Saadi Dilli , Foodie's delight . The ready recknor

Delhi can be easily declared as the Foodie's capital of india . Delhi being a historic city thus one can see the traditional cultural cuisine as well as modern and international cuisine galore . One can spot the traditional mughlai to the typical baniya Veg fair to the punjabi fair . And now the city is house to other international cuisine as well . Mind you its not for calorie watchers . 

I have tried to compile a list of various eateries and the must have's . I have tried to categorise them according to the economic classes . All the places listed and reviewed have been personally savoured by the writer . Have tried to incorporate the maximum and readers are requested to recommend in comment section . 

 High end Restaurant 

1. Indian Accent , New Friends Colony 

Type : Modern Indian 

This is my pick for the best indian restaurant in the country . The food and presentation is simple out of the world . Slightly on the expensive side but its simply worth it . They have now opened a branch in New York and London as well . All the dishes are mind blowing , you can try the sampler menu if feeling confused . Reservation is a must

2. Masala Library , Janpath 

Type : Modern Indian 

This is second on my list . This Jiggs kalra's son, Jorawar kalra's, has great ambience and even greater greater gastronomical experience . The only issue I have is that kids below 12 are not allowed 

3. TK's @ Hyatt , Bhkaji Cama Place

Type : Teppanyaki Grill(asian)

This is my personal favourite . This was the first teppanyaki style grill in delhi with a mix of localisation in form of using various asian sauces . Really like the live cooking and the freshness of the dishes gives you an out of world experience . Avoid lunches , because its a buffet and thus there is a lot of noise due to the kitty party gangs . One should go for set menu to avoid confusions and one can savour the whole course from sushi to desserts 

4. Le cirque , Leela , Chanakya Puri 

Type : Italian 

This is quite an experience type of place . Everything about it is quite classy and high end . The food , presentation , cutlery , service is just perfect . The food is as authentic and fresh as it can be .

5. House of Ming @Tha Taj ,Mansingh Road 

Type : Chinese 

This Chinese restaurant is one of the oldest and most authentic place . My favourite are the dim sums and rice and chicken in a leaf . Excellent place for great lunch .

6. Varq ,@ Taj   , Mansingh Road

Type : Indian 

This hemant oberoi , one of the most celebrated chef , is gastronomic experience . The signature dishes like Varqi Crab, Martban Meat , Anardaana chana etc just explode in your mouth with the distinct and subtle flavours 

7. The Dhabha @ Claridges , Auragzeb Rd 

Type : Punjabi india 

This dhabha themed restaurant dishes some authentic punjabi Dhabha fair . Must try are Bharta , Urad Dal and Paneer bhurjee 

8. Bukhara @ Maurya Sheraton , Sardar Patel Marg 

Type : Frontier 

This iconic restaurant is on the list of all the visiting dignitaries to delhi . Infact there is a clinton thali(Non veg) and chelsea thali(Veg) named after the father daughter . There signature dish is the 'Dal Bukhara' , which is said to be cooked overnite in dollops of pure ghee . There is no silverware and you are suppose to eat your food by hands . What I like about this place is that they donot have a very lengthy menu . basically just kebabs (veg and non veg ) and dal .

9. Dakshin @ Marriot ,Saket

Type : South Indian 

This is an authentic south indian place which for a change donot serve idli dosa and medu vada rather it serves some of the best veg and non veg dishes from across various souther states . must try the appams with stew . 

10. The great kebab factory @ radisson ,mahipalpur , etc 

Type : Indian 

This concept restaurant which now has a couple of chains was conceptualised by the great indian food artist , jiggs kalra . They dish out some of the most authentic and fresh kebabs , be it seekh or gilauti or chicken or amritsari fish or even the Veg  one are great . Just sit back and get stuffed . 

11. Thai pavalion @ Vivanta by taj ,gurgaon 

Type : Thai 

This is one of the most authentic thai place in NCR . Move the subtle taste of authentic thai aroma ,be it in the soups or salads or the main course .

12. Spice route , @imperial , Janpath 

Type : South east asian 

This is one of my favourite place for south east asian food , whether Thai ,Malay ,sri lankan or Vietnamese . The decor of this restaurant is very authentic and so is the food. 

