Super 7: Best Indian Restaurants
It's ok to branch out from chicken tikka masala
Bombay Corner
“Restaurant” is a loosely-used term here, since this Shenandoah hidden gem is two banquet tables away from being a ghost kitchen. Nonetheless, the creative dishes at Bombay Corner are a takeout and delivery masterpiece, like the tandoori-cooked momo dumplings and mango coconut curry. There’s also a whole menu of Indo-Chinese selections and biryanis, giving this little corner across from Shenandoah Park a bigger range of offerings than most Indian restaurants. —MM
Pro tip: Order one of their homemade mango lassis. You can tell they’re made with fresh mangos, and cool off the heat from your dinner.
@bombaycornermiami // 1806 SW 22nd Ave., Shenandoah
Bombay Darbar
Bombay Darbar looks a little like a Bollywood set designer who’d never set foot in Florida was told to create “Indian restaurant, Miami.” The spot that started as a little neighborhood joint on Commodore Plaza moved into bigger digs near Mayfair, but left the Scarface-esque crystal and mirrors motif. The result is a place where the food might not match the surroundings, but still draws locals en masse, with a huge menu of all the traditional Indian favorites. —MM
Pro tip: Bombay Darbar has locations in Doral and Ft. Lauderdale, too, but for some reason the Grove original is always a little better.
@bombaydarbar // 2901 Florida Ave., Coconut Grove
Ghee
For foodies, no Indian restaurant in Miami stands above Ghee, where chef Niven Patel takes ingredients from his Homestead farm and infuses them into traditional Indian dishes. Ghee is the place to expand your Indian food horizons, and try stuff like tandoori peri peri wings, seasonal vegetable curry, and yellowfin tuna behl with fresh avocado. Everything Patel presents tastes fresh and inventive, and while he’ll still gladly play the classics, you’d be remiss not to try something new. —MM
Pro tip: Try the tasting menu. At $65 a person it’s a steal, and there’s not a miss on the list.
@gheemiami // 8965 SW 72nd Pl., Dadeland; 63 NW 24th Pl., Wynwood
Rishtedar
Rishtedar captures all the great things about little, neighborhood Indian restaurants like colorful lights on the ceiling and traditionally-dressed staff. But it still seats you a comfortable distance from other guests. The restaurant does more than serve food, too, hosting regular Bollywood dancing nights, Indian craft programs, and other cultural events. The menu ranges far from the traditional, and though butter chicken is still its best seller you’re better served to try some Southern Indian specialties like Murgh Nilgiri with coconut and mint, and lobster masala. —MM
Pro tip: Carve out time before or after dinner to check out the new cocktail bar next door. The drinks are an elevated brand of craft cocktails with distinct Indian twists.
@rishtedar_miami // 232 NW 24th St., Wynwood
Jaya at the Setai
Just a gentle reminder, Valentines Day is Saturday. If your date loves Indian food and you want somewhere drop-dead romantic to take them, may we humbly suggest Jaya at the Setai. The setting is stunning, where the softly illuminated Setai courtyard is done up in floating lights and sexy music. The food’s no fall-off, with a big menu of pan-asian stuff ranging from dim sum to noodle dishes. But Jaya shines brightest with its selection of tandoori and curry dishes, and after you’ve finished a meal there you’ll understand why it’s named after the Sanskrit word for “victory.” —MM
Pro tip: Get a seat outside so you have a front-row seat to the acrobatics show. We didn’t say the place was subtle.
@thesetaimiamibeach // 2001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
Zaika
Zaika is the quintessential neighborhood Indian restaurant, an independently-owned operation run by three friends who started out hosting dinner parties. The small, welcoming space is the kind of spot where the staff seems to know half the people dining inside, and regional dishes like dhaba chicken curry, tandoori biryani, and nawaba chicken tikka make the menu stand out. —MM
Pro tip: Always, always start with the samosas. Somehow, Zaiki makes this simple dish better than anyone.
@zaikaindiancuisine // 2176 NW 123rd St., North Miami
BABU Indian Kitchen & Cocktail Bar
As underground, secretive and cool as it gets, if you’re hunting for accents of Bombay on Brickell, enter BABU which was initially conceptualized as a one-day-per-week pop-up on Tuesdays. However, it was such a ravishing hit that their team decided to expand the flavorful opportunity to Thursday and Friday nights. With two ever-evolving 7-course tasting menus to choose from, select your prix-fixe experience - whether that’s vegetarian or non-vegetarian. And because it’s as fresh as it gets, everything is made day-of so just show hungry - and dressed in your Indian garb if you so desire. Enjoy their incredible service - especially the bartender who prepares robust cocktails and mocktails which are not only beautiful and extraordinary, but similarly to each course the drinks are made with so much love and creativity, you cannot help but notice the infusion of Indian accents into each libation. —EMN
Pro tip: If you’re gluten-free, they accommodate dietary needs. And the only way to reserve is to text 786-479-8479.
@babumiami // 901 S. Miami Ave., Brickell