I, for one, am a great fan of asian masala cuisine. The spice and smoke really make me even hungrier. But do you know what’s even better? Living in Dublin, I’ve found multiple hidden gems in recent times that totally blew my mind with authentic Indian cuisine. The taste of Golgappa almost kept echoing in my taste even after getting back home.
Other dishes weren’t far off either. In fact, I’d say each carried the authenticity and traditional masal vibe in its own unique way. But of course, the atmosphere and side perks made my experience even crazier.
Uh… I almost got lost in my dream of Indian food coma again. But, let’s get back to the bucket list of where I found the best Indian restaurants in Dublin city center, ya?
Taza Artane
Taza Artane is a really strong contender in my list of the best Indian restaurants in central Dublin. Located at 2 Ardcollum Avenue, Artane, Dublin 5, this modern Indian restaurant boasts an amazing 4.7 rating on Google (1,063 reviews) and 4.8 on TripAdvisor (309 reviews). It’s a cozy, hip place that’s a hometown staple for special occasions and regular meals, and now I know why.
I had just gotten to Dublin with my parents on a much-awaited family outing. Taza had been highly recommended, and it was the perfect pick for my dad’s birthday celebration. As soon as we walked in, the staff were warm, friendly, and highly attentive. The atmosphere was upscale yet homey, with beautiful lighting and a fireplace that made everything so lovely. We knew right away that this was not your run-of-the-mill restaurant; the love and care put into the details set it apart.
We had a feast. I started with the golgappa (€9) and aloo tikki (€8.50), which were chock-full of flavour and nicely presented. My prawn biryani (€16) was the main course, which came fragrance-filled, and my parents had the chicken korma, lamb shish, and the vegetarian pakora (€8.50); all of these were brilliant. We also ordered some coconut naan and some beverages, each of which was phenomenal in its freshness and balance. The portions were huge, and each was served hot with a smile.
What made the evening itself even more memorable was the way the staff at Taza went out of their way to make my dad’s birthday special. It felt like dining with people who care about you. That sort of service makes an impact.
In my opinion, for an explosion of colours in flavours, top-notch service, and a cozy atmosphere, Taza is the place to go. You can view their operating times or reserve a table on their website or by calling (01) 558 2866.
ANANDA
If you’re willing to hop on the Luas to Dundrum, you’ll be rewarded with a meal at Ananda, one of Dublin city centre’s top Indian restaurants, and worth the visit. Boasting a healthy 4.5 on Google (1,157 reviews) and 4.6 on TripAdvisor (777 reviews), this sleek restaurant is where classic Indian flavors are given a boost by innovative flair, amidst a classy atmosphere.
We went for an anniversary celebration and were wowed from the moment we walked in. The decor is less modern than classic, but by the time the food arrives, that’s the last thing on your mind. The service was flawless, welcoming without being overbearing, and the staff were happy to walk us through the menu and accommodate dietary needs. There’s a calm, elegant feel to the place, so it’s perfect for special occasions.
We started with cocktails, beautiful, and then a round of small plates. I had the lamb shank for main (would highly recommend!), and my partner had a veggie thali. The spices shone on the palate, and the emphasis on quality of ingredients was apparent. We finished with a house dessert and a pot of chai.
The price is a bit on the higher side, expect €35–50 per person, depending on what you order, but believe me, it’s well worth it for the experience and quality. You’ll find Ananda at the Cinema Building, Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 16.
It’s fully wheelchair-accessible and offers vegetarian and vegan options too. If you are planning to visit, I’d recommend booking a table ahead of time by contacting them via 012960099, bookings@anandarestaurant.ie, or through their website directly.
Kari
Secreted away in Inchicore, Kari is a jewel that more than deserves its spot on the list of best Indian restaurants in Dublin city centre. It boasts a staggering 4.9 Google rating (348 reviews) and a respectable 4.6 on TripAdvisor (36 reviews), and this compact, modern setting dishes up big flavors in a no-frills and warm, and welcoming setting.
The interior is trendy but casual, with dim lighting, friendly waiters, and a setting that makes you want to sit back and enjoy dinner. We were greeted nicely, walked through the specials, and even recommended based on spice tolerance and individual taste. You could tell right from the start that this place cares about what it serves.
We started with the kale and samphire pakoras and a plate of boti kebabs. Both were presented well and rich in flavor; the kebabs were soft and smoky, and the pakoras were stunningly crisp to bite into. For my main course, I went for the chicken makhani, while my friend had the dum biriyani.
