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Delhi has a vibrant and rich cuisine scene. It is a melting ground of people from so many different states and cultures that every restaurant is a new gastronomical experience. From Parsi recipes brought over from Iran to Bengali piping fish and Rajasthani hot curries, Delhi has the most unique selection of cuisines. These are my top favorite 30 restaurants in Delhi.

Looking for thing to do in Delhi? Checkout my Top 10 places to see in Delhi from a local guide.

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1. Cafe Lota

I have visited this place multiple times with my mom who is a big fan of their food. This is one of the highest rated restaurants in Delhi and you will find it mentioned in every list. They have an open space with coolers blowing in your face and bamboo curtains which is perfect in summer or winter. The cafe is known for having a contemporary take on dishes from parts of India that are generally overlooked. Mom and I are very adventurous so we decided to try the Beetroot Shikhampuri. The beetroot paste was fried with green chillies and garlic paste and tasted divine. The dishes are small and we ordered the Quinoa Upma, Sweet Potato Fries and Apple Cinnamon Jalebi too. The food here is pretty unbeatable and we go back every time I am in Delhi!

2. Big Chill

This is my sister’s favorite amongst all the restaurants in Delhi. Every single time we go we order the Piri Piri Pizza, Baked Penne Primavera and 2 Chocolate Mocha Shakes. I have been to this restaurant for every single birthday, celebration and random day that my sister managed to convince my mother to take us (which was often, she is dedicated). The food is amazing and the atmosphere is lively. The walls are decorated with posters from old Hollywood movies and the upbeat music gives it an old classic vibe. The waiting times are very long so be sure to make a reservation before you go!

3. Soda Bottle Opener Wala

Another one of my favorite restaurants in Delhi. This restaurant is the best of the magic of old culture infused with the goodness of the new. This is a Parsi restaurant that has curated old Parsi and North Indian recipes and come up with the awesomest combination ever. The top choices are the Pav Bhaji with Goat Cheese, Berry Pulao and the Parsi Dairy Kulfi. The bread in the Pav Bhaji is stuffed with dripping goat cheese and comes with the side of bhaji or hot vegetable paste. The Pulao is fried rice with vegetables topped with nuts and berries from Iran and the Kulfi is sweetened frozen milk straight from Bombay. You cannot miss this place!

4. Rustom’s

This is my favorite Parsi food place in all the restaurants in Delhi. They serve authentic Parsi dishes without any frills. The restaurant is located inside the Mengusi Parsi Dharamshala which is devoted to Parsi culture. The restaurant decor reminds you of old British Indian architecture with the wooden table and embroidery cloth napkins. What made me really happy was the huge selection of vegetarian dishes. We had the Makkai Na Pattice, Palak Patta Chaat and Caramel Custard. The food was amazing as expected and this place deserves more recognition than it’s given. The staff take pride in their jobs and put in the effort to make sure you have the best time. 10/10.

5. Mamagoto

My first memory of eating out at a restaurant in Delhi and really enjoying it was at Mamagoto. I was really hungry that day and school had been brutal as high school was and this lunch made my day. We ordered the Vegetarian Dumpling Platter, Crispy Lotus Stem and Crispy Chilli Potato. It is my firm belief only Asian culture knows how to properly make chilli potato. The rest is crap. The platter had so many different dumplings each of us ended up liking at least a few. We even ended up ordering the exact same order twice because we liked the food so much. Mamagoto is the ultimate Asian food destination and the cartoons and bright decor they have make me so excited every time I walk in.

6. Big Chill Cakery

This is a European-style small cake shop decked with floral wallpapers. I end up visiting this place every time I am in Delhi.  The cakery has such a huge list of desserts that you are bound to find something that you like. The Chocolate Banoffee Cake, a popular favorite, has a smooth banoffee filling atop a chocolate layer sprinkled with chocolate shavings. The Mango Cheesecake melts in your mouth it is so creamy. The Cakery is really famous so go late at night before closing time and you can enjoy a quiet cosy time getting a sugar high.

