12 Must-Try Indian Restaurants In South Carolina For Your 2027 Food Adventures
An Indian menu in South Carolina lists oysters with chilli and lemon, right beside a dosa called Gunpowder. I read that pairing twice, and I’m still grinning about it.
Then the details kept coming. One kitchen serves sizzling tandoori chicken with onion rings.
Another offers a braille menu, which I love. A third sells something called Bullet Naan, and I need to know why.
The range surprised me most. Coastal seafood, fragrant biryani, Indo-Chinese Gobi Manchurian, and creamy North Indian curries show up across the state.
Some spots keep things casual and quick, while others lean modern and creative with small plates.
I can’t think of a tastier reason to plan a road trip in 2027. The real question is which naan you’ll tear into first.
Garlic, honey ginger, or that mysterious bullet?
1. Rivayat Creative Indian
Oysters on an Indian menu sound like a dare, and this Charleston kitchen accepts it happily. Here, coastal seafood and regional Indian classics share the same table without any fuss.
The menu leans modern and creative, with Oysters with Chilli and Lemon leading the charge. It’s a smart nod to the Lowcountry, where oysters already feel like part of the family.
Craving something crunchy instead? The Gunpowder Dosa with Chutneys is a vegan pick with a name that promises a little drama.
Pair it with Kashmiri Naan Bread, which is also vegan, for a fun twist on the usual bread basket.
Classic fans won’t feel left out either. Butter Chicken sits on the menu for anyone who wants a familiar, creamy comfort plate.
You’ll also find a full vegan menu and a full vegetarian menu. That makes this an easy choice for mixed groups with very different eating habits.
The room blends casual and upscale, so it works for date night or a relaxed solo dinner. Small plates make sharing easy, which means you can try more without ordering a mountain of food.
Plan ahead for weekends, since Friday and Saturday evenings get busy. Dinner reservations are recommended, and the restaurant closes on Mondays.
Lunch runs Tuesday through Sunday, which is great news for midday explorers downtown. Free street parking nearby is another small win in a busy part of town.
Address: 210 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403
2. Spice Palette Indian Cuisine
Honey and ginger in your naan? Over in Mount Pleasant, that sweet and zippy combo is a real menu item, bringing a playful twist to a familiar Indian bread..
Spice Palette Indian Cuisine calls itself upscale, but the mood stays easygoing. Expect authentic curries, chicken tikka masala, and a lineup of naans that could start friendly arguments at the table.
Bread lovers should start with the Honey Ginger Naan, then grab Garlic Naan for balance. Poori, the puffy fried bread, is another option worth exploring.
Vegan diners should check the ingredients before ordering.
Meat eaters have a fun choice too. The Malabar Meat Sampler lets you taste a few things at once, which is perfect if you hate picking just one.
Okay, maybe not hate, but you get it.
Chicken Tikka is another solid order if you like smoky, tandoor-style flavor. Fluffy Basmati Rice rounds things out nicely and keeps the meal grounded.
Tea fans get a little extra love here, since the tea selection stands out. It’s a nice way to slow down after a heavy, saucy dinner.
Families are welcome, with high chairs available for little ones. The vibe can be quiet, which makes it pleasant for conversation.
Parking is usually easy thanks to a free lot and street spots. Just remember the restaurant closes on Mondays, and lunch runs Tuesday through Sunday.
Address: 1220 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
3. Naan At Nexton
Okra fries at an Indian restaurant feel like South Carolina giving India a friendly high five. Summerville’s Nexton area gets that mashup, along with a popular lunch buffet.
The buffet is the big draw for midday hunger. It’s all you can eat, so loosen your belt and pace yourself like a pro.
Prefer to order from the menu? Salmon Tikka offers a lighter tandoor option, while Lamb Rogan Josh brings deeper, slow-simmered comfort.
The Chicken Biryani is marked gluten-free, which helps diners who need to watch that.
Those Okra Fries are vegan and make a great starter for the table. Garlic Naan, of course, belongs in nearly any order.
Save room for dessert, because Mango Cheesecake is waiting. Wash it down with a Mango Lassi if you want the full tropical double feature.
Families will find a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables. Dogs are allowed outside, so your four-legged buddy can tag along on nice days.
Full vegan and vegetarian menus make group planning simple. You can also grab takeout or delivery when couch time sounds better.
Friday and Saturday evenings bring the biggest crowds. Weekday nights tend to be calmer, so reservations come in handy on weekends.
Address: 1288 Nexton Pkwy #407, Summerville, SC 29483
4. Indianbite Grill And Bar Indian Cuisine
Biryani, tandoori, and Indo-Chinese favorites under one roof on Main Street? Downtown Columbia’s newer Indian spot clearly didn’t want you to choose just one craving.
The restaurant comes from the team behind J&J Curry & Biryani, a familiar name for local curry fans. That experience shows in a menu built around signature biryanis and tandoori specialties.
Indo-Chinese dishes add a fun detour. This style blends Indian spices with Chinese cooking ideas, and it’s a big hit for anyone who loves bold, saucy bites.
