Tianna ClarkeIf you’ve ever found yourself yearning for the rich spices and powerful flavors of Indian cuisine, you’re not alone.
I recently went on a food tour of Richmond’s greatest Indian eateries, and my taste buds are still recovering (in the nicest way imaginable). I even tried to pace myself, but when the biryani hit the table, I lost all control.
Are you ready to enjoy Richmond’s finest Indian cuisine? Check out the list; you’ll want to bring your hunger (and possibly some flexible trousers)!
How we chose the Best Indian Restaurants in Richmond
1. Star6 Indian Cuisine
Star6 Indian Cuisine is a bit of a hidden gem tucked away on No. 6 Rd. in East Richmond. Blink, and you might miss it—but trust us, it’s worth the hunt. The restaurant boasts a clean, inviting atmosphere with great decor and even better service.
Set in a commercial area near the Knight Street Bridge, its location in a business complex might not scream “dining destination,” but that’s part of its charm.
The food more than makes up for the setting, offering a variety of delicious options, especially for vegetarians. What sets Star6 apart is its heartwarming authenticity—literally.
The dishes have a comforting, homemade vibe, which makes sense since the kitchen is run by a crew of “moms and aunties.”
Highlights include the crispy, flavorful chicken pakora, the rich and tender lamb curry, and thin, perfectly prepared garlic naan.
The dahl makhani was satisfying, though you’ll need to order red kidney beans separately if you want the full experience. Each entrée comes with white rice or plain naan—though with 10 flavored and stuffed naan options, you might want to upgrade.
For a true taste of India, Star6 Indian Cuisine delivers rich, aromatic flavors in every bite, making it a must-visit spot for anyone craving an authentic meal.
Great taste, quality and quantity
“Great taste, quality and quantity..surprised why the restaurant was not busy on the weekend considering the food quality! Had a good time.”
-Mr. Viswanath, Google Review
Friendly staff and decent service
“Loved the food. Friendly staff & decent service. We ordered the Tandoori platter, chicken and Lamb combo, it was delicious.”
-Mr. Kumar, Google Review
2. Tandoori King Kitchen & Bar
This Indian restaurant is undeniably cool, with a vibe that’s as exceptional as its food. The menu offers a fantastic variety, and everything—from the décor to the dishes—feels fresh and thoughtfully curated, making it hard to go wrong here.
The décor is absolutely stunning, far from the typical. If you’ve seen older photos on Google labeled “Tandoor King Cafe,” don’t be fooled—they’ve clearly revamped everything, and it’s a whole new look.
The space, though relatively small, feels open and inviting, thanks to clever mirror placements and thoughtful design elements. Elegant furnishings and simple, well-chosen colors give it a polished yet unpretentious feel, avoiding the all-too-common “plastic-y” vibe of some spots.
As for the food, the Garlic Naan and Palak Paneer are must-tries. The naan is pure magic when served fresh from the oven. If you’re a fan of spicy food, don’t hesitate to request extra heat—the friendly chefs are happy to tailor dishes to your preferences.
The butter chicken and butter prawns, paired with rice and garlic naan, were the undeniable stars of the meal. The flavors were rich, the textures velvety, and everything tasted so fresh, you could tell it was made with care on-site.
Honestly, it’s hard to imagine going wrong with anything on the menu. If you’re in Richmond and craving Indian cuisine, this spot sets the bar high—it’s simply unmatched.
Very clean and homey
“This place did not disappoint, the food was delicious, it’s very clean and homey and the staff are very friendly. Would 100% recommend…”
-Ms. Doll, Google Review
Delicious food
“Food was delicious especially in that price range. And Mukesh, our server, was very pleasant and quick with order.”
-Mr. Verma, Google Review
3. Village Curry
Village Curry is a spot worth venturing to Steveston for, especially if you’re a fan of rich aromas and a menu packed full of delicious options.
The masala chai here is a standout—comforting and flavorful—and their garlic naan is hands down the best we’ve tried. The curries are wonderfully authentic, with perfectly cooked meat served piping hot.
