Quick answers — eating in Delhi
- Best restaurant overall
- Indian Accent
- Best value
- The Great Kabab Factory (INR 3,000-4,500 / USD 35-55 (per person))
- Strongest cuisines
- Indian, Italian, Japanese
- Dishes to try
- Chole Bhature, Butter Chicken, Nihari, Dal Makhani
- Booking window
- For top restaurants, book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings or special occasions, as tables fill quickly. Online booking platforms are usually available.
Booking several weeks in advance is essential for top-tier establishments, especially on weekends. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to formal, with jackets often recommended. Tipping is customary, usually 10-15% of the bill if service charge isn't included. Dinner hours generally begin around 7:00 PM and can extend until midnight.
Indian
Best Indian restaurants in Delhi
Modern Indian kitchens have moved far beyond curry-house shorthand — regional recipes, live-fire tandoors and tasting menus that put spice work at the centre rather than heat.
Indian Accent
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Indian · Lodhi Road · INR 4,500-7,000 / USD 55-85 (tasting menu)
Manish Mehrotra
Indian Accent redefines Indian cuisine with innovative techniques and global ingredients, presenting familiar flavors in unexpected ways. The elegant, contemporary setting complements the inventive dishes. It's celebrated for pushing culinary boundaries while retaining the soul of Indian food, making it a cornerstone of Delhi's gourmet landscape.
Order: Blue Cheese Naan, Daulat Ki Chaat
Avartana at ITC Maurya
Acclaimed local fine diningProgressive South Indian · Chanakyapuri · INR 3,500-6,000 / USD 40-75 (tasting menu)
Avartana offers a highly refined, contemporary take on South Indian cuisine, transforming traditional dishes through modern culinary artistry. The serene, minimalist decor creates an immersive dining experience. It's a culinary journey showcasing the depth and diversity of South Indian flavors, presented with exquisite precision and innovative flair, earning widespread acclaim.
Order: Steamed Snapper, Uthappam with Avocado Chutney
The Great Kabab Factory
Acclaimed local fine diningNorth Indian Kabab · Radisson Blu Plaza, Mahipalpur · INR 3,000-4,500 / USD 35-55 (per person)
A pioneering concept in Delhi's dining scene, The Great Kabab Factory specializes in an endless array of succulent kababs and Indian breads served in a rustic yet sophisticated setting. It's an experiential restaurant where diners are continuously served a selection of grilled meats and vegetables, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of North India. A must for meat lovers.
Order: Galouti Kabab, Burrah Kabab
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in Delhi
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
Le Cirque Signature at The Leela Palace
Acclaimed local fine diningFrench-Italian · Chanakyapuri · INR 6,000-10,000 / USD 75-120 (per person)
Le Cirque Signature brings the legendary New York culinary experience to Delhi, offering sophisticated French and Italian cuisine with modern flair. The elegant, spacious dining room exudes classic luxury. It's acclaimed for its impeccable service, refined dishes, and extensive wine list, providing a consistently superb fine-dining experience that combines European elegance with culinary excellence.
Order: Paupiette of Black Cod, Crème brûlée
Artusi Ristorante
Acclaimed local fine diningItalian (Emilia-Romagna) · Greater Kailash 2 · INR 3,000-5,000 / USD 35-60 (per person)
Artusi Ristorante specializes in authentic Italian cuisine from the Emilia-Romagna region, known for its rich flavors and handcrafted pasta. The warm, inviting ambiance creates a comfortable yet refined dining setting. It stands out for its commitment to traditional recipes and high-quality imported ingredients, offering a genuine taste of Italy's culinary heartland in Delhi.
Order: Tagliatelle al Ragù, Tortellini in Brodo
Japanese
Best Japanese restaurants in Delhi
Japanese rooms range from counter omakase, where you eat whatever the chef cut that morning, to kaiseki menus built around the season. Counters are small — book early and arrive on time.
Wasabi by Morimoto at Taj Palace
Acclaimed local fine diningJapanese · Diplomatic Enclave · INR 7,000-12,000 / USD 85-145 (per person)
Wasabi by Morimoto offers an authentic and high-end Japanese dining experience, featuring precision-crafted sushi, sashimi, and innovative Japanese dishes. The sleek, minimalist interiors provide a sophisticated backdrop for culinary artistry. It's a bastion of Japanese haute cuisine in Delhi, celebrated for its impeccable quality, fresh ingredients, and masterful technique, true to its Iron Chef namesake.
Order: Black Cod Miso, Spicy Tuna Roll
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Delhi
Saravana Bhavan
Authentic South Indian vegetarian thalis, dosas, and idlis are served piping hot. Expect efficient service and excellent value. A full meal costs around INR 300-500.
Karim's
A historic institution near Jama Masjid, famed for its Mughlai cuisine, especially Mutton Nahari and Seekh Kababs. Experience rich flavors and a bustling atmosphere. A meal typically costs INR 500-800.
Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale
Indulge in traditional Indian frozen desserts (kulfi) made with real fruit inside. Unique flavors like Aam (mango) and Anar (pomegranate). Each kulfi is around INR 100-200.
