In the vibrant heart of Manchester, as well as the city’s trendy suburbs, the culinary landscape has been transformed into a tapestry of flavours, colours, and traditions. Across the city, the best Indian restaurants in Manchester offer a blend of the traditional and the contemporary, with each one taking diners on an unforgettable journey.
For those seeking the comfort of classic Indian fare, discover aromatic curries infused with spices, fragrant biryanis, and tandoori-grilled delights, all of which evoke the essence of this country’s rich culinary heritage. Signature dishes like the creamy butter chicken, tikka masala and fiery lamb vindaloo are iconic local favourites, served with classic side dishes like samosas and saag aloo.
Read on to discover the 11 best Indian restaurants in Manchester and reserve your table now on OpenTable.
The best Indian restaurants in Manchester to book right away – follow the guide
For British pub classics with an Indian twist – visit The Gatehouse | Ale & Aloo in Manchester
Blending the cosy charm of a traditional pub with the bold flavours of Indian street food, The Gatehouse | Ale & Aloo offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience in the heart of Manchester. This warm and stylish gastropub celebrates the best of both worlds, serving freshly pulled pints alongside spiced bar snacks, hearty curries, and crispy dosas. Expect inventive takes on pub favourites, from succulent chicken tikka burgers with mint chutney and masala chips to kheema-loaded chips and potato and onion hash bhajis. The loaded cheese naan-za is a must-try, oozing with rich, spiced flavour. Whether you’re stopping by for a relaxed drink, a Sunday roast with an Indian twist, or a proper pint with something a little different on the side, The Gatehouse | Ale & Aloo delivers comfort food with a fiery kick.
For contemporary Indian food in the city centre – visit Zouk Tea Bar & Grill in central Manchester
A stone’s throw from Manchester’s university district, Zouk Tea Bar & Grill brings a fresh, modern take on classic Indian cuisine. With a lively open kitchen, vibrant interiors, and a bustling atmosphere, it’s a go-to spot for everything from laid-back lunches to indulgent feasts. The restaurant’s private dining space makes it a great choice for special occasions, offering an intimate setting for celebrations with a spice-filled twist. Signature dishes include their sizzling seekh kebabs, slow-cooked lamb nihari from Lahore, and their famous barbecued butter chicken, all cooked over live charcoal for that extra depth of flavour. Their Indian-style Sunday roast has also become a local favourite, combining the best of British tradition with bold South Asian spices. From aromatic curries to sizzling grilled meats, Zouk brings the vibrant flavours of South Asia to life in a stylish and inviting setting.
For traditional cuisine with a modern twist – visit Asha’s Manchester in Manchester
Nestled in the bustling area of Deansgate, Asha’s Manchester is a true culinary gem. The 2023 winner of Manchester’s Best Curry Award, the restaurant is inspired by the two principal passions of its creator, Bollywood singer Asha Bhosle: food and music. From the moment you step inside, the opulent decor and the warm ambiance help to set the stage for a dining experience like no other. Tuck into some of the restaurant’s menu highlights such as the barrah kebab lamb chop starter, or the kodi curry, for those seeking the rich, aromatic flavours of Hyderabad. For a vegetarian twist, go for the smoky, creamy roasted aubergine dish that’s a true taste sensation.
For one of the best Indian restaurants in Manchester for Delhi street food – head to Delhi House Cafe in the city centre
Delhi House Cafe is a vibrant spot located in Manchester’s fashionable Corn Exchange that promises to transport diners to the bustling streets of Delhi. Embark on a journey through the colourful Indian street food scene, where Delhi’s lively spirit comes alive in signature starters like the crisp wheat puff with a potato and chickpea filling. As for mains, the Punjabi mutton keema, a North-Indian household staple, dazzles with fiery, fragrant spices that really gets the taste buds going. For those seeking innovative twists on old classics, the butter chicken naan pizza is a masterpiece of cuisine fusion. This is where culinary boundaries blur and the essence of Delhi’s Street food finds a home in Manchester. Each dish can be celebrated with one of the restaurant’s zesty cocktails, with highlights including the Delhi-tini and Delhi’s old-fashioned.
For one of the best Indian restaurants in Manchester for fine dining – book at Indian Affair in Chorlton
Just a short walk from Manchester’s ‘trendiest street’, Beech Road, is Indian Affair. This hidden gem specialises in North Indian cuisine originating from Delhi and incorporates the local ‘Dilli-style’ of cooking into its dishes. This popular haunt, a winner of OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award in 2022, is the perfect place to begin an evening with some of the finest cuisine Delhi has to offer in a vibrant and atmospheric setting. Indian Affair’s menu is packed with aromatic starters such as the ginger and garlic marinated lamb chops, and the tandoori broccoli adorned with fragrant spices. The rich, creamy butter chicken is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to tradition and taste, while the unique flavour combinations of lesser-known dishes like the malai kofta, a potato and paneer dumpling, offer new taste sensations for diners.
