NEW YORK (TIP): Five Indian restaurants have earned spots on Yelp’s prestigious “Top 100 US Restaurants 2024” list, a compilation reflecting the culinary diversity and gastronomic excellence of America. This annual list is curated from the reviews and ratings shared by Yelp’s extensive food community, making it a highly anticipated and influential ranking in the dining industry.
Yelp.com and its accompanying apps provide a platform for users to contribute crowd-sourced reviews and insights about various businesses, including restaurants.
The five Indian restaurants that have secured places on this exclusive list are:
1. Little India in American Fork, Utah (ranked 19): The restaurant is known for its flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala and exquisite Butter Chicken, which are perfectly complemented by a variety of tandoori-baked naan, including the sweet Peshawari naan. Beyond its delectable cuisine, Little India offers a unique dining experience with vibrant decor, hand-painted murals, and a backdrop of Indian background music. The restaurant’s popularity is evident with packed crowds on Friday and Saturday nights, and the Singh family plans to expand with a third location in Highland, Utah, in March 2024.
2. Ocean Indian Cuisine in San Francisco, California (ranked 29): This Indian-Nepalese-Himalayan restaurant offers a fusion of traditional Indian flavors with Chinese classics like chow mein and dumplings. Managed by Tara Sharma, the menu includes dishes like Paneer Chowmein, Everest Chicken Momo Special, Butter Chicken Masala, and Chicken Tikka Masala, all celebrated for their rich flavors. The restaurant’s elegant ambiance with white tablecloths, chandeliers, and red-rose centerpieces ensures that every visit feels like a special occasion.
3. Tandoori Kitchen in Lafayette, Colorado (ranked 41): This restaurant introduces patrons to the flavors of the Himalayas through its Indian and Nepalese cuisine. Dishes such as Vegetable Samosas, Thukpa, and Himalayan Sweet Orange Chicken delight the taste buds. An all-you-can-eat lunch buffet on weekdays offers a wide range of options, including Chicken Tikka Masala and vegan dishes like Aloo Zeera and Chana Masala. Meat enthusiasts can savor tender tandoori kebabs marinated in a special seasoning and cooked in a traditional tandoori clay oven.
4. Sindoore in Nashville, Tennessee (ranked 78): Located near the Nashville airport, this restaurant is celebrated for its authentic North Indian cuisine prepared from scratch using fresh ingredients. Highlights include the sumptuous Butter Chicken and an array of vegetarian options like Malai Kofta, Channa Masala, and Dal Tadka. Sindoore’s diverse menu has received accolades from Yelpers who appreciate the deliciousness of dishes like samosas, pakoras, Fish Goan, Lamb Shanks, Kashmiri Naan, and mango chutney.
5. M & N’s Pizza in Bethesda, Maryland (ranked #82 overall): This pizzeria, located just outside Washington, DC, offers a unique twist with its “Whacky Pizza” menu, featuring inventive creations like the Aushak Pizza inspired by Afghan dumplings and the Dal Makhani Pizza showcasing Indian-style creamy black lentil curry. In addition to these unconventional pizzas, the restaurant serves traditional Indian curries such as Chicken Vindaloo and Achari Lamb, providing diverse options for patrons who appreciate the quality and friendly service.