Tustin might be known for its historic district and sprawling malls, but it’s quietly become a destination for vibrant Indian cuisine. From sizzling tandoori platters in cozy family-run spots to modern bistros reimagining classic curries, this guide uncovers the flavors that make Orange County’s scene shine. Whether you crave buttery naan from a hidden gem or seek a lavish thali feast, these restaurants deliver authentic spice and soul.
URBAN PUNJAB The Royal Kitchen
$$ | (657) 233-5140 | WEBSITE
Remember that friend’s house where you’d gather for a home-cooked feast? Maybe share stories over steaming plates? Oh, uh … us neither. But if we did, we bet it’d taste like Urban Punjab, with its warm inviting ambiance, beautiful traditional decor, and attentive service that makes you feel like family.
They’ve got $16 butter chicken with its tender meat and rich, flavorful sauce, a standout chicken tikka platter with authentic spices, and a lunch special $12 palak paneer that’s a vegetarian delight. To fully experience Urban Punjab’s authentic-but-approachable ethos, order their $18 lamb biryani with fragrant basmati rice and pair it with their honey chicken wings appetizer.
The dining room is also a cozy haven filled with the aroma of spices for those who prefer a naan in one hand, and a refreshing mango lassi in the other.
India Gate Restaurant
$ | (714) 730-8996 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in an unassuming strip mall in Tustin, India Gate Restaurant doesn’t make much of a first impression from the parking lot. But once you step inside the bustling dining room, the aromas make it clear that this place isn’t messing around. It’s the kind of spot where the lunch buffet rules apply: there’s incredible value and the staff just keeps everything hot and fresh until closing. And somehow, they never disappoint.
Even the simplest dishes have depth and complexity thanks to surprising touches (perfectly charred edges on the Tandoori Chicken, for example), and richer curries like their take on the Rogan Josh will make a lamb-believer out of any chicken devotee. The Paneer Tikka Masala alone is worth the $15.99 price tag, with large portions that leave you happily stuffed.
Tandoor Cuisine of India
$ | (714) 538-2234 | WEBSITE
Tandoor Cuisine of India is one of Tustin’s standout Indian restaurants, and it’s definitely the one with the most welcoming vibe. There’s warm lighting casting a cozy glow, intricate tapestries hanging on the walls, and comfortable booths spaced generously throughout the dining room. The food itself is flavorful and satisfying, tasting even better on relaxed evenings in their spacious setting.
Chicken Tikka Masala fans will probably enjoy the mild spice version, as well as the Shrimp Masala, while those seeking comfort should go for the fresh naan bread. All the dishes are perfectly suited to match your cravings—think stuff like delicious homemade milk rice for a perfect ending.
ADYA
$ | (714) 533-2392 | WEBSITE
ADYA is one of the most intriguing and unusual Indian restaurants in Tustin. The actual space is located on the second floor of the Anaheim Packing House, and they’ve kept the clean, modern environment that makes it feel both contemporary and approachable. It’s certainly not a place where traditional spices overwhelm: rather, it’s now a bright, casual spot that functions as a quick lunch destination during the week and a unique dinner experience on weekends.
And they do service as well as they do atmosphere. Their fast and attentive staff are the best, and it’s always a good idea to order anything with their tandoori chicken or chicken tikka masala—the thali combo, for example, is a solid, flavorful combination of salad, yogurt sauce, naan, and lentils. ADYA also offers a curious series of fusion items that feature chicken tikka masala burritos, goat cheese naan, and more.
Indian Vegan Cafe
$ | (516) 754-4150 | WEBSITE
With its bright murals, warm wooden tables, open kitchen view, and shelves lined with spices, Indian Vegan Cafe is the kind of plant-based haven food lovers dream about. And the flavors are damn good, too. The menu features mostly classic Indian dishes, and if you have trouble choosing, the cafe does several combo plates that are a great place to start.
They include creamy tofu butter masala that would appeal to any curry fan on a budget, or zingy idli with chutneys that are equally as accessible. Also, all their biryani will sear themselves in your brain upon first bite and stay there forever. Indian Vegan Cafe has the usual samosas and pakoras, but it’s the saag tofu we’re still thinking about. The tikka masala option is the only thing we want to pair with naan now—it’s a great balance of rich sauce, tender tofu, and aromatic spices.
