Best Indian restaurants in Edinburgh - The Scotsman's top 6

Edinburgh's has a growing reputation when it comes to curry houses

Published 16th Jun 2015
Updated 8 th Aug 2023

Scotland has, in recent years, come on leaps and bounds in terms of its restaurant scene. The voracious appetite for new styles of culinary delights has seen all kinds of global foods make their homes upon these shores. From Japanese style sushi bars to Brazilian restaurants, we are now spoiled for choice.

However, the craving for a cracking curry is never far from our hearts and thankfully the much loved Scottish Indian food scene has kept up with the times and there's now more ways than ever to get our curry fix.

Not to be outdone by its curry mad sister city Glasgow, Edinburgh's Indian food scene is burgeoning with great restaurants, eateries and cafes,

Here are what we consider to be the best Indian restaurants in Edinburgh.

 VDeep

Perfect for..... a beer and a curry

We select our best Indian restaurants in Edinburgh

The Full Indian. Picture: Paul Johnston\Copper Mango We select our best Indian restaurants in Edinburgh

The new kid on the block, VDeep is making headlines for all the right reasons. Occupying the site of a former Vintage restaurant in Leith, Hardeep Singh Kohli’s restaurant bar concept combines wonderful Punjabi cuisine with quality Scottish craft beer.

The exciting Bombay street art style interior perfectly suits the relaxed mood, and the cuisine offers a lot of great twists on established classics.

The menu is tapas style, which we love as it means we get to try out all the different dishes without biting into our budget.

The Full Indian brunch is already legendary and we loved the East vs West fusion menu which included dishes like Bubble & Sikh and Venison Korma -both stunningly good - check the menu out here.

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Facebook: www.facebook.com/VDEEP.CRAFTBEERANDCURRY

Twitter: @VDEEPLeith

(Henderson St, Edinburgh, EH6 6BT, 01315635293)

Tuk Tuk 

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Perfect for..... those who love street food

Tuk Tuk made it onto our list for the best Indian restaurants in Edinburgh

Bhel Puri. Picture: Tuk Tuk

Paying homage to India's vast array of wonderful street food vendors, Tuk Tuk is a riot of colour, vibrancy and great food. The Indian street food menu features tapas-sized dishes, most of which are around the fiver mark, and it is recommended to to order three or four (well worth it).

The food itself is a selection of simple dishes made using delicious ingredients most of which are locally sourced, and is mouth-wateringly good. Great food at great prices? You might find yourself going back again and again, we did.

We loved the Gholgappa and the railway station lamb curry but really we wanted to try them all, check the menu out here.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tuktukindianstreetfood

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Twitter: @TukTukEdinburgh

(1 Leven Street, Edinburgh EH3 9LH, 0131 228 3322)

Rivage

Perfect for.... those who like great food with minimum fuss

Rivage made it onto our list of the best Indian restaurants in Edinburgh

Picture: Rivage

Don't be fooled by the understated exterior, this small restaurant, which doubles up as a quality take away, serves some of the best Indian food in the city. The cosy atmosphere and great service play second fiddle to the stunning food on offer.

We try not to over use the cliched 'hidden gem' but if any of the restaurants on this list fit the bill it's Rivage.

The Sonfiyani machli is stunning and a great example of the amazing dishes Rivage are capable of producing.

(126-130 Easter Road, Abbeyhill, Edinburgh EH7 5RJ, 0131 661 6888)

Khushi's

Perfect for..... those who want something a little more traditional

Chicken Karahi. Picture: Khushi's

Chicken Karahi. Picture: Khushi's

Edinburgh's curry dynasty, the Khushi finally opened his first restaurant in 1947 and our now one of the first places people will think to go for a great curry. With food lying on the more traditional side of the spectrum, those looking for an old school curry night won't be disappointed.

Being big seafood fans, the Pepper Monk Fish Tikka we ordered was a delight. We also adored the south Indian style Kodambakkam Curry, check out the rest of Khushi's amazing menu here.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KhushisRestaurants

Twitter: @KhushisEdin

(10 Antigua Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3NH, 0131 558 1947)

Mother India

Perfect for..... Impressing a date

Gin fest

Picture: Mother India

Pretty much the star of the Glaswegian Indian scene, Mother India's satellite restaurant in the capital continues the brand's desire to provide the best dining experience possible. Already well known in the west, Mother India is fast gaining a similar reputation in the east.

Another Tapas specialist, Mother India aims to create an immersive experience that everyone at the table can share and enjoy.

The Lamb Saag and Keema Samosa were delicious and we thoroughly enjoyed the classic chicken and fish pakoras. View the rest of the menu here. 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Mother-India-Cafe/153980261296864

(3-5 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LT, 0131 524 9801)

Kalpna

Perfect for...... lovers of vegetarian food

Dam Aloo Kashmeri. Picture: Kalpna

Dam Aloo Kashmeri. Picture: Kalpna

Serving the people of Edinburgh with quality, Indian style vegetarian food for over a quarter of a century, this family run business perfectly showcases the versatility of Indian cuisine.

Having travelled the various regions of India, Ajay Bhartdwaj, owner and head chef, takes the best dishes from Punjabi, Gujurati and South Indian cooking.

Eddi Reader has declared her love for Kalpna on Twitter, and she highly recommends the kebab.

Their speciality dishes include Kalpna's signature dish Dam Aloo Kashmeri -  delicious Potato barrels filled with mixed vegetables, paneer and nuts - and Shahi Sabzi, check them out here.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Kalpna-Restaurant/114705301948643

(2-3 St Patrick Sq, Edinburgh, EH8 9EZ, 0131 667 9890)

 

 

Driven by a passion for all things drinks-related, Sean writes for The Scotsman extensively on the subject. He can also sometimes be found behind the bar at the world famous Potstill bar in Glasgow where he continues to enhance his whisky knowledge built up over 10 years advising customers from all over the world on the wonders of our national drink. Recently, his first book was published. Dubbed Gin Galore, it explores Scotland's best gins and the stories behind those that make them.
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