For one of the best South Indian restaurants in Manchester – book a table at Indique in Didsbury
Indique is coined from ‘Indian’ and ‘Unique’, and its name does exactly what it says on the tin. The restaurant specialises in mixing traditional Indian cuisine with a modern twist – here is where classic flavours and innovative fusions come together, with offerings such as the sea bass cooked with creamy coconut milk, a South Indian speciality, and the spinach and paneer dumplings. For those who like to keep things traditional, dishes such as the rogan-e-nishaat take diners on a journey to the heart of Kashmir, while the North Indian jalfrezi is a popular staple. Vegetarians, meanwhile, can indulge in the creamy tofu makhani, cooked in a tangy tomato and cashew nut sauce. At Indique, the best dishes are an alchemy of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and time-honoured recipes, where textures and flavours combine to create an unforgettable dining experience.
For brunch and Mumbai street food – head to Aamchi Mumbai in Cheadle
For Cheadle’s finest, Aamchi Mumbai specialises in flavour-packed Mumbai street food, honouring the city’s mix of culinary delights and vibrant ambiance. You can find a bit of everything on the street food menu here, from traditional masala dosas, crispy light crepes packed with spiced potatoes and lentils, to tasty, spiced chicken wings in the shape of a lollipop. The tawa lamb and tawa chicken are must-try wok-fried curries that go perfectly wrapped in a slice of naan bread. For a more traditional meal, try one of the various biriyani dishes and curries such as lamb karahi and the house signature of Mumbai chicken.
For Indian street food and tasty gin-based cocktails – check out Jajoo Indian Street Food Hale in Altrincham
Dr. Jajoo, the visionary creator behind Hale’s Jajoo Indian Street Food, has embarked on a lifelong mission to share his love for genuine Indian cooking with diners. His aim has always been to craft a unique dining experience, where the fragrant flavours of authentic Indian cuisine are woven into every mouthful. His vision is to provide diners with wholesome, often plant-based dishes that don’t just taste great, but also nourish the soul. To really experience the true nature of his vision, you have to try offerings such as the lamb chops or the cauliflower florets cooked in the tandoor oven. Accompany your street food delights with the restaurant’s other speciality, a gin cocktail, with the peppery and aromatic Stranger & Sons being one of the most popular tipples.
For Indian cuisine in a modern setting – head to Wah Ji Wah in the centre of Manchester
Located in the heart of Manchester, you can find some of the best Indian cuisine in the region at the modern gem that is Wah Ji Wah – a name that fittingly translates as ‘Wow!’. Indulge in popular signature starters such as the Peshwari lamb cutlets or the kanda-palak bhaji and treat your taste buds with special creations from head chefs Manish & Sanjeev, who trained at some of the finest establishments in India, London and the Midlands. Mix up your meal with street food classics like Punjabi samosa chana chaat and follow up with a tasty lamb rogan josh or a fish curry. With its chic decor and inviting ambience, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some fine dining in style.
For Indo-Chinese fusion dishes – check out Karahi Wok in Salford
Karahi Wok is a small fine-dining restaurant in the heart of Salford, one of the best when it comes to Indian restaurants in Manchester. This family-run place offers transportative Indian and Chinese fusion cuisine to adventurous diners. From street food to traditional classics, Karahi Wok’s unique Chinese twist brings surprising and innovative new flavours to Indian staples. Check out street food favourites such as the puffed pastry potato treats of pani puri and the crispy aloo tikka chat served with chutney and yogurt, as well as traditional dishes like chicken madras or chicken karahi. If you’re more of a biryani fan, you’ll love the rich, aromatic flavour of the Hyderabadi biryani, served with chicken, lamb, prawn or vegetable. To finish your meal in style, try the fragrant sweet dumpling dessert.
For award-winning contemporary Indian cuisine – head to Khandoker in Didsbury
Khandoker – Didsbury is an enchanting spot where tradition meets innovation. Finalists in the English Curry Awards 2023, the culinary journey at Khandoker begins with signature dishes like the lamb korma and the aromatic tandoori chicken, charred to perfection, taking you to the heart of India’s vibrant street food scene in a modern and relaxed setting. But it’s the Khandoker family dishes that really steal the show here, where you’ll find recipes that go back two centuries through the family tree, including the homemade chicken murghi nomuna and prawn esa palong, which are both firm favourites. Blending authenticity and creativity, every bite transports diners right to the heart of India.
Manchester’s reputation for having some of the finest Indian cuisine in the UK is totally justified, and it’s known for being a haven for curry lovers all around the country. You can treat yourself to a traditional classic curry or go for the bold, adventurous street food choices that now dominate menus across the city. These 11 restaurants are among the best Indian restaurants in Manchester, with each one bringing its own style and signature dishes to your table, ensuring your dining experience is one to remember.
Book your table now on OpenTable to discover the best Indian restaurants in Manchester.
Find more places to eat in Manchester by checking out other guides at OpenTable:
- The best brunch in Manchester to start the day just right
- The 11 best bars in Manchester for your next round
- The best bottomless brunch in Manchester for boozy celebrations
- The 12 best restaurants for private dining in Manchester
- The best Sunday roasts in Manchester for a great lunch out
- 10 of the best restaurants in Manchester to book ASAP
- The 10 best date restaurants in Manchester for a romantic dinner to remember
- The 7 best Italian restaurants in Manchester to try right now
