The Best Indian Restaurants in Perth for a Spicy Good Time

There's a saying in India, "Good food takes good time." We've coined our own motto in Perth, "Good food makes for a good time," particularly where spice is involved. Ranging from funky restaurants in some of Perth's most happening tourist precincts, we've also sampled a few suburban favourites that have been serving adventurous palettes for decades. We hope you add our round-up of Perth's best Indian restaurants to your own list of fiery treasures.

Sauma

Smack bang in the heart of Northbridge, and on the corner of William and James streets, Sauma sits in prime position for spying on the shenanigans playing out in this hip inner-city enclave. Assuming you're able to focus on anything other than the party raging in your mouth, of course! Begin with pani puri shots and lamb ribs before moving onto the goat curry, vegetable and fig kofta and prawn chingari. They're all enjoyed best with refreshing cocktails like the Tamarind Margarita and Pink Panther in Bollywood. 

200 William Street, Northbridge

Topi Restaurant

Beef masala and kashmiri kofta will certainly give you sustenance while taking a shopping break at the swanky Karrinyup Shopping Centre. Topi also serves plenty of snacks like the spiced crispy duck-65 leg or paneer tikka, but if time is on your side, the set menu at $49 per person spares you from making any further decisions. That is until you're faced with the lively drinks menu tempting you with an Arranged Marriage cocktail or the array of Indian whiskeys.

FP0215/6 Karrinyup Shopping Centre, 200 Karrinyup Road, Karrinyup

Curry Munchers

This unassuming gem is dishing out some superb Indian food that's fun, not too expensive and, best of all, delicious. You simply must order the dreamy, signature butter chicken that’s an all-time favourite, as well as their mouthwatering range of creative naan and paratha breads (hello, naan with mushrooms and truffle oil). Add one of their secret-recipe cocktails to sip as you feast and you’ll be in foodie heaven at Curry Munchers. 

Leederville and Joondalup 

Maharaja Indian Bistro

Specialising in authentic Indian cuisine, the beloved Maharaja Indian Bistro in Nedlands has stood the test of time. On its massive menu spanning meat, seafood and vegetarian options you’ll also find excellent versions of piping hot naan bread and some delectable desserts. Looking for a cute and cosy date night idea? It’s BYO and right next door to the historic Windsor cinema, so you can make a night of it. One of our favourite low-key Indian restaurants in Perth. 

96 Stirling Highway, Nedlands 

Gogos 

Café by day, Indian cuisine by night. After establishing themselves as a local Indian restaurant for many years in the Perth food scene, Gogo's has newly returned as a café, wine bar and restaurant situated in the heart of South Perth. They actually do a mean breakfast, but you're here for a delicious rotation of wines and for share plates you'll fight tooth and nail to savour the last bites of. From aloo kulcha naan with masala butter and cheese kurkuri to chicken tikka skewers and Gogo's famous lamb chops, the flavours here are next level. 

35 Mends Street, South Perth

Namaste India

For authentic Indian cuisine, look to Angove Street's popular family restaurant, Namaste India. Favourite dishes get a little twist, and it's one of the best Indian restaurants in Perth to come hungry to...and with a group. You'll want to try every dish, from comforting malai kofta, palak paneer and boneless chicken tikka, through to more bold and spicy offerings like lamb vindaloo and beef rogan josh.  

3/18 Angove Street, North Perth

Punjab Indian Restaurant

If you're old enough to remember a time when Perth's dining scene wasn't the multicultural buffet it is today, you probably frequented the Punjab Indian Restaurant. Since opening in 1981, this family-run restaurant has repeatedly won awards for its Northern Indian cuisine featuring methia palak chicken, saag lamb and sweet dumpling dessert of gulab jamuns. Situated opposite Event Cinemas Innaloo, Punjab is the Perth Indian restaurant that will also help elevate any movie marathon.

371 Scarborough Beach Road, Innaloo

Lions and Tigers

Anglo-Indian cuisine has never tasted so good in Fremantle after the owners of Duck Duck Bruce opened their second restaurant Lions and Tigers. While the menu adapts to the seasons, the Hello Newman featuring the curry leaf 'nemesis' papadums is a delicious prelude to Goan fish curry, gunpowder onion bhajis and masala rubbed octopus served with an array of sidekicks guaranteeing a tangy time. Be sure to finish with the coconut and lemongrass parfait. 

8 Bannister Street, Fremantle

D'Tandoor Indian

Reigning from its Mughal heritage, dining at d'Tandoor is a bit like popping into your Indian aunties for a feast. Although you might have to give some warning for the slow-roasted Raan Sikandri lamb leg requiring 24 hours' notice and any of the smoky tandoori dishes. In addition to the hearty northern classics, this successful nationwide franchise is known for its wide selection of vegetarian and well-priced dishes since opening in South Perth in 2008. It's a long-running Perth Indian restaurant favourite. 

94 Mill Point Road, South Perth

Royal India Restaurant

The mere West Perth location of the Royal India Restaurant has repeatedly attracted suits, politicians and entrepreneurs for decades. Even so, its discerning clientele keep on returning for more than the convenience of the set lunch menu and exclusive wine list. The signature goat curry, chicken makhani and rogan josh served with an inspiring range of bread and rice dishes have been the makings of many a business deal.

1134 Hay Street, West Perth

Chutney Mary's

Deemed as one of the original Indian restaurants in Perth, Chutney Mary's is a destination in itself, given its prime location on the corner of Rokey Road and Hay Street in Subiaco's tourist precinct. Zesty fresh ingredients influenced by the seasons are showcased in favourites such as mint chutney, lamb vindaloo, prawn lababdar curry and kashmiri naan filled with dried fruits. The extensive menu encourages repeat visits while the banquets invite diners to try as many dishes as possible within a quick turnaround, especially if you're catching a performance across the street at the Regal Theatre or readying to partake in the surrounding bars. 

67 Rokeby Road, Subiaco

Is your palette still tingling after this round-up of the best Indian restaurants in Perth? We've got loads more fiery dining recommendations, ranging from Thai eats to a Mexican fiesta.