Best Indian Restaurants in the US: How Indian-Owned Entrepreneurs Bring Regional Flavors to America's Diners

Indian cuisine is gaining popularity across the United States, with Yelp, a crowd-sourced local business review platform and social network, releasing its first-ever list of the 100 best Indian restaurants in the US, just in time for the fall holiday season and Diwali celebrations.

The list, released in 2026, highlights restaurants that have won over diners in America with traditional Indian dishes, regional specialties and innovative fusion offerings.

California and Florida top the list of acclaimed restaurants, with several establishments receiving praise for their curries, biryani, momos, tandoori and vegetarian dishes.

The ranking comes amid growing interest in Indian food in the US. According to Yelp, searches for Indian buffets near users grew 437% in 2026, while searches for Indian deli services grew 76%. In February 2026, searches for butter chicken also reached the platform.

What do Americans order at Indian restaurants?

Yelp’s findings indicate that diners are exploring Indian food beyond familiar favorites like butter chicken and chicken tikka masala.

Biryani, samosas, street chaat and a variety of curries remain popular. Meanwhile, momos, steamed or fried dumplings popular in Nepal and the Himalayan region, are emerging as another favorite, especially among younger diners.

Regional Indian cuisines are also finding a wider audience. Restaurants with the coconut flavor of Kerala, spicy and spicy dishes from Goa and smoky tandoori cooking associated with Punjab found a place on the list.

The growing popularity of vegetarian food is another notable trend, with restaurants offering dishes like saag paneer, aloo gobi, vegetable korma and other plant-based preparations.

How did Yelp choose the top 100 Indian restaurants?

Yelp said it identified businesses listed in the Indian restaurant category and ranked them using several factors, including the overall volume of customer reviews and their ratings.

To ensure geographic diversity, the platform included a maximum of 10 businesses from each US state. It also said that wherever available, the restaurants on the list had a good health score as of August 11, 2026.

Here are the top 10 Indian restaurants in the US, according to Yelp:

1. LA Indian Kitchen, Castaic, CA

First up is LA Indian Cuisine in Castaic, California. The restaurant has received more than 500 five-star reviews, with diners praising its extensive menu, generous portions and friendly service.

His favorite dishes include butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, tofu coconut curry, aloo gobi and saag paneer. Chai is another attraction for customers.

2. Mumbai House, Park City, Utah

Mumbai House offers a quality Indian experience in the mountain resort of Park City. His favorite dishes include vegetable samosas, chicken tikka masala, saag paneer and chicken makhani, commonly known as butter chicken. Its garlic naan is also a customer favorite.

3. Zen Curry and Grill, Temecula, California

Known for its Nepalese momos, Zen Curry and Grill serves the dumplings with roasted sesame tomato sauce or in a warm tomato soup. Vegetable korma, lamb curry, biryani and several types of naan are also on the menu.

4. Spice Station, Kingsville, Texas

This casual restaurant has earned a following for its chicken 65, butter chicken and freshly baked garlic naan. Owner Zohair Charania is also credited for helping customers discover Indian cuisine and offering food samples.

5. Tikka Indian Cuisine, Venice, Florida

The restaurant showcases Goan flavors through coconut-based curries, vindaloo and other regional preparations. Its popular offerings include butter chicken, chicken 65, samosas and eggplant chana chaat.

6. Hot N Chili, San Clemente, California

Punjabi-inspired Hot N Chili serves North Indian dishes including chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, palak paneer, lamb saag and goat biryani. Its main attraction is the all-you-can-eat buffet lunch.

7. Mesa, Jacksonville, Florida

Mesa combines Kerala cuisine with American flavors. Its signature offerings include Kerala prawns and grits made with basmati rice grits and tamarind sauce, and chicken wings prepared with ginger and sweet and sour tamarind.

8. Himali Bistro, Burlingame, California

Himali Bistro offers Nepali and Himalayan specialties including momos, lamb shank, tarkari chicken curry, tandoori chicken and gobi manchurian.

9. Mirchi Indian Kitchen, Newbury Park, California

The restaurant is known for its chicken tikka masala, jalfrezi and coconut curry. Its extensive vegetarian menu and variety of freshly made naan breads are also popular.

10. Maaji’s Street Kitchen, Saint Ann, Missouri

The restaurant serves fresh Indian dishes including shredded chicken curry, mixed vegetable curry, matar paneer and aloo matar. Its golgappa chaat and garlic and ghee parantha are among the highlights.

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