The best restaurants India

An address known by gourmets! This establishment opened since 1956, a few meters from Marine Drive, has been delighting lovers of good Indian cuisine for decades. Forget the Western dishes on the menu, and linger on the many Indian specialties. Try the Goan Fish Cur ry, Roast Lamb with mint sauce or the classic Murg Tikka Masala. The décor and service from another time are very pleasant.

A restaurant plebiscite by the premises and often rewarded by the specialized press for the quality of its cuisine. In a wooded and warm setting, the authentic Goanese gastronomy is served with specialties from all over the state. Fish and seafood are of course the honor and local traditional products like toddy (coconut alcohol) or sannas (small steam rolls).

A nice little cafe that has a walk on the street, just steps from the lake. Held by the same owners as the Tiger, it is especially appreciated for its espresso (as at home) and its delicious pastries. Let yourself be tempted by the roll roll.

Considered by the locals as the best biryani restaurant in town, the tables are crowded at lunchtime. You have to pass through the store selling dates, perfumes and sweets to get to the large room lit by neon lights and cooled by fans. The choice of dishes is posted on the wall: chicken biryani, shrimp biryani, fish biryani, mutton biryani... they are all delicious and not too spicy. To be accompanied by the excellent pickle (condiments preserved in vinegar)with home-made dates. Nice setting.

Recently renovated architecture, including high tables with a magnificent view, a bookstore and exhibitions of paintings by local artists: all of these assets make this establishment on the cliff one of the most popular with tourists. Italian menu of course, but also Indian, Chinese and Western. Homemade pasta and bread. You can choose your fish and seafood from the stall at the entrance. As for desserts, the chocolate mousse is worth the detour! Service sometimes a little nonchalant.

This restaurant offers all the specialties of Kerala cuisine and Mediterranean recipes at very affordable prices: Kerala fish curry or a meen peera pattichattu (Kerala style fried fish with grated coconut) with rice,appam, papad and vegetables. The goanese dishes are not to be outdone. The small plus is the bay window which shows the cooks at work: very rare in India. Friendly place, attentive service, great choice of dishes and very good value for money.

This Casino Hotel restaurant, built around a magnificent tree, is open to non-residents. It serves fabulous Kerala coastal cuisine. There is no menu, but a cart with the day's catch is brought in for you to choose from. Seafood is sold by the kilo. Of course, just like your meal, the bill will be high! The atmosphere of the place is very cosy, with subdued lights and a neat decoration.

The restaurant is located in a huge garden, very pleasant, not far from the Alliance française. And the chef has talent: al dente pasta, creamy pesto and rare beef. The house offers a small appetizer to whet your appetite and, another good point, the baguette is crispy as you wish. Wine served by the glass. A good address.

This restaurant offers a superb view on the Ganges and on the astronomical observatory of the palace built by the raja of Amber. The traditional North Indian cuisine is honored and the dishes are very copious. On the other hand, the prices are quite high (you pay for the place) and the service can sometimes be a bit dry. For the anecdote, the restaurant has this name because during the monsoon fresh water dolphins (the susu) used to come regularly to swim in the waters of the Ganges, but only during the monsoon.

It is the first of the restaurants on the road leading to the bridge and the fort, its menu is more or less the same as that of its colleagues, with a delicious eggplant curry. The owner is adorable and cooks especially for sensitive palates by subtly dosing the spices. From the terrace, you can appreciate the animation that reigns at the crossroads, especially in the evening, when the pilgrims come in mass to the temple located on the other side of the road. The place is a bit touristy but still very pleasant.

The ideal place to enjoy a true espresso or to grab a piece on the background of Hindi pop.

This address is known by the locals for its sweet delicacies, but the cookie store is also next to a large restaurant where they serve spicy vegetarian specialties. The principle is that of fast food. You have to go to the cashier and order your meal, then present your ticket to a waiter behind the counter. Once your tray is full, you just have to find a free seat, which can be complicated on weekend nights.

This chain famous for its cakes and other sweet treats has several restaurants scattered throughout the capital. Sort of a local fast food restaurant, it's the perfect place if you're feeling a little peckish before taking a train. In a large, noisy, neon-lit room, you can quickly swallow a masala dosa, a thali or a dal makhani with rice. Don't miss the rasmalai sold individually to finish on a sweet note. And if Indian specialities don't tempt you, there are a few Western dishes on the menu.