Everest Cuisine
$ | (714) 993-0111 | WEBSITE
Everest Cuisine stands out among Tustin Indian spots thanks to the sheer variety they offer: an excellent lunch buffet, perfectly seasoned dishes like samosas and veggie pakoras, and standout items like butter chicken with wonderful smokiness and sweetness all available for those craving authentic flavors. Originally established with personalized attention from the owners, they’ve been through it: food taking a bit longer to arrive, but everything made fresh to order.
But the ‘Everest experience’ persists, thanks to current staff like Kiran ji who go above and beyond with mango lassis, naan, and after-lunch chai at tables. The restaurant features standard Indian favorites like chicken tikka masala and paneer tikka masala, plus all the garlic or plain naan your little heart desires.
Indian Food Express
$ | (714) 485-2276 | WEBSITE
Every time we push open the door at Indian Food Express, a local spot in Tustin, we feel like we’ve stepped into a bustling family kitchen where everyone gathers to share generous, flavorful meals. It’s a feeling that’s reinforced by the warm, welcoming atmosphere, the clean and well-organized dining room, and the friendly, polite staff who greet you with a smile.
And you’ll feel like a regular when you settle into a cozy booth to order a classic dish or a simple plate of their famous tandoori chicken. The best dishes are delicious twists on Indian favorites, like the lamb chops, which are perfectly seasoned and tender, or the tikka masala, considered one of the best in town. No matter what you eat, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve found your new go-to spot for Indian food.
Kebab Kurry Express
$$ | (657) 643-2760 | WEBSITE
Lovers of authentic Afghan cuisine, you have a new destination to swear your loyalty to. Meet Kebab Kurry Express, a spot in Tustin that’s a hidden gem for food enthusiasts. It hits all the marks: generous portions, perfectly seasoned dishes, homemade-tasting Kabuli Palou, and a complete absence of any sort of fast-food pretense. Freshly baked bread and hummus look down on groups enjoying their meals with zero judgment as people savor every bite of that amazing lamb kebab.
We haven’t tried everything here, but there are highlights like aushak, Chapli kabob, Aash soup, and Afghan ice cream to satisfy that craving for Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Indian flavors you just decided was a good idea.
Indian Curry Cuisine
$ | (949) 748-3900 | WEBSITE
Ordering the butter chicken or masala is the obvious choice at a place called Indian Curry Cuisine. But the take-out options, like a tikka masala that’s a bit creamier than usual, are equally worth your time. This Tustin restaurant is one of those all-purpose spots where you’ll see families enjoying generous portions, or people picking up garlic naan and fried rice for a celebration later.
We’ve even come here just to eat a perfect basket of that garlic naan, some outstanding fried rice, or a plate of butter chicken with masala. We could eat those dishes every day during dinner like clockwork.
The India Café (Best Nepalese Restaurant in Costa Mesa, CA)
$ | (949) 200-9365 | WEBSITE
Whenever we’re disappointed with the latest trendy fusion spot, we always end up back at The India Café. It’s a slightly worn-in neighborhood restaurant where you can always find a $12 lunch special, like coconut chicken with naan or vegetable samosas. (Not to mention, any appetizer is just $6 during happy hour every weekday.) Their dimly lit dining room is a likely place to run into that coworker from your old job or that neighbor you always wave to but never talk to.
And every Thursday, you can try something from their rotating Nepalese specials to go with your half-price appetizers. In the past, we’ve seen momos with different fillings, Kashmiri cherry almond naan, and seriously flavorful butter chicken.
Annapoorna Indian Cuisine
$ | (949) 651-1144 | WEBSITE
Is Annapoorna the best Indian restaurant in Tustin? We think so. There’s a lunch buffet priced at $20 per person, a wide selection of vegetarian and meat dishes, and desserts like the popular mango pudding. This authentic Indian spot offers flavorful dishes such as chicken tikka masala, garlic naan, and vada pav that are considered the best outside India.
The space is small near the Heritage shopping center, so arriving early is recommended, but other than the convenient availability of onions and raw chili to complement the dishes, you’d have no idea it wasn’t born right here in Tustin. In fact, we’re going to go ahead and claim this one from here on out.
