Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse. Each region offers unique flavors and dishes. For example, Panch fodon and posto dominate the flavors of the eastern states like Bengal and Odisha, while Konkan cuisine is a mix of spicy and coconut-ty flavors. Yet, only the popular like Tikka Masala and Dosa make it to the global audience.
Therefore, we went on a mission to find restaurants that offered dishes beyond the popular Indian staples. Although we visited more than 30 Indian restaurants in and around Seattle, only 15 of them made it to our recommendation list. Here is a list of 15 Indian restaurants in and around Seattle we absolutely love!
Sangamam – Most Diverse Biryani
Vegan-friendly | $$ | Fremont
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Sangamam is an upscale Indian restaurant located in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, known for its extensive biryani menu and flavorful Indo-Chinese dishes. We visited for dinner and tried a few of their best-sellers, and it did not disappoint.
We started off with appetizers and refreshing mocktails. First up was the Bangarpet Pani Puri, which was a fun twist on the classic Delhi-style gol gappa. The pani (flavored water) leaned sweeter and tangier than spicy, making it a refreshing start to the meal.
Next, we had the Malabar Tava Fish Fry, spicy, moist, and packed with flavor. It paired perfectly with the mocktails we ordered: the Mango Shirley Temple (sweet and tangy) and the Virgin Spicy Guava Mojito (a bold mix of minty, tangy, and spicy notes).
We also ordered a Manchow Soup, which was exactly what we were craving, comforting, warm, and delicious.
Then came the main event: the biryani. Sangamam offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions of all their biryanis, which is a nice touch. We tried the Dindigul Biryani, a Tamil Nadu specialty made with short-grain rice. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the rice was beautifully aromatic. The second one we tried was the Gongura Biryani, native to Andhra Pradesh. Made with gongura (sorrel) leaves, it delivered a unique tangy-sour twist that truly stood out, unlike any biryani we’ve had before.
Overall, Sangamam impressed us with its diverse menu, bold flavors, and thoughtful presentation. Definitely a spot worth checking out if you’re craving regional Indian specialties with flair.
Saffron Grill – Indian & Mediterranean Fusion
Vegan-friendly | $$ | Northgate
Located in Northgate, Saffron Grill serves up a flavorful fusion of Indian and Mediterranean dishes. The ambiance is lively, and I loved the decor, every piece is hand-picked by the owner himself, adding a personal touch to the space.
We kicked things off with a few appetizers: Paneer Tikka, the Saffron Grill Tandoori Platter, and the Saffron Grill Salad. The smoky flavors were spot on, and everything came with a delicious mint and coriander chutney. Bonus points for the generous portions!
For entrées, we skipped the usual curries and opted for something different—Lamb Jalfrezi and Lamb Rogan Josh. Both were rich, smooth, and absolutely delicious. If you’re vegetarian, you can simply swap the lamb for paneer. We also tried one of their best-sellers: Steak and Fries. It’s not something you usually find at an Indian restaurant, but it totally worked! The steak was perfectly cooked and served with a buttery dip that we couldn’t get enough of.
To go with the curries, we ordered Aloo Paratha and Garlic Naan, both were huge and incredibly soft. And for dessert, we ended on a sweet note with Gulab Jamun, served hot and melt-in-your-mouth perfect.
All in all, we were impressed with both the quality and quantity of food. It’s a fantastic spot, especially if you’re dining with a large group.
Mint Progressive Indian – Contemporary Indian Food
Vegan-friendly | $$ | Downtown
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Mint Progressive is a contemporary Indian restaurant that brings together flavors from across India, with a creative Pacific Northwest twist. From Dungeness Crab Kulchas to reinvented North Indian classics, the menu is full of surprises.
Led by Chef Abhijit Sarkar, the kitchen is doing a stellar job of showcasing modern Indian cuisine in Seattle. The presentation is stunning, think caviar-topped dishes and gold flakes adding a touch of flair without feeling over-the-top. The bar program is just as creative, offering bold takes on classic cocktails. With its chic decor and inviting ambiance, Mint Progressive makes for a perfect date-night destination.
