Finding the best curry house in Liverpool is an important, and often tricky, feat. Taking a gamble on the nearest option is risky business and generally relies on a bit of trial and error. We all know that feeling of disappointment when your favourite gravy-based curry arrives swimming in oil, or the naan breads are lacklustre instead of fluffy and pillow-like.
If you’ve found yourself frantically searching for the ‘best Indian restaurant near me’ then you’ve come to the right place. A good restaurant recommendation is like gold dust - and luckily, we’ve got the ultimate shortlist of the best Indian restaurants in Liverpool to share. So, if you’re struggling to find a spot that quite cuts the mustard, then listen up for our pick of Liverpool’s Indian restaurants.
If you’re after a restaurant that offers all the well-known dishes you’ve come to want and expect from a curry house, we've pinpointed some of the best ones to try. But if a creamy korma just isn’t for you, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a whole world of Indian cuisine that transcends your baltis and bhunas.
It’s a common misconception that Indian food is much the same throughout the subcontinent, and as lovers of Anglicised takeaways, we may be partly to blame. But as Liverpool’s best Indian restaurants clearly demonstrate, regional Indian cuisine is stronger than ever. Whether you fancy a South Indian dosa (a thin, savoury pancake made from rice) near the city centre, Delhi street food in The Ropewalks, or thali by Newsham Park, Liverpool’s curry houses are distinct and diverse. And, you’ll be pleased to hear, many of them offer takeaway services, too.
Whatever you’re after a top-rated Indian vegan curry, a simple rogan josh, or an ode to pani puri, you’re bound to find what you're looking for in our round-up of the best Indian spots in Liverpool - these really are the best in town.
Mowgli
![Metal containers with indian street food]()
What: Since opening in 2014, Mowgli has established itself as one of the best Indian restaurants in Liverpool, and now the UK, with over 10 more Mowglis open around the country, including a second site right in the heart of the city. Both the flavour and the vibes are bright at this restaurant, boasting a menu that’s bursting with zingy, flavour-packed dishes. Try the 'angry bird' for spiced chicken thighs with popped mustard slaw or the ‘tea-steeped’ chickpeas with a tomato and spinach sauce. There are also dedicated vegan and gluten-free menus, as well as sharing, set and Christmas offerings, too.
Where: 69 Bold Street, L1 4EZ; 3 Water Street, L2 0RD
Book now: Mowgli Liverpool Bold Street, Mowgli Liverpool Water Street
Delhi House Cafe
![a table covered with Indian street food]()
What: If you’re on the hunt for one of the best Indian restaurants in Liverpool city centre then look no further than Delhi House Cafe. A staple of the area, Delhi House Cafe sits right on the edge of the Albert Dock, bringing a modern Indian touch to the area. Start with something from the tandoor grill, such as mustard salmon tikka with a chilli jam or Afghani chicken tikka with mint chutney, before moving on to creamy Goan prawn curries or aromatic chicken biryanis.
Where: Britannia Pavilion Albert Docks, L3 4AD
Book now: Delhi House Cafe
Bundobust
![Indian small plates, curries and sides on blue table]()
What: Bundobust is a fully vegetarian and vegan Indian restaurant offering menus packed full of small plates and bowls (sharing is encouraged) and craft brewed beer in a chilled-out setting. Now, with restaurants in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester, its one-of-everything approach is a concept that’s clearly working for them. Expect snack-size, street food-style dishes including okra fries, bhaji butties, paneer tikka and aloo gobi parathas. They also have their own brewery (cool, right?) which produces beer to match the food at the restaurant. Curry and a beer – who's in?
Where: 17-19 Bold Street, L1 4DN
Book now: Bundobust
Light of Bengal
![a table covered with traditional Indian food]()
What: This family-run Indian restaurant has been serving locals for over 30 years, showcasing authentic cooking techniques and traditional flavours. Light of Bengal boasts an extensive menu, allowing diners to start with the likes of seekh kebabs or tandoori king prawns cooked in the tandoor oven, before moving on to fragrant biryanis or something from the chef’s signature specials. All curries are available with your choice of veg or protein, with plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians alike. You can also order online if you’d rather enjoy these dishes from the comfort of your own home.
