Amara Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in District of Canberra Central

We have eaten twice at Amara Indian Restaurant. Centrally located in the heart of Canberra City, Amara is conveniently located in the historic ‘Melbourne Building’ on the Northbourne Avenue side.

Amara has been cleverly put together with some real points of difference to more mainstream Indian restaurants we see. ‘Indian cuisine’ should be renowned for the regionality and diversity of its cuisine.

The Menu Amara offers a smaller menu including much-loved, familiar classics, For example, coconut creamy Goan Fish ($26.90) and spicy Chicken Chettinad ($24.90) sit alongside some special dishes such as the entrée of pepper prawns (6 pcs $17.90), Rasam Soup ($8.90) and a tender goat curry on the bone ($25.90).

There is a nod to India’s northern neighbour with a couple of Momo dumpling dishes ($15.90). While Dosai, the southern Indian speciality is offered in four different types. All come in ‘mini sizes ($9-$13), as well as regular ($18-$26). Clever!

The cleverness in the menu is the balance, between vegetarian and non-vegetarian, the familiar and the new.

All dishes are executed with obvious, professional trained skills and experience. Flavours are harmonious reflecting hours of patient preparation. And the Dosai are tangy, crisp and prefect with a variety of fillings, and available as vegan on request. Simple to look at, difficult to execute perfectly.

Again, the dessert selection is small. The perfect response is to order the ‘sweet trio’ the opportunity to sample three of the six dishes available.

Service/Ambience Staff are friendly, committed and eager to engage and keen for honest feedback. They are good. There is a strong sense of teamwork.

The décor is all brand new. Sensibly, the owner (and head chef) is committed to enriching the décor and making changes to enhance the comfortable dining experience, including sound dampening. The enhancements will be guided by customers’ experience and feedback. In the meantime, a soft and pleasant soundtrack of music enhances the ambience.

Amara is a new ‘Indian kid on the block’ and a ‘clever’, and very welcome...

Amara Indian Restaurant in Canberra delivers an authentic and satisfying Indian dining experience with a menu that strikes a fine balance between North and South Indian flavours. Our recent visit was nothing short of delightful, with each dish offering a burst of taste and aroma that reminded us of home-style Indian cooking.

We started with Veg Momo and Chicken Momo, both served hot and well-seasoned. The momos were soft, juicy, and accompanied by a spicy dipping sauce that elevated the flavour. For the mains, we had Garlic Naan and Tandoori Roti, both freshly made in the tandoor. The naan was perfectly crisp on the edges and soft inside, with just the right amount of garlic, while the roti had that smoky tandoori essence.

The Chicken Chettinad was the star of the evening – bold, spicy, and rich in South Indian spices with tender chicken chunks cooked in a thick gravy. It paired excellently with both types of bread. The Mixed Veg Curry was a comforting and mildly spiced dish, offering a good balance for vegetarians in our group.

We also ordered both Chicken Biryani and Vegetarian Biryani, and they did not disappoint. Each was aromatic, generous in portion, and well-layered with spices. The chicken was succulent and infused with flavour, while the vegetarian version was colourful and hearty, filled with a variety of vegetables.

The service was attentive and warm, and the ambiance was cozy yet vibrant. Amara makes a strong impression with its consistency, flavour authenticity, and variety. Whether you’re after a hearty biryani or craving momos and spicy Chettinad curry, this restaurant offers a memorable Indian culinary experience in the heart...

Amara Indian Restaurant on Northbourne Avenue is hands down one of the best places for Indian food in Canberra! I’ve been a few times now, and it never disappoints. The food is consistently fantastic, with flavours that truly represent authentic Indian cooking, but with a sophisticated twist. On my latest visit, I enjoyed their Bangalore Dosai and Butter Chicken, both cooked to absolute perfection. The dosai was crispy on the outside, with a beautifully spiced potato filling, and the Butter Chicken was incredibly tender and creamy. Their vegetarian options are just as amazing, especially the Palak Paneer and Daal. The garlic naan was so fresh and crispy, straight from the tandoor – it’s honestly the best I’ve had in town! The staff here are also incredibly welcoming and attentive. They made sure to check in on us throughout the meal, offering helpful suggestions and genuinely making us feel like valued customers. The owner himself takes pride in the service, making sure everyone has a great experience, which adds a personal touch you don’t often see these days. I’ve noticed some bad reviews floating around, but from my experiences, they seem completely off the mark. It feels like they might be coming from jealous competitors or people with unrealistic expectations. Every time I’ve been to Amara, it’s been a delightful experience, both in terms of the food and the service. The atmosphere is relaxed yet elegant, with simple décor and a cosy vibe that makes it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. I highly recommend checking this place out if you’re in Canberra and love quality Indian food – you won’t be...