British Columbia is home to a large and diverse South Asian community, and that shows in its food. From the bustling streets of Vancouver and Surrey to the scenic towns of Vancouver Island and the Okanagan, the province offers a remarkable spectrum of flavours rooted in centuries-old culinary traditions. Whether you’re searching for a great Indian restaurant in Victoria BC, a cozy spot in Surrey, or an award-winning kitchen in Vancouver – there’s something extraordinary waiting for you. Below, we highlight seven standout Indian restaurants that showcase the diversity and depth of Indian cuisine across BC.
Before You Scroll: The Full Lineup
| # | Restaurant | Location | Cuisine | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vij’s Restaurant | Vancouver | Contemporary Indian | $$$ |
| 2 | Sula Indian Restaurant | Vancouver (3 locations) | Regional Indian | $$$ |
| 3 | Royal Tandoor Indian Cuisine | Victoria, BC | Traditional Tandoori & Royal Indian | $$ |
| 4 | Karma Indian Bistro | Vancouver (Kitsilano) | Regional Indian (MICHELIN Bib Gourmand) | $$$ |
| 5 | Tasty Indian Bistro | Vancouver & Surrey | North Indian | $$ |
| 6 | The Yellow Chilli | Surrey | Pan-Indian | $$ |
| 7 | Spice 72 Indian Restaurant & Lounge | Surrey | Contemporary Indian | $$ |
*Price guide: $ = under 15/person · $ = 15-30/person · $ $ = $30+/person*
Where to Eat
Whether you’re planning a special night out or just craving a good curry, here’s a quick look at all seven restaurants on our list to help you decide where to start.
1. Vij’s Restaurant
Vancouver ◆ Contemporary Indian
Widely regarded as one of Canada’s most celebrated Indian restaurants, Vij’s has been a trailblazer in contemporary Indian cuisine since the early 1990s. The menu is a creative reinterpretation of classic Indian flavours, built around locally sourced British Columbian ingredients. Signature dishes include lamb popsicles in creamy curry and BC rainbow trout in coconut masala. A no-reservation policy and legendary lineups have become part of the iconic experience.
Chef-owner Vikram Vij is a familiar face in Canadian food culture, and his hands-on approach in the dining room adds a personal touch you won’t find at most restaurants. An all-women team runs the kitchen, and the menu rotates seasonally to reflect what’s fresh and local. If you go, come hungry and come early – the wait is worth it.
📍 Address: 3106 Cambie St., Vancouver, BC V5Z 2W2
📞 Phone: (604) 736-6664
2. Sula Indian Restaurant
Vancouver (Commercial Drive, Main Street, Davie Street) ◆ Regional Indian
Since opening on Commercial Drive in 2010, Sula has grown into a multi-location favourite across Vancouver. The restaurant is known for its Mughal-inspired tandoor-roasted meats, traditional curries, and unique indoor garden-style décor that transports diners straight to India. A multiple Golden Plate Award winner, Sula has been recognized as the Best Indian Restaurant in Vancouver by Vancouver Magazine and the Georgia Straight in 2025.
What sets Sula apart is the attention to detail – spices are ground in-house, and the cocktail program is designed by an award-winning mixologist with drinks inspired by regional Indian flavours. Whether you visit the cozy Commercial Drive original or the newer Davie Street location steps from English Bay, the quality stays remarkably consistent across all three spots.
📍 Address: 4172 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P7
📞 Phone: (778) 718-4409
3. Royal Tandoor Indian Cuisine
British Columbia ◆ Traditional Tandoori & Royal Indian
Royal Tandoor Indian Cuisine brings alive the exotic flavours from different corners of India and the rich heritage of traditional royal cuisines. As a beloved Indian restaurant Victoria locals and visitors alike return to, Royal Tandoor has earned its reputation through consistently outstanding food and service. Many of their signature dishes are prepared in a traditional clay oven – the tandoor – lending a distinctive smoky depth that sets the Royal Tandoor menu apart from other Indian restaurants in the area.
The Royal Tandoori experience is built on a mission to share the history and nuances of Indian cuisine, offering guests a window into the closely guarded royal culinary traditions of India. The dining experience is an eclectic journey through clay ovens, grills, and simmering pots of delectable curries – a true exploration of the senses.
The Royal Tandoor restaurant kitchen is led by chefs boasting over 20 years of experience cooking in the finest restaurants. Their Royal Tandoori menu features crowd favourites like butter naan fresh from the clay oven, crispy chicken pakora and paneer pakora as starters, fragrant palak paneer, and tangy aloo tikki chaat – perfect for those who love bold street-food flavours. The kitchen delivers culinary expertise paired with warm, attentive hospitality, and the caring, committed staff ensure that every visit is memorable.