Nina’s Indian & British Groceries
$ | (949) 583-2789 | WEBSITE
Nina’s Indian & British Groceries is a Lake Forest take-out spot with a grocery section that’s permanently stocked with imported goodies. Frankly, enough said, but we’re not done telling you why we love this South Orange County institution. It’s named after the owner, who is a fabulous person with a great sense of humor, and the whole place is built on a culture of helpfulness: the staff is always ready to jump in and assist you through those narrow aisles.
The camaraderie in this little place is pretty unmatched—order some chaat and you’ll soon have the whole take-out line smelling the aromas of fresh spices along with you, and maybe even the occasional regular grabbing their weekly groceries. Food-wise, expect the classics: Pani Puri, Dahi Papdi Chaat, and Meal Combos with Naan or Garlic Naan.
The prices are fair but it’s cash only, and those dine-in tables can get crowded during peak hours, but that’s a small price to pay for authentic Indian fast food and unique grocery finds.
Royal India Restaurant
$ | (949) 454-9600 | WEBSITE
Down in Tustin is Royal India Restaurant, a hidden gem with a welcoming ambiance and friendly service. The lunch buffet features a variety of good food options, including fresh and fragrant dishes like goat korma, tomato soup, and butter chicken with rice. There’s no better way to enjoy a family meal than with the generally mild spice level that makes it suitable for children, even if vegetarian options might be limited.
The buffet also provides a nice selection with desserts to round out the meal at reasonable prices. Come for the lunch buffet, a comforting dinner, and the distinct feeling you’ve discovered a local treasure.
Masala Craft Indian Cuisine
$ | (714) 696-6272 | WEBSITE
Don’t expect the usual curry house experience at Masala Craft—they have a Bollywood-themed corner and a passion for spice (the chicken biryani makes appearances on the menu). Their “well-priced” lunch special—yes, the restaurant has its own value—features their takes on classics like chicken curry and naan bread, but they also have a more diverse rotating regular menu. Our advice? If you see anything with lentils in it, order it, because they always do interesting flavorful/aromatic combos.
And if that chicken tikka masala takes you to the moon, get your feet back on the ground with some rice from the bowl that’s usually included.
Bombay Grill Bar and Banquet
$ | (714) 279-9619 | WEBSITE
If you love Indian food but want more than just the standard curry-and-rice equation, go to Bombay Grill. There’s absolutely nothing pretentious here (and plenty of actual parking), but they’ll slide you a tender Chicken Kastoori or properly made Tikka Masala without batting an eye. This is where you meet friends after work to catch up, settle into a banquet table to celebrate a birthday with family, or introduce your parents to your new partner over shared plates of Samosas and Onion Kulcha.
The renovated space has plenty of tables to support lively conversations over Chicken Fried Rice and Dal Tadka and plenty of ambience to make the banquet-style setting feel welcoming. Options for vegetarians are actually plentiful, but they do have that unique-flavored rice that you can enjoy while waiting for your takeout order on busy weekends.
The Yellow Chilli Tustin
$$ | (714) 389-5280 | WEBSITE
The Yellow Chilli Tustin is your gateway to the vibrant world of Indian cuisine (with dishes that feel particularly suited to the experience). There’s warm lighting, intricate wall art, traditional textiles, framed spices on display, and booths that are designed to evoke a sense of cozy elegance.
The kitchen specializes in rich curries with a heavy emphasis on tikka masala, but there’s something for everyone here: try the sea bass tikka that comes perfectly cooked, or sample the Shabnam Ke Moti for a delightful surprise. The Yellow Chilli also offers a complimentary dessert tasting for every table, making the meal feel like one big, flavorful celebration.
Reservations are wise if you don’t want to deal with a lengthy wait during peak hours, and the ambiance calls for smart casual attire, but the experience is worth it. Make sure you save room for the dessert selection before you leave.
Curry Land Indian Food
$ | (714) 833-5751 | WEBSITE
A warm aroma of spices, generous portions on every plate, your favorite curry in hand, all while the sizzle of the kitchen rises up from behind the counter—this is why people flock to Tustin’s Indian restaurants for satisfying meals. And Curry Land Indian Food, located in a simple storefront in the local neighborhood, is the quintessential spot of them all. Take a seat at one of the basic tables and dig into the standout palak chicken, which many consider the best they’ve ever tasted.
They have veggie korma and other dishes, but the chicken entrees are definitely the star of the show. Come for a casual lunch or dinner for a more relaxed experience, or bring friends and family for a hearty meal that leaves you with leftovers to enjoy later.