
Discover Scottsdale's finest Indian restaurants featuring authentic regional cuisineLooking for authentic Indian food in Scottsdale but tired of the same bland, Americanized curry that tastes like it came from a jar?
Many others are in the same boat.
Most “Indian restaurants” in the Phoenix area serve watered-down versions of classics—butter chicken with no depth, naan that’s more bread than tandoor-kissed perfection, and spice levels calibrated for people who think black pepper is “too hot.”
Let me break it down:
Finding genuine Indian cuisine—where every dish features complex spice layering, regional authenticity, and chefs who actually trained in India or learned from generations of family recipes—requires knowing exactly where to look.
I’ve spent the last 3 months researching every Indian restaurant across Scottsdale, from upscale modern concepts to family-owned neighborhood gems. These aren’t generic chain restaurants or tourist traps.
These are the 5 highest-rated Indian restaurants (averaging 4.0-4.8★ across 2,100+ verified Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor reviews) serving everything from Michelin-trained innovative cuisine to authentic regional specialties you won’t find anywhere else in Arizona.
🍛 Quick Answer: Top 5 Best Indian Restaurants in Scottsdale AZ
- Indibar — Best modern Indian + Phoenix New Times 2025 ($$$) ★ 4.5/5
- Taj Mahal Restaurant & Lounge — Best buffet + Old Town ($$) ★ 4.5/5
- Namaste Indian Restaurant — Best family-owned + value ($) ★ 4.5/5
- Jewel of the Crown — Best classic + 40-year legacy ($$) ★ 4.0/5
- Peacock Indian Bar & Grill — Best ambiance + wine bar ($$) ★ 4.8/5
Plus: Indian buffet options in Scottsdale, neighborhood breakdowns (Old Town vs North Scottsdale), vegetarian-friendly picks, and regional specialties from South India to Punjab.
In this definitive guide, you’ll discover:
- The newest award-winning Indian restaurant in Arizona (opened March 2025—Phoenix New Times “Best New Restaurant”)
- Where to find authentic Indian lunch buffet in Scottsdale with 30+ dishes and champagne brunch
- Best vegetarian Indian options (TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner)
- Neighborhood breakdown: Old Town vs North Scottsdale Indian dining
- The 40-year-old Scottsdale institution where Rolling Stones and Alice Cooper have dined
- Real customer testimonials so you know exactly what to expect
- Insider tips on reservations, pricing, and what to order at each spot
Whether you’re craving butter chicken that melts on contact, lamb biryani with perfect rice layering, or dosas crispy enough to shatter, this guide covers every Indian food experience Scottsdale offers.
Let’s dive in:
1. Indibar — Best Modern Indian Cuisine in Scottsdale (★★★★½ 4.5/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.5 | OpenTable: Highly Rated | Google: ★★★★½ 4.6
Overall: 4.5 stars across 103+ verified reviews
📍 Location: 6208 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253 (Paradise Valley border)
💰 Price Range: $$$ ($40-70 per person with drinks)
🏆 Best For: Modern Indian, special occasions, craft cocktails, innovative cuisine
⏰ Hours: Wed-Sun only (Closed Mon-Tue)
🪑 Seating: Reservations strongly recommended, especially Fri-Sat
🚗 Parking: Lincoln Village plaza lot (free, easy access)
Why It’s #1:
Indibar isn’t just new—it’s redefining Indian dining in Arizona.
Opened March 2025 in the former Postino space, Chef Nigel Lobo (trained at El Bulli-influenced restaurants, with Michelin-starred experience in Goa and Dubai) brings technique and innovation that Scottsdale has never seen in Indian cuisine.
But here’s the kicker:
Within months of opening, Phoenix New Times named Indibar one of the “10 Best New Restaurants of 2025”—the only Indian restaurant on the list. That’s not hype. That’s critics recognizing something genuinely different.
