19 Indian Restaurants in Cleveland You Should Have Tried By Now

A Taste of Kerala

3429 West Brainard Rd., Woodmere, 216-450-1711

Taste of Kerala used to be a “dhaba” (an Indian hole-in-the-wall) on Mayfield Road, but it’s popularity led to the opening of a nicer establishment in Woodmere. The South-Indian restaurant (named for Southern state Kerala) absolutely blew away Scene critic Douglas Trattner on both his visits.

Photo via the Scene archives

Choolah

27100 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood, 216-307-2251

This counter-service establishment offers customizable bowls and wraps along with traditional sides. Pick a protein, toppings, and a sauce, or choose from one of their signature options.

Photo via Scene archives

Crown of India

14224 Pearl Rd., Strongsville, 440-638-4977
Crown of India has a stacked all-you-can-eat buffet Tuesday through Sunday. The drinks are also delicious, especially the mango lassi, a sweet milkshake-like conction.

Photo via patrickmonniusmusic/Instagram

Ruchi

7205 Aurora Rd., Aurora

Out in Aurora, Ruchi specializes in both Southern and Northern Indian cuisine. Their jackfruit biryani is a perfect dish for those wanting to taste biryani-style cuisine but without the meat. The restaurant has provided free meals to all first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Definitely check them out!

Photo via Ruchi Indian Cuisine/Facebook

Tandul

2505 Professor Ave., 216-860-4530

Tremont’s first Indian restaurant and bar, this hip establishment caters to a wide demographic. They have extensive lunch and dinner menus, but be sure to check out their drinks list, which includes some killer mango-based cocktails.

Photo by Emanuel Wallace

Saffron Patch

20600 Chagrin Blvd. #150, Shaker Heights, 216-295-0400
The Saffron Patch is a pillar in Shaker, having first opened its doors in the ‘90s. The restaurant is equipped with a clay oven that cooks meat and vegetables alike over mesquite coals, and also runs a stellar catering business.

Photo via deballen27/Instagram

India Garden

18405 Detroit Rd., 216-221-0676

As Lakewood’s premiere North Indian restaurant, this classic establishment has a long history in the neighborhood. Try the classic Northern dish aloo gobhi, curried potatoes and cauliflower.

Photo courtesy of India Garden

Paradise Biryani Pointe

6679 Wilson Mills Rd., Gates Mills, 440-565-7753
Biryani is a popular rice-based dish which can be combined with meat or vegetables. Paradise Biryani Pointe is known for their Wednesday biryani lunch buffet, where they serve up eight different kinds of biryani, including egg, paneer and paradise special boneless chicken.

Photo via travelmunchy/Instagram

Chapati Indian Grill

2215 Chester Ave., 216-303-9780

Chapati is a restaurant in the mold of Chipotle, offering a bowl or a roll with ingredients you choose. The protein options include beef, which is nearly unheard of at Indian restaurants, but we recommend the chana masala, or chickpea curry. From there, toppings include cilantro lime rice and pickled onion. The Cleveland chain has two locations and a food truck.

Photo via the Scene archives

Jaipur Junction

9249 W Sprague Rd., North Royalton, 440-842-3555
Jaipur Junction, named for the north Indian city Jaipur, has an extensive menu. The meat section in particular is astounding, a rarity for Indian places. Plus, they have a “chai bar” with customizable tea options.

Photo via jimbosteiger/Instagram