The best Indian restaurants North India

Welcome to the trendy restaurant in Agra. The large long room welcomes tourists, many tourists, from India and elsewhere. Many of them get lost in the extensive choice of the menu, when they are not familiar with the local cuisine. Fortunately, the attentive staff will guide you in your choices and you can only leave satisfied. It is true that the food here is tasty, served in a very lively atmosphere. Could it be because of the talent of the barman who prepares delicious cocktails?

Impossible to miss the door of the entrance of this restaurant with the doorman proudly displaying a majestic glossy moustache and a suit worthy of the greatest Rajput warriors. Inside, the setting is kitschy. A dark pirate cave atmosphere, a tree planted in the center of a pasteboard rock, 3D murals, shards of mirrors and adobe walls decorated with naïve paintings mix genres. However, the restaurant serves excellent North Indian cuisine with tasty curries and spicy kebabs.

The Taj Mahal, with its image of luxury and excellence, is going all out. The setting mixes sumptuous pieces of ancient art with modern furniture and lighting. The clash of eras and flavors also occurs on the plate. If the menu seems to propose classic dishes, the visual, olfactory and gustatory reality is quite different. The name chosen refers to the edible gold leaf, struck so finely that it can barely be felt on the tongue. And when it comes to finesse, the chef knows how to do it.

The Parsis, who came from Persia many centuries ago, settled in Bombay. Until the opening of the "Soda Bottle Opener" it was here that one could enjoy the best Iranian influenced cuisine. But now Delhi is trying to steal the spot from its enemy sister. You can try the berry pulao, a rice served with meat and berries or the roast mutton with Parsi spices. We also loved the setting, which revives an old cafe with bistro tables, woodwork and mirrors.

This legendary restaurant has the reputation of serving the best biryani and kebab in Delhi. And it's been going for 40 years! The setting has been recently renovated and Delhiites are flocking to the place which is vaguely reminiscent of American diners. A bench runs along the wall of the room, while on the other side there are "corners" for 6. A must to get acquainted with the cuisine of the country or simply to enjoy dishes that have been forgotten elsewhere. The service is efficient, but you often have to be patient.

Not so easy to find a nice restaurant around Connaught Place without loud music. Fortunately, a few nostalgic Hyderabad biryani lovers have opened this canteen on the outer circle. No fuss for this little address, but a setting that follows the codes in vogue at the moment: a touch of industrial, school chairs and old tiles. The biryani, tasty and fragrant, is steamed, as tradition demands, and comes in a vegetarian or meat-based formula. It's often full, and it's best to reserve your table.

Located on the slopes of Shymala Hills, this restaurant is part of a hotel complex owned by the Madhya Pradesh Tourist Board. If the cuisine it offers is not very original, it is well executed. You will find the classic mutter or palak paneer, dhal, butter chicken as well as some tasty kebabs and tandooris. The establishment is licensed and you can sip a beer or a whisky - in moderation - while watching the lake.

The restaurant of the Zone by the Park hotel, located in the north of Bani Park, serves many western and eastern specialties to satisfy its international clientele. But it also offers a short selection of Rajasthani specialties that are worth a visit. You will find them under the selection "khammaghani". Here, the gulab jamun is served in a savory version in a thick cashew sauce. If you prefer the non-vegetarian option, you can enjoy a tasty Shekhawati chicken.

This restaurant located inside the Amber Fort will give you the opportunity to feast at the table of the maharajas. The overwhelmingly romantic setting lends itself to a romantic dinner. Whether you dine by candlelight in the courtyard when the evenings are mild or under the crystal chandeliers of the grand dining room, the splendor of the place is obvious. A tasty experience to recommend to all lovers. Beware, the restaurant is not easy to find. It is on the other side of the fortress. It is better to go by cab if you don't have a car with driver.

Faced with the gastronomic desert of the old city and the influx of tourists to the City Palace, the maharaja had the good idea to transform a courtyard of the palace into a restaurant. The menu is in the fusion mode, with a touch of spices and typical local products. You can choose between a beet and quinoa salad or a lamb curry served with millet and chard. If the flavors are perfectly balanced, we can only regret a nonchalant and not very involved service, especially since the prices are quite high.

