Butter Naan. Or come on weekends for a gathering feast of Goat Curry, Paneer Butter Masala, and Onion Kulcha.
There’s plenty of space to sit and eat in the cozy, modern atmosphere, though it does tend to get busy with the downtown crowd during peak hours, so consider making a reservation if you want to guarantee a table in the beautifully designed dining room.
