Sydney is blessed with a range of Indian food options — from the humble takeaway, to the “curry kebabs”, to the elegant, fine dining institutions. On the north shore, we’re lucky to have access to a bunch, many that have been in business for decades.

In an effort to catalogue all the Indian food worth eating and making time for, here’s our growing list of some of the best Indian cuisine options this side of the Bridge.

Dhakshin South Indian Restaurant

320 Pacific Hwy, Crows Nest 

This restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience with a variety of service options, including vegan, gluten-free and halal dishes. 

Established in 2014, the restaurant’s mission is to serve the best traditional South Indian food, and they certainly deliver on that promise.

Popular dishes like fried mutton and fish curry, along with refreshing mango juice, are crowd favourites. 

Classic Banquet (Min 4, $54 per person):

Entrées: Jugalbandi Chaat, Lasooni Squid, Chicken Tikka, Pudina Seek Kebab

Mains: Butter Chicken, Beef Vindaloo, Aloo Mirchi Ka Salan, Pulao Rice, Naan, Pappad, Raitha & Chutneys

Dhakshin Banquet (Min 4, $64 per person):

Entrées: Masala Dosa, Nandu Puttu, Kola Urundai, Chicken Tikka

Mains: Meen Mocchai Kozhambu, Butter Chicken, Kairy Ka Goat, Pulao Rice, Naan, Pappad, Raitha & Chutneys

Both banquets offer a delicious selection of traditional South Indian dishes, perfect for sharing. 

Nilgiri’s 

3/283 Military Rd, Cremorne

Located opposite the famous Hayden Orpheum, Nilgiri’s in Cremorne offers a fresh and exciting twist on traditional Indian cuisine. 

This husband-and-wife-run restaurant combines authentic flavours with a distinctive touch. The food boasts tender meat and fish dishes, and large prawns that are bursting with flavour. 

Nilgiri’s offers a great selection of tasting menus, with the seafood tasting menu being a standout. You can’t leave without trying the samosas, lamb cutlets and the mango dessert!

Zinger Taj 

147 Blues Point Road, McMahons Point

For 24 years now, Zinger Taj has been a staple for the North Sydney and McMahons Point communities, offering authentic Indian cuisine that delights with aromatic spices.

Popular for its crispy samosas filled with spiced potatoes and peas, Zinger Taj also delivers standout main courses, like the tender butter chicken served in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. 

Their refreshing mango lassi is the perfect balance to the spices. With a warm, inviting atmosphere, Zinger Taj offers a fantastic setting for anyone seeking high-quality, authentic Indian cuisine.

Lavendra Indian 

5 Walker St, Lavender Bay

Lavendra offers an unforgettable dining experience with meals that explode with vibrant flavours. 

For a romantic and intimate dining experience featuring exquisite Indian cuisine, Lavendra is the perfect spot, just a 10-minute walk from Milsons Point Station, near Wendy’s Secret Garden.

A standout experience is their Goan Tasting Menu, which includes perfectly cooked prawns and the exceptional Wagu Vindaloo. Both dishes that will leave you craving more. With its warm ambiance, impeccable service, and unforgettable flavours, Lavendra guarantees a remarkable dining experience.

Malabar Crows Nest

334 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest 

With its floor-to-ceiling murals and solid seating, Malabar offers a distinctive and inviting atmosphere. The menu is packed with fresh, healthy traditional South Indian dishes, including must-try specialties like vadas, dosas, and curries such as Konkan prawn curry, lamb rogan josh, and chicken biryani.

Seating up to 150 guests, Malabar is one of the largest restaurants on the North Shore, offering everything from private rooms to intimate tables for two, along with takeaway and catering options. 

With their masala dosa and vindaloo, it’s no wonder guests keep coming back. 

Curry Monitor

15A St Johns Ave, Gordon

Located right near Gordon train station, Curry Monitor has been a local not-so-secret for years.

With free home delivery and a range of curries always on offer, Curry Monitor also has some of the best value for money on the north shore with big portions and fair prices.

Grab a meat naan, stuffed with lamb mince, for $5.50 if you’re headed home from a night out (or on your way to the city).

Mehfil Indian Restaurant

768 Pacific Highway, Gordon

Just around the corner from Curry Monitor, Mehfil Indian offers a bit more of a sit-down dining experience. A big menu where you’ll struggle to find a bad meal option, Gordon locals have been rushing to Mehfil for years.

The Funky Indian

468 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest

Recommended by our reader, Dru Cox, The Funky Indian is a newish restaurant on the main drag in Crows Nest. With a regular, table menu and a “Funky Dining Experience” menu complete with Couples options, Feasts, and Cocktail per person deals, The Funky Indian promises a fun, modern approach to Indian dining.

Thumbnail Image Credit: Zinger Taj Instagram / Nalgiri’s Indian Restaurant Facebook