Founded in 1871, it is the most welcoming place for those who arrive in the city. Discreet stained glass windows remind us of the identity of the place. Chinese, continental and Indian cuisine. Fresh fruit juice at any time of the day. Many customers sit down for a cold draught beer despite the prohibitive prices... The place is often crowded and it is not rare to have to wait for a table. Moreover, the service is very nonchalant, to say the least. Leopold relies more on its notoriety than on the quality of its cuisine.

The most popular establishment in Munnar among backpackers, serving good chicken biryanis , fish curries, excellent Kerala parothas, as well as international dishes, spicy or not, according to your convenience. On the menu you will find some dishes like chatchouka, Sri Lankan kothus, salads, burgers... The decor is sober and the atmosphere not really warm, however the owner is friendly. It is certainly not great gastronomy but the Rapsy is a good choice in this price range.

This is a charming restaurant where you can enjoy good Italian cuisine. Whether you sit inside on cushions, amidst colorful drapes and traditional handicrafts, or on the outdoor terrace, you will be seduced by the enchanting setting. At night, you have a front row seat to the illuminated fort. You'll love what you have on your plate: lasagna, pasta, salads, soups, pizzas cooked over a wood fire. And not to spoil anything, the welcome is warm. Like a taste of Italy...

Founded in 1932, Cafe Mondegar is one of the oldest cafes in the city. It was the first to have a jukebox in Bombay! Since 1990, the walls are decorated by the famous Goan artist, Mario Miranda. His drawings representing scenes of life are famous in the whole country. The place is nice and you can eat there at any time. There is a large choice of snacks and dishes from all over the world. One room is air-conditioned, the other is not. The youth and the artists of the city meet here to chat over a coffee or a beer.

Another establishment that has moved! Unfortunately, the charm and intimacy of the first place have disappeared. The restaurant is now located on Othavadai Street with a room in the backyard and a smaller room on the first floor.

With a small terrace, this restaurant offers a nice view of the bazaar from the cramped room on the second floor. On the roof, a vast space overlooks the whole city and a part of the sacred lake. The address is well known to travelers on a tight budget, many of whom come to Pushkar. They come here to have their meals or simply to rest during the day to taste a homemade lassi. They serve Indian dishes, but also pizzas and salads... The food is more than correct.

Recent initiatives include the introduction of a new Sizzlers line and a few price changes. The wait is sometimes a bit long, but the game is worth it: the shares are gargantuan. At noon you can see young Indians playing beach volleyball on the beach. This hotel is also a hotel. The rooms overlook the sea.

This establishment, which was renovated in 2021, is a classic. The large terrace on the waterfront is particularly pleasant and is crowded as soon as the sun goes down. There is also an air-conditioned room upstairs. On the menu are many Kerala specialties, including excellent fish, shrimp and crab dishes, but also some North Indian recipes such as the inevitable biriyani. Various chicken dishes are also available. Beer and wine available. Reservations are recommended in the evening.

This is a good idea to leave for dinner in the very calm Jaïpur. In a reconstituted setting, this rajasthani village delights with its atmosphere, but also by its typical (very spicy) thalis. Dance, puppet and music shows, camel or elephant rides, every evening from until.

Clafouti is a nice place to start the day! This bakery serves good croissants, pastries and raisin rolls. The breakfasts are good and cheap. The menu is similar to the other restaurants, with some Thai dishes added, but it is very popular. Excellent specialties cooked in the tandoor. You can sip a beer or a fresh fruit juice on the floor, while admiring the open sea. The service is fast and pleasant, and the prices are lower than in neighboring establishments.

Located on the ninth floorof the Clarks Avadh Hotel, this restaurant is recommended if you want to taste the real (fine) Lucknow cuisine. Try the platter of different kebabs (taron ka haar) or the vegetarian kebabs, such as hariyali, a specialty made of spinach and lentils. Traditional musicians come to play intimate music in the evening. From the terrace, the view of the Gomti River and the city's monuments is splendid. An elegant place for a romantic dinner or to satisfy the gourmet.

Bad luck for the undecided ones, the choice is so vast that they will take some time to choose a dish. Madame Lamo offers Indian, Chinese, Tibetan, Italian, Mexican, Thai specialties... There is something for everyone. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipes available. For breakfast, too, the options are numerous. The dishes are copious, the stomachs will be satiated, however the service is very slow, because everything is prepared to order. You have to be patient! Pleasant atmosphere.

