India's culinary capital? From traditional eateries to hidden gems, the best restaurants in Delhi make a compelling case
Bestowing the title of ‘India’s Culinary Capital’ to any city is a brave move, but Delhi makes a compelling case. The soul of this bustling metropolis is intricately linked to the flavours that dominate its dishes, and visitors are in luck when it comes to delicious food worth gorging on. Picking out the best restaurants in Delhi is no easy task, but we’re more than happy to work our way through this veritable mountain of food to bring you, the reader, the goods.
What to expect from the best food in Delhi? A wide variety, to say the least. The Indian capital is a thrillingly multicultural city, and quality food abounds everywhere, from the fine-dining spots to lick-your-fingers street stands. India is an intense place, but the intensity of these flavours will have your taste buds dancing. Not literally, that is quite a strange idea.
Bukhara proves to be, without a doubt, the mother of all authentic Indian food experiences. The signature (and massive) hot naans and malai kebabs join the slow-cooked dal bukhara in taking your palate on a journey that will delight it. You’re also encouraged to eat with your hands within the earthy and rustic interiors. Pro tip; make a reservation.
Starting out as a tiny counter in Safdarjung Enclave Market way back when, the man behind Rajinder De Dhaba has now branched out to include five more pseudo counters to his roster over the years. Serving malai tikka rolls and mutton seekh kebabs in plastic silver plates, this is the ultimate joint to soak in the Dhaba experience. Be prepared to stand in line to wait for your food, it’ll be worth it.
Helmed by celebrity chef Sujan Sarkar, Olive Bar & Kitchen stands tall in a row of cobblestoned streets, nestled among boutiques and bars, boasting an almost European vibe. The bohemian vibe with an open-air courtyard has turned it into a quintessential spot for Sunday brunch, filled with Mediterranean food, of course.
Literally accenting Indian food with global touches, chef Manish Mehrotra’s unique fusion menu includes the likes of blue cheese naan and chicken tikka meatballs. The restaurant is located in the swanky Lodhi Hotel and also boasts locations in New York and London. We highly suggest opting for the chef’s six-course tasting menu—each one comes paired with a wine selection.
Arguably Delhi’s trendiest destination, this beautifully done rooftop restaurant and bar are quickly becoming a favourite among locals. The scenically located eatery in Mehrauli (the ethereal Qutub Minar is right around the corner) serves an experimental Thai menu that includes some funky must-tries, like tamarind crab cakes.
A bit of a hidden gem, this fun and quirky pizza parlour serves scrumptious freshly baked pies daily. Named after the owner’s dog, notice adorable pictures of the late Leo all over the place, with tons of sunlight falling through large windows, funky old-school rock music in the background and a cosy kind of vibe.
Efficiently serving perfectly crispy, paper-thin stuffed dosas, mini idlis, Sagar Ratna is a one-stop-shop for South Indian food (mostly vegetarian). There are franchises all over the city, but the original location in Defence Colony Market is utterly magical: don’t miss out on the South Indian coffee offered in a funky steel glass.
A super cute café including a co-working space area, 80% of Greenr’s menu is vegan and is stirring up quite the buzz. The staff here makes everything, including ketchup, and the cosy industrial vibe ends up being the perfect environment to enjoy the plant-based dishes. The music is Shazam worthy—so have your phone handy.
Town Hall’s interiors are colonially curated, with different seating sections among high ceilings, stacked library books and old-school room dividers. Expect to find just about anything on the detailed world cuisine menu but do keep in mind that chef Augusto Cabrera is best known for his sushi. The spot, one of the best dining destinations in the iconic Khan Market, gets groovy at night, so you might want to stick around for post-dinner drinks.
Open since 1913, this iconic spot serves what is arguably the best Mughlai food in the world. Even the walk through the narrow streets of Old Delhi to get here is iconic. A hop, skip and jump away from Jama Masjid, the restaurant’s preserved original structure is historical. Don’t miss out on the famous mutton bara and brain curry.
Although Delhi is home to a whole set of “state Bhavans,” this one paying homage to Andhra Pradesh, stands out. A simply fashioned canteen in the Lutyens Delhi area, the venue is all about dipping into the South of the country with the non-vegetarian thalis. You cannot leave without sampling the mutton curry (available only on weekdays) and the Hyderabadi biryani on the weekends.
Tucked away in Delhi’s National Craft Museum, this quaint outdoor restaurant has a super laid-back feel, complete with bamboo sticks as a ceiling. The spot is best visited for breakfast, brunch or a late lunch. Make sure to try the palak chaat before hopping around the museum and soaking in the visually stimulating handicrafts and handlooms on display.
Yes, you can find Japanese food in Delhi. And delicious food at that. Visit Wasabi by Morimoto, helmed by ex-Nobu chef Masaharu Morimoto inside the luxurious Taj Mahal Hotel for a curated spread of delectable sushi alongside epic teppanyaki grill dishes. Dimly lit and offering an excellent Japanese whiskey list, this is one place you’ll keep coming back to.