Honestly? Both of these were great. The chicken was buttery, rich, and comforting, and the biriyani was fragrant with beautifully cooked rice and a big hit of heat. We also got a serving of Bombay potatoes (don’t skip them!) and finished up with a spiced-up masala chai that was just what we needed.
We paid approximately €30 per person, including beverages and sides, outstanding value for the quality and quantity. It’s evident Kari isn’t attempting to be overly showy. It’s simply fantastic food, served with passion, in an atmosphere that feels intimate.
If you’re looking to include the best of Indian restaurants in Dublin city centre, don’t leave out Kari. It is that kind of secret gem that you wish you had discovered sooner. Perfect for a casual night out with dates, gathering with friends, or even on your own when you feel like something comforting and nice.
You can locate Kari at 205A Emmet Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8, mere minutes away from the city center. They cater to wheelchair users, have vegan and veggie options, small plates, and even a kids’ menu. Dogs are welcome inside, too. Reservations can be made by calling 015499221 or emailing kariindianrestaurant@gmail.com.
Pickle Restaurant
If you’re on the hunt for one of the best Indian restaurants in Dublin city centre, look no further than Pickle on Camden Street. Sitting proudly with a solid 4.5 rating on both Google (2,055 reviews) and TripAdvisor (881 reviews), this place delivers a dining experience that’s bold, flavourful, and truly unforgettable.
We booked a table for an evening meal on a Saturday night, and thank the Lord that we did, as it was packed. The hum inside was good, though, but it also had a warm and fuzzy ambiance to it. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with smiles, led to our table quickly, and the initial batch of service was spot on. Our starters arrived with consideration, each ingredient explained, a lovely touch that made it feel just a tiny bit special.
To start with, I had the prawns, and my friend ordered the lamb chops. Both truly were top drawer, full of flavor, absolutely marvelous cooking, and presented aesthetically. For my main course, I chose the fish curry, while my friend chose the goat. Honestly, both were fantastic. The spices were right, rich without being overpowering, and everything just smelt fresh. We added some rice and a bottle of wine too, and for €144 in total, it felt like great value for the quality that we received.
Later in the course of the meal, the service lightened up somewhat, not unfriendly at all, just slightly dry, but it didn’t take away from the experience. The food was really the star of the night, and we left each of us full, happy, and already planning our return. We even went back on a subsequent visit and had dessert, coffee, and a couple of beers, still worth every penny.
If you need good Indian food that is tasty but not too formal, Pickle is a must. It’s the place you bring someone to when you want to impress but don’t want to go overboard. Romantic night dinner, catching up with friends, or some special treat, it’s all for it.
You can find Pickle Restaurant at 43 Camden Street Lower, Dublin 2. They offer wheelchair-accessible seating, a great range of vegan and veggie options, and an intimate, high-end atmosphere. Bookings are advisable, especially for dinner. Call them on 015557755 or info@picklerestaurant.com, or book directly on picklerestaurant.com.
Mehek Indian Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for rich North Indian tastes and calm, comforting surroundings, Mehek Indian Restaurant on Rathgar Road is something you should learn about. With a rating of a good 4.4 on Google (299 reviews) and 4.6 on TripAdvisor (117 reviews), it’s built a fantastic reputation for a reason. If you’re after thali, Amritsari bhuna chicken, or something sweet like kulfi, Mehek delivers authentic taste with calming vibes… and that doesn’t happen much in Dublin city.
I have since been to Mehek twice, and I can certainly say it’s one of my go-to Indian restaurants in Dublin. Each time I’ve been greeted by warm, attentive staff who know their food. The last time we ate there, the ambiance was tranquil and calming, perfect for having a good meal with family members. We began with fresh samosas accompanied by a great mint chutney… absolutely worth ordering.
I also ordered the Murg Tikka and Naan butter bread… flavored, soft, and fresh. The prawn biryani and the dal makhani on our table were no disappointments either. It is clear that Mehek takes things seriously, and the service was as good as the cuisine. Gagan was particularly thoughtful about making my son comfortable, even paying attention to what he would eat, which added to the magic of the evening.
Dessert wasn’t a letdown either… the kulfi was chilly and creamy, but it was the cheesecake that surprised us. Light, with only the best type of sweetness. Honestly, start to finish, the meal just felt like something special. Not over-the-top or flashy… just fabulous food, comforting and real.
For a true North Indian dinner in Dublin, go for Mehek. You can call them at 01 490 2003 or visit their website for more. Perfect for a family meal, especially if you want a quiet atmosphere and dishes cooked flawlessly.
