The appeal of authentic Indian cuisine is undeniable. For one, it breaks the monotony of your usual dining rotation (or takeout, go wild). Secondly, you don’t have to travel halfway around the globe to experience vibrant, complex flavors. Most importantly, it lets you indulge in a feast but still be home comfortably digesting with a cup of masala chai by a reasonable hour. Here are Columbus’s best spots to savor India.
Hyderabad House Indian Restaurant
$ | (614) 396-9221 | WEBSITE
If you want to eat authentic Indian food without any fuss about reservations, head to Hyderabad House Indian Restaurant. Located inside a grocery store in Columbus, the classy establishment is walk-in only and everyone orders their customizable dishes at the counter. There is seating inside with a restaurant-like ambiance, but the spacious, well-lit dining area is where you want to be.
Here you can push together however many tables you need to fit your group, and whenever you finish your first mango lassi, you can just walk back up to order your second.
Haveli Bistro
$$ | (614) 867-5008 | WEBSITE
If you want to eat biryani like a connoisseur, you go to Haveli Bistro. This Indian restaurant in Columbus is a gem, so come savor the flavors in their cozy dining room with multiple plates of biryani and probably, at some point, some garlic naan.
Khyber Restaurant
$ | (614) 275-2022 | WEBSITE
Equal parts authentic Indian eatery, Pakistani flavor hub, and neighborhood gem, Khyber Restaurant is the perfect place to wear your stretchy pants and feel like the best version of your hungry self. This Columbus spot does it all: there’s a comfortable dining room filled with warm lighting and cozy booths that feels like a grown-up home kitchen, fresh naan emerges straight from the oven most moments, and, of course, the spices are singing.
Expect tender chicken korma, light and fresh naan, tasty nihari, and more. The service is friendly and accommodating, but those seeking to adjust spice levels are welcome.
Agni
$$$$ | (614) 674-6600 | WEBSITE
Agni, a culinary destination tucked away in Columbus’s German Village, is made for people who love bold flavors but also maybe want an adventure. There’s a dimly lit, tribal rustic atmosphere inside where you might spot a few couples sharing the six-course tasting menu. But the real journey is in the kitchen, which features creative expressions from the chef’s experience, with surprises and delights around every corner.
Most people come here to savor dishes like the dumplings, the lamb, or pescatarian options during dinner, but it’s worth noting that the attentive, friendly service and thoughtful touches—like welcome tea and takeaway chili oils—make the whole evening feel special.
Apna Bazaar Bethel
$$ | (614) 326-2762 | WEBSITE
Columbus’s days of predictable chain restaurants and bland suburban dining are long gone, but there are still plenty of gems—and authentic flavors—to validate a drive across town. Just be sure to swing by Apna Bazaar Bethel while you’re in the area.
Part modest eatery, part culinary treasure, part value-driven destination, this friendly, warmly lit spot is a great place to post up in the evening with a plate of biryani or two and some tandoori kebabs, pretending for a few hours that you’re in Delhi and have to get back to your spice cabinet soon.
New Taj Mahal
$ | (614) 421-2323 | WEBSITE
New Taj Mahal has been a fixture on High Street for years and is a genuine Columbus institution. Located right near OSU, its student-heavy location might not suggest much authenticity, but New Taj Mahal consistently draws a perfect blend of regulars, newcomers, and people who simply crave homemade Indian food all day. Aim for a seat in the cozy dining area, and don’t depart without trying one of the most underrated chicken butter curries in the city.
Khaja Ghar Restaurant & Bar
$ | (614) 549-7236 | WEBSITE
Most people head to Columbus’s Indian restaurants with the full intention of ordering butter chicken and naan, but if you’re looking for authentic Nepali cuisine, go to Khaja Ghar. The family-run space is cozy and clean, with a warm atmosphere ideal for settling in and enjoying a leisurely meal. The homemade dishes are also quite good, so instead of your usual chicken curry, go for the goat sekuwa, or the Jhol momo, which is made with flavorful, juicy filling and a delicious broth.
