23 Most Famous Restaurants in Delhi Not to Miss 2024

Looking for the most famous restaurants in Delhi? You’ve come to the right place!

After years of living and eating in Delhi, these are my top picks of famous restaurants. Some are famous because of the chef, or because they were featured in a movie. Most are famous because the food is exceptional, and they are iconic culinary symbols of Delhi.

Famous Restaurants In Delhi

Many of these restaurants are legendary. Not only are they famous with Delhiites, they are famous across India. Most are Indian cuisine, but there’s a few international restaurants in here too.

I’ve listed the restaurants according to price point. The budget ones are first, and the fine dining restaurants last.

1. Haldiram’s

India’s number one fast-food chain restaurant, Haldiram’s is famous for its delicious food at budget prices. By fast food, I mean Indian fast food: lassi, dhal, chole, chaat.

Haldiram’s is sort of the McDonalds of India, but better. The food is fresh, delicious and can be very healthy depending on what you order.

I often stop at Haldiram’s when out and about. Raj kachori (the one on the right in the picture) and rajma chawal are my favourites.

2. Evergreen Sweet House

Evergreen is a casual neighbourhood eatery that is really well known with Delhiites. It became even more famous when it was discovered that India’s biggest star, Shah Rukh Khan used to eat here.

I often eat at Evergreen when I’m in Green Park (my hairdresser Vineet at Looks Salon is in the same market) The food is good and budget friendly. I often get a South Indian dosa, but if it’s winter I always order sarson ka saag (creamed mustard greens – super healthy and tasty).

Evergreen has one of Delhi’s best sweet shops; the restaurant is upstairs. After you eat pick up a few sweets to bring back to your hotel for later. Indian sweets keep well.

Several copycat ‘Evergreen’ restaurants have opened up in Delhi. Make sure you go to the original one in Green Park Market.

3. Rajinder da Dhaba

Rajinder da Dhaba is a Delhi legend, and one of the most famous restaurants in the city.

People queue up to buy chicken curry and eat it in the parking lot, using their motorcycles seats as dining tables. In fact, in the evenings the parking lot is just as busy as the restaurants.

Rajinder started years ago as a food stand, but now takes up most of the block. They are famous for their chicken curry, but the chicken tandoori is excellent too.

Either get take out and enjoy it in the parking lot like the locals, or eat in the restaurant on the right side, downstairs for best prices.

4. Kake da Hotel

This iconic Delhi eatery may be humble, but it has served many famous politicians and Bollywood stars. The food is famous, especially the chicken and lamb dishes.

It gets very crowded at night, but it’s fun and a truly iconic Delhi experience. Just a warning, the food is on the spicy side. If you don’t love heat, make sure you order some raita and rotis.

Be prepared to wait outside for a table if you go at night – this is a Delhi hot spot!

5. Kake di Hatti

This super casual restaurant in Old Delhi became famous internationally when Jamie Oliver visited and ate there.

Kake di Hatti is known for its giant naan bread, and calls itself the ‘King of Naan.’ The winter specialty, sarson ka saag is especially good here. Unlike many Old Delhi eateries, Kake di Hatti only serves vegetarian food. I’m pretty sure it’s owned by a Sikh family (there’s a portrait of a Sikh guru on the wall) which explains why it only serves vegetarian food.

It’s right around the corner from Khari Baoli, the famous spice market, and I often come here if I’m in this part of Old Delhi.

7. Karim’s

Karim’s is Old Delhi’s most famous and oldest restaurants. The original proprietor was a chef in the royal Mughal household and Karim’s still serves the same recipes.

Their most famous dishes are chicken jahangir, seekh kebabs and nihari, an Old Delhi specialty. The restaurant is very humble, but authentic.

This was one of the first restaurants I visited in Delhi, and I was captivated by the partially open kitchen, courtyard tandoori and the high energy buzz of the place. This is also where I learned to eat with my hands!

Karim’s has different locations now, but the original and most authentic one is in Old Delhi.

8. Roshan di Kulfi

Originally a kulfi stand in the 1950s, Roshan di Kulfi has grown into the most famous restaurant in the bustling Karol Bagh area of Delhi. The chole bhature, Navratra specialties and of course the kulfi faluda are all delicious.

There’s a few locations, but make sure you go the original shop in Karol Bagh. It’s a busy, but casual eatery with fast (if somewhat abrupt) service.

9. Mysore Cafe

One of the most famous breakfast restaurants in Delhi, Mysore Cafe is not to be missed. This was Indira Gandhi’s favourite breakfast joint, India’s most notorious Prime Minister.

It’s located near many of Delhi’s amazing sites likes India Gate in the VIP section of South Delhi. So it’s perfect to pop into if you’re sightseeing, especially it’s early.

