Ohio has quietly become one of the best states in the Midwest for Indian food, and most people have no idea. From Columbus to Cleveland, Cincinnati to Dayton, talented chefs are serving up bold, aromatic dishes that go way beyond the usual takeout experience.
Sure, butter chicken might be what gets you through the door, but what keeps people coming back is the full spread of flavors waiting on the menu. Whether you are a longtime fan of Indian cuisine or someone who has only ever tried tikka masala once, these ten Ohio restaurants are ready to change the way you think about South Asian cooking.
Each place on this list has its own personality, its own specialty dishes, and its own way of making guests feel genuinely welcome. Some are cozy neighborhood spots that feel like eating at a friend’s house, while others have an upscale vibe that makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
The restaurants span three of Ohio’s biggest cities plus Dayton, which means no matter where you live in the state, great Indian food is closer than you think. We looked at menus, dug into customer reviews, and considered the overall dining experience to put together this guide.
Get ready to discover your new favorite restaurant, because butter chicken is just the beginning of what these kitchens have to offer.
1. Haveli Bistro in Columbus, Franklin County
Walking into Haveli Bistro feels like stepping into a different world entirely. The warm lighting, the rich spice aromas drifting from the kitchen, and the welcoming staff all set the stage for a meal you will be talking about for days.
Located in Columbus, this Franklin County gem has built a loyal following among both Indian food veterans and curious first-timers.
Haveli Bistro takes pride in cooking dishes that honor traditional Indian recipes while still feeling fresh and exciting. The butter chicken here is absolutely worth ordering, but regulars will tell you that stopping there would be a serious mistake.
The lamb rogan josh, slow-cooked until it practically melts, has a deep, earthy flavor that keeps people coming back every single week.
The menu also features a fantastic selection of vegetarian options, which is great news for plant-based eaters who sometimes feel left out at other restaurants. The paneer tikka masala is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, rivaling anything the meat dishes have to offer.
Pair it with a basket of freshly baked garlic naan and you have a combination that is hard to beat.
One thing that sets Haveli Bistro apart from other spots in Columbus is the consistency. Whether you visit on a Tuesday night or a busy Friday, the quality of the food stays rock solid.
The staff is friendly and patient, always happy to explain dishes or suggest something based on your preferences.
For dessert, do not skip the gulab jamun. These warm, syrup-soaked dough balls are the perfect sweet ending to a spice-filled meal.
Haveli Bistro proves that Columbus has some seriously world-class Indian cooking happening right in its own backyard.
2. New India Restaurant in Columbus, Franklin County
Some restaurants earn their reputation through flashy decor or trendy menus, but New India Restaurant in Columbus has kept things simple for years – and that simplicity is exactly what makes it so beloved. The focus here is entirely on the food, and the food speaks volumes.
Located in Franklin County, this spot has been a go-to for Columbus residents who know good Indian cooking when they taste it.
The menu at New India Restaurant is impressively long, which might feel overwhelming at first glance. Take a breath and start with the samosas, which arrive golden and crispy with a perfectly spiced potato filling inside.
From there, the chicken tikka masala is a must-try, offering a slightly smoky depth that comes from properly marinated chicken cooked in a tandoor oven.
What really stands out here is the biryani. Fragrant basmati rice layered with tender meat, caramelized onions, and warming spices, this dish is a full meal all on its own.
The lamb version is particularly popular, drawing in regulars who plan their entire week around a biryani lunch.
The lunch buffet is one of the best deals in Columbus, giving diners a chance to sample a wide variety of dishes at a very reasonable price. It is the kind of spread that makes you want to pace yourself but inevitably leads to going back for a third plate anyway.
The staff keeps everything fresh and replenished throughout the service.
New India Restaurant also handles takeout and catering with the same level of care as dine-in service. If you are feeding a crowd for a party or work event, their catering options are reliable and absolutely delicious.
Columbus is lucky to have a place this consistent and community-focused.