13. The oudh @Ashoka , Chanakya Puri 

Type : Lucknowi indian 

This is a hidden gem for connoisseurs of awadhi food . This is one of the best awadhi restaurant and that too in government run or should I say run down hotel . The each dish has its own distinct flavour which can be easily distinguished . 

14. Dum Pukht @Maurya Sheraton , Sardar Patel Marg 

Type :  Mughlai 

What is truly wonderful about this restaurant is the way they have maintained the old-world charm along with committing to serving up some of the best food in the city. This fine dine restaurant serves some of the most authentic mughlai dishes and their biryani and kormas are one to die for .

15. SETZ @Emporio mall ,Vasant Kunj

Type : Multi Cuisine 

Setz is quite a popular place for its sunday brunches buffet . The spread is very lavish and most of the dishes are made live be it the Chinese ,South east asian , North indian , South Indian , Frontier , Italian etc . 

16. La Piazza @Hyatt ,Bhikaji Cama place

Type : Italian 

One of the most authentic italian restaurant in delhi . The ambiance & food is quite distinctively italian . 

17. Yauatcha , Ambience mall , Vasant Kunj
This Michelin star london based chain has opened an outlet in ambience mall . They are dishing out some of the best dim sum in the town .  

Mid Level Restaurants 

1. United coffee house ,Connaught Place & mall of india ,noida

Type : Multi cuisine

This is pre-independence era restaurant which is famous for the anglo indian fair . The hi tea at united coffee is a quite unique with their signature cona coffee .

2. Minar , outer circle , connaught place 

Type : Punjabi/North indian 

The taste and quality of this place has remained the same since ages .There speciality is the chicken burra , chicken curry , dal makhni and palak paneer with fresh nans  not to forget their signature pyaaz 

3. Gulati @pandara road 

Type : Punjabi/North indian 

Earlier this used to be famous because of its late timing but lately it has become a very popular joint because on its sheer foodie experience . The food is typical north indian punjabi fair with Dal Makhni , Pindi Channa , Kebabs , Butter chicken ,rogan josh ,paneer and koftas served with fresh crispy and buttery naan . 

4. Punjabi By Nature , various 

Type : Punjabi/North indian 

This multi location restaurant dishes out the staple punjabi cuisine with alarming consistency . Must try are Dal makhni , Adraki Gabhi , Pindi Channa , Butter chicken 

5. Zen @ connaught Place  
Type : Chinjabi
This is quite an old favourite Chinese with punjabi tadka . 

6. Yum Yum tree @ Friends colony market 
Type : Asian 

Really like this asian cuisine restaurant . 

7. Smoke house deli
Multi location 
Great place for excellent sandwiches , soups and grilled stuff

8. O Calcutta 
Multi location 
Great bengali food , try the lunch buffet . 

9. Dilli Height 
Multi location and cuisine
Quirky interiors , specially love the Juicy lucy burger . Serving size is also huge

10. Chor Bizzare 
Broadway hotel , daryaganj 
Indian , Their speciality is the kashmiri food . A must try is tarami 

11. Kwality @ Connaught Place 
Their speciality is the Chole Bhature

12. Swagath
Multi Cuisine 
Their speciality is the Non Veg coastal cuisine .


13. Sawarna Bhawan
This south indian eatery serves on of the best south indian fare . must try the 14 mini idli ,everything else is also pretty good and fresh

14. Sagar ratna
Multi Location 
Speciality is the south indian and a must try is their dahee bada, filter coffee 

15. Cafe Lota
@ Pragati Maidan 
This is an excellent must try place , some dishes being served here are not available anywhere else . Everything is a must try 

16. Karims
Multi Location 
This is must visit place for all food connoisseur  . Must try are Chicken/Mutton Burra , Mutton seekh kebab , chicken/Mutton stew and for the vegetarian a must try is aloo palak  

