Looking for a sublime Indian meal near you?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Indian spots around Arlington, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to meet your needs.
1. Tandoor Indian Restaurant
Topping the list is Tandoor Indian Restaurant. Located at 1200 N. Fielder Road, Suite 532, the restaurant, which offers a lunch buffet, is the highest-rated Indian spot in Arlington, boasting 4.5 stars out of 182 reviews on Yelp.
On the menu, you'll find dishes like the tandoori chicken; the chicken jalfrezi, a curry dish with sautéed tomatoes, onions and bell peppers; and the Gosht Patiala, which is lamb sautéed with cauliflower and tomato sauce. (See the dinner menu here.)
Yelper Zain K., who reviewed it on Aug. 27, said, "Proof that a buffet doesn't have to be extensive to be excellent. Everything I tried was well spiced, and nothing was greasy or otherwise heavy. Standouts were the naan and beef curry."
2. India Grill
Next up is India Grill, situated at 4000 Five Points Drive, Suite 109. With four stars out of 344 reviews on Yelp, the Indian and buffet spot has proven to be a local favorite.
The restaurant has options like chicken tikka masala; keema mutter, a curry dish of sautéed lamb and fresh green peas; and beef Punjabi with onions, ginger, garlic and mild spices.
Andrea M., who reviewed it on July 29, wrote, "One of my family's favorites for Indian food. We love the buffet and all of the options. Food is always fresh and full of flavor. Owners are nice and make sure you're happy. The rice pudding is also yummy."
3. Halal Grill
Halal Grill, located at 3701 S. Cooper St., Suite 135, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Indian, halal and Mediterranean spot four stars out of 58 reviews.
The menu consists of dishes like goat chops, diced chicken over rice, lamb boti, the lamb gyro wrap, butter chicken curry bowl and the chana masala curry bowl. (See the menu here.)
Yelper Jim G. said, "The quality of food is top-notch and the service is great. The staff are super friendly and helpful. There is no buffet, but the menu has a lot of nice selections to choose from."
4. Desi Kitchen
Desi Kitchen, an Indian and halal spot, is another go-to, with four stars out of 45 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1515 S. Cooper St., Suite D, to see for yourself.
On the menu, expect dishes such as the chicken tikka masala, daal makhani (a popular Punjabi dish), goat dum biryani with basmati rice and the bhature (fried flatbread served with chickpea curry).
"This is the best Indian food in Arlington and, quite possibly, the best I've ever eaten," wrote Yelper Blake F. "I had the chicken tikka masala and the wife had paneer tikka masala and both were terrific. Great amount of spice. Also, definitely get the seasoned rice when they ask. We also had the garlic naan and it was the perfect complement to our food."
5. Shan's Kitchen
Finally, check out Shan's Kitchen, which has earned four stars out of 41 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Indian and Malaysian spot, which offers a buffet option, at 2500 N.E. Green Oaks Blvd., Suite 100.
When you visit, you'll see menu options like the Platter 1 (rice or roti, dal fry, boneless beef, karai chicken and choice of dessert) and the Platter 2 (rice or roti, bone-in chicken, butter chicken, vegetables and choice of dessert). It also has a number of Malaysian dishes.
Yelp reviewer Lina T. wrote, "This is absolutely the best Indian food in town. I have been to many Indian restaurants in Arlington and this is my favorite. They have lunch buffet everyday and an all-day buffet on Saturday."
