7 of The Best Indian Restaurants in Auckland

Indian is by far my most favourite cuisine, you can’t compare the range of dishes to any other and I could never turn down the joyous mix of spices in a gooey sauce, soaking large pieces of chicken or lamb drizzled on a warm piece of garlic naan.

From cheap and cheerful takeaways to Indian fine dining; below I have listed some of the best Indian restaurants in Auckland, obviously this list isn’t exhaustive as I’m sure there are many other Indian restaurants in Auckland I have not yet discovered.

Karam, Takapuna

Karam Indian Restaurant in Takapuna may be small and unassuming from the outside, but in the kitchen their flavours pack a punch.

Sitting in plain sight on Takapunas’ Anzac Street, Karam Eatery and Bar has the choice of outdoor and indoor dining. Which makes this a perfect casual dining restaurant if you have bought your dog down to socialize at the beach before dinner. Karam Eatery welcomes dogs of all sizes to their outdoor dining area.

I’ve only eaten from Karam twice but we have already found our go-to favourite dishes. The dumpling manchurian in gravy is my new go-to entree at Karam Eatery, nine times out of ten I order vege manchurian whenever we dine in at an Indian restaurant, so pairing it with a delicious gravy has made this classic dish so much more loveable. For our main we have twice gone for the Goan fish curry, I am usually not a fan of fish curries but Karam has welcomed me with open arms to the world of seafood curries. Pair this with a garlic naan and you have yourself and amazing dinner out.

The staff are attentive and food arrives fast, the dining area is small so makes for an intimate dining experience.

Recommended Dishes

For the entree I strongly recommend the dumpling manchurian in gravy, or you can opt for classic crowd favourites of the punjabi samosa or the aloo tikka chaat.

For the main dish I highly recommend the Goan fish curry, as explained above. But if you choose any other curry or dish I won’t hold it against you, their other dishes are sure to taste just as amazing.

Flying Rickshaw, Devonport

The Flying Rickshaw Indian restaurant in Devonport is the perfect restaurant to go to if you’re wanting to feed an army. Their mix platter of samosas, chicken Tikka, lamb kebabs and onion pakora will have you splitting at the seems and releasing the top button on your pants.

This Indian restaurant in Auckland has a good red wine selection and my husband never complains about the beer choices. The Flying Rickshaw is definitely one of my favourite Indian restaurants in Auckland and it would take a miracle to knock it off my top 3.

If you’re looking for ideas for a date night, dine at the Flying Rickshaw then ask about their movie night deal with The Vic cinemas across the road, you can grab yourself a movie ticket for cheap when you dine at the Flying Rickshaw.

Recommended Dishes

For an entree I would recommend the onion pakoras, chicken tikka or vege manchurian.

For the main dish, I highly recommend the mix platter which is my all time favourite, or a lamb saagwala or chicken madras. Obviously you have to pair these with a naan bread and red wine to tie it all together.

Satya Chai Lounge, Sandringham

Satya Chai Lounge is our original go to Indian restaurant. We discovered Satya several years ago and it was our staple dining experience if we were wanting to treat ourself to a fun night out with great service and great flavours. Serving Indian Street food, a range of alcohol, great cocktails and the the coolest atmosphere to suit, Satya Chai Lounge is a great place to dine with friends who want to go somewhere a little bit different.

We first discovered Satya Chai Lounge on K Rd, which has an attached cocktail bar called GGx Flamingo. The staff were amazing and always attentive and we have never had a disappointing dish with Satya.

Operating since 1999, Satya has won several awards for its delicious meals. Satya also offers catering options as well as cooking classes.

Recommended Dishes

Dumpling manchurian, onion bhaji, paneer 555, samosa chaat, dahi puri, chicken 65.

KS Curry House, Birkenhead

If you’re looking for great Indian takeaway on the North Shore, look no further than KS Curry in Birkenhead. This Indian takeaway in Birkenhead was our go to Friday night easy dinner almost every week for a few months. KS Curry serves almost every Curry you can think of, the softest Naan bread and there’s always a smile with the service.

