India’s 20 Iconic Pre- Independence Era Restaurants

A time when people used to travel on foot, and had no technology nothing still, there were restaurants famous for their food. Don’t worry, you can still visit those restaurants to recall olden times.

🗓️ Last updated: July 2026

1.Karim’s

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Karim’s, established by Haji Kareemuddin in 1913 and serves delicious Mughlai cuisine in India. Previously Karim’s was a small place in Jama Masjid, and is now spread in several other locations. The famous dishes of Karim’s are Nihari, Badam Pasanda, Paya, and Chicken Jehangiri.

Average cost: 800 for two people

2.Indian Coffee House

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One of the most famous restaurants for coffee since the Pre-Independence era, it is not known for its food but is an excellent part of our legacy. Many famous people like Rabindranath Tagore and Subhash Chandra Bose visited this restaurant.

Average cost: 200 for two people

3.Britannia Co.

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The owner of this delicious salli boti and the caramel custard is Boman Kohinoor; he imports the berries from Iran. The restaurant hasn’t changed since the Pre-Independence Era; the furniture is also the same and has the original Bentwood furniture. Whenever you are in Mumbai, visit this restaurant for its International fame and delicious dishes.

4.Glenary’s

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If you are in Darjeeling and want to have something other than its delicious tea, you should visit Grenary’s, one of the best bakery nearly 100 years ago, that serves best cakes, muffins, and chocolates.

Average cost: 1000 for two people

5.Leopold Cafe Bar

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The cafe was started after the 187 mutinies and didn’t get affected in the Mumbai terrorists attack and still stands serving the best food.

Average cost: 1500 for two people

6.Flurys

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This restaurant was established by a couple in 1927, holds a romantic memory for every person in Kolkata. A perfect place to spend with your loved ones that serves mouth-watering treats like boozy plum cakes, rum balls, patties, and many others.

Average cost: 1000 for two people

7.Mylai Karpagambal Message

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This restaurant has been the same for 65 years, and they serve their delicacies on a leaf plate; though it’s not a huge place but still an iconic place for you to eat tasty Madras food.

Average cost: 200 for two people

8.Delhi Mishthan Bhandar

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If you want to experience Chandni Chowk’s famous food in Shillong, this place is perfect for you. They have dedicated themselves to this restaurant for 88 years. In 2008 they made the world’s biggest jalebi which was written in Guinness book.

Average cost: 400 for two people

9.Favorite Cabin

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This restaurant is owned by two brothers since the time of Freedom Fighters, and still serving food. If you want to rewind to historical times, this place is perfect for you.

Average cost: 400 for two people

10.Joshi Budhakaka Mahim Halwawala

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A sweet shop that serves the best halwa in Mumbai and has been serving them for the last two decades. They are many delicacies here, like milk cake, malai peda, and many more.

Average cost: between 600 and 1200 per kg

11.United Coffee House

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One of the fine restaurants that has offered fine dining in the capital city since 1982. A regular stop for all the business people and diplomats that not only have coffee but also various dishes.

Average cost: 2100 for two people

12.Tunday Kababi

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Established by Haji Murad Ali in 1905, that makes the best kebabs in Lucknow. There is mystery about the name of this restaurant, the owner lost his arm that is why it was named Tunday and makes delicious kebabs in Lucknow.

Average cost: 300 for two people

13.Dorabjee Sons

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This restaurant was a tea stall started by Dorabjee Sorabjee in 1878, and soon when it regained its position, she made turned it into a Parsi restaurant and served the best Parsi food like Dhansak, Patra Fish and Chicken will Salli.

Average cost: 600 for two people

14.Mavalli Tiffin Room

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One of the oldest restaurants that serve idli dosa in Bangalore, that was set up by two brothers in 1924. The restaurant was closed in the 1970s due to some emergency and came up with a ready-made batter. The MTR brand was made from this Mavalli Tiffin Room.

Average cost: 250 for two people

15.Rayar’s Mess

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If you are in Chennai and want delicious South-Indian food, then this is the perfect place that also maintains cleanliness, a small location to experience Pre-Independence Era.

Average cost: 150 for two people

16.Bharawan Da Dhaba

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This restaurant started as a tent in 1912 and slowly became one of the best dhabas in Amritsar that survived the India-Pakistan war and now serves the best Punjabi food.

Average cost: 500 for two people

17.Shri Sagar

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One of the best places for you to start your morning is Bangalore by eating its famous South Indian food and also experiencing its vintage glamour.

Average cost: 200 for two people

18.Pancham Pooriwala

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The owner of this restaurant is Pancham Sharma that came from Agra in a cart and started selling his amazing crispy pooris in 1848 in Mumbai. He was the first person that serves five pooris at one time because Pancham means five.

Average cost: 300 for two people

19.Vidyarthi Bhavan

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This restaurant was established in 1970, a small catering to students and flourished over the years and became very popular in Bangalore. Now it’s famous for its crispy butter masala dosa.

Average cost: 200 for two people

20.Nizam’s Restaurant

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Started by Raza Hassan Saheb in 1932, the first restaurant that made kathi rolls in the city. The name Kathi was given in 1964 when the owner stopped using steel rods and started using bamboo sticks.

Average cost: 500 for two people