On the hunt for an Indian restaurant Gold Coast style? Let’s face it, we all love a good butter chicken, or a fiery vindaloo capable of singeing your insides. For the ultimate comfort food, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as tucking into a hot bowl of spice-loaded curry, served with fluffy rice and a piping-hot naan. Garlic naan, of course.
Known for its vibrant spices, rich flavours and saucy dishes, Indian cuisine is a crowd favourite with my group of mates. There's of course the succulent meat curries, vegetarian goods like samosas and even gluten-free options. So it's no wonder that a meal with the crew or a dinner on the couch for two is almost always satisfied with Indian.
The flavours and cuisines of India’s regions are as diverse as they are tasty, meaning you can go back to the same restaurant over and over and have a completely different experience every time. Read on for my pick of 15 of the best Indian restaurants on the Gold Coast, according to Urban List.
Best Gold Coast Indian At A Glance
Lunch and Dinner Indian
Khao Piyo
Shop B, 32 Nerang St, Southport QLD 4215
Khao Piyo is one of the most diverse, entirely vegan and vegetarian Indian fusion restaurants on the Gold Coast. A wander down Nerang Street (towards the water if you're at the Nerang Street tram stop), you'll find a quaint joint with unique dishes like the gravy chaap. While the recipe nods to traditional Indian fare, its soya protein means plant-based friends are catered to in full. The spinach palak kofta is bright green and extra creamy making it my pick for something new.
There's Indo-chinese platters, Afgani dishes and chilly momos which are completely covered in a sticky sweet sauce that genuinely feels life-changing. You will not regret stumbling across this unassuming gem. Book from 11am Tuesday through Sunday and from midday Mondays through to 8.30-10.30pm.
Moksha Fine Dining Indian
Shop 9, 79 Central St, Labrador QLD 4215
You don't win a crowd of raving fans in the suburbs easily. People talk, you know? But every gossiper about Moksha has only shining things to say. They bring big bustling energy to the Indian food scene and a refined menu to the table.
This little place has some of the friendliest service in the whole of the Gold Coast in my opinion and given they're one of the newer Indian restaurants on the scene, everything about it feels fresh and welcoming. I love a street-side outdoor seat on balmy nights.
There's a whole swag of vegetarian and gluten-free Indian. Even tasty dishes that are in fact both. Like the golden onion Bhaji made with chickpea flour, thinly sliced onions and potato. Or any of the vegetarian mains (my go-to is the Aloo Gobhi with fresh cauliflower and potatoes, cooked with spices and herbs to perfection).
Lunch is 12noon-3pm Friday through Sunday and dinner's 4-9pm each night. Be sure to make a booking as this place fills up quickly.
India Garden
5/126-128 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina QLD 4226
Some consider the goat madras curry doused in coconut sauce at India Garden the GOAT. This greatest of all time dish is one of the many stars on the menu. I'm also team prawn biriyani for a huge meal perfectly peppered with spices. This place has an Indian lunch buffet and even hosts a unique happy hour.
Keep an eye out for the eye-catching red everything aesthetic (I'm talking walls, to chairs, to signage) and drop by for lunch Wednesday through Friday 11.30am,-2.30pm and dinner any night 4.30pm-9.30pm.
Garlic Clove
Shop 15A, 37 Eggersdorf Rd, Ormeau QLD 4208
Garlic Clove Indian Restaurant is the real deal, providing an authentic experience with delicious homemade curries, traditional favourites and sumptuous Indian cuisine made from recipes that have been passed down through generations.
Known for warm and welcoming service, Garlic Clove is run with a smile by Head Chef and Owner, Sabir Merchant, who likes to get to know his customers personally. It’s traditional, tasty Indian cuisine with that extra touch of love.
I love that this place regularly runs specials like free iced tea with every takeaway order, or loaded family meal deals ft. curries, rice and naan for a neat $60. Cheeky midweek cocktail come in at $10, and as a fully licensed Indian restaurant on the Gold Coast, it'd be rude not to indulge in a sip. There's a swag of vegetarian Indian dishes including the delish savoury jackfruit with saffron rice, fresh mint and sweet saltanas. Lunch is Wednesday through Sunday 12-3pm and dinner's Tuesday through Sunday 4-9pm.
Ginger Indian Gourmet
658 Reserve Rd, Upper Coomera QLD 4210
Ginger Indian’s Head chef Suresh Rathore just gets Indian food. He knows precisely how to balance spices and veg inside flaky samos, and the perfect marinade for succulent chicken murg habibi. And I'm not kidding when I say the entire vegetarian Indian section of the menu is brimming with full-flavour overloads. My pick's the veggie korma simmered in cashew and almond.
I love that these guys pair alluring flavours and traditional techniques with contemporary methods and plating. Plus they pick fresh produce and grind spices themselves for next level freshness. Plus, they're a licensed venue, just FYI.
