Annapurna

Annapurna restaurant in Paris' chic 8th arrondissement just around the corner from landmarks like the Georges V is the oldest Indian restaurant in the capital. It's a long-time favourite of lovers, lovers of Indian food and various celebrities. The service is charming while the décor is luxurious and refined, like a true maharajah's palace, with vibrant sub-continental colours and gorgeous tapestries. In the tiny Indian salon you dine at low tables enjoying the sitar player who is there every evening - the French find it 'depaysant', transporting them to another country. The menu is authentic and very familiar to British diners - samosas, curries, tandoories, nans - though here they are spiced with a delicate hand. The biryanis seem to be a favourite, but you could probably choose with your eyes closed and have a marvelous meal. Well-matched wines make Annapurna a very special Parisian institution.