Spicy joints. Cozy joints. Family-run joints. Date-night joints. The place with the perfect naan. The spot where you celebrated that promotion. It’s impossible to crown one as the absolute best. But these are the ideal Indian restaurants for every craving and occasion in Moreno Valley.
New Delhi Palace Cuisine of India San Bernardino
$ | (909) 884-9966 | WEBSITE
There’s nothing pretentious about New Delhi Palace Cuisine of India. The interior is warm and cozy and feels like the kind of place a Bollywood dance number would break out among a group of joyful families. This is a local spot for local people. Come for the buffet and stay for the paratha—flaky, buttery, pulled fresh from the tandoor, and perfect with the shahi paneer or makhani daal—or more.
Chicken tikka Masala Express *Halal*
$ | (909) 283-4032 | WEBSITE
In a world full of curated tasting menus and spice-level theatrics, it’s nice that you can still get a steaming plate of chicken tikka masala in a room that feels like a warm hug from your favorite uncle. More often than not, very little happens at this simple and affordable Indian spot in Moreno Valley. It’s a straightforward, clean, and often quiet lunch counter. But wander in on the right (or wrong) afternoon, and you can add a little flavor to your day.
Papa’s India Grill
$ | (951) 247-7190 | WEBSITE
A spice-scented, naan-tearing, sauce-dipping Thursday night feast of the most soul-warming variety, Papa’s India Grill’s dinner service is a consistent delight. The Moreno Valley spot has a bustling, family-kitchen feel to it, with regulars around the dining room, contented diners wordlessly savoring mango lassis, and takeout customers lighting up the parking lot with their waiting cars.
Maharajah India Cuisine
$ | (909) 824-1100 | WEBSITE
Maharajah India Cuisine is a purveyor of vibrant flavors and culinary memories. Drop by for a bustling Friday night dinner, next to the fragrant steam of simmering curries. The cozy corner of this restaurant where the dosa station lives is a particularly charming, spice-scented zone. Put your love for bold flavors to the test with the chicken vindaloo. Or stay riveted to your booth as the Mysore Masala Dosa transports you from Riverside to Chennai.
New India Sweets & Spices
$ | (951) 781-0560 | WEBSITE
New India Sweets & Spices is a Moreno Valley spot where friends gather at cozy indoor tables and see if they can remember the taste of authentic Punjabi subzi. The well-organized grocery section is a good hint that this place is designed for finding imported spices and vegetables rather than just grabbing a quick meal. And the friendly staff will happily guide you toward something you like, even if your only request is ‘something fresh and homemade’.
Punjab Palace Cuisine of India | Best Indian Restaurant | Best Indian food | Best Indian Curry
$ | (951) 686-9968 | WEBSITE
Punjab Palace has seen things. Good, spicy, and glorious. This perennially flavorful Indian spot can feel like a feast come the weekend, although it still has inviting corners for intense conversations inside and out. On any given ‘Masala Monday’, the start of something (or the inevitable end) appears to be happening over two-for-one mango lassis (between 5pm and 8pm) and a plate of hot garlic naan. Lunch specials may be daily purgatory, but they’ve found a home here.
Gandhi Cuisine Of India Riverside
$$ | (951) 653-4147 | WEBSITE
If a restaurant clears its memory-stained maroon-carpeted floor, pulls down the projector, and allows anyone who’s several curries deep to murder ‘Hanging On The Telephone’, then you should be there. This is the scene most Fridays at Gandhi Cuisine of India Riverside, an inviting and elegant spot that attracts young and old to belt something out after several reasonably priced lagers.
The traditional Indian artwork creates a serene and welcoming atmosphere, while the knowledgeable and attentive staff go out of their way to ensure a memorable visit. The food is consistently excellent, with rich and authentic flavors and beautiful presentation. Popular dishes include the Chicken Tikka Masala and the mixed grill, which are highly recommended for first-time visitors.
Customers praise the large portions and the authentic, fresh taste of the dishes such as samosas, garlic naan, lentil soup, and chicken saag. The restaurant’s friendly staff and well-decorated setting make it a favorite spot for those seeking authentic Indian cuisine.
Masala Indo-Pak Cuisine
$ | (909) 796-2900 | WEBSITE
The vibe: cozy with a generous dash of authentic. The menu: everything that could belong to a Karachi kitchen. The setting: Masala Indo-Pak Cuisine, a snug spot in Moreno Valley where drifting from the fragrant samosas to the rich daal palak just feels right. On any given night, this beloved eatery is exclusively lit by warm lighting and bustling energy. So you can genuinely savor subcontinent-style in the valley’s best made-to-order joint.
Naan Cafe Redlands
$ | (909) 674-0015 | WEBSITE
When we walk through the door at Naan Cafe Redlands, a server in a bright tunic with a warm smile greets us. That person is the face of the welcoming atmosphere at this Indian restaurant in Moreno Valley. Expect to see a lot of that hospitality throughout your visit. The menu features comforting classics like chicken tikka masala and aloo gobi, all served with freshly made naan that arrives steaming at your table.
The three-item combo is a great deal at around $18, with portions so generous they often stretch to two meals. The space is clean and vibrant, with easy parking making it a favorite spot for everyone from vegetarians to meat-eaters. Visitors leave satisfied, with plans to return soon.
India’s Clay Oven
$$ | (909) 890-0090 | WEBSITE
A great Indian restaurant needs three things: flavors (bold), atmosphere (cozy), and the potential to make a regular out of you (undeniable). For date nights, India’s Clay Oven in Moreno Valley is reliable, and its welcoming vibe is immediately apparent. For those craving authentic spice, few spots are better than this place and its fresh, tender dishes like Josh Rogan with lamb. As for budget-friendly dining? Well, the build-your-meal option with lemon rice and garlic naan speaks for itself.
Biryani Heaven
$ | (832) 482-8085 | WEBSITE
This Moreno Valley Indian spot has earned its place on the ’12 Best’ list. Mostly because the vegetarian options like the tofu are genuinely delicious, but most notably, because we experienced the full spectrum of their service during our visit. Biryani Heaven has zero respect for predictable dining. There are inconsistencies almost every aspect of service and its long wait times have tested many a hungry patron’s patience.
Yet the kind owner occasionally appears to smooth things over, rescuing the experience from total disappointment.
Gandhi Cuisine of India
$$ | (909) 478-0111 | WEBSITE
Sometimes all you can manage to text your friends after your third helping of garlic naan is ‘Indian place on the corner’. Inside, it’s a cozy, stylish spot with comfortable seating. Outside there’s a clean, welcoming entrance and a family-style setup that’s perfect for sharing when your favorite spicy dishes make their appearance at the table.