Irvine, California, is a city renowned for its diverse culture and culinary landscape. This city is home to people with different cultures from around the world. However, one of the most popular cultures you will see in this city is the Indian culture. There are a lot of Indians in this city and these best Indian restaurants in Irvine, California offer a variety of cuisines.
If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine and live in Irvine, California, you’re in luck. The city has a plethora of Indian restaurants to choose from, ranging from upscale to casual dining options. With the plethora of options, it might be a little difficult to select the best one to visit.
Top 10 Best Indian Restaurants In Irvine, CA
Table of Contents
There are a lot of top Indian restaurants you can try in California. Here is a list of the top 10 Indian restaurants in Irvine you should try out.
1. Masala-Craft Indian Cuisine
This is definitely the first restaurant you should try in this city. This restaurant is located in Irvine, California, and proudly ranks among go-to Indian dining establishments in the city. The restaurant offers a wide range of Indian dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options. You can easily walk into the restaurant and order any Indian meal based on their dietary requirements.
MasalaCraft provides a contemporary and inviting ambience, making it suitable for both casual meals and special occasions. Its modern and elegant decor creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Another beautiful thing about this restaurant is its top-notch service. You will definitely appreciate its friendly and attentive staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and ready to assist with recommendations.
The restaurant is open from 11 AM TO 9:30 PM every day. It also offers catering services for events and parties, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy Indian cuisine at home or at their workplace.
The restaurant excels in tandoori preparations, offering a variety of succulent kebabs and bread baked in the traditional clay tandoor oven. They also offer a variety of other delicacies such as Vegetarian entree, Chicken entree, Lamb entree, egg entrees, Seafood entree, Sides, Breads, Rice, and a lot more.
The prices at MasalaCraft are reasonable, making it an affordable option for those looking for high-quality Indian food. You can get a meal in this restaurant for as low as $8. The restaurant also allows bulk orders, subscriptions, 3rd party orders, and promotions. Masala Craft Indian Cuisine is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an authentic and exciting Indian dining experience in Irvine.
2. Clay Oven Indian Cuisine
Offering a wide variety of authentic and delicious Indian dishes, Clay Oven Indian Cuisine is regarded by many as one of the top Indian restaurants in Irvine. Located in the heart of Irvine, this restaurant has gained a reputation for serving some of the best Indian food in the area. This restaurant has been serving customers for over 28 years, making it a well-established and trusted restaurant.
Clay Oven Indian Cuisine is a family-owned restaurant that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere to its customers. The restaurant boasts a modern and inviting ambience, making it suitable for casual dining, family gatherings, and special occasions. The restaurant’s décor also adds to the overall dining experience.
Another thing the restaurant is known for is its tandoori and Mughlai cooking. They are cooked to perfection in a traditional high-temperature clay oven. The lamb shank is a must-try dish at this restaurant. You will be impressed by its taste.
Clay Oven Indian Cuisine offers a wide range of dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options. You can easily get any of their appetizers, soups, tandoori clay cooking specials, and biryanis. They also offer vegetarian specials and chicken specials. The food in this restaurant is relatively affordable. You can order for as low as $10.
Lastly, you can easily take advantage of its website to order meals online. This saves you the stress of leaving the comfort of your home.
3. India Gate Restaurant
Known for its delicious food and affordable prices, India Gate Restaurant is a highly regarded Indian dining establishment in Irvine, California. This restaurant is a must-visit if you are looking for the best restaurant that offers the lowest possible cost.
One of the things you will love about this restaurant is its great quality food at a reasonable price. You do not have to stress your pocket to get some of the best meals in this restaurant.
Another beautiful thing about this restaurant is its creative Indo-Chinese dishes. They offer a fusion of Indian and Chinese flavors which includes dishes like Gobi Manchurian and Hakka Noodles. These dishes offer a unique culinary experience.
You will also be impressed with the restaurant’s friendly and informed staff who are readily available to assist with menu selections and provide insights it is a highly rated restaurant among different travel blogs.
The menu at India Gate Restaurant includes a wide range of dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options. Their vegan options include Aloo Gobi which costs $15.00, Chana Masala which costs $15.00, Bhindi Masala which costs $16.00, and Baingan Bharta which costs $15.00. You can also order beverages, soups, and chicken. There are also a variety of other meals you can order.
4. Annapoorna Indian Cuisine
Annapoorna Indian Cuisine is another top Indian restaurant you should explore in Irvine, California. The restaurant is a premier Indian restaurant that caters to functions, corporate meeting venues, and unique events in the Southern California region. It serves authentic Indian food with the use of typical Indian spices, making it a great option for those looking for traditional Indian cuisine.