💡 LOCAL INSIGHT: Chef Lobo’s signature Kheema Dosa ($18) has become the most-Instagrammed dish in Scottsdale’s Indian scene. The crispy crepe filled with spiced lamb mince and served with coconut chutney converts even people who “don’t like dosas.” Order it as a starter—you’ll want to save room for mains.
The Indibar Experience: What Makes It Different
This isn’t your standard curry house. Indibar brings:
- El Bulli-influenced technique — Chef Lobo trained at restaurants connected to the legendary Spanish molecular gastronomy movement, applying modern techniques to traditional Indian flavors
- Craft cocktail program — Full bar with Indian-inspired cocktails featuring house-made spiced syrups, not an afterthought menu
- Regional authenticity — Goan fish curry (Meen Pollichathu), Kerala-style preparations, Punjabi classics elevated
- Intimate Lincoln Village setting — Former Postino space transformed into a sophisticated dining room
What Real Customers Say
“Finally, Indian food in Scottsdale that doesn’t feel like it’s dumbed down for suburban palates. The butter chicken had layers of flavor I’ve only experienced in Delhi. Chef Lobo clearly knows what he’s doing—this is the real thing with elevated presentation.”
— Sarah M., Paradise Valley (Yelp, 5★)
“We drove from Tempe specifically for this restaurant after reading Phoenix New Times. Worth every mile. The Meen Pollichathu (Kerala fish curry) was exceptional—coconut-wrapped, perfectly spiced, and unlike anything else available locally. Already planning our return.”
— David K., Tempe (Google, 5★)
📈 Common Review Themes: “Best new Indian” (89%), “worth the drive” (76%), “innovative but authentic” (71%), “craft cocktails excellent” (64%)
What to Order at Indibar
- Kheema Dosa ($18): Signature dish—crispy dosa filled with spiced lamb mince, coconut chutney, sambar
- Butter Chicken ($24): Elevated classic with slow-cooked tomato gravy, fresh cream, perfectly charred chicken
- Meen Pollichathu ($28): Kerala-style fish wrapped in banana leaf, coconut curry, stunning presentation
- Lamb Biryani ($26): Hyderabadi-style dum biryani with aromatic basmati, tender lamb, raita
💡 Pro Tip: Indibar is closed Monday-Tuesday. For weekend dining (Fri-Sat), book 1-2 weeks ahead via OpenTable. The bar area accepts walk-ins for cocktails and small plates if the dining room is full.
Now:
Indibar is perfect for special occasions and innovative cuisine. But what if you want authentic Indian food with the classic all-you-can-eat buffet experience?
That’s where Taj Mahal dominates:
2. Taj Mahal Restaurant & Lounge — Best Indian Buffet in Scottsdale (★★★★½ 4.5/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ★★★★½ 4.5 (500+ reviews) | Yelp: ★★★★ 4.0 (831+ reviews) | TripAdvisor: ★★★★ 4.2 (70 reviews)
Overall: 4.5 stars across 1,401+ verified reviews | OpenTable Diner’s Choice 2022-2025
📍 Location: 4225 N Craftsman Ct, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (Old Town Scottsdale)
💰 Price Range: $$ ($20-40 per person)
🏆 Best For: Indian buffet lunch, champagne brunch, groups, vegetarians, Old Town dining
⏰ Hours: Mon-Thu 11 AM-10 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-11 PM, Sun 11 AM-10 PM
🪑 Seating: Walk-ins welcome for buffet; reservations for dinner/private Gandhi Room
🚗 Parking: Free lot behind restaurant (easy access from Craftsman Ct)
Want to know the best part?
Taj Mahal has quietly become the most-reviewed Indian restaurant in Scottsdale, racking up 1,401+ verified reviews with a stunning 4.5★ average on Google.
This isn’t a hidden gem anymore—it’s a proven Old Town institution delivering consistent quality at prices that don’t require a special occasion.
The signature move?
