The best Indian restaurants in Montréal
The best Indian restaurants in Montréal: what a program! 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 to learn that each region has its own specialties and traditional cuisine. Indian food varies not only from one region to another, but also according to culinary traditions, religious beliefs, and cultural communities.
Hindus (Hinduism being the country’s majority religion) are generally vegetarian, and their diet includes plenty of dairy products, lentils, potatoes, and cauliflower. Muslims, on the other hand, eat meat (chicken, goat, and beef), with the exception of pork.
In both cases, those living near the coast often incorporate fish and seafood, and there are countless specialties such as tandoori dishes and saucy preparations served with bread or rice.
Across the board, Indian cuisine bursts with flavor thanks to the wide array of spices it incorporates. Dishes are colorful and, quite often, boldly spiced!
Characterized by the diversity of its ingredients, this cuisine is appreciated for many reasons. Beyond its variety, Indian food is also widely recognized for its health benefits and can appeal equally to vegetarians and meat lovers. In every case, Indian cuisine is sure to awaken your taste buds and warm your heart.
Here, then, is our list of the best Indian restaurants in Montréal. Note that all of the chosen spots are open almost every day of the week (!), so you can enjoy them whenever you like. Bon appétit!
Restaurant Gandhi
Gandhi is a chic Indian restaurant in Old Montréal. The décor is very elegant. The food here is not inexpensive, but the prices are in line with what’s typical for the neighborhood. It was the Tastet team’s go-to spot for many years! The charming owner, Farouk, makes sure every guest has an enjoyable experience. The dishes are beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Highlights include the raita and the lamb tikka. A must-try address!
Montréal
TULA - Les repas végétaliens équilibrés
Opened in mid-2023, Tula stands out for offering a 100% vegan menu—likely a unique feature in Montréal. The small plates are flavorful, surprising, and exciting even for regular omnivores, who get to discover unusual versions of their favorite dishes: curries, biryanis, and other delights from the rich Indian repertoire. Tula means “balance,” and owner Abhishek Arun explains that the restaurant’s entire philosophy is built on this principle of stability: “If your body is in balance, your whole life will be in balance.”
Montréal
Le Super Qualité
Le Super Qualité Snack Bar Indien serves up some of the very best that the subcontinent has to offer. The focus is mainly on South Indian street food, along with cocktails and various regional specialties. The space is charming and truly original, and the staff is wonderfully friendly. A cozy neighborhood spot worth discovering for its flavorful dishes and laid-back atmosphere!
Montréal
Bombay Mahal Indian Food Restaurant
Bombay Mahal takes you on a journey through the flavors of its regional specialties. In addition to vegetarian dishes, the menu features delicious chicken specialties—an excellent butter chicken—along with lamb, seafood, tandoori, thalis, and biryanis. The décor is minimal, but the plates are packed with flavor. Located in the heart of Parc-Extension, this bring-your-own-wine spot is well worth the detour; it also ranks among the best BYOB restaurants in Montréal.
Montréal
India Beau Village Restaurant
Le Beau Village is one of the best Indian restaurants in Montréal. Here you’ll enjoy excellent dishes full of authentic Indian flavors. Favorites include the samosas, pakoras, butter chicken, and lamb rogan josh. The restaurant also offers plenty of vegetarian options. The décor may resemble that of a cafeteria, but the attentive staff and very affordable prices more than make up for it. With its diverse clientele and lively atmosphere, it’s a place where you’ll hear conversations in many languages.
Montréal
Le Taj
More than 30 years after opening, Taj, located in the heart of downtown, continues to serve some of the best Indian meals in Montréal. You’ll find all the classics—tikka, korma, vindaloo—alongside other exquisite specialties carefully selected by owner Mr. Kapoor. With its beautiful exotic décor and warm, impeccable service, the restaurant offers an elevated dining experience. For buffet lovers, Taj also serves a delicious and generous lunch buffet. Truly one of our favorites!
Montréal
Chand Palace
Chand Palace is an excellent little Indian restaurant that has quickly become one of our favorites. We love it for its varied menu and thalis served right up until closing time. The décor is simple, but the space is spotless. Service is quick, portions are generous and delicious, and prices are very reasonable. It’s also one of the best bring-your-own-wine restaurants in Montréal.
Montréal
Malhi Sweets Restaurant et Sucreries
Going to Mister Mahli is a bit like leaving Montréal for a faraway, exotic destination. On the walls, you’ll spot photos of the owner with celebrities such as Catherine Deneuve. On the plates, the portions are generous! Mahli is especially known for its outstanding goat curries. Meanwhile, Bollywood hits—both big and small—play on the TV screens. A guaranteed change of scenery and a place where appetites are always satisfied.
Montréal
Pushap
Pushap is a tiny restaurant tucked away in a rather remote corner of the city. The décor is nothing special and the service is often quite slow, but Pushap has managed to remain popular by offering a wide variety of vegetarian thalis at very modest prices. Be sure to grab a few sweets on your way out—the owner often makes unbeatable offers to his customers.
Montréal
Maison de Cari Golden
This unpretentious little spot serves up some of the best curries in town. As discreet as it is delicious, the restaurant welcomes guests seven days a week with genuine warmth. The décor is understated yet elegant, and the staff is always wonderfully charming. A few house specialties and daily suggestions are offered at more than affordable prices, with portions that are truly generous!
Montréal
Maison Indian Curry
Maison Indian Curry, located in Parc-Extension, serves excellent curry. The menu draws inspiration from both North and South Indian cuisine—favorites include the butter chicken, tandoori chicken, lamb korma, and butter naan. Portions are generous and prices are reasonable. While the service isn’t always flawless, the restaurant overall offers very good value for money.
Montréal
Bombay Mahal Plateau-Mont-Royal
The well-known Bombay Mahal has opened on Avenue Mont-Royal. It takes you on a journey through the flavors of its regional specialties. In addition to vegetarian dishes, the menu features delicious chicken specialties—an excellent butter chicken—along with lamb, seafood, tandoori, thalis, and biryanis. The small space offers a few seats as well as a takeout counter.
Montréal
Le 409
Opened in September 2018, Le 409 is the little brother of Holder, located right next door. This beautiful gastro-bistro in the Old Port offers a modern take on Indian cuisine in a “chic gastropub” atmosphere. Here, you can discover new Indian flavors while sipping excellent cocktails in a stylish setting that invites you to travel!
Montréal
Restaurant Héritaj
In a lively corner of Old Montréal, you’ll find Héritaj, a restaurant born from the collaboration between chef Arnaud Glay (Passé Composé) and the Sandhu family—already well known in Montréal for their establishments India Rosa and Mlle Rosa. This new project offers bold cuisine that skillfully blends Indian traditions with French techniques.
Montréal
Restaurant Hindusthali
Vegan restaurants are few and far between in the city—and good ones even rarer. Hindusthali ranks among the very good, even excellent, thanks to its truly flavorful cuisine and warm service. While this may not be the place for groundbreaking gastronomic discoveries, the vegan and vegetarian thalis come highly recommended by many loyal guests.
Montréal