Annapoorna caters extensively to vegetarians and vegans, offering a wide range of plant-based dishes that are not only delicious but also satisfying. The restaurant provides a relaxed and welcoming ambience, as it boasts of a predominantly Indian decor surrounded by wooden carvings on the walls under a huge dome in the centre.
There are silk paintings hanging on the walls that together depict royalty and culture from the Mughal era.
One of the things that sets this restaurant apart is its tandoori dishes. Which is grilled inside an earthen clay pot oven called a Tandoor, and then fired with charcoal to give the food a unique flavor. The restaurant offers a lunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., making it a great option for those looking for a quick and affordable lunch.
The restaurant serves a lot of authentic Indian food running from the starters menu to soups, Indo-Chinese (Veggie and non-veggie), and a lot more. Some of their meals include Chilli Chicken (Dry/Gravy) which is a fried boneless chicken tossed in a spicy chilli sauce with diced onions and peppers, Chicken Manchurian (Dry/Gravy), Egg Fried Rice, Chicken Fried Rice, Shrimp Fried Rice and much more.
5. India Kitchen
Located at 4131 Red Hill Ave, Tustin, CA, India Kitchen is a prominent Indian restaurant that specializes in North Indian cuisine. This restaurant offers a diverse and authentic menu that showcases the rich and robust flavours of this region. The decor is traditional yet contemporary, featuring warm lighting, comfortable seating, and vibrant colours.
What makes this kitchen so special is its diverse menu that includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The restaurant excels at tandoor cooking, presenting an array of tandoori dishes that are marinated to perfection and cooked in the traditional clay tandoor oven. They are also good at preparing kebabs and naan bread.
With a Monday to Sunday working hours of 11:00 am – 03:00 pm and 05:00 pm – 10:00 pm, India Kitchen provides a popular lunch buffet, allowing diners to sample an array of dishes at a fixed price. The restaurant also offers online ordering for takeout and delivery.
Indian Kitchen offers a wide range of appetizers, soup, Indo-Chinese ( vegan and non-vegan), tandoor, and a lot more. Some of their meals include Plain Uthapam (Vegan) for $13.95, Mix Vegetable Uthapam (Vegan) for $14.95, Onion and hot Chilli Uthapam (Vegan) for $14.95, and Dosas for $12.95. There are over 50 meals you can try in this kitchen.
The prices for their food are also fair and affordable. You will definitely rave about the restaurant’s flavorful and well-spiced dishes.
6. Maast Indian
Maast Indian is a family-owned and operated restaurant in Irvine, California. This restaurant is located at 15358 Alton Parkway, Irvine CA, 92618. Known for its creative fusion approach to Indian cuisine, Maast restaurant skillfully blends traditional Indian flavours with modern culinary techniques, creating unique dishes like the “Parathadilla”. Maast also provides a contemporary and upscale dining ambience, making it an ideal choice for special occasions.
You will enjoy a range of inventive dishes that include creative appetizers, entrees, and desserts. These dishes will give you a fresh and exciting take on Indian cuisine. Open from Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, you can easily walk in and order your lunch or dinner.
The restaurant also extends its services to catering for events and gatherings, allowing customers to enjoy the same creative and flavorful dishes at their private functions. You will definitely appreciate its attentive and knowledgeable staff, who are well-versed in the menu and are available to provide recommendations and insights into the dishes.
The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. You can settle for any of their street bites, mac and cheese, street menu, and a lot more. There are also kid’s menus and house sauces you can choose from. The food prices are also affordable when compared to other restaurants.
In addition, Maast takes pride in its craft cocktail menu, offering a selection of signature cocktails inspired by Indian flavours. These beverages complement the food and provide a unique dining experience.
7. Sattva Indian Rasoi
Sattva Indian Rasoi is a distinguished Indian restaurant in Irvine. The restaurant is open from Monday to Thursday 11 AM – 3 PM for lunch and 4 PM – 10 PM for dinner. It is located in Mission Viejo, which is about 7.9 miles away from the middle of Irvine.
One of the things that makes the restaurant stand out is its commitment to culinary excellence. The restaurant’s chefs are masters at crafting a diverse menu that showcases the rich and diverse flavours of Indian cuisine.
Another thing that makes this restaurant stand out is its warm and inviting ambience. Whether you’re dining with family, friends, or a romantic partner, the atmosphere at Sattva Indian Rasoi is warm and adds to the overall dining experience.
This restaurant also takes pride in serving authentic Indian flavours. The use of traditional spices and cooking techniques ensures that each dish is an authentic representation of the region it hails from.
