India has a diverse and rich culinary culture. The restaurants industry has flourished in recent years with various new and established players catering to a growing foodie population. With the country’s fast-growing economy and rising middle class, the restaurants industry in India is expanding at a rapid pace, offering an increasing variety of dining experiences, cuisines, and ambiance.
1. Bukhara, New Delhi
Bukhara is a well-known restaurant located at the ITC Maurya Hotel in New Delhi, India. It is famous for its authentic North Indian cuisine, especially the tandoori dishes. The restaurant has won several awards and recognitions for its food, including the ‘Best Indian Restaurant’ award from the Times Food and Nightlife Awards.
Bukhara offers a wide range of dishes including kebabs, biryanis, and curries. The restaurant is known for its signature dishes such as the Dal Bukhara, which is a black lentil preparation slow-cooked over a charcoal fire, and the Sikandari Raan, which is a succulent leg of lamb marinated with spices and roasted in a clay oven.
The restaurant has a rustic decor with low seating and an open kitchen that allows diners to watch the chefs prepare their food. Bukhara is also famous for its service, which is prompt and efficient. It is a must-visit restaurant for anyone who wants to experience the authentic flavors of North Indian cuisine.
2. Barbeque Nation
Barbeque Nation is a popular restaurant chain in India that offers a unique dining experience centered around barbeque grills on each table. The restaurant has become popular among food lovers due to its delicious food, interactive dining experience, and excellent customer service.
The menu at Barbeque Nation features a variety of starters, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, such as tandoori chicken, fish tikka, paneer tikka, and more. The main course offers a selection of Indian and continental dishes, along with biryanis and other rice preparations. The restaurant is also known for its desserts, including kulfi, phirni, and other Indian sweets.
What sets Barbeque Nation apart from other restaurants is its live grill on each table, where customers can grill their food to their liking. The staff provides a range of marinades and sauces to choose from, making the dining experience interactive and fun. The restaurant also has a spacious and comfortable seating arrangement, making it a great place for families, friends, and corporate events.
Overall, Barbeque Nation is an excellent restaurant chain in India that offers a unique dining experience and delicious food. Its interactive dining style and excellent customer service make it a must-visit for food lovers.
3. The Black Sheep Bistro
The Black Sheep Bistro is a popular restaurant in Goa, India, known for its fusion cuisine and unique ambiance. The restaurant offers a contemporary take on traditional Goan dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.
The menu at The Black Sheep Bistro is a fusion of Indian, European, and Southeast Asian flavors, with dishes like chicken liver pate, lamb shank rogan josh, and Thai red curry with prawns. The restaurant is also known for its innovative cocktails, featuring local ingredients like kokum and cashew feni.
The Black Sheep Bistro has a modern and chic ambiance, with an open kitchen and outdoor seating. The restaurant’s warm and friendly staff adds to the overall dining experience.
4. The Bombay Canteen
The Bombay Canteen is a trendy restaurant in Mumbai, India, known for its contemporary take on traditional Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s menu features a range of Indian dishes, focusing on regional flavors and local ingredients.
The menu at The Bombay Canteen features dishes like kheema pav, pao bhaji, bhel puri, and other regional specialties. The restaurant also has an extensive cocktail menu featuring unique combinations of local ingredients.
The Bombay Canteen has a trendy and vibrant ambiance, colorful decor, and an open kitchen. The restaurant’s friendly and knowledgeable staff adds to the overall dining experience.
The Bombay Canteen is a trendy restaurant in Mumbai, India, known for its contemporary take on traditional Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s menu features a range of Indian dishes, focusing on regional flavors and local ingredients.
The menu at The Bombay Canteen features dishes like kheema pav, pao bhaji, bhel puri, and other regional specialties. The restaurant also has an extensive cocktail menu, featuring unique combinations of local ingredients.
The Bombay Canteen has a trendy and vibrant ambiance, with colorful decor and an open kitchen. The restaurant’s friendly and knowledgeable staff adds to the overall dining experience.