We kicked off the meal with the Passionfruit Pani Puri, which was a burst of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors in every bite, an instant favorite. Next up was the Pompano Kafrial, buttery, smoky, and beautifully balanced. A special shoutout to the chef’s fish selection here! We paired it with Zaffrani Rice, which added a rich, saffron-infused complement to the dish. Our cocktails, Flamboyance and the 4 Winds Smoked Old Fashioned, were both excellent. In fact, the Old Fashioned was one of the best we’ve had in Seattle.
We also tried the Old Delhi Fried Chicken, which was good, though we were hoping for slightly bolder flavors to match the smokiness and spice typical of Old Delhi Street food. Overall, we had a great experience at Mint Progressive and can’t wait to go back and explore more from their inventive menu.
Kanak Indian Cuisine – Classic Indian Fare
Vegan-friendly | $$ | Belltown
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Kanak is a cozy, no-frills Indian restaurant tucked away in Belltown, and dining here instantly transported us back to the streets of Delhi. Specializing in classic North Indian fare (along with a few other regional gems), this spot serves up comforting, familiar flavors with heart.
We started with a trio of appetizers: Paneer Pakora, Samosa, and Tandoori Chicken. The paneer pakora was perfectly crunchy on the outside with soft, fresh paneer inside, just the way it should be. The samosas had that nostalgic Delhi-style potato filling that hit all the right notes. And the tandoori chicken? Juicy, tender, and served with a generous helping of grilled veggies.
For mains, we absolutely loved the Butter Chicken Masala, rich, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet and spicy. It paired beautifully with their gigantic buttery Naan (seriously, one naan could feed two!). The Paneer Mutter Masala had that comforting, homemade flavor that reminded me of my go-to takeout place in Delhi.
We also tried the Palak Paneer, which packed a bold, rustic punch, and the Mango Curry, a standout dish with its unique blend of tangy, spicy, and sweet notes, especially delicious when paired with their perfectly cooked rice.
To wash it all down, we ordered a round of drinks: Mango Lassi, Mango Lemonade, and Strawberry Lemonade. The mango lassi was dangerously addictive, right up there with the butter chicken!
Overall, Kanak offers warm hospitality and nostalgic flavors that make you feel right at home. If you’re craving classic Indian comfort food with generous portions and honest flavors, this place is a must-visit.
Desi Tadka Indian Grill – Best North Indian Food
Vegan-friendly | $$ | Bellevue
Desi Tadka Indian Grill in Bellevue is a hidden gem for Punjabi food lovers. What drew us in was their diverse menu featuring North Indian staples and seasonal favorites like Amritsari Naan and the ultimate winter comfort food—Sarson ka Saag & Makke ki Roti.
We were genuinely impressed by the flavors, portion sizes, and the overall value for money. The warm hospitality made the experience even better. We kicked things off with Delhi-style Chole Bhature, and it instantly took me back home. The bhature were massive and perfectly fluffy, served with a generous helping of flavorful chole and tangy achari pyaaz, just like you’d get at a local joint in Delhi.
Next, we tried the Amritsari Naan, served with a bowl of chole and raw radish on the side. I loved the attention to detail, the curated sides mirrored how these dishes are served back in North India. The naan was nicely stuffed and had just the right texture.
We wrapped up the meal with their Sarson ka Saag & Makke ki Roti, and honestly, this was the star of the evening. Rich, wholesome, and soul-satisfying, just the way it should be. Can’t wait to head back and try more dishes!
Zaika – Modern North Indian Cuisine
Vegan-friendly | $$ | First Hill
As you walk from the waterfront back to Capitol Hill along Pike Street, chances are you will be hit with the delicious aroma of curries that they serve here at Zaika. They specialize in North Indian cuisine but have a few creative and innovative dishes like Zafrani Chicken Fondue and Cauliflower Koliwada. We particularly loved their Chicken Biryani, and recommend it to anyone craving this smoky and delicious rice and meat amalgamation.
