Must-see restaurants in India

From the same French trio that brought us Suzette comes this superb organic cafe, a haven of health and homesick-remedying salads, sandwiches, cold-press…

Villa Maya is more an experience than a mere restaurant. Dining is either in the magnificent 18th-century Dutch-built mansion or in private curtained…

Designed as an upmarket alfresco beach shack, the fabulous seafood restaurant at the Taj Green Cove fronts the sea, with waves and palms on one side and…

Pronounced 'praa-waan', this down-to-earth Amritsar institution has been serving lip-smacking Punjabi treats since 1912. The thalis are delectable…

If you're looking for a spicy kick in the gut, this local hotspot is the place to come for authentic Maharashtrian food that'll make your nose run. Under…

Considering its gritty Paharganj location and its street-food roots, the interior of this locals' favourite is surprisingly elegant (there's even a…

Established in 1949, Niro’s is a long-standing favourite on MI Rd that, like a good wine, only improves with age. Escape the chaos of the street by…

This modern North Indian superstar is the best spot outside five-star hotels to indulge yourself in rich curries and succulent tandoori kebabs. The murg…

The lunch thalis (₹280 to ₹525) at Paradise are archetypal Assamese spreads, bringing together a wide range of local culinary flavours on one platter. Try…

This multilevel rooftop restaurant at the Hotel Pearl Palace gets rave reviews for its excellent yet inexpensive cuisine (Indian, Chinese and continental)…

Located at the Mayfair Lagoon hotel, tiny Kanika does a fabulous job with regional Odishan recipes, particularly excelling with local seafood…

This unpretentious restaurant on one of South Kolkata's main thoroughfares serves a melange of traditional and improvised dishes curated from Kerala,…

Consistently popular with locals, this central branch of Kolkata's best biryani house is high ceilinged and attractively modern without being fashion…

Almost always busy with locals, this venerable, fan-cooled, 40-year-old institution is a great place for breakfast or lunch. Egg, toast and fabulously…

Just back from the beach, and understandably popular with Israeli backpackers, Shimon is the place to fill up on exceptional falafel or sabich (crisp…

A local institution since 1950, quaint old Longhuino’s serves up tasty Indian, Goan and Chinese dishes, popular with locals and tourists alike. Go for a…

The last word in Manipuri lunch platters, ultrapopular Luxmi does a fabulous chakluk (thali) comprising more than a dozen local delicacies such as tangy…

This rustic institution on the edge of town serves Nashik's best breakfast of champions, misal pav – an unusual Maharashtrian dish prepared with bean…

A legendary name in South Indian comfort food, this eatery has had Bengaluru eating out of its hand since 1924. Head to the dining room upstairs, queue…

Super-chilled Dreaming Tree dishes out huge portions of exquisite, health-focused veg fare, prepped with mostly organic ingredients, on a breezy thatched…