23 Most Famous Restaurants in Delhi Not to Miss 2026
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 too.
I’ve listed the restaurants according to price point from least to most expensive.
1. Haldiram’s
India’s number one fast-food chain restaurant, Haldiram’s is famous for delicious food at budget prices. This is 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.
My friends and I often stop at Haldiram’s when out and about. Raj kachori (pictured on the left) and rajma chawal are my favourites.
2. Evergreen Sweet House
Evergreen is a casual neighbourhood eatery that was already popular with locals. It became even more famous when it was 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 is in the same market). I often get a South Indian dosa, but in winter I always order sarson ka saag (creamed mustard greens). Evergreen makes one of the best in Delhi.
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.
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 the 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 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.
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.
6. 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 the first restaurant I visited in Old 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.
7. 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, casual eatery with fast (and slightly abrupt) service.
8. 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 a perfect stop while sightseeing, especially if it’s early.
What Indians eat for breakfast is what North Americans eat for lunch or dinner, so don’t feel like you have come at breakfast time. I prefer dosa for lunch, not breakfast!
9. Andhra Pradesh Bhawan
Bhawans are state run canteens, and the most famous bhawan in Delhi is Andhra Pradesh. 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.
10. 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. I usually get kulfi while I’m waiting for a table at Gulati.
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.
11. Diggin (Bikaner House)
Diggin is a wonderful Delhi cafe, famously located in the former palace of the Maharaja of Bikaner. This is your chance to eat in a real prince’s palace.
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.
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).
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.
12. Moti Mahal (Daryaganj)
After eating here recently I almost deleted this restaurant from this list. Moti Mahal is one of the most famous restaurants in Delhi, and politicians, Bollywood stars and even Chef Gordon Ramsay have eaten here, but the glory days may be over.
The restaurant itself lacked energy and vibe. It was almost empty on a Sunday afternoon, when in the past it would have been packed. I tried their most famous dish, butter chicken and found it bland.
Lately Moti Mahal is famous because of an ongoing court battle with a rival restaurant. Both are claiming rights over the origins of butter chicken and dal makhani. The curry battle has been in the courts for years now.
Moti Mahal has several locations, but it is the Daryaganj restaurant (near Old Delhi) that is the original and most famous one.
13. 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.
14. 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 a beloved family pet?
Delhi has several locations, but I always go to the original in Vasant Vihar.
15. Lavonne Cafe
Bangalore’s most famous pastry shop finally opened a restaurant and patisserie in South Delhi.
Everything is prepared at the Lavonne Academy of Baking Science and Pastry Arts, one of the most respected baking schools in India.
The French pastries are outstanding, so nobody will blame you if you skip lunch and just order dessert, but the food is also very good. I had a wonderful breakfast here and of course dessert. It was all terrific.
16. 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 and commitment to the freshest food, it will be one of the best restaurants you eat at in Delhi.
This is one of the few places in Delhi I recommend trying the sushi – but only if it’s winter. The chocolate cake is also amazing.
Prices are high by Delhi standards, but food quality is excellent. Sometimes they offer a lunch tasting menu, which is a good deal.
The restaurant is located in Lodhi Colony, the site of Delhi’s most famous outdoor art district. Check it out while you’re there.
17. Olive Bar and Kitchen
This restaurant has won numerous awards for best Mediterranean and European food, and is frequently featured by Condé Nast.
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. When I go for lunch I get one of the vegetarian meze plates, which are always innovative and delicious.
18. Lakhori
This restaurant is located in Haveli Dharampura, a 200 year old haveli converted into a boutique hotel. The haveli has earned UNESCO status for cultural heritage preservation, the only one in Delhi.
Almost all of Old Delhi’s havelis have been demolished, or are in a deplorable state, so this is a unique opportunity to glimpse how grand Old Delhi used to be.
Lakhori always serves a set menu for dinner, but they offer breakfast and a set Indian ‘high tea’ with kite flying from the rooftop. Reservations are required.
19. Nisaba
Nisaba is a new restaurant opened by celebrity chef Manish Mehrotra, who put Delhi on the global food map with Indian Accent. This was the most talked about restaurant opening in Delhi, and it has been getting rave reviews.
It’s located in the historic Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site, but you don’t need to buy an entrance ticket to visit the restaurant.
The menu is inspired by local street food and home cooking. I heard the baked rasmalai (dessert) is amazing. I haven’t been yet because it opened after my last Delhi visit, but it’s at the top of my list for my return this winter.
20. Bukhara
Delhi’s most famous restaurant is Bukhara. It’s regularly recognized as one of the 50 best restaurants in the world, and numerous celebrities have eaten here. It’s located in one of Delhi’s most exclusive hotels, the ITC Maurya.
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.
Reservations are needed. I was at the ITC Maurya one weekday and tried to get in for lunch, but couldn’t.
21. Indian Accent
Indian Accent became famous under its former chef, Manish Mehrotra. Although Mehrotra has moved on to open his own restaurant (Nisaba) Indian Accent is still one of the most famous restaurants in Delhi.
The restaurant is famous for tasting menus, and they offer several different ones, including a lite version.
This is a nice restaurant in one Delhi’s most prestigious luxury hotels, the Lodhi. Dress up a little to dine here.
22. The Spice Route
True to its name, the cuisine at the Spice Route takes guests on a culinary journey through the ancient spice route with dishes from Indonesia, China, India, and Thailand.
Even more famous than the food at the Spice Route is the decor. It resembles a colourful, beautiful temple, full of gorgeous murals.
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, New Delhi (where the Spice Route is located) and think the entire property is magical.
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 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. It’s located in the exclusive ITC Maurya.
Last Words 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!
