Electric Elephant, Maxvorstadt

Often, a great venue comes at the cost of great food. Or vice versa. But industrial-chic Indian restaurant Electric Elephant has both.

Located in the popular techno club MMA, the restaurant definitely has that kind of vibe, with high ceilings, open pipes and concrete walls. The only difference are the contrasting elegant tables and chairs, a wooden bar in the centre of the space and, of course, a kitchen. Formally an Italian restaurant (Pizzeria Fabbrica), the venue changed hands – and cuisine – in 2017. It now boasts excellent Indian food, with lunch and dinner every day of the week, and breakfasts at the weekend.

The lunch menu always includes four to five curry dishes (such as palak paneer and chana masala), a selection of salads (with toppings including marinated cauliflower and chicken tikka) and two soups (vegan or meat).All the curry dishes come with rice and a small salad, while sides such as naan bread have to be ordered separately. We recommend the butter naan. The evening menu is more expensive, but also more extensive, with a larger selection of curries and kebabs from the tandoor oven.Breakfast is served until 12pm on Saturday and Sunday, and includes Indian-style pancakes served with coconut rice, bread and chutney. For those who are not too sure about Indian food for breakfast, there are Weißwürste with sweet mustard, a pretzel and a wake-me-up wheat beer. And for those who are not sure about Bavarian food for breakfast, there are eggs or granolas. For first-timers, Electric Elephant is not immediately easy to find. Despite what Google maps might tell you, it is likely you haven’t arrived at your destination. You first need to go into the large courtyard and keep an eye out for a terrace with umbrellas and a casually hung sign. Or just look for someone else heading the same way. After all, elephants tend to walk together.