Before Visiting
Current On-Site Conditions
India Club was an upscale Indian restaurant experience in the center of Berlin-Mitte. It felt more suitable for a special dinner than for a quick casual meal. Waiting time, service pace, seating, prices, and restroom condition may vary depending on the day and time of visit. This review is based on my visit, and the current on-site situation may now be different.
Reservation and Waiting Time
Arrival With a Reservation
I would recommend visiting India Club with a reservation. When I arrived, the reservation was checked first, and then I was guided to the table. The first impression was elegant and calm, much closer to a fine dining setting than a casual Indian restaurant. However, the visit did not move quickly from the beginning. There was a short wait before being seated, and it also took some time to receive the menu and place the order.
Time Until the Food Arrived
The first dishes took a little over 20 minutes to arrive. There was also a noticeable gap between the starters and the mains. This was not a major issue for a slow dinner, but at this price level, I expected a more consistent pace. India Club is not the best choice when you are in a hurry. It works much better for a relaxed evening meal.
Cost and Payment
Price Per Person
India Club is clearly in the higher price range. Based on what I ordered, I had to think in the range of around 80 euros per person. With a tasting menu, wine, cocktails, or several side dishes, the total can easily go over 100 euros per person. If you order more simply, it can stay closer to 50 or 60 euros, but this is not a budget Indian restaurant.
Payment
I paid by card, and the payment process was simple. It is worth checking the price of side dishes before ordering because rice, naan, sauces, and drinks can raise the final bill quickly. At a restaurant like this, even small additions can make a noticeable difference.
Parking and Access
Parking Situation
Parking was not convenient. The restaurant is located in a busy central part of Berlin, close to hotels, landmarks, and heavy foot traffic. I would not visit expecting easy street parking nearby. If you come by car, it is better to plan a paid parking option in advance.
Best Way to Visit
Next time, I would choose public transport or a taxi. The location is easy to reach, but driving there adds unnecessary stress. For a special dinner, it is better to avoid the parking issue and focus on the meal.
Food-by-Food Evaluation
Papadam and Sauces
The papadam and sauces made a strong start. The papadam was crisp, and the sauces were fresh, aromatic, and varied. The green sauce had a clean herbal note, while the sweeter fruit-based sauce added a pleasant contrast. This first plate raised my expectations for the rest of the meal.
Butter Chicken
The butter chicken was creamy, mild, and slightly sweet. The chicken was tender, and the sauce worked well with naan and rice. However, if you expect a very deep, spicy, and intense curry, it may feel a little too gentle. It is a safe choice for someone who wants Indian food in a softer style. For me, it was good, but not the most memorable dish of the evening.
Dal and Lentil Dishes
The dal was smooth, warm, and filling. It had a pleasant richness, but the flavor stayed on the mild side. It worked well with rice and naan, but considering the price, I expected a little more depth. It was not disappointing, but it was not the dish that defined the meal.
Chicken Tikka and Tandoori Dishes
The chicken tikka and tandoori-style dishes were more satisfying. The chicken was juicy, the seasoning was clearer, and the grilled aroma came through well. These dishes felt more confident and better matched the restaurant’s upscale positioning. If I return, I would focus more on this side of the menu.
Lamb Dishes
The lamb dishes had a stronger character. Some pieces were nicely seasoned and paired well with the sides. The natural lamb aroma was noticeable, so this is a better choice for people who already enjoy lamb. If you are sensitive to that flavor, chicken or vegetarian dishes would be easier choices.
Naan, Rice, and Sides
The naan was best while warm. It was soft, buttery, and useful for picking up the sauces. Flavored naan options made the meal more interesting. Rice was also helpful with the creamy curries, but it may come as an extra cost. For a group, ordering a mix of naan and rice to share is the best approach.
Raita and Vegetarian Options
The raita was fresh and worked well between heavier dishes. It helped balance the richer sauces and grilled meats. The vegetarian selection was also strong enough for a full meal without meat. India Club is a comfortable option when dining with vegetarian guests.
Desserts and Drinks
The desserts were not as strong as the starters and mains. One cold dessert was too hard for my taste. The tea, cocktails, and other drinks fit the upscale dinner setting better. The drink prices were high, but the selection and presentation matched the atmosphere.
Staff Friendliness
Service Impression
The staff were generally friendly. The welcome was pleasant, questions were answered politely, and menu explanations were helpful. At the beginning of the meal, the service felt refined and professional.
Service Gaps
During the meal, there were some weaker moments. Empty plates stayed on the table for a while, and extra requests took time. When the restaurant became busy, the service felt less consistent. The staff were kind, but the overall pace needed more control for this price range.
Restroom Availability
Restroom Use
A restroom was available during the visit. It was usable, but not fully satisfying. The men’s restroom had an unpleasant smell when I used it.
Fit With the Price Level
At an upscale restaurant, the restroom matters. Since the dining room, food presentation, and location felt premium, this issue stood out more. Better restroom management would improve the overall experience significantly.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The main strengths were the elegant atmosphere, central location, and several well-made dishes. The papadam with sauces, chicken tikka, tandoori dishes, and naan were the highlights for me. The vegetarian options were also a clear advantage. India Club is a good fit for a special evening.
Cons
The price is high, so small issues feel more important. Some dishes were good but not exceptional enough for the cost. The service was friendly but not always fast. The restroom smell was also a clear downside. If you expect a flawless fine dining experience, you may notice these gaps.
Satisfaction and Revisit Intention
Overall Satisfaction
My overall satisfaction was around 4 out of 5. The dinner was enjoyable, the restaurant was stylish, and several dishes were genuinely good. At the same time, the service pace, restroom condition, and price-performance balance left room for improvement. I would recommend India Club for people looking for upscale Indian food in a central Berlin location.
Would I Return?
I would return, but I would order more selectively. Next time, I would choose chicken tikka, tandoori dishes, naan, raita, and a good drink. I would be more cautious with desserts and very mild curry dishes. I would also avoid the busiest dining hours.
Location Description
From Brandenburg Gate
India Club is located in Berlin-Mitte near Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz. From Brandenburg Gate, walk into the Pariser Platz area and look for Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin. From there, continue toward Wilhelmstraße and Behrenstraße.
Nearby Landmarks
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, and China Club Berlin are useful landmarks for finding the restaurant. On a first visit, it is easiest to orient yourself around the hotel area near Pariser Platz, then move toward Behrenstraße. This makes the restaurant much easier to find without relying on the exact street address.
Food Photos
This review is connected to the city review page below.
Berlin Place Reviews