India is a country known for its diverse culture and culinary traditions. From street food to fine dining, India has something to offer for every food lover. Here are the top 20 best restaurants in India to visit at least once in a lifetime:
1.Bukhara, New Delhi
Regarding North Indian cuisine, Bukhara restaurant in Delhi is a legend. Bukhara is known for its rustic and cozy ambiance, with walls adorned with traditional artifacts and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is famous for signature dishes like Dal Bukhara and Sikandari Raan, which are cooked in traditional tandoor ovens.
2.Peshawari, Mumbai
Peshawari is a restaurant located in the ITC Maratha Hotel in Mumbai. With its warm and inviting atmosphere and delicious food, Peshawari has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The restaurant is known for its North Indian cuisine, especially its tandoori dishes. Peshawari’s menu features dishes like dal makhani,raan, and tandoori jhinga.
3.Indian Accent, New Delhi
Indian Accent is a modern and innovative restaurant in Delhi that is known for its unique take on traditional Indian cuisine. Its menu is designed by Chef Manish Mehrotra, who has won numerous awards. The restaurant is famous for its signature dishes like Potato Sphere Chaat, and Meetha Achaar Ribs. In addition to these innovative dishes, they also offer a range of classic Indian dishes that have been given an ultramodern twist. For example, the Butter Chicken is made using sous-vide cooking techniques, which results in a tender and juicy chicken dish with bursts of flavor. The restaurant has won numerous awards over the years, including being named the best restaurant in India by Asia’s 50 Restaurants.
4.Varq, New Delhi
Varq, the fine dining restaurant in New Delhi, is known for its modern and innovative take on traditional Indian cuisine. Each dish is carefully crafted with the freshest ingredients. The menu at Varq is designed by Chef Hemant Oberoi, who is known for his innovative approach to Indian cuisine, and features a range of dishes that are both creative and delicious. It is famous for its signature dishes like Mushroom Galouti, Nihari, and Butter Chicken. The restaurant has won numerous awards over the years, including being named the best modern Indian restaurant in the world by the Times of India.
5.Karavalli, Bangalore
Karavalli is a well-known restaurant in Bangalore that offers a unique culinary journey through the coastal regions of India. The menu features a range of seafood specialties and regional dishes, such as Mangalorean fish curry and Goan prawn vindaloo. The restaurant has won numerous awards over the years and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to explore the flavors of coastal India.
6.Wasabi By Morimoto, Mumbai
Morimoto restaurant in Mumbai is known for its authentic Japanese cuisine, particularly its use of wasabi. Wasabi is a pungent green paste that is made from the grated root of the Wasabia japonica plant. The restaurant sources its wasabi directly from Japan, ensuring that it is of the highest quality. The wasabi is served with sushi, sashimi, and other dishes, providing a unique and spicy flavor. The chefs at Morimoto also use wasabi in various sauces and dressings to add a zesty kick to their creations.
7.Le Cirque, New Delhi
Le Cirque is a luxurious fine dining restaurant located in New Delhi, offering contemporary European cuisine. The restaurant boasts an elegant ambiance and impeccable service, creating an unforgettable dining experience. The menu features a wide range of innovative dishes, with a focus on French cuisine. Some of the signature dishes include the roasted lamb rack and the lobster salad. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, ensuring the perfect pairing for every dish.
8.Olive Bar & Kitchen, Mumbai
Olive Bar & Kitchen is a popular Mediterranean restaurant located in Mumbai, India. The restaurant features outdoor seating options and a beautifully decorated interior. The menu at Olive Bar & Kitchen offers a wide range of dishes inspired by Mediterranean flavors, with a focus on fresh ingredients and seasonal produce. Some of the signature dishes include the classic mezze platter, grilled meats and seafood, and delicious pasta dishes. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list and an array of cocktails, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
9.The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai
The Bombay Canteen is a popular restaurant located in Mumbai, India that serves contemporary Indian cuisine. The restaurant has received critical acclaim for its creative dishes that blend traditional Indian flavors with modern techniques. The menu features a range of dishes that showcase the diverse culinary traditions of India, from street food favorites to regional specialties. The ambiance is lively and colorful, with decor that celebrates Mumbai’s vibrant culture.
10.Karim’S, Delhi
Karim’s is a famous restaurant located in Old Delhi, India, known for its delicious Mughlai cuisine. The restaurant has a rich history dating back to 1913 when it was first established. It has since become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, who come to savor the restaurant’s signature dishes such as Mutton Burra Kebab, Seekh Kebab, and Biryani. The ambiance is simple, with an open kitchen and wooden tables and chairs. The restaurant has maintained its traditional cooking methods, which involve the use of a charcoal-fired tandoor and copper vessels.