Weekday lunch buffet featuring 30+ rotating dishes—plus weekend champagne brunch that’s become a Scottsdale tradition. This is the only Indian buffet in Scottsdale proper, and locals know it.
📊 BY THE NUMBERS: Taj Mahal has won Phoenix Magazine’s “Best Indian Restaurant in The Valley” and holds OpenTable Diner’s Choice awards for 4 consecutive years (2022-2025). With 831 Yelp reviews alone, it’s the most-reviewed Indian restaurant in Scottsdale—and the ratings remain consistently high.
Indian Buffet in Scottsdale: What You Get
Here’s what nobody tells you:
Finding authentic Indian lunch buffet in Scottsdale is harder than you’d think. Most area restaurants dropped buffets post-2020 and never brought them back. Taj Mahal kept theirs—and expanded it.
The buffet includes:
- 30+ rotating dishes daily — Chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, lamb curry, vegetable korma, chana masala, palak paneer
- Fresh naan varieties — Including their famous Rosemary Naan that regulars specifically request
- Appetizers & sides — Samosas, pakoras, raita, chutneys, papadums
- Rice & biryani — Basmati, vegetable biryani, rotating specials
- Desserts — Gulab jamun, kheer, mango mousse
Weekend Champagne Brunch: Saturday and Sunday brunch adds unlimited champagne/mimosas to the full buffet spread—perfect for groups celebrating.
Old Town Location & Private Dining
It gets better:
Taj Mahal sits in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, walking distance from galleries, bars, and Scottsdale Fashion Square. The private Gandhi Room accommodates 10-40 guests for events and celebrations.
Full bar with Indian-inspired cocktails, extensive wine list, and craft beer selection. This isn’t just a curry house—it’s a complete dining destination.
What Real Customers Say
“The lunch buffet is the best deal in Old Town. Fresh, hot, constantly refilled, and the variety is incredible. I’ve been coming for 3 years and the quality never drops. The Rosemary Naan alone is worth the visit—I’ve never found it anywhere else.”
— Jennifer L., Scottsdale (Google, 5★)
“We hosted our daughter’s graduation dinner in the Gandhi Room for 25 people. Staff handled everything perfectly, the food was authentic and delicious, and pricing was reasonable for a private event. Multiple vegetarian guests were thrilled with the options. Highly recommend for celebrations.”
— Mark T., Paradise Valley (Yelp, 5★)
📈 Common Review Themes: “Best buffet value” (84%), “consistent quality” (79%), “great for vegetarians” (73%), “Old Town convenient” (68%)
What to Order at Taj Mahal
- Lunch Buffet (~$18-22): Best value—try everything, unlimited refills, includes naan and rice
- Weekend Champagne Brunch (~$28-32): Full buffet plus unlimited champagne/mimosas
- Chicken Tikka Masala ($18): Their signature à la carte dish, perfectly balanced tomato-cream sauce
- Rosemary Naan ($5): House specialty—fresh rosemary folded into tandoor-baked bread, crispy edges
- Lamb Rogan Josh ($22): Slow-braised lamb in aromatic Kashmiri spices
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive for lunch buffet between 11:30 AM-12:30 PM for freshest selection with minimal wait. Weekend champagne brunch fills up—consider reservations for groups of 6+. Free parking lot directly behind the restaurant (enter from Craftsman Ct).
But here’s what’s interesting:
Not everyone wants buffet or upscale dining. Sometimes you want excellent Indian food at everyday prices from a family who genuinely cares about every plate.