The whole of Ahmedabad runs to taste the delicious dosa prepared in this little canteen. The different ways of preparing these lentil-flour patties come from all corners of South India: Mysore, Mangalore, Andhra Pradesh, with coconut or mint(pudina). All in one place, you'll discover the whole range of possibilities and the subtle nuances that exist between the different dosas. You'll be spoilt for choice. Don't miss the delicious lassis or the black coffee, which is just right.

Located behind the São Tomé church, this restaurant run by an Indo-Portuguese family serves Portuguese cuisine with Indian influences, such as this cozido de peixe (fish stew) or this grilled fish with garlic potatoes. Everything is served under a pergola built in the garden, on nicely tablecloths and with pleasant music in the background. On the other hand, the menu is limited and only one brand of beer is offered, quite surprising in Diu! It's also a pity that the atmosphere is sometimes spoiled by the bad attitude of the owner...

To the right after the first gate of the fort, this café with a few tables serves snacks and cold drinks throughout the day. Located in one of the buildings of the palace, you will appreciate its courtyard shaded by a beautiful century-old tree. The rooms offered are out of the ordinary since they are located within the entrance gate of the fort! Air-conditioned, they are all charming and comfortable. If you can, ask for the Bee eater, a spacious room at the top of the gate with a nice terrace overlooking the city.

Large sober room dressed with backlit wood panels. On the wall near the entrance, a huge flat screen broadcasts the cricket or the news. The restaurant is famous for its dosa specialties (large pancake stuffed or not, from South India). But you will also find a very complete menu offering many vegetarian specialties, including some kebabs cooked in the tandoor. A finger bowl with hot water and lemon is presented at the end of the meal. The food is tasty and it's full every night. Very copious portions.

This Amritsar institution serves vegetarian food, mostly from the North, but also some southern specialties, such as dosas. Customers come here for the kulcha, a bread cake flavored with herbs and sprinkled with pomegranate, served for breakfast. The other offerings on the extensive menu are equally tempting, and the crowds in the restaurant's three large dining rooms are not deceiving. In season, don't miss the mango lassi. The neighboring Bhrawan Da Dhaba offers more or less the same menu.

This large, chic, sombre hall welcomes Gentry de Chandigarh. Choose a small table on the podium which offers you a breathtaking view of the restaurant and the collection of pure malt in the bar. Ghazal serves mughlai cuisine that is perfect for perfection and spicy tandoori. The hot naan are of incomparable lightness. Furthermore, you can enjoy your meal with a cool pressure, rare in India. A very good address, perfect for dinner in lovers or among friends.

Near Sudder Street, here is a good option to try the local specialties. You don't know the names of the Bengali dishes? Kasturi has found the solution: the waiter brings you the daily dishes available and you choose! The food, spicy to perfection, is excellent. And if you hesitate, order a thali with its myriad of flavors. The room is not very friendly, the tables are close to each other, and the place can quickly become crowded. Several restaurants of this famous chain are scattered around the city.

This small restaurant located on the beach, but not overlooking the ocean, offers honest local specialties and very good fish and seafood recipes. Try their recipes based on grilled fish, shrimps or squids. The service is nice and you will surely meet other travelers. Moreover, the prices are very affordable. Nice open terrace and possibility to have a cold beer under the coat. But hush!

This flagship restaurant of Kolkata has several addresses in the city, this one is located at the corner of Esplanade on the^1st floor. In a small and not very welcoming room, they serve an authentic and modern Bengali cuisine. The mutton curries are particularly famous, but don't miss the fish specialties either.If the names don't ring a bell, try the Bhojohori Thala, a Bengali thali consisting of an assortment of vegetarian dishes, to be accompanied by a non-vegetarian main dish of your choice.

