Best Indian restaurants in Delhi

by Nitish Raste Restaurants & Bars in Delhi

Ranging from local favorites entrenched in tradition, to more contemporary establishments that add a fresh twist to the cuisine—these eateries pack a punch and should definitely feature on your must-eat list!

Delhi is a perfect spot to indulge in the riches of North Indian food, described by smooth curries and meat cooked in an oven or tandoor (customary clay oven). A significant number of these iconic Indian eateries in Delhi have intriguing narratives that date back to the era of The Partition.

Check out some of the famous Indian restaurants in Delhi:

FIO - Cookhouse & Bar

This retro-bar is situated in the heart of Epicuria, an exclusive food mall near Nehru Place metro station. It is touted as one of the best Italian restaurants in Delhi. It offers a wide range of Modern Italian delicacies such as pasta carbonara, ribollita, risotto, etc. This Italian restaurant is carefully placed side by side with European and contemporary Indian menu. Whether you are looking for celebrating birthday functions, corporate parties, a romantic date or any other occasion, FIO is a perfect place for you. This place is also known for its scintillating and exotic drinks and here weekends are often packed with high energy dance music and eclectic drinks & bar bites.

Orient Express

In the spirit of full disclosure, I need to admit that I am little biased towards this restro-bar because here I had first taste wine. But having said that, asks anyone who’s eaten here and they will assure you that the double-baked Normandy Camembert soufflé is still the best in the city. It’s a super-romantic restaurant with serious old-world charm.

Parikrama- The Revolving Restaurant

For a sweeping 360-degree bird's eye view of the city, dine at India's highest revolving restaurant (and the only one in the Delhi), 240-feet up on the 24th floor. From here you can see numerous landmarks and monuments, for example, Jama Masjid, the Red Fort, Jama, and Rashtrapati Bhavan. The restaurant takes an hour and a half to finish one revolution, which is about the duration of a leisurely meal. There's likewise a parlor bar on the 25th floor, however, it stays stationary. The menu centers around North Indian cooking and offers Chinese and Continental food also. Food is on the pricier side because of the restaurant's uniqueness, with a meal for two costing around 2,500 rupees.

Dakshin

Move beyond the tried and tired idli-dosa and embrace the diverse cuisines of the southern states at ITC’s Welcome Hotel Sheraton New Delhi restaurant. From fragile appams with fish curries and rich stews to phenomenal vegetable arrangements, each dish in this broad menu will change what you look like at southern cuisine. Don’t miss out on the array of chutneys and pickles—each one will be a revelation in itself.

Varq

About a decade ago, Chef Hemant Oberoi steered Indian cuisine into new waters with this restaurant at the Taj Mahal Hotel. Bringing refined flavors, rich introduction and nuance to Indian dishes was, and is, no simple task. While critics upbraid this 'Frenchification' of Indian cuisines, I personally think it increases lavishness and richness of our food. The seafood particularly fish dishes are worth a try.

We hope this list of the best Indian restaurants in Delhi brings out your romantic side and convinces you to set up a date with some delicious eats and even better wines.