7. Delhi Heights

This cafe has a new hipster vibe which is lovely and we love sitting at their cosy booths. The best thing about their menu are their drinks which come in huge mason jars and taste amazing. I always order the Virgin Mojito because it’s my favorite and it’s literally a never ending drink. They have their cuisine divided into different facets of Delhi. Traveling Delhi is international cuisine, Delhi Railways is street food, Cosmopolitan is pastas and then an all Vegan menu. The choice of food is staggering considering they also have such great quality. The music is upbeat and the cafe is full of colors and people. This is a top choice within restaurants in Delhi to get lunch.

8. Jamun

OH WOW. Jamun reminds you of the restaurants you see in old Bollywood movies from the 80s. It focuses on the essence of the Jamun fruit, tangy but sweet. The copper tableware, bamboo chairs add the nostalgia and the bouganvillea branches sneaking in through the windows add a twist. This is how India eats. We ordered the Kerala Raw Mango Curry with coconut milk and curry leaves and the Hand-Picked Bagara Baingan with aubergines filled with coconut and sesame paste in a peanut gravy. Gulab Jamun was of course ordered for dessert.. The chefs really make the food with love and pride and this reflects in the entire experience.

9. YETI

Just like the mysterious bigfoot creature in the Himalayas, this restaurant has the allure to keep you enamored. The soft Buddhist music and prayer flags add to the deep relaxation in the experience here. The cuisine is divided into Tibetan, Nepali and Bhutanese. We went for a shared Tibetan Platter and Nepali and Bhutanese snacks. They set our tongue on fire but the food was so good I would take a sip of water and keep going. These dishes aren’t any I had ever tasted in any restaurants in Delhi before. The culture is set so far apart from Delhi that I consider it a blessing to be able to taste what the nomads living in the crevices of Himalaya eat everyday.

10. The Chatter House

Me, mom and my sister went here summer 2019 for some pancakes. We didn’t find any pancakes but found some awesome food and good memories instead. We ate the Chorizo Croquettes twice because they be delish, a Mezze platter and Wild Mushroom Risotto. The platter was seriously good. The place has brick walls and cozy orange booths overlooking Khan Market on the second floor. It is so cozy here during the day with the sun shining down from the glass ceiling above. If you aren’t sure which restaurant to pick then it is a good bet that everyone will find something they like here.

11. Smoke House Deli

This is a minimalist modern restaurant with international cuisine. They have white walls covered with doodles and chic wooden furniture for a classy vibe It is fairly crowded at dinnertime and we had to wait 30 mins to get a table. I ended up having Spicy Arrabiata Pasta while my friend had a Chili Crusted Cobbler which he thoroughly seemed to enjoy. The restaurant doesn’t have many options for vegetarians but the non-veg options have been selectively curated to give you the very best.

12. Rajasthali

I belong to the Rajasthan and Haryana states of India and I deeply adore the cuisine of my people. Rajasthali is known for its authentic cuisine from the state of Rajasthan. If you go here you have to try the dal baati. These are deep fried wheat balls soaked in butter that are eaten with sweet choorma and Indian style lentils. The restaurant might not look like much but what it lacks in decor is made up with the food. One of the top restaurants in Delhi as far as food is concerned.

13. Carnatic Cafe

This cafe focuses all its energy on serving you the best South Indian food. The food is served in thaalis and banana leaves resembling the culture in Southern India. The chefs are masters of making the dosa and the best one is the Malleshwaram 18th Cross filled with a spicy coconut powder. I have always loved dosas and this cafe will satisfy all your desires if you do too. If dosas aren’t your thing, they serve all kinds of other southern dishes. Southern Indian cuisine is completely different from North India and you have to try the dishes to realize this for yourself.

14. Juggernaut

This is another top of the list in restaurants in Delhi when it comes to South Indian food. As soon as you walk in you will notice the bright walls painted. If you walk up to the top floor, they have an amazing wall installation with painting bricks to spice it up. The all vegetarian menu is going to delight my fellow veggie people. Since the restaurant is known for its South Indian food I recommend you try a dosa or idli combo. The South Indian Thaal is a good place to start and work your way to the Semiya Payasam, which is a traditional South Indian sweet that is very hard to find in Delhi.

