Must-see restaurants in India

  • Gopal's

    Punjab (India)

    This popular vegetarian eatery prides itself on delicious servings of channa bhatura (Indian fried bread with chickpeas), thalis and sweetmeats that are…

  • Shakahaar

    Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

    Usually packed with visiting Indians, this back-to-basics, fast-and-furious thatched shack stars such pure-veg delights as tandoori mushrooms, vegetable…

  • Ciclo Cafe

    Chennai (Madras)

    Cycle-mad decor includes wheels on lamps, chandeliers made from chains and bikes dangling in the window. But this place is more than just a gimmick: there…

  • Dakshin

    Chennai (Madras)

    Upscale Dakshin specialises in the cuisines of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. Traditional sculptures, mirrored pillars and…

  • Zan-Khar

    Kashmir & Ladakh

    Staff seem lethargic but manage to turn out relatively appealing Tibetan dishes (try the mixed momo thukpa), a good roasted cheese potato and fat-but…

  • Ideal Corner

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    This classic Parsi cafe has the style to match its odd little spot in the crook of a funky, rounded building, with a royal-blue and mango colour scheme…

  • Badri Seth Sweets

    Khajuraho

    After exploring the temples of the Western Group grab yourself a sugar fix at this excellent traditional Indian sweet shop. The specials are chironji…

  • Billu Di Hatti

    Kashmir & Ladakh

    There are numerous good street food stalls around Residency Rd: Billu Di Hatti is every bit as grimy-looking as most, but regular queues (mostly for…

  • Little Chef's Restaurant

    Himachal Pradesh

    At the junction west of the traffic lights, Little Chef is Rekong Peo's best stand-alone restaurant, with a pleasant dining room of mosaic tables plus a…

  • Yama Cafe

    Uttar Pradesh

    Run by the welcoming Mr Roy, this Kushinagar institution has a simple, traveller-friendly menu that includes toast, omelettes, fried rice and thukpa …

  • Red Pepper

    Northeast States

    They've made an effort with the decor here, with bits of rustic cottage-style roofs over some tables. Food preparation is adequate if nothing…

  • Madras Cafe

    Rishikesh

    This local institution, in business since 1967, has undergone several facelifts but still dishes up tasty South and North Indian vegetarian food. It does…

  • Yash Cafe

    Agra

    This chilled-out, 1st-floor cafe has wicker chairs, sports channels on TV, DVDs shown in the evening and a good range of meals, from good-value set…

  • Kolkata Restaurant

    Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh

    Friendly chef and owner Amal Jana is a one-man show at this glorified dhaba (eatery serving snacks and basic meals), where he whips up honest, down-home,…

  • Hotel ZK

    Ahmedabad (Amdavad)

    This popular nonveg restaurant has air-con, tinted windows, low lighting and impeccable service. The boneless mutton kadhai is fantastic and (like a…

  • Prem’s

    Pune

    In a quiet, tree-canopied courtyard, Prem’s is perfect for a lazy, beery daytime drinking session on the breezy patio, with decent draught beers to try …

  • Whitestone Cottages

    Himachal Pradesh

    The river-facing restaurant of this pretty, garden resort is one of the most tempting options for a non-resident meal should you simply be touring the…

  • Lotus Cafe

    Udaipur

    This funky little restaurant serves up fabulous chicken dishes (predominantly Indian), plus salads, baked potatoes and plenty of vegetarian fare. It’s…

  • Apana Foodland

    Diu

    This outdoor restaurant facing the town waterfront does everything: breakfasts, South Indian, Gujarati, Punjabi and Chinese, with plenty of chicken and…

  • Manohar

    Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh

    Bright, clean, canteen-style Manohar does a brisk business in South Indian breakfasts, thalis, snacks, shakes and polished versions of many Indian street…

  • Mediterraneo

    Orchha

    Breezy, 1st-floor dining on a semi-open-air terrace that affords wonderful views of the Raj Mahal. Serving up pasta, pizza and pancakes – all of which are…

  • New Lucky Restaurant

    Ahmedabad (Amdavad)

    Built atop a cemetery, this restaurant has tables arranged around exposed tombs. Service is friendly, and the dosas (large South Indian savoury crepes)…

  • UP Bihar

    Kolkata (Calcutta)

    Grungy, dated yet inexplicably busy, this joint prides itself on precooked beef-chunk curries that are far from gourmet, but a notch better than those…

  • Domus

    Puducherry (Pondicherry)

    A health-focused, all-veg hideaway cafe in the hushed back garden of a zany design shop. With a limited menu, the main draws are the creative salad …

  • Olympia Coffee House

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    This old-school Mughlai cheapie does a recommended masala kheema (spicy minced meat; ₹60) for breakfast – scoop it up with some roti. A simple place…

  • Saniya Palace Hotel

    Agra

    With cute tablecloths, dozens of potted plants and a bamboo pergola for shade, this is the most pleasant rooftop restaurant in Taj Ganj. It also has the…

  • Seashore Hotel

    Tamil Nadu

    Amazingly, this spruced-up 7th-floor hotel restaurant is the only one in Kanyakumari with a proper sea view. There are plenty of Indian veg and nonveg…

  • Gecko Restaurant

    Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

    Two friendly brothers run this cute blue-and-yellow-walled spot sprinkled with colourful artwork and wood carvings, and with daily seafood specials…

  • Dairy Den

    Gujarat & Diu

    Cool off with a few scoops – or a soft serve – at Vadodara’s best ice-cream parlour. Some of the flavours – such as French vanilla dipped in chocolate and…

  • Janta Sweet Home

    Jodhpur

    Hugely popular for its delectable Jodhpur specialities, such as the baklava-like mawa ladoo, the malai sandwich (a milk-and-almond sponge coated in silver…

  • Eden Restaurant

    Varanasi

    Hotel Pradeep's rooftop dining space, complete with cityscape sunset views, manicured lawns and wrought-iron furniture, is a very pleasant place for a…

  • Chowdhry Sweet House

    Uttar Pradesh

    This bilevel madhouse is packed with locals taking in an extensive array of delicious Indian and Chinese veg dishes in a diner atmosphere, including…

  • Copacabana Bar & Restaurant

    Himachal Pradesh

    The Raj Mahal hotel's restaurant has a rear dining hall and suave, newer Chinese-speciality section but, after dark, the most appealing option is eating…

  • Juice Shack

    Varkala

    Relocated to less shack-like premises (after the original burnt down), the Juice Shack turns out creative, health-focused tropical juices and smoothies in…

  • Apaar Garden Restaurant

    Diu

    The menu of this cheap and cheerful open-sided place close to the waterfront (although you can't actually see the sea) takes diners on a culinary tour of…

  • Food Chord

    North Goa

    At the crazy retro I Love Bellbottoms hotel, this American-style diner has booth seating, Arctic air-con and a menu of club sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs…

  • O’Zen Restaurant

    Udaipur

    With an elevated location on City Palace Rd, this stylish 1st-floor restaurant-cafe does a range of Indian curries, plus Italian pizza and pasta, and even…

  • Pizza By The Bay

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    Located in one of the poshest neighbourhoods of Mumbai, Pizza By The Bay serves suitable pizzas and pastas, and it has a loyal following among local…

  • Cochin Majlis

    Alappuzha (Alleppey)

    Indian, Chinese and Arabic flavours collide at smart Cochin Majlis, whose sprawling air-con dining hall and smattering of terrace tables are set back from…

  • Shankara Vegis

    Agra

    Most restaurants in Taj Ganj ooze a distinct air of mediocrity – Shankara Vegis is different. This cosy old-timer, with its red tablecloths and straw…

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