5. Cafe Delhi Heights
Cafe Delhi Heights is a popular chain of restaurants in India that offers a diverse menu of international and Indian dishes. The restaurant is known for its casual and lively atmosphere, as well as its innovative menu that features a wide range of fusion dishes.
The decor of Cafe Delhi Heights is contemporary and chic, with bright colors and interesting textures that create a fun and vibrant atmosphere. The menu at the restaurant features a wide range of dishes from around the world, including burgers, pizzas, pasta, and sushi, as well as Indian favorites like butter chicken and biryani.
One of the most popular dishes at Cafe Delhi Heights is the tandoori momos, a fusion of traditional Tibetan momos and North Indian spices. The momos are stuffed with a mixture of vegetables or meat and then grilled in a tandoor oven to give them a smoky and delicious flavor. Another must-try dish at Cafe Delhi Heights is the chicken tikka pizza, which is
6. Copper Chimney
Copper Chimney is a well-known Indian restaurant founded in Mumbai, India, in 1972. The restaurant is known for its authentic and delicious North Indian cuisine, as well as its elegant decor and warm and inviting atmosphere.
The decor of Copper Chimney is sophisticated and stylish, with warm lighting, rich colors, and plush seating that create a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. The menu at the restaurant features a wide range of North Indian dishes, from classic tandoori chicken and butter chicken to rich curries and fragrant biryanis.
One of the most popular dishes at Copper Chimney is the raan-e-sikandari, a succulent leg of lamb marinated in a blend of spices and slow-cooked until it is fall-off-the-bone tender. Another must-try dish at Copper Chimney is the dal makhani, a rich and creamy lentil dish flavored with a blend of aromatic spices and perfect for soaking up fresh naan bread.
7. Farzi Cafe
Farzi Cafe is a popular restaurant chain in India, known for its modern take on Indian cuisine. The restaurant offers a range of Indian dishes with a twist, using molecular gastronomy techniques and modern presentation styles.
The menu at Farzi Cafe features dishes like dal chawal arancini, tandoori wild mushrooms, and butter chicken bao, along with other regional specialties. The restaurant also has an extensive cocktail menu, featuring unique combinations of flavors and ingredients.
Farzi Cafe has a trendy and chic ambiance, with modern decor and an open kitchen. The restaurant’s friendly and knowledgeable staff adds to the overall dining experience.
8. Gaggan
Gaggan is a fine-dining restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand, known for its modernist take on Indian cuisine. The restaurant has been named the best restaurant in Asia multiple times and has received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to Indian food.
The menu at Gaggan features a range of Indian dishes, using molecular gastronomy techniques and modern presentation styles. The restaurant’s tasting menu features dishes like charcoal, the eggplant cookie, and the iconic emoji dessert.
Gaggan has a modern and elegant ambiance, with an open kitchen and a chef’s table. The restaurant has a friendly and knowledgeable staff, adding to the overall dining experience.
9. Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe is a worldwide popular restaurant chain known for its rock and roll-themed decor and American-style cuisine. The chain has several locations in India, offering a range of American dishes with a twist.
The menu at Hard Rock Cafe features burgers, sandwiches, and other American classics, along with regional specialties like butter chicken sliders and tandoori chicken wings. The restaurant also has an extensive cocktail menu, featuring unique combinations of flavors and ingredients.
Hard Rock Cafe has a vibrant and energetic ambiance, with rock and roll memorabilia on display and a live music stage. The restaurant has a friendly and enthusiastic staff, adding to the overall dining experience.
10. Indian Accent
Indian Accent is a fine-dining restaurant located in New Delhi, India, that offers a modern and innovative take on traditional Indian cuisine. The restaurant is known for its creative and flavourful dishes and elegant and sophisticated decor.
The restaurant’s decor is contemporary and chic, with muted colors and clean lines that create a calm and inviting atmosphere. The menu at Indian Accent features a wide range of dishes that are inspired by regional Indian cuisine, but that is presented in a new and exciting way. For example, the restaurant’s signature dish is a duck khurchan, which is a shredded duck dish that is served with a parantha taco and a dollop of gooseberry chutney.
