Tucked away from the chaos off Wynwood’s Northwest 2nd Avenue, Rishtedar is an intimate respite for authentic, contemporary Indian cuisine in Miami. The ornate, jewel-toned space adorned with stained-glass lanterns, multicolored hanging umbrellas and intricate latticework manages to feel at home in the rainbow-hued arts neighborhood while still feeling a world away. But it’s the soulful Indian dishes and traditional hospitality that really drive home the restaurant’s transportive effect.
Owner Vikram Thadani first opened Rishtedar in Santiago, Chile, where it has thrived as a culinary destination for more than a decade. The Miami location follows a similar format, presenting familiar Indian recipes alongside updated classics in a modern, celebratory setting. Among our favorite dishes are the johar e motia (whole mushrooms in a smooth cashew-cardamom sauce), the butter chicken and the murgh tikka (spicy chicken served over flaming charcoal to accentuate the smoke). Of course, you’ll not want to skip the obligatory garlic naan or jasmine rice.
Without feeling hokey, Rishtedar’s regular Mehndi and Bollywood nights invite guests to further immerse themselves in the vibrant Indian culture with tableside dancers, henna tattooing and more.