Delhi, the capital city of India, is not just a hub of political power and cultural heritage but also a gastronomic paradise. The city offers a diverse and vibrant culinary scene that reflects the rich cultural tapestry of India. From street food stalls offering mouth-watering chaats to luxurious fine dining restaurants serving international cuisine, Delhi has something to offer for every palate. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some of the most amazing dining places to visit in Delhi, catering to different tastes, preferences, and occasions. Along the way, we’ll also highlight how Quick Search India can help you discover the best dining spots in the city.
Why Dining in Delhi is a Unique Experience
Delhi’s food culture is a reflection of its history, with influences from Mughal, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and many other regional cuisines. The city’s culinary landscape is a blend of traditional and contemporary, offering a variety of flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, dining in Delhi is an experience that goes beyond just the food. It’s about the ambiance, the history, and the people who make each meal memorable.
Iconic Dining Spots in Delhi
1. Indian Accent
Indian Accent is one of Delhi’s most celebrated restaurants, known for its innovative take on traditional Indian cuisine. Located in The Lodhi, a luxury hotel in the heart of the city, Indian Accent has garnered international acclaim for its unique menu that fuses Indian flavors with global techniques.
Ambiance and Decor
The restaurant’s interior is a perfect blend of modern elegance and traditional charm. The dim lighting, plush seating, and sophisticated decor create an intimate setting that is perfect for a special evening. The ambiance is further enhanced by the attentive service, ensuring that every guest feels like royalty.
Culinary Experience
Indian Accent’s menu is a delightful journey through India’s diverse culinary heritage. Chef Manish Mehrotra, the mastermind behind the restaurant, has curated a selection of dishes that reimagine classic Indian recipes with a contemporary twist. Some of the must-try dishes include the Kashmiri morels stuffed with water chestnuts, tandoori bacon prawns, and the daulat ki chaat with saffron.
The restaurant also offers a tasting menu that allows guests to experience a variety of dishes in one sitting. Each dish is presented with artistic flair, making the dining experience as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Why It’s a Must-Visit
Indian Accent is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary institution that has put Delhi on the global food map. If you’re looking to experience Indian cuisine in a whole new light, Indian Accent is the place to be.
Location: The Lodhi, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
Contact: +91-11-66175151
2. Bukhara
Bukhara, located in the ITC Maurya Hotel, is synonymous with traditional North Indian cuisine. Known for its rustic decor and robust flavors, Bukhara has been serving up legendary dishes for over four decades. The restaurant is often frequented by celebrities, dignitaries, and food enthusiasts from around the world.
Ambiance and Decor
The decor at Bukhara is simple yet impactful, with earthy tones, wooden furniture, and an open kitchen that allows diners to witness the magic of tandoor cooking. The walls are adorned with handprints of famous personalities who have dined at the restaurant, adding to its iconic status.
Culinary Experience
Bukhara’s menu is a tribute to the rich culinary traditions of the North-West Frontier Province. The restaurant is famous for its succulent kebabs, slow-cooked dal Bukhara, and a variety of tandoori breads. The tandoori naan served here is almost as large as a table and pairs perfectly with the hearty dishes.
The murgh malai kebab, raan (whole leg of lamb), and the barrah kebab are some of the standout dishes that you must try. The food is cooked without any cutlery, encouraging diners to eat with their hands, as is the tradition in many parts of India.
Why It’s a Must-Visit
Bukhara is a culinary landmark in Delhi that offers an authentic and immersive dining experience. If you’re a fan of North Indian cuisine, Bukhara is a must-visit for its timeless dishes and unparalleled hospitality.
Location: ITC Maurya, Diplomatic Enclave, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi
Contact: +91-11-26112233
3. Dum Pukht
Dum Pukht, also located in the ITC Maurya Hotel, is another gem in Delhi’s culinary crown. The restaurant specializes in Awadhi cuisine, a royal culinary tradition from the city of Lucknow. Dum Pukht has won numerous awards for its exquisite food and luxurious dining experience.
Ambiance and Decor
The decor at Dum Pukht is opulent, with intricate chandeliers, plush seating, and regal accents that transport diners to a bygone era of royalty. The ambiance is further elevated by the soft classical music playing in the background, creating a serene and elegant setting.
Culinary Experience
The art of dum pukht refers to the slow-cooking technique where food is sealed in a pot and cooked over a low flame, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Dum Pukht’s menu is a celebration of this technique, offering dishes that are rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
Signature dishes include the dum pukht biryani, kakori kebabs, and the shahi nehari. The restaurant also offers a tasting menu that allows diners to savor a variety of dishes, each more delicious than the last.
Why It’s a Must-Visit
Dum Pukht offers a dining experience fit for royalty. The combination of rich flavors, luxurious ambiance, and impeccable service makes it one of the best dining places in Delhi.
Location: ITC Maurya, Diplomatic Enclave, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi
Contact: +91-11-26112233
4. The Spice Route
The Spice Route at The Imperial Hotel is not just a restaurant; it’s a journey through the culinary traditions of the Spice Route countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The restaurant is renowned for its artful decor, which took seven years to complete and was designed to reflect the journey of spices from South-East Asia to India.
Ambiance and Decor
The decor at The Spice Route is nothing short of spectacular. The restaurant is divided into sections, each representing a different region along the Spice Route. The walls are adorned with beautiful murals, hand-painted by artists from Kerala, and the wooden pillars and beams add to the authenticity of the setting.
The restaurant also features an outdoor courtyard, which is a perfect spot for a romantic dinner under the stars. The ambiance is tranquil, with soft lighting and traditional music that complements the dining experience.
Culinary Experience
The Spice Route’s menu is a fusion of flavors from South-East Asia, with a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Some of the must-try dishes include the Tom Yum soup from Thailand, the Malabar prawns from India, and the Crispy Fried Vegetables from Vietnam.
The restaurant also offers a tasting menu that takes diners on a culinary journey through the Spice Route, allowing them to sample a variety of dishes from different regions.
Why It’s a Must-Visit
The Spice Route offers a unique dining experience that combines art, history, and culinary excellence. If you’re looking to explore the diverse flavors of South-East Asia in a stunning setting, The Spice Route is a must-visit.
Location: The Imperial Hotel, Janpath, New Delhi
Contact: +91-11-23341234
5. Karim’s
No discussion about dining in Delhi would be complete without mentioning Karim’s. Located in the bustling lanes of Old Delhi, near Jama Masjid, Karim’s is an institution that has been serving traditional Mughlai cuisine since 1913. The restaurant is often crowded, but the wait is worth it for the food that has been passed down through generations.
Ambiance and Decor
Karim’s is a no-frills restaurant, with simple seating and decor. The focus here is entirely on the food, and the ambiance is that of a traditional eatery in Old Delhi. The bustling streets, the aroma of spices, and the chatter of diners create an atmosphere that is quintessentially Delhi.
Culinary Experience
Karim’s is famous for its kebabs, curries, and breads, all cooked using traditional Mughlai recipes. The mutton seekh kebabs, mutton burra, and the chicken jahangiri are some of the standout dishes that you must try. The sheermal and rumali roti are perfect accompaniments to the rich and flavorful curries.
The restaurant also serves a variety of biryanis, including the famous mutton biryani, which is cooked in a sealed pot to retain all the flavors.
Why It’s a Must-Visit
Karim’s is a culinary landmark in Delhi that offers an authentic taste of Mughlai cuisine. If you’re a fan of rich, spicy food, Karim’s is a must-visit for its legendary dishes and historical significance.
Location: Gali Kababian, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi
Contact: +91-11-23269880