Located in a small recess before the Gesmo Restaurant, just in front of the Yak Tail Hotel. We would tend to hide this small canteen, and it would be a pity! The setting is ordinary but the food is delicious. Specialties cooked in the tandoor, chicken tikka, mutton, biryanis, vegetarian dishes, different kinds of naan... It's also a place to go if you like spicy Indian breakfasts... Friendly service. Besides, the locals are not mistaken, this small dhaba is often full!

Located on the first floor of a nice house on the main road, this restaurant offers a large choice of thalis from Manipur but also from Assam, Nagaland, Khasi tribe recipes... It is the ideal place to taste the excellent and unknown specialties of the North-East of India. Several fish and pork dishes are also on the menu. Pleasant setting, courteous service and friendly atmosphere. Local handicrafts and orchids for sale. Recommended.

An atypical restaurant. You can sit in the air-conditioned dining room, at one of the many tables scattered in the lush garden, or perched in a hut. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff will do everything to satisfy you. Many local specialties are on the menu: typical dishes of the region, products of the Chilika Lake fishery (crab, shrimp, freshwater fish), fish and seafood... but also more "classic" dishes. Don't hesitate to take a look at the recommendations of the day. Not to be missed.

The Tellow Chilli restaurant is part of a famous chain whose dishes have been developed by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, a national celebrity. The first restaurant to open its doors was in Andheri, Mumbai. The Yellow Chilli offers a modern take on traditional North West Indian cuisine in an elegant and refined setting. An excellent cuisine full of flavors. Interesting work on the presentation of the dishes. Possibility to accompany your meal with a very good cocktail or a beer. Reservation recommended.

The hotel's restaurant has an elegant and pleasant modern setting, in contrast to the establishments targeted at tourists who come to get drunk. The menu features specialties from all over the country, including fish, shrimp, chicken and more. Some Chinese and Western dishes are also on the menu. You can accompany your meal with a cold beer or a strong spirit, available in Diu at the lowest prices in India. Friendly service.

If you're looking to treat yourself to dinner, check out the Radisson Blu Hotel, home to one of the city's best restaurants, The Great Kabab Factory. In a modern decor with shimmering colors is offered a unique menu that varies daily and is presented in buffet style. There are several stations to choose from, with excellent kababs being the most popular. The concept created by Radisson is a great success wherever it is established.

Here is a new establishment opened by a French woman, which is located very close to the central ghat, on the rooftop of Baba Guesthouse. The room is spacious and impeccable, with a superb view on the Ganges. Here the Indian specialties are particularly successful (delicious thali) and adapted to European palates. And for those who are homesick, we also offer pancakes, quiches lorraine, pasta, salads, and desserts to die for. Friendly atmosphere, discreet and pleasant music, games at disposal.

Self-proclaimed the "best dhaba in Amritsar", this small restaurant is located in a small alleyway just off the main shopping street. It is one of the only establishments in the area to offer both non-vegetarian (chicken, mutton, fish) and vegetarian cuisine. The tandoor-cooked specialties are all the rage, the mutton curries rich, the pranth lacchadar (local parothas) delicious and the fish dishes hearty. The room is not very welcoming, but the service is friendly and fast. A popular place to go.

The restaurant on the terrace of this guesthouse offers a view on the city gate and the cuisine of the Agarwel family, owner of the place, is absolutely delicious. The kofta, with or without sauce, are the specialty of the place. We recommend the cheese kofta and the kashmiri kofta (potatoes, cheese, cashew nuts and grapes), both are a treat! Don't forget the Indian desserts like the kheer or the nan khatai, cookies which are the specialty of Fathepur. A good address for a meal or a snack!

This good little restaurant is located just in front of the fort. It is regularly visited by tourists before or after the visit of the Junagarh, but also by a young clientele, because the restaurant is also a "coffee bar" serving a whole range of coffees, mochas and fresh fruit juices. You can eat outside on the terrace with a view of the fort, or inside, without a view but in a cool place. On the menu, Indian and Chinese dishes. Try if you haven't already the lal maas or the ker sangri, it's amazing, typical of Rajasthan and very good.

