Land of a thousand spices, aromas, and culinary traditions: India is, without a doubt, a dream destination for foodies. Given the subcontinent’s size and population, it’s no surprise that there are hundreds of different micro-cuisines to be found here, and each city is filled with restaurants that capture the best of its local cooking. From roadside eateries to fine dining establishments, we’ve selected the best restaurants in India to inspire a culinary adventure.
The Bangala, Karaikudi
The restaurant at The Bangala hotel serves accomplished Chettinad dishes, with a large, glossy banana leaf used in place of a plate. A region that’s renowned for its hospitality, Chettinad is home to mouth-tingling dishes like chicken pepper fry; these traditional preparations are mixed with colonial era-inspired fare, like mint and potato croquettes, for a winning multi-course meal.
The Bangala restaurant serves Chettinad fare on banana leaves © The Bangala
Hotel Shadab, Hyderabad
For those looking to sample an authentic bite of Hyderabadi fare, Hotel Shadab is the place to go. Its main staple is the beloved local dish of biryani, a delectable layered mixture of rice and curry – usually meat, though vegetarian versions of the dish can be found here as well. The place is often packed up with families, sharing a hearty feast together.
Bukhara, New Delhi
One of India’s leading culinary lights since its founding in 1977, Bukhara, located within the ITC Maurya Hotel, serves cuisine inspired by the rugged Northwest frontier. Chef JP Singh cooks hearty, meat-heavy fare that’s eaten by hand with flaky paratha bread. Within its dark, rustic dining room, food lovers will experience a uniquely Indian version of fine dining.
Bukhara in New Delhi has perfected the art of fine dining © Bukhara
Shree Thaker Bhojanalay, Mumbai
Hidden away in a labyrinthine quarter of old Mumbai, Shree Thaker Bhojanalay is the undisputed champion of Gujarati thali. Thali, or a platter of small dishes served in a series of bowls and complemented by various chutneys and breads, is a fantastic way to sample a number of offerings in one go; given its Gujarati culinary heritage, diners here can expect dishes like rotli (flatbread), kadhi (chickpea flour kaporas with yogurt), and shaak (vegetables cooked in gravy), all washed down with a glass or few of chaas (buttermilk).
Karavalli, Bangalore
Recently refurbished, the 22 year-old Karavalli pulls from a huge array of traditional Southern Indian cooking communities – from the Kodavas of Coorg to the Syrian Christians of Travancore, with even a touch of Goan Portuguese inspiration. The result is a unique blend that showcases the region’s incredible diversity.
The recently refurbished Karavalli © Karavalli
Neel, Mumbai
One in a series of eateries by reigning Mumbai restaurateur Rahul Akerkar, Neel is a renovated version of his previous concept, Tote. Serving artful interpretations of Muslim Nawabi cuisine (with some Western influences and ingredients present as well), the restaurant blends the traditional and the modern.
Indian Accent at the Manor, New Delhi
Regularly ranked as one of India’s best modern restaurants, the lavish Indian Accent in the Manor hotel turns to a number of other countries and cultures when developing its fusion fare. Scottish salmon meets Japanese miso and Indian masala, while galawat is stuffed with foie gras.
Indian Accent pioneers experimental, fusion cooking © Indian Accent
Mum’s Kitchen, Goa
In the ever-evolving food scene in Goa, Mum’s Kitchen is a firm favourite of tourists and locals alike, serving progressively rare, authentic Goan cuisine. Established in 1997, with the purpose of preserving Goan food culture, the restaurant incorporates ‘mothers’ home-made recipes from all the far corners of Goa with the aim to keep traditional Goan cuisine alive and well.
Karim’s, Old Delhi
Not simply a restaurant, but also a local institution, Karim’s in Old Delhi recently celebrated 100 years in business. Its origins go back even further, supposedly to the 19th century royal court. These days, it’s still serving flawless renditions of its classic plates, from seekh kebabs to roasted baby goat.
Karim’s is famed for its kebabs © Terry Presley
Bombay Canteen, Mumbai
Bombay Canteen, is young, fun and rooted in the local traditions. This award-winning restaurant celebrates authentic flavours from across the country. The restaurant is housed in a pretty bungalow with stained glass, a long rustic bar and plenty of Bombay Nostalgia. Definitely worth a visit during any Mumbai stay.
The Table, Mumbai
Repeatedly singled out as one of the top restaurants in India, and the recipient of the ‘Best Wine List in Mumbai,’ award, The Table brings fusion global cooking to Mumbai. Its stylish interior, decked out with striped floors and filled with plush furnishings, complements the restaurant’s menu of fine dining offerings. Hailing from San Francisco, Chef Alex Sanchez takes inspiration from his San Francisco birthplace when devising his menu of fresh, seasonal cooking.
An octopus salad dish at The Table © The Table
Hotel Saravana Bhawan, Chennai (and elsewhere)
The Chennai-founded Hotel Saravana Bhawan is now a highly regarded chain of all-vegetarian Indian restaurants, located in several cities across the subcontinent. No matter which outlet you visit, though, you’ll have choices: the restaurant proudly offers over 350 dishes cooked in 10 different styles.
