Taj Palace, Columbus, Ohio

The tray that always turns heads here is the thali, a silver platter set with small portions that cover your bases: a little grilled meat or paneer, something creamy, something spiced, warm rice, and a piece of naan to pull it all together. When I want a single dish instead, I go classic with chicken tikka masala and a side of garlic naan, then steal forkfuls of a friend’s tandoori mix grill for that smoky, charred edge.

Taj Palace is a family‑owned Indian restaurant and bar on Fishinger Blvd in Hilliard, serving a cooked‑to‑order menu that leans North Indian. You’ll find the staples well represented, from butter chicken and saag paneer to biryani and a lineup of breads. They’ll make it how you like it, with spice levels from mild to extra hot, which helps if you’re introducing someone to Indian food or you already know you like a little fire.

The kitchen works the tandoor hard, so skewers and breads are easy wins. The Taj Tandoori Mix Grill is the move when you want variety without negotiating across the table, and the vegetarian side of the menu is broad enough to make a full meal without repeating an ingredient. At lunch, the “lunch box” format keeps things simple with two picks plus rice and naan, which is exactly the right amount when you’re squeezing a meal between errands around Hilliard.

It’s the sort of place where you can keep it straightforward and be happy, or order a spread for the table and pass plates until you hit your favorite. The bar is a plus if you want a beer with your curry or something to cool down a vindaloo. Portions skew generous, pricing sits in the middle for Columbus sit‑down dining, and takeout is as reliable as the dine‑in routine when you’re headed back up 270.

• Location: Hilliard on Fishinger Blvd (northwest side of the Columbus area)
• Hours: Open for lunch and dinner most days; closed Monday per posted schedule
• Price: Mid‑range for a sit‑down Indian restaurant
• What to try:Vegetarian or Non‑Vegetarian Thali, Taj Tandoori Mix Grill, chicken tikka masala, garlic naan
• Good to know: Full bar; spice level made to order

If you’re after classic North Indian dishes with flexible heat, a thali option, and a full bar on the northwest side, this is an easy fit.

Published: September 9, 2026 · Reviewed by the Whats Up Columbus editorial team