Cincinnati/ Food & Drinks
Published on October 29, 2018
The 5 best Indian restaurants in CincinnatiPhoto: Bridges/Yelp

Looking for a tasty Indian meal near you?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Indian eateries around Cincinnati, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best places to venture when cravings strike.

1. Shaan Indian Cuisine

Photo: douglas r./Yelp

Topping the list is Shaan Indian Cuisine. Located at 3880 Paxton Ave. in Oakley, it is the highest rated Indian restaurant in Cincinnati, boasting 4.5 stars out of 269 reviews on Yelp.

This traditional eatery offers a wide selection of dishes including lamb vindaloo with potatoes and a tangy hot sauce. Shaan Indian Cuisine also has a lunch buffet available daily for $8.99. 

Yelper Qorinah W. wrote, "I visited twice so far for their Saturday lunch buffet and they didn't disappoint. Everything was fresh and delicious." 

"This is the best Indian food in the area by far. I always get it to-go, but it's consistently fresh, perfectly spiced and hits the spot," said Yelper Jen C. 

2. Bridges

Photo: jessi c./Yelp

Next up is Northside's Bridges, situated at 4165 Hamilton Ave. With 4.5 stars out of 125 reviews on Yelp, the Asian fusion spot has proven to be a local favorite.

Bridges features an eclectic menu including several Indian, Nepalese and Asian dishes. Try the chicken momo combo, a South Asian-style dumpling stuffed with chicken, served with a samosa. 

There are also several veggie items on the menu like the aloo wala with marinated potatoes and spices, which is served chilled. 

"The food here is incredible. Well balanced, interesting and a departure from the ordinary," said Yelper Camille D. 

Yelper Vanessa T. wrote, "Bridges is amazing. It's one of my favorite things about living in Northside. Few restaurants have such delicious vegan options."

3. Ambar India Restaurant

Photo: tiffany d./Yelp

Clifton's Ambar India Restaurant, located at 350 Ludlow Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Indian and Pakistani spot four stars out of 279 reviews.

This restaurant specializes in North Indian cuisine, featuring multiple vegetarian options and tandoori dishes on its menu. Try the dal makhani with creamed lentils, butter, cream and spices or the chicken tandoori marinated with yogurt, spices and herbs.

Cleanse your palate with garlic naan and a glass of wine from the restaurant's wine list. 

Yelper Chelsie B. wrote, "This little hole-in-the-wall restaurant is the best place to get your Indian fix." 

"Ambar is in my top two Indian establishments in the city for authenticity and quality," noted Luke S. on Yelp. 

4. Dusmesh

Photo: dusmesh/Yelp

Over in Clifton, check out Dusmesh, which has earned four stars out of 253 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Indian eatery at 944 Ludlow Ave.

In addition to Dusmesh's buffet, which includes more than 25 items, its menu features dishes like goat curry served with rice and naan. 

Try the housemade Kulfi ice cream for dessert, made with mangos and cream. 

Yelper Shenae J. wrote, "I order from here at least three to four times a month. The food is incredible." 

"If you want some authentic Indian food which doesn't change much with each time you visit, this is the place," said Santosh S. on Yelp. 

5. Adeep India

Photo: cindy g./Yelp

Last but not least, there's Adeep India, a local favorite with four stars out of 221 reviews. Stop by 211 W. McMillan St. near the University of Cincinnati to hit up the Indian spot next time you're in the mood.

Start off with Kashmiri naan that's stuffed with coconut and raisins and then try the chicken jalfrezi with green peppers, tomatoes and onions. For dessert, cool off with a mango lassi, a chilled drink of blended mangos and yogurt. 

"This is one of my favorite Indian restaurants in the city," wrote Yelper Thom A.

Madhava C. said on Yelp, "Pretty good option especially for a to-go order. Food is quite good, tailored well as per spice level ordered."