
India’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants for Global Gourmands
TL;DR — India’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants
Craving a meal you’ll never forget? These 12 fine dining restaurants across India offer unforgettable culinary journeys:
- Indian Accent (Delhi): Modern Indian flavors with global flair
- Masque (Mumbai): Seasonal, foraged, and radically creative
- Avartana (Chennai): Progressive South Indian with soul
- The Table (Mumbai): Farm-to-fork global comfort cuisine
- Naar (Kasauli): Himalayan-inspired tasting menus
- Dum Pukht (Delhi): Regal Awadhi delicacies, slow-cooked to perfection
- The Johri (Jaipur): Vegetarian fine dining in a heritage haveli
- O Pedro (Mumbai): Cheeky Goan favorites with a modern twist
- INJA (Delhi): India-Japan fusion with style and boldness
- Karavalli (Bengaluru): Traditional coastal flavors, preserved with pride
- Kappa Chakka Kandhari (Chennai): Fiery, nostalgic Kerala dishes
- Bukhara (Delhi): Iconic frontier fare — primal, pure, legendary
- Why This Guide on India’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants Matters
- Indian Accent – New Delhi
- Masque – Mumbai
- Avartana – Chennai
- The Table – Mumbai
- Naar – Kasauli
- Dum Pukht – New Delhi
- The Johri, Jaipur
- O Pedro – Mumbai
- INJA – New Delhi
- Karavalli – Bengaluru
- Kappa Chakka Kandhari – Chennai
- Bukhara – New Delhi
- 💬 Final Word
Why This Guide on India’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants Matters
India’s fine dining scene has undergone a renaissance. What was once centered around traditional curries and rich gravies is now a dynamic blend of heritage and innovation — where chefs use age-old recipes, locally sourced ingredients, and global techniques to create unforgettable culinary narratives.
Whether tucked away in the snowy hills of Himachal or nestled in the heart of bustling metropolises like Mumbai and Delhi, these restaurants offer more than just food. They deliver immersive experiences that blend exceptional flavors with curated spaces, warm service, and an evolving vision of Indian luxury.
From award-winning tasting menus to intimate haveli courtyards, every restaurant in this list is a destination in itself. Expect handcrafted cocktails, poetic plating, chef-driven storytelling, and an ambience that leaves as much of a mark as the meal.
This is your definitive guide to the best fine dining restaurants in India — crafted for global travelers, culinary enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a meal that lingers long after the last bite.
Indian Accent – New Delhi

Where modern Indian cuisine finds its global voice
Tucked into the quiet luxury of The Lodhi in New Delhi, Indian Accent isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an institution. Frequently topping “best of” lists and often cited as India’s finest fine-dining destination, it redefines what Indian food can be when viewed through a global, imaginative lens.
The Food
At Indian Accent, the familiar is made unfamiliar in the best possible way. Under the culinary direction of Chef Shantanu Mehrotra (formerly helmed by the legendary Manish Mehrotra), the menu surprises and comforts all at once. Highlights include the iconic blue cheese naan, meetha achaar pork ribs, Kashmiri morel musallam, and butter chicken kulcha—each dish layering complexity without losing soul. The tasting menu, available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions, delivers a thoughtfully choreographed culinary journey, elevated further with an optional wine pairing.
Ambience
The interiors of Indian Accent are refined and subtle, designed to keep the focus on the plate. Earthy tones, warm lighting, and sleek contemporary decor create an intimate atmosphere—perfect for both business dinners and quiet celebrations. Tables are generously spaced, enhancing privacy, and the glass walls overlook serene green courtyards, lending the space a calming charm rare in the heart of Delhi.
Service
Service is seamless and intuitive. The staff are well-versed in the menu and eager to guide you through the nuances of each course, without overwhelming. Timing is immaculate, and personalization—whether for dietary preferences or special occasions—is executed with finesse.