17. Al kausar
Multi location 
Mughlai
A great take away joint . The food is quite authentic and fresh 

18 Lazeez affaire
North Indian
@Chanakya Puri 
Excellent Mughlai food 

19. Moti Mahal
Multi location
Punjabi 
This is the eatery which invented Butter chicken . So you know what is a must try

20. Made in Punjab 
Multi location 
Punjabi
Typical punjabi fair , 

21.Pind baluchi
Multi location 
North Indian


22. Soda bottle opener wala 
Multi Location
Parsi Cuisine 
Excellent food , must try are the irani chai , Dhansak , cutlet , Berry pulao , mushroom khaari 

23. guppy
@ Meher chand market ,Lodhi Road 
Japanese 
Excellent sushi .  24. Ploof

24 Ploof , Meher Chand Market
European 
Authentic european fair 

25. Amreli
@Diplomat Hotel ,Sardar Patel Marg 
Nice setting , multi cuisine  26. Potbelly 

26.Potbelly , Shahpur Jaat 
Bihari Food 
Try Litti chokha, Mutton curry , mustard fish

27.  Triveni Terrace Cafe
Mandi Houde
Indian , speciality are the finger food - Pakoda , lemonade , keema matar . Easy on stomach and pocket friendly 

28. Lodhi garden restaurant
Lodhi garden 
Excellent place for a lazy sunday brunch in winter . 

29. Colonel Kebab
Multi location 
North Indian 
Speciality : Mutton seekh , Paneer tikka masala , dal makhni ,butter chicken 

30. Gola Sizzler
Multi location 
Desi sizzler place with chinjabi tadka 

31. Big Chill
Multi location 
Italian 
Nice italian fare 

32. Yum Yum Cha
Multi location 
Chinese and Japanese 
Excellent Dimsum

33. La Vie
Khan Market 
Excellent fresh thin crust food fired Pizzas 

34. La Bodega 
Khan Market
Mexican cuisine 
Very few places in NCR which serves excellent Mexican food


35. Mamagoto
Multi Location
Asian 
Excellent place for light asian fare 

36.Amici cafe
Multi location 
Italian 
Nice italian fare 

37. Khan Chacha 
Khan Market 
Great rolls ,pocket friendly 

38. Olive
Nr Qutub Minar and at diplomat hotel 
Mediterranean and Italian 
Nice authentic place  

39. Thai Hi
Ambawata complex
Thai 
Great Thai place , excellent pad thai,papaya salad , Green/yellow curries 

40. Theos 
Multi location,Noida 
Excellenet desserts and continental food

41. Roots Cafe 
Gurgaon
Excellent place for breakfast on a lazy weekend 

42. Naivedyam 
Multi Location
Veg South Indian cuisine
Must try the thali , maharaja dosa


43. Guruprasad 
Munirka 
Veg South Indian 
This pocket friendly south indian joint serves excellent pocket friendly standard south indian fare 


44. Al bake , Community Centre , New Friends colony market
Shawarma and other rolls 
45. Al Nawaaz 
Okhla 
Excellent Mughlai Food , A Must try place 

46. Fortune Cookie
Sector 18 ,Noida
Thai and Chinese 
My favourite is the noodle and seven seas vegetable . Other dishes are also nice 

47. Basil and Thyme
Santusti Complex 
excellent place for continental lunch place in a very cozy setting 


48. Imperfecto
Multi location 
This multi cuisine Resto-Bar has a quirky setting with great food as well 

49.Yeti , haus khas village 
Himalayan cuisine 
Must try are thupka and momos 

50. Coast Cafe
Haus Khas Village
Kerala 
Must try appams with stew 

51. Karnataka food centre 
Moti Bagh crossing , ring road 
Veg South Indian 
Great Mysore masala dosa , Thali , Bissi Belle Bath and filter coffee . Service is almost that of any QSR like McDonald and pricing is very reasonable .  


