The 6 best Indian restaurants in Ottawa, according to local chefs and restaurateurs

Indian restaurants in Ottawa are serving up some of the most mouthwatering dishes in the city, and we’ve got the inside scoop from local chefs and food experts on where to go.With so many yummy spots across the country's capital, there is naturally a lot of debate over which restaurant has the ultimate Indian food experience, and we all have our favourites.Local chefs and restaurateurs are no different. That's why I sat down with some industry pros to find out where the best Indian food in Ottawa is, according to them.Whether you’re craving classic butter chicken or something with a modern twist, these six spots are the top picks for unforgettable Indian eats worth checking out.KathaSee on InstagramPrice: 💸💸💸💸Address: 225 Preston St. Unit 3, Ottawa, ONWhy You Need To Go: Staring off is Katha, an Indian restaurant with the highest price tag for a meal on this list. Bare with me for this explanation, as it is a mouthful: Katha is an eight-course, fine dining, chef's table-style tasting menu. Let me break that down for you.Eight courses and fine dining are pretty self-explanatory. It's a refined meal and level of service, at a fixed price that provides you with eight courses and the option for wine pairings. For the whole experience, you're looking at around $200 per person.The fun part is the chef's table-style experience that they provide. Each dish comes with a story from one of the chefs. They explain how the dish was curated, what inspired it, the region of India that the idea comes from, and any other interesting information to help elevate your dining experience.Perhaps this is why it is a favourite Indian experience for Manny, the owner of both OG Frankie's and Poa Tiki Bar in Ottawa's Byward Market. He credits the experience at Katha for being unique in Ottawa as a whole, not just amongst Indian restaurants. It truly is a special experience.Katha WebsiteTaj MahalPrice: 💸💸Address: 925 Bank St., Ottawa, ONWhy You Need To Go: Taj Mahal is a staple in the Glebe. They've been sitting at the corner of Bank and Holmwood for over a decade, serving up Indian comfort classics to any Ottawan that strolls through their front door.Taj Mahal puts an emphasis on big and bold Indian flavours, and staple dishes like tikka masala, korma, and biriyani.Their wide variety of options is a draw for Indian food lovers from all corners of the city and Justin Merner, co-owner of the classic Al's Steakhouse is no exception.Not only did Merner shout out Taj Mahal as one of his favourite Indian culinary experiences in the city, but he also gave it the title of most underrated spot in Ottawa.Taj Mahal is one of those restaurants that hides in plain sight. You may walk by it every single day without ever going inside. Well, this is your sign to change that routine. It's time to check out Taj Mahal and find out exactly what makes Merner feel so strongly about it.Taj Mahal WebsiteCoconut LagoonSee on InstagramPrice: 💸💸💸Address: 853 St Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ONWhy You Need To Go: Coconut Lagoon prides itself on being a "modern Indian restaurant." Somehow, even though they've been serving up Indian delights in Ottawa for 20 years, they've still managed to keep their modernity and have excelled at progressing with the culinary changes of today.Inspired by the Kerala cuisine of India's southwest region, the team at Coconut Lagoon has paired their love of regional Indian cookery with fine old-world wine to curate a unique dining experience that has stood the test of time in Ottawa.Owner of both Red Door Provisions in Ottawa and Café Palmier in Chelsea, Lauren Power named Coconut Lagoon as her favourite Indian food in the region "for sure."Power is an Ottawa hospitality powerhouse, and her stamp of approval should not be taken lightly. I guess there is a reason that Coconut Lagoon has thrived for two decades.Coconut Lagoon WebsiteThaliSee on InstagramPrice: 💸💸💸Address: 136 O'Connor St., Ottawa, ONWhy You Need To Go: Thali is one of the most unique restaurants on this list.The name Thali refers to a type of dish in the south of India. It consists of an elegantly displayed array of items that include proteins, rice, vegetables, sauces, and more, allowing the diner to mix and match flavor combinations in an ultimately impressive and cohesive meal.This variety of flavour is what makes Thali so special, and it's no secret that they can impress even the most decorated culinary professionals in Ottawa. Adam Vettorel, head chef and co-owner of both North & Navy and Cantina Gia, gives Thali its flowers as the best Indian in the city. As a man who consistently has his restaurant on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants list, I think we can trust his judgment.Thali WebsiteLittle India CafeSee on InstagramPrice: 💸💸Address: 66 Wylie Ave., Ottawa, ONWhy You Need To Go: We've spent some time in the south of India, now let's make our way north!Little India Cafe is Ottawa's oldest Indian restaurant. It's also what we typically think of when we consider Indian takeout food. An endearing hole in the wall that wafts delicious smells into the streets that you pick up from a block away. Chef and owner of the incredible Lola's Filipino Kitchen, Kim Epino, credits Little India Cafe as his favourite and best option for Indian in Canada's capital. Game recognizes game, you feel me?Little India Cafe WebsiteThe Indian AffairPrice: 💸💸Address: 291 Queen Mary St., Ottawa, ONWhy You Need To Go: The Indian Affair is an unassuming takeout joint in Ottawa's Vanier neighbourhood that people from all over the city come to try. They provide a modern interpretation on classic Indian takeout, and have a wide variety of dishes with bold flavours to satisfy every palate.Owner of Union 613, Ivan Gedz, raves about The Indian Affair. Not only is this his vote for best Indian food in the city of Ottawa, but he goes on to say that the dishes here are "out of this world."Maybe it's time for a trip out to Vanier?The Indian Affair WebsiteTasty Indian food is all over the city of Ottawa, and now you know which places have the experts' stamp of approval!Happy eating, friends!