Nothing warms the soul quite like tucking into a vibrant spread of spicy Indian specialties with your nearest and dearest.
Thankfully, Abu Dhabi is brimming with some of the best Indian restaurants around, so you’ll never have to venture far to satisfy those spice cravings.
If you’re wondering whether these Indian restaurants are truly worth your time (and appetite), here’s the deal: each spot on this list has been carefully selected not just for flavour, but for the full experience.
From MICHELIN-recognised kitchens to delightful hidden gems, these are places that bring heart, heritage, and serious culinary talent to the table.
From casual dining gems to refined fine-dining experiences, and an array of standout vegetarian spots, we’re exploring it all in this guide.
Part of the wider Yalla series where we dive into Abu Dhabi’s diverse culinary scene, get set to uncover everything.
The capital has it all, and the only tricky bit is deciding which incredible Indian restaurant to try first.
India Palace
Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi
View this post on Instagram
An iconic Abu Dhabi Indian restaurant since 1997, India Palace has multiple branches, but the one on Al Salam Street is widely considered to be the best.
Combining opulent and regal decor with refreshingly reasonable prices, you’ll need a while to properly digest the extensive menu of authentic Mughlai and North Indian fare, but whatever you choose you can guarantee it will be brilliant.
A great one for big groups and families, the friendly team makes sure everyone feels welcome, while the affordable prices mean you can always justify coming back time and time again.
Tried and tested: Add some greens to your treat-day blow out with the extra delicious and spinach-packed palak paneer and be prepared to fall in love with the tandoor grilled king prawns – a masterclass in simple yet tasty shellfish preparation.
For bookings: 02 644 8777
Address: Opposite ADNOC Petrol Station, Salam Street, Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah), Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: India Palace
Visit website: India Palace
KuraKura
Al Khaleej Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi
Tucked away in an unassuming spot near the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), small and compact KuraKura is one of the capital’s greatest hidden gems, and one of the best cheap Indian restaurants in the city.
Offering a mix of Indian classics and fusion specials (ranging from Caesar salad with Indian spices to penne pasta and fried rice), its huge choice of vegetarian options makes it perfect for those on a meat-free diet, while almost all the mains cost no more than AED 30.
Tried and tested: Don’t even think about leaving KuraKura without trying its iconic crispy Bhindi Fry (fried okra with spices), or chicken chettinad, a sensational home cooked comfort food that delivers the perfect balance of fiery chilli and creamy coconut.
For bookings: 02 443 3733
Address: Capital Tower, Al Khaleej Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: Kurakura Restaurant
Visit website: Kurakura Restaurant
MYNT Indian Cuisine
Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi
View this post on Instagram
Friendly, laid back, and offering good value, mammoth-sized portions, it’s essential to arrive at MYNT hungry and in the mood for a good feed.
Specialising in hearty Indian fare (always served with a smile) and located just a few steps from the previously mentioned India Palace, the cosy dining room ensures that the intimate ambiance is always on point, and it has long been one of the city’s favourite Indian restaurants in the Abu Dhabi Corniche area.
While the menu isn’t as extensive as some other Indian restaurants, it still offers all the best things, including a choice of tasty and creative starters, a wide choice of vegetarian options, and all your go-to classic curries costing no more than AED 50 per very large serving.
Tried and tested: The rich, thick and impossibly creamy signature dal makhani will absolutely blow your mind, while cracking open one of the fragrant, bread-topped biryanis is one of the greatest joys in life.
For bookings: 02 666 6400
Address: Al Zahiyah – E16 01 – Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: MYNT
Visit website: MYNT
Pincode by Kunal Kapur
Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
View this post on Instagram
Only opened in late 2024, the buzz around this elegant Indian hotspot is yet to calm down.
Founded in Delhi and inspired by the heritage and history of old India, the decor is simply stunning, and you immediately forget that you’re in a mall from the moment you walk through the doors.
Tried and tested: The limited-edition menus mean there’s always something new to try every time you visit, while the business lunch (including a starter, main, side and bread) is a bargain at just AED 69.
For bookings: 02 234 0111
Address: Al Maryah St – Al Maryah Island – MI10 – Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: Pincode by Kunal Kapur
Visit website: Pincode by Kunal Kapur
GALA Restaurant
Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi
Dedicated purely to vegetarian cuisine, the very exciting and newly opened Gala offers Indian specialties infused with aspects from various different cuisines, ranging from Thai to Chinese, Korean and even Italian, along with tonnes of vegan options, too.
