Discovering the best Indian restaurants in Wellington brings vibrant spices, traditional recipes and fresh local ingredients to New Zealand’s capital for locals and visitors alike. These spots deliver everything from classic North Indian curries and tandoori dishes to South Indian specialties and innovative street food, with options for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diners. Indian Alley and Great India exemplify the quality and variety available in the city.
1Indian Alley
Indian Alley is a husband-and-wife-run restaurant in Te Aro offering an authentic journey through India’s diverse regions with two distinct dining styles: modern casual buffet and à la carte or traditional full-service fine dining. The team uses high-quality ingredients to create daringly different yet approachable dishes that challenge misconceptions of Indian cuisine while remaining accessible to all ages and preferences.
Services
- North and South Indian curries and specialties
- Tandoori dishes and biryanis
- Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options
- Buffet and à la carte dining
- Fine dining and casual street-food styles
Highlights
- Husband and wife team with passion for food and hospitality
- Dual dining experiences in one venue
- Emphasis on exceptional quality ingredients and innovation
- Central Te Aro location with online ordering
- Focus on making authentic Indian food accessible to all demographics
Location & Contact
Name: Indian Alley
Address: 3/290 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Phone: 04 974 8822
Website: indianalley.co.nz
2Great India
Great India is a long-established restaurant in Te Aro specialising in Anglo-British-Indian cuisine with roots in traditional Punjabi and Gujarati recipes prepared exactly as in the family home. The menu features over 60 dishes including classics like rogan josh, butter chicken and lamb vindaloo alongside modern creations, served in a welcoming setting near Courtenay Place’s bars, cinemas and theatres.
Services
- Vegetarian and non-vegetarian entrees including samosas and pakoras
- Tandoori chicken, kebabs and tikka
- Traditional curries and modern delicacies
- Set menus and extensive beverage list
- Catering services
Highlights
- Established in 1983 with over 40 years in Wellington
- Highlighted in Cuisine Good Food Awards 2024
- More than 60 dishes on the menu
- Central location in the heart of the city’s nightlife area
- Specialises in dishes prepared with freshly ground spices and herbs
Location & Contact
Name: Great India
Address: 141 Manners Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Phone: 04 384 5755
Website: greatindia.co.nz
3Masala Cafe & Bar
Masala Cafe & Bar is an independently owned Indian restaurant in Te Aro operating since 2002, known for halal meat cooked in a traditional charcoal clay oven and a fully BYO licensed lounge-style setting. It offers a warm atmosphere suitable for groups or intimate dinners, with lunch specials and catering services for events.
Services
- Signature curries simmered with aromatic spices
- Sizzling tandoori specialties
- Biryanis, kebabs and vegetarian options
- Lunch specials and takeaway
- Catering for weddings, corporate events and parties
Highlights
- Independently owned and operated since 2002
- Halal meat and fully BYO licensed
- Spacious venue for large groups or intimate dining
- Lunch specials from $13.99
- Professional catering services with flexible packages
Location & Contact
Name: Masala Cafe & Bar
Address: 12 Allen Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Phone: 04 385 2012
Website: masala.gen.nz
4Chaat Street
Chaat Street is a vibrant Te Aro eatery led by chef Vaibhav Vishen, specialising in authentic Indian street food served tapas-style for sharing. The modern urban setting brings bustling market flavours to Wellington with high-quality ingredients, playful energy and innovative presentations of classics like pani puri and vada pav.
Services
- Indian street food classics including pani puri and vada pav
- Tapas-style shareable plates
- Curries, biryanis and flatbreads
- Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options
- Bookings for part of the dining room with walk-ins welcome
Highlights
- Led by chef Vaibhav Vishen
- Recommended by Lonely Planet as a must-do dining gem
- Focus on high-quality ingredients and true-to-form street food
- Central Willis Street location in Te Aro
- Playful, shareable format ideal for social dining
Location & Contact
Name: Chaat Street
Address: 171 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Phone: 04 213 6736
Website: chaatstreet.co.nz
5Baar-Baar
Baar-Baar is a modern Indian gastro bar in Te Aro that blends India’s rich culinary heritage with contemporary techniques and innovative cocktails inspired by Bollywood films. The concept celebrates street-style chaat, tandoor grills and regional flavours in a vibrant setting designed for repeat visits.
