If you're in Montreal and looking to enjoy butter chicken, you're in the right place. This classic dish, also known as murgh or makhani, is made with pieces of chicken marinated in spices, and then cooked in a tandoor oven. The tender and juicy meat is then simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce, enriched with Indian spices.
Butter chicken is typically served with basmati rice or naan, which pairs perfectly with the creamy, slightly spiced sauce. The spices, while mild, provide depth and create a balance between intensity and softness, making this dish irresistible.
This article highlights the best places in Montreal to savor this iconic dish. From restaurants that stick to the traditional recipe to those offering modern interpretations, these establishments each present unique versions of butter chicken, each with its own character.
Without further ado, discover where to enjoy a true Indian feast in the city.
Multiple locations
Read also:
A Culinary Journey: The Best Indian Restaurants in Montreal
The famous butter chicken at Bombay Mahal captivates with its creamy tomato sauce, enhanced with Indian spices that elevate the flavors without overpowering them. With its irresistible creaminess, this dish is served with basmati rice and soft naan, offering a flavorful journey with every bite. With four locations across Montreal, Bombay Mahal also offers complete thali platters and vegetarian options. With its quick service and varied menu, it's an essential stop for discovering or rediscovering the richness of Indian cuisine, always affordable and delicious. Don't forget to bring your own wine to complement your meal.
Multiple locations
A true Montreal institution, Le Taj has been serving authentic Indian cuisine since 1985. Butter chicken, a classic from northern India, is prepared with tandoor-cooked chicken pieces simmered in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce with fresh spices. Located downtown on Stanley Street, the restaurant also offers its specialties at gourmet food halls like Time Out Market and soon at Fou Fou. Beyond its exquisite dishes, the sumptuous decor with 18th-century wooden sculptures and a historical mural from Expo 67 gives Le Taj a unique ambiance, perfect for a memorable meal in the heart of Montreal.
8792 Rue Hochelaga, Montréal, H1L 2M9
Zykaa in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is a must-visit for butter chicken lovers. This restaurant serves Indian and Pakistani cuisine with rich flavors, including their butter chicken, served with a creamy tomato sauce and perfectly balanced spices. With combo meals including pakoras, rice, and naan, as well as a lunch buffet, Zykaa is a great option for enjoying authentic dishes at affordable prices.
266 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, H2W 1E6
What sets Amber, located on Plateau-Mont-Royal, apart is its commitment to offering flavorful Indian and Pakistani dishes, such as their famous marinated butter chicken served in a creamy tomato-butter sauce. You can enjoy this classic with basmati rice and freshly prepared naan for lunch or dinner. In the evening, Amber transforms into a relaxed spot where you can bring your own wine, while enjoying comforting and generous cuisine.
409 Rue McGill, Montréal, H2Y 0B5
Looking to rediscover butter chicken? Le 409 in Old Montreal will surprise you with its butter chicken poutine, a bold fusion of Indian cuisine and Quebecois comfort food. Their creamy tomato and spiced sauce enhances the marinated chicken, which you can enjoy as a main dish with your choice of chicken, shrimp, or lamb, or in one of their thali platters. These thalis, generously filled with rice, vegetables, naan, and raita, offer a complete and satisfying meal. Add creative cocktails in a chic, laid-back atmosphere, and you have the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a casual lunch.
3459 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, H4C 1P3
What makes Rasoï in Saint-Henri stand out is not only its warm decor and exceptional service but also its ambiance. Chicken, paneer, or shrimp cooked in a creamy butter sauce and enhanced with Indian spices, topped with crunchy almonds for a perfect flavor balance. The atmosphere is described as intimate and mysterious, with blue velvet banquettes and a ceiling decorated with painted flowers. The terrace is a definite asset during summer evenings, while the great cocktail selection adds a festive touch, completing the unique experience where every detail is designed to transport you elsewhere.
