The Best Indian Restaurants in Cape Town

There’s more to Indian cuisine than chicken tikka masala and lamb rogan josh… One of the world’s most popular cuisines, as beautiful in its diversity as the country from which it originates, Indian food is a kaleidoscope of colours, flavours, textures and spices, coming together in complex combinations to produce flavour-bursting dishes.
From classic North Indian cuisine to South Indian-inspired streetfood, cosy neighbourhood hangouts to fine-dining date nights, there’s a place for every level of spiced-up dining in our multicultural Mother City.

Bombay Brasserie

The moment you set foot in Taj Cape Town’s Bombay Brasserie, you’ll be whisked away on a culinary odyssey to India. The signature restaurant’s inspiration comes from the buzzing, multicultural Indian city of its name, Mumbai, while the menu combines Indian cooking styles and ingredients from all over the sub-continent with a Cape Town twist. The result is a multisensory extravaganza with the polished presentation and service of a fine-dining experience. Perhaps the best way to enjoy Bombay Brasserie’s unique offering is by opting for the exotic set menu feast that cherry-picks the highlights of the standard menu, but you can equally easily dine à la carte, from chaat (street-food-inspired small plates) and tandoor (clay-oven cooking), to classic butter chicken and Lucknow ki lamb nihari (a slow-cooked lamb shank dish dating back to the Mughal Empire).
Good to know There are a wealth of vegetarian dishes on the menus.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 5pm – 10.30pm
Contact 021 819 2000, [email protected]
Where to find it Taj Cape Town, 1 Wale Street, corner of St Georges Mall, Cape Town
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Maharajah Restaurant

Maharajah prides itself on offering food that lives up to its royal name, and has been owned by the same family for over 46 years. Having perfected their recipes over that time, and with skilled Indian chefs presiding over the kitchen, they’ve gained a devoted following at their comfortable Kloof Nek home (grab a two-person table right in the window for people-spotting and mountain views). The menu spans North Indian cream-based curries, South Indian coconut ones (the lamb Madras is stunning), the deservedly popular butter chicken, and South African Durban curry styles, all of which you can order in mild, medium, hot (or Vindaloo for the burn). Try the authentic slow-cooked dum biryani, share a platter to get some tandoor tikka tenderness for starters (along with the most divine samosas and onion bhajis), and don’t miss the lassis – yoghurt-based drinks in salted, mango or banana flavours. If you have room for dessert (the portions throughout are generous), go for the comforting cardamom-scented vermicelli milk pudding, a hug in a bowl.
Good to know Maharajah Eatery in Rondebosch is their sister restaurant, and they’ve just opened a new branch in Rosebank for takeaways (021 685 0714).
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 9.30pm
Contact 021 424 6607, [email protected]
Where to find it 1 Woodside Road, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
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Thali

Photos: Claire Gunn

Liam Tomlin’s stable of restaurants includes some of Cape Town’s finest, including Thali (conceived in partnership with Dimo Papachristodoulou), whose hidden entrance just off Kloof Street sets the scene for a Chefs Warehouse tapas-for-two-style journey of discovery. The interior itself is a visual treat with five different rooms, vibrant colours and gorgeous details (and a fairy-lit courtyard at the back). Indian flavours, spices and traditions get a contemporary twist from chef Nathanael Coe’s creative mind: three courses of shared small plates range from mild and light at the start to more substantial curries (and the irresistible char of the coal oven), and may include the likes of tikka prawn kebab, lamb rogan josh and Goan seafood curry, all inventively re-imagined, beautifully presented and thoughtfully served.
Good to know The restaurant does not take bookings, so you need to arrive early. The bar opens at 4pm for pre-dinner cocktails. There are vegetarian and vegan alternative menus.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 5pm – 9.30pm
Contact 021 286 2110, [email protected]
Where to find it 3 Park Road, Gardens, Cape Town

