This new restaurant was just voted to have the best Indian food in Charlotte
It’s official, foodies. After a spicy showdown, we now know the hottest Indian restaurant around Charlotte.
From fast-casual concepts to fine dining destinations, we received dozens of nominations for our latest Readers’ Choice Poll.
After a total of 100,000 votes, a winner has been crowned the tastiest around the Queen City.
Of all the fan-favorite spots bringing the flavors of India to Charlotte, here’s which newer eateries in the local food scene are the best of the best.
Best Indian restaurant around Charlotte: Desi District
Location: 8524 Pit Stop Ct NW, Concord, NC 28027
Location: 11812 Carolina Pl Pkwy A, Pineville, NC 28134
Location: 120 N Cedar St #765, Charlotte, NC 28202
Just one year after opening, Desi District is taking the title as the best Indian restaurant around Charlotte.
The Texas-based spot came to be from a group of friends and self-proclaimed food and travel buffs with a craving for “quintessential Indian street food which had a modern streak to it.”
Now, Desi District is bringing the flavors of Indian cuisine to 13 locations in the U.S. Its Pineville location, which opened last fall, was the very first in North Carolina. Since then, Desi District has also expanded to Concord and uptown.
‘Serving more than food. We’re serving culture’
Offering “Indian food intertwined with a global approach,” the menu is made up of more than 350 items, like biryanis, tandoori selections, curries and more, along with Indo-Chinese dishes, burgers, shakes and desserts.
All of its fast-casual restaurants are open for you to dine in or grab a bite on the go, but the Pineville location also has a market stocked with a special selection of Indian snacks, spices and other ingredients.
“We are very proud to serve the Charlotte metro, and we are very happy and excited to be ... the best Indian restaurant,” Shyam Padamati, co-owner of Desi District’s local location, told CharlotteFive.
“This is not just a restaurant, not a store. It’s a place where we celebrate food, culture and community.”
Best Indian restaurant finalist: SOMA Bistro & Cafe
Location: 2015 E. Arbors Drive, Suite 270, Charlotte NC 28262
Like Desi District, the other top-rated Indian restaurant also offers authentic flavors with a modern twist.
Soma Bistro and Cafe opened its doors in North Charlotte this spring in the space formerly home to Curry N Cake Indian Restaurant.
The new eatery, with a name that stands for “serving originals, merging aromas,” is designed to pull “inspiration from the streets of Hyderabad, the markets of Delhi, and the kitchens of Mumbai.”
‘Blending global flavors with local vibes’
“We are inspired by fusion food. That’s why we call ourselves a fusion restaurant,” Shiva Reddy told CharlotteFive.
“We do still have authentic Indian food coming from north, south, east, west parts of India … anything we can provide as good as possible and as authentic as possible.”
So expect classic dishes, including samosas, biryani and curry bowls, plus other flavorful fusions like butter chicken pizza, paneer tikka pizza and pesto paneer sandwiches.
Most of the restaurant’s spices are imported directly from India, with meats and other products sourced locally to prepare freshly-made menu items every day.
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