Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant

Discover the rich, aromatic flavors of authentic Indian cuisine right in the heart of Canberra. Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant has been a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike, serving home-style dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Located upstairs in the historic Melbourne Building on Northbourne Avenue, this family-run gem is fully licensed and invites you to experience genuine hospitality alongside traditional recipes passed down through generations.

From the moment you walk through the door, you're greeted by the enticing scent of freshly ground spices and tandoori specialties. The dedicated team prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients to craft curries, biryanis, and sizzling tandoori platters that transport your palate to the vibrant streets of India. Whether you're joining us for a leisurely lunch or an intimate dinner, you can expect friendly service, reasonable prices, and meals prepared with the care only a family business can provide.

Authentic Home-Style Indian Cuisine

At Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant, our menu celebrates the diverse culinary traditions of the Indian subcontinent. Each dish is prepared from scratch using time-honored recipes, ensuring a true taste of home. Our signature selections include:

• Mouth-watering Tandoori Specialties: Chicken tikka, seekh kebabs, and whole tandoori fish, all marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices before being cooked to perfection in a traditional clay oven.
• Curries to Savor: From the creamy Paneer Butter Masala favored by regulars to robust lamb, beef, and chicken curries simmered with tomatoes, onions, and a secret blend of spices.
• Vegetable Delights: A generous selection of vegetarian and vegan offerings, including dal makhani, aloo gobi, and seasonal vegetable curries that highlight the best produce.
• Freshly Baked Breads: Fluffy butter naan, garlic naan, roti, and stuffed parathas that serve as the perfect accompaniment to soak up every last drop of sauce.

Our chefs take special pride in the Butter Naan and Paneer Butter Masala, which have become household favorites among our many loyal customers. We also offer a range of rice dishes, from fragrant steamed basmati to complex biryanis layered with meat or vegetables and finished with saffron.

Services & Facilities

We understand that every visit is different, so we offer a variety of services to meet your needs. Come in for a full-fledged dining experience, or let us bring the flavors of India to you.

Dine-In Experience

Our upstairs restaurant on Northbourne Avenue provides a cozy, air-conditioned setting perfect for everything from a romantic dinner for two to family celebrations. We are fully licensed, featuring a selection of beers and wines, and we are also BYO-friendly, welcoming bottled wine with no corkage charge.

Takeaway & Pre-Order

For those on the go, we offer a complete takeaway menu. Simply call us at 02 6247 6528 or 0403 417 755 to place your order, and your meal will be packed and ready for a quick pick-up.

Banquets & Party Catering

Planning a gathering? We host banquets available for both lunch and dinner, ideal for office parties, birthdays, and special occasions. Our team can customize a set menu featuring a cross-section of our most popular dishes to suit your group's preferences and budget.

What We Offer

Stepping into Taj Mahal is more than just a meal; it's an opportunity to explore the breadth of Indian gastronomy. Our menu covers beef, lamb, chicken, vegetable, tandoori, and seafood options, all at a very reasonable price point. According to customer reports, a typical meal costs $20–$40 per person, offering exceptional value for the quality and portion sizes. We've earned multiple Certificate of Excellence awards, reflecting our commitment to top-notch dining.

• Al-La-Carte Menu: Choose your own culinary adventure with a wide range of appetizers, mains, breads, and desserts.
• Dietary Accommodations: We happily cater to various dietary needs, with clearly marked vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Our Halal meat is sourced from trusted suppliers.
• Fully Licensed & BYO: Enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine from our bar, or bring your own bottled wine to complement your meal.

Why Customers Choose Us

Our reputation is built on consistency, flavor, and service. With a 4.6-star rating from over 315 reviews on Google Maps, visitors consistently praise our super-fast service, delicious food, and very reasonable prices. One recent guest noted, "Don't let the exterior fool you—the food here is just as good as many of the best Indian restaurants I've visited in Australia." Another enthusiastic review highlighted the quick, attentive service paired with an incredible meal. We take pride in responding to feedback and continuously improving our offerings.

Customers appreciate our central location, the family-focused atmosphere, and the genuine warmth of our staff. Having operated as a family business in the Melbourne Building for many years, we've become a trusted part of Canberra's dining scene, where first-time visitors become regulars.

Serving Canberra & the Heart of the City

Perfectly positioned for both the downtown crowd and travelers staying in nearby hotels, Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant is easily accessible by public transport, bicycle, or car. The restaurant sits at 39 Northbourne Ave (West Side), Melbourne Building, Upstairs, making it a convenient lunch or dinner stop for those working in the Canberra central business district, attending events at the convention center, or exploring the city's attractions.

We are proudly part of the Australian Capital Territory's diverse culinary landscape and welcome guests from all over Canberra, including Belconnen, Woden Valley, Tuggeranong, and Queanbeyan, as well as interstate visitors.

Hours, Location & Directions

We are open for lunch and dinner on select days, and we recommend checking our schedule before you visit to ensure a seamless experience.

• Lunch Hours: Wednesday to Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
• Dinner Hours: Monday to Saturday: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
• Last Orders: Lunch at 2:00 PM / Dinner at 9:00 PM
• Closed: Sundays and Public Holidays

To find us, enter the Melbourne Building from Northbourne Avenue and head upstairs. Street parking is available nearby, and we are within a short walk of the city bus interchange. For reservations or takeaway orders, call our main phone at 02 6247 6528 or our alternative mobile number at 0403 417 755. You can also email us at tajmahal650@gmail.com or leave a booking message with the number of guests, date, and time through our contact page.

Questions Visitors Ask

Do I need to make a reservation?

While walk-ins are always welcome, we recommend booking ahead for dinner, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings, or for larger parties. You can call or use our online contact form to reserve a table.

Is the restaurant suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Absolutely. We offer a large array of vegetarian and vegan dishes, from paneer-based specialties to dairy-free lentil and vegetable curries. Please let your server know about any dietary requirements, and they will be happy to guide you.

Do you offer takeaway and delivery?

Yes, our full menu is available for takeaway. You can call us directly to place an order for pick-up. Delivery may be available through third-party apps; please contact the restaurant for the most up-to-date information.

Can I bring my own alcohol?

We are a fully licensed restaurant, but we welcome BYO, specifically bottled wine only. There is no corkage charge, so you can enjoy your favorite vintage with your meal.

What are the prices like?

Our meals are very reasonably priced, with a typical person spending between $20 and $40, as reported by numerous diners. We also offer banquet menus for groups that deliver excellent value for money.