5 must-book Indian restaurants in Houston

A plate of baked oysters topped with golden breadcrumbs and garnished with vibrant edible flowers and microgreens at Musaafer in Houston. Credit: Musaafer
A close-up of six baked oysters on a white plate, topped with breadcrumbs and herbs, resting on a bed of coarse salt from Musaafer, one of the best Indian restaurants in Houston, Texas, on OpenTable. The dish is garnished with pink flowers and green microgreens and set on a wooden table.

Houston is a vibrant city known for its diverse culinary scene, and the city’s top Indian restaurants are no exception. From elegant fine dining spots to contemporary destinations reimagining traditional flavors, you can find it all when you book a table at a best Indian restaurant in Houston, TX.

Take a culinary journey across India at an upscale destination in Galleria/Uptown. Meet with friends for Indian street food favorites at a chic spot in The Woodlands. Savor inventive Indian dishes prepared by an award-winning chef in a stylish space in Upper Kirby.

Whether you’re craving regional specialties or innovative takes on the classics, here are five exceptional Indian restaurants in Houston.

Book your spot at one of these top Indian restaurants in Houston on OpenTable today.

Read on to discover the 5 best Indian restaurants in Houston TX.

For a regal, MICHELIN-Starred feast at a best Indian restaurant in Houston TX — try Musaafer (Galleria/Uptown)

An intricately plated dish featuring colorful garnishes and delicate textures highlights the artistic culinary style of Musaafer, one of Houston’s best Indian restaurants, available on OpenTable.
Expect artfully plated dishes at Musaafer in Houston. Credit: Musaafer

MICHELIN-Starred Musaafer is a destination for elegant Indian feasts. Choose from à la carte dishes and seasonal tasting menus featuring innovative dishes that could include ceviche with yuzu coconut sauce and barrah (grilled lamp chop) kebab with spiced yogurt and pomegranate molasses. Try one of the inventive cocktails, including the tequila-forward Bellaire made with local honey. With high ceilings, intricate decor, and sprawling windows, Musaafer is definition special occasion restaurant.


For inventive takes on north Indian favorites from an award-winning chef — try Kiran’s (Upper Kirby/Shepherd Corridor)

A close-up of a bowl of lobster bisque from the Kiran’s, one of the best Indian restaurants in Houston, Texas on OpenTable. The soup is in a white patterned bowl garnished with a red lobster claw and microgreens.
A rich, creamy lobster bisque is one of the refined dishes at Kiran’s in Houston. Credit: Kiran’s

Led by James Beard semifinalist and “Top Chef” judge Kiran Verma, Kiran’s is where you go for inventive dishes that showcase traditional Indian flavors and local ingredients—think tandoori Texas quail with fig chutney. Pair your meal with specialty cocktails like a chai-infused old fashioned. Stylish chandeliers, soft neutral tones, and well-spaced tables create a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss the restaurant’s popular Friday and Saturday afternoon tea service.


For creative Indian cuisine in a chic atmosphere — try Amrina (The Woodlands)

A plate with a grilled octopus tentacle arranged with golden roasted potatoes and red beet cubes, topped with a drizzle of bright green chimichurri and splashes of golden oil. The dish is presented on a marbled white plate at Amrina, one of the best Indian restaurants in Houston, Texas, on OpenTable.
Expect creative Indian dishes like grilled octopus at Amrina. Credit: Amrina

Eater Houston’s Restaurant of the Year in 2022, Amrina brings a fresh, modern approach to Indian cuisine, all in a swanky setting. The contemporary Indian menu from “Chopped” champion Jaspratap “Jassi” Bindra pays homage to his childhood with signature dishes like A5 Miyazaki ribeye with housemade spice butter. Pair your meal with a glass from the award-winning wine list or one of the playful cocktails, including zero-proof options. Don’t miss desserts like the fan-favorite cardamom chocolate mousse.


For upscale street food and inventive cocktails at a best Indian restaurant in Houston TX — try Tapas at Amrina (The Woodlands)

credit-tapas-at-amrina
Enjoy whimsical snacks and top-notch cocktails at Tapas at Amrina. Credit: Tapas at Amrina

The sibling restaurant to acclaimed chef “Jassi” Bindra’s elegant spot Amrina, Tapas at Amrina is a destination for Indian street food and creative cocktails. Enjoy tapas dishes like papri chaat and baked oysters, which are available à la carte or as part of a tasting menu. Don’t miss clever cocktails like the Madhuri, crafted with cumin-infused tequila. The bold, modern interior has vibrant colors and sleek furnishings, creating an ambiance as exciting and sophisticated as the restaurant’s menu.


For traditional flavors at one of the best Indian restaurants in Houston TX — try Mahesh’s Kitchen (Sugar Land) and Mahesh’s Kitchen at the Fountains (Stafford

A colorful array of Indian dishes, including appetizers, curries, and garnished plates, artfully presented on a deep blue tablecloth at Mahesh's Kitchen, one of the best Indian restaurants in Houston, Texas, on OpenTable.
Expect traditional Indian dishes at both locations of Mahesh’s Kitchen. Credit: Mahesh’s Kitchen

For traditional Indian dishes in a cozy setting, head to Mahesh’s Kitchen. With locations in Sugar Land and Stafford, this family-friendly spot focuses on classic dishes prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Menu highlights include creamy, spiced curries and tender, chargrilled tandoor meats. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it a wonderful choice for family gatherings, casual lunches, or a laid-back dinner.

At the best Indian restaurants in Houston, you’ll find everything from cozy spots known for traditional recipes to swanky bars serving up clever tapas and cocktails to award-winning destinations known for their modern tasting menus.

Secure your table at one of these top Indian restaurants in Houston on OpenTable today.

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