If you’re in France and you want to eat at a great Indian Restaurant in Paris then look no further. Our guide has the best tried and tested restaurants serving up delicious regional cuisine from India.
It’s fair to stay that Indian food, despite its popularity, is not done particularly well in France’s capital. There are pockets of some great authentic Indian restaurants in the city but on the whole, it’s disappointing. Limp, flat naan breads, mild, tasteless curry are far too common but fear not, there are some great spots in Paris. Our roundup has the low-down on the best, most authentic restaurants serving up quality Indian food.
Where can you find Indian restaurants in Paris?
There are Indian restaurants located all over Paris but there is one area where you’ll find a high concentration of them – Little India. Located in-between the Gare du Nord and the Gare de l’Est around the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, you’ll find a vibrant mix of Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan clothing shops, grocery stores and restaurants. It’s also where you’ll find the best Indian Markets in Paris. The restaurants here are generally the most authentic in the city and it’s reflected by the customer base.
Our Favourite Indian Restaurants in the City
If you’re looking for recommendations on where to eat great Indian food then read on. Our list includes our favourite Indian restaurants in Paris and they’ve been tried and tested numerous times. Our list is updated regularly and restaurants are listed in no particular order.
Krishna Bhavan
Krishna Bhavan is a great vegetarian restaurant specialising in South Indian cuisine. Located in the heart of Little India in the capital’s 10th district, the restaurant is nestled amongst a dense concentration of Indian and Sri Lankan restaurants. Krishna Bhavan serves up great, ultra authentic food from the South of India to a predominantly local crowd although there are usually a few in-the-know Parisians as well.
The food revolves around homestyle, traditional braised vegetable dishes. There are thaalis (trays with many small portions of difference dishes), dosas (an indian Crêpe made with rice & chickpea flower) and individual curries to choose from. The curries are great and include chickpea masala and butter paneer. I’d definitely recommend their excellent Thaali du Nord where you can sample their different curries and the platter comes with roti flat bread, crispy Papadum and chutneys and rice.
What to know before you visit
- Open every day from 11:30am to 11pm
- 100% Vegetarian
- They don’t serve alcohol
Address: 24 Rue Cail, 75010
Tel: 01 42 05 78 43
Website: https://www.instagram.com/krishna.bhavan.paris/
Desi Road
Desi Road is a great little authentic restaurant in the 6th arrondissement in the Monnaie quartier close to the Odeon metro station. Around a 10 minute walk from the Louvre pyramid and the Saint Germain des Près area, it’s a great spot for lunch or dinner after sightseeing. I originally discovered Desi Road after my Indian friend recommended it to me and assured me it was just like home. The food is more on the bistronomic side compared to the majority of home style Indian restaurants in the city.
They’ve got some great starters including a super delicious Panpuri (Golgapas on their menu) and an awesome Aloo Tikka Chaat. The mains revolve around their different Thaalis & Biryanis. For the Thaalis there’s chicken, lamb, shrimp, vegetarian and vegan options. They all come with a portion of daal, chapati, raita and a curry according to which option you take. The chicken and lamb Thaailis that I’ve tried are very good, well spiced (although note that they’re not hot at all). Note that they don’t have individual, traditional style curries on the menu.
What to know before you visit
- Open Tuesday-Thursday for dinner only, Friday-Sunday lunch & dinner
- Vegetarian & vegan friendly
Address: 14 Rue Dauphine, 75006
Tel: 01 43 26 44 91
Website: https://desiroadrestaurant.com/
Delhi Bazaar
Delhi Bazaar is a new modern Indian restaurant in the 11th arrondissement next to the Rue Saint Maur metro station. Their cuisine is on the more refined side and reminds me a lot of Dishoom in London.
The menu is divided into Chaat and Classics (you can see it as starters and mains) and cover some great Indian dishes. The Chaat section is all about small bite, street food inspired dishes such as onion Pakoras and Pan Puri. Their beetroot chaat is beautifully dressed with green & tamarind chutneys – a real explosion of flavour. Their mains revolve around curries and biryanis. There’s the classic Butter Chicken on offer with tandoori chicken pieces which carries a nice amount of heat. Their Biryanis (vegetable or lamb) are for a minimum of two and are finished en croute. They’ve also got some very good naan breads and sides including poulet and paneer tikka, tarka daal and an awesome broccoli salad.
What to know before you visit
- Open every day for lunch and dinner
- Vegetarian friendly
Address: 71 rue Servan, 75011
Website: https://www.tandoor-club.com
Old Shalimar
Old Shalimar is a cracking curry house located in the 10th arrondissement next to the Chateau d’Eau metro station. It’s an old school sort of curry joint similar to those you would find in the UK serving up a whole host of classic Indian dishes. The dining space is very of the era with bright red walls adorned with artwork. The food is well done and their vast menu covers all bases including tandoori meat, curries, biryanis and thaalis. Their lunch time menu deal is a steal at only €16.50 and includes starter, main and dessert of your choice. Their butter chicken is well done with a nice balance of spice and sweetness and their naans are very well cooked.
What to know before you visit
- Open every day
- You can reserve online
- Vegetarian friendly
Address: 92 Pass. Brady, 75010
Tel: 01 44 79 08 90
Website: https://oldshalimar.fr/
Baranaan
Baranaan is a great modern cocktail and small sharing plate bar located in the trendy 10th arrondissement close to the Strasbourg Saint Denis metro station. With a train carriage theme in the bar, it’s a cosy space and perfect for a late night drink with some awesome food. My favourite spot for some moreish Indian snacks, their menu is predominantly focused on small dishes. Expect awesome crispy calamari seasoned with a house madras masala, fresh naan breads from their tandoor and some awesome tandoori chicken. They also have a small selection of main courses including butter chicken, a braised lamb curry and even a braised beef curry. On the drinks side, they’ve got a great craft cocktail menu with some very interesting, spiced creations. For those who don’t want to drink alcohol, there’s a really nice home made mango lassi.
What to know before you visit
- Open every day from 6pm onwards
- You can reserve online
- Vegetarian friendly
Address: 7 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, 75010
Tel: 01 40 38 97 57
Website: https://www.baranaan.com