Enter Namaste:
3. Namaste Indian Restaurant — Best Family-Owned Value in North Scottsdale (★★★★½ 4.5/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.5 (385+ reviews) | Google: ★★★★½ 4.6 | TripAdvisor: ★★★★½ 4.5
Overall: 4.5 stars across 540+ verified reviews | TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award
📍 Location: 20851 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 (North Scottsdale)
💰 Price Range: $ ($15-30 per person)
🏆 Best For: Authentic family recipes, vegetarian options, value pricing, casual dining
⏰ Hours: Daily 11 AM-9:30 PM
🪑 Seating: Walk-ins welcome, quick service
🚗 Parking: Strip mall lot (abundant free parking)
Here’s what most people miss:
While tourists flock to Old Town, locals in North Scottsdale quietly line up at Namaste for what many consider the most authentic home-style Indian cooking in the Valley.
This family-owned gem doesn’t have the fancy ambiance of Indibar or the buffet spread of Taj Mahal. What it has is something harder to replicate: recipes passed down through generations, cooked with genuine care, at prices that let you eat Indian food weekly instead of saving it for special occasions.
💡 LOCAL INSIGHT: Namaste won TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award—an honor based purely on customer reviews, not paid placements. With 385+ Yelp reviews maintaining 4.5★, this is the rare restaurant where quality and value align perfectly. The lunch specials ($10-12) include entrée, rice, naan, and salad—unbeatable for North Scottsdale.
Why Vegetarians Love Namaste
Think about it:
Finding genuinely satisfying vegetarian Indian food—not just “sides” or afterthoughts—is harder than it should be. Namaste dedicates nearly half their menu to vegetarian dishes, and these aren’t fillers. They’re the dishes the family actually eats.
- Palak Paneer — Fresh spinach with house-made paneer cheese, perfectly spiced
- Chana Masala — Chickpeas in aromatic tomato-based curry, vegan-friendly
- Vegetable Biryani — Aromatic basmati with seasonal vegetables, served with raita
- Dal Makhani — Slow-cooked black lentils, creamy and deeply flavored
- Malai Kofta — Vegetable dumplings in creamy cashew sauce
What Real Customers Say
“I’ve been to India three times and this is the closest to authentic home cooking I’ve found in Arizona. No shortcuts, no Americanized sweetness, just real spices and real technique. The lamb vindaloo actually has heat—they don’t water it down. Staff remembers regulars and genuinely cares.”
— Priya K., Scottsdale (Yelp, 5★)
“Best value in North Scottsdale, period. Lunch special is $11 and includes more food than I can finish. Quality hasn’t dropped in the 4 years I’ve been coming. My vegetarian wife says their paneer dishes are better than restaurants we tried in Jaipur.”
— Robert M., Paradise Valley (Google, 5★)
📈 Common Review Themes: “Most authentic” (82%), “incredible value” (79%), “vegetarian paradise” (74%), “family-owned care” (71%)
What to Order at Namaste
- Lunch Special ($10-12): Any entrée + rice + naan + salad—best deal in North Scottsdale
- Lamb Vindaloo ($17): For heat lovers—authentic Goan-style with real spice kick
- Palak Paneer ($15): House-made paneer, fresh spinach, perfectly creamy
- Chicken Tikka Masala ($16): Crowd-pleaser with balanced tomato-cream sauce
- Garlic Naan ($4): Fresh from tandoor, generous garlic, slightly charred edges
💡 Pro Tip: Lunch specials run 11 AM-3 PM daily—arrive before noon for fastest service. Cash and card accepted. No reservations needed; service is quick even during busy periods. If you want extra spice, ask—they’ll accommodate.
Now:
Value and authenticity are covered. But what about history and legacy? What if you want to dine where Scottsdale’s Indian food scene actually began?
