Vancouver has some of the best Indian restaurants in North America. They compete among themselves for the freshest and best food. All the restaurants listed below are popular with locals and with local restaurant critics.
Vij's
1480 W. 11th Ave.
Vancouver
604-736-6664
This is Vancouver's best Indian restaurant. Everyone loves it. The only problem is they don't take reservations so you have to get there before they open at 5:30 PM to get a seat without waiting. Most people think the wait is worth it.
Rangoli
1488 W. 11th. Ave
604-736-5711
Rangoli is owned by Vij, and it's right next door. Great for lunch and dinner. They also sell ready to eat frozen and refrigerated dishes you can heat and eat at home. They also have freshly roasted and ground Indian spices.
Jollys Indian Bistro
2778 W. 4th Ave
604-730-6929
Traditional Indian and tandoori, the chef at Jollys prepares dishes the way they are prepared in Indian homes. Not too much oil and not overly hot. Excellent value and very pleasant atmoshere.
Cafe Mumbai
2893 West Broadway
604-737-2500
Traditional Indian dishes in a slightly upscale environment. They focus on traditional curries and tandoori. Try this restaurant the first time for lunch. You get lamb curry, tandoori chicken, basmati rice and naan. That way you know if you want to return for dinner. We think you will want to.
Atithi (honoured guest)
2445 Burrard Street
Vancouver
604-731-0221
Atithi offers a small, reasonably priced, all you can eat lunch buffet. The food focuses on quality rather than quantity and you definitely get your money's worth. This restaurant has a loyal local following.
Akbar's Own
1905 West Broadway
Vancouver
604-736-8180
Akbar's Own is an intimate place with fresh, extraordinary food. It's the place to go when you're not on your way somewhere else but want to make eating out the focal point of your evening.
Ashiana
1440 Kingsway
Vancouver
604-874-5060
Authentic Indian food and desserts. If you haven't seen Indian desserts in profusion, this place is definitely worth a visit.