Another must-try dish at Indian Accent is the potato sphere chaat, a deconstructed version of the popular Indian street food chaat. The dish features a crispy potato sphere that is filled with tangy tamarind chutney and a spiced chickpea filling and is served with a yogurt foam and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds.
11. Jamie’s Italian
Jamie’s Italian is a popular chain of Italian restaurants that was founded by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. The restaurant is known for its relaxed and informal atmosphere and its delicious and authentic Italian dishes.
The decor of Jamie’s Italian is warm and inviting, with rustic wooden tables and chairs and soft lighting that create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The menu at the restaurant features a wide range of classic Italian dishes, from homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza to hearty meat dishes and fresh seafood.
One of the most popular dishes at Jamie’s Italian is the prawn linguine, which is made with fresh prawns, chili garlic, and cherry tomatoes, and is served with a generous sprinkling of parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Another must-try dish at Jamie’s Italian is the slow-roasted lamb shoulder, which is cooked for hours in a blend of herbs and spices until it is tender and falling off the bone.
12. Karim’s
Karim’s is a legendary restaurant in Old Delhi, India, famous for its mouth-watering Mughlai cuisine. The restaurant has been serving delicious food to locals and tourists alike for over a century, and is considered by many to be a must-visit destination for anyone who loves good food.
The decor of Karim’s is simple and unassuming, with basic tables and chairs and a no-frills atmosphere that puts the focus squarely on the food. The menu at the restaurant features a wide range of Mughlai dishes, from rich curries and succulent kebabs to crispy paranthas and fluffy naan bread.
One of the most popular dishes at Karim’s is the mutton burra kebab, which is a spicy and succulent dish that is made with marinated mutton ribs that are cooked over an open flame until they are charred and tender. Another must-try dish at Karim’s is the butter chicken, which is a rich and creamy curry that is made with tender pieces of chicken that have been marinated in a blend of spices and
13. Masala Library
Masala Library is a fine-dining restaurant in Mumbai, known for its innovative take on Indian cuisine. The restaurant is the brainchild of celebrity chef Jiggs Kalra, who is often referred to as the “Czar of Indian Cuisine.”
The menu at Masala Library features dishes like deconstructed samosas, khandvi ravioli, and chocolate samosas, using molecular gastronomy techniques and modern presentation styles. The restaurant also has an extensive wine and cocktail menu, featuring unique combinations of flavors and ingredients.
Masala Library has a luxurious and sophisticated ambiance, with elegant decor and an open kitchen. The restaurant has a knowledgeable and attentive staff, adding to the overall dining experience.
14. Olive Bar and Kitchen
Olive Bar and Kitchen is a popular restaurant chain in India, known for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The restaurant has several locations across the country, offering a range of dishes using fresh and seasonal ingredients.
The menu at Olive Bar and Kitchen features dishes like mezze platters, wood-fired pizzas, and grilled seafood, along with other regional specialties. The restaurant also has an extensive wine and cocktail menu, featuring unique combinations of flavors and ingredients.
Olive Bar and Kitchen have a chic and stylish ambiance, with modern decor and a comfortable seating arrangement. The restaurant has a friendly and attentive staff, adding to the overall dining experience.
15. Punjab Grill
Punjab Grill is a popular restaurant chain in India known for its Punjabi cuisine. The restaurant has several locations across the country, offering a range of dishes using traditional cooking techniques and authentic flavors.
The menu at Punjab Grill features dishes like tandoori chicken, butter chicken, and dal makhani, along with other regional specialties. The restaurant also has an extensive cocktail menu featuring unique combinations of flavors and ingredients.
Punjab Grill has a warm and inviting ambiance, with traditional Indian decor and a comfortable seating arrangement. The restaurant has a knowledgeable and attentive staff, adding to the overall dining experience.
16. Saltwater Cafe
Saltwater Cafe is a stylish and modern restaurant located in Mumbai, India, that offers a wide range of international and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The restaurant is known for its fresh and flavourful seafood, as well as its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
The decor of Saltwater Cafe is chic and contemporary, with a bright and airy interior that is accented with bold colors and patterns. The menu at the restaurant features a wide range of dishes, from classic seafood favorites like fish and chips and grilled prawns to more unusual offerings like a crab and avocado salad and a pan-seared duck breast.