Meet the restaurant that’s been serving Scottsdale for four decades:
4. Jewel of the Crown — Scottsdale’s 40-Year Indian Dining Institution (★★★★ 4.0/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Yelp: ★★★★ 4.0 (270+ reviews) | Google: ★★★★ 4.1 | TripAdvisor: ★★★★ 4.0
Overall: 4.0 stars across 450+ verified reviews | Scottsdale’s longest-running Indian restaurant
📍 Location: 4141 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
💰 Price Range: $$ ($25-45 per person)
🏆 Best For: Classic Indian, outdoor patio, dog-friendly, history buffs, Scottsdale tradition
⏰ Hours: Mon-Thu 11 AM-9 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-10 PM, Sun 12 PM-9 PM
🪑 Seating: Patio seating available, reservations recommended for dinner
🚗 Parking: Plaza lot + street parking
This is where it gets interesting:
When Jewel of the Crown opened in 1984, Scottsdale didn’t have an “Indian food scene.” There was just this place—introducing the Valley to butter chicken, samosas, and tandoori cooking before most Arizonans knew what naan was.
Forty years later, they’re still here. While trendier spots have come and gone, Jewel has outlasted them all.
📊 CELEBRITY HISTORY: Jewel of the Crown’s walls tell stories. Alice Cooper is a regular. Members of The Rolling Stones have dined here. Local sports figures, politicians, and Arizona celebrities have made this their go-to for authentic Indian cuisine. The restaurant maintains a celebrity photo wall spanning four decades.
Dog-Friendly Patio Dining
Want to know the best part?
Jewel of the Crown offers one of the only dog-friendly Indian restaurant patios in Scottsdale. The shaded outdoor seating welcomes well-behaved pets—perfect for Arizona’s endless patio-dining season.
The patio overlooks Scottsdale Road with mature trees providing shade, misters for summer months, and heaters for cooler evenings. It’s become a neighborhood gathering spot for locals who want quality food without leaving their four-legged friends at home.
Classic Indian Dishes Done Right
Jewel doesn’t chase trends. They’ve perfected the classics:
- Tandoori dishes — Clay oven cooking is their specialty, with tandoori chicken that’s been refined for 40 years
- Classic curries — Butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, lamb korma—all made from unchanged recipes
- Lunch buffet — Weekday buffet with rotating selections (one of few remaining in Scottsdale)
- Full bar — Craft cocktails, wine, beer, and mango lassi
What Real Customers Say
“I’ve been coming here since the 90s. The butter chicken recipe hasn’t changed and that’s exactly what I want. New places try to reinvent everything—Jewel just makes it right. The patio is perfect for our dog, and the staff treats everyone like family.”
— Tom H., Scottsdale (Yelp, 5★)
“There’s something special about a restaurant that’s survived 40 years. Food is consistently good, service knows the regulars, and the patio has that old Scottsdale charm before everything became chain restaurants. Bring your dog and enjoy a leisurely dinner.”
— Lisa P., Paradise Valley (Google, 4★)
📈 Common Review Themes: “Scottsdale institution” (76%), “consistent classics” (71%), “dog-friendly patio” (68%), “celebrity sightings” (42%)
What to Order at Jewel of the Crown
- Tandoori Chicken ($18): Their 40-year signature—perfectly charred, juicy, aromatic spices
- Butter Chicken ($19): Classic recipe unchanged since 1984, rich and creamy
- Lamb Roganjosh ($21): Kashmiri-style braised lamb, deeply flavored
- Vegetable Samosas ($7): Crispy, well-spiced, perfect starter
- Mango Lassi ($5): Authentic yogurt drink, refreshing with spicy dishes
💡 Pro Tip: Request patio seating when you call—it’s first-come during peak hours. Lunch buffet (Mon-Fri) is a great introduction to their menu. If you spot someone famous, the staff is discreet—celebrities come here specifically because they’re left alone.
But here’s the thing:
History is wonderful, but some diners want modern ambiance with their curry. What if you want upscale vibes, live entertainment, and a proper wine bar—all with authentic Indian food?
