Now let’s talk about the most important part of India’s food scene: the amazing places where you can eat the country’s most delicious food. It’s not just about eating; it’s about diving right into a world of tastes that come at you from all sides. Try to picture the smell of smokey tandoori coming from a small restaurant in Delhi or the sound of a dosa being cooked on a griddle in South India. This piece will talk about the ten best restaurants in India. Each one has a story to tell about the culture, the spices, and the love of food in India.
There are lively street vendors selling spicy chaat that makes your taste buds dance, cosy family-run restaurants serving home-style curries, and maybe even one or two fancy restaurants where cooks try new ways to make old dishes. All of these things are open to you. These places are the best examples of what makes Indian food so special, from the rich, buttery gravies of the north to the coconut-infused delights of the south. This book will give you ideas for places that will make you want more, whether you are a traveler looking for the next great meal or just a food lover who can’t get enough of good food. Prepare to learn about the most important parts of Indian food. There will be no filler, just real, delicious food.
The Top Ten Best Places To Eat In India In 2025
10. Ziya – Mumbai
Tucked into The Oberoi in Mumbai’s Nariman Point, Ziya redefines Indian cuisine with a modern twist. Since opening in 2010, Michelin-starred Chef Vineet Bhatia has crafted a menu that transforms classic dishes into culinary art. Think deconstructed butter chicken or innovative takes on paneer tikka, bursting with bold spices and fresh ingredients. The sleek, gold-toned dining room, with views of the Arabian Sea, feels both luxurious and welcoming, perfect for a special evening.
Ziya’s focus on creativity, like its signature crab idli, draws food lovers seeking something new yet deeply rooted in tradition. The attentive service and curated wine pairings elevate the experience, making it a standout in Mumbai’s bustling food scene. A meal here is a journey through India’s flavors, reimagined with flair, ideal for those exploring the best Indian restaurants.
9. Karavalli – Bengaluru
Nestled in Vivanta Bengaluru, Karavalli brings the flavors of India’s southwestern coast to life. Since 1990, this restaurant has been a love letter to Mangalorean, Goan, and Keralite cuisine, serving dishes like crab mliagu and neer dosa in a charming bungalow surrounded by tamarind trees. The menu celebrates seafood, with fresh catches cooked in fragrant coconut-based curries or fiery pepper masalas. Every dish feels like a home-cooked meal, crafted with time-honored techniques and local ingredients. The warm, rustic ambiance, paired with attentive service, makes it a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Karavalli’s commitment to authenticity has earned it spots on lists like Conde Nast Traveller’s India’s 50 Best, cementing its place as a must-visit for South Indian food lovers exploring India’s culinary heritage.
8. Megu – New Delhi
Located at The Leela Palace in New Delhi, Megu is a glamorous haven for Japanese cuisine lovers. Its striking red and black decor, complete with a crystal Buddha, sets a luxurious tone, while the menu showcases dishes like yellowtail carpaccio and salmon tartare, made with fish flown in from Tokyo’s Tsukiji market. The sumibi aburiyaki grilling technique adds smoky depth to every bite, and the extensive sake list over 60 varieties pairs perfectly with the bold flavors.
Megu blends tradition with innovation, offering a fine-dining experience that feels both exotic and approachable. The private dining rooms, adorned with antique kimono fabric, are ideal for intimate gatherings. For those seeking world-class cuisine in India’s capital, Megu delivers a sophisticated escape, making it a top pick for global food enthusiasts visiting New Delhi.
7. Le Cirque Signature – Bangaluru
At The Leela Palace in Bangaluru, Le Cirque Signature offers a refined Franco-Italian dining experience that feels like a step into Europe. The elegant dining room, with its Murano chandelier and soft beige tones, creates a warm yet upscale vibe. The menu shines with handmade pastas, perfectly grilled meats, and decadent desserts like tiramisu, all crafted with precision.
Al fresco dining by the hotel’s lush gardens adds a romantic touch, especially during the popular Sunday brunches. While the price tag around ₹10,000 for a tasting menu reflects its luxury, the quality of ingredients and attention to detail make it worth it. Le Cirque Signature is a go-to for those craving international flavors in Bengaluru, blending sophistication with the city’s vibrant food culture, perfect for special occasions or a memorable night out.
6. Yauatcha – Mumbai
In Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, Yauatcha is a sleek dim sum teahouse that blends Cantonese cuisine with European flair. The open kitchen and plush, spot-lit tables create a lively yet intimate atmosphere, ideal for evening dining. The menu boasts an array of steamed and fried dim sums, from prawn har gau to crispy duck rolls, alongside larger Cantonese dishes.
