Boston's Best Indian Food

Indian recipes can be enjoyed while kicking back with curry and a cocktail at an area lounge, or instead buffet style, for a quick and affordable, yet filling and tasty lunch. These local Boston restaurants have some of the best Indian recipes around, from favorites like naan, curry, tikka masala and kofta, with delicious accompaniments like chutney to go along with it. Though they all make the classics, be sure to also check out some new-to-you dishes at the following Indian restaurants.

Tantric India Bistro
123 Stuart St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 367-8742
www.tantricbistro.com

With the area theaters just steps from Tantric, it makes a great spot to stop for Indian food favorites before or after a show. A lively atmosphere, quality cocktails and spicy Indian cuisine are just a few things guests enjoy during a visit to this downtown Boston restaurant and lounge. Menu highlights include the fried vegetable pakoras or the papri chaat to start the meal on a tasty note, which features flour chips served with potatoes, chickpeas and yogurt, drizzled with a tamarind and cilantro sauce. The lamb, chicken, or veggie "Naanwich" is a new addition to the menu, plus there are classics like chicken tikka masala and for dessert, kulfi, a traditional Indian ice cream in pistachio or mango flavors.

Mela
578 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 859-4805
www.melaboston.com

Located in the South End, Mela has been an Indian food dining destination since 2007. Featuring the option to dine in or grab take-out, the restaurant is open daily until 11 p.m., so you can get your Indian food fix whenever hunger strikes. From its brunch buffet on weekends to the signature cocktails it serves, as well as the wide range of dishes like tandoori or the curry dishes, there is something for everyone. For a really memorable meal, try the hot stone cooking option where you can sear and grill your meat or seafood just the way you like it on the hot oiled stone slab you are presented with.

Kashmir Indian Restaurant
279 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 536-1695
www.bostonkashmir.com

Award-winning Indian restaurant Kashmir has a prime location right amongst the upscale shops, galleries, restaurants and more on Newbury Street. Featuring various dining areas and even an outdoor patio, head here for lamb korma, malai kofta and tandoori salmon masala amongst the many dishes. The recipes can be prepared with the level of heat you like most, from regular to very hot for those who love spice in their life.

Related: Big Game Party Food: Grilled Eggplant Naan

Bombay Cafe
175 Massachusetts Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 247-0555
www.mybombaycafe.com

With its all-you-can-eat buffet for $6.95 seven days a week for lunch and free delivery, Bombay Café is another great choice for Indian food in Boston. Appetizers include shrimp samosas and shrimp tikka, and then there are soups, veggie dishes and a wide range of seafood or meat dishes to nosh on at this casual eatery. There are plenty of chef specialties, which come with naan or rice, like the garlic or mango chicken, or the flavor-packed chana saag which features chickpeas, homemade cheese, garlic, ginger and spices, along with a garnish of coriander.

Gourmet India
1 Faneuil Hall
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 557-9300
www.gourmet-india.com

Featuring a few locations throughout the Boston area, including a spot for take-out in historic Quincy Market, Gourmet India prides itself on offering authentic Indian food at affordable prices. There are North Indian vegetarian, chicken, lamb and seafood entrees to eat alongside the fresh-made breads. Also, diners love the combo meals where you get basmati rice or naan bread with your choice of entrees including keema chicken or or even mutton kadai, which is a curry goat dish.

Related: Boston's Best Buffets