15. Yellow Brick Road

As the name suggests, the theme of Dorothy is strong here with a wooden train, the lion and the witch. This European-style diner with bright chairs in pastel limes and blues exudes all the vibes of a summer afternoon. They have a continental menu serving everything from spaghetti to Indian all day long. We visited for dinner and everyone chose their own dishes which came in piping hot and tasted marvelous. I have also heard good things about their breakfast which has a huge selection of dishes. The best thing is its open 24 hours so you can walk in at 3am and gorge to your heart’s desire.

16. Oh! Calcutta

This is a special mention because I don’t eat fish myself but Bengali cuisine from Western India is something you have to try in Delhi. The dishes that you really need to try here are the age old fish recipes that people in Bengal enjoy. The Topsher Cutlet is mango fish spiced with garlic, ginger and chilies while the Pabda Tomatoer Jhol sounds divine with butterfish in a spicy red curry. They also have traditional desserts like Mishti Doi so you will get the whole experience of the Bengali cuisine.

17. Matamaal

Kashmiri Pandit cuisine from the remote parts of the Himalayas are a rare commodity to stumble upon in Delhi. This restaurant is a master in recreating those dishes. Order the Nadur Yakhni which are soft succulent lotus stems in a rich creamy curry or the piping hot Chok Wangum with brinjal cooked in tamarind. Finish off with the Phirni which I love to death. It’s a fragrant saffron rice pudding made with turmeric, sugar and milk. This cuisine is especially known for its mutton delicacies but since I can’t try those, you will have to let me know how those were!

18. Farzi

I have been hearing this name all my life. Farzi cafe is a famous spot for the young crowd to hang at. They are a peppy cafe that serves an eccentric menu like Edamame and Aloo Samosa Pinwheel Chaat and Paniyaram Scotch Quail’s Eggs. They have live Sufi, Hindi and Bollywood music playing on Saturday nights when the crowds really turn out. The bar is modern and really a great place to hang out all day. I love going here with my friends to catch up with both the delicious and weird dishes and the happy ambience they have going. Farzi has definitely made a name for itself as one of the best restaurants in Delhi.

19. FabCafe

This cafe is the ultimate romance of organic foods and Indian recipes. The nutrient-dense recipes are fashioned with a purpose – to provide food that makes both your heart and your body happy. Try the Mango Cashew Cheesecake Tart with a nut base and mango puree with just the right amount of jaggery syrup that melts in your mouth. Not just these but the menu is filled with fresh pressed juices and smoothies with all the funky Indian fruits. I am highly impressed with how well they have managed to add healthy grains grown in the region like bajra, ragi and use jaggery in their dishes. The menu is so well thought out and cultivated that it is a pleasure eating here.  

20. The Tea Room

The entire world at this point is obsessed with Indian tea so why not try the best cup of tea in Delhi? This cosy European-style cafe has a lazy vibe with wooden chairs and a bookshelf framed by soft light. Call dibs on the window table and then dive into the marvelously curated menu. The all day breakfast is obviously the first choice. Flip the page and you will find the rest of the menu dedicated to different types of tea you can order. Order the Cream Tea combo with a Traditional Masala Chai that comes with 2 scones, lemon curd and cheese and jam to set you up for the entire afternoon. One of the cutest restaurants in Delhi!

21. Bukhara

Named one of the top restaurants in Asia, this restaurant does one dish best — its signature Dal Bukhara, lentils cooked over 18 hours in a creamy mixture. The setting is very simple with tall sturdy cushions for seating and thaalis of copper. The menu just consists of a two sided piece of wood. Food is the backbone of this restaurant and boy do they do it well. The daal bukhara is piping hot, creamy and slides down your throat satisfying every craving for Indian food. Order with it some Tandoori Naan that is sprinkled with garlic and a generous amount of ghee. The fragrant and sweet Phirni is the perfect way to finish off the meal. It is very hard to beat Indian food at Bukhara.

22. Naturals Ice Creams

Anjeer, Kesar Pista, Mango, Kaju Kishmish, Malai. These were the flavors that ice-cream carts used to serve kids in pots made of clay. This brand brought back all that nostalgia with a single scoop. I know this because everyone in my family only eats ice cream by Naturals. The ice creams are made from fruits and nuts only found in the region and with recipes that have been passed down generations. They are so creamy and delicious and OMG the taste is so marvelous. My favorite is the Kesar Pista which I finish tubs of in a single day. You have to visit Naturals and try one of the local flavors to know what I am talking about!