Paranthe Wali Gali
A famous lane in Chandni Chowk specializing in a myriad of stuffed parathas (fried flatbreads), served with various chutneys and pickles. A fulfilling meal for INR 200-400.
Dolma Aunty Momos
A legendary street food vendor in Lajpat Nagar known for her delicious, affordable Tibetan momos (dumplings) in both steamed and fried varieties. A plate is about INR 80-150.
Local dishes
What to eat in Delhi
Chole Bhature
A popular North Indian breakfast or lunch, consisting of fluffy fried bread (bhature) served with spicy chickpea curry (chole). The rich, tangy flavors are a staple street food delight. Sita Ram Diwan Chand in Paharganj is renowned for their version.
Butter Chicken
Originating in Delhi, this iconic dish features succulent pieces of tandoori chicken cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy, subtly spiced. It's a global favorite and a must-try for its comforting, luxurious flavor profile. Moti Mahal Delux is often credited with its invention.
Nihari
A slow-cooked stew, traditionally made with beef or lamb, famous for its rich, flavorful gravy and tender meat. Often enjoyed with khameeri roti, it's a hearty and aromatic dish, especially popular for breakfast in Old Delhi. Karim's offers an authentic experience.
Dal Makhani
A classic Punjabi dish, this lentil preparation involves black lentils (urad dal) and kidney beans, slow-cooked with butter, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices. Its creamy texture and smoky flavor make it a comforting and indulgent accompaniment to bread or rice. Try it at Havemore on Pandara Road.
Shahi Paneer
A royal Indian dish made from paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a rich, creamy gravy of yogurt, cream, nuts, and mild spices. Its name, 'Shahi,' means royal, reflecting its opulent ingredients and rich taste, often served at celebrations. Gulati Restaurant is known for this dish.
Kulfi
A traditional Indian frozen dessert, similar to ice cream but denser and creamier, typically flavored with pistachios, cardamom, saffron, or mango. It's slower to melt due to its preparation process, offering a delightful, refreshing treat. Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale in Old Delhi is famous.
Parathas
Unleavened flatbreads, typically stuffed with various fillings like spiced potatoes (aloo), cauliflower (gobi), radish (mooli), or paneer, and pan-fried. Served with pickles, chutneys, and curd, they make a wholesome and versatile meal. Try them at Parathe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk.
Golgappe/Pani Puri
A popular street snack consisting of small, crisp hollow balls (puri) filled with spiced mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and a tangy, spicy, mint-flavored water (pani). It's a burst of flavors and textures in every bite, a quintessential Indian street food experience. Look for street vendors in popular markets.
How to book a table in Delhi
- · For top restaurants, book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings or special occasions, as tables fill quickly. Online booking platforms are usually available.
- · Be aware that some high-end establishments may require a deposit for larger parties or peak times, which is typically adjusted against your final bill. Confirm this when booking.
- · Consider trying lunch menus at fine-dining spots; they often offer a more accessible price point for a similar quality experience. Reservations for lunch can be slightly easier to secure.
- · Understand cancellation and no-show policies to avoid charges. Many restaurants enforce strict rules, especially for tasting menus or pre-paid experiences, so communicate changes promptly.
FAQ
Delhi restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Delhi?
Indian Accent in Lodhi Road is the benchmark table — Modern Indian, led by Manish Mehrotra, acclaimed local fine dining, around INR 4,500-7,000 / USD 55-85 (tasting menu) per person. Order the Blue Cheese Naan, Daulat Ki Chaat
Where is the best Indian restaurant in Delhi?
Indian Accent in Lodhi Road is the Indian table to book in Delhi (INR 4,500-7,000 / USD 55-85 (tasting menu) per person). Other strong options: Avartana at ITC Maurya, The Great Kabab Factory.
Where is the best Italian restaurant in Delhi?
Le Cirque Signature at The Leela Palace in Chanakyapuri is the Italian table to book in Delhi (INR 6,000-10,000 / USD 75-120 (per person) per person). Other strong options: Artusi Ristorante.
Where is the best Japanese restaurant in Delhi?
Wasabi by Morimoto at Taj Palace in Diplomatic Enclave is the Japanese table to book in Delhi (INR 7,000-12,000 / USD 85-145 (per person) per person).
Where can I eat well in Delhi without spending a fortune?
The Great Kabab Factory is the best-value table on this list at roughly INR 3,000-4,500 / USD 35-55 (per person) per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Saravana Bhavan, Karim's, Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Delhi?
For top restaurants, book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings or special occasions, as tables fill quickly. Online booking platforms are usually available. Be aware that some high-end establishments may require a deposit for larger parties or peak times, which is typically adjusted against your final bill. Confirm this when booking.
What food is Delhi famous for?
Chole Bhature, Butter Chicken, Nihari, Dal Makhani, Shahi Paneer — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. A popular North Indian breakfast or lunch, consisting of fluffy fried bread (bhature) served with spicy chickpea curry (chole). The rich, tangy flavors are a staple street food delight. Sita Ram Diwan Chand in Paharganj is renowned for their version.
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