Sundoo

Chef Seelan Sundoo, the man behind the eponymous restaurants, hails from Kerala, an ancient centre of the spice trade with Egypt. The decor in both restaurants (Sea Point and Newlands) is contemporary: “paying homage to the past and looking to the future”, as Seelan explains. The menu is mainly South Indian (old recipes handed down from generations), but there are biryanis and tandoori dishes, too. Start with an assortment of tapas, such as puri patha (small bites filled with spicy water-spinach patties), coal-smoked  South Indian chicken wings or a Goan-style prawn cocktail. Or maybe a mini bunny chow or roti? For mains, we recommend the masala chops with saffron chutney from the clay oven; or try the Pondicherry fish curry or duck with fennel, curry leaves and chilli.
Good to know There is also a branch in Newlands.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10.30pm
Contact 021 300 5779, [email protected]
Where to find it Shop 6, La Rhone, 77 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
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Vadivelu

“Indian. With Attitude” is their slogan and it sums up the vibe at this bright, welcoming and relaxed Kloof Street restaurant. Jason, Kevin and Tim (cousins and in-laws of a South African Indian family) reinvent the modern Indian idiom in the decor: sage and terracotta walls, jungle wallpaper featuring tigers and tropical birds, pistachio banquettes, pale-wood chairs and tables (and gorgeous Mervyn Gers tableware). Chef Jai studied in Tamil Nadu (the southernmost state of India) and has a deft hand with contemporary takes on traditional streetfood snacks, such as the potato masala dosa (with coconut chutney and aubergine curry dip). Mostly South Indian dishes (and a Durban curry or two) make up the mains menu – a divine prawn coconut curry, aloo gobi and lamb tikka masala, mopped up with crispy parathas. And the short winelist is well chosen to play nicely with spices (with lots of options by the glass). It’s hospitable, generous (we took home leftovers) and always bustling.
Good to know There’s an excellent selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 021 300 5777, [email protected]
Where to find it 151 Kloof Street, Cape Town
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Kapoochka

It started as a stall at Maker’s Landing, progressed to a coveted spot at the Time Out Market and now Kapoochka has its own standalone restaurant at the new Riverlands Mall with indoor and outdoor seating. Chef Hitesh and his sons serve flavour bombs of contemporary Indian street food, from their signature pani puri (both savoury and sweet), samosa chaat, vada pav and pav bhajis to tandoori mains and curries… think a malai tikka with buttery paratha, fall-off-the-bone tender lamb shank masala, lamb bunny chow, masala dosas and a whole lot more. And don’t miss the flavourful mocktails (a fab spicy mango daiquiri), masala chai tea, or perhaps a creamy falooda.
Opening times Sunday – Wednesday, 11am – 9.30pm
Thursday – Saturday, 11am – 10pm
Contact 071 888 2633, @kapoochka
Where to find it Riverlands Mall, 51 Gogosoa Street, Observatory, Cape Town

Curry Club

Photo (left): Michelle Parkin

After starting out as a dark kitchen for deliveries only, Curry Club became a restaurant IRL (in a Victorian farmhouse in New Church Street), and recently moved to a buzzing new home at the back of The Cape Quarter on Jarvis Street. It serves London-style Punjabi curries (the head chef hails from the foothills of the Himalayas) that are fragrant rather than fiery. For mains, choose from chicken, lamb and seafood curries (the Goan prawn is chef’s-kiss-emoji), all prepared medium unless you specify otherwise. Or look out for the daily special that might feature goat, wild mushroom or swordfish in freshly blended spices. The quirky decor, eclectic soundtrack (a lot of 90s Britpop when we visited) and dry-British-humoured owner (if you stay in his good books) make this an Indian dining experience with a difference. Oh, and the complimentary spinach bhajis, coated in gram (chickpea) flour and deep-fried, are rather moreish!
Opening times Monday – Friday 12:30 – 3pm; 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Saturday, 1pm – 3pm; 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Contact 021 300 3971, [email protected]
Where to find it Cape Quarter Lifestyle Centre, corner Jarvis + Napier Streets, Green Point, Cape Town
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Vintage India

A City Bowl special-occasion favourite since its opening in 2000, Vintage India does things in North Indian Mumbai style, from the comfortable cushioned chairs to the welcoming hospitality and the exotic art pieces on the walls. The chefs use traditional Indian cooking methods – including the tandoor and tawa – to create authentic dishes with carefully sourced local ingredients (and spices imported from India). There’s a section of Indo-Chinese dishes for a nod to Indian nouvelle cuisine, as well as the timeless classics such as tikka masala, kadai, korma and rogan josh. Finish with a gulab jamun and your passage to India is complete.
Opening times Daily, 12pm – 2.45pm, 6pm – 9.45pm
Contact 021 462 5106, [email protected]
Where to find it 2 Hiddingh Avenue, Oranjezicht, Cape Town
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Shamani