Accolades
Indian Accent has been featured on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list multiple times, and was the only Indian restaurant in the World’s 100 Best list at various points. It continues to earn rave reviews from international food critics and has hosted global celebrities, dignitaries, and chefs who come to experience this modern Indian marvel.
Pricing
💰 Approx. ₹11,000–₹13,000 for two (excluding alcohol) for the tasting menu.
Masque – Mumbai

India’s boldest culinary frontier in the heart of Mumbai
Nestled in the industrial-chic lanes of Mahalaxmi, Masque is not just a restaurant—it’s a laboratory of flavors and ideas. Known for pushing the boundaries of Indian cuisine, this 10-course tasting menu experience has become a pilgrimage for food enthusiasts who seek invention, not just indulgence.
The Food
Masque’s kitchen operates like a research studio, with a test kitchen constantly developing new expressions of Indian ingredients. Led by Chef Varun Totlani, who carries forward the experimental legacy of the brand, the menu changes with the seasons—and often with the week. Expect to find a smoky broth brewed with foraged mushrooms, yak milk sorbets, or a sea buckthorn rasam that awakens your senses in ways you didn’t expect.
Each course is plated with surgical precision and introduced with insight, building a story of Indian terroir that’s grounded in science and served with artistry. For vegetarians and omnivores alike, the meal is an exploration of texture, fermentation, and flavor.
Ambience
Set inside a former cotton mill, the space retains its rawness—exposed beams, high ceilings, and a minimal, earthy palette—but is elevated with luxe touches. It feels like a contemporary art gallery where the canvas is your plate. Tables are well-lit but not harsh, and music plays softly in the background, letting the meal take center stage.
Service
From the greeting to the final course, the service is smooth, warm, and impressively well-informed. Each dish is presented with a concise explanation, and the staff is adept at reading the energy of the table—never intrusive, always attentive. Wine pairings are suggested with clear rationale, and dietary preferences are accommodated without fuss.
Accolades
Masque was named India’s best restaurant by Condé Nast Traveller and has consistently featured in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. It’s also recognized globally as a culinary disruptor, drawing comparisons to the likes of Noma for its focus on local ingredients and inventive presentation.
Pricing
💰 Approx. ₹9,000–₹12,000 for two (tasting menu only). Wine pairings are additional.
Avartana – Chennai

Southern Indian fine dining reimagined with soul and science
Tucked within the opulent ITC Grand Chola, Avartana is where South Indian tradition meets molecular brilliance. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a sensory exploration. The name “Avartana” itself means rhythm or repetition in Sanskrit, and the experience flows like a carefully composed musical piece: layered, precise, and quietly breathtaking.
The Food
Avartana delivers a bold reinterpretation of familiar South Indian ingredients through a series of thoughtfully designed tasting menus—Anika (5 courses), Svadha (7), Bhojanam (9), and Amrta (13). Each menu is a journey, seamlessly weaving old flavors with contemporary technique.
Expect a bursting rasam sphere to awaken your palate, gunpowder-coated prawns that tingle with warmth, and a velvety kaikari melagu curry served with a wafer-thin crisp. Dosas arrive folded like origami, sambar may take the form of a consommé, and coconut chutney becomes an elegant quenelle. Each plate is rooted in Tamil Nadu’s culinary legacy but elevated to fine-dining finesse.
Ambience
Avartana’s interiors reflect quiet elegance—dimly lit with gold accents, soft linen textures, and a hushed energy that mirrors the precision of the kitchen. It feels ceremonial, without being pretentious. Tables are spaced generously, ensuring privacy and intimacy. Every detail—from the cutlery to the muted music—supports a deeply immersive dining experience.
Service
Service here is deeply polished. Servers glide between tables, explaining dishes with quiet pride and answering questions with depth. They’re attentive without overstepping—creating a calm, composed atmosphere that lets the meal take center stage. Each course is delivered with a curated rhythm, allowing time to savor without feeling rushed.