This is not your standard Indian cuisine experience. Think Ginger lamb chops, barramundi simmered in coconut and lemon gravy, and pink pepper prawns, just to kick things off. Well worth a trip up the M1 in my opinion. They're open for lunch 12-3pm and dinner 4-9pm Tuesday through Sunday.
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Randhawa’s Indian Cuisine
Shop 4/340 Hope Island Rd, Hope Island QLD 4212
Shop 6/3027, The Boulevard, Emerald Lakes Carrara QLD 4211
I believe that the decadent fitout at Randhawa’s plays a hand at setting you up for the sumptuous feast that is to follow. This hugely popular northern and central gem is known for its stunningly presented dishes that taste as good as they look.
Harry and Nina Randhawa and their team of experienced chefs use the freshest ingredients in their menu, which aims to replicate Royal dishes once enjoyed by Mughal Kings in India. Everything is made from scratch and to order, meaning you can customise your dish to your liking (extra extra hot? No probs!). The Lamb Seekh Kebab and Mushroom Matar Masala are absolute must-trys in my opinion.
Something that sets this Indian restaurant on the Gold Coast apart for me is Hope Island's epic all you can eat buffet. It's $39.90 per person for adults, $25 for kids 5-12 years old and free for those 4 and under. I always feel like complete royalty after a meal at Randhawa’s, and their vegetarian Indian dishes are basically featured in equal measure to their meat-alternatives, to keep every diner happy. Both locales are open for lunch Thursday through Sunday 12noon-2.30pm and dinner every night of the week 4.30-9pm.
Saffron Indian Gourmet
Cnr of Margaret Ave & Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach QLD 4218
You know that place opposite the Broadbeach South tram station right on the Gold Coast Highway? Maybe you've wandered by it on your way to the beach after a movie at Pac Fair or even on your way to the annual affair that is Blues on Broadbeach. Either way, it's safe to say this Gold Coast Indian restaurant is front and centre for an epic locale.
Plating up contemporary twists on Indian classics, Saffron Broadbeach is a constant surprise. This modern eatery serves up a large menu packed to the brim with traditional curries and breads alongside some slightly left of centre eats such as minced eggplant masala, Atlantic salmon in a tomato curry with fennel, and scallops from Hervey Bay, served with madras sauce and pickled pears. It’s a true gastronomic experience.
To locals, this place is kind of a big deal. Heck, they even have their own currency '$affron Currency' which delivers a dece discount, like pay $50, get $75, then redeem at as lunch or dinner of your choosing booked ahead online. This alone is evidence enough that those obsessed with this place are there for a feast every time. Book lunch Wednesday through Sunday 12noon-2.30pm or dinner nightly 6-10.30pm.
Temple Of Spices
2468 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
The plant-based eaters among us adore Temple of Spices in Mermaid for its huge array of delicious vegan offerings with it's own dedicated menu, but there is plenty on the menu for omnivores, too. And, this place is one of the rare gluten-free Indian dish delighters, too. Chances are if you've walked past during service, the wafting aromas have been enough to lure you in. I know that's how I first discovered this place and I've been recommending it to mates ever since.
The team prides itself on offering up a carefully matched wine list and cold draught beers in perfect complement to an impressive menu. I'm a sucker for a wine pairing and it's just not super common at Indian restaurants so this is particularly noteworthy at Temple of Spices.
This trendy eatery boasts uber-authentic flavours in its hearty curries, and some of the most colourful salads around. I recommend you grab some charred skewers hot from the tandoor grill, add some pickles, fresh bread and a tasty chutney. It's gastronomic heaven.
There's a main menu and a fully vegan menu making it a no-brainer hangout for group catchups. The vegan cheese and garlic naan is actually next level. Be it a dinner Monday through Wednesday 4-9.30pm or long lunch, afternoon eats and dinner 12noon-9.30pm Thursday through Sunday. Heck, stay for them all I say.
Krish Indian Cuisine
Various locations
The multi award-winning Krish Indian restaurants have a reputation to uphold, and they do that through the consistent delivery of delicious, hearty, no-frills Indian fare. Their classic butter chicken and lamb korma are die-hard faves for me, while their chick biryani delivers me straight to the subcontinent, every time - no airfare required.
There’s a reason this Gold Coast Indian restaurant has been operating since 2005, and now have four locations across Robina, Worongary, Varsity Lakes and Southport. I'm particularly impressed by their lunch specials from $7.95 for a budget-friendly feed. The menu features a whole lot of lamb shanks and cutlets which means an indulgent feast could also be on the cards. Though there's a heap of vegetarian mains, every curry's gluten-free and the team invite you to request dairy-free and vegan dishes too. Lunch and dinner services vary across locations, so check ahead of your visit.
Agnee Indian
137 Scottsdale Dr, Robina QLD 4226
Agnee Indian is run by father and son team Inder and Arjun Jaiswal, who believe that food is not just sustenance, but a celebration of their culture and heritage. To keep things well-rounded, they hire chefs from a variety of Indian regions, incorporating their methods and region-specific culinary traditions into the extensive menu. I dub this one of the most traditionally sound Indian restaurants on the Coast, and the layered flavours blow my mind every time.