3424 Boulevard Cartier O, Laval, H7V 1K2
For an authentic Indian meal in Laval, Tandoori Palace impresses with its unique butter chicken. The chicken tikka, first cooked in a clay oven, is then coated in a creamy tomato-butter sauce, enhanced with delicate Indian spices. Served with basmati rice or naan, this dish is available in several combos and is praised for its perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Well-known on the North Shore, this restaurant also offers an affordable lunch buffet, perfect for discovering the richness of Indian cuisine.
Photo credit: thefood.alley.mtl
2100 Rue Crescent, Montréal, H3G 2B8
At Shaaz, excellence in service and dishes makes all the difference. Their butter chicken, with its creamy tomato sauce and Indian spices, is a must-try, appreciated for its tender texture and perfectly balanced flavors. They also offer a delicious vegetarian version with paneer. This halal restaurant stands out for its attention to detail, creating an ambiance that's both refined and welcoming. What makes it unique are its Mandi and Biryani dishes, which immerse guests in India's royal heritage, while offering a chic and modern atmosphere in downtown Montreal. Shaaz also has locations in Ontario, with branches in Scarborough and Ottawa.
Multiple locations
Lakshana's Chettinad, with locations in downtown, Parc-Extension, and Côte-des-Neiges, is an excellent choice for enjoying creamy butter chicken. This dish, where grilled chicken is simmered in a rich tomato-butter sauce, can be ordered mild or extra spicy depending on your preference. Bring your own wine and enjoy halal cuisine inspired by the traditions of South India in a simple and welcoming setting.
Photo Credits : nad_eat
5258 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montréal, H2T 1S1
Tula, which opened in 2023 in Mile-End, stands out with its 100% vegan menu, a rarity in Montreal. Their soy-based butter chicken, served with gluten-free chapati and rice, is a must for fans of reimagined Indian cuisine. The minimalist and calming decor reflects Tula's philosophy, which focuses on the balance between well-being and flavors. Whether for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this restaurant offers a warm and relaxed setting, blending modernity and authenticity in every dish.
Multiple locations
India Rosa is known for its stylish atmosphere and modern approach to Indian cuisine. Their butter chicken, served in a creamy tomato sauce, slightly sweetened and enhanced with cashews, is perfect for brunch or dinner. The restaurant also features an innovative cocktail bar. Brunch enthusiasts will enjoy original dishes, such as Butter Chicken Eggs Benedict, which combines Indian flavors with Quebecois brunch classics. With its two locations, India Rosa captivates with its chic ambiance and signature cocktails, making it the ideal place to enjoy a meal with contemporary Indian influences.
230 Rue St-Paul O., Montréal, H2Y 1Z9
What distinguishes Gandhi's butter chicken is the incomparable richness of its sauce. Slowly simmered with fresh tomatoes, butter, and carefully selected spices, the roasted chicken is tender and juicy, offering authentic flavors that explode in your mouth. Served with basmati rice and naan, this classic dish transports you to India while you enjoy the elegant decor of Old Montreal. To mix things up, the restaurant also offers combo menus for two, such as the Taj Mahal, which lets you discover other Indian specialties in a refined and warm ambiance.
1329 Rue Sainte-Catherine E, Montréal, H2L 2H4
Located in the Village, Tabla Village offers one of the most flavorful butter chickens, served with a perfectly spiced tomato-butter sauce, enriched with nuts and almonds. Accompanied by basmati rice or naan, this dish, offered on the set menu, embodies the authenticity of Indian cuisine. Every bite is a delight, and the generous portions add to the experience, as does the warm welcome. For a fusion option, try the butter chicken poutine trio, where crispy fries meet the creamy sauce. In summer, the terrace on the pedestrianized Sainte-Catherine Street is a major plus for enjoying a meal outdoors.
Multiple locations
At Moghel Tandoori, butter chicken is a crowd favorite. Simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with spices, coconut milk, and almonds, every bite is a true delight. Served with basmati rice or naan, this dish offers an explosion of flavors. With its two popular locations in Longueuil and Saint-Lambert, this South Shore restaurant is a must-visit for authentic Indian cuisine lovers. Boasting over 1,000 glowing reviews, Moghel Tandoori is often considered one of the best in the region. Enjoy this treat on the terrace in the summer, and bring your own wine to complete the experience.