Bollywood Cafe – North Indian Street Food
Vegan-friendly | $$ | Bellevue Plaza
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Located just a short walk from office towers in downtown Bellevue, Cafe Bollywood is a counter-service restaurant offering delicious food at great value. There is something for everyone, from appetizers from all over India to entrees like Malai Kofta, Sarson Maach, and Murgh Chettinad. The creaminess of the palak paneer and lamb korma and the flavorful punch of channa pindi and dal will surely leave you craving more. And don’t forget to try the piping hot and lightly buttered naan – it’s outstanding!
The halal meats and careful separation of vegetarian dishes are in place at all locations. Additionally, you’ll notice quirky cartoons on the walls painted in the style of famous Indian cartoonist Mario Miranda that are sure to keep you entertained.
Naan n Curry – Best Mughlai Food
Vegan-friendly | $$ | Issaquah and Renton
Coming in strongly at number 5, Naan-N-Curry specializes in all things naan, curry, and much more. With a mouthwatering selection of flavorful kebabs, tikkas, and a delectable dum biryani, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better spot.
The Pakistani roots of the owners are evident in the hard-to-find traditional dishes they serve. Treat your taste buds to haleem, nihari, and even paya – a delicious trotter curry, sometimes available at their Renton outpost. Be warned, this restaurant is not for the faint-hearted. Their curries are incredibly rich and flavorful, a true testament to the skill of the chefs.
While currently only open for takeout, the quality of the food remains top-notch. From the first bite, you’ll be transported to a world of aromatic spices and bold flavors that will have you craving more.
Kanishka – Best Thaali
Vegan-friendly | $$ | Redmond
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Before the pandemic, Kanishka was best known for its elaborate and delicious lunch buffets. The restaurant has since discontinued its buffet, but still is worth a visit for fans of authentic Indian cuisine!
As soon as I took a bite of their dishes, I was transported back to the bustling streets of Delhi. Here are my thoughts on the meals I indulged in:
Starting with the classic, the Mango Lassi – I was blown away! It had been a while since I had lassi and this one was not only thick and creamy but also bursting with flavor.
Next up, the Chilli Paneer – the dish had the perfect balance of heat and spice. The paneer was cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, smothered in a tantalizing sauce. This dish took me back to my days of grabbing a quick bite from the Chinese food carts near my office.
Lastly, we tried the Goat Mathiwal, Dal Tadka, Desi Chicken Tikka Masala, and Paneer Lababdar. Although the Paneer was slightly on the sweeter side for my taste, the other dishes were amazing.
The Bangalore Kitchen – Best Benne Dosa
Vegetarian-friendly | $$ | Ballard Farmer’s Market.
Coming in at number 3, run by owners Sudeepa and Rohith, is The Bangalore Kitchen. In Sudeepa’s own words, like so many of us during the pandemic, they experienced isolation, and longing for authentic Karnataka cuisine. Instead of waiting for someone else to fix this, they decided to channel their love for food into this passion project.
The menu features dishes that will transport you straight to the streets of Bangalore, like the buttery Benne Masala Dosa, Pudi Dosa, Kesari Bath, and Khara Bath. The flavors are bold, and the ingredients are fresh, making each bite a true taste of India. Be sure to try their spiced chai, which is the perfect complement to any meal. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor.
So if you would like to feel transported straight to the streets of Bangalore, in the heart of Seattle, stop at The Bangalore Kitchen every Sunday from 9 am – 2 pm at the Ballard Farmers Market. You won’t be disappointed!
Annapurna – Delicious Indian-Nepalese Food
Vegetarian-friendly | $$ | Next to Capitol Hill Light Rail Station
Taking the second spot is this cozy restaurant specializing in Indian, Tibetan, and Nepali food. Founded by Roshita Shrestha, a native of Nepal, who moved her base to Seattle and started this cafe with the dream of sharing her passion for food with the world. They have a gorgeous dining space in the basement, with tasteful and vibrant decor. Hot and satisfying comfort food is the name of the game here.
For anyone in need of a momo fix, head to Annapurna. The best momos I have ever had were in Delhi, and the Tensing Momos at Annapurna was a close second!
They also have a cute little bar called the Yeti Bar upstairs, serving exotic libations like the saffron-lychee cocktail. If you want to know the dishes we tried at Annapurna, check out our complete review here.
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