Milwaukee’s food scene has grown tremendously over the years, and one of the most exciting developments is the rise of authentic Indian cuisine. If you’re looking for the best indian buffets in milwaukee, you’re in for a treat. The city offers incredible options that bring the rich flavors of India right to your plate, making it perfect for weekend dining or special occasions.
Whether you’re a longtime resident planning your weekend adventures or a visitor exploring Milwaukee’s culinary landscape, this guide will help you discover the top spots for indian buffet milwaukee experiences. From traditional North Indian dishes to innovative fusion creations, these restaurants offer something for every palate and budget.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose an Indian Buffet in Milwaukee?
- Top 6 Indian Buffet Restaurants in Milwaukee
- 1. Maharaja – Milwaukee’s Premier Indian Buffet Experience
- 2. India Garden – Authentic Flavors in a Welcoming Setting
- 3. Antique Indian Restaurant Bar & Grills – Heritage Meets Modern Dining
- 4. Cafe India Bar & Grill (Bay View) – Neighborhood Gem with Big Flavors
- 5. Tandoor Restaurant – Traditional Cooking Methods
- 6. Taste of India – Diverse Regional Flavors
- Comparison Table: Milwaukee Indian Buffet Restaurants
- Tips for Enjoying Your Indian Buffet Experience in Milwaukee
- Before You Go:
- During Your Visit:
- Making the Most of Your Buffet:
- Best Times to Visit These Indian Buffet Milwaukee Restaurants
- Understanding Indian Buffet Etiquette
- Conclusion: Discovering the Best Indian Buffet in Milwaukee
Why Choose an Indian Buffet in Milwaukee?
Indian buffet milwaukee restaurants provide an excellent opportunity to sample multiple dishes without committing to just one entrée. These buffets typically feature a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including aromatic curries, freshly baked breads, rice dishes, and delectable desserts. Plus, they’re perfect for groups with different dietary preferences and spice tolerances.
Top 6 Indian Buffet Restaurants in Milwaukee
1. Maharaja – Milwaukee’s Premier Indian Buffet Experience
Voted “Best of Milwaukee” consecutively for 19 years, Maharaja stands as Milwaukee’s premier destination for authentic Indian cuisine. This award-winning restaurant has earned its reputation through consistent quality and exceptional service.
Basic Details:
- Address: 408 E Chicago St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Contact: (414) 276-4844
- Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Sunday 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Closed Tuesday)
- Google Rating: 4.3/5 stars
Must-Try Dishes:
- Tandoori Chicken with its signature smoky flavor
- Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) – creamy and mild
- Lamb Biryani with fragrant basmati rice
- Fresh Naan bread made in traditional tandoor oven
- Gulab Jamun for dessert
Special Features:
- Extensive weekend buffet with over 20 items
- Traditional tandoor oven for authentic flavors
- Elegant dining atmosphere perfect for special occasions
- Vegetarian and vegan options clearly marked
- Full bar with Indian-inspired cocktails
Pro Tip: Visit during weekend lunch hours for the most comprehensive buffet selection.
2. India Garden – Authentic Flavors in a Welcoming Setting
India Garden offers their buffet Fridays through Sundays from 11am-3pm with a good variety of delicious food. This family-owned restaurant focuses on traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Basic Details:
- Address: 11111 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
- Contact: (414) 453-5435
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed Monday)
- Google Rating: 4.2/5 stars
Must-Try Dishes:
- Chicken Tikka Masala with perfectly balanced spices
- Saag Paneer – spinach curry with cottage cheese
- Vegetable Samosas with homemade chutneys
- Chicken Korma in rich cream sauce
- Kheer (rice pudding) dessert
Special Features:
- Weekend-only buffet with rotating specialties
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Extensive vegetarian selection
- Fresh ingredients sourced locally when possible
- Reasonable pricing for generous portions
Pro Tip: Their weekend buffet features seasonal specialties that change monthly.
3. Antique Indian Restaurant Bar & Grills – Heritage Meets Modern Dining
Antique Indian Restaurant’s roots lie in culinary skills from Amritsar, Punjab, bringing authentic Punjabi flavors to Milwaukee. This restaurant combines traditional recipes with modern presentation.
Basic Details:
- Address: 3535 S 27th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215
- Contact: (414) 645-6878
- Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Google Rating: 4.1/5 stars
Must-Try Dishes:
- Amritsari Fish Tikka – specialty from Punjab
- Dal Makhani – creamy black lentils
- Chicken Jalfrezi with bell peppers
- Garlic Naan bread
- Ras Malai dessert
Special Features:
- Full bar with Indian and international drinks
- Lunch buffet available weekdays
- Private dining room for events
- Catering services available
- Live music on select weekends
Pro Tip: Try their signature Amritsari dishes for an authentic Punjab experience.
4. Cafe India Bar & Grill (Bay View) – Neighborhood Gem with Big Flavors
Cafe India Bay View specializes in traditional Indian plates, cocktails & a lunch buffet at this comfortable eatery. Located in the trendy Bay View neighborhood, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with excellent food.
