Seattle, WA
For Indian in Seattle, the local food press points to NIRMAL'S, Spice Waala, and Kathakali, An Indian Eatery. Picks from The Infatuation, updated July 2026.
Editor’s picks
Press picks, until locals rank their own Top 5s. Sourced from the local food press. As seen in The Infatuation. Updated July 2026.
NIRMAL'S · Pioneer Square
A Pioneer Square institution in a brick building that survived the Great Seattle Fire, with a rotating menu spanning India's regional styles. Vegetarian and vegan dishes get equal billing alongside a creamy chicken korma and an extra-sweet paneer makhan masala.
Spice Waala · Ballard
A husband-and-wife counter serving Indian street food built for lunch takeout: kathi rolls stuffed with marinated grilled meats or paneer masala, plus an aloo patty finished with green chutney, all quick and inexpensive across the Ballard and Columbia City locations.
Kathakali, An Indian Eatery · Kirkland
A cozy Eastside eatery focused on Kerala-style cooking, built around fresh coconut and spice rather than the North Indian standards most menus lean on. The gunpowder dosa, dusted with a sour lentil-chile powder, is the dish to order alongside crisp kale pakoras.
Indian-Nepali Kitchen · Haller Lake
A quiet, no-frills neighborhood spot blending Indian and Nepali cooking, known especially for thick, pillowy naan and a rich, gravy-drenched aloo gobi. The sadheko chicken momos add a Nepali counterpoint to the usual curry-house menu.
Annapurna Cafe · Capitol Hill
A longtime Capitol Hill spot pairing Indian and Tibetan menus under one roof, known especially for its Tibetan momos alongside classic tikka masala and palak paneer. The basement dining room keeps it a low-key sit-down option on a bar-heavy strip.
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