Delhi is the definitive cosmopolitan city. A vivid melee of influences from across India and beyond, this city caters for all tastes, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. A glimpse beyond the buzz of its humble chai shops and busy tandoor houses reveals a selection of sleek dining rooms plating exquisite, Michelin star-worthy cuisine. Our pick of fine dining restaurants in Delhi are where to find the most exceptional menus in the city.
Varq at The Taj Mahal Hotel
Many holidays in India begin in Delhi. The gateway to the north, it has all the chaos and buzz of a thriving metropolis. The eye of Delhi’s storm is The Taj Mahal Hotel, a serene oasis in the heart of the action. Within its cool interiors, serving some of the best fine dining in Delhi, is Varq. The emphasis here is on exquisite aesthetics: the presentation of these plates is prize-worthy. The flavours do not disappoint, either, with the butter-soft Gongura Lamb a dish well worth returning for.
Indian Accent at The Lodhi
Among our best restaurants in India, Indian Accent is perfect for a special occasion. Each of its sophisticated dishes—an ingenious blend of influences drawn from across the Subcontinent—has been lovingly designed by chef Manish Malhotra. His favorite food is prawns, so understandably these are done very well in The Lodhi’s flagship kitchen. For a dainty and delicious tour of the Indian Accent experience, opt for the tasting menu, and ensure you leave enough room to accommodate the Chilli Peanut Ice Cream Cornet – a unique take on peanut brittle, or chikki as it’s locally known.
Le Cirque at The Leela Palace
Of Delhi’s top fine dining restaurants, Le Cirque flies the flag for continental cuisine. Chef Matteo Fontana is behind the menu, which marries Italian classics with Cordon Bleu finesse. Lobster Ravioli and White Truffle Risotto meet Escargot Vol au Vent and succulent Carré d’Agneau, with a flock of Old World wines ready to pair. Up on the 10th floor of The Leela Palace, Le Cirque literally takes Delhi fine dining to dizzy heights.
Bukhara in ITC Maurya
The ITC Maurya in Delhi is one of our 50 best luxury hotels in India, so it comes as no surprise that its flagship kitchen, Bukhara, is among the most sought-after fine dining restaurants in Delhi. A meal here is an evocative immersion in rustic Indian cuisine: think plump lamb kebabs cooked in the tandoor and piled impossibly high on platters, accompanied by immense pillow-soft naans and some of the best dhal makhani (flagged on the menu as Dal Bukhara) you’ll ever have the pleasure of tasting on a Delhi holiday.
Baluchi at The Lalit
All cool marble floors, muted tones and ambient lighting, Baluchi plates up delicacies from the length and breadth of the Subcontinent. From the buttery Mughal karais of the north to coconut-enriched seafood curries from the south, it pays due tribute to the staggering variety of Indian cuisine with exquisite presentation. Excellent service and a dazzling wine cellar make Baluchi an easy pick for our best fine dining restaurants in Delhi.
Feature images © Taj Hotels; The Lodhi; Leela Palaces; ITC; The Lalit