Accolades
Avartana has consistently received critical acclaim for innovation in Indian fine dining and is a flagship culinary destination for ITC Hotels. While it may not yet feature in Asia’s top restaurant lists, it enjoys a cult reputation among serious gourmands for its avant-garde treatment of regional flavors.
Pricing
💰 Approx. ₹7,000 for two for the standard tasting menu (excluding alcohol). The more extensive menus scale up in price.
The Table – Mumbai

Farm-to-fork finesse meets global inspiration in the heart of Colaba
Tucked inside a charming colonial bungalow just steps from the Arabian Sea, The Table in Mumbai is a pioneer in India’s modern dining evolution. Known for introducing the small plate sharing concept to the city’s fine-dining scene, it’s a space where relaxed elegance meets culinary innovation—without ever losing its soul.
The Food
Chef Alex Sanchez, together with co-founder Gauri Devidayal, has crafted a menu that draws from California cuisine, European technique, and Indian ingredients. Everything—from microgreens to heirloom tomatoes—comes from The Table Farm, their own organic patch located just outside the city.
Signatures include zucchini spaghetti with truffle oil, crab cakes that never leave the menu, and those famously addictive truffle fries. But the menu is ever-evolving: one week might see porcini mushroom ravioli, and the next, a charcoal-roasted cauliflower with tahini. Even the desserts, like a lemon tart with burnt meringue, balance artistry with nostalgia.
Ambience
The vibe is upscale without being uptight. Think high ceilings, polished wooden floors, soft lighting, and a long communal table that anchors the room. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in the leafy charm of Colaba, and the open kitchen lets diners catch a glimpse of culinary precision in motion. It’s both sophisticated and intimate, perfect for date nights or celebratory brunches.
Service
Staff at The Table are warm, informed, and genuinely passionate about the food. The team takes time to explain seasonal specials, accommodate dietary preferences, and pace the meal perfectly. Service is never hurried, yet always attentive—an essential part of the overall finesse.
Accolades
Regularly featured in India’s top 50 restaurants, The Table has earned accolades for both sustainability and excellence. It was one of Condé Nast Traveller India’s top restaurant picks, and Gauri Devidayal has been celebrated as one of the country’s leading restaurateurs. Though not Michelin-rated (as Michelin Guide doesn’t operate in India), The Table remains a benchmark of refined yet unpretentious dining in the country.
Pricing
💰 Approx. ₹5,000 for two (excluding alcohol). Signature dishes and seasonal cocktails may nudge this higher.
Also Read: Top Ultra Luxury Hotels in India
Naar – Kasauli

Where Himalayan terroir meets haute cuisine in an immersive forest dining experience
Perched amid the whispering pines and mist-clad hills of Kasauli, Naar is more than just a restaurant—it’s a revelation. Conceptualized by renowned chef Prateek Sadhu, this exclusive dining space is a rare homage to the Himalayan landscape and its bounty, presented through the lens of refined modern gastronomy.
The Food
Naar’s philosophy is rooted in hyper-local, seasonal, and foraged ingredients from the Himalayan region. With a focus on sustainability and deep storytelling, the 12-course tasting menu reads like a map of the mountains—featuring flavors rarely found outside their native valleys.
Expect thoughtfully crafted plates like fermented radish broth, pine-smoked trout, wild berry sorbets, and foraged greens with hemp seed dressing. The food is innovative, yet deeply emotional—each bite evoking a sense of place and memory.
Prateek Sadhu’s approach is ingredient-first, where even the humblest Himalayan herb is plated with reverence and precision. His technique draws on global culinary methods, but everything circles back to the mountains he calls home.
Ambience
Set in a contemporary wood-and-glass chalet that blends into its natural surroundings, Naar offers a serene, meditative atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of cedar forests, while interiors are minimalist—with hand-carved wooden accents, soft ambient lighting, and a central open kitchen that lets the food’s magic unfold before your eyes.
There are no distractions—just forest silence, crackling firewood, and an intimate handful of guests sharing a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.
