Taj Indian Cuisine

Taj is a family-owned Indian restaurant in South Portland with a menu that runs long and a lunch buffet that keeps regulars coming back. The kitchen nails both comfort dishes like chicken tikka masala and showier plates like biryani. They've also built a serious cocktail program, mixing drinks like Aviation and Last Word alongside the food. The room fills with a steady crowd of locals and travelers alike.

• Chicken tikka masala and biryani hit the mark every time.
• Cocktail list rivals full bars; Aviation and Last Word standouts.
• Lunch buffet offers serious value for the quality.
• Goat curry ranks among the best anyone's had.

Start with the cheesy garlic naan, which comes warm and pillowy. The chicken tikka masala balances heat and creaminess without tipping into either extreme. The biryani is worth ordering on its own; one guest dreamt about it afterward. The goat curry is a particular standout if you want to go deeper. Don't skip cocktails, especially if you like stirred, spirit-forward drinks.

The room is clean and nicely decorated with a pleasant hum of conversation. It's relaxed enough for a casual weeknight but polished enough for something a bit more intentional.

Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Dinner Mon–Thu 4:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m. · Fri 4:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m. · Sat–Sun 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.

Closed: No listed closure days (open seven days a week).

Reservations are essential. Taj is consistently booked 2–4 weeks in advance, especially dinner service and weekends. OpenTable and the restaurant's website handle reservations seamlessly. Bar seating is first-come, first-serve and works if you're flexible on timing. The restaurant notes that weekend service may run slightly behind reservation times - plan accordingly if you have another commitment.

A handful of reviews flagged long waits despite reservations (one guest waited 25+ minutes beyond their booking time; another experienced 45-minute food waits during peak service). The kitchen manages takeout, DoorDash, and in-house seating simultaneously, and busy nights can strain timing. If you have a strict schedule, mention it when booking and arrive at your reservation time.

Call (207) 828-6677 or book via OpenTable or tajofmaine.com. Walk-ins are possible during quieter lunch service, but dinner walk-ins are unlikely to get a table.

Guests return again and again, drawn by flavors that feel authentic and thoughtful. One visitor called it "just like home." The staff's warmth and speed match the food quality, and people leave talking about the whole package, not just the plate.

South Portland's retail corridor near Clarks Pond Parkway isn't picturesque - it's a shopping center strip with an axe-throwing bar and kids' play space next door - but the location is practical and accessible from much of Greater Portland and beyond.

• From downtown Portland: 10 minutes south on I-295
• From Cape Elizabeth: 5 minutes west
• From Brunswick/Midcoast: 25 minutes north; many guests from Midcoast and further make the trip for dinner or lunch buffet
• Day trip from Boston: 1 hour 45 minutes north via I-95; reviewers from Greater Boston are a significant portion of regulars
• Parking: Private lot; ample free parking, rarely an issue even at peak times
• Walk-nearby: Overlook Park (10 minutes), local shopping; this isn't a walkable neighborhood, but parking is never a headache

The location is unpretentious and functions well for a restaurant that prioritizes food and hospitality over setting.

Do I need a reservation? Yes. Book 2–4 weeks ahead for dinner, especially weekends. Lunch buffet and early dinners (before 5:30 p.m.) are sometimes easier to secure last-minute. Bar seating is first-come, first-serve.

Is there a dress code? Casual dress. Jeans, t-shirts, and business casual are all appropriate. No jacket or formality required.

Are there vegetarian and vegan options? Extensive. Samosas, pakora, paneer curries, dosa, uttapam, and vegetable curries dominate the menu. The kitchen easily handles vegan requests (leave off ghee, skip cream-based sauces). Ask your server about specific dishes.

Is there a lunch buffet? Yes, weekdays 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and weekends 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. It rotates daily and is widely considered the best value in Maine for Indian food. $14–16 per person depending on day.

Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible? The dining room is accessible. One reviewer noted restroom facilities (one per gender) are limited and accessed via a "beat up door," with occasional lines; accessibility to the restrooms themselves was not detailed in reviews.

Are there outdoor dining options? Yes, heated plexiglass igloos in winter months (roughly November–March). These are popular for date nights, groups, and celebrations. Mention preference when booking.

How spicy is the food? Fully customizable. The kitchen accommodates zero to seven on a heat scale; ask your server to set the level during ordering. Dishes can be mild, medium, or very hot without affecting flavor balance.

Is there a James Beard award? Taj is a 2025 James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Hospitality, a significant recognition in the restaurant industry.