Tried and tested: The elevated classics such as the paneer makhani and baby corn fritters with spicy sauce are simple superb. Or, you can mix things up and opt for some of the more ‘out there’ options like broccoli walnut tikki, palak risotto, and lasooni saag burrata.
For bookings: 02 449 0488
Address: Century Hotel Apartments – Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St – Al Zahiyah – E16 01 – Abu Dhabibi
Read more about the restaurant: GALA Restaurant
Visit website: GALA Restaurant
Tadka Mania
Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi
View this post on Instagram
Another amazing hidden gem serving purely vegetarian Indian cuisine, Tadka Mania proves that meat-free doesn’t mean less flavour.
With prices starting from as little as AED 10, you don’t have to hold back when sampling the extraordinary selection of North Indian and South Indian breakfasts, veggie-packed curries, chaats, starters and amazing value combo meals, all paired with some of the most delicious creamy lassis you’ll find in the city.
Offering just a couple of booths and just a small outside seating area, it often gets full. But waiting for a table is always worth it.
Tried and tested: Ultra authentic and served with no frills, the curries here pack a punch or two. So, if you don’t like too much spice remember to ask them to tone down the hotness levels, or add a side of yoghurt instead.
For bookings: 02 675 1785
Address: Ahmed Bin Hamed Al Hamed St – Al Zahiyah – E14 – Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: Tadka Mania
Visit website: Tadka Mania
Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Dripping with cold and shimmering chandeliers, few hotels in the world do lavish opulence quite as well as Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, and its Indian restaurant is just as incredible as you’d expect.
Created by renowned Indian chef Hemant Oberoi, its innovative specialties will blow you away with their powerful flavours, beautiful presentation and unparalleled combinations of textures.
Perched on the blue waters of the Abu Dhabi Corniche and quite unlike any Indian restaurant you will ever have been to before, it’s definitely on the pricey side, but very much worth every fil.
Tried and tested: Experience a unique twist on the classic British tradition of afternoon tea with the Martabaan Hi-Tea, with prices starting from a surprisingly reasonable AED 150 per person.
For bookings: 02 690 7999
Address: West Corniche Road – Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi
Visit website: Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi
Moksh
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
View this post on Instagram
Any restaurant located inside the prestigious Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers is bound to be good, and Moksh more than exceeds every expectation.
Bright, bold and colourful and known for its funky interpretations of Indian street food staples, it’s another one recognised by the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi, and you won’t be able to resist taking countless snaps of the Instagrammable decor, or the theatrical food.
Tried and tested: The bright blue (yes, really) chaat starter is exceptional and far more than just a gimmick, while the ‘coffee haven’, is bound to be one of the prettiest desserts you’ve ever seen. Heading over the road for a walk along the Abu Dhabi Corniche is the perfect way to digest afterwards.
For bookings: 050 447 4805
Address: Etihad Towers, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: Moksh
Visit website: Moksh
Namak
Dusit Thani, Abu Dhabi
Accustomed to winning awards and appearing in the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi, Namak at the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi is the ideal place to take someone who you really want to impress.
Focused on warm and comforting North Indian specialties all creatively presented and meticulously prepared, the decor is just the right level of opulent, while the diverse menu is sure to delight those of all tastes. Whether you try the juicy lamb grill, veggie appetiser platter or one of the many incredible silky curries, you are sure to leave full and satisfied.
Tried and tested: Prefer trying a little bit of everything rather than just one dish? Well, you simply must try the chef’s signature North Indian thali. Including a selection of the hotspot’s standout dishes, it’s made for sharing and enjoying with loved ones.
For bookings: 02 698 8137
Address: Sultan Bin Zayed The First St, Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: Namak
Visit website: Namak
Punjab Grill
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal
One of the fanciest Indian restaurants you’ll find in the UAE, Punjab Grill brings a whole new meaning to elevated Indian cuisine.
Included in the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi and overlooking the Grand Canal, it’s also one of the few Indian restaurants in Abu Dhabi with an outside terrace, and it’s a great date venue or one for special occasions.
Tried and tested: Featuring all your favourite Indian dishes (including lamb kebabs, crispy panipuri, achari paneer tikka and more) all paired with free-flowing hops, grapes and cocktails, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried the extravagant weekend brunch.