Service
Naar’s service is quietly meticulous. The staff are deeply informed about each course and its origins, explaining techniques, ingredients, and stories behind every dish. The pacing is immersive, allowing guests to truly experience the layers of each plate. This is hospitality that’s not just polished—but deeply personal.
Accolades
Though relatively new, Naar has already made waves in India’s fine dining landscape. Chef Sadhu’s culinary pedigree (formerly of Masque and trained under some of the world’s best chefs) brings instant credibility. Naar was featured in several “best new restaurants” lists in 2024 and is being hailed as one of the most ambitious food-forward concepts in India today.
Pricing
💰 Approx. ₹13,000 for two (excluding alcohol), reflective of the bespoke tasting menu and exclusive experience.
Dum Pukht – New Delhi

Where timeless Awadhi cuisine is served with royal gravitas
Nestled within the opulent walls of ITC Maurya, Dum Pukht isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an institution. Named after the ancient slow-cooking technique of sealing ingredients in a pot to stew in their own juices, this fine-dining gem is a celebration of heritage, storytelling, and culinary finesse. Every detail—from the deep blue interiors to the white-gloved service—echoes a bygone era of Indian nobility.
The Food
Dum Pukht’s menu is a masterclass in Nawabi indulgence, with signature dishes that have stood the test of time. The Kakori Kebab, silken and spiced, melts instantly on the tongue, while the Dum Pukht Biryani, perfumed with saffron and kewra, is layered with slow-cooked meat so tender it surrenders to the spoon.
Other classics like Shahi Nihari, Murg Handi Qorma, and Shahi Tukda are rich, nuanced, and uncompromising in flavor. The chefs at Dum Pukht don’t reinvent—they perfect. Recipes follow traditional methods passed down through generations, ensuring every bite is authentic and majestic.
Ambience
From the moment you step in, Dum Pukht wraps you in regal luxury. The dining room is adorned with crystal chandeliers, carved wood, and royal blue and silver hues—a visual ode to Awadhi palaces. Soft instrumental music plays in the background, enhancing the immersive experience without overpowering it. Tables are spaced for privacy, and candlelight gives the entire space a romantic, serene glow.
Service
Service here is nothing short of imperial. Waitstaff are attentive yet discreet, anticipating needs with precision. Menus are introduced with care, dishes are explained with reverence, and pacing is adjusted to the diner’s rhythm. The hospitality is grounded in the philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’—the guest is god—and you feel that in every gesture.
Accolades
Dum Pukht has earned accolades from multiple global platforms. It has consistently ranked among the top fine dining restaurants in Asia, received the Times Food and Nightlife Award, and has been celebrated by food critics for preserving India’s royal culinary legacy with integrity.
Pricing
💰 Approx. ₹8,000 for two (excluding alcohol), which reflects both the culinary craftsmanship and the elevated setting.
The Johri, Jaipur

A Vegetarian Haven in a Restored Haveli That Radiates Quiet Sophistication
Tucked into a 19th-century haveli in the heart of Jaipur’s Johri Bazaar, The Johri is a gem that proves vegetarian fine dining can be just as bold, luxurious, and satisfying as any meat-forward experience. With only five suites and a restaurant that doubles as a soulful escape, The Johri isn’t just a meal — it’s a moment.
The Food
Entirely vegetarian and creatively contemporary, the menu here leans on seasonal Rajasthani produce and Indian techniques, reimagined for the modern gourmand. Signature dishes include beetroot galouti on buckwheat toast, a tender, smoky tribute to a Mughal classic — minus the meat. The black rice khichdi is earthy and comforting, lifted by just the right amount of spice.
Other standouts include the pumpkin saffron shorba, amaranth koftas in coconut curry, and their take on stuffed karela, which manages to convert even skeptics. The dessert menu shines with items like rose milk panna cotta and jaggery ice cream. Every plate arrives beautifully presented, proving that vegetarian fare can be both delicate and daring.