52.Andhra Canteen 
Ashok Road 
Nice pocket friendly spicy andhra food . Must try the thali and can also try the biryani and mutton/chicken fry on the side 

53. Maa Tara 
Chitranjan park
Bengali 
Excellent bengali fare on pocket friendly budget . Must try their thalis 

54. Bong Apetit
Qutub institutional area 
bengali
 Bengali cuisine place . Must try Luchi with aloo poshto, kosha mangsho , chingari malai kari 

55. Big Wong
Multi Location
Asian 
Nice dim sums and sushi  

56. Bercos
Multi location
Asian 
This is a pretty old chain serving asian cuisine . Staple chilli chicken ,sweet corn soup ,hakka noodle ,american chopsuey and manchurian 

57. Nizam Kathi 
Multi location
Best rolls in town . Try keem paav and biryani as well . Fresh aromatic and reasonably priced 

58. Amour
Chanakaya Puri 
Continental 
Nice bistro with great continental fare . really like there open sandwiches and fresh pizza's

59. Kainoosh
DLF Promenade,Vasant Kunj
North indian 
This Marut Sikka (Celebrity chef) owned restaurant is fine dining place . The food is quite good but the ambience and presentation is better . Dishes out typical north indian delicacy like Dal makhni , Kebabs, etc 

60. Ego thai , New friends colony market
Thai 
Try crispy vegetable , chicken satay , pad thai , and curries 

61. Tonino, MG Road 
Italian 
Authentic italian fare and excellent food fired pizaa too . Must try minestrone soup , bruschetta , lasagne , risotto , tiramisu 

62. Farzi cafe 
Cyber hub and connaught place 
Modern Indian
excellent gastro molecular place from zorawar kalra , son of legendary Jiggs Kalra 
Must try the Nihari , daal chawal arachini , milky way , paneer khurchan 

Local Food Joints 

Delhi is famous for its street food since it has been centre of power and economics since centuries. It has a mix of mughlai , Baniya and punjabi culture which can be seen in the cuisine as well. The city landscape is dotted with eateries with tonne of aroma and history , Be it Chaat ,Pakode , Cholle bhature , Kebabs , Rajma/Chole/Kadhi Chawal , Egg preparations , Parathe , Bedmi , Momos , Raam Laddu, Matra Kulcha , kulfi falooda , jalebi , shikanji , Nihari , Biryani , Stuffed Kulche and Naan , South Indian , Chinjabi , etc etc . The places listed below are the one where you will find foodies from far and away coming since ages to savour the taste of their delicacy ,some of these places are serving for more than 50 years and are part of the folklore . All the below mentioned places have people waiting for their turns and thus the food is quite fresh .
Most of them are concentrated in certain areas , For eg Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, Connaught Place , Near North Campus of Delhi University ,  etc . Basically near the business hubs where there is a lot of floating population 

1. Paranthas ,Paranthe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk

Parathes of all variety deep fried in desi ghee ,served with various varieties of sabzi and raita , all preparations are in desi ghee .

2. Prabhu Chaat Bhandar, Khan Market

Thier aloo chat is one to die for 

3. Keventers , Connaught place 

Multi Locations

Milk shakes to die for 

4. Wengers ,connaught place

Bakery

This place is what legends are made of , Dishes out some of the best patties and pastries in india .

5. Bishan Swaroop chaat waala ,chandni Chowk

This legend is famous for its fruit kulia and aloo chat 

6. Pakode waala , sarojni nagar market ,ring road 

This place is buzzing with regulars and serves pakodeof various variety . You can wash it down with chai lassi or shikajvi

7.  Sitaram Diwan Chand ,Pahar ganj

Cholle Bhature to die for . It is quite difficult to stand out in delhi on the taste of chole bhature in delhi but this eatery has been able to do that and its for a reason

8. Dolma Aunty ke momos , lajpat Nagar 

Fresh steamed momos to die for 

9. Roshan ki Kulfi, Karol Bagh

As the name suggest , legendary Kulfi 

10.Chaina Ram Sindhi Confectioners, Chandni Chowk

Famous for karachi halwa 

11. Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala, Chandni Chowk

Excellent dahi bhalle and Aloo Tikki 

12. Al Jawahar, Chandni Chowk

Mughlai Non veg lovers heaven . Must try Gurda kaleji , chicken changezi and chicken biryani

