Dublin is home to a myriad of exciting and exotic dining options, but there are some nights when all you want to do is keep things simple and stick to the familiar. It is nights like these that call for a comforting bowl of curry, a pile of poppadoms and naans to mop up all of the leftover sauce and a few beers to wash it all down with. Although not native to Ireland itself, it is safe to say that Indian cuisine has been heartily adopted by the nation and that a curry is as familiar to Irish folk as a pot of Mammy’s stew.
Luckily for anyone craving a samosa or two, the Irish capital has no shortage of excellent Indian restaurants, which range from budget-friendly, no-frills curry houses to upmarket and sophisticated joints that will transport you to the five-star hotels of India with their opulent decor and sleek service. While there is plenty of classic curry house fare to be found in these restaurants (chicken kormas, onion bhajis and the like) we would encourage you to also explore the lesser known elements of the menu, as you are guaranteed to find something to thrill your tastebuds.
While curry may be one of India’s most famous exports, there is plenty more to Indian cuisine than just Vindaloos and Jalfrezi, and these Dublin Indian restaurants do a fantastic job of showcasing it all. Next time you’re out for an Indian, why not try a dish from the Tandoor grill, a seafood option or even a classic Indian dessert such as gulab juman (an Indian-style doughnut typically filled with cream).
Whatever your reason for wanting to visit an Indian restaurant for your next meal, our pick of the best Indian restaurants Dublin has to offer is sure to have something for you, no matter your tastes or budget. Check out our top pick of Indian restaurants in Dublin below and don’t forget to book a table in advance.
Pickle
What: Pickle has gained a cult following in Dublin since opening back in 2016 and it’s not hard to see why. The restaurant serves a killer menu which offers up twists on classic Indian dishes by incorporating locally sourced Irish ingredients. In practise, that means the likes of Tandoori guinea fowl and venison keema samosa, alongside all of the usual curry house favourites.
Where: 43 Camden Street
Doolally
What: Serving lunch and dinner as well as weekend brunch, Doolally is an Indian restaurant for all occasions. The menu here has been designed in collaboration with well respected Indian chef Alfred Prasad (who was awarded his first Michelin star aged just 29) and consists of classic curries and kebabs - think lamb rogan josh and a paneer tikka ‘bab with saffron and cardamom.
Where: Ground Floor, The Lennox Building, 47-51 South Richmond Street
Kinara
What: Kinara is well known on the music festival scene for its food trucks, but we’d recommend paying a visit to its bricks and mortar site just a few minutes from Dublin’s city centre. Perks include stunning views of Bull Island and a menu of irresistible upmarket Indian fare, including Tandoori lobster tail. Set lunch and pre-theatre menus also available.
Where: 318 Clontarf Road
Konkan
What: It can be hard to find a bargain in high-spend Dublin, so it makes sense that diners regularly flock to Konkan to take advantage of its great value tasting menu. For just €28.50 each, your table (minimum party of two) will be treated to a selection of starters including samosas and lamb sheek kebab, followed by three mains to share, plus bread and rice.
Where: 46 Upper Clanbrassil Street
Diwali
What: A no-fuss and no-frills kind of joint, what Diwali (named after the famous religious festival) lacks in good looks, it makes up for in a varied and fun menu. Tuck into the dishes from the Tandoor grill or a selection of speciality Nepalese curries, while the set lunch menu is a particular steal, costing just €11.99 for a starter and main course.
Where: Unit 1 Castle House 73-83 South Great Georges Street
Madina Desi Curry Co
What: Part of the bustling restaurant hub around Capel Street, Madina Desi Curry Co offers a wide range of affordable curries, such as chicken tikka or lamb bhuna, alongside meat or vegetable taalis and steaming hot biryanis. Don’t forget to order a naan too (pick from plain, garlic, cheese or peshwari) to mop up all the leftover bits on your plate.
Where: 60 Mary Street Dublin
Kathmandu Kitchen
What: Although you will find the typical Westernised likes of a chicken korma on the menu at Kathmandu Kitchen, this restaurant is far more concerned with traditional Indian and Nepalese fare. This makes for an exciting proposition, with diners able to try the lesser known likes of deep-fried Tareko prawn marinated in ginger and garlic, or Khasi Ko Kebab - minced lamb flavoured with mild spices and cooked in a clay oven.
Where: 18 Dame Street
Kerala Kitchen
What: Long established Kerala Kitchen (there’s a second location in Stoneybatter) is a hit with restaurant critics and regular diners alike, thanks to its winning combination of friendly service and signature dishes such as Kerala coconut chicken and prawn moilee. All dishes are designed to share and arrive at the table when they’re ready, so it’s best to come here in a small group.
Where: 5 Upper Baggot Street
Ananda
What: Perfect for special occasions, Ananda is a sophisticated Indian restaurant that’s a far cry from your typical shabby-chic curry house. Home to chandeliers, high ceilings and an assortment of jewel tones, Ananda will transport you to an Indian palace, with the dream only realised further by a menu of opulent dishes - think goan seafood curry followed by gulab jamun for dessert.
Where: 4A Sandyford Road
Bombay Pantry
What: Ok so Bombay Pantry is technically not a restaurant and is instead a takeaway and home delivery service. We’ve all been eating at home a lot more though in recent times and thanks to its cut above the rest menu and prominence in and around Dublin (there are seven locations to be exact), we felt it deserved a spot on our list. Order street food inspired dishes such as the tiffin box or masala fries, or keep things classic with the likes of a searing hot Vindaloo curry.
Where: 14 Rathgar Road (and various other Dublin locations)
Aleena
What: Tucked away in Temple Bar, Aleena is a discreet and intimate Indian restaurant that’s easy to miss. You won’t find anything revolutionary on the menu here, but the restaurant is home to friendly service and prices which are far more reasonable than some of its tourist trap competitors, including a four-course Early Bird menu for just €12.95
Where: 3 Temple Lane
Ruposhi
What: With plenty of dishes that lend themselves to sharing, Indian cuisine has always been a family affair. At Ruposhi, there is a dedicated children’s menu so that the little ones can join in the fun, while adults at the table can tuck into the likes of Dum Ka Murghi Mirchi prawns, which are cooked in a sauce comprising of almonds, cashew nut paste and fresh cream.
Where: 1 Whithworth Road Dublin
Vermilion
What: Vermilion is a little more out of the way than most of the restaurants on our list, but it’s considered something of a local gem and certainly worth the trek. Top orders here include the chilli and garlic prawns in a spicy tomato sauce, and a vindaloo that will blow your head off. A vegan menu, children’s menu and early bird special (Sun-Thurs from 5.30pm) are also available.
Where: 94-96 Terenure Road North, D6W TY70
Rasam
What: Decked out in opulent imperial colour tones and with elephant figurines dotted around the dining room, Rasam feels like ‘special occasion’ territory, but while the prices aren’t cheap, they certainly won’t break the bank either. The restaurant serves dishes from various regions of India and also boasts a rather extensive selection of vegetarian vegan options.
Where: 18-19 Glasthule Road
Three Leaves
What: This diminutive Indian restaurant is the place to come if you’re someone who finds yourself overwhelmed by extensive menus. That’s because Three Leaves exclusively serves a set menu at dinner, which changes daily. Don’t worry though, as it’s all drool-worthy stuff - think slow cooked beef coated in spices or moreish lentil curry laden with spiced vegetables.
Where: Unit 30, 19A Main Street
Everyone knows that beer and curry pair well together, so why not check out the best Temple Bar pubs after your meal?