There's something to please everyone at Agnee’s, from belly-warming curries to fresh, tangy salads. Fellow lamb lover? The flavour-packed Awadhi is my pick for a must-try, while seafood lovers will froth over the range of prawn and fish dishes. The prawn vindaloo is one of the best on the whole of the Gold Coast I reckon.
They're open daily for lunch, 11.30am-2pm and 5.30-9pm. The menu is basically 90% gluten-free Indian and there's loads of vego options too (sometimes both). Get amongst it, then skip across the road to Bunnings and buy your very own Tandoori Oven because you'll be utterly convinced you now need to eat Indian 24/7.
Pangaat Indian Restaurant & Bar
Shop 3/59 Rainway St, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213
Talented Chef Akash Sarkar hails from Bachra, Jharkhand in the Eastern part of India. Following in his father's footsteps, he's honed skills in a range of cuisines - from French to Italian across kitchens in India and the USA, before returning to his roots of Indian cuisine.
This impressive background makes Pangaat's dishes truly mesmerising. With a wide selection of Indian vegetarian entrees and mains, there's a huge variety of dishes to suit all diners. Even vegan bowls of heaven like the yellow dahl tadka and baigan choley with succulent eggplant in a tomato gravy. For gluten-free Indian on the Gold Coast, this place offers a heap of options too.
Grab a Mumbai Margarita and prepare to have your mind blown. Or, infulge in a liquid journey across an extensive spirits list, a rareity. This is Indian food elevated, and if you're after a modern dining experience with beautiful dishes and perfected flavours, head directly here. Lunch is Thursday through Sunday 12noon-2.30pm and dinner's Tuesday through Sunday 5pm-late.
Dinner Only Indian
Cafe Kuma
4 Marine Promenade, Paradise Point QLD 4216
Cafe Kuma has basically zero online presence. But I have an inkling that's because they're busy whipping up their next delicious feast. This place used to be at Santa Barbara but moved to the shores of Paradise Point and it's a welcomed addition to the Northern Gold Coast's Indian cuisine scene.
Named after Chef Kuma, he exudes the kind of passion for Indian cooking that can't be faked. He's even been known to deliver extra curries and naan free of charge, because that's just the kind of guy he is. I'd recommend requesting the Chef's picks and he'll bring out a whole heap of dishes tailored to your taste preferences. Make a reservation for a date with Kuma 5-9pm any night of the week.
Indian Delights
Shop 5/2098 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami QLD 4220
If you want a restaurant that lives up to its name, Miami’s Indian Delights is your new spot. Simplicity done well is key at this humble southern eatery, with a focus on classic dishes cooked to mouth-watering perfection. And I must make special mention to the generous portions of juicy fall-away meat added to each dish. Warm hospitality at this Indian restaurant is welcomed in my books and their kid-friendly, family-run vibe is the mint lead on top.
Tuck into a range of trad curries, spiced to the rafters and served with fresh, hot breads. If you’re a butter chicken fan but sometimes find it a bit too sweet, then the Punjab (non-sweet) style is definitely for you, like it is for me. And the Chef’s special fenugreek-based Chicken Meethi is definitely worth considering - I've never regretted this order. Dinner's sorted, 5-9pm daily.
Kohinur Indian Restaurant
8 Fifth Ave, Palm Beach QLD 4221
Kohinur Indian is a small family-run business in Palmy, founded by Chandra Bal, a veteran Chef with more than 20 years of experience in the kitchen. And you can taste that very experience on the menu. It's of my belief that there isn't much in this life that beats a table covered in a jigsaw of Indian curries, crispy pakoras and Pran curry.
Traditional dishes and spices enliven my palate across the massive menu everytime. It's packed to the brim with traditional faves like their beef Rogan josh which uses a centuries-old recipe, plus creative additions like their best selling chilli and cheese naan. Their ridiculously cheap $45 dinner for two has kept it's low price for years and it's the perfect Friday night takeout treat, too.
These guys have been around since 2001, so you're in safe, Indian cuisine perfecting hands. Warm atmosphere, attentive staff, and open nightly 5-9.30pm. You will be back, I can pretty much guarantee it.
Kahani Indian
Shop 13/489 Gold Coast Hwy, Tugun QLD 4224
This long-standing Tugun restaurant has a regular clientele of die hard fans who return again and again for the depth of flavour and traditional tastes of India on offer in the menu. I am one of them. It's also my top pick for the best gluten-free Indian on the Gold Coast because the menu is almost entirely sans gluten.
Word of mouth is usually the best way to get to know the best spots around, and that’s exactly how I heard about Kahani Indian. Each dish is carefully prepared using high quality ingredients.
I recommend the Dhaniwal chicken for those who like things mild, or the dark, roasted flavours of the Beef Xacuti, for those who like a little more oomph. They're your go-to dinner destination nightly 5.30pm-8.30pm for Indian on the southern Gold Coast.