Reviewed by Daniel · El Albir resident since 2007 · Updated November 2026 · Write to meGurkha is Albir’s Nepalese restaurant, opposite the golf course on Calle Narciso Yepes. It’s run by a family who, by their own account, spent eighteen years running restaurants in England before settling here. It’s one of those places that wins customers over with how it treats them.
What Gurkha is
It’s a family-run Nepalese and Indian restaurant. The name comes from the Gurkhas, the Nepalese soldiers famous worldwide. The menu mixes the curries and tandoori everyone knows with dishes typical of Nepal. It has vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and the staff speak English.
What you’ll find on the table
Nepalese food is little known in Spain, so it’s worth knowing what it is before you sit down. Nepal lies between India and Tibet, and its cooking blends both traditions into something of its own: it looks like Indian food, but it’s not the same.
The base is dal bhat. Stewed lentils (dal), white rice (bhat) and vegetables (tarkari). In Nepal it’s the everyday meal, and everything else revolves around it.
The two spices that set it apart. The timur, a cousin of Sichuan pepper, leaves a tingle on the tongue and a citrusy, almost grapefruit flavour. The jimbu is a dried Himalayan herb with a flavour between chives and garlic, fried in hot fat and poured over the dal. If you feel that tingling in a dish, it’s the timur.
How they cook. Lots of slow stewing, steaming and grilling, with less fat and frying than at an Indian. A typical touch is “tempering”: spices are fried in ghee or mustard oil and poured over the dish at the end. The result is more aromatic than hot.
Momos. They’re steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, of Tibetan origin, and in Nepal they’re eaten at all hours with a spicy sauce (achar). They’re the best way into this cuisine.
What’s on Gurkha’s menu. It mixes Nepalese dishes with the Indian classics everyone knows, such as korma or tandoori. According to published information, its dishes include momos and Kathmandu-style chicken. Check the menu on the day, because it changes.
If you arrive hungry. Order momos to share while you decide, then a Nepalese curry each with rice, and a naan for dipping. Tell the waiter if you want it mild: here the flavour doesn’t depend on the heat.
What to order
Tandoori. It’s what’s mentioned most in reviews, along with the chicken.
A Nepalese curry. If you already know Indian food, order something typical of Nepal to notice the difference.
Vegetarian dishes. The menu lets you eat well without meat.
How much it costs
It’s in Albir’s mid range, between €15 and €35 per person (approximate price). Reviews describe its prices as reasonable for what they serve.
Location, opening hours and bookings
It’s at Calle Narciso Yepes, 2, in front of the golf course. Opening hours change with the season and public sources don’t agree, so call before you go on 611 441 727.
What the ratings say
On Tripadvisor it scores very high, around 4.5 out of 5, and on GastroRanking 8 out of 10 from almost 400 reviews. Some customers who have tried almost every Indian in Albir consider it the best. The service is especially valued: the restaurant has changed owners at some point and the good reviews have continued. One detail people mention: if you have food left over, they’ll pack it for you to take away at no charge.
Where it falls short
The practical information. Opening hours and the phone number aren’t the same everywhere. It’s the main drawback: call before you go so you don’t find it closed.
The location. It’s not on the main avenue but in the golf area. For anyone strolling around the centre, it’s a little out of the way.
Local’s tips
If you like trying new things, ask the waiter to recommend a Nepalese dish. And if you’re hungry but can’t finish everything, don’t leave it: they’ll pack it to take away.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gurkha Indian or Nepalese?
Both: Nepalese and Indian cooking, family-run.
Where is it?
At Calle Narciso Yepes, 2, opposite Albir’s golf course.
Does it have vegetarian options?
Yes, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free.
Do they speak English?
Yes.
To finish
Gurkha is Albir’s Indian-Nepalese with the most heart. Call ahead to confirm the hours and go ready to try something other than the usual curry.
If you want to compare it with other options, my guide to restaurants in El Albir by what you’re looking for has every place with its closing day and approximate price. If you’re on a tight budget, take a look at my tips for eating cheaply in El Albir, and if you’re coming by car, check where to park in El Albirbefore you go. For everything else, go back to the El Albir guide told by a local.
Prices, opening hours and ratings are approximate, checked against public listings and customer reviews in November 2026. They may change: confirm with the restaurant before you go.
I'm Daniel and I've lived in El Albir since 2007. LiveinAlbir.com started because so many people would stop me in the street to ask where to eat, where to stay, which areas are worth it and what living here is really like.
Questions about El Albir? Write to me and I will get back to you.