Vegetarians and vegans get full menus of their own. That’s a nice touch for a group with mixed diets and one indecisive friend.
The space aims for a modern, casual feel. Live music and a setup that’s good for watching sports make it more lively than your average curry night.
Outdoor seating gives you a chance to eat with a view of downtown. Free Wi-Fi is available too, in case you need to post your biryani immediately.
Kids are welcome, with a kids’ menu and high chairs on hand. A private dining room also makes it handy for birthdays or team dinners.
Hours run into the evening most days of the week. Delivery and takeout are options when you’d rather eat at home in your comfiest clothes.
Address: 2338 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201
5. Perses Indian Grill
A paper dosa can stretch across the table like a crispy golden scroll. Greenville’s Woodruff Road has one, and it’s vegan too.
Perses Indian Grill covers both North and South Indian favorites. Aromatic biryani, butter chicken, and dosas form the heart of the menu.
The Masala Dosa is a standout, with a seasoned potato filling wrapped inside that thin, crunchy shell. If you’ve never tried one, this is a friendly place to start.
Craving something simpler? The Veg Combo and Chana Masala make easy, filling choices for plant-based eaters.
Papad, the crunchy lentil wafer, is great for snacking while you wait.
An all you can eat buffet also draws a crowd. Friday and Saturday afternoons are the busiest stretches, so time your visit if you hate lines.
The decor gets plenty of attention, giving the room a polished look. Even so, the overall mood stays casual and relaxed.
Families can count on a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables. The staff is known for answering menu questions, which helps first-timers feel confident.
Weekend dinner plans are welcome here too. Perses serves dinner on Saturdays from 5:30 to 9:30 PM and Sundays from 5 to 9 PM, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy their favorite Indian dishes after a busy day.
Address: 1451 Woodruff Rd D, Greenville, SC 29607
6. Masala Indian Bistro
Beach days burn a lot of energy, and a family-run kitchen on North Kings Highway is ready to refuel you. Myrtle Beach has plenty of seafood shacks, but this spot trades hush puppies for cheese naan.
Masala Indian Bistro serves a big lineup of Indian dishes in an elegant setting. Still, the mood stays casual enough for sandy flip-flops and sunburned noses.
The Tandoori Chicken Platter is a great pick for anyone who loves smoky, grilled flavor. Chicken Bhuna brings a thicker, spice-forward sauce that clings to rice nicely.
Vegetarians should look at Malai Kofta, soft dumplings in a rich, creamy sauce. Chana Masala is a hearty vegan option built on chickpeas.
Portions are known for being generous, which matters after a long day of swimming. Families of six can share plates without anyone guarding their food.
Cheese Naan is the crowd-pleaser for kids and grown-ups alike. Add Garlic Naan and a Mango Lassi, and you’ve built a pretty perfect meal.
Kids’ menus and high chairs are available. Delivery and takeout also help when everyone’s too tired to leave the hotel.
Friday evenings and Saturdays get busy, along with Tuesday evenings. Reservations are accepted, so it’s smart to call ahead during peak beach season.
Address: 4025 N Kings Hwy Ste 2, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
7. AARIV Indian Cuisine
North Indian comfort food sits just off Highway 17, which is handy when the beach crowd gets hungry all at once. North Myrtle Beach visitors can swap their usual burger stop for buttery curry.
AARIV Indian Cuisine focuses on authentic North Indian dishes. Think rich curries, fresh naan, and plenty of choices for different spice comfort levels.
Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice is the easy first order. It’s mild, creamy, and friendly for anyone new to Indian food.
Want something crunchy? Gobi Manchurian is a vegan, Indo-Chinese style cauliflower dish that’s hard to stop eating.
Aloo Tikki Chaat brings crispy potato patties topped with tangy, layered flavors.
The House Special Biryani is a smart pick for big appetites. Dal Tadka, a comforting lentil dish, pairs well with Garlic Naan.
Vegans and vegetarians get full menus, so nobody feels stuck with a side salad. Veg Samosas are also vegan, making them an easy shared starter.
Families will spot a kids’ menu and high chairs. The atmosphere tends to stay quiet and relaxed, which is a nice break from busy boardwalks.
It’s open seven days a week, including lunch. Saturday afternoons and Friday evenings are the busiest, so earlier visits feel calmer.
Address: 3711 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
8. Taj Indian Cuisine
Lamb lovers, Spartanburg has your back with two different lamb curries on one menu. That’s a rare treat, and it makes choosing dinner a delicious little puzzle.
Taj Indian Cuisine serves authentic dishes like butter chicken and garlic naan. The lamb options, though, give this spot its personality.
Lamb Rogan Josh is a deep red curry with roots in Kashmiri cooking. Lamb Dopiaza, on the other hand, is known for its generous use of onions.
Can’t decide? Order both and share, which is the sensible friendship move.
Chicken Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are strong backups for anyone skipping lamb.
Aloo Tikki Chaat makes a tasty starter with crispy potato and bright toppings. Basmati Rice, which is vegan, keeps the curries company.