3. Cumin and Curry in Columbus, Franklin County
The name says it all, and the kitchen delivers on every promise those two words make. Cumin and Curry in Columbus has carved out a unique spot in the Franklin County food scene by blending bold spices with a relaxed, approachable dining environment.
Even if you have never tried Indian food before, this is the kind of place that makes the experience feel totally stress-free.
The menu leans into South Indian flavors alongside the more familiar North Indian staples, which gives it a range that most Columbus Indian restaurants do not offer. The dosas, for example, are a revelation for anyone who has not tried them before.
These crispy, crepe-like rice and lentil pancakes come filled with spiced potatoes and are served with sambar and coconut chutney on the side.
Of course, the curries are the main event, and they are handled with real skill. The chicken chettinad, a South Indian specialty loaded with freshly ground black pepper and aromatic spices, delivers a heat that builds slowly and satisfyingly.
It is not just spicy for the sake of it – every layer of flavor is intentional and carefully balanced.
Vegetarians will find a lot to love here as well. The dal makhani, a slow-cooked lentil dish rich with butter and cream, is the kind of comfort food that works on any day of the year.
Scoop it up with some fluffy paratha and you have a meal that feels like a warm hug.
Cumin and Curry also gets points for its friendly service and genuinely welcoming vibe. The staff treats every guest like a regular, which makes first-timers feel right at home.
Columbus has plenty of great restaurants, but this one has a personality all its own.
4. Tandul in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County
Cleveland’s food scene has been growing fast, and Tandul is one of the restaurants leading the charge. Tucked into Cuyahoga County, this spot takes a more refined approach to Indian cuisine, offering dishes that feel both deeply traditional and surprisingly modern at the same time.
The presentation alone is enough to make you reach for your phone to take a photo before you even take a bite.
Tandul’s menu is thoughtfully curated, which means every dish on it has earned its place. The butter chicken here is among the best in the state, with a sauce so silky and perfectly spiced that it practically defines what the dish should taste like.
But spend a little more time with the menu and you will discover things like the lamb seekh kebab, grilled to perfection and served with a bright mint chutney that cuts through the richness beautifully.
The restaurant’s approach to spice levels is worth mentioning. The kitchen does not water things down for a non-Indian audience, but they are also happy to adjust heat levels based on your preference.
This respectful flexibility makes Tandul a place where everyone from spice novices to heat enthusiasts can have a genuinely great meal.
Cocktails at Tandul are another reason to linger longer than planned. The bar program incorporates Indian flavors like cardamom, rose, and tamarind into creative drinks that pair surprisingly well with the food.
It is a small detail that shows how much thought has gone into the overall dining experience.
Cleveland deserves a restaurant like Tandul, and Tandul deserves all the recognition it gets. If you are visiting the city or just looking for a special night out, this is the restaurant to book first.
5. Indian Flame in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County
There is something almost theatrical about watching food come out of a tandoor oven, and Indian Flame in Cleveland has made that experience central to its identity. The name is not just a marketing choice – the kitchen genuinely relies on high-heat tandoor cooking to create dishes with a smoky, charred quality that you simply cannot replicate in a regular oven.
Located in Cuyahoga County, this restaurant has a reputation for bold, honest flavors.
The tandoori chicken here is the dish that gets talked about most, and for good reason. Marinated overnight in yogurt and a blend of spices, then cooked at intense heat in the clay oven, it comes out with crispy edges and incredibly juicy meat inside.
It is served with sliced onions, a wedge of lemon, and green chutney, and it needs absolutely nothing else to be perfect.
Beyond the tandoor specialties, Indian Flame also excels at its curry dishes. The palak paneer, a creamy spinach and cheese curry, has a freshness that suggests the kitchen is not cutting corners with pre-made sauces.
The paneer itself is soft and mild, soaking up the spinach gravy in a way that makes every bite satisfying.
The atmosphere at Indian Flame is casual and lively, making it a great choice for groups or family dinners. The noise level is just right – energetic enough to feel fun but not so loud that you cannot have a conversation across the table.
