Curry on down to Delhi, the vibrant heart of India, where the aroma of spices hangs heavy in the air and the clinking of plates creates a symphony of deliciousness! In 2024, the city’s food scene is hotter than a tandoor, pulsating with innovative flavours and redefining the boundaries of Indian cuisine. Forget the tired stereotype of butter chicken and naan; Delhi offers a culinary adventure unlike any other.
This list is your passport to a world of gastronomic delights. We’ve carefully curated 15 must-try restaurants, each offering a unique experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So, grab your metaphorical napkin and dig into the delectable offerings of Delhi!
Unveiling Culinary Gems: Fine Dining Extravaganza
Dum Pukht
Step into a bygone era of opulent dining at Dum Pukht. This legendary restaurant is a living testament to the grandeur of Mughal cuisine. Their slow-cooked dishes, prepared in sealed clay pots (dum pukht means “steamed breath”), are bursting with flavour and aroma. Sample their melt-in-your-mouth Nalli Nihari (braised lamb shanks) or the rich and creamy Murgh Makhani (butter chicken) – these are dishes fit for royalty.
- Location: ITC Maurya, Chanakyapuri, Delhi
- Timings: 7 pm to 11:45 pm (Mon-Sa); 12:30 pm to 2:45 pm and 7 pm to 11:45 pm (Sunday)
- Cost for two: ₹ 4000
Indian Accent
Buckle up for a culinary adventure that fuses tradition with innovation at Indian Accent. This Michelin-starred restaurant is a pioneer in progressive Indian cuisine, crafting dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Think black cod cooked in banana leaf or venison with smoked eggplant – each bite is a revelation.
- Location: The Lodhi, Lodhi Road, Delhi
- Timings: 12 pm to 2:30 pm and 7 pm to 10:30 pm
- Cost for two: ₹ 5000
Bukhara
Carnivores, rejoice! Bukhara is a legend, consistently ranked among the world’s best restaurants. Their signature Dal Bukhara – slow-cooked black lentils – is a pilgrimage for foodies, and their succulent kebabs are legendary. Be prepared to book well in advance, as this iconic spot is always in high demand.
- Location: ITC Maurya, Chanakyapuri, Delhi
- Timings: 12:30 pm to 2:45 pm and 7 pm to 11:45 pm
- Cost for two: ₹ 6500
Spice Route
Embark on a flavour odyssey through Southeast Asia at Spice Route. This sophisticated restaurant offers a vibrant tapestry of dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Dive into their fragrant curries, fiery stir-fries, and aromatic noodle soups – a true explosion of Asian flavours for your palate.
- Location: The Imperial Hotel, Janpath, Delhi
- Timings: 12:30 pm to 2:45 pm, 7 pm to 11:45 pm
- Cost for two: ₹ 6000
Dakshin
Travel down south without leaving Delhi at Dakshin. This award-winning restaurant is a haven for South Indian cuisine, showcasing the diverse culinary traditions of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. From the delicate filter coffees of South India to the fiery Chettinad curries, Dakshin offers an authentic and flavourful exploration of the region.
- Location: Welcome Hotel Sheraton, Saket, Delhi
- Timings: 12:30 pm to 2:45 pm, 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm, Monday (Closed)
- Cost for two: ₹ 4000
Varq
Ascend to new heights of luxury at Varq, perched atop the opulent Taj Mahal Hotel. This fine-dining restaurant offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city alongside an exquisite menu showcasing the best of North-West Indian cuisine. Their melt-in-your-mouth kebabs, marinated in aromatic spices, are a true highlight.
- Location: Taj Mahal Hotel, Mansingh Road, Delhi
- Timings: 12:30 pm to 2:45 pm and 7 pm to 11:30 pm
- Cost for two: ₹ 4500
Karim’s
A Delhi institution, Karim’s is a haven for authentic Mughlai fare. Step into this no-frills eatery and savour the legendary mutton curry or the melt-in-your-mouth kebabs. Be prepared for a bustling atmosphere and a true taste of old Delhi.
- Location: Gali Kababian, Jama Masjid, Delhi
- Timings: 9 am to 12:30 am
- Cost for two: ₹ 800
Moti Mahal
Another iconic establishment steeped in history, Moti Mahal boasts a legacy dating back to 1931. Their claim to fame? Inventing the world-famous butter chicken! While the debate over its origin continues, there’s no denying the deliciousness of their version. Pair it with their melt-in-your-mouth Dal Makhani (black lentil curry) for a truly decadent experience.
- Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj, and others, Delhi
- Timings: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Cost for two: ₹ 1000
Punjabi by Nature
Craving a taste of home-style Punjabi cooking? Punjabi by Nature is your answer. This vibrant restaurant offers hearty Punjabi fare, from melt-in-your-mouth butter chicken to flavourful tandoori platters. Don’t forget to order their legendary Lassi (a spiced yogurt drink) – the perfect accompaniment to a comforting Punjabi meal.
- Location: Multiple, Delhi
- Timings: 12 pm to 11 am
- Cost for two: ₹ 1400
Pind Balluchi
Pind Balluchi transports you to the rustic charm of Punjab. Their vibrant décor and lively atmosphere set the stage for a delicious indulgence. Tuck into flavourful tandoori fare, succulent dals, and their signature Lassi, a creamy yogurt-based drink, for a truly immersive experience.
- Location: Multiple, Delhi
- Timings: 12 pm to 12 am
- Cost for two: ₹ 1300
Kwality Restaurant
Don’t be fooled by the unassuming exterior. Kwality Restaurant is a hidden gem serving some of the best kebabs in Delhi. Their melt-in-your-mouth galouti kebabs, made with minced lamb and a secret blend of spices, are legendary. Be prepared for long queues, but trust us, it’s worth the wait!
- Location: Regal Building, Connaught Place, Delhi
- Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Cost for two: ₹ 1250
Indian Coffee House
Steeped in history, the Indian Coffee House is a quintessential Delhi experience. This iconic cafe serves up steaming cups of filter coffee alongside delicious, budget-friendly Indian snacks like samosas and pakoras.
- Location: Mohan Singh Place, Connaught Place, Delhi
- Timings: 9 am to 9 pm
- Cost for two: ₹ 200
Rajinder Da Dhaba
For a taste of authentic Punjabi dhaba (roadside eatery) culture, Rajinder Da Dhaba is the place to go. This no-frills eatery offers hearty Punjabi fare like Dal Makhani (black lentil dish) and creamy Paneer Tikka Masala (cottage cheese curry) at incredibly affordable prices.
- Location: Safdarjung Enclave Market, Delhi
- Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Cost for two: ₹ 800
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Safdarjung Enclave
Kake Da Hotel
Don’t be fooled by the humble exterior. Kake Da Hotel is a haven for authentic Punjabi fare. Their signature butter chicken is legendary, boasting a rich tomato gravy with a hint of sweetness, and their paneer dishes are a vegetarian’s dream.
- Location: Municipal Market, Connaught Place, Delhi
- Timings: 12:00 PM to 12:00 PM
- Cost for two: ₹ 600
Wenger’s
This charming bakery is a Delhi institution since 1918. Their melt-in-your-mouth pastries, flaky samosas, and rich rum balls are a nostalgic delight, transporting you back to a simpler time.
- Location: A Block, Connaught Place, Delhi
- Timings: 10:45 AM to 6:30 PM
- Cost for two: ₹ 400