Finish with Kulfi, a dense Indian frozen dessert. It’s richer than regular ice cream and a cool ending after spicy bites.
Lunch and dinner run Tuesday through Sunday, with a break in the afternoon. The restaurant closes on Mondays, so plan around that.
Friday and Saturday evenings bring the most diners. Reservations are accepted, and a free parking lot makes arrival simple.
Address: 120 Dorman Commerce Dr suite A, Spartanburg, SC 29301
9. Tandoor Indian Cuisine
A whole fish from a clay oven isn’t something you expect in Rock Hill. Tandoori Pompano changes that, and it’s a fun reason to visit.
Tandoor Indian Cuisine takes its name from that famous clay oven. Naturally, tandoor dishes like Tandoori Chicken get plenty of attention here.
Curry fans have options too. Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken are reliable favorites, while Lamb Rogan Josh brings deeper spice.
Then there’s something called the Tandoor Hat. The name alone makes it worth asking about, right?
The menu also features a Spicy Indian Chicken Appetizer for heat seekers. Garlic Naan keeps things balanced when the spice climbs.
Vegetarian and vegan diners get a wide range of choices. Full menus for both make this spot easy for plant-based groups.
Families can grab high chairs and order from a kids’ menu. Dogs are allowed outside, and a private dining room works well for celebrations.
Curbside pickup is offered for quick grab-and-go nights. The restaurant closes on Mondays and serves lunch and dinner the rest of the week.
Address: 991 N Anderson Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
10. Cholanadu Indian Bistro
Sizzling tandoori chicken served with onion rings sounds like a county fair met an Indian kitchen. Fort Mill gets that crunchy surprise at this friendly bistro.
Cholanadu Indian Bistro covers classics like Chicken Tikka Masala and Chicken Biryani. Then it sneaks in playful dishes that make the menu fun to read.
Mumbai Sliders are a perfect example. They’re a handheld, snackable pick for anyone who loves a good mini sandwich.
Cauliflower fans get two choices. Honey Cauliflower leans sweet, while Gobi Manchurian is vegan and packs a tangy Indo-Chinese kick.
A Mango Lassi pairs nicely with spicier plates. It’s cool, creamy, and a smart backup if you overestimate your heat tolerance.
One thoughtful detail stands out here. The restaurant offers a braille menu, which is a welcome touch you don’t see often.
Outdoor seating adds charm on pleasant South Carolina evenings. Live music and free Wi-Fi round out the extras.
Watch the schedule, because it closes on Tuesdays instead of Mondays. Evenings on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday tend to be the busiest.
Address: 737 Stockbridge Dr, Fort Mill, SC 29708
11. Flavors Of India
Some menus label a dish as Best right in the name, and this Florence spot does exactly that. Chicken Korma and Butter Chicken both wear that bold title proudly.
Flavors Of India keeps things informal and relaxed. The menu spans meat, veggie, and seafood curries, plus biryani and desserts.
Chicken tikka masala earns a lot of attention here. Chicken Tikka Dry is another option if you like your chicken without a pool of sauce.
Vegetarians should check out the Chef’s Special Paneer Butter Masala. Soft paneer cheese in a creamy tomato sauce is pure comfort.
Lamb Saag brings tender lamb together with spinach for an earthy, filling plate. Vegetable Samosas are vegan and make a crispy start.
Gulab Jamun closes the meal on a sweet note. These soft, syrup-soaked dough balls feel like a hug in dessert form.
Portions run large, so leftovers are a real possibility. The dining room is known for being clean and calm, which makes lunch breaks easy.
Sundays are among the busiest times, from morning into afternoon. The restaurant closes on Mondays and serves lunch and dinner the rest of the week.
Address: 137 E Palmetto St, Florence, SC 29506
12. Masala Mantra Indian Bistro
Bullet Naan is on the menu, and no, it’s not a bread you throw at friends. Hilton Head Island’s Indian bistro serves this flavorful bread with butter, making it a tempting choice for naan lovers, though not suitable for vegans.
Masala Mantra Indian Bistro serves flavorful curries, butter chicken, and fresh garlic naan. It’s a nice change of pace on an island famous for seafood.
Rogan Josh brings bold, slow-cooked flavor for meat eaters. Korma offers a milder, creamy path and comes in a vegetarian version.
Snack lovers can start with Samosa Chat, a vegan twist on the classic samosa. Pakora, also vegan, gives you crunchy fritters to share.
Gobi Manchurian adds some Indo-Chinese fun to the table. Pulao, a gently seasoned rice dish, rounds out the meal.
Halal food is available, which helps many diners plan with confidence. Full vegan and vegetarian menus make this an easy pick for mixed groups too.
Outdoor seating lets you enjoy that island breeze while you eat. Curbside pickup is handy after a long day of biking or beach time.
It’s open seven days a week, with lunch and dinner service. Thursday through Saturday evenings get busiest, so reservations are a smart move.
Address: 1000 William Hilton Pkwy Ste A, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928