The patisserie section, with petit gateaux and macarons infused with Chinese ingredients, is a sweet highlight. Over 24 tea varieties, sourced from India to Japan, make it a paradise for tea lovers. Yauatcha’s global reputation, with outposts in London and beyond, adds to its allure, offering a chic dining experience that elevates Mumbai’s food scene. It’s a must-visit for those exploring global cuisines in India’s culinary capital.
5. Jamavar – Bengaluru
Jamavar, located at The Leela Palace in Bengaluru, is a regal ode to India’s royal kitchens. Named after Kashmiri brocades, the restaurant’s opulent decor, with intricate detailing and garden views, sets the stage for a luxurious meal. The pan-Indian menu spans regions, offering dishes like raan-e-jamavar, a slow-cooked lamb dish, and lobster neeruli, infused with coastal spices.
Each plate is a balance of bold flavors and delicate presentation, reflecting India’s culinary diversity. Led by Executive Chef Zafar Ali, Jamavar’s London outpost earned a Michelin star, and its Bengaluru location lives up to that legacy. The Maharaja Table, a grand communal dining option, is perfect for groups celebrating special moments. For food travelers seeking authentic Indian cuisine with a royal twist, Jamavar is an unmissable gem in Bengaluru’s dining landscape.
4. Adaa – Hyderabad
Set in the majestic Taj Falaknuma Palace, Adaa offers a royal Hyderabadi dining experience that feels like stepping into history. The restaurant’s elegant setting, with views of the palace gardens, complements a menu rooted in Nizami cuisine. Slow-cooked dishes like haleem, a rich meat and lentil stew, and dum biryani, layered with fragrant spices, steal the show. Live music and cultural performances add to the regal ambiance, making every meal feel like a celebration.
Adaa’s commitment to authenticity, using traditional recipes and local ingredients, has earned it a spot on La Liste’s 2025 rankings. For those exploring Hyderabad’s food culture, this restaurant is a must, offering a taste of the city’s royal past alongside impeccable service, perfect for special occasions or a deep dive into Indian culinary heritage.
3. Dum Pukht – New Delhi
Housed at ITC Maurya in New Delhi, Dum Pukht is a legend in Awadhi cuisine, mastering the art of ‘dum’ cooking slow-roasting in sealed pots to lock in flavors. Since 1987, Chef Gulam Qureshi has crafted dishes like dum biryani and shahi tukda, each bursting with delicate spices and rich textures. The sapphire-blue and silver dining room evokes Mughal-era grandeur, with linen-draped tables adding a touch of old-world charm.
Recognized twice by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Dum Pukht offers a royal dining experience that’s both nostalgic and refined. The menu caters to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, with dishes like hara kebab showcasing the kitchen’s versatility. For food enthusiasts visiting New Delhi, this restaurant is a must for its authentic Indian food and historic ambiance, delivering a true taste of India’s culinary legacy.
2. Masque – Mumbai
In a former textile mill in Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi, Maque is a trailblazer in modern Indian cuisine. Led by Chef Varun Totlani, the restaurant offers a 10-course tasting menu that evolves with the seasons, using hyperlocal ingredients sourced from Kashmir to Goa. Dishes like turmeric scampi or sea buckthorn pani puri reimagine traditional flavors with creative twists, earning Masque a #23 spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2024.
The industrial-chic setting, with exposed brick and warm lighting, feels both trendy and inviting. Every course tells a story of India’s diverse produce, making it a favorite for adventurous diners. Masque’s innovative approach and commitment to sustainability make it a standout in Mumbai’s food scene, perfect for those seeking a fresh perspective on Indian cuisine while exploring the city’s culinary hotspots.
1. Indian Accent – New Delhi
At The Lodhi in New Delhi, Indian Accent reigns as India’s top restaurant, blending traditional Indian flavors with global techniques. Since 2009, Chef Manish Mehrotra’s six-course tasting menu has dazzled with dishes like tamarind crab and spiced cornets, paired with curated wines. The elegant, modern dining room offers an intimate setting for a culinary journey that’s both inventive and deeply rooted in Indian food culture. Ranked #26 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2024 and praised by Time Magazine in 2025, Indian Accent is a global benchmark for modern Indian cuisine. Its vegetarian and non-vegetarian options cater to all, making it accessible yet sophisticated. For food travelers seeking the pinnacle of fine dining in India, Indian Accent delivers an unparalleled experience, showcasing the best of Indian restaurants with creativity and finesse.
