Belfast’s best Indian restaurants

Located on Belfast’s “golden mile”, Archana is everything you could want when visiting an Indian restaurant. Its huge variety, rich distinctive flavours and affordable prices make it stand out. Not only popular with the nearby student population, Archana has been a local favourite since 1985 making it the oldest Indian restaurant in the city. They’ve stood the test of time thanks to their focus on using the finest local ingredients and spices, which deliver authentic North Indian flavours. What makes the spot so unique is that it brings its classic dishes and delicacies to all dietary requirements, with each of its dishes easily adaptable for vegetarians and the majority for vegans. This includes the option for vegan naan and other accompaniments also.

Ideally located on Great Victoria Street, Nu Delhi offers traditional favourites on top of unique specialities, delivered in a contemporary and “funky” 100-seater lounge. Passionate about creating striking flavours, Nu Delhi’s menu is a fusion of classic Indian spices and local Irish ingredients – an offering that has won the restaurant several awards and accreditations since its first opening. Nu Dehli has become one of the most popular Indian spots in Belfast, not only for its varied menu, but also for its fantastic cocktails and “cosmopolitan setting”. Acting as the perfect venue for any occasion, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy their favourite Indian specialities, whilst enjoying a perfectly poured drink on their outdoor balcony overlooking one of the most bustling streets in the city.

In the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, you’ll find Mumbai 27, a contemporary Indian restaurant that retains some of the character and original features of the listed buildings in which it’s located. Focused on using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients where possible, this city-centre spot delivers quality Indian dishes at their finest with a menu curated by head chef, Mr Ripon Biswas. With years of experience at the renowned “Taj” restaurant in Mumbai and working in kitchens around the world, chef Biswas has created an offering that fuses local Indian specialities and beloved classics. Open seven days a week, Mumbai 27 fails to disappoint both in variety, flavour and value offering a two-course lunch special that allows visitors to sample several favourites from the menu for just £11.95, Monday – Friday.

Offering something a little different, 7 Spice is perfectly positioned in the city’s historic St Annes Square and focuses on delivering authentic Bangladeshi dishes with a modern continental twist to create a unique menu with something to suit everyone’s tastes. Boasting over 30 years of industry experience, the chefs at 7 Spice have built an imaginative menu that breaks from tradition to deliver a dining experience like no other. Aside from its carefully curated menu, 7 Spice has proved popular for groups and larger parties with the option to book one of the restaurant’s outdoor pods, which are fully lit, heated and include a Bluetooth speaker, making it the ideal spot for any celebration.

On the always popular Ormeau Road, lined with a number of independent cafes, restaurants and bars, you’ll find Bengal Brasserie, an award-winning Indian restaurant with almost 30 years in the business. Not one to be predictable, this Indian restaurant aims to change preconceived perceptions of traditional Indian cuisine by offering up a menu of staple classics from across the subcontinent combined with their own contemporary creations. Offering an extensive menu of both lunch and dinner options, Bengal Brasserie has something on offer for all tastes and dietary requirements, making it ideal for any occasion or group. As well as this, the local mainstay has weekly deals meaning you can enjoy their rich authentic dishes and pleasant atmosphere any night, without breaking the bank.

In the heart of Belfast’s student quarter, visitors will find Himalayan Nepalese and Indian Restaurant, which offers an eclectic range of delicious dishes from multiple traditions. Rather than confine itself to one type of cuisine, this hidden gem has curated a unique menu showcasing dishes from all the countries that make up the Himalayas, whilst also including classic favourites such as chicken madras and king prawn balti. Himalayan Nepalese and Indian Restaurant strives to deliver distinctive dishes and flavours that use only the freshest ingredients to create a quality dining experience in a charming setting. Open seven nights a week for sit in and delivery, this spot has become increasingly popular, particularly for mixed groups, going above and beyond to cater for all dietary requirements, clearly indicating on their menu what is vegetarian/vegan and also what can be adapted.