Handi delights lovers of grilled meats: tandoori, kebab, chicken or mutton tikka, butter chicken... Obviously, vegetarians will not be left out. All this is served in a "Rajsthan rural" setting with walls covered with dried and painted mud. The large, dark room behind a blackened window may seem unattractive, but these are the standards of "cool" in India. A good place to enjoy tandoori at lunchtime. This is exceptional, since the ovens are usually only lit in the evening.

Located on the tenth floor of The Lindsay Hotel, Blue and Beyond is rooftop and offers a breathtaking view of the city. You can choose between the air-conditioned room and a very airy terrace. Ideal to admire the Victoria Memorial illuminated from 19:45. It serves quality Indian and international cuisine. The number of places on the terrace being limited, think to reserve. It's a pity that the atmosphere is a bit dull and that the waiters are a bit off...

Popular restaurant established in 1968 to feed the mass of pilgrims coming to Haridwar. In a modern and air-conditioned room, they serve good dishes from the south of the country(masala dosa, idly, etc.), and dishes from the north of India, such as the very good chole bathura (chickpea curry with fried bread). Some Chinese recipes, sandwiches and drinks are also on the menu. The menu is quite extensive, it is difficult to make a choice. However, we prefer the original establishment in Rishikesh, the neighbor of Haridwar.

The name of this temple of Kashmiri gastronomy is a play on words referring to Chor Bazaar, the "thieves' market". It is true that the décor of the establishment, half flea market and half antique store, resembles a certain cave prized by forty thieves. Here, you can discover the ritual of the wazwan, a farandole of 36 dishes to be tasted in good company. For a more digestible overview, we recommend the buffet. The restaurant regularly updates its menu so that its regulars do not get bored.

Located near the train station, on the main street, Amberwalla is a good place to try some South Indian specialties or to enjoy a hearty thali. Only good vegetarian dishes are served in this air-conditioned room. You will find there a local canteen atmosphere with a rather ordinary setting and an expeditious service, which does not seem to disturb the exclusively Indian clientele. For a small price, the Amber thali is an excellent choice, tasty and very nourishing. Restaurant not to be missed for the small budgets.

This nice restaurant is located at the entrance of the Mandawa fort. Its terrace offers a beautiful view of the city and the Mandawa Castle. You will taste an authentic cuisine with cumin rice. On Sundays, a puppet show is offered to the customers. You will also find Mahendra, a French-speaking waiter, who studied at the Alliance française de Pondichéry, who knows the city like the back of his hand and will make you discover it on request.

Located on the terrace of a hotel, a little away from the city, this restaurant is nevertheless worth your visit. The food is really delicious and the prices are quite moderate. The chef worked for several years in Japan, before coming back home to Khajuraho. The products are ultra-fresh and the dishes are prepared to order, which is why you will have to wait a little. You can choose to eat outside, on the pleasant roof terrace laid out like an urban garden, or in the air-conditioned dining room with its contemporary setting.

We eat very well and prices are not exaggerated. Dosas dosas are particularly copious and delicious. The best address of the city. On the other hand, the hotel, very noisy, is not up to the height.

The refinement of the cuisine is equal to the decoration of this prestigious address. Comfortably installed in a hypostyle feng shui room, the customers have the impression of taking place in a South Indian temple. The menu follows the spice route through Asia from India to Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. All the dishes are exceptional and well balanced in terms of spices and spices. When the weather allows it, opt for the pleasant outdoor terrace. Reservations are recommended.

The restaurant at Treenz Kanta Chumbi Residency has a pleasant atmosphere. Sitting on the floor on cushions and immersed in a Japanese atmosphere, or sitting quietly on the terrace gazing at the stars, you will enjoy delicious food. Spicy Indian dishes, and very good Sikkimese specialties, including gyaree pork (roasted pork with ginger and garlic). Wide choice of drinks and cocktails on the menu.

In the heart of the city, it's a little piece of paradise. At the bar, we sit on saddlebags. The restaurant is organized around a small green garden. The meal is served in tents, on mattresses with cushions and coffee tables. The room is also very pleasant with its varnished wooden tables and chairs with carved backs. It serves good Indian and continental cuisine, although not all dishes are the same. It's best to avoid soups, for example. There's no view of the lake, but never mind this time...

Located under the Utsav Biryani House, this is a typical small family restaurant: three tables, a television always on and pictures of Darjeeling from the last century and of Kangchenjunga. Noodle soups, momos, kothays, to be tasted on the spot, or even to be taken away, because this "Tibetan fast-food" is taken by storm at all hours of the day. The place also acts as a mini-market and sells drinks, snacks, bread...