This restaurant is housed in a magnificent house with carved wood panelling. Inside too, the setting is sumptuous. Woodwork, frescoes, copper dishes... The rustic Indian elegance is expressed here wonderfully. A large choice of dishes cooked in the tandoor. You will find the traditional kebabs or tandoori chicken, but also lobster cooked in the oven. The prices are quite high, but the food is excellent. The kebabs are soft, the lobster has a smoky taste and the spices are well balanced. Three establishments of the sign in Kolkata.

This restaurant is absolutely great. If you're in the area of the Convention Center or the airport, come here for a break. The room is large and inspired by the industrial style. An old tractor painted in yellow sits in the middle and is a delight for the kids. Because we come here with our families to enjoy the chicken tikka. It is spicy, but juicy and cleverly spiced. Just look at the number of people who come here to dine in or take away. A very good discovery. Kolkata has five such establishments.

On the second floor of a building on Mall Road, this small restaurant with midnight blue velvet benches offers a long room. On the menu, a mix of international and Indian cuisine. Sandwiches, pizzas or burgers served with crispy fries are served alongside vegetarian kebabs and chicken tikka. However, we recommend the Indian specialties, which are much more successful. On the other hand, the portions are a bit small. The result is quite appreciable and the atmosphere is nice. Just like the service.

If you are not yet familiar with deep India, this restaurant will seem very gloomy. The atmosphere is dark, in the two separate rooms: one dedicated to vegetarian specialties and the other not. Don't be put off by this detail, because you will find a very complete menu where the specialties of Odisha are honored, like the delicious fish curry with mustard. Prices are tight and the room is air-conditioned. Many tour operators bring their clients here to experience an authentic meal.

The taste of South India in the mountains, it could seem incongruous if this cuisine was not one of the favorites of Indians. Most of them are here on vacation and looking for a change of scenery. Sankalp fulfills this desire here. You will eat delicious dosa, a kind of crunchy pancake, stuffed or not and accompanied by various sauces. Our preference is for the hearty masala dosa. In addition to these very popular pancakes, which are especially popular at breakfast, the menu offers other local specialties such as idli, vada and uttapam.

What to say about this restaurant except that it is located in front of the Shree Krishna Janmasthan temple. It will be perfect to eat after the visit of the temple, especially if you had to make a long queue to reach the birthplace of Krishna. The big and flashy room with its powerful lights is air-conditioned, which is a real advantage on hot days. The unpretentious vegetarian cuisine is served here, and the menu is located exactly at the crossroads of India. It specifies: North India, South India and Punjab.

An institution in Rishikesh! This vegetarian restaurant is famous for its living mascot (we'll let you be surprised) which is enthroned at the entrance of each establishment. South Indian cuisine, North Indian cuisine, Chinese dishes, sandwiches... Three Chotiwala establishments in Rishikesh, two in Swargashram in the street that leads to Ram Jhula, and one in Mun-Ki-Reti that enjoys a nice view on the Parmarth Niketan ashram, located on the other side of the river, the Chotiwala By The Ganges, which is definitely our favorite establishment of the branch!

This vegetarian restaurant is an institution in Varanasi! A restaurant that is very popular with the locals because of the good quality of its cuisine. It serves North Indian food (paneer, tandoori) as well as South Indian food (dosa, uttapam) and some Chinese (noodles) and continental dishes. Keshari also serves very good thalis. You can enjoy the snacks on a bench installed for this purpose in the street. However, you will have to be patient to get a place, the place is literally taken by storm at lunch time.

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.

A pleasant restaurant overlooking a flowery garden (hence the name) that was once a hotel. You can eat on the terrace or inside. The room is pleasant with its yellow-painted walls adorned with old photos of Chandernagor. A cuisine that has a good reputation among locals, who love both Indian (excellent tandoori chicken) and Chinese specialties. A well-deserved reputation, as everything is delicious. Friendly, professional service. An ideal place to stop off during your visit to the city.

