Delhi

It serves exceptionally fresh, authentic coastal Karnataka and Goan seafood in an elegant, fine-dining setting.

Signature — Mangalorean prawn ghee roast

A local institution famous for its no-nonsense approach to coastal Indian spices and perfectly cooked shellfish.

Signature — Butter pepper garlic crab

A cozy spot dedicated to the fiery, aromatic seafood dishes of Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.

Signature — Kerala-style fish pollichathu wrapped in banana leaf

Housed in a striking glass pavilion, it offers some of the finest imported cuts of meat cooked on an open grill.

Signature — Australian lamb chops

Perched high above the city, it combines panoramic views with meticulously seared steaks and poultry.

Signature — Sous-vide tenderloin steak

This speakeasy serves surprisingly sophisticated, smoky grilled small plates alongside its award-winning cocktails.

Signature — Smoked pork belly skewers

A legendary, no-frills eatery operating near the Jama Masjid since 1913, serving historic royal Mughal recipes.

Signature — Mutton korma and tandoori roti

A late-night favorite for families and food lovers seeking rich, buttery North Indian gravies.

Signature — Butter chicken and kakori kebabs

A massive, chaotic open-air street-side joint where locals eat standing up next to their cars.

Signature — Galouti kebab with ulta tawa parantha

Located right next to Karim's, this rival establishment is preferred by many locals for its richer gravies.

Signature — Mutton stew

The historic birthplace of butter chicken, where the tandoori culinary tradition was popularized in Delhi.

Signature — Original tandoori chicken

A tiny shop in the old city famous for stuffing whole fruits with creamy, traditional Indian ice cream.

Signature — Stuffed mango kulfi

Consistently ranked among the best restaurants in Asia, chef Manish Mehrotra redefines Indian food with playful, global twists.

Signature — Blue cheese naan and pork belly tikka

An iconic, rustic restaurant at the ITC Maurya where world leaders eat clay-oven-baked dishes with their hands.

Signature — Dal Bukhara (slow-cooked black lentils for 18 hours)

Dedicated to the royal, slow-cooked Awadhi style of cooking using heavy, sealed copper pots.

Signature — Dum Pukht biryani

The restaurant's interior is a hand-carved temple-like masterpiece that took seven years to complete.

Signature — Chemeen Thoren (Kerala-style stir-fried prawns)

A sophisticated space at the Taj Mahal Hotel that treats Indian street food and classics as edible modern art.

Signature — Varqi crab

An opulent dining room at the Leela Palace serving royal recipes from both Northern and Southern India.

Signature — Raan-e-Jamavar (slow-roasted leg of mutton)

Widely acknowledged as serving the absolute best version of Delhi's favorite breakfast dish.

Signature — Chole bhature with pickled green chilies

A bustling, highly efficient spot serving flawless, authentic South Indian vegetarian staples.

Signature — Ghee roast masala dosa

A government-run canteen where locals queue for incredibly cheap, spicy, and unlimited South Indian meals.

Signature — Unlimited Andhra vegetarian thali

Serving just two items since 1940, this tiny stand is a masterclass in sweet, sour, and spicy street snacks.

Signature — Dahi bhalla (lentil dumplings in spiced yogurt)

A legendary student hangout in the university area known for its fluffy, freshly fried bread.

Signature — Aloo-stuffed bhature

A historic, narrow lane lined with shops that deep-fry flatbreads stuffed with everything from potatoes to bananas.

Signature — Rabri (sweet condensed milk) parantha

It serves exceptional, light, and crispy South Indian tiffins in a clean, modern setting.

Signature — Malleshwaram 18th Cross dosa

A trendy, community-focused space offering a fully plant-based, eco-conscious global menu.

Signature — Jackfruit carnitas tacos

An upscale restaurant serving pure vegetarian North Indian cuisine inspired by Ayurvedic principles.

Signature — Sattvik moksha thali

Agra (The Taj Mahal)

While located in a different city, the high-speed Gatimaan Express train makes it incredibly easy to visit the world's most famous monument of love and return to Delhi by dinner.

Getting there — A 100-minute ride on the Gatimaan Express train from Hazrat Nizamuddin station.

Neemrana Fort-Palace

A stunning 15th-century heritage fort cut into the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, offering zip-lining, stepwell exploration, and a royal lunch.

Getting there — A 2.5-hour drive southwest of Delhi via National Highway 48.