Masala Darbar Madrid — Restaurant in Madrid

This was our worst experience at a restaurant - ever - in all our travels around the world. We went this evening to "Masala Durbar Indian Cuisine" after a long day of sightseeing in Madrid, based on the 4.8 rating on Google. We reached there around 10:20 PM and the waiter asked us to order quickly as they were closing at 11:00 PM. Fair enough. We ordered our dishes and they were served by 10:40 pm. Around 10:50 PM, the waiter, who smiled not once, came to warn us that the restaurant was closing at 11. We hurried eating but still had much to finish. At 11 PM he came again, brought the check and said "we are closed". I paid the bill and told him that my wife was finishing her meal. He said he had already told us about closing at 11. He was in no mood to allow her to finish. We were upset by his rudeness. We immediately dropped eating and headed out the door. I told the waiter that he was rude and that in my visits to hundreds of restaurants around the world, I had never been asked to leave. I told him I would write a review. He said he didn't care. As we were leaving, he commented to another employee "I know Indian people". This enraged me as the waiter - presumably from Bangladesh - had the audacity to badmouth Indians a restaurant advertising "Indian cuisine" . Indians are known as the most hospitable people, whose motto is "atithi devobhava" (a guest is like god) and this restaurant has no business using the word "Indian" in their logo. My wife prevented me from fighting back.

I hope people of Indian origin don't patronize this restaurant that employs rude people who don't know what customer service is and have disdain for...

If you're in Madrid and craving authentic Indian cuisine, look no further than Masala Darbar. This gem offers a delightful array of dishes that are not only fresh but bursting with flavor. From the moment you step in, you're greeted with the warm, inviting aromas of traditional Indian spices that promise a feast for the senses.

One of the standout features of Masala Darbar is its extensive menu, which caters generously to vegetarians and vegans. Whether you're a dedicated herbivore or just looking to explore plant-based options, you'll find a plethora of choices that don't compromise on taste. The vegetarian and vegan dishes are crafted with the same level of care and attention to flavor as their meat counterparts, ensuring every bite is a delight.

The freshness of the ingredients is evident in every dish. From the crisp vegetables to the fragrant spices, each element is prepared to perfection. The chefs at Masala Darbar clearly have a deep understanding and respect for traditional Indian cooking techniques, bringing out the best in each ingredient.

Whether you're enjoying a hearty lentil dal, a spicy chickpea curry, or a rich and creamy paneer dish, you'll be impressed by the depth of flavor and the vibrant presentation. The balance of spices is expertly handled, providing a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate.

In summary, Masala Darbar is a must-visit for anyone in Madrid seeking authentic Indian cuisine. With its fresh ingredients, flavorful dishes, and wide range of vegetarian and vegan options, it stands out as a beacon of culinary excellence. Highly recommended for a delicious and satisfying...

One of our favorite restaurants in Madrid, not Spanish but always a delight.

Repeat visits in May 2025

Every year we visit our two favorite walkable ctities, New York and Madrid. When in Madrid we always make it point to drop in on this restaurant, located in the "Barrio Letras", Madrid Centro, neighborhood (a foodies paradise). Sometimes we visit more than once, before leaving Madrid.

Need I say more, we always enjoy this very laid back and consistent restaurant. The dishes are always quality and very flavorful, and the service efficient and friendly. We are always left with the urge to return. This restaurant is very relaxed, patrons are never rushed.

Two years ago, I intended to write a review of our experience at this venue, but never took the time to do so. This time around I felt a commitment to recommend Marsala Darbar, which, in our opinion, is as excellent an Indian restaurant as any we’ve visited in New York City or elsewhere, if not more so.

It is a simple, no nonsense, restaurant which should be in the dinner agenda of any visitor to Madrid.

We highly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Madrid who wants to take a temporary break from the...