Where: 286-288 Aigburth Road, L17 9PW
Book now: Light of Bengal
Indian Tiffin Room
![aerial view of indian breads, curries, and tikka]()
What: Taking inspiration from the vibrant streets of India and the bustling street markets for which it is known, Indian Tiffin Room is a haven for authentic dosa, chaat and puri. Tiffin is a word for a light meal, but there’s no chance that anyone will go hungry at this stylish city centre restaurant. You’ll also find a vegetarian menu and some fan favourites, like a mild dal makhani and butter chicken, so you can guarantee any spice-phobic guests will be well taken care of.
Where: 130 Duke Street, L1 5AG
Book now: Indian Tiffin Room Liverpool
Akshaya
![left, curry with naan. Right warm indian interiors]()
What: Set within The Picture Drome, Akshaya specialises in beloved South Indian and Sri Lankan dishes with a contemporary twist. This is a lively restaurant, where you dine under a floral canopy within a stylishly decked-out dining room glowing with magenta lights. Along with an inspired cocktail list, expect the likes of Punjabi samosa, pani puri, Kashmiri rogan josh, and Sri Lankan chicken curry. This one’s best reserved for friendly celebrations and romantic dates.
Where: 286 Kensington, L7 2RN
Book now: Akshaya
Magic Spices
![colourful sauces, rice and chicken on a wood table]()
What: For a smart yet informal Indian meal out, take a trip to Magic Spices in New Brighton, a short drive across the river from Liverpool centre. The dishes on the speciality menu are where the restaurant really stands out. Try Nawaabi Raan (slow-roasted lamb shank), Jinga Goa (a Goan spicy prawn dish) or the tandoori king prawns which come straight from the clay oven. Their food is also available for delivery if you can't quite muster the enthusiasm to leave home.
Where: 225 Seabank Road, New Brighton, CH45 1HE
Book now: Magic Spices
Sultan's Palace
![left, lavish indian lounge. right, array of colourful dishes]()
What: Representing the north west frontier, Sultan’s Palace pays homage to Tandoor and Mughlai cuisine. Expect richly marinated meats, plenty of aromatics, and charcoal cooking. The menu is familiar, with additions like chicken tikka, seekh kebabs, and paneer jalfrezi, but each dish follows traditional techniques whereby the depth of flavour is locked in by cooking at extremely high temperatures. Plus, with lavish interiors, carvings, and perforated screens you’re bound to feel like royalty.
Where: 75-77 Victoria Street, L1 6DE
Book now: Sultan's Palace
Sanskruti
![Thali tray with chapati, rice and dals]()
What: Serving only vegetarian and vegan dishes, the food at Sanskruti is influenced by a melting pot of cooking styles and food across India. Find Punjabi and Gujurati mains, South Indian dosas (all served with sambhar and coconut chutney) and Thali platters. There’s also a section of the menu that’s dedicated entirely to street food, from pani puri to kacchi dabeli, which is basically a spiced potato burger. We think it's one of Liverpool’s top Indian restaurants to try.
Where: Bixteth Street, L3 9LP
Book now: Sanskruti Liverpool
Spice City
![Bowls of curry on a peach backgroung]()
What: You can’t get much more central than Spice City in Liverpool, which offers both eat-in and takeaway services. The extensive menu covers signature dishes, traditional plates, grills, specialities and plenty of starters and sides. There’s something for everyone, whether you prefer bindiya chicken, lamb chops straight from the clay oven or a saag balti. Plus, dishes are marked by spice level so you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. Spice City is incredibly affordable, meaning that an evening here won’t break the bank.
Where: 18 Stanley Street, L1 6AF
Book now: Spice City
Planning a trip to the capital of the north? Check out our round-up of the very best Indian restaurants in Manchester so you can warm yourself up in 'the rainy city.' Or, explore more of Liverpool's culinary scene, with its best spots for breakfast, as well as all the Michelin star restaurants in the city.