13. Ashok and Ashok, Sadar Bazar

This shops serves one of the most legendary chicken and mutton curry

 with roti's , Only Lunch 

14. Kake Di Hatti, Chandni Chowk 

Famous for stuffed naan and daal makhni 

15. Chache Di Hatti, Kamla Nagar

Speciality - Cholle Bhature

16. Gol Hatti , Chandni Chowk

Speciality - Chole chawal in kulhad

17. Kuremal Kulfi waala , Bazar sita ram ,chandni chowk 

The kulfi are legendary . try the aam kulhi ,where the kulfi is filled inside an actual aam and than its sliced and served so one get the taste of real fruit and kulfi 

18. Khemchand Adesh Kumar’s Daulat ki Chaat, Nai Sadak

This is a delhi dessert speciality and is not found in many places .

19. Old Famous Jalebi Wala,Chandni Chowk 

Jalebi 

20. Lotan Chole Wala, Chawri Bazaar

Spicy matra chole with kulche

21. Shiv Mishthan Bhandar ,Chandni Chowk

Legendary breakfast place for hot bedmi aloo ki sabzi and nagori halwa 

22. Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala 

Kachori , real crispy and well stuffed with aloo ki sabzi

23. Hazari Lal Jain Khurchan Wale , Kinari bazaar 

This 90 year old establishment dishes the best khurchan is delhi 

24. Ghantewala, Chandni Chowk 

This legendary shop is more than 300 year old and is famous for its various north indian desserts and snacks 

25. Fateh Ki kachori , Raj niwas marg 

This unique concoction of moth and kachori with dash of various secret masala and chutneys is legendary . Must try 

26. Chat at UPSC house 

This is very famous joint for chat near UPSC house ,near india gate

27. Parathe waala @ moolchand 

This is a favourite haunt for night riders to fill their tummy at odd hours on budget

28. Kumar Samose Wala,Karampura

Chowmein and pasta samosa 

29. Japani Samosa at lajpat rai market 
A hibrid of samosa and patties 

30. Daulat Ki Chaat At Rakesh Kumar, Baburam , Daryaganj

31.Mithlesh Ande waala , Tilak Nagar 

various version of eggs ,indian style : Masala Omelette etc etc 

32. Rajender ka Dhabha , Near kamal cinema , Green park 

Legendary punjabi dhabha with great kebabs and fresh bread 

33. Standard Burfi , karol bagh 

Famous for doda burfi 

34. Annapurna ,chitranjan park 

excellent and authentic bengali savouries and desserts 

35. Pandit Ved Prakash Lemon Wale , Chandni Chowk

Lemon banta never tasted better 

36. Kanwarjee , Chandni chowk 

famous for samosa and daal biji 

37. Prince Chaat corner ,GK 1 

spicy and tangy delhi chaat

38. Mitra Di Chaap , Mayur Vihar Phase 2  

Soya chaapein in various combinations 

39. Jhaal Mudi waala , beside odean cinema , connaught place 

closest to the fabled calcutta jhal mudi one can get in delhi

40. Laxman Dhaba, Qutab Industrial Area

Also known as IIFT dhabha , excellent hangout place for budget foodies 

41. Nand ke Chole Bhature in Sadar Bazaar
Chole Bhature 

42 . Baba Nagpal Corner at Lajpat Nagar
Chole Bhature 

43. Giani’s di Hatti , Chandni Chowk

Rabdi falooda

44. Yadav’s Chole Kulche ,Saket

45. Bhajan Lal’s Bhelpuri ,Sunder Nagar

One of the best you get in delhi

46. Bengali Sweets ,Bengali market 

This place is very famous for chole bhature , Gol gappe and cholle samosa

47. Lovely chuski , india gate 

This place is the closest to match the taste and fervour of chopatti chuski in delhi

