Best Indian restaurants in Brisbane

When it comes to Indian institutions, Jaipur Palace in Wellington Point reigns supreme. This gem of a restaurant, one of Brisbane’s oldest, has been loved by locals since husband-and-wife team Dharminder (David as he’s known to regulars) and Sheena opened it in 1998. Step inside and you'll be whisked away to the city of Jaipur, with vibrant artworks, bright orange tablecloths and charming trinkets setting the scene. This warmth and energy extend to the alfresco footpath seating, where you can enjoy a romantic night under the twinkling fairy lights. Deciding what to order at Jaipur Palace is no easy feat. Start your royal feast with spiced potato samosas and tandoori drumsticks, then fill the table with signature curries, like the chicken tikka masala, chilli prawn goa or butter paneer. Mop it up with one of 13 specialty naan breads on offer, including cheese and chilli, peshwari or gluten-free garlic. 

Address: Unit 3/379 Main Rd, Wellington Point 

Price: Curries from $21

For modern Indian cuisine with a healthy twist, head straight to It’s Mirchi in Paddington. The passionate team, led by head chef Urvashi, pride themselves on their fresh and certified organic Indian cuisine, catering to vegan, gluten-free, nut-free and sugar-free diets. Tell the friendly staff what you are after, and they'll be able to point you in the right direction, or peruse the menu and choose from the curries and healthy bowl options. Stand-out dishes include the crisped-to-perfection onion bhajis, the vegan green kofta curry, and the creamy warmth of the chicken tikka masala. 

Address: 284 Given Tce, Paddington

Price: Curries from $21

At Morningside’s Curryville, every dish is made fresh to order, right down to the signature spice and sauce blends. This attention to detail results in outstanding dishes, catering to a wide range of dietary needs — all of the curries are gluten-free and can be made dairy-free on request. Owners Pervez and Ambreen Burney have created an unusual and often hilarious menu, with a highlight including ‘I’ll have the poor goat’. Take it from us, you’ll understand what sets Curryville apart when you check out the rest of the menu descriptions and try the food, with each curry containing an average of more than 20 spices. Curryville also offers specials, like the street food-inspired vegetable chaat and chicken hai hai, reportedly Brisbane’s hottest curry (and whose menu description features a prayer). Can you handle the heat?  

Address: 6/629 Wynnum Rd, Morningside

Price: Curries from $20

For a blend of Indian and Nepali flavours, check out Paddington Curry House. Chef Mahesh has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, including a stint in a five-star hotel in India (and he’s also a keen bodybuilder!). Mahesh’s expert hand and attention to fine-dining detail are evident in standout dishes, like stuffed eggplant pasanda and spicy chicken chettinad. Make sure you try the delicately flavoured specialty dishes from Nepal, including the vegetarian and chicken momos (dumplings), which can be eaten steamed, fried or doused in an addictive chilli sauce.

Address: 3/147 Latrobe Tce, Paddington

Price: Curries from $23

Govindas restaurants are a worldwide phenomenon, serving up hearty vegetarian fare in the Hare Krishna tradition. These guys have been satisfying Brisbanites for more than 20 years, with great, quick and healthy lunch options and serving sizes to match any appetite. Take your pick from samosas, vegetable curries, dal, rice, salads, chutneys, papadums and the highlight of a visit to Govindas — perfectly fried golden koftas. If you can’t get enough of the koftas, you can order a bowl full of them, which come served with a delicious tomato and herb sauce.

Address: 358 George St, Brisbane City

Price: Curries from $13

New Farm’s Taj Mahal has been dishing out its blend of warm service and hearty food since 1998, keeping local customers and high-profile fans satisfied. Taj Mahal is often the pick for visiting celebrities, including several Indian cricket teams, Bollywood legend Abhishek Bachchan and comedian Arj Barker, and once you’ve tasted the food, you’ll understand why. After a difficult few years, during which the original restaurant burnt down, Taj Mahal reopened across the road and is back serving up much-loved dishes, including tandoori specials, like chicken tikka, shahi kebabs and ten types of naan. The elaborate menu also offers a range of biryani dishes and seafood specials, along with more unusual Indian-Chinese fusion dishes, like the must-try vegetarian gobi manchurian (deep-fried veg in tangy sauce).    