Located on a small crossroads in the old city, this tiny trailer-like shack is simply a must in Agra. The restaurant is famous for its malai kofta which is a sensation all over the world. It also offers a varied cuisine (Chinese, Indian, continental). The pressed juices and lassis are equally delicious. Don't miss the mango ones in season. Five tables with large benches and red chairs furnish the one and only room painted in bright yellow and pink with a starry ceiling.

Kwality is located near the Mall Road Shopping Market. It lacks a touch of decoration, but the place is still comfortable with its booths and armchairs. The place is well kept. The staff is friendly, which makes up for it. The food is good and the choice is vast: burgers, pizzas, sizzlers, but also good traditional Indian cuisine. At the end of the meal they will even bring you a bowl of hot lemon water to wash your hands! This unpretentious address is one of the best options in Dalhousie.

As in almost every city.

Held by a Sikh family, this small popular and authentic canteen attracts workers and inhabitants of the district but also more and more tourists. It's not surprising since you can eat very well for only a few rupees. Don't be discouraged by the uninviting front or by the basic setting... The food served is excellent! The dishes of the day, to be preferred, are written on a small slate. In addition, the portions are quite copious. The whole to be accompanied by a very good masala chai.

This unpretentious dhaba offers very cheap South Indian snacks(masala dosa, idli, vada). The old-fashioned setting wonderfully recreates the India of the 1970s, just like the portrait of Indira Gandhi hanging in the main room that nobody has yet dared to take down. If the content of the plate is exclusively turned towards the south of the country, the waiters are turbaned in the Rajasthan fashion. The atmosphere here is relaxed and the restaurant is often full, because Indians are very fond of southern cuisine, especially at breakfast.

This chic restaurant, frequented mainly by Delhiites, is worth the trip. The Indian food is not only delicious, but also spicy (for once!). And that's not all, the staff is very friendly and the portions are copious. Our suggestion: boneless murg tikka or murg makhani (chicken) with cheese nan and navratan pulao. You will tell us about it... This is also one of the few interesting options in the Chanyakapuri area, where if all the embassies gather, there are not many restaurants.

In front of Brown Bread Bakery, a canteen assiduously frequented by backpackers from all walks of life. International cuisine (Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Israeli, pizza, pasta, salads…) and cheap formulas for breakfast.

In a slightly dark setting you can enjoy the vegetarian specialities of northern India. In the basement, in a more relaxed atmosphere, the kitchen in the south of the country. On the floor, desserts: Taste the ice absolutely but ask beforehand for some explanations about the range of fragrances or even test the Black Cow. You can also enjoy snacks and test the famous chaat. A very good address, just like the Royal Cafe a little further on the same sidewalk, which belongs to the same branch.

Zee (pronounced "dji") means "respect", a name that here is not usurped. Located on the roof of the guesthouse of the same name, you can enjoy good masala dosas in calm while watching the bustling activity of the main square.

Everything in this restaurant is a bit oversized: the size of the room (very large), the backs of the chairs (very high), the brightness (very dark). This seems to be what is needed to lure a wealthy clientele that wants to relax and be entertained. A slightly baroque setting and water pipes. In addition to being a restaurant that serves decent food, but with somewhat congruent portions, the establishment acts as a sheesha bar. No alcohol, but a long menu of mocktails and tobacco flavors.

A very small establishment hidden in a maze of alleyways, quite difficult to find. Follow the signs in Bangali Tola Road to get there. A sign will indicate the restaurant and you'll have to push open the door. A room with two tables, then another where customers sit on the floor... The first impression isn't very pleasant, but you discover that this is the HQ for Koreans visiting Varanasi. Excellent Korean cuisine (with meat available) at affordable prices. For a variety of pleasures.

The restaurant Kalimpong is a small family establishment not to be missed! Small room, few tables, we are a little tight but there is a comforting human warmth. Smiling reception and fast service. The menu is limited, which is usually a good sign. It offers Tibetan specialties made with fresh products: vegetarian momos, mutton, chicken or pork, various noodles, thukpas, thentuk, chili pork (excellent chili pork)... Everything is delicious! A warmly recommended address.

Open since 1962, Makhan is an iconic restaurant in the city. A large, somewhat impersonal room welcomes customers. On the menu, as you might expect, are fish and chicken specialties. Recipes cooked in the tandoor, such as chicken malai tikka, mutton tikka, or fish Sangara tandoori, are all the rage. The establishment also serves alcohol, so you can accompany your meal with a cold beer. Not to be confused with the Makhan Hut.