Shimla Restaurant Indien - Bengali — Restaurant in Marseille

We visited this restaurant today in Marseille based on the positive reviews.The guy (Moroccan ) who took the order was quite nice so one star for that.The restaurant is pretty small but cozy and clean.We ordered the chana masala and my wife who is a Bengali got the mini thali.All I have to say is as other Indian reviewers have indicated is not authentic and nowhere close to Bengali cuisine as well as quite tasteless.I am an Indian from India and can easily tell the quality of food.The chole was quite bland and my wife indicated meat entree in the thali did not taste ok.I guess this might be ok for local French patrons who do not know better.I usually do not like to put down small business owners and want them to do well but for this restaurant the chef needs some Indian cooking lessons.I guess it works in a place with so few Indian restaurants .In India this type of food served would not be acceptable.I wish them all the luck! A note to the owner would be to take the constructive criticism from Indian reviewers in their stride and work to improve and be true to Indian cuisine .There is always room for improvement.

Reply to comment by owner- I did not mean to be rude when I said Moroccan but was more of a compliment for him being nice since i do not know his name personally.Secondly most average French patrons may know more about French cuisine but probably not much about Indian cuisine compared to someone from India similar to how I am no expert on French cuisine .Lastly I am not disputing whether the ingredients are fresh ,am only stating that the entrees are not authentic.I do not need to know French to understand the dishes from the menu.The ones I ordered were easy to grasp.I am also not here to give cooking lessons being a tourist and maybe since you guys are from India should make a trip back home (Shimla?) to learn a thing or two on Indian cuisine.So I do stand by my comment.Pls learn to take feedback constructively.We have nothing to gain by giving...

Apologies but Really HUGELY overrated! I noticed you are good in rebuttal but utilise 10% of this effort in improving. Surprised how fool ppl, even with such bad service got guts to defend that too shamelessly. Tell ppl why folks blasted and cursed you. One fellow was around 70y. Since as Indian we take all shit just not to spoil our evening and daughter birthday.

I know it’s KALYUG still had fear of god. Don’t be dishonest pls. Am sure if you work hard on service improvement will be there.

Ppl take left over because it’s hard Earned money and also curry seems mixed up 10times from previous leftover. Sadly had to throw later.

Thali / Plates are lucrative only in Menu but worth not 33% of price. Cost ~60 for 3 but value for money single ring of onion decorated in full plate 😭. Tasted veg also but same exp. 🤐.

Sorry to hear F* word 2 times from old and young folks in 90min for service specially when that poor lady serving hard but struggling. SORRY GUYS, YOU NEED TO TREMENDOUSLY IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY, SERVICE AND VOCALNESS. IF DON'T ABLE TO TAKE CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK THAN SORRY - CAN'T FOOL ALL , ALL THE TIME. RESPECT PPL MONEY, for god sake( if believe) , they can't do drama like you and blabber. Nothing personal, plz plz improves. Money is hard to earn so don't loot with such services.

May be Good for local ppl as adapted with there taste buds.

110% for the lady hard work 🤘, keeping cool nerves in maintaining and serving the entire external dining area. Calm and accommodating even if someone cursed and left while shouting...

I would give 3.5 for this place but dont have the option, so going for three stars.

Place: Nice place to visit with family, but suggest to get a reservation before hand to not wait in queue or being told by the waiter to finish meal within a limited time.

Food: the food is pretty good but, of course, not complete authentic Indian, although very similar. Recommended to try the vegetarian main course, it is quite good. Naan is good. I tried the tikka masala but the gravy is just tomato sauce. Overall the service was pretty good and the food was nice. Had a good evening here.

Added after owner's comments: Thank you for replying to my critic and also thank you for hosting us that evening. I do not mean to be rude, but I hold on to my comments about my remark over your tikka masala. Trust me, I know tikka masala, having tasted over uncountable restaurants and countries, and that was a little close to it but not it. It was a good recipe, suitable to the flavours of French taste buds, but that was not Indian authentic tikka masala. I would love to change my review if so you wish to change my mind and to that end, I'd love to visit your restaurant again, if you so welcome me back. ;) Also the tomato sauce comparison was just to metaphorically tell that the masala was plain and not flavorful enough to me. People who haven't tasted the real stuff might like it though, I'd...