Basic Details:
- Address: 2201 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
- Contact: (414) 744-6090
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Google Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Must-Try Dishes:
- Chicken Tikka with yogurt marinade
- Chana Masala – spiced chickpea curry
- Lamb Vindaloo for spice lovers
- Basmati Rice Pilaf
- Kulfi ice cream
Special Features:
- Daily lunch buffet with fresh options
- Creative Indian-inspired cocktails
- Outdoor seating available
- Local artwork displayed
- Delivery and takeout available
Pro Tip: Their lunch buffet is perfect for trying multiple dishes at a great value.
5. Tandoor Restaurant – Traditional Cooking Methods
Tandoor Restaurant specializes in traditional clay oven cooking, offering authentic flavors that have made Indian cuisine famous worldwide. Their commitment to traditional methods shows in every dish.
Basic Details:
- Address: 8510 W Brown Deer Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53224
- Contact: (414) 357-9200
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed Monday)
- Google Rating: 4.0/5 stars
Must-Try Dishes:
- Tandoori Mixed Grill platter
- Chicken Biryani with saffron rice
- Paneer Makhani – cottage cheese in tomato sauce
- Keema Naan – bread stuffed with spiced meat
- Gajar Halwa – carrot dessert
Special Features:
- Authentic tandoor oven cooking
- Weekend buffet with grilled specialties
- Halal meat options available
- Group dining packages
- Spice level customization
Pro Tip: Order tandoori items fresh from the oven for the best taste and texture.
6. Taste of India – Diverse Regional Flavors
Taste of India brings together flavors from different regions of India, offering diners a comprehensive tour of the subcontinent’s diverse culinary traditions.
Basic Details:
- Address: 1725 N Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53212
- Contact: (414) 265-7878
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Google Rating: 3.9/5 stars
Must-Try Dishes:
- South Indian Dosa with sambar
- Bengali Fish Curry
- Rajasthani Dal Baati
- Mixed Vegetable Curry
- Masala Chai
Special Features:
- Regional specialties from across India
- Lunch buffet with rotating regional dishes
- Affordable pricing
- Large portions perfect for sharing
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
Pro Tip: Ask your server about regional specialties to explore authentic flavors from different parts of India.
Comparison Table: Milwaukee Indian Buffet Restaurants
Restaurant | Location | Price Range | Buffet Days | Specialty | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maharaja | Downtown | $$$ | Weekends | North Indian | 4.3/5 |
India Garden | Wauwatosa | $$ | Fri-Sun | Traditional | 4.2/5 |
Antique Indian | South Side | $$ | Weekdays | Punjabi | 4.1/5 |
Cafe India | Bay View | $$ | Daily | Contemporary | 4.5/5 |
Tandoor | North Side | $$ | Weekends | Tandoori | 4.0/5 |
Taste of India | North Side | $ | Daily | Regional | 3.9/5 |
Tips for Enjoying Your Indian Buffet Experience in Milwaukee
Before You Go:
- Call ahead to confirm buffet hours and availability
- Make reservations for larger groups, especially on weekends
- Check if the restaurant offers any special dietary accommodations
- Look for lunch specials and happy hour deals
During Your Visit:
- Start with lighter dishes like dal and vegetables before moving to heavier curries
- Try different bread varieties – naan, roti, and paratha each offer unique textures
- Don’t miss the chutneys and pickles – they add authentic flavor
- Save room for dessert – Indian sweets are a perfect ending to your meal
- Ask servers about spice levels if you’re sensitive to heat
Making the Most of Your Buffet:
- Visit during peak lunch hours for the freshest selection
- Try small portions of multiple dishes rather than loading up on one item
- Balance your plate with both vegetarian and meat options
- Take advantage of the variety to discover new favorite dishes
Best Times to Visit These Indian Buffet Milwaukee Restaurants
- Weekday Lunch (11 AM – 3 PM): Perfect for business lunches or quick meals with smaller but fresh selections.
- Weekend Lunch (11 AM – 3 PM): Ideal for families and groups, featuring the most extensive buffet spreads.
- Dinner Hours (5 PM – 9 PM): Great for date nights and special occasions, though buffet options may be limited.
- Special Events: Many restaurants offer extended buffets during Indian festivals and holidays.
Understanding Indian Buffet Etiquette
When dining at an indian buffet milwaukee restaurant, keep these tips in mind:
- Use serving utensils provided at each dish station
- Don’t mix serving spoons between different dishes
- Take only what you can finish to minimize waste
- It’s acceptable to go back for seconds or thirds
- Tip appropriately – buffet service still requires staff attention
Conclusion: Discovering the Best Indian Buffet in Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s indian buffet milwaukee scene offers incredible diversity and value for food lovers. From Maharaja’s award-winning elegance to Taste of India’s regional specialties, each restaurant brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re craving the comfort of familiar dishes or eager to explore new flavors, these six establishments provide authentic experiences that rival the best Indian restaurants anywhere.
The next time you’re planning a weekend outing or looking for a special dining experience, consider visiting one of these outstanding indian buffet in milwaukee destinations. With their combination of traditional flavors, generous portions, and welcoming atmospheres, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings and perhaps introduce you to your new favorite dish.
Remember that buffet availability and hours can change, so it’s always wise to call ahead before your visit. Many of these restaurants also offer excellent à la carte options if you prefer to order individual dishes. Whatever you choose, you’re in for a delicious journey through the rich culinary traditions of India right here in Milwaukee.