Indian Herbs — Restaurant in Barcelona

Would rate this gem of a restaurant 10 out of 5 stars, if we could. Our first visit to Barcelona; googled restaurants near our hotel on Passeig de Gracia and landed on this one - a short 15 min walk. The place is small, with outdoor and indoor seating. We were greeted warmly and seated at a quiet location in the rear, next to the kitchen. Our hostess/waitress was a bubbly young lady from Amritsar, Punjab, India - she had a delightful personality and guided us through the various menu choices. We ordered Hara Bhara Pakodas (vegetable fritters), Mango and Masala Lasis (both heavenly) and Alhambra as starters. Our mains consisted of Bhindi Masala, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Biryani, Kadai Paneer, Peshwari Naan and Jeera Rice. The starters arrived promptly together with complimentary papadums - the dipping sauces were delicious! The mains took approx 45 mins to arrive - a delay for which the waitress and owner profusely apologized. The owner coming out and humbly apologizing was a very nice touch; we took the opportunity to chat with him about the restaurant and its origins - the kitchen was overwhelmed with orders and the delay was understandable. The food did arrive eventually and it was an exquisite treat! Each dish was an explosion of flavors, spices and taste - without being intrusively so. The spices, vegetables and meats were all in perfect balance - the smokiness of the Bhindi Masala was a unique taste! The waitress/owner we’re kind enough to comp us for the delay and also provided complimentary post-dinner aperitifs. By the time the night ended, we had become friends! The food was one of the best we have had outside of India - the warmth of service was refreshing - unique for an Indian restaurant. The meal set us back EU 66, which was quite reasonable, given the overall experience. The restaurant is closed on Mondays; we plan to return for dinner on Tuesday.

Update: Returned on the Tuesday as planned and had an equally memorable dining and social experience - staff and owners genuinely care and do their utmost to satisfy. Had vegetarian fare this time of Bhindi Masala, Ghat ki Dal and Chole Masale…with Tandoori Naan and Indian chai - delectable.

Do visit, you won’t be...

I ordered lamb biryani on 28.03.2023. It was cooked as veg biryani and lamb pieces added separately. The lamb pieces had zero taste. I ordered biryani because it was highly rated. Totally disappointed. ( Edited - response to owners response) Editing to reply to the comment made by owner as google review does not have an option to continue the thread. May be Google review product owners can make note of it. Please do not judge that I am coming directly from India. I am living with my family in Germany since 2017. So I am well aware of prices in Europe. We travel across Europe. I never commented on spice level, quantity and price of product. Just authenticity of making it. I don't intent to malign the name of the restaurant. Sorry if you took it that way. I am vacationing in Barcelona and am happy with the Spanish restaurants here ( Can Ramonet , Can Majo ). So spices is not an issue for me. The reviews of your restaurant was 4.9 which made me chose the restaurant. On top of it lamb biryani was most ordered on the glovo app. So now I was having pretty high expectations because of 2 reasons mentioned above. I always felt Spanish people like good "authentic" food. BTW biryani is not cooked for 2 hours but approximate overnight or 24 hours. So technically you cannot cook it after the guest orders food. It's made beforehand. To give a Spanish context - That is like saying if someone wants to eat " Pata negra " he has to wait for 3 years after ordering it. Lamb Biryani does not have vegetables inside it. ( Definitely not capcisum). I am not commenting on quantity of lamb. We do not eat a lot of food but good, authentic food, in fact in lesser quantity. You acknowledge that you do not cook it for long hours. Which cleared my concern. Appreciate your honesty on it. You do not have to worry about my options as in a week's time I will be heading back home. But all the best ! ( I do not have any vested interest except, I may want that your restaurant to do well and spread Indian cuisine...

A Culinary Gem in the Heart of Barcelona – Indian Herbs Delivers Excellence

From the moment you step into Indian Herbs, you're enveloped in a warm embrace of hospitality that feels both regal and deeply personal. The staff greet you with genuine smiles and an attentiveness that borders on telepathic—they anticipate your needs before you even voice them. Every detail, from the ambient lighting to the elegant plating, speaks of a team that takes pride in perfection.

The food? Sublime. Each dish is a masterclass in flavor and finesse. The biryani arrives fragrant and layered, each grain of rice infused with saffron and soul. Even the humble dal is elevated to something extraordinary—comforting, complex, and utterly addictive.

Service is impeccable. Recommendations are thoughtful and tailored, and every interaction feels sincere. Whether you're a seasoned lover of Indian cuisine or a curious newcomer, Indian Herbs makes you feel like royalty.

In a city bursting with culinary options, Indian Herbs stands out—not just for its food, but for its soul. A must-visit for anyone who values flavor, finesse, and unforgettable...