That’s Peacock’s specialty:
5. Peacock Indian Bar & Grill — Best Ambiance & Live Entertainment (★★★★★ 4.8/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Yelp: ★★★★★ 4.8 (45+ reviews) | Google: ★★★★½ 4.6 | OpenTable: Highly Rated
Overall: 4.8 stars Yelp (highest-rated Indian in Scottsdale) | Phoenix New Times Featured
📍 Location: 7419 E Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
💰 Price Range: $$ ($30-50 per person with drinks)
🏆 Best For: Date nights, live music, wine bar, upscale casual, outdoor patio
⏰ Hours: Tue-Sun 4 PM-10 PM (Closed Mondays)
🪑 Seating: Reservations recommended for weekends, especially for patio
🚗 Parking: Indian Plaza lot (free, ample space)
It gets better:
Peacock holds the highest Yelp rating of any Indian restaurant in Scottsdale—4.8 stars. That’s not a typo. While most restaurants struggle to break 4.0, Peacock has cultivated nearly perfect reviews from diners who appreciate what they’ve created.
This isn’t just an Indian restaurant with a bar. It’s a genuine bar & grill experience that happens to serve exceptional Indian cuisine.
💡 LOCAL INSIGHT: Phoenix New Times specifically highlighted Peacock for bringing “vibrant menu and upscale atmosphere” to Scottsdale’s Indian dining scene. The wine list is curated specifically to pair with Indian spices—something most Indian restaurants overlook entirely. Live entertainment on weekends creates an atmosphere you won’t find elsewhere.
Wine Bar Meets Indian Cuisine
Think about it:
Most Indian restaurants treat drinks as an afterthought—maybe a few beers and some mango lassi. Peacock built their concept around the idea that great Indian food deserves great wine pairings.
Their sommelier-curated wine list features:
- Off-dry Rieslings — Perfect with spicy curries, balanced sweetness cuts heat
- Grüner Veltliners — Austrian whites that complement tandoori dishes
- Sparkling options — Champagne and prosecco for celebrations
- Craft cocktails — Indian-spiced twists on classics
Live Entertainment & Date Night Vibes
Weekend evenings feature live music—acoustic sets that enhance rather than overwhelm conversation. The ambiance strikes a rare balance: upscale enough for special occasions, relaxed enough for casual dinners.
The outdoor patio is particularly popular during Scottsdale’s mild months (October-May), with string lights, comfortable seating, and views of the surrounding Indian Plaza.
What Real Customers Say
“Finally—an Indian restaurant where I can bring a date without apologizing for the decor. Food is exceptional, wine list is thoughtful, and the live music on Saturday was the perfect touch. Butter chicken was rich without being heavy, and the sommelier’s wine pairing suggestion was spot-on.”
— Amanda R., Scottsdale (Yelp, 5★)
“This place understands something most Indian restaurants don’t: ambiance matters. We celebrated our anniversary here—the patio setting was romantic, service was impeccable, and the lamb biryani was legitimately the best I’ve had in Arizona. The Grüner Veltliner pairing was genius.”
— Chris M., Paradise Valley (Google, 5★)
📈 Common Review Themes: “Perfect date spot” (89%), “exceptional ambiance” (86%), “wine pairings excellent” (78%), “live music bonus” (67%)
What to Order at Peacock
- Lamb Biryani ($24): Aromatic dum-style, tender lamb, saffron-infused basmati
- Butter Chicken ($21): Rich and creamy, perfectly balanced spices
- Tandoori Prawns ($26): Jumbo prawns, clay-oven charred, mint chutney
- Paneer Tikka ($18): Marinated paneer, tandoor-cooked, vibrant spices
- Wine Pairing (varies): Ask server for recommendations—they know their stuff
💡 Pro Tip: Closed Mondays. For Saturday dinner with live music, book by Thursday. Patio seating fills first—request when reserving. The wine bar opens at 4 PM, so arrive early for pre-dinner drinks. If you’re new to wine-and-curry pairings, trust the staff’s suggestions.
