Looking for a delicious Indian meal?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Indian restaurants around Pittsburgh, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best places to score vindaloo, tandoori, curry dishes and more.
1. Choolaah Indian BBQ
Topping the list is Choolaah Indian BBQ, a fast-casual restaurant with custom-built tandoor clay ovens. Located at 6144 Centre Ave. in Shadyside, this spot is the highest rated Indian restaurant in Pittsburgh, boasting 4.5 stars out of 157 reviews on Yelp.
With outposts in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia, the restaurant says it uses farm-to-fork ingredients including humanely raised chicken, halal lamb and sustainably raised salmon. Biryani, wraps and snacks like samosas are available, or build your own meal by selecting a protein (tofu, paneer, chicken, lamb meatballs and more) and up to three sides, including naan, rice, greens and tandoori vegetables.
2. Tamarind
Next up is Oakland's Tamarind, situated at 257 N. Craig St. With four stars out of 213 reviews on Yelp, the Indian eatery has proven to be a local favorite, offering tandoori dishes along with tikka masala, dosa crepes and other traditional fare.
Yelp reviewer Sultan A. has high praise for the eatery: "The food is great and tasty. I consider Tamarind at the top of the list when it comes to Indian food in Pittsburgh. The service is good and the staff are friendly and accommodating."
3. All India
Also in Oakland is All India, located at 315 N. Craig St. near the Bombay Food Market. It's a popular choice, with Yelpers giving the restaurant four stars out of 159 reviews. Look for thali platters piled high with everything from samosas and garlic naan to lamb curry and tandoori chicken.
Yelpers rave about the colorful decor and the daily lunch buffet, with Bridget W. calling it "one of the most vegan friendly buffets I've ever been to."
4. Bangal Kabab House and Restaurant
Bangal Kabab House and Restaurant, an Indian, Bangladeshi and halal spot in Central Oakland is another go-to, with four stars out of 130 Yelp reviews. Head over to the cozy eatery at 320 Atwood St. to try the lamb korma, goat curry and a variety of chutneys.
The restaurant says it serves up a modern interpretation of classic dishes. Wash down your meal with a sweet lassi (blend of yogurt, water and fruit), mango juice or masala tea.
5. Taste of India
Over in Bloomfield, check out Taste of India, which has earned four stars out of 112 reviews on Yelp. You can find it at 4320 Penn Ave. across the street from the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
On the menu, offerings include tilapia vindaloo, lightly creamed lentils with herbs and spices, crushed paneer in a creamy tomato sauce and goat cooked in mango gravy. Wine and beer are also available, including Indian brews like Taj Mahal and Flying Horse.