One of the most popular dishes at Saltwater Cafe is the seafood platter, which features a selection of fresh and succulent seafood, including lobster, prawns, calamari, and fish, served with a selection of dips and sauces. Another must-try dish at Saltwater Cafe is the truffle oil and mushroom risotto, which is a creamy and decadent dish that is flavored with earthy mushrooms and aromatic truffle oil.
17. Savya Rasa
Savya Rasa is an authentic South Indian restaurant located in Pune, India, that offers a range of traditional dishes from the different regions of South India. The restaurant is known for its flavourful and aromatic dishes, as well as its warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The decor of Savya Rasa is simple and understated, with wooden tables and chairs and warm lighting that create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The menu at the restaurant features a wide range of dishes, from classic dosas and idlis to rich and flavourful curries and biryanis.
One of the most popular dishes at Savya Rasa is the meen pollichathu, which is a fish dish that is cooked in a banana leaf with a blend of aromatic spices and coconut milk. Another must-try dish at Savya Rasa is the Chettinad chicken, which is a rich and spicy chicken curry that is flavored with a blend of traditional South Indian spices.
18. Smoke House Deli
Smoke House Deli is a popular chain of restaurants located in cities across India that offers a wide range of global and European-inspired dishes. The restaurant is known for its fresh and flavorful ingredients, as well as its laid-back and casual atmosphere.
The decor of Smoke House Deli is chic and rustic, with wooden tables and chairs and vintage-inspired lighting that creates a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. The menu at the restaurant features a wide range of dishes, from classic burgers and sandwiches to more unusual offerings like quinoa and roasted vegetable salad and a bowl of black rice and smoked chicken dish.
One of the most popular dishes at Smoke House Deli is the smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel, which is a classic brunch dish that is elevated with the addition of delicious smoked salmon and a creamy cream cheese spread. Another must-try dish at Smoke House Deli is the slow-cooked lamb shank, which is a tender and flavourful meat dish that is served with creamy mashed potatoes and a rich and savory gravy.
19. SodaBottleOpenerWala
SodaBottleOpenerWala is a popular restaurant chain in India known for its Parsi-inspired cuisine. The restaurant has several locations across the country, offering a range of dishes using traditional recipes and authentic flavors.
The menu at SodaBottleOpenerWala features dishes like a chicken farce, berry pulao, and dhansak, along with other regional specialties. The restaurant also has an extensive cocktail menu featuring unique combinations of flavors and ingredients.
SodaBottleOpenerWala has a quirky and retro ambiance, with vintage decor and a comfortable seating arrangement. The restaurant has a friendly and attentive staff, adding to the overall dining experience.
20. TGI Friday’s
TGI Friday’s is an American restaurant chain with several locations in India, known for its casual dining experience and American-inspired cuisine. The restaurant offers a range of dishes using traditional recipes and authentic flavors.
The menu at TGI Friday’s features dishes like loaded potato skins, BBQ ribs, and burgers, along with other regional specialties. The restaurant also has an extensive cocktail menu, featuring unique combinations of flavors and ingredients.
TGI Friday’s has a lively and upbeat ambiance, with bright decor and a comfortable seating arrangement. The restaurant has a friendly and attentive staff, adding to the overall dining experience.
In conclusion, India has a rich and diverse culinary culture, and the restaurant scene in the country reflects that diversity. From traditional regional cuisines to innovative fusion dishes, there is no shortage of excellent restaurants to choose from in India.
In this list, we have highlighted some of the best restaurants in the country, including chains and standalone establishments. These restaurants offer a range of cuisines, from Indian to international, with a focus on fresh ingredients, unique flavors, and excellent service.
Whether you are a foodie looking for new culinary experiences or someone looking for a special dining experience, these restaurants are sure to impress. From the molecular gastronomy techniques of Masala Library to the Punjabi-inspired cuisine of Punjab Grill, there is something for everyone in India’s top 20 best restaurants.
