Prepare your taste buds for a tantalizing tour of Indian cuisine in the Greater Hartford area. We've uncovered eight exceptional Indian restaurants, each with its own distinct twist. From wallet-friendly options to regal feasts, innovative fusion to comforting homestyle dishes, we've got it all. Join us on this culinary adventure through Hartford's Indian dining scene, where every bite tells a unique story.
Disclaimer: these are not ranked in any certain order, #6 is my personal favorite, but you can't go wrong with any of these timeless classics.
1. Most Widespread Restaurant - Taste of India:
The culinary artistry at Taste of India is truly unparalleled. Their commitment to flavor and innovation shines brightly in their diverse menu. What sets them apart is their dedication to crafting each dish with freshly prepared spices, eschewing the convenience of generic curry powder.
At Taste of India, they understand that the heart and soul of Indian cuisine lie in the intricate blending and preparation of spices. It's a timeless craft that has been perfected over centuries and remains an indispensable part of their culinary tradition.
When you dine here, you embark on a sensory journey like no other. Each dish possesses a unique flavor and aroma, a testament to the care and precision that goes into its preparation. It's not just a meal; it's an unforgettable experience that captures the true essence of Indian cuisine, one spice at a time. You can see their full menu here.
2. A Culinary Journey - Utsav Indian Restaurant:
At Utsav, the name itself signifies a festive celebration, and this restaurant embodies that spirit beautifully. India, a melting pot of cultures and religions, is a place where diversity doesn't divide but unites through shared enthusiasm for each other's festivals. It's a country where it's said that there's a festival every day.
What truly makes Utsav exceptional is its embrace of this vibrant tapestry of festivals. Here, each festival is a culinary journey, a chance to savor traditional delicacies that have been cherished for generations. It's not just food; it's a celebration of India's rich culinary heritage.
From the joy of the festival to the ceremonious feasts that await, Utsav captures the essence of these special occasions. The restaurant's dishes are like historical jewels, preserving the treasures of Indian food culture. So, come and indulge in these culinary festivities; at Utsav, every day is a celebration of flavor and tradition.
3. Mughlai Majesty - Haveli India Restaurant:
You've entered the realm of Mughlai opulence at Haveli India Restaurant. It's not just a dining experience; it's a royal banquet. The regal ambiance is the backdrop for a symphony of sumptuous Mughlai dishes. Imagine savoring kebabs fit for kings and creamy kormas that transport you to a bygone era. This is dining fit for royalty.
4. South Indian Bliss (Best Vegetarian Option!) - Udupi Bhavan:
Calling all South Indian cuisine enthusiasts and vegetarians! Located in Middletown, Udupi Bhavan is your ticket to a South Indian food festival on your plate. This is definitely the best place for vegetarian Indian food. Crispy dosas, fluffy idlis, and flavorful vadas are the stars of the show here. It's like a culinary journey to the southern coast, minus the plane ticket.
5. Innovative Fusion - Spice Venue:
Spice Venue isn't your ordinary Indian restaurant. With locations in Storrs, and downtown, it's the mad scientist's lab of flavors, where tradition meets innovation. Imagine classic Indian spices mingling with global influences. Prepare to be dazzled by inventive fusion creations that redefine your taste horizons. It's a taste adventure like no other.
6. (Google's Best Rated) - Dhaba Wala Indian Kitchen:
By far, google's top rated restaurant in the Hartford area is Dhaba Wala Indian Kitchen. Dhaba captures the essence of unpretentious, down-to-earth Indian dining, and it does so with mouthwatering authenticity. Nestled in the heart of Connecticut, Dhaba embraces the "hole in the wall" vibe that defines the essence of Indian street food.
Here, it's all about the food—delectable, scratch-made, and steeped in tradition. The restaurant refuses to dress up its dishes with unnecessary frills or fancy price tags.
But what truly sets Dhaba apart is the trust it places in its patrons. The kitchen, helmed by talented chefs, prides itself on safely preparing the dishes that nourish both body and soul. For Dhaba, the highest compliment is knowing that customers trust them with the food they share with their loved ones. It's a sentiment that adds an extra layer of warmth to every bite of their heartwarming, soul-satisfying cuisine.
7. Tandoori Flames - Sizzle and Spice:
Tandoor Flames takes you on a journey through the heart of tandoori cooking. What's their secret? It's all about the smoky, flavorful essence that their tandoor imparts to dishes like succulent kebabs and naan bread. Brace yourself for an unforgettable taste that sizzles and spices up your life. While it is a little further away in New Milford, it's definitely worth the trip!
8. Most Experienced Culinary Team - Bombay Olive:
Bombay Olive is a culinary gem that stands out in the heart of Connecticut's dining scene. Co-owned and masterfully managed by Hem Raj and Chef Bishnu Lama, this restaurant boasts an impressive pedigree in the hospitality industry.
Bombay Olive's team includes seasoned chefs with nearly twelve years of experience, specializing in kebabs and curries. They craft dishes bursting with flavor, contributing to the restaurant's efficient dinner service and sumptuous luncheon buffets. The entire crew is a testament to excellence, hailing from prestigious establishments like Sheraton, Marriott, and Oberoi hotels in Asia. At Bombay Olive, you can expect not just a meal, but a culinary journey led by true professionals who are passionate about delivering a remarkable dining experience.
These Indian restaurants in the Greater Hartford area are more than just places to eat; they're culinary adventures waiting to happen. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly bites, a culinary journey, royal feasts, regional specialties, fusion experiments, a melting pot of North and South, homestyle comfort, tandoori delights, speedy service, or a seafood extravaganza, these restaurants promise to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, go ahead, explore, and savor every flavorful moment!