48. Bharat nagar bhalle wala

Dahi Bhalle and chaat

49. Bombay bhel house, kamla nagar

50. Nagpal di hatti ,gandhi nagar 

 moth kachori

51. Ganesh Fishwala ,karol bagh 

Excellent fish fry

52.  Parashar Food Stall in Connaught Place.

Rajma chawal

53. Babu Bhai Kababwale,  Chawri Bazaar, 

creamy sutli kababs

54. Krishna Sweets , Ram Nagar Extension (Shahdara)

 Lauki lauj 

55. Makhan Lal Tika Ram, Near St stephens 

Jalebi and Bedmi aloo ki sabzi

56. DEPAUL’S, janpath 

Legendary for its cold coffee , rolls and cutlets 

57. MATKA PIR DARGAH,Mathura Road 

Biryani , galauti , korma 

 58. Aap ki khaatir 

Non veg kebabs ,biryani and kormas 

59. Kake Ka Dhaba, outer circle ,connaught place 

This legendary eatery serves one of the best chicken curry , daal makhni , palak paneer and Naan all prepared in desi ghee 

60. Ashok Chaat Bhandar, Chandni chowk

Dilli chaat

61. Chicken Planet, Tyre Market, Near Filmistan

Chicken changezi

62. Coffee House , Connaught place 

Perfect place for a great coffee with cutlet and endless sessions of intellectual discussions 

63. Shakahari, Chawri Bazar

Excellent home style traditional baniya veg food served with dollops of ghee and love

64.  Tom Uncle's Maggi Point, North campus

65. Atul Chaat, Rajouri Garden
Delhi Chat

66. Salim’s Kebab, Defence Colony

Juicy and succulent kebabs 

67. Haji Tea Point, Bazaar Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid
Legendary tea stall for Halwa puri aloo ki sabzi and doodh chai 

68. Haji Mohd. Hussain Fried Chicken , Jama Masjid

69. Aslam Chicken corner , jama masjid 
Kebabs and butter chicken

70. Pehalwaan Biryaniwale, jama Masjid 
Biryani 

71. Bhogal ke chole kulche ,near Scindia House ,Connaught Place
Chole Kulche

72. Kents , Defence colony
Fast Food
Momos , Sandwiches , Burgers , Shakes , Shawarma ,Hot chocolate fudge 

And than there are certain places where there is a concentration  lot of street food vendors and restaurants .

1. Yashwant Place market
Momos and chinjabi 

2. Okha/Jamia Nagar
Kebabs and mughlai Food

3. Brahamputra complex , Noida
Multi cuisine (Kebab,Biryani , stone ice cream , Chat , Momos ,Chinjabi etc)

4. Sector 18 ,Noida
Multi cuisine vendors (Momos, Chuski , Chat , Eggs , Parathe , Bhej puri etc)

5. Netaji Subhash place
Multi cuisine (Chat , etc )

6. Majnu ka tilaa (tibetan market)
Momos and thupka 

7. Chitranjan Park 
Bengali finger food (rolls , cutlets etc )

8. Sector 29 , Gurgaon 
This place have a tonne of restaurants and bars 
Multi cuisine 

9. Cyber Hub ,Gurgaon
Cyber hub is a swanky place which is buzzing with a lot of hi end resto bars

10. Unitech Galleria , Noida
This mall has transformed itself into  restobar mall .

11. Khan Market 
Khan market is slowly turning into a shopping and eating place with tonne of eating places to cater to all cuisine and economy . 

12. Jama Masjid 
Mecca of street food 

13. Hauz Khas Village
This sleepy village has turned into the latest night spot with favourite hunting ground for the young and happening tipplers of NCR with the narrow lane lined up with tonne of Bars and night clubs .

14. Club Road , West punjabi bagh
This road has transformed into a happening place with tonne of restaurants and bars

15. Dilli Haat
Regional cuisine


Home grown QSR (Quick serving restaurants )
And than there are a hordes of budget chain of joints with multi location

1. Haldiram
Veg Multi cuisine ,all day

2. Bikanerwaala , all day
Veg Multi cuisine

3. Sagar Ratna
Veg South indian , all day

4. Beli Ram
Punjabi food ,lunch and dinner

5. Wah ji Wah
Veg specialising in soya preparations , lunch and dinner

6. Biryani Blues
Birynai and other mughlai preparations , Lunch and Dinner

7. Biryani by kilo
Biryani and other mughlai preparations , Lunch and dinner

8. Dana Choga
North indian and chinese

9. Nirulas
Multi cuisine

10. Shriratnam
Veg South and north indian