The butter chicken paired with naan is a classic and our go-to favorite every time. Their lunch special is a steal at $11 (or $13, depending on the combo), and it’s a generous serving: butter chicken with rice, two pieces of naan, and a canned drink.
For a little extra indulgence, we always add one of their crispy, golden samosas—they’re irresistible.
If you’re in the mood for variety, the meat platters are a fantastic choice. They let you sample an assortment of grilled meats and fish tikka, served with side sauces that really elevate the flavors. The brown chutney, in particular, is a crowd-pleaser.
While there can be a bit of a wait for the food, the excellent service and unbeatable prices more than make up for it. With such delicious dishes at such reasonable prices, Village Curry is a true gem in Steveston.
Yummy Indian food
“Yummy Indian food, this is one of the best food I have ever had, I really wish we had this restaurant where I live.”
-Mr. Lakhani, Google Review
Full of authentic flavors
“I had a wonderful dining experience! The veg Thali, chai, and dal were absolutely amazing – full of authentic flavors and perfectly cooked..”
-Mr. Kapoor, Google Review
4. Tulsi Indian Cuisine
Tulsi is the kind of place that feels like a comforting home-cooked meal, offering a delightful mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes with a strong Punjabi influence. If you’re craving flavorful paneer or vegetarian sabjis, you’re in for a treat.
Inside are tall ceilings, spacious seating, cozy booths with perfectly aligned upholstery, and just the right amount of Indian flair that create a stylish space. Soft Indian music sets a relaxed tone, which we think makes for a pleasant spot for a meal.
The menu stands out with personalized recipes from the owner, and the food doesn’t disappoint. We loved the tofu korma—it was rich, flavorful, and generously portioned.
The rosemary and thyme kulcha stole the show with its incredible flavor and fluffy texture.
If you’re unsure about what bread to pair with your meal, go for the bread basket. It includes Poori, Sweet Kulcha, and Rosemary and Thyme Kulcha. Surprisingly, even the Sweet Kulcha complemented the Konkani and Rogan Josh dishes beautifully.
With its generous portions, reasonable prices, and lovely atmosphere, Tulsi delivers an exceptional dining experience that feels both elevated and comforting.
Hidden gem in Richmond
“Tulsi is a hidden gem in Richmond. I love Indian and come here regularly. First off the service is always great. Ali is a fantastic server and always makes great recommendations…”
-Mr. Strikehard, Google Review
Outstanding food
“The food is truly outstanding, featuring high-quality ingredients that set it apart as the best Indian restaurant in the Tri-City area…”
-Mr. McClenney, Google Review
5. Carytown Indian Cuisine
Carytown Indian Cuisine strikes the perfect balance between modern flair and traditional flavors, offering a menu that ranges from mild to fiery, with plenty of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to suit every palate.
The restaurant’s interior exudes an upscale vibe, making it ideal for a romantic evening or an elegant family dinner. The menu’s flexibility is a highlight—whether you prefer your dishes mild or crave a serious spice kick, the kitchen is happy to accommodate.
We started with the garlic naan, which was perfectly pillowy and paired wonderfully with a tangy yogurt sauce.
The focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident, especially with dishes like the organic chicken tikka masala, tender lamb chops, and the flavorful vegetable coconut curry.
Each plate was expertly prepared, delivering rich, satisfying flavors.While parking in Carytown can be tricky, weekday lunch visits are your best bet for snagging a street spot.
For a modern twist on authentic Indian cuisine, Carytown Indian Cuisine is a must-visit. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this spot promises a memorable dining experience.
Friendly and extremely attentive servers
“Very pleased with this restaurant. Servers were friendly and extremely attentive. Food was delicious and well presented…”
-Ms. Steele, Google Review
Best Indian food in Richmond
“Truly a phenomenal dining experience and the best Indian food I’ve had in Richmond! We love this place, the Chicken Tikka Masala is incredible…”
-Mr. Peele, Google Review
