The Best Indian Restaurants in Montreal
India is one of the largest countries in the world and, more recently, the most densely populated. With such a high population density, it’s no surprise that each region of the country has its own culinary specialties and traditional cuisine. Indeed, Indian food varies not only by region but also according to local culinary traditions, religious beliefs, and cultural communities.
Hindus (Hinduism being the predominant religion in India) are generally vegetarian, so their diet includes a lot of dairy products, lentils, potatoes, and cauliflower. On the other hand, Muslims tend to consume meat (such as chicken, goat, and beef), with the exception of pork.
In both cases, those living near the coast often incorporate fish and seafood into their diet. Many dishes feature tandoori-style cooking or rich, saucy preparations served with bread or rice.
Indian cuisine is bursting with flavor thanks to the wide variety of spices used in its dishes. It’s also known for its vibrant colors and, quite often, bold and spicy flavors!
Characterized by the diversity of its ingredients, this type of food is appreciated for many reasons. Beyond its incredible variety, Indian cuisine is often praised for its health benefits and can satisfy both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. No matter your preferences, Indian food is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.
Here is our list of the best Indian restaurants in Montreal. Keep in mind that all the spots we’ve selected are open almost every day of the week (!)—so you can enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.
Restaurant Gandhi
Gandhi Restaurant is a fashionable Indian restaurant in Vieux Montréal with a very elegant decor. Although Gandhi is not cheap, it does reflect what has been happening in the area (for a number of years, this was the go-to restaurant for the Tastet family). Farouk, the charming manager, makes sure that his customers always enjoy their time dining at Ghandi. The small dishes are not only nicely presented but each one is tastier than the other. A special mention goes out for their raïta and tikka lamb – delicious!
Montréal
Le Super Qualité
Super Qualité gives you the best of what the Asian subcontinent cuisine has to offer. This is delicious street food from southern India, regional specialties and even some cocktails. The place is delightful, original, and has very friendly staff. A great small local restaurant to discover tasty, flavorful dishes in a casual atmosphere.
Montréal
Bombay Mahal Indian Food Restaurant
Bombay Mahal invites you on a flavorful journey through the regional specialties of Indian cuisine. In addition to a variety of vegetarian dishes, you’ll find delicious chicken specialties — including an excellent butter chicken — as well as lamb, seafood, tandoori, thalis, and biryanis. The decor is minimal, but the dishes are full of flavor. Located in the heart of Parc-Extension, this bring-your-own-wine spot is well worth a visit and is also considered one of the best BYOB restaurants in Montreal.
Montréal
India Beau Village Restaurant
Le Beau Village counts as one of the best Indian restaurants in Montreal, serving Indian cuisine full of all the expected flavours. Try samosas, pakoras, butter chicken and rogan josh lamb. It is nice to see a number of vegetarian options on the menu as well. Although the surroundings remind us of a cafeteria, the staff is attentive and the prices are very affordable. Le Beau Village attracts a very diverse clientele which adds to the fun.
Montréal
Le Taj
More than 30 years after opening in the heart of downtown Montreal, Le Taj serves some wonderful Indian food. Expect some classics – tikka, korma, vindaloo and other exquisite specialities meticulously chosen by the owner, Vinood Kapoor. The exotic decor is magnificent, and together with the impeccable and friendly service, this is quite a remarkable place to dine. For fans of buffets, this restaurant has a delicious and very generous buffet at lunchtime. Certainly one of our favorite Indian restaurants.
Montréal
Chand Palace
Chand Palace must be one of our favorite Indian restaurants. This Parc-Extension restaurant offers a functional, classic decor. The variety of items on the menu are what attract many customers, including the exceptional thalis (served until closing!) and the portions at Chand Palace are always generous. Don’t overlook the pani puri or masoor masala dosa, and the many veggie dishes (lentils!!) with their aromatic flavours. We try to save room for a ras malai (Bengali sweet made with Chenna, sugar syrup, thick condensed milk). Chand Palace is always enjoyable, the service is efficient and the prices affordable. One last thing – you can BYOB!
Montréal
Malhi Sweets Restaurant et Sucreries
Going to Mr Mahli’s is a bit like leaving Montreal for somewhere quite different. Hanging on the walls are a few photos of the owner with actors such as France’s Catherine Deneuve. Mahli serves exceptional goat curries and you can look forward to generous servings. If you are a fan of Bollywood, then keep an eye on the TVs to catch your favorite film. Guaranteed, Mahli Sweets offers a change of scenery and satisfies appetites.
Montréal
Pushap
Pushap is a very small restaurant and a little out of the way. The inside decor is not particularly exceptional, the service can be very slow, but somehow or another, Pushap remains very popular, thanks to all the different veggie thalis that come at a very reasonable price. When it comes time to paying at the door, do take some of the small sweets. The owner is known for make unbeatable offers to the customers.
Montréal
Maison de Cari Golden
This small, unpretentious restaurant serves one of the best curries in Montreal. The location is very discreet and the food is to be savoured. As big as a shoe box, Cari Golden welcomes its customers with open arms 7 days a week. Dine in fashionable surroundings served by staff who are always charming. Cari Golden does propose some specialties and if wanted, will suggest dishes. The portions are generous and everything comes at very affordable prices.
Montréal
Maison Indian Curry
Maison Indian Curry is located in Parc Extension and due to a recent renovation, is now a much more attractive space. The curries are very good and the menu choices have been influenced by north and south Indian cuisine. Worth trying are butter chicken, tandoori chicken, korma lamb and butter naan. The service may not necessarily be perfect but there’s always enough to eat and the prices are decent – good value for money
Montréal
Bombay Mahal Plateau-Mont-Royal
The well-known Bombay Mahal has opened on Mont Royal Avenue, offering a flavorful journey through the house’s regional specialties. In addition to vegetarian dishes, you can savor succulent chicken specialties here, including an excellent butter chicken, as well as lamb, seafood, tandoori, thalis, and biryanis. The small venue offers a few seats and a takeaway counter.
Montréal
Le 409
Opened in September 2018, Le 409 is the little sibling of Holder restaurant, located right next door. This beautiful gastro-bistro in the Old Port offers reimagined indian cuisine in a “chic gastro-pub” ambiance. You can discover theses new indian flavors while sipping on excellent cocktails in a stylish décor that invites you to travel!
Montréal
TULA - Les repas végétaliens équilibrés
Opened in mid-2023, Tula stands out by offering 100% vegan Indian cuisine — likely a first in Montreal.The dishes are flavorful, surprising, and even exciting for regular omnivores, who discover unique, plant-based versions of their favorite Indian classics — curries, biryanis, and other delights from the rich culinary repertoire of India. Tula means “balance,” and its owner, Abhishek Arun, explains that the restaurant’s entire philosophy is rooted in this principle of harmony: “If your body is in balance, your whole life will be in balance.”
Montréal
Restaurant Héritaj
In a lively corner of Old Montreal, you’ll find Héritaj — a restaurant born from a collaboration between chef Arnaud Glay (of Passé Composé) and the Sandhu family, already well known in Montreal for India Rosa and Mlle Rosa.This new venture offers bold cuisine that skillfully blends Indian traditions with refined French techniques.
Montréal
Restaurant Hindusthali
Vegan restaurants are few and far between in the city — and truly good ones are even rarer. Hindusthali ranks among the very best, thanks to its flavorful cuisine and warm, welcoming service.It may not be the place for groundbreaking culinary discoveries, but the vegan and vegetarian thalis come highly recommended by many loyal customers.
Montréal