Services: Royal Tandoor offers a complete dining experience – from a refined dine-in atmosphere with premier banquet services, to convenient pickup for those on the go, and home delivery bringing their signature dishes right to your doorstep.
📍 Address: 4011 Quadra St Unit 8, Victoria, BC V8X 4C7
📞 Phone: (250) 479-8884
4. Karma Indian Bistro
Vancouver (Kitsilano) ◆ Regional Indian — MICHELIN Bib Gourmand
Recognized by the MICHELIN Guide with a Bib Gourmand distinction, Karma Indian Bistro pairs a sophisticated setting of wood planks, plush banquettes, and rustic lighting with a menu of both traditional and innovative Indian dishes. Highlights include richly spiced chicken Madras, jumbo prawns in spinach curry, and indulgent saffron rice pudding for dessert.
The Bib Gourmand badge means one thing: exceptional food at a fair price – and Karma delivers on that promise. The Kitsilano location makes it a natural pick for a relaxed evening along West 4th Avenue, and the kitchen doesn’t shy away from bold spice levels for those who like real heat. A solid wine list rounds out what feels more like a fine dining experience than the price tag suggests.
📍 Address: 2741 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 1P9
📞 Phone: (604) 559-1666
5. Tasty Indian Bistro
Vancouver & Surrey ◆ North Indian
A beloved staple across Metro Vancouver and Surrey, Tasty Indian Bistro is known for generous portions and bold North Indian flavours. Their butter chicken and freshly baked naan have earned a fiercely loyal following, and the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere makes it a go-to destination for group dining and celebrations alike.
With locations in both Delta and Vancouver’s Yaletown, Tasty Indian Bistro bridges the gap between everyday comfort food and a polished night out. The lunch specials are a particularly good deal, and the kitchen handles large group orders and catering with the same care as a table for two. If you’re new to North Indian cuisine, this is an approachable, no-pressure place to start.
📍 Address: 8295 120 St, Delta, BC V4C 6R1
📞 Phone: (604) 507-9393
6. The Yellow Chilli
Surrey ◆ Pan-Indian — Chef Sanjeev Kapoor
Part of the internationally recognized brand created by celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, The Yellow Chilli in Surrey offers a gastronomic tour of India with dishes representing diverse regional cuisines. The menu features signature creations – from aromatic biryanis to satisfying chaat platters – with a contemporary twist, all served in a warm, family-friendly setting that brings authentic Mughlai and Punjabi flavours to British Columbia.
Sanjeev Kapoor’s recipes are the backbone of the menu, and dishes like Shaam Savera – spinach koftas stuffed with creamed cottage cheese – are hard to find elsewhere in BC. The restaurant also offers a solid vegetarian selection, making it a smart pick when your group has mixed dietary preferences. The ambience leans upscale without the upscale price tag.
📍 Address: 8737 120 St #105, Delta, BC V4C 6R5
📞 Phone: (604) 598-0060
7. Spice 72 Indian Restaurant & Lounge
Surrey ◆ Contemporary Indian
A culinary gem in Surrey, Spice 72 offers exceptional contemporary Indian food in a peaceful and elegant setting. This family-owned tandoor restaurant has earned a devoted following for its standout dishes – including rich butter chicken, creamy dal makhani, and flaky lacha parantha – paired with attentive, personalized service.
Being family-owned shows in the little things – the staff remembers regulars, recommendations feel genuine, and the food has a homemade quality that chain restaurants can’t replicate. The lounge side of the space works well for a casual drink with appetizers, while the dining room is comfortable enough for longer celebrations. If you’re in the South Surrey area, this one’s a reliable go-to.
📍 Address: 12025 72 Ave, Surrey, BC V3W 2M1
📞 Phone: (604) 503-1172
New to Indian Food? Start Here
If you’ve never tried Indian food before – or you’re not sure what to order – don’t worry. Most restaurants on this list are happy to walk you through the menu. That said, here are a few dishes that work great as a starting point:
- Butter Chicken – creamy tomato-based curry with tender chicken. Mild, rich, and probably the most popular Indian dish in Canada for a reason. Pair it with butter naan.
- Tandoori Chicken – marinated in yogurt and spices, then roasted in a clay oven. Smoky, juicy, and not too spicy. A great way to experience what a tandoor can do.
- Biryani – fragrant rice layered with meat or vegetables and slow-cooked with aromatic spices. It’s a complete meal on its own.
- Dal Makhani – slow-cooked black lentils in a buttery, creamy sauce. A comfort food staple and a perfect vegetarian option.
- Naan vs. Roti – both are Indian breads served with your meal. Naan is soft and fluffy (baked in a tandoor), roti is thinner and lighter. When in doubt, start with garlic naan.
Don’t be afraid to ask your server about spice levels – most places are happy to adjust the heat to your preference. And if you like to share, ordering a few dishes for the table is the best way to try a little of everything.