Hyderabadi Kitchen | Indian Restaurant Dublin
If you’re craving the real deal and searching for the best Indian restaurants in Dublin city centre, make your way to Hyderabadi Kitchen on Camden Street. With a solid 4.5 rating on Google (1,632+ reviews), this casual and cosy spot is known for its late-night eats and flavour-packed dishes that stay true to their Indian roots… no watered-down versions here.
I came here mainly to try their Vada Pav, but the star of the show turned out to be the Mysore Bonda. Light, mildly spiced, and crispy on the outside, these golden balls didn’t even need the chutneys they were served with. Easily one of the best bites I’ve had in a long time. I also got to try the chicken curry… real bone-in flesh, fresh and flavoursome, with two tender parathas. The curry had that home-cooked depth of flavour you don’t usually get in city-centre restaurants.
The Vada Pav was not quite the flavour bomb I was expecting it to be… too dry and could’ve used a sweet-savoury sauce… but tasty nonetheless. Drink-wise, the mango lassi was wonderful. Sweet, creamy, refreshing… one of those “don’t leave without trying it” dishes.
The restaurant was filled with a general hum of mostly Indian clientele in for their dinner… always a good omen, you’re in the correct place. I also had another visit when I had a spicy dosa that was quite a punch and flavorful. Service was quick, and our waitress was friendly and attentive throughout. You won’t be coming here for date nights or stylish decor, but if you are in Dublin and want some proper Indian food that feels like home, then this is your place.
Call them at 087 912 2633 or check out their website for more. If you are yearning for it late at night or a spontaneous spicy dose of dosa, Hyderabadi Kitchen is a safe bet.
Southern Spices
If you’re on the hunt for one of the best Indian restaurants in Dublin city centre… and don’t mind heading slightly south… Southern Spices in Sandyford is a gem worth discovering. Tucked away in Beacon Court at Rockbrook, this place holds a strong 4.6 rating on Google (932+ reviews) and regularly earns praise for its authentic South Indian flavours and cosy, family-friendly setting.
I’ve been to Southern Spices many times by now, and there are certain dishes I go back for again and again. The Bendakai Vepudu and Lemon Rice are my absolute all-time favorites… pungent, hot, and well-prepared every time. Their Podi Idli is also a safe bet, and I’ve savored other similar dishes too. There was a bit of spice down here and there, but still, service has always been friendly, more than making out for the gap.
Big thanks to Bhagyashree for the welcoming and friendly staff. Southern Spices never disappoints with every visit. For authentic South Indian food in laid-back surroundings, it’s definitely a visit worth making. You can contact them on 087 711 7707 or visit their website for more information or to book ahead.
Rasa Indian Restaurant
On a short drive south, Belarmine Plaza’s Kilgobbin, I found the Rasa Indian Restaurant… another one of the best Indian restaurants in Dublin City Centre. With a virtually unanimous 4.7 Google rating (509 reviews) and spotless 5.0 on TripAdvisor (5 reviews), this hip, cozy restaurant offers a decadent, flavor-packed dining experience that’s true and unforgettable.
Curious after hearing some of the locals rave about their butter chicken and mixed grill platters, I couldn’t resist. On entering, the space was inviting… spotless interiors, warm lighting, and understated Indian touches that set the mood. Though the service slowed a bit here and there, it never felt careless, and the food soon took center stage.
Appetizers were Chicken 65… a meal in itself with its crunchy coating, spicy kick, and really generous serving. Two of us shared it and had little space left for main courses. Despite that, we basked in the richness of the lamb biryani and the mixed grill platter, sizzling hot with flavor and well-charred meats.
What made this visit special, though, was the thoughtful attention from Akhil, a member of staff. When I gave some honest feedback on the biryani, he took the trouble to explain how they prepare it and what they use… not defensively, but with honest openness and pride. Such interaction is not common and speaks volumes about how much they care for the food and service.
For those in need of Indian food that’s spicy, warm, and with love, Rasa is worth dropping in to. Call them at (01) 515 2766 to reserve a table or visit them online for more.
Wrapping It All Up
And there you have it. My personal bucket list of asian spice bucket (I mean, best Indian restaurant in Dublin City Centre, actually!) If reading about my share of experience is making you hungry too, make sure to hit them up on your next eating outing! Oh, yeah… make sure to write me about your experience too. I’d love to hear more about what else I haven’t tried from you. Hope you’ll have a good eat!
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