For bookings: 050 668 3054
Address: The Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal – 3rd St – Al Rawdah – W65 – Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: Punjab Grill
Visit website: Punjab Grill
You might also like: The ultimate guide to the best brunch deals and offers in Abu Dhabi 2025
Ushna
Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Rabdan, Abu Dhabi
Known for its sweeping views of the Grand Canal and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you’ll be hard pushed to find an Indian restaurant in Abu Dhabi with a more picturesque setting than Ushna.
All about bold flavours and explosive spices, it brings a modern twist to some of India’s most timeless traditional recipes, with its rich chicken tikka masala and tender lamb shank rogan josh, being just some of its most popular offerings.
Tried and tested: Blessed with some of the most gorgeous sunset views in Abu Dhabi, make sure you arrive early to capture it at its best, and order an extra portion of the irresistible butter naan. You won’t regret it, honest.
For bookings: 02 559 9747
Address: Souk Qaryat Al Beri – Rabdan – RB2 – Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: Ushna
Visit website: Ushna
Asha’s
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
With branches across the Middle East and as far as the UK, Ashas is hailed as being one of the first truly global Indian restaurant chains.
Proudly family-friendly and dedicated to showcasing the versatility of North-West Indian cuisine, it offers everyone’s favourite classics – ranging from decadent dhal makhani to fresh Keralan chilli garlic prawns – and it’s the ideal spot for a pre-cinema dinner or a shopping spree refuel.
Tried and tested: Think you’ve tried the best butter chicken in Abu Dhabi? Sampling the one from Asha’s might make you reconsider.
For bookings: 02 492 6833
Address: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: Asha’s
Visit website: Asha’s
Rangoli
Yas Island Rotana
One of the most iconic, long-standing Indian restaurants on Yas Island, Rangoli is as reliable as an old childhood friend.
Offering a mix of North and South Indian specialties, all prepared with premium quality ingredients and expert skill, everything you try on the menu is sure to be fantastic, and there’s a wide choice for vegetarians, too.
Choose between fragrant biryanis, all kinds of chicken, lamb and vegetarian curries, and don’t forget to save room for the sweet kulfi falooda, or one of the many other authentic Indian desserts.
Tried and tested: Great for when you’re out with a group, the epic, one-metre-long gola kabab is as show stopping as it sounds. It tastes superb paired with fresh naans pulled straight from the tandoor.
For bookings: 02 656 4000
Address: Yas Island Rotana, Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: Rangoli
Visit website: Rangoli
Zeera by Buddha Bar
The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront
Undisputedly the slickest and trendiest Indian restaurant on Yas Island, Zeera’s enticing menu brings a modern and creative twist to a wide range of classic Indian dishes.
Completed with elegant decor that’s as stylish as its intricately presented dishes, it sets the scene for a night to remember with pretty mixed drinks, incredible entertainment and plenty of theatrical dry ice, while the views over the sparkling waters of Yas Bay are sure to leave you mesmerised from the moment you arrive.
Tried and tested: Take a moment to watch the sumptuous tandoori grills and lighter-than-air freshly made breads being prepared in the open kitchen. It somehow makes them taste even better.
For bookings: 050 601 1193
Address: Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: Zeera by Buddha-Bar
Visit website: Zeera by Buddha-Bar
Indigo
Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
If you’re in the mood for Indian food with a touch of elegance, Indigo at Beach Rotana is a must-visit. This stylish spot takes traditional Indian flavours and gives them a modern twist; think beautifully presented plates, bold spices, and a fine-dining feel without losing that comforting warmth.
The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and inviting. Sleek interiors, soft lighting, and genuinely attentive service make it just as suitable for a romantic date night as it is for a special celebration with friends or family.
Tried and tested: You have to try the Sikhandari Raan; a slow-roasted leg of baby lamb that’s rich, tender, and totally indulgent. Their contemporary chaat platter is also a winner: playful, punchy, and perfect for sharing.
For bookings: 02 697 9000
Address: Al Zahiya Road – Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: Indigo
Visit website: Indigo
So, whether you’re craving the comforting richness of a classic curry, on the hunt for a sizzling tandoori platter, or looking to explore inventive vegetarian creations, Abu Dhabi’s Indian dining scene has something unforgettable in store.
The only thing left to do? Grab your crew, bring your appetite, and start tasting your way through the spice-packed wonders of Abu Dhabi’s best Indian restaurants.
Follow Yalla for all the latest food and drinks news