Ambience
The space is tastefully restored, with pastel walls, antique mirrors, hand-painted ceilings, and intricate marble flooring. Dining areas are set in serene courtyards, with soft jazz playing and candles flickering in old-world lanterns. The setting is both intimate and cinematic — you feel like you’ve stumbled into a forgotten royal salon.
Service
Service at The Johri is personal, intuitive, and warm. Staff are well-versed in both the dishes and the heritage of the space, often sharing thoughtful insights about the building’s history or the inspiration behind each course. The pacing is gentle, never rushed — encouraging guests to linger, reflect, and savor.
Accolades
The Johri has been featured in Architectural Digest, Condé Nast Traveller, and was named one of the Best New Hotels in the World (2022) by Travel + Leisure. It’s also garnered praise for redefining Indian vegetarian cuisine in a luxury context, winning over even the most carnivorous of travelers.
Pricing
💰 Approx. ₹2,500 for two — a remarkable value considering the setting, the quality of the ingredients, and the overall experience.
O Pedro – Mumbai

A Modern Celebration of Goan Flavors With a Soulful, Coastal Vibe
Set in the heart of Mumbai’s bustling BKC district, O Pedro is the kind of place that instantly transports you — not just geographically, but emotionally. It’s Goan at heart, but far from stereotypical. With a mix of cheeky flair, genuine warmth, and bold creativity, it brings the spirit of Goa to the big city in the most delicious way.
The Food
At O Pedro, the menu is a playful reinterpretation of Goan-Portuguese cuisine, brimming with coastal zest and comfort. Start with the pork vindaloo empanadas, which are flaky, fiery, and fun. Move on to prawn balchao, spicy and tangy with a perfect vinegar punch, or the signature red rice and seafood Xacuti risotto — creamy, rich, and unapologetically Goan.
The bebinca brûlée is a dessert revelation, combining a traditional Goan layered pudding with a caramelized French twist. Even their vegetarian dishes like jackfruit cafreal tacos bring complex spice and freshness to the table.
Ambience
Think retro-tropical interiors, soft teal walls, cane-backed chairs, quirky Portuguese tiles, and warm lighting that casts a golden hour glow — all wrapped in a breezy, playful atmosphere. It feels like a Goan holiday: part colonial home, part beach shack, part Bombay cool.
The bar is a scene in itself — vibrant, buzzing, and stocked with cocktails that taste like sunshine. Feni-based concoctions, kokum sours, toddy twists — it’s a drink list that invites curiosity and conversation.
Service
The staff embody the very essence of Goan hospitality — easygoing but sharp, knowledgeable without being overbearing. Recommendations are spot-on, portions well-paced, and special requests handled with genuine warmth. It’s the kind of service that makes you want to come back with friends — or make some while you’re there.
Accolades
O Pedro has earned acclaim from food critics and lifestyle publications alike, including features in Condé Nast Traveller India and GQ India. It’s consistently ranked among Mumbai’s top dining destinations for modern Indian cuisine with a regional twist.
Pricing
💰 Approx. ₹3,500 for two (excluding alcohol) — reasonable given the location, the inventiveness of the menu, and the immersive experience.
INJA – New Delhi

Where Japanese Precision Meets Indian Soul in Every Bite
Nestled inside the serene and design-forward space of The Manor, INJA is Delhi’s most daring culinary fusion — a poetic interplay of Indian heritage and Japanese minimalism. Chef Adwait Anantwar leads this bold venture, crafting dishes that don’t just blend cultures, but spark entirely new flavor conversations.
The Food
INJA doesn’t follow rules. It rewrites them. Expect dishes like yuzu kosho thecha, where Japan’s citrusy spice paste meets Maharashtrian fire, or tuna bhel, a reimagined street snack made elegant with sashimi-grade fish and crunchy textures. The ghee roast duck gyoza is another signature, an indulgent tribute to the South with Japanese finesse.