Service is quick and attentive even during busy weekend hours.
Portions are generous here, which means leftovers are almost guaranteed. That is never a bad thing when the food tastes this good the next day.
Indian Flame is a Cleveland staple that continues to earn new fans every single week.
6. The Great Indian Kitchen in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County
Not every great restaurant needs a fancy name or an elaborate concept. Sometimes the best places are the ones that simply promise great food and then deliver on that promise every single time.
The Great Indian Kitchen in Cleveland does exactly that, offering home-style Indian cooking that tastes like it was made by someone who genuinely loves feeding people. Cuyahoga County residents who have discovered it rarely go anywhere else for Indian food.
The thali plate here is the best way to experience everything the kitchen can do in one sitting. A thali is essentially a sampler platter, featuring small portions of multiple dishes served together on a large plate or tray.
At The Great Indian Kitchen, the thali changes regularly based on what is fresh and seasonal, which keeps regular customers excited about coming back.
The korma dishes deserve special recognition. Whether you order chicken, lamb, or vegetable korma, the sauce is consistently rich, nutty, and gently spiced with a warmth that builds slowly.
It is the kind of dish that feels luxurious without being heavy, and the portion size is generous enough to satisfy even a big appetite.
Dal dishes are another strength of this kitchen. The yellow dal tadka, made with split lentils and finished with a sizzling spice-infused butter, is simple in the best possible way.
Paired with steamed basmati rice, it is the sort of meal you could eat every day without ever getting tired of it.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is unpretentious and warm, with a staff that genuinely seems happy to be there. First-time visitors are often guided through the menu with patience and enthusiasm.
Cleveland has a lot of solid dining options, but The Great Indian Kitchen stands out for its heart and its home-cooked soul.
7. Ajeet India and Nepali Cuisine in Cincinnati, Hamilton County
Cincinnati’s Indian food scene got a whole lot more interesting the moment Ajeet India and Nepali Cuisine opened its doors in Hamilton County. What makes this restaurant genuinely different from anything else in the city is the dual focus on both Indian and Nepali dishes, two cuisines that share some common roots but have their own distinct personalities.
The result is a menu that feels like an adventure from the very first page.
The momos are the first thing you should order. These Nepali dumplings, filled with seasoned meat or vegetables and served with a spicy tomato-based dipping sauce, are addictive in the best possible way.
They are soft, juicy, and packed with flavor, and they give you a clear sense of what Nepali cooking is all about before you move on to the rest of the menu.
On the Indian side, the butter chicken is a crowd-pleaser that lives up to its reputation. The sauce has a beautiful orange color and a creamy, slightly sweet quality that balances the warmth of the spices underneath.
It pairs beautifully with the restaurant’s thick, pillowy naan, which is baked fresh and served hot.
The Nepali dal bhat, a traditional meal of lentil soup, rice, vegetable curry, and pickled condiments, offers a fascinating window into everyday Nepali home cooking. It is hearty, nutritious, and deeply satisfying in a way that feels very different from the richer Indian dishes on the same menu.
Trying both styles in one visit is an experience worth having.
Ajeet is the kind of restaurant that broadens your culinary horizons without making you feel like you are studying for an exam. It is fun, flavorful, and genuinely one of a kind in Cincinnati.
Hamilton County diners are lucky to have it.
8. Mayas Indian Restaurant in Cincinnati, Hamilton County
Every city has that one restaurant that feels like a hidden gem, the kind of place that regulars almost do not want to share because they fear it getting too crowded. Mayas Indian Restaurant in Cincinnati plays that role for a lot of Hamilton County food lovers.
Word has gotten out over time, though, because the cooking here is simply too good to stay secret for long.
Mayas brings a refined sensibility to Indian cuisine without losing any of the warmth or generosity that makes the food so appealing in the first place. The chicken tikka, served as an appetizer or a main, is marinated deeply and cooked with a precision that gives the exterior a beautiful char while keeping the inside tender and moist.