23. Wengers

I have ordered a cake from Wengers for my last 7 birthdays. My mom would really have saved a lot of money if I was never introduced to Wengers. Wengers is a huge bakery in Connaught Place that sells all kinds of cakes, pastries, sandwiches and much more. My favorite is their Chocolate Cake. The frosting is made of glazed icing that melts in your mouth. The cake is fashioned in 3 layers with soft butter icing that is creamy and thick. You have to try this particular cake because it is the BEST I HAVE HAD IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. Wengers is top of the list for restaurants in Delhi specializing in bakery products.

24. L’Opera

This French style bakery and Salon de The is one of the only bakeries in Delhi to specialize in authentic pastries and French breads. From their colorful twinkling Macarons to the delicate Galette des Rois. From the sturdy Pain Payasan to bite sized tea cakes everything is crafted to perfection. They have such a huge selection I end up trying something new each time. Last time I had the Raspberry Mousses which is a small pastry with layers of cake and mouses topped off with Raspberry glaze. If you are looking to get dessert after your meal this place will make the perfect stop.

25. Lodi – The Garden Restaurant

Situated right next door to the Lodhi Gardens the smell of flowers and warm Earth hangs heavy in the air at evenings. Sitting on delicately placed copper chairs under bamboo light this place turns into a fantasy of cuisine. The menu is an eclectic mix of international cuisine with Asian and Middle Eastern influences. But the food wasn’t the reason I love Lodi. The atmosphere and the slow evening spent talking and laughing are the reason I do. Lodi really has a charm that draws you in. Where else would you rather spend your Sunday evening on a cold winter’s day?

26. Good Earth Cafe

This tiny cafe on the top floor of the Good Earth shop is a marvel of interior decor. The lime green wallpapers contrast with the hot pink chairs and the teal cushions against the brass mirrors. We sat at a corner table and ordered some snacks. The international menu had some interesting dishes like Taro Root Fries that I really liked as a small meal. I loved the small cafe charm and the tiny menu that focused on relaxation and enjoying the food in a beautiful setting. It’s a unique addition to the Delhi cuisine scene.

27. Rajdhani

You better have a large appetite arriving here because the huge thali with 15 different snacks and dishes is a masterpiece. The Rajdhani thali is an experience that will leave you feeling like a satisfied kitten. My mouth starts watering every time I remember the taste of the daals, puri, sabzi and the lassi I had. There are no words that could do justice to such amazing Rajasthani food. In my very biased opinion, Rajasthani food is the best in the world and these guys make the best of it.

28. Getafix Cafe

This cafe is the ultimate cheat sheet for all healthy meals. I especially enjoy their breakfast menu with wholesome recipes like the Lemon Millet, Sunshine Smoothie Bowl, Baked Beans on Toast and Eggs Florentine. Pair this with a Ragi Ambli smoothie with the tangy taste of ragi, curry leaf and red chillies and you are ready for the day. This is the best breakfast place I have come across in all of Delhi. It’s not just the expertly curated healthy food but the bright colorful painted walls and the vibe that make it a great place for breakfast. This is the top healthy food cafe in restaurants in Delhi.

29. Cha Bar

If you are in the land of tea then might as well go all out. Cha Bar has a selection of over 150 different types of tea. From the traditional masala chai to Darjeeling tea and Single Estate Assam Tea, I love the experience of having tea. You really have to taste the flavor of the warm tea filled with spices flowing down your throat and instantly warming you up from the inside. The chefs here have mastered the art of making tea from India, China and other tea growing countries. Tea is an experience in itself and Indians honor that tradition steadfastly by having two cups of tea everyday. You definitely need to try a cup for yourself. 

30. Chaayos

So these guys went ahead and took all the traditional drinks from all over Indian and collected them in one place. Those geniuses. They have the Kulhad Chai from the western states where saffron masala chai is served in clay cups. Their original Turmeric Milk is boiled in the finest spices. The cinnamon infused Pahadi Chai from the Himalayas soothes your soul. But this isn’t all. In the summers us Indians like to cool it down with Desi Cold Coffee made by hand spinning the milk, coffee and sugar and shakes like Mango and the traditional Kulfi. To accompany all the drinking they have a huge variety of local snacks. This place is a dream come true for me!