Their tasting menus (vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available) change seasonally, incorporating rare ingredients like edamame chaat, daikon sambar, or wasabi curry leaf oil. Each dish is layered but clean — nothing unnecessary, everything intentional.
Ambience
The interiors reflect the cuisine: refined, elegant, and deeply considered. Soft lighting, muted palettes, and handcrafted ceramics make it feel like a meditative cocoon in the heart of South Delhi. A sleek open kitchen connects guests to the creativity unfolding in real time.
Dining here feels like being invited into a carefully curated story — quiet, focused, and utterly captivating. It’s intimate but not stifling, polished but not pompous.
Service
The staff at INJA are extremely well-versed in the complexities of the menu. They guide without overwhelming, explain without lecturing, and pace the meal with smooth precision. Whether you’re navigating the fusion menu for the first time or a seasoned diner, you’re in thoughtful hands from start to finish.
Accolades
INJA has quickly built a reputation for being India’s boldest Indo-Japanese experiment, and has received glowing coverage in Elle Gourmet, Lifestyle Asia, and The Hindu. It’s also one of the top-rated new restaurants in Delhi according to gourmet dining platforms.
Pricing
💰 Approx. ₹7,000 for two (excluding alcohol) — a premium experience that justifies every rupee through creativity, quality, and ambiance.
Karavalli – Bengaluru

A Living Archive of South India’s Coastal Culinary Heritage
Tucked inside the Gateway Hotel by Taj, Karavalli is more than a restaurant — it’s an edible museum of India’s Southwest coastal belt. For over three decades, this institution has preserved the deeply rooted, spice-rich traditions of Goa, Mangalore, Kerala, and coastal Karnataka, often through recipes passed down from home cooks and matriarchs.
The Food
At Karavalli, nothing is watered down for the sake of trend. Dishes like the meen pollichathu (fish wrapped in banana leaf and grilled), crab milagu fry, and appams with stew are served as they have been for generations — unapologetically authentic.
The seafood is legendary, with the freshest catch prepared using time-honored methods like slow-roasting, stone grinding, and wood-fired cooking. Vegetarian dishes like mango curry, yam masala, and red rice puttu showcase the earthy elegance of this culinary region.
Every plate is a lesson in flavor — not overcomplicated, but perfectly balanced in spice, acid, and richness.
Ambience
Karavalli’s interiors mirror its menu — understated, warm, and rooted in tradition. Think terracotta-tiled flooring, wooden furniture, brass servingware, and low lighting that evokes the coziness of a coastal home. The lush courtyard seating, dotted with ferns and palms, turns lunch into a slow, serene affair.
Service
Taj’s signature hospitality shines here. The staff are not only courteous but knowledgeable, offering detailed stories about the dishes, their origins, and cooking methods. Their unobtrusive but attentive style ensures you’re fully immersed in the experience — like being lovingly fed at someone’s ancestral home.
Accolades
Karavalli has featured in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and remains a benchmark in India for regionally faithful coastal cuisine. It’s one of the few restaurants that has earned both gastronomic respect and cultural reverence — even Michelin chefs have paid homage here.
Pricing
💰 Approx. ₹4,500 for two — considering the quality, legacy, and depth of flavors, this is an absolute treasure at its price point.
Kappa Chakka Kandhari – Chennai

Where Kerala’s Heart Comes to the Table
In a city known for its rich Tamil culinary heritage, Kappa Chakka Kandhari stands out by celebrating the bold, unapologetic flavors of Kerala — and doing so with reverence, creativity, and soul. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary homage to the depth and diversity of Malayali cuisine.
The Food
Everything here feels like a lovingly handwritten recipe passed down generations. The name itself pays tribute to three Kerala staples — kappa (tapioca), chakka (jackfruit), and kandhari (a fiery bird’s eye chili).