It is a strong opening statement from a kitchen that clearly knows what it is doing.
The seafood options at Mayas set it apart from many Indian restaurants in Ohio. The shrimp masala, cooked in a tangy tomato-onion gravy with freshly ground spices, is a dish that seafood lovers should absolutely prioritize.
It is bold, layered, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the shrimp.
The restaurant’s interior is stylish and comfortable, with enough ambient lighting to make every dinner feel slightly special. It works equally well for a casual weeknight meal or a proper date night, which is a flexibility not every restaurant can claim.
The staff strikes a nice balance between professional and relaxed.
Desserts at Mayas are not an afterthought. The kheer, a slow-cooked rice pudding flavored with cardamom and garnished with pistachios, is a lovely, delicate way to end the meal.
Cincinnati’s dining scene is strong, and Mayas is one of its brightest spots.
9. Dusmesh Indian Restaurant in Cincinnati, Hamilton County
Named after the tenth Sikh Guru, Dusmesh Indian Restaurant in Cincinnati carries a sense of history and respect in everything it does. Located in Hamilton County, this restaurant specializes in Punjabi cuisine, the hearty, robust cooking style from the northern region of India that gave the world butter chicken, saag paneer, and so many other beloved dishes.
If you are a fan of North Indian food, this is your Cincinnati home base.
The saag paneer at Dusmesh is exceptional, full stop. Made with fresh mustard greens and spinach cooked down until they are silky and deeply flavorful, then combined with homemade paneer that holds its shape beautifully, it is a dish that feels both rustic and refined.
Eat it with a piece of makki di roti, the traditional cornbread of Punjab, and you are getting a genuinely authentic experience.
Meat lovers will find plenty to celebrate here as well. The goat curry, slow-cooked until the meat falls off the bone, has a complexity of flavor that speaks to long cooking times and quality ingredients.
It is the kind of dish that rewards patience, both in the kitchen and at the table, since the best bites often come from the pieces closest to the bone.
The lunch special at Dusmesh is one of the best value meals in all of Cincinnati. For a very reasonable price, you get a generous portion of a main curry, rice, dal, and bread, plus a small salad and a drink.
It is the kind of deal that makes a Tuesday afternoon feel like a celebration.
Dusmesh is not trying to be trendy or cutting-edge. It is focused on cooking traditional Punjabi food with care and consistency, and that commitment shows in every single dish.
Cincinnati is better for having it.
10. India Chaat Cafe in Dayton, Montgomery County
Dayton might not always get mentioned in the same breath as Columbus or Cleveland when people talk about Ohio’s food scene, but India Chaat Cafe is the kind of restaurant that changes that conversation entirely. Tucked into Montgomery County, this lively cafe specializes in chaat, the beloved category of Indian street food that is tangy, spicy, sweet, and crunchy all at the same time.
One visit here and you will understand why chaat has such a devoted global fanbase.
Pani puri is the dish to start with if you have never tried chaat before. These hollow, crispy spheres are filled with spiced potatoes and chickpeas, then dunked into a bright, herby green water right before you eat them.
The whole thing goes in your mouth in one bite, and the explosion of flavors is genuinely unlike anything else in the food world. It is fun, interactive, and absolutely delicious.
Bhel puri is another chaat staple done brilliantly here. Puffed rice tossed with chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, tamarind chutney, and crunchy sev noodles, it is a dish that manages to be light and intensely flavorful at the same time.
The balance of textures is what makes it so satisfying, and the kitchen at India Chaat Cafe gets that balance exactly right.
Beyond the chaat, the cafe also serves a solid selection of Indian curries, dosas, and rice dishes for those who want something more substantial. The samosa chaat, which takes a classic samosa and drowns it in chutneys and yogurt, bridges the gap between the street food and the main menu perfectly.
India Chaat Cafe brings a playful, energetic spirit to Dayton’s dining scene that the city absolutely needed. It is casual, affordable, and wildly flavorful.
Montgomery County has a real gem on its hands.
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