Sri Ganesh — Restaurant in Marseille

As Indian diners visiting Marseille, we ended up at Sri Ganesha after failing to get a reservation at Shimlw — which was recommended as the top Indian restaurant in the city. Locals pointed us to Sri Ganesha as the second-best option, and seeing a few local diners there gave us the impression that this wouldn’t be a tourist trap. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite meet our expectations.

The staff greeted us warmly in French and switched to Tamil when they realized we spoke it, which felt welcoming. We ordered Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Vindaloo, two naan, and biryani rice. The Tandoori was tasty and well-spiced, but the Vindaloo was just average — the chicken didn’t feel particularly fresh, though it was still edible.

One thing that stood out negatively was the service. While the staff were polite, we were surprised to see a waiter step out for a smoke and then handle our plates without washing his hands. That felt unhygienic and a bit careless. Also, the waiter brought us the bill unusually quickly, even before we had finished — something that’s quite out of character in France, where meals are usually slow and relaxed.

Overall, Sri Ganesha has potential, but the experience didn’t live up to the recommendations. It’s okay for a quick Indian meal, but don’t go in...

I reached to the restaurant around 6:30pm. I found it completely empty. Being an Indian and MBA in marketing, I wrote few points and requested to pass it to the owner. I could see how adjacent restaurants were filled up with customers. Anyways, unfortunately, the owner’s son, as he introduced himself, got so angry and tore apart my 2 cents of advice. I don’t mind it. But he asked me to get out of restaurant even after I have ordered the food. I am not angry, I am sorry for this young fellow who has just loud voice but no character. I will give you my advice here son, don’t ruin your fathers name and ya, get a life first. You sound desperate, angry and lonely. God bless you.

P.S - if any of you going to this place, please bring a flower to the owner’s son. Tell him that it’s OK!

By the way, read other people’s reviews before you decide...

First and foremost, I am really sorry for the one-star rating, but the food at this restaurant was an embarrassment to Indian Cuisine.

The staff was friendly, but the food - there was nothing good about it.

I had a thali. None of the spices were combined appropriately. Either too much, too little, or nothing at all. Plus, almost everything had an overwhelming egg taste, due to the black salt that was dumped on everything, including my lassi.

I lived in India for 2 years and ate from fancy restaurants to the humble khanna-wallas on the street, and never have I had such a disappointing meal.

Sri Ganesh restaurant, I hope you can accept this constructive criticism.

Now, I have to go to the Ganga to rinse my mouth from the kala namak taste....