New Delhi, the capital of India, is a hustling, bustling metropolis. I remember being jarred out of my comfort zone when I found myself in the thick of New Delhi with a whole new world of sights, smells, and sounds. New Delhi is where I took my first auto-rickshaw ride and became accustomed to the adrenaline rush that accompanied it. I learned to barter for gorgeous silk saris and made a fool of myself tackling foods that were far too spicy for my Midwest pallet. But I loved every second of it. New Delhi is a great place to immerse yourself in the land of contradictions that is India. And while you can find a multitude of guides, travel blogs, best places to see and where to stay, this article is going to focus on food. In Delhi there’s a lot of it and a huge variety so what do you choose? I’ll outline the best restaurants to visit for all types of traveler, be it the bargain eater or the foodie looking for a five star experience.
1. Dum Pukht
For luxury, class, and a five star experience look no further than Dum Pukht. Located in the ITC Maurya luxury hotel in Delhi, this award wining dining establishment is a treat for the eye and pallet. Dum Pukht was a 2016 travelers choice winner. The carved marble entranceways and crystal chandeliers will make you feel like you’re getting the royal treatment. In fact, that’s what Dum Pukht is going for. According to their website, “The exquisite décor infused with deep sapphire blues and silver, reminisces a bygone era and evokes a sense of the old-world charm.” While this restaurant is rich with decadence, it’s also a pricey option. According to their website, the average price for two people can cost around 70 USD and up. But it will be a dining experience to remember.
Dum Pukht
Address: ITC Maurya , Diplomatic Enclave, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi - 110 021India
Price: from 30 USD
Opening Hours: 12:30pm to 2:45pm and 7:00 pm to 11:45 pm
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: Ground Floor of the Hotel
Contact: +(91) (11) 2611 2233
Website: Dum Pukht
2. Indian Accent
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
For another top notch dining experience, try Indian Accent. This restaurant has a sister establishment in New York City. Indian Accent prides itself on offering traditional favorites fused with innovative techniques and global influences. Try the six course Chef Tasting menu where you get to try multiple courses with complementary wine for each course. To give an example of Indian Accent’s fusion food, try the tandoori bacon prawns for about 20 USD. Indian Accent offers authentic food fused with global flavors.
Indian Accent
Address: The Lodhi, Lodhi Rd, CGO Complex, Pragati Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Price: from 15 USD
Opening Hours: 12:00pm to 2:30pm and 7:00pm to 12:00am
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: Ground floor of The Lodhi Hotel
Contact: +91 11 66175151
Website: Indian Accent
3. Zaffran Restaurant
Posted by Zaffran on Thursday, 18 July 2013
Dal makhani, Kadhai paneer, chole and butter naan. Perfect lunch for a long conversation P.C- DelhiEater
Posted by Hello Delhi on Thursday, 1 September 2016
Take your New Delhi experience to new heights and try the rooftop restaurant Zaffran. Located in Hotel Palace Heights, Zaffron’s rooftop dining overlooks the city with tall glass walls. The restaurant serves both North Indian and Mughlai cuisine. You can easily enjoy a meal for two and spend around 30 USD, making it less expensive than other hotel restaurants in the area, especially considering the views.
Zaffran Restaurant
Address: D-26/28, Hotel Palace Heights, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Price: from 30 USD
Opening Hours: 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Duration: around 1 hour
Access: Located in the Palace Heights Hotel
Contact: +91 11 45460000
Website: Zaffran
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Dilli Haat
Less of a street food cart, Dilli Haat is more like the ultimate food court. It is out in the open and you can get a sampling of all the diverse food found in the different regions of India, all reasonably priced. Kill two birds with one stone and get some shopping done, as Dilli Haat doubles as a bazaar and open-air market. While getting a taste of the food from India, you can barter with the best of them. The entry fee is less than 1 USD to get into the bazaar but you could easily spend more than a few hours here. Dilli Haat is close to the INA metro station. Delhi has a very modern metro network that is easy to navigate for travelers, similar to the London Tube. For food options, there is quite the smorgasbord to choose from. The Dilli Haat website boasts 17 stalls each catering to a specific region with choices like fish pakoda to DohSyiarKhleh, a common chicken dish for less than 2 USD. You can also quaff some fruit or lime beer.