11.6 Ballygunge Place, Kolkata
Ballygunge Place is a famous restaurant located in Kolkata, India, known for its traditional Bengali cuisine. The restaurant has been serving authentic Bengali dishes since 1950 and has since become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The menu features a range of delicious dishes such as Chingri Malaikari, Kosha Mangsho, and Bhetki Paturi, which showcase the rich flavors and spices of Bengali cuisine. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, with vintage decor and comfortable seating arrangements.
12.Nizam’S, Kolkata
Nizam’s, located in the heart of Kolkata, is a legendary restaurant that has been serving delicious Mughlai cuisine for over a century. Its most famous dish is the Kolkata Kathi Roll, which was invented here in 1932. The restaurant’s charming old-world ambiance and mouth-watering food have made it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re craving a juicy kebab, a fragrant biryani, or a crispy paratha, Nizam’s is theplace to go.
13.Chokhi Dhani, Jaipur
Chokhi Dhani is a unique and immersive experience of Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage located in Jaipur. It is a recreated Rajasthani village where visitors can enjoy traditional food, music, dance, and crafts. From camel and elephant rides to puppet shows and bangle making, Chokhi Dhani offers a wide range of activities that showcase the colorful & vibrant culture of Rajasthan. The restaurant serves delicious Rajasthani thali, which is a platter of various dishes including dal-baati-churma, gatte ki sabzi, and kadhi. With its authentic atmosphere and warm hospitality, Chokhi Dhani is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the essence of Rajasthan.
14.Agashiye, Ahmedabad
Agashiye is a fine-dining restaurant located in the heart of Ahmedabad that offers traditional Gujarati cuisine in a beautiful and elegant setting. The restaurant is known for its exquisite thali, which includes a variety of dishes such as dhokla, khandvi, undhiyu, and Gujarati kadhi. Agashiye is unique because it serves its food in traditional Gujarati thalis made of brass and copper, adding to the overall dining experience. Agashiye is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the rich culinary heritage of Gujarat.
15.The Black Sheep Bistro, Goa
The Black Sheep Bistro is a restaurant located in the heart of Panaji, Goa. The restaurant is known for its innovative cocktails, made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The Black Sheep Bistro’s chic decor, combined with its delicious food and excellent service, make it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
16.Dum Pukht Begum’S, Hyderabad
Dum Pukht in Hyderabad is a fine-dining restaurant located at the ITC Kakatiya Hotel, known for its authentic Hyderabadi cuisine. The restaurant’s specialty is the Hyderabadi dum biryani, which is slow-cooked to perfection using the traditional dum pukht technique. The restaurant also offers a range of other signature dishes such as haleem and kebabs, all cooked using the same technique. The elegant ambiance and impeccable service make Dum Pukht an ideal destination for a special occasion or a luxurious dining experience.
17.Malaka Spice, Pune
The Table is a contemporary restaurant located in the heart of Mumbai, known for its innovative and seasonal cuisine. The restaurant’s menu features a fusion of global and local flavors, with a focus on fresh and sustainable ingredients. The restaurant’s chic and elegant decor, combined with its excellent service, make it a popular destination for special occasions and intimate dining experiences. From creative cocktails to small plates and exquisite main courses, The Table offers a dining experience that is both memorable and delicious.
18.The Table, Mumbai
The Table is a contemporary restaurant located in the heart of Mumbai, known for its innovative and seasonal cuisine. The restaurant’s menu features a fusion of global and local flavors, with a focus on fresh and sustainable ingredients. The restaurant’s chic and elegant decor, combined with its excellent service, make it a popular destination for special occasions and intimate dining experiences. From creative cocktails to small plates and exquisite main courses, The Table offers a dining experience that is both memorable and delicious.
19.Orient Express, New Delhi
Orient Express is a luxury restaurant located in the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi, inspired by the legendary train that traveled across Europe. The restaurant’s decor and glamour of the Art Deco era, with plush velvet seats, dark wood paneling, and sparkling crystal chandeliers. The menu features classic European dishes such as Dover sole meuniere, lobster bisque, and beef Wellington, all prepared with the finest ingredients and served with impeccable presentation. With its exquisite cuisine and elegant atmosphere, Orient Express is a must-visit for anyone looking for a special and unforgettable dining experience in New Delhi.
20.Royal Vega, Chennai
Royal Vega is a fine-dining restaurant located at the ITC Grand Chola Hotel in Chennai, known for its exquisite vegetarian cuisine. The restaurant’s menu features a range of dishes inspired by royal kitchens from all over India, including Rajasthani, Awadhi, and Mughlai cuisine. The dishes are prepared using traditional cooking techniques and a flavorful dining experience. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for an exceptional dining experience, Royal Vega is a must-visit destination in Chennai.