A warm oasis of Punjabi cuisine on Roodebloem Road, Shamani is owned by husband and wife team Shakila and Manmohan, who opened it in 2021. Mani is from Punjab himself and prides himself on their authentic regional cooking, with his chefs hailing from India. For starters try their Punjabi potato and pea samosas with dipping sauces, pani puri, aubergine fries, or fish amritsari (kingklip in spicy chickpea batter). Then there’s tender tandoori lamb, Punjabi curries, butter chicken, lamb malabar and a host of North Indian classics all cooked fresh to order with spices from India, alongside fluffy garlic naan breads to mop up the rich sauces.
Opening times Monday, 1pm – 10pm
Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 021 486 9764
Where to find it 74 Roodebloem Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
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Moksh Indian Restaurant

A small group of friendly, comfortable and reliably delicious neighbourhood Indian restaurants, Moksh specialises in North Indian cuisine, with plenty of clay-oven dishes and rich curries, all prepared to your spice-heat preference and comfort level. The Milnerton branch is in the Paddocks Centre, close to the children’s playground with outside tables ideal for family dining (for quiet conversation go for the tables further inside). A large selection of tandoori starters, samoosas, chilli bites and bhajis starts you off. From lamb Madras to paneer tikka, butter chicken and seafood curry to a host more classic dishes, there’s a dish for every palate. For dessert, opt for kulfi or vermicelli pudding.
Good to know There are also branches in Durbanville, Kenilworth, Paarl, Plumstead, Somerset West, Welgelegen and West Beach.
Opening times Monday, 4pm – 10pm
Tuesday – Friday, 12pm – 10pm
Saturday, 12pm – 9pm
Sunday, 12pm – 6pm
Contact 021 525 9343, [email protected]
Where to find it Paddocks Shopping Centre, Racecourse Road, Milnerton, Cape Town
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Bukhara

Back to being Bukhara again (after a brief stint under the name Awara), this old favourite on Cape Town’s Church Street (with coveted balcony tables level with the trees) is now in its 30th year of serving an elegant, contemporary take on traditional Indian cuisine. Start with the likes of pani puri, aloo chat (spicy blackened potatoes with puffed rice and tamarind) and paper dosas (crisp rice and lentil pancakes) – order a few and have a taste of everything. If you fancy something different, try the gunpowder calamari and teriyaki octopus. And don’t miss the excellent curries such as murg Lababdar (chicken tikka in a tomato and cashew nut gravy) and nihari gosht (slow-roasted lamb with fennel and ginger) accompanied by Bukhara’s legendary naan breads. There are loads of sides to choose from, too.
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 11am – 10pm
Friday + Saturday, 11am – 11pm
Sunday, 11am – 9pm
Contact 021 424 0000, [email protected]
Where to find it 33 Church Street, Cape Town
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Annapurna

The food at this welcoming neighbourhood favourite is well worth the drive north. Regulars rave about owner Ricky Poovan’s delicious North Indian cuisine served at his restaurant in Durbanville’s Heritage Square shopping centre. Everything is prepared from scratch, including chicken, lamb and seafood curries according to your preference (mild, medium or hot), as well as vegetarian, vegan and innovative low-carb options (cauliflower instead of rice). If you love a naan or paratha on the side, you’re in luck: there are more than 10 to choose from! Add myriad rice sides and raitas, including banana, apple and pineapple raitas, and mushroom pulao or lemon-flavoured rice, and you’re all set.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 4pm – 9pm
Contact 021 976 2046
Where to find it Unit 1, Pope House, Chenoweth Street, Durbanville
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Bihari