Address: 148 Merthyr Rd, New Farm

Price: Curries from $22

If you’ve ever been to India, you’ll know that street food reigns supreme. Think samosas, all manner of spicy and tangy chaat, and South India’s famous dosas. Luckily for us, Mirchh Masala has taken the best of the street and brought it to our very own Woolloongabba, making a visit this restaurant a delightful experience. Downstairs, you’ll find a well-stocked Indian supermarket, with the buzzing Indian-style canteen above. The fully vegetarian menu offers an extensive range of dishes, and you’ll probably come across dishes you’ve never tried. Choose from a variety of Indian chaats (which translates as ‘to lick’ or ‘tasty’), including India’s most popular street food, pav bhaji, or the restaurant's best-seller, chole bhature — fried flatbread with a rich chickpea curry. If you’re not sure what to order, try a thali platter, which includes curries, dal, rice, bread, pickles, salad, yoghurt and dessert. 

Address: 3/110 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba

Price: Curries from $20

Dosa Hut has become a big name in Indian dining across Australia over the last decade, as one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the country. Brisbane's eagerly embraced it since the first Mount Gravatt location opened in 2017, with a second opening since in Aspley. The menu is enormous, covering everything from wafer-thin dosas the size of your arm to aromatic biryanis, chaats, curries, and a surprising selection of Indo-Chinese dishes that reflect India’s own culinary mash-ups. The vibe is casual and bustling, and the affordable prices make it a no-brainer for both dine-in and takeaway. Part of the appeal is just how flexible Dosa Hut's menu is, as vegetarians, vegans and meat eaters alike will find plenty to choose from, and the dosa fillings range from simple spiced potato to fusion flavours.

Address: Shop 6 & 7/46 Gayford St, Aspley & Shop 21, 1932 Logan Rd, Upper Mount Gravatt

Price: Curries from $19

Kinara brings a polished yet homely feel to South Brisbane’s Indian dining scene, set on the leafy corner of Manning and Russell Streets. The menu is wide-ranging, highlighting the diversity of Indian cuisine rather than sticking to one region. You’ll find North Indian staples like butter chicken and lamb rogan josh, as well as vibrant street food plates such as aloo tikki chaat and gol gappe, which are perfect for sharing. The space has a family-run warmth that makes you want to settle in, and the generous portion sizes and friendly service will keep you coming back. Ideal for those new to Indian food or just after a reliable neighbourhood spot.

Address: 68 Manning St, South Brisbane 

Price: Curries from $23

Taj Bengal has been a fixture in Ashgrove for more than 25 years, earning its stripes as a reliable and authentic local favourite. The kitchen, helmed by Calcutta-born chefs, reflects a deep love for traditional recipes and slow-cooked flavours. Expect all the familiar classics, like korma, vindaloo, rogan josh, samosas and palak paneer, all delivered with consistent quality. The restaurant’s atmosphere is unfussy and family-friendly, with a relaxed pace. Locals swear by the generous servings and appreciate the ability to tweak spice levels to suit individual tastes. It’s the sort of old-school neighbourhood restaurant where the staff remember your order, and the food arrives piping hot and satisfying every time. 

Address: Shop 3/338 Waterworks Rd, Ashgrove

Price: Curries from $20

Named after the much-loved street snack, GolGappa is all about bringing the colours, energy, and bold flavours of Indian street food to Brisbane. With two locations in Upper Mount Gravatt and Lawnton, it’s a go-to for vegetarians, families and anyone craving a lighter, fresher take on Indian dining. The menu leans into chaats, pav bhaji, and of course gol gappe (also called pani puri), which arrive crisp and perfectly spiced. Everything is vegetarian, cooked to order and refreshingly affordable, making it ideal for casual catch-ups or a quick lunch. The dining space is bright and buzzing, and the kitchen’s focus on health-conscious cooking sets it apart from other Indian eateries. 

Address: 5/2120 Logan Rd, Upper Mount Gravatt & 555 Gympie Rd, Lawnton

Price: Curries from $17