What Are the Best Indian Food Restaurants in Charleston, SC?

When the calling for the spicy and intense flavors of India beckon, these top Indian food restaurants in Charleston are sure to please. Most of these establishments offer dine-in, take-out, and delivery services. The following places are highly rated by patrons and take top spots on the list of Charleston’s best Indian cuisine.

Taste of India

Address: Taste of India, 1280 Sam Rittenburg Blvd, Charleston, SC

As one of the few Northern Indian restaurants in Charleston, Taste of India has a loyal fan base of patrons who enjoy classic dishes alongside traditional fare like puffy naan and a stellar dal makhani over biryani. Diners can partake in a huge buffet filled with rows of delightful classics, including jeera aloo, mango chicken, vegetable palak, and tandoori chicken. The prices are reasonable, and the dishes are oversized, so check out Taste of India. Note that the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.

Leyla Fine Lebanese Cuisine

Address: Leyla Fine Lebanese Cuisine, 298 King Street, Charleston, SC

Unlike any other restaurant in Charleston and by far one of the most sophisticated is Leyla Fine Lebanese Cuisine. Enjoy the smells of numerous cultural dishes from India and Lebanon in a lovely, upscale environment.  Be ready for remarkable fare, including succulent meats and kabobs, kibbeh nayah, meze, and homemade desserts that include traditional baklava and Leyla Cream with fruit.

The service at Leyla is impeccable, as patrons give the staff, management, and owners top nods. It earned another TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice award for 2023.  This establishment also offers off-premise catering for intimate gatherings, special occasions, and large corporate functions. Event planners can help prepare a customized menu to make any event memorable and tasty. Or, call for delivery or take out to bring it home.

Istanbul Shish Kabob Restaurant

Address: Istanbul Shish Kabob Restaurant, 4940 Centre Pointe Dr. Charleston, SC

Those who want to fulfill their cravings for unique Middle Eastern foods will find the flavors of Arabic and Turkish cuisine alongside a few Indian dishes at Istanbul Shish Kabob Restaurant. Guests come here to indulge in an enormous buffet unlike anything else in North Charleston, South Carolina. Also known for having a super-helpful and friendly staff, patrons can choose from the full menu of flavorful meats and kabobs. Don’t miss out on all-you-can-eat snacks, salads, and appetizers from the buffet. Definitely save room for their homemade dessert selections that top off any meal with perfection.

Spice Pallette Indian Restaurant

Address: 1220 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mt Pleasant SC 29464

Discover the essence of India through our thoughtfully crafted menu, where surprises await at every turn at this Mount Pleasant-based Indian restaurant. Spice Palette has your favorites, like samosas and curries, but also dishes to try, like masala dosai and and bagari shrimp. FInd vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. You can order online for take-out if you don’t have time for the restaurant or book a table through their website.

Nirlep Indian Restaurant

Address: 908 Savannah Hwy #7802, Charleston, SC 29407

Dive into all your Indian cuisine favorites at this beloved local buffet and dinner restaurant. Nirlep Indian’s gracious staff will answer all your questions. The chefs focus on quality over quantity, so you can expect dishes spiced right to your perfect level. Closed on Mondays, it has a buffet during the lunch hour and a sit-down dinner service. Order online for takeout directly from Nirlep Indian Restaurant. Catering services are also available.

So scratch that itch for chicken tikka masala or palak paneer anytime. Find the best Indian food in Charleston any time you visit one of these locally owned and operated restaurants.

Updated January 2024