7 Delicious Indian Restaurants in Vancouver

Restaurants in Vancouver are known as some of the most diverse and flavourful in the world. Of the many cuisines found here, the Indian food restaurant scene in Vancouver especially shines. From richly spiced northern curries to delicate southern dosas, Indian food restaurants in Vancouver offer something for every palate.

You’ve probably heard of Vij’s, the ground-breaking restaurant that combines gourmet Indian food and drink with impeccable service and has received a Bib Gourmand award from the MICHELIN Guide for its gastronomic delights. But can you say that you’ve tried every outstanding Indian food restaurant in Vancouver?

To help you discover more standout restaurants in the city, here are 7 Indian food restaurants in Vancouver worth adding to your must-try list.

Modern Indian Restaurants in Vancouver

Desi Indian Lounge

Whether you’re craving iconic Indian street foods or elevated classics with a modern twist, Desi Indian Lounge has you covered. This tasty spot on the border between Downtown and Yaletown blends traditional flavours with a lounge-inspired atmosphere, offering a contemporary twist on authentic Indian cuisine.

Enjoy a hearty chicken chettinad in a rich madras-spiced tamarind broth, or opt for standout vegetarian dishes like the kolhapuri paneer & mushroom. Pair it with an Indian-inspired cocktail, featuring regional flavours from across the country, or go playful with a mango lassi martini.

Tasty Indian Bistro

Another fabulous Yaletown Indian spot is Tasty Indian Bistro, a fine dining restaurant rooted in the traditions of the Gujarat region. The restaurant includes a section of the menu called "Chef-Inspired Dishes," where fusion dishes can be found, such as fresh pasta tossed in a rich, creamy butter sauce.

Their tandoori dishes are also standouts, including delicious options like tandoori lamb chops marinated in intensely aromatic Indian spices.

Kavita

One of the best culinary journeys in the city is found at Kavita, an Indian food restaurant in Vancouver's Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. Kavita offers a one-of-a-kind fine-dining experience that evolves with the changing seasons and Chef Tushar Tondvalkar's creativity.

While à la carte is available, the tasting menu is the way to go. Every dish is rooted in authentic Indian traditions, while incorporating seasonal local ingredients such as foraged mushrooms and West Coast seafood.

Indian Fusion Restaurants in Vancouver

East is East, Chai Lounge

East is East is the dream of two Afghan siblings whose family moved to India to escape the turmoil of war. After immigrating to Canada, they set out to bring their passion for Indian cuisine and culture to life through a restaurant. They describe East is East's cuisine as “silk and spice road” food, meaning that it draws upon multiple culinary traditions, including Indian cuisine.

We recommend the Silk Route Feast Tasting Menu, which comes with three mains, soup, salad, cold mezze, naan, rice, and more. Make sure to order a cup of their signature, expertly made chai. It will be the best you've ever had.

Peya

One of the most innovative fusion restaurants on this list is Peya, a French-Indian brasserie in the heart of the Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood. It has quickly become a favourite among diners, with its masterful blend of French techniques and the bold, aromatic flavours of Indian cuisine.

The menu includes dishes like local mussels in tomato rasam with curry leaf infusion, rabbit biryani, and spinach and cheese naan served with crème fraîche, chives and an optional scoop of caviar.

Northern Indian Food Restaurants in Vancouver

​​Indian Oven

A real labour of love, Indian Oven is a family-run Indian food restaurant in Vancouver. This Kitsilano favourite specializes in Northern Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine. All of their recipes are made from scratch using freshly-sourced local ingredients and the highest-quality spices.

The menu is filled with all the classic Indian dishes from pakora to tandoori to paneer dishes and curries. It's also a great option for vegetarian Indian food and gluten-free diners, with gluten-free roti and over 15 vegetarian entrees to choose from.

Amrut Kitchen and Bar

For excellent Indian food in Gastown, head to Amrut Kitchen and Bar. Their menu focuses on North Indian cuisine, rooted in Mughlai and Punjabi cooking traditions.

Curries, tandoori, rice, and biryani dishes fill the menu, along with some unexpected offerings like masala fries, Indo-Chinese dishes, and various types of wings.

Hungry yet? We’re certainly craving a mango lassi right about now. Go ahead and treat yourself to a feast at one of these Indian restaurants. Your taste buds will thank you.