Dilli Haat
Address: Sri Aurobindo Marg, Laxmi Bai Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110023, India
Price: from 2 USD
Opening Hours: 10:30 am to 10:00 pm daily
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: 3 minute walk from INA Metro Stop
Contact: 011-26119055
Website: Dilli Haat
New Delhi Tour Guide
Rajeev
I am a full-time licensed tour guide living in Agra, India. I received my Regiinal Level Guide certificate in 2007 from the Ministry of Tourism now I have a Pan India license. Before I discovered the tourism industry, I worked in the law, medical and insurance fields. I have a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Biology and Organic Chemistry. After achieving my Masters of Science in Organic Chemistry, I went to law school. My passion for history and culture led me to my profession today. I still enjoy learning science. I use it to understand the healing power of plants: mainly herbs, fruits and vegetables. My hobbies include collecting postage stamps, coins, paper money, reading, music, and of course, gardening. I also love photography, which I have become very good at. Many tourists have enjoyed my personal sightseeing tours. I enjoy meeting people and showing them my world. My lifelong experiences here, combined with my studies, allow me to help people get to know the real India. If you enjoy learning about this way of life, I am the one to come to! I work mainly in Agra, but will create tours to places outside of the city. While my tours are mostly walking tours around the city, I can arrange for transportation as well. If you need accommodation services, I can provide that too. Traveling to India is not just a journey, but an experience!
Tours by Rajeev
New Delhi Tour Guide
Farman Guia Turstico
Hello Travellers people calle me Farman a experienced freelance tour guide. I work with several Free Tours company and we would love to show you around and give you the best tips and recomendations. If you travel in India you will discover a new aspect of this wonderful city. If it is your first visit i warn you one thing: you will fall in love in love with India and you will end up coming back.
Tours by Farman guia turstico
New Delhi Tour Guide
Zeeshan Ali
Namaste!! I Take privilege to share about myself. My name is Zeeshan. I was born and raised in the rich history of India, in the Beautiful City of Agra, I had no Doubts to become a Tour Guide because I couldn't stop myself been attracted towards the charm for History & Architecture of monuments located at Agra from my childhood. I Chose to become a Tour Guide to fulfill my Passion & to learn, share about the Customs, Tradition, Culture, History & Architecture of my Incredible Country which has a Unity in Diversity. I am 34 years old and 14 of them I Dedicated as a Tour Guide. I am Educated, Professional, Sociable, Punctual & friendly. I can interest you by presenting interesting facts about India. I always take into account the wishes of my Clients and create individual plans of Excursion. I help my Clients in choosing the Best Stops, Stores, Cafes & transfers. I did my Masters in Indian History (Medieval Period). I believe my Journey has just begun as I discovered an enormous amount of knowledge of History, Architecture & Culture of North India by reading & Travelling So I am very Well Versed to Deliver the Tour just like a local. I consider myself a Professional in this field, I am happy that my clients take their India Tour Memories as an Experience to Cherish it throughout their lives. In easy words, you can travel with me like an old family friend from India.
5. Lodi Garden Restaurant
One of Delhi’s premiere attractions is the Lodhi Gardens, a city park that covers 90 acres (36.42 hectares) in New Delhi with tombs and ruins from the 15th century. Closest to the JNL metro station, the Lodhi Gardens are a must-see for a New Delhi itinerary. There is no entrance fee, but you could opt to pay for a private walking tour or just wander among the gardens and pre-Mughal architecture yourself. And why not dine at Lodi-The Garden Restaurant to round out your Lodhi Gardens experience. The restaurant is right next to the gardens. You can sit at tables in a glass menagerie overlooking the rich and luscious greenery of the gardens, or if you would prefer, you can eat outside.
The pricing is pretty reasonable. For example, a main course of chicken penne pasta will cost about 10 USD but this doesn’t include any beverages, sides or appetizers. The restaurant offers both traditional dishes from India with specialties like mutton, ribs, dishes from other cuisines like pasta. A day at the gardens is a perfect addition to your time in New Delhi and be sure to check out the Lodi Garden Restaurant while you are there, whether for an evening cocktail or a lavish brunch.
Lodi Garden Restaurant
Address: Lodhi Road, Opp. Mausam Bhavan, New Delhi, Delhi 110003, India
Price: from 10 USD
Opening Hours: 11:00 am to 1:00 am
Duration: 2 hours.
