It’s been a few years since Khazana has cracked our Best Indian category — but that’s much more a sign of Edmonton’s robust Indian food scene than a slight against the 27-year-old Indian institution, which is back on top this year (with north and south-side locations to boot).
From the beginning, the downtown location raised the standard for any restaurant looking to set a distinct mood, and that mood is ornate and opulent, welcoming and warm.
Samosas, pakoras, and plenty of masala and paneer — other Indian restaurants do these very well, but none do it better than Khazana (and its Hydrabadi Biryani, with chicken, could actually be the best in the city). Due to extremely stiff competition, Khazana may not always be on the list, but it will always fulfill its namesake as an Edmonton treasure. – Cory Schachtel
Khazana
Downtown | 101177 107 St NW, Edmotnon | 780.702.0330
Windermere | 5592 Windermere Blvd NW, Edmonton | 780.328.0088
Rampart Industrial | 184 Mistatim Rd NW, Edmonton | 587.460.2233
khazanarestaurant.ca
The great thing about Edmonton’s burgeoning Indian scene is that it’s no longer burgeoning — it’s in a full-on boom. And that includes Junoon Lounge’s unapologetically modern atmosphere and alluring ambience.
There are crispy, puffy delights (Golgappa Shots), and signature cocktails (Love, Gin & Dhokha). But I’m craving something filling, so I pair Chicken Tikka Masala (spicy, but well within a white westerner’s range) with Fish Pakora. And it’s on this night that I discover the only thing better than cheese-stuffed naan bread… is forgetting you ordered cheese-stuffed naan bread. Was my foul-mouthed, first-bite reaction a bit loud for this quiet and classy lounge? Probably, but the server gives an understanding nod, which only makes me like the place more. – Cory Schachtel
Junoon Lounge
Ambleside | 16430 Ellerslie Rd SW, Edmonton | 587.524.3443 | junoonlounge.ca
A high-end atmosphere can really elevate an eating experience, including our Best Restaurants event (April 7). But sometimes you want great food from a place that feels like a family kitchen, and our favourite kitchen-style Indian restaurant is Suvai Dosa’s (as well as its Pure Vegetarian location).
The first time I tried it a few years ago, I ordered takeout, and I felt bad. Not because of the food, but because of the look the server gave me that seemed to say, “You just got here, why not stay a while and enjoy?”
Idly and Vada are my every-order dish, all the dosas delight, and the Schezwan Sizzler Chicken will electrify your taste buds. It’ll still taste great if you bring it home, but try to stay a while to take in the full Suvai Dosa’s experience. – Cory Schachtel
Suvai Dosa’s
Ellerslie Industrial | 445 Parsons Rd SW #7, Edmonton | 780.463.7228
Suvai Dosa’s Pure Veg
Daly Grove | 4271 23 Ave NW Unit# 101, Edmonton | 587.599.4764 | suvaidosaspureveg.com
With more than 30 handpicked local restaurants, Edify‘s Best Restaurants event on April 7 is the must-attend experience for foodies. Buy your tickets now and taste greatness.
This article appears in the March 2025 issue of Edify