KS Curry is the perfect Indian takeaway on the North Shore.

Recommended Dishes

The samosa chaat is my favourite dish from KS Curry; 2 samosa smashed up and drizzled in an array of sauces, making it a cheap and easy takeaway option for lunch or dinner.

Hobson Indian Takeaway, Auckland City 

Hobson Indian is the best cheap Indian takeaway in Auckland city, the shop looks extremely unassuming from the outside and only has 4 seats if you wish to dine in. Their affordable weekly combo meal deals of two curries, rice and two roti for $14.30 will always have you coming back for more.

Situated on the busy Beach Road near the corner of Anzac Ave, parking can be found on any of the side streets around Emily Place or further up Anzac Ave. Grab your takeaway container of goodness and head up to Emily Place reserve to dine in the warm sun.

Recommended Dishes

Samosa Chaat, dahi puri.

Cassia, Auckland City

If you are looking to treat yourself or your significant other to an incredible dining experience and fine dining, Cassia Indian Restaurant is where you can slip into a pair of high heels and dust off your best coat for the evening. Run by Chef Sid Sahrawat, Cassia is an award-winning Indian Restaurant pairing traditional Indian dishes with local New Zealand ingredients.

Sitting in the lucrative Sky City, Cassia oozes sophistication with their delicately plated meals and elegant cocktails. Cassia Indian Restaurant was Auckland City’s first Indian restaurant to offer a modern and sleek dining experience, offering a choice of set menus or private dining for special celebration.

Recommended Dishes

Pani Puri, wagyu beef croquettes, crab and crayfish cone and spiced duck leg

3 Nutmegs, Auckland City

3 Nutmegs Indian restaurant in Auckland is tucked away in Parnell near the corner of St Georges Bay Road. The intimate setting welcomes a pleasant yet casual dining experience, perfect for a date night or family get together for an impromptu middle of the week dinner. The dishes are always well presented and lovingly garnished with edible flowers.

I have only dined at 3 Nutmegs once so I can’t speak for more than one serving of dishes, but if their standard quality of cooking is anything like what I had then you wont regret your choice of coming to Parnell for dinner. 3 Nutmegs is affordable and on the fringes of busy Auckland city, so easy on the wallet and easy on your stress levels when driving to and from the city.

Recommended dishes

Pani puri, chicken saagvala, bengali fish

Other Places to Eat in Auckland

Once you have indulged yourself at one of the best Indian restaurants in Auckland, no doubt you will be looking for something sweet to finish your evening on? There are some amazing dessert restaurants and cafes in Auckland if you’re willing to take a little stroll or drive to your next destination. Choose between a modest cake with a cup of tea, or if your stomach is a bottomless pit you can always over indulge in a monster milkshake or stack on pancakes from the Black Antler in Browns Bay.

Chocolate Boutique, Parnell

Chocolate Boutique in Parnell is well favoured among the locals of Auckland, having served the community for nearly 30 years with its amazing range of chocolates and menu of amazing warm dessert options.

Cocomo, Auckland City

If you’re more of a fan of the cold dessert treats, Cocomo in Auckland city serves coconut based desserts in the most adorable takeaway containers. The interior design offers a crisp and clean dining experience while you scoff down your desserts out of a jar. Dine in or takeaway, there is really no excuse to avoid coming to Cocomo (unless you’re allergic to coconut).

Black Antler Eatery, Browns Bay

I think the images speak for themselves with Black Antler Eatery in Browns Bay. Their monster desserts will have you bringing your friends here to wow them with the prospect of diabetes in a cup. I highly suggest ordering a drink and sharing a dessert. I have a massive sweet tooth and bottomless pit of a stomach but even I leave Black Antler with my pants unbuttoned and questioning my life choices, only to come back 3 months later for more.

If you want more dessert cafes in Auckland then click through to my article about these amazing dessert restaurants in Auckland. You won’t regret it when you want to wow your next date with amazing dining options.