Paddy's Marten Inn
Nestled in the heart of Leicester at 98 Martin Street, Paddy's Marten Inn stands out as a local favourite for anyone craving authentic Indian flavours with a modern pub twist. This isn't your average curry house-it's a buzzing hub where aromatic spices meet sizzling grills, perfect for solo foodies, late-night cravings, or a chilled-out dinner with mates over a pint.
Step through the door and you'll instantly sense the character. Paddy’s doesn’t try to be fancy-it’s bold, unapologetic, and full of life. The menu? A culinary tour through the heart of India, with fiery curries, smoky tandoori dishes, and street food classics all sharing space with a well-stocked bar. It’s one of those places where you find a Chicken Tikka Masala alongside a top-notch lager, and it just works.
Let’s talk about that Maharaja Mix Grill-a royal plate loaded with sizzling tandoori chicken, lamb chops, and kebabs, cooked just right and served with that unmistakable smoky aroma. If you're into bold, spicy dishes, the Vindaloo is not for the faint-hearted. For something rich and comforting, the Karahi Lamb Curry packs layers of flavour with tender lamb chunks cooked in thick, spiced gravy.
Paddy’s has become a bit of a legend for its Mixed Sizzling Combo-served still crackling on a hot plate, it’s a showstopper that makes everyone at the next table glance over with envy. Seafood lovers will appreciate the Rajestani Prawns and Fried Shrimp, both cooked with the kind of balance you’d expect from a chef who knows their spices inside out.
Now, if you’re after something less intense but still packed with flavour, the Tawa Chicken is a great shout. It's served on a flat iron plate and brings a rustic depth that pairs beautifully with a fluffy Peshwari Naan or a classic Green Salad for contrast. For something crunchy and unexpected, the Crispy Chilli Bhindi-okra fried to perfection and tossed in spicy seasoning-is a crowd-pleaser, even among those who usually steer clear of veggies.
Drinks-wise, Paddy’s doesn’t disappoint. Whether you're a craft beer lover or a wine enthusiast, the place is well-equipped. Their beer selection is vast, and there's always a good red or white to match your meal. Plus, if you're someone who likes watching the game while enjoying a drink and some grub, this place caters to that vibe perfectly-good for watching sport without being overly rowdy.
The vibe is casual and familiar, with friendly staff who are happy to recommend dishes or adjust spice levels based on your preferences. It’s the kind of place that regulars return to week after week, not just for the food, but for the whole experience. Though it doesn’t have wheelchair access or a car park, its reputation more than makes up for it.
Paddy's Marten Inn caters to a wide range of dietary preferences too, offering vegan dishes, vegetarian options, small plates for those who like to sample a little of everything, and even organic dishes for the health-conscious. You can also grab a takeaway if you're on the go, or sit down for a relaxed meal with a cup of strong Indian coffee or a refreshing lassi.
And if you’re out late? Paddy’s is there for you. With its late-night food and hearty plates, it's become a go-to spot for those midnight food missions when only a solid curry will do. Whether you're diving into a rich Lamb Chop Curry, nibbling on Chicken Lollipops, or just sipping a spirit from the bar, this spot never misses a beat.
Whether you're a Leicester local or just passing through, Paddy’s is one of those rare gems that offers quality food, real flavours, and a laid-back atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
Reviews
This was my second time in Leicester, almost after 10+ years. My friend had seen really good reviews about this place so we decided to make a visit to see if it would live up to the expectations and it certainly did. We had ordered a mixture of veg and non veg dishes for starters and mains. The quality of the food was really good with authentic flavours. The jeera chicken we ordered was not the best but good enough, this was the only dish I think which could be improved because there was a lot of water when generally jeera chicken is on the drier side or perhaps this how paddys make it? The service is fantastic, the staff were very prompt with taking orders and the delivery of food was fast as well, we didn't have to wait ages for it to arrive. The atmosphere was very chiiled, I really liked the bollywood theme of the restaurant with so many photos of golden bolly celebs and old skool music being played in the background, it was certainly a nice touch to top off the experience. Please note you have to book this place in advance as it's generally fully booked, we saw all the tables had name lables of those who have booked it. Overall a very good experience and we all certainly enjoyed all the dishes we ordered. I would highly recommend you visit here to experience the great taste and vibe.
Worth travelling 60 miles for the best Indian food around. We have been coming here as a family for over 20 years and the food had also been nothing but consistent and always on point! Great Management, great staff and just like an extended family!
Met up for a group meal, great social place tucked away. Food was beautiful, full of flavour, can thoroughly recommend the salt and pepper prawns. Service was great, very attentive, polite and feels like you never wait for anything.
Came in on a jam packed Saturday evening. The place is narrow and tight but plenty of seating around and is a lot bigger than it looks. I ordered a special biriyani which recommend by the waiter. It was served with a naan over the top which you can’t eat. So I don’t really get the point of it. It was a good biryani but I wouldn’t say any better than good. Rest of the table enjoyed their food too
Excellent dinner, menu looks expensive but the portions are enormous. Service very quick with friendly staff who kindly checked with us about things like spice levels and explaining dishes.