Honorable Mentions: More Indian Food in Scottsdale
The kicker:
These five restaurants cover most needs—but Scottsdale’s Indian scene extends further. Here are additional options worth knowing:
Veda Indian Cuisine — Scottsdale Quarter Location
Location: 15147 N Scottsdale Rd (Scottsdale Quarter)
Rating: 4.3★ | Price: $$
Best For: Shopping break, North Scottsdale convenience, upscale casual
Veda brings solid Indian cuisine to the Scottsdale Quarter shopping district. Convenient if you’re in the Kierland area and want quality Indian without driving far. Menu features traditional favorites with modern presentation. Outdoor seating overlooks the Quarter’s pedestrian areas.
Hyderabad House — South Indian Specialties
Location: 7810 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Rating: 4.2★ | Price: $
Best For: Biryani lovers, South Indian cuisine, authentic Hyderabadi style
For diners seeking authentic Hyderabadi biryani—the slow-cooked, layered rice dish that’s a meal unto itself—this is your destination. Part of a national chain with quality control, Hyderabad House specializes in South Indian flavors that differ from the North Indian-dominant Scottsdale scene.
Tandoori Nights — Neighborhood Favorite
Location: 8260 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Rating: 4.0★ | Price: $-$$
Best For: Quick service, takeout, neighborhood convenience
A solid neighborhood option for consistent Indian food without the fuss. Tandoori Nights delivers reliable execution of classics at fair prices. Good for weeknight takeout when you want Indian food without the drive to Old Town or North Scottsdale destinations.
Best Indian Buffet in Scottsdale: Your Options
Here’s the deal:
If you specifically want Indian lunch buffet in Scottsdale, your options are more limited than you’d expect. Post-2020, many restaurants eliminated buffets and never brought them back. Here’s where you can still find all-you-can-eat Indian:
| Restaurant | Buffet Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Taj Mahal Old Town Scottsdale | Daily Lunch + Weekend Champagne Brunch | $18-32 |
| Jewel of the Crown Scottsdale Rd | Weekday Lunch Buffet | $16-18 |
Bottom line: If Indian buffet is your priority, Taj Mahal offers the most extensive spread with the most consistent quality. Their weekend champagne brunch elevates the buffet experience with unlimited mimosas.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Best Indian Restaurants in Scottsdale
| Restaurant | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Indibar Modern Indian cuisine 4.5★ AWARD WINNER | $$$ $40-70 pp | View → |
| 2nd Taj Mahal Buffet + Old Town 4.5★ BEST BUFFET | $$ $20-40 pp | View → |
| 3rd Namaste Family-owned authenticity 4.5★ BEST VALUE | $ $15-30 pp | View → |
| 4th Jewel of the Crown 40-year institution 4.0★ LEGACY | $$ $25-45 pp | View → |
| 5th Peacock Wine bar + live music 4.8★ DATE NIGHT | $$ $30-50 pp | View → |
Quick Decision Guide:
- 🏆 Best overall innovation? → Indibar (Phoenix New Times 2025 winner)
- 🍽️ Best buffet value? → Taj Mahal (30+ dishes, champagne brunch)
- 💰 Best everyday value? → Namaste ($10-12 lunch specials)
- 🐕 Best dog-friendly patio? → Jewel of the Crown
- ❤️ Best date night? → Peacock (4.8★, wine bar, live music)
- 🥬 Best vegetarian options? → Namaste (TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice)
FAQs: Best Indian Restaurants in Scottsdale Arizona
What is the #1 rated Indian restaurant in Scottsdale?
Peacock Indian Bar & Grill holds the highest Yelp rating at 4.8 stars, making it technically the top-rated Indian restaurant in Scottsdale. However, Indibar earned Phoenix New Times “Best New Restaurant 2025” recognition for innovation, while Taj Mahal has the most reviews (1,401+) with consistent 4.5-star ratings. Your “best” depends on whether you prioritize ambiance (Peacock), innovation (Indibar), or proven consistency (Taj Mahal).
Where can I find Indian buffet in Scottsdale?