From the silky kappa meen curry (tapioca with fish in chili-coconut gravy), to the earthy jackfruit biryani and kandhari chicken with a kick that lingers, every dish brings comfort and intensity in equal measure. The Thiruvananthapuram-style porotta with beef ularthiyathu is a star — indulgent, flaky, and deeply spiced.
Even desserts carry a nostalgic warmth: chakka pradhaman, a jackfruit payasam, is a sweet, golden end to a robust meal.
Ambience
The décor is clean and contemporary, but subtly layered with Kerala’s essence. Cane furniture, banana fiber lighting, terracotta tones, and art that nods to coastal life lend the space a modern but rooted charm. It’s warm, inviting, and free from pretense, just like the food it serves.
Service
The staff at KCK are well-versed in the regional nuances of the dishes. They take time to explain the sourcing of ingredients and the traditional methods behind the food. The overall service is attentive but relaxed, which complements the deeply comforting vibe of the restaurant.
Accolades
Kappa Chakka Kandhari has been awarded the Times Food & Nightlife Award for Best Kerala Restaurant and has been spotlighted by national food critics for its commitment to authentic representation of Kerala’s cuisine, especially in a non-Kerala city like Chennai.
Pricing
💰 Approx. ₹3,000 for two — with generous portions and high ingredient integrity, it delivers exceptional value for serious food lovers.
Bukhara – New Delhi

Where Indian Cuisine Becomes Global Icon
There are restaurants that define a city — and then there’s Bukhara, the culinary crown jewel of ITC Maurya in New Delhi. Since opening in 1978, Bukhara has not just set the standard for Indian frontier cuisine — it has become a legend in its own right.
The Food
The menu has barely changed in decades — and that’s the point. At Bukhara, it’s all about rugged, primal flavors, earthy textures, and ancient cooking techniques brought to life in an open tandoor.
The Dal Bukhara, simmered overnight in tomato, butter, and cream, is almost spiritual in its richness. The Sikandari raan — a whole leg of lamb marinated for 24 hours and cooked till it melts — is a rite of passage for meat lovers. And the tandoori jumbo prawns, charred to perfection with just a touch of lemon, offer a masterclass in restraint and balance.
There’s no cutlery — you’re expected to eat with your hands, the way it’s meant to be enjoyed. A rustic, immersive experience that honors tradition over trend.
Ambience
Bukhara is dressed in exposed brick walls, copper pots, wooden beams, and warm lighting — an interior that feels both ancient and timeless. The live tandoor station sits proudly at the heart of the space, letting you watch your skewers rise in flame.
Despite its grandeur and reputation, the space remains comfortably unpretentious — a welcoming den for food pilgrims from across the world.
Service
Service here is meticulous, professional, and deeply experienced. Staff know the menu inside-out and guide diners with ease, offering pairing suggestions and insights into the preparation of each dish. The warmth is understated, but consistent.
Accolades
Bukhara has an almost mythical list of admirers: from Bill Clinton and Vladimir Putin to Sachin Tendulkar and Roger Federer. It has received numerous global awards, including repeated listings on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and Asia’s Top 10 Iconic Restaurants.
It is widely regarded as a benchmark of North Indian cuisine, with chefs across the globe citing it as an influence.
Pricing
💰 Approx. ₹8,000 for two — a high price, yes, but for a culinary legacy that borders on pilgrimage, it’s well justified.
💬 Final Word
Fine dining in India is evolving — and it’s not just about presentation or imported ingredients. It’s about depth, identity, and storytelling. The best restaurants in India today are led by chefs who dig into their roots, who forage before they plate, who revive grandmother’s recipes with five-star precision, and who serve up memories — not just meals.
Each of the 12 fine dining destinations featured here is a culinary institution in its own right — some globally awarded, others quietly perfecting their niche. What binds them all is their commitment to crafting experiences that stay with you long after the last course.
So whether you’re a globe-trotting gourmet or someone looking for your next unforgettable meal on Indian soil, these tables are worth traveling for.
Bon appétit!
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