Taj on Fifth
$$ | (614) 696-4844 | WEBSITE
On weekends, this Indian spot on Fifth Street becomes a full-on celebration hub, but maybe that’s exactly the kind of evening you’re looking for. The relaxed dining room has strong cocktails, a solid menu of wonderful dishes, and a great atmosphere for special occasions. You can only get the full experience if you’re celebrating something, but let’s be honest, your regular Tuesday night doesn’t need the kale chaat and lamb rogan josh anyway.
Cinnamon Indian Grill
$ | (614) 261-9309 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a Columbus storefront, Cinnamon Indian Grill’s cozy space offers both dine-in and takeout service, a warm and welcoming vibe throughout, and friendly staff ready to help with any dietary needs. Most people here are eating Indian food (we love the aromatic butter chicken), but there are excellent Bengali and East Pakistani dishes too, including gluten-free and vegan options, and generous portions can be shared for around $15–20 per entrée.
Mehak Indian kitchen and bar
$ | (614) 392-4070 | WEBSITE
Mehak Indian Kitchen and Bar is part cozy neighborhood spot, part authentic Indian dining experience, and the most comforting place that’s ever existed. Nobody should come here expecting loud music and flashy decor. You come to Mehak to settle into a warm booth with your friends and discuss that new recipe you just tried, eat a fantastic Sunday buffet, and drink lots of mango lassi. Afterward, enjoy the attentive service and eco-friendly approach that makes you feel good about your meal.
We promise it’s more enjoyable than you imagine.
Bawarchi Indian Cuisine – Columbus
$ | (614) 389-1930 | WEBSITE
When it comes to Indian restaurants in Columbus, the scene has become increasingly diverse. Of all the options, Bawarchi Indian Cuisine stands out for its regional specialties. The comfortable restaurant on the east side offers a little bit of everything—authentic Andhra dishes like onion rava dosa, Chinese-inspired chicken fried rice, and accommodating service for dietary restrictions—but the flavorful spice levels are where the culinary experience shines.
Open for dine-in and takeout throughout the week, the clean space has wide windows, good lighting, and a welcoming atmosphere with attentive staff who ensure a pleasant meal.
Rooh
$$$ | (614) 972-8678 | WEBSITE
For some people in Columbus, fine dining means white tablecloths and hushed conversations over expensive wine. The harsh reality is there are very few places where you can actually enjoy modern Indian cuisine with creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere unless you’re willing to travel to a major coastal city. And that’s why Rooh is so essential.
The beautifully decorated restaurant in the heart of the city has inventive small plates, reasonable prices, and a welcoming crowd that appreciates expertly crafted dishes like the Avocado & Green Chickpea Bhel and Beef Short Rib Koftas.
Namaste Indo-Nepali Cuisine- Columbus
$ | (614) 261-3636 | WEBSITE
Spending an evening at Namaste Indo-Nepali Cuisine diving into their chicken Dal-bhaat-tarkari set and watching the cheerful staff glide between tables is a Columbus culinary rite of passage.
Even on busy nights, this authentic spot still promises spotless utensils gleaming under warm lighting, the chili chicken momos steaming with such distinct flavor they practically demand you order seconds, and every regular at the neighboring tables happily pairing their chicken chowmein with chutney out of pure habit and delight. End your flavorful journey with their soft, fresh Nepali momos served with delicious sauces to complete the experience even more.
Layla’s Kitchen | Best Indian Restaurant | Weekend Lunch Buffet
$ | (614) 882-5522 | WEBSITE
Serving as one of Columbus’s top Indian spots, Layla’s Kitchen is a pretty close approximation of a weekend feast in Delhi. Here you’ll find flavorful dishes, fresh naan, and never-ending buffet action in a setting that feels like a warm family kitchen. The lunch buffet can get pricey, but that’s authentic cuisine, friend.
Saffron Indian & Chinese Kitchen
$$ | (614) 496-5946 | WEBSITE
Saffron Indian & Chinese Kitchen is a compact Indian-Chinese fusion spot tucked away in Columbus. While it’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, it would be a real oversight not to explore their customizable spice options. Walk in ready for some heat, request your Butter Chicken Curry extra spicy with garlic naan, and settle into their warm, spice-scented dining room until you’ve fully savored every last bite of that tender goat tikka masala.