What Indians eat for breakfast is what North Americans would eat for lunch or dinner, so come any time! I prefer a heavy dosa for lunch, not breakfast!

10. Andhra Pradesh Bhawan

Bhawans are state run canteens, and the most famous of these is Andhra Pradesh Bhawan. A local introduced me to this canteen years ago, and I have been back many times since then.

The best item on the menu is the veg thali tray – a selection of 8 different specialties.

Servers roam the aisles with metal vats of food, and refill your tray as many times as you want. This is one of the best local places to eat in all of Delhi, especially if you’re hungry or on a budget.

11. Gulati

Gulati is one of Delhi’s most popular and famous North Indian restaurants. It’s a long standing favourite of Delhiites, and you’ll have to wait for a table if you go at night or on the weekend. I’ve eaten here several times and it’s always delicious.

Krishna di Kulfi is next door, one of the best places in Delhi for ice cream. It’s a match made in gastronomic heaven.

The Pandara Market where Gulati is located is a famous Delhi late night eating hot spot. You’ll see it has many restaurants – but stick to Gulati because it’s the best.

12. Diggin (in Bikaner House)

Diggin is a wonderful Delhi cafe, famously located in the former palace of the Maharaja of Bikaner.  How many people can say they’ve eaten in a prince’s palace? This is your chance!

The palace was built by the British Raj in 1929 as one of the palaces in Prince’s Park, the coveted area around India Gate.   

Diggin has several locations in Delhi and they all have lovely outdoor terraces and serve good food. But this is the only one in a palace.

Make sure to check out Bikaner House while you’re there, it’s one of the best ways to explore the culture of Delhi (and it’s free).

13. Moti Mahal (in Daryaganj)

One of the oldest and most famous Delhi restaurants is Moti Mahal. Many politicians, Bollywood biggest stars and international celebrities, including Chef Gordon Ramsay, have visited this Moti Mahal.

The original owner invented two of India’s iconic dishes, butter chicken and dahl makhani when he came to Delhi from Pakistan after Partition.

Lately Moti Mahal is famous for another reason. It is embroiled in a court battle with a rival restaurant over the origins of butter chicken and dal makhani (a famous North Indian lentil dish). Both claim to have created the dishes. The battle of the curry has been in newspaper headlines for years now!

14. Social (Hauz Khas)

Hauz Khas Social shot to fame when scenes from the Bollywood blockbuster Tamasha were filmed here. Movie fans from all over India still visit the restaurant to see where the emotional scenes took place.

The food and views of Hauz Khas Complex from the outdoor terrace are great too. At night the terrace is a popular drinking and socializing spot.

It’s my favourite Hauz Khas Village eatery. The vibe is hip and casual, and the menu extensive! There will be something to please even the most fussy eater here. The mac and cheese is really good, by the way!

15. Leo’s Artisan Pizza

Leo’s is one of the two pizzerias in India to make the top 50 list of pizzerias in Asia Pacific.

I’ve had their Margherita, and it is definitely the best pizza I’ve had in India. Plus the proprietor named the joint after his dog, whose photos are everywhere. How can you not love a place that is dedicated to beloved family pet?

Delhi has several locations, but I always go to the original in Vasant Vihar.

16. Lavonne Cafe

Bangalore’s most famous pastry shop finally opened a restaurant and patisserie in Delhi.

Everything is prepared at the Lavonne Academy of Baking Science and Pastry Arts, one of the most respected baking schools in India.

Lavonne is famous for French pastry, so skip lunch and just order dessert. To be honest, the food is okay but not amazing – the pastry is where this place really shines.

17. Guppy

Consistently voted one of the best restaurants in India, Guppy is the go-to place for Japanese food in Delhi. With its playful decor, anime sculpture, poke bar and commitment to the freshest food, it will win your heart.

This is one of the very few places in Delhi I recommend trying the sushi – but only if it’s winter.

The restaurant is located in Lodhi Colony, the site of Delhi’s most famous outdoor art district. Check it out while you’re there.

18. Olive Bar and Kitchen

This restaurant has won numerous awards for best Mediterranean and European food, including being listed in the World’s Best 50 Restaurants.

Set in a restored Mughal mansion, the restaurant is beautiful, especially the patio with a huge banyan tree. It’s chic but comfortable, you don’t have to dress up.

But the real star is the food, which is excellent. My favourite is the meze platter, it makes a great lunch.

19. Lakhori

This restaurant is famously located in a haveli built in the 1800s, and has earned UNESCO status for cultural heritage preservation, the only one in Delhi. Dining at Lakhori is like stepping back in time, and it’s exquisite.

Almost all of Old Delhi’s havelis have either been demolished, or are in a deplorable state, so this is a unique opportunity to glimpse how grand Old Delhi used to be.