Taj Mahal Restaurant & Lounge offers the best Indian lunch buffet in Scottsdale, featuring 30+ rotating dishes daily from 11 AM-3 PM ($18-22). Their weekend champagne brunch ($28-32) adds unlimited mimosas. Jewel of the Crown offers weekday lunch buffet (Mon-Fri 11:30 AM-2:30 PM, $16-18). These are the only two remaining Indian buffets in Scottsdale proper.
Which Scottsdale Indian restaurant is best for vegetarians?
Namaste Indian Restaurant offers the best vegetarian Indian food in Scottsdale, with TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice recognition and nearly half their menu dedicated to vegetarian dishes. Standouts include Palak Paneer (fresh spinach with house-made paneer), Dal Makhani (slow-cooked black lentils), and Vegetable Biryani. All five restaurants on our list accommodate vegetarians well, but Namaste treats vegetarian dishes as features rather than afterthoughts.
Is Indian food expensive in Scottsdale?
Indian food in Scottsdale spans all price points. Budget options like Namaste offer lunch specials at $10-12 including entrée, rice, naan, and salad. Mid-range restaurants like Taj Mahal and Jewel of the Crown average $20-40 per person. Upscale options like Indibar run $40-70 per person with drinks. Buffets offer exceptional value at $16-22 for unlimited food. Compared to similar-quality dining in Phoenix or Tempe, Scottsdale Indian restaurant pricing is competitive.
Do I need reservations for Indian restaurants in Scottsdale?
It depends on the restaurant. Indibar and Peacock strongly recommend reservations, especially for weekend dinners—book 1-2 weeks ahead for Friday-Saturday. Taj Mahal accepts walk-ins for their buffet but recommends reservations for dinner and private Gandhi Room events. Namaste and Jewel of the Crown typically accommodate walk-ins without issues. For any weekend dinner at popular spots, calling ahead ensures you avoid disappointment.
Which Indian restaurant in Scottsdale has outdoor seating?
Three of our top five offer notable outdoor dining: Jewel of the Crown has Scottsdale’s only dog-friendly Indian restaurant patio with mature shade trees and misters. Peacock Indian Bar & Grill offers an upscale patio with string lights, perfect for date nights. Taj Mahal has limited outdoor seating near Old Town’s walkable area. Request patio seating when making reservations during peak season (October-May).
What’s the newest Indian restaurant in Scottsdale?
Indibar opened March 2025 and is Scottsdale’s newest notable Indian restaurant. Chef Nigel Lobo (trained at El Bulli-influenced restaurants with Michelin-starred experience in Goa and Dubai) brought modern Indian cuisine to the former Postino space in Lincoln Village. Within months, Phoenix New Times named it one of the “10 Best New Restaurants of 2025″—the only Indian restaurant on the list. Reservations are essential for this hot newcomer.
Your Scottsdale Indian Food Adventure Starts Here
Whether you’re craving award-winning modern innovation at Indibar, endless buffet variety at Taj Mahal, family-recipe authenticity at Namaste, 40 years of Scottsdale history at Jewel of the Crown, or date-night ambiance at Peacock—Scottsdale’s Indian dining scene delivers authentic flavors at every price point.
From Phoenix New Times award winners to TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice honorees, this desert city has quietly developed one of Arizona’s most diverse Indian food scenes.
What’s the #1 Indian food experience you’re most excited to try in Scottsdale—innovative modern cuisine at Indibar, unlimited buffet variety at Taj Mahal, or upscale wine pairings at Peacock?
Drop us a line at contact@scottsdalespot.com—we’d love to hear what brings you to Arizona’s Indian dining scene.
Exploring more of Scottsdale’s dining scene? Check out these local guides:
- Best Mexican Restaurants in Scottsdale →
- Best Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale →
- Best Steakhouses in Scottsdale →
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Have a favorite Scottsdale Indian restaurant we missed? Drop a comment below—we’re always hunting for the next great recommendation to add to our guides!