Some of the popular dishes in this restaurant include Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, Garlic Naan, Samosa, Palak Paneer, Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Curry, Lamb Curry, Andhra Chicken, Dum Biryani, Goat Curry, Paneer Tikka Masala, and much more. The meals in this restaurant are also affordable as they go as low as $10.
For added convenience, Sattva Indian Rasoi provides online ordering options. Customers can place orders for takeout or delivery, making it easy to enjoy their favourite Indian dishes from the comfort of their homes. Some of these options include seafood, vegetarian, and Indian cuisine
8. Punjabi Tandoor – Irvine
Punjabi Tandoor in Irvine is a renowned Indian restaurant that has earned its place among the top 10 Indian restaurants in Irvine. Known for its rich culinary heritage, traditional flavours, and warm hospitality, Punjabi Tandoor is a family-owned restaurant chain with Indian chefs.
The restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and outdoor seating options with traditional Indian music playing in the background to make it even more special.
This Indian restaurant specializes in authentic Punjabi cuisine, making it a favourite among lovers of North Indian flavours. The menu includes butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, lamb curry, and various vegetarian dishes. The tandoori pieces of bread served at the Punjabi Tandoor are also some of the best.
You should definitely try traditional dishes like tandoori chicken, seekh kebabs, and naan bread. The smoky and charred flavours of these dishes are a highlight.
Punjabi Tandoor also offers catering services for special events, ensuring that guests can enjoy the restaurant’s authentic Punjabi cuisine at weddings, parties, and gatherings. You will definitely be impressed with its home-style cooking, which captures the essence of Punjabi cuisine. Dishes are prepared with care and attention to detail, creating a sense of comfort and authenticity.
9. ADYA
ADYA is a celebrated Indian restaurant located in Irvine. This restaurant is a 4-star restaurant located at Anaheim Packing House, 440 S Anaheim Blvd Unit 201, Anaheim, CA 92805. The restaurant is open from 12 noon to 8 pm every day. One of the most interesting things about this restaurant is its authentic Indian street food. ADYA sets itself apart by offering a modern interpretation of Indian street food. The menu is a delightful fusion of traditional Indian flavours and contemporary culinary techniques.
The restaurant is also generally applauded for its dedication to using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. This commitment to sustainability ensures the freshest and highest-quality produce, creating dishes that are both flavorful and environmentally conscious. ADYA’s menu focuses on contemporary interpretations of Indian street foods, tandoori specialities, and rich curries.
The restaurant was led by Chef Shachi Mehra, who brought a new Indian experience to Orange County with her modern take on Indian cuisine. It is a very popular restaurant in the area, as it is recognized by various publications, including Orange Coast Magazine and the SoCal Restaurant Show.
In addition to its culinary offerings, ADYA boasts a creative beverage program. Guests can enjoy a selection of craft beers, wine, and inventive cocktails that pair perfectly with the bold and diverse flavours on the menu. The restaurant also offers catering services for events and gatherings.
10. Saffron Indian Cuisine
Saffron Indian Cuisine is a popular Indian restaurant in Irvine that is known for its elegant ambience and refined flavours. This restaurant is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. The atmosphere at this restaurant is warm and cosy, as the décor often reflects Indian cultural elements, creating a charming and inviting setting.
The restaurant’s menu showcases a harmonious blend of North and South Indian cuisine, with dishes that are carefully crafted to bring out the best flavours. You can easily order dishes like Mutter Paneer, Vegetable Korma which includes Mixed Veggies / Paneer / Creamy Onion / Cashew Sauce, Saagh Paneerm and Peshawari Chole. There are also other dishes you can order.
Saffron Indian Cuisine has a small menu, which means that the wait times are short and the food is fresh. You shouldn’t have to wait more than 10 minutes before you get your order. Many customers regard this restaurant as a fast food type Indian place that offers inexpensive, low-calorie, fast, and tasty food. it is one of the best Indian restaurants in Irvine where the weekend buffet is definitely a must-try.
Conclusion
From the warm hospitality of Clay Oven to the exquisite dishes at Anjappar Chettinad and the modern flair of Adya, Irvine’s Indian restaurants bring an authentic taste of India to Southern California. Each establishment brings its own unique spin on traditional Indian dishes, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all.
So, whether you’re craving the comforting embrace of butter chicken, the fiery kick of vindaloo, or the delightful flavours of dosa and biryani, these best Indian restaurants in Irvine have you covered. Gather your friends and family, visit, and savour the delectable menus that these top Indian restaurants have to offer.