20. Bukhara

Delhi’s most famous restaurant is Bukhara. It is regularly recognized as one of the 50 best restaurants in the world and numerous celebrities have eaten here, including Bill Gates, Barack Obama, Mick Jagger and Bruce Springsteen.

The decor at Bukhara is intentionally rustic, and diners must eat the traditional Indian way with their hands – there is no cutlery. Bukhara is not only about the food, it is the experience.

It’s casually chic, so dress up a little but not too much as you’ll be eating with your hands. The most famous dishes are the tandoori meats and dal Bukhara.

You can watch all the action in the open kitchen. This is great entertainment if you’re dining alone.

21. Indian Accent

Indian Accent’s top chef, Manish Mehrota, is regularly named one of the best chefs in Asia. He’s a celebrity in the culinary world, and has restaurants in New York City and London.

The chef is famous for creating inventive and ever changing tasting menus, and this is what you should order at Indian Accent. If that’s too much, try the 4 course lunch.

The food and service are exceptional here. Dress up a little to dine here, it’s a good restaurant and in one of Delhi’s most expensive luxury hotels.

22. The Spice Route

Perhaps even more famous than the food at the Spice Route, is the decor. It resembles a colourful, beautiful temple, full of gorgeous murals.

True to its name, the cuisine takes guests on a culinary journey through the ancient spice route with dishes from Indonesia, China, India, and Thailand.

The Spice Route is so magical, Condé Nast called it one of the top 10 restaurants in the world. In fact, I adore the Imperial Hotel (where the Spice Route is located) and think the entire property is magical.

While dining here take a look at the Imperial’s famous art collection in the public areas. You can even take an art tour through the hotel, if you’re so inclined.

23. Dum Pukht

Named one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Dum Pukht is famous for being one of Delhi’s very best restaurants.

This is a fine dining restaurant that specializes in dum cooking, the method of slow cooking in a sealed pot. They serve the best biryanis, tundey kebabs (melt in your mouth) and pulaos in Delhi.

Everything is good here, but the biryanis are sensational. Dress up a little, this is a white linen table cloth, fawning wait staff type of restaurant.

Where To Stay In Delhi

South Delhi is the best part of the city to stay in. Not only is it a safer and greener area, it is also where many of Delhi’s sites and attractions are located.

These are my top picks for South Delhi hotels. They are all very well located and exceptional properties:

📍Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast (Budget) – This family run B&B makes a perfect base to explore Delhi from. It’s in a good neighbourhood within walking distance of shops, restaurants and the Delhi metro. Rooms are simple, but super clean and comfortable. A hearty home cooked breakfast is included.

Book your stay at Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast here!

📍Lutyens Bungalow (Mid-range) – I love the location of this boutique heritage property – it’s right beside Lodhi Garden in one of Delhi’s greenest and most affluent areas. You’ll be very close to many of Delhi’s sites here. There’s a lovely garden (you might see peacocks) and swimming pool. Breakfast is included.

Book your stay at Lutyens Bungalow here!

📍Taj Mahal New Delhi (Luxury) – A superb 5 star hotel with multiple restaurants, spa, lounges, fitness centre and swimming pool. This is a great hotel for kids too. It’s located in the same area as Lutyens Bungalow, within walking distance of many attractions. This is one of Delhi’s finest hotels.

Book your stay at Taj Mahal New Delhi here!

FAQs

These are questions I often hear about eating out in Delhi:

Which is the No. 1 restaurant in India?

Indian Accent in Delhi has been named by a number of highly regarded sources, including Condé Nast Traveler as the No. 1 restaurant in India for 2023.

Which street food is famous in Delhi?

Golgappa are the most famous street food in Delhi. Stacks of the hollow bite size balls can be seen all over the city. Delhiites adore them. Visitors should avoid eating them on the streets though, because they are filled with spiced water which may not be filtered. Eat them at a Haldiram’s instead.

Which area is best for food in Delhi?

Central Delhi which includes Connaught Place is the best area for food in Delhi. Not only are many of the most famous restaurants in Delhi located here, it is one of the best markets for street food in Delhi.

What is Delhi’s famous sweet?

Gulab Jamun is the most famous sweet in Delhi. The little dough balls that are soaked in sweet syrup are found all over Delhi, and in just about every single restaurant. Best served hot, it is the iconic dessert of India.

The Wrap-up on the Famous Restaurants in Delhi

This turned out be a much longer list than I originally planned. As I started to think about the most famous restaurants and the ones every visitor to Delhi should eat at, the list just kept growing. Indians are passionate about food, and Delhi is the food capital of India, so there are many famous restaurants!

Looking for More? You Might Also Like…

• Delhi for Foodies – 13 Unique Food Experiences You’ll Never Forget
• 26 Places for the Best Food in Old Delhi
• How to Eat Local and Stay Healthy

Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing

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