Access: Adjacent to the Lodhi Gardens
Contact: +91 98187 43232
Near by Food: Lotus Pond Restaurant
Website: Lodi the Garden Restaurant
6. Maa Tara Restaurant
If you want authentic food, following the locals is always a good bet. And Maa Tara is as authentic as it gets. This place is known for traditional flavors for a steal and it’s one of the favorites for Delhi’s Bengali community. Don’t let the simple decor and unassuming atmosphere deter you. For this restaurant, it’s all about the Benghali and North Indian cuisine. The fish curry is one of their popular dishes and the cost for two people is around 8 USD. Maa Tara is about a 9 minute drive or 35 minute bus ride from the famous and beautiful Baha'i Lotus Temple. After spending a few hours at the Lotus Temple, why not settle in for some delicious food for a bargain at Maa Tara?
Maa Tara
Address: Shop No: 45, 46, 47, Market No: 2, Chittranjan Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110019, India
Price: 4 USD
Opening Hours: Mon - Sat: 10:30 am - 12:00 am; Sun - 24 hours
Contact: +91 9953858729
7. Parikrama The Revolving Restaurant
Parikrama isn’t just a rooftop restaurant with a city view, it’s a revolving rooftop restaurant. If you’re looking for another option besides local cuisine, Parikrama also offers Chinese food. It is the highest and only revolving restaurant in New Delhi. Enjoy the ultimate city view as you slowly circle around enjoying delicious Chinese and Indian food.
Parikrama
Address: Antriksh Bhawan, 4th Floor, Antriksh Bhavan , 22, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
Opening Hours: 12:30 pm to 11 pm
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: 24th floor of corporate office building Antriksh Bhavan
Contact: +91 11 2372 1616
8. Olive Bar and Kitchen
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re looking for something totally different, The Olive Bar and Kitchen serves Mediterranean and Italian options. The decor consists of vibrant frescos and eclectic chairs for a light and breezy yet intimate feel. Come for a boozy brunch or a romantic dinner for two; The Olive Bar and Kitchen is a fun and flirty restaurant. You can’t go wrong with the house specialty Caesar salad and two people can dine for around 60 USD.
The Olive Bar and Kitchen
Address: One Style Mile, Haveli 6, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Price: from 10 USD
Opening Hours: 12:30 pm to 12:30 am
Contact: +91 9810235472
Website: The Olive Bar and Kitchen
9. Khan Chacha
Touted as one of New Delhi’s oldest eateries, Khan Chacha is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Here there is one specialty, rolls. Rolls of every kind, but it’s all about the rolls. Khan Chacha’s logo includes the words “serving rolls since 1972.” It’s also relatively inexpensive. A tasty bargain. You could make a meal of all the rolls they offer. You can also find typical entree courses like chicken korma, but for about 3 USD each, you can try the variety of rolls they serve.
Khan Chacha
Address: 50, Khan Market Walking Plaza, Khan Market, Sujan Singh Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Price: from 3 USD
Opening Hours: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Contact: +91 9205592801
Website: Khan Chacha
10. QD's Restaurant
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Another local favorite, QD’s hip interior gives this restaurant a modern edge. It’s also fast, cheap, and a go to for students but welcoming to all. If you’re in a hurry to get to your next sightseeing or shopping excursion, QD’s would make a perfect stopping point. You can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal but won’t have to linger any longer than you want to. Colorful posters and trendy graphics cover the walls and you can cozy up in a booth or table.
QD's Restaurant
Address: 294, Satyaniketan Market, Near Venkateshwara College, Satyaniketan, New Delhi
Price: from 5 USD
Opening Hours: 11:30 am to 11:30 pm
Contact: +91 11 46064547
Website: QD’s Restaurant
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Whenever I'm in Satya Niketan, I can't resist dropping by QD's Restaurant for their Tandoori Momos - they're a local legend! After you've had your fill, take a walk around; the area is dotted with cozy cafes perfect for coffee aficionados. It's my go-to spot for a foodie fix followed by some quality café hopping.
Delicious options for you
There you have it—delicious restaurant options for travelers of any kind. If you want opulence and luxury, try Dum Pukht, or check out the Lodi Garden Restaurant for a botanical garden view. For a shopping and dining experience all it’s own, a trip to Dilli Haat is a must. And to eat like a local, Maa Tara or QD’s Restaurant are great for the diner on a budget.
Punjab Grill
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Janvi Sinha
If you’re looking to savor traditional North Indian cuisine, you’ve got to try the famous butter chicken and naan that every food blogger raves about. I highly recommend checking out Punjab Grill in Select Citywalk Mall for that. Do try their kulhad meat curry and Karachi chargha if you want to taste mouth-watering non-vegetarian dishes. Aside from North Indian delicacies, this restaurant serves some of the finest biryani and kebabs as well as a refreshing selection of mocktails.
This spot is pretty popular, so I recommend making a reservation ahead of time.
History
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