Located inside the Southern Sun hotel in Newlands, Bihari is a grande dame on the Cape Town Indian restaurant scene (and, close to the Newlands cricket grounds, it’s a firm favourite with teams visiting from India). Opened in 2007, when London-born owner Donna Ross couldn’t find the curries she was looking for in Cape Town, the tandoor oven has been fired up daily ever since. She prides herself on the skills of the North Indian chefs and the authenticity of their dishes. You’ll find all the tandoori and curry classics on the menu: paneer, vegetable, chicken, seafood and lamb, along with rice, salads, raitas, several varieties of naan, sambals and poppadoms – all you need for a proper traditional feast!
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 3.30pm; 5pm – 9pm
Contact 021 674 7186, [email protected]
Where to find it Southern Sun Hotel, 7 Main Road, Newlands, Cape Town
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Indian Oven

This popular family-owned eatery in Hout Bay prepares North Indian meals to your preference, from mild to extra hot. Nothing is pre-made, and it shows in the quality of the food. Opt for a small plate of samoosas, bhajis and pakoras to start or to share, tuck into a tandoori-style grill, or go for one of the signature curries – specialities include Madras curry, butter chicken and vegan brinjal curry. Vegetarians and vegans won’t feel left out either, there’s an abundance of options. A long list of sides and breads for mopping up sauces finishes things off beautifully.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 9.30pm
Contact 072 155 3924, [email protected]
Where to find it Shop 8, Red Sails Building, Hout Bay, Cape Town
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Ninety One

This local favourite moved a while back from Sea Point’s main drag to Green Point (in the Cape Royale Hotel) where it continues to serve satisfying classics in a calm and unfussy contemporary setting. Order a platter of starters for a taste of everything (available as vegetarian and tandoori options); think samoosas, parathas and pakoras. There is a wide variety of vegetarian main courses on offer, as well as more meaty dishes for those who enjoy chicken, lamb and seafood. Alternatively, opt for a biryani. Add your sides, breads and sambals and let the flavours speak for themselves.
Good to know They recently opened a second branch at Centre Point in Milnerton.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 021 433 2069, [email protected]
Where to find it Cape Royale Hotel, 47 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town

Prashad Cafe

Prashad Café in Rondebosh is a homely and welcoming spot for purely vegetarian Indian cuisine, with most dishes available as vegan alternatives, too. Formerly Maharajah Vegetarian, and still run by Theresa, Krishan and Tereena Peters (daughter and grandchildren of the founder of Maharajah), you’ll find a range of health-focussed dishes celebrating the rich flavours of Indian vegetarian cooking: samoosas, pani puri and dosas for starters, and curries made with everything from paneer, potatoes, chickpeas, mushrooms, brinjal and butternut, all served with rice. Biryanis are served with yellow-lentil dhal, and are made with mixed vegetables, paneer, soya, chicken or mushrooms. There are also a few Indo-Chinese options, as well as a variety of roti wraps and bunny chows. Add your choice of condiments (lime or mango pickle, raitas and sambals) and you’re sure to be satisfied. End your meal with one of their delightful desserts: soji, vegan chocolate or their famous vegan carrot cake.
Good to know There are also branches in Kloof Street, UCT Cissy Cool Plaza and Constantia Village Mall. Prashad Café also caters for private functions and wedding events.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 11am – 9pm
Sunday, 11am – 8.30pm
Contact 021 685 7891, [email protected]
Where to find it 6 Fountain Place, Rondebosch, Cape Town
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Sigree

Freshly prepared, authentic Indian food (both from the North and South) is owner Poonam Saraf’s mission at Sigree, which has become a neighbourhood stalwart since she opened it in 2021. You’ll find street food such as ghee roast dosas, pani puri, chole bhature and beautifully light and crispy onion bhajis. Crowd-pleasers such as chicken lollipops and biryanis stay true to tradition. Flavours from the coast and the South, such as Goan fish or Allepey prawn curries, add depth and variety, but you’ll also find North Indian classics, ranging from tandoori chicken to a rich, comforting lamb korma. And don’t miss out on the gingery lamb Bhuna Gosht, the traditional dal tadka and flaky wholewheat laccha paratha. To finish, the homemade saffron kulfi is a winner.
Opening times Wednesday – Monday, 12pm – 9.30pm
Contact 062 576 5769, [email protected]
Where to find it 166 2nd Avenue, Kenilworth, Cape Town
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