A Lucknow classic that offers typical Mughal and Awadhi cuisine at affordable prices. Try the shami kebab and the seekh kebab or a chicken massala with roasted rumali . Many options for vegetarians. Don't hesitate to try the sweet specialties to finish your meal. The room is often full, which is a guarantee of quality, but you will probably have to wait to get a table. Service is sometimes nonchalant.

The reputation of this restaurant is well established, and the queue on Sundays is as long as a traffic jam on Ring Road at rush hour. Specializing in South Indian cuisine, the short menu features mainly idli (steamed buns made from black lentil flour and rice) and dosa (crunchy pancakes), the two mainstays of Dravidian Indian breakfast. While the chain has 26 establishments in Delhi, this one has the best reputation and is the most popular. And you can visit at any time of day!

This small establishment on the edge of the main square serves snacks and delicious sweet lassis (the best in Madhya Pradesh, at least). You can also stock up on cold drinks, cookies, shampoo, toothpaste and more, as this restaurant also serves as a grocery store. Perfect for a sweet or salty break between your visits. The owner, who is adorable and speaks very good English, is a real mine of information about the city. Don't hesitate to ask him for advice!

This is one of the city's most popular restaurants. The setting is modern, pleasant and impeccably maintained. The dining booth is comfortable and popular with locals. Service is courteous, even if the waiters don't understand English very well. On the menu: vegetarian specialties, including paneer dishes and very good dosas (thin, savory pancakes from the south of the country). For dessert, try the chocolate brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, served on a hot plate.

This restaurant is installed in an air-conditioned room on the floor at the end of Ashok Road. It serves Indian and Chinese food, but also pizzas and sandwiches. Nothing exceptional, it is even rather average, but the prices are very low. The small city has several street food stands but few establishments where you can sit down and relax a bit, which is nice when the heat is on. A good place to have a snack or lunch before continuing your visit of Sarnath.

You're not dreaming, two adjacent restaurants have the same name; at the entrance, it's up to the employee who will shout the loudest to attract the customer. Originally there was only one Crystal, but it was divided in two due to a family feud. Even if they are equal, the more luxurious one caught our attention. Chic bistro atmosphere with staff in black and white uniform. The specialty is the murg tawa frontier (grilled chicken), but our favorite dish is the rexmi kebab, a delicious chicken skewer marinated in yogurt.

Located next to Hotel Capoor's, it gathers all the votes. The place is a little cold (in both directions of the word) but the quality is at the meeting. From Indian cooking, kababs, Chinese dishes, pizzas, burgers… We recommend biryani, cooked to étouffée and served in a pot of land, to accompany a nan nan (Indian bread stuffed with émincée mutton meat). The dishes are very rich. In the evening, entire families are queuing up to taste their delicious snacks (chaat).

Located in the center of Diu, Apana Foodland is an establishment with an excellent reputation. The majority of Indian tourists to Diu come from Gujarat, and most of them are vegetarians. As a result, many restaurants in Diu, such as Apana, only serve vegetarian specialties, much to the chagrin of seafood lovers. However, the menu is varied and the dishes tasty. Located on the seafront, the setting is particularly pleasant for lunch. Charming, efficient service.

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.

A warm, family atmosphere in the Silver Palace hotel restaurant (run by the same owners as the Imperial Palace). From the outside, the place doesn't look very appealing. Yet once inside, you discover a chic, elegant setting. The service is impeccable. The menu features world cuisine: Indian, of course, but also continental, Chinese and even Mexican. The dishes are well presented, and once you've tasted them, you won't be disappointed. Waiting times can be quite long, as this is a very popular establishment.

In the car, the train will leave! Don't worry, this one will stay on the platform for the time of your meal. Bhopal Express is installed in an old train car, converted into a comfortable dining room. With pleated curtains on the windows replaced by screens showing a scrolling landscape, red and white tablecloths, cream-colored benches, you would think you were in a Pullmann of the Belle Epoque. The titles of the dishes (in Hindi, but with a subtitle in English) refer to the journey. A few tables are also set up on the quay, to enjoy the beautiful evenings.