Services
- Contemporary Indian cuisine with regional flavours
- Smoky tandoor grills and playful deconstructions
- India-inspired cocktails with ancient elixirs and spices
- Lunch and dinner service
- Reservations available
Highlights
- Modern yet rustic approach to Indian cuisine
- Cocktails renamed and inspired by iconic Bollywood movies
- Emphasis on tradition meeting innovation
- Eva Street location next to Goldings bar in Te Aro
- Focus on creating an unforgettable, welcoming experience
Location & Contact
Name: Baar-Baar
Address: 1/5 Eva Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Phone: 04 280 1013
Website: baar-baar.co.nz
Indian Restaurants in Wellington at a Glance
| Business | Based in | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Alley | Te Aro | Husband and wife team with passion for food and hospitality |
| Great India | Te Aro | Established in 1983 with over 40 years in Wellington |
| Masala Cafe & Bar | Te Aro | Independently owned and operated since 2002 |
| Chaat Street | Te Aro | Led by chef Vaibhav Vishen |
| Baar-Baar | Te Aro | Modern yet rustic approach to Indian cuisine |
How to Choose the Right Indian Restaurant in Wellington
- Look for menus showcasing regional variety such as Punjabi curries, South Indian dosas, tandoori and Indo-Chinese fusion to match your preferences.
- Check for clear dietary labelling and options including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal dishes.
- Consider central locations in Te Aro, Thorndon or near Courtenay Place for easy access by public transport or on foot.
- Review whether the venue offers dine-in, takeaway, delivery, online ordering or catering to suit your plans.
- Ask about spice level customisation and allergen information to ensure the meal matches your tolerance and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wellington Indian Restaurants
What types of Indian cuisine are commonly available in Wellington?
Most restaurants serve North Indian classics such as butter chicken, lamb rogan josh and tandoori dishes alongside South Indian specialties like dosa and coastal curries. Many also feature street food, biryanis and Indo-Chinese fusion options.
Are there Indian restaurants in Wellington that cater to special diets?
Yes, the majority offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes with clear menu labelling. Several also provide halal meat options and can accommodate allergen requests through staff knowledge.
Is it common for Indian restaurants in Wellington to offer takeaway and delivery?
Yes, most provide takeaway and delivery services, often via online platforms. Many also offer lunch specials and catering for events, making it convenient for diners across suburbs like Te Aro and Thorndon.
Do Indian restaurants in Wellington serve alcohol or allow BYO?
Several are fully licensed or BYO, with options to pair meals with local wines, beers or Indian beverages like lassi. Policies vary, so it is best to confirm directly with the venue.
How spicy is the food at Indian restaurants in Wellington?
Spice levels are typically customisable from mild to extra hot. Inform staff of your preference when ordering to ensure the meal suits your palate.
Where are Indian restaurants located in Wellington?
Many cluster in central areas including Te Aro (Wakefield Street, Allen Street, Willis Street, Eva Street) and Thorndon, with easy access from Courtenay Place and the city centre. This makes them convenient for both locals and visitors exploring the capital.
What should I expect when dining at an Indian restaurant in Wellington?
Expect welcoming atmospheres, attentive service and dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. Complimentary papadums or chutneys are common, and many venues accommodate groups, dietary needs and both casual and special-occasion dining.
How We Chose the Best Indian Restaurants in Wellington
Every business in this guide was found by searching for indian restaurants in Wellington, then checked against its own website. Names, addresses and phone numbers are taken from the business’s own site rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what they publish themselves. We also check that each one is actually based in or genuinely serving Wellington, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business with no website of its own is not listed, because there is no primary source to verify it against.