Bengaluru (Bangalore)
This decidedly old-school resto-pub is an institution for the city's chattering classes: here you can put away tasty North Indian dishes in between mugs…
Must-see restaurants in South India
Hyderabad
Chutneys is famous for its South Indian meals and all-day dosa, idli and uttapams (thick, savoury rice pancake with finely chopped onions, green chillies,…
Karnataka
Just the place when you need some AC relief, this business hotel's restaurant takes a good stab at Western dishes such as pasta and pizza, as well as…
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
Gramin offers an affordable, wide choice of flavourful, rural, all-veg North Indian fare in cosy surrounds. Try the excellent range of lentils and curries…
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
A beautifully designed place on a quietish side street, with an open-air front terrace and a spacious interior. The mod-Indian menu features an array of…
Mysuru (Mysore)
This hotel's grand dining room (with portraits, chandeliers and Murano-glass mirrors) makes quite a setting for delectable Indian cuisine, or opt for the…
Hyderabad
This classic Irani cafe, always packed to the rafters, is located almost underneath the Charminar's arches. It offers a particularly tasty range of Irani…
Kodagu (Coorg) Region
Specialising in Kodagu specialities such as pandhi barthadh (pork dry fry), kadambuttu (rice dumplings) and koli nallamolu barthad (chicken-pepper fry),…
Mumbai (Bombay)
Mahesh Lunch Home, a great choice for Mangalorean or Chinese-style seafood, is renowned for its ladyfish, pomfret, lobster, crab and salt-and-pepper squid…
Panaji
Styled on an American diner, this roomy restaurant across from Ourem Creek specialises in burgers such as the SOB or Wolverine, but also excels at hot…
Mumbai (Bombay)
Opposite Crawford Market, Badshah has been serving snacks, fruit juices and its famous falooda (rose-flavoured drink of milk, cream, nuts and vermicelli),…
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
For authentic Mexican flavours in South India, look no further. The tempting menu features tasty tostadas (crispy tortillas with toppings), braised-pork…
Mysuru (Mysore)
This atmospheric and authentic South Indian eatery rolls out steaming breakfast platters for Mysuru’s office-goers, serves up thalis for lunch (from ₹80),…
Hyderabad
Southern Spice offers sublime Andhra-style cooking and specialities from across the South. Try a special veg thali (₹299), which features an unlimited…
Mumbai (Bombay)
A great place to try Mangalorean or Chinese-style seafood in Mumbai. It’s renowned for its ladyfish, pomfret, lobster, crab (try it with butter garlic…
Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
Offering comfortable AC surrounds, this hotel restaurant has an eclectic menu, including Western and Chinese dishes, but it's the North Indian food that…
Mysuru (Mysore)
Rooftop cafe reminiscent of a shack that caters mainly to yoga students, with healthy vegetarian lunch buffets (at 1pm sharp; don't arrive at 2pm or many…
Calangute & Baga
Overseen by local style queen Yellow Mehta, Fiesta is an intimate candlelight-by-the-pool dining experience that starts with homemade pizza and pasta and…
Mumbai (Bombay)
Inexpensive, old-school eatery that’s a requisite stop before or after visiting Haji Ali Dargah. Mughlai and Punjabi staples dominate, with kebabs…
Mangaluru (Mangalore)
One of Mangaluru's premier seafood restaurants, with a hillside location, sweeping views and a choice of indoor or outdoor seating. Try the clam koshimbir…
Gokarna
For a very different vibe, stroll up the shore to this chilled French place, a 10-minute walk north from the main section of beach. You'll find authentic…
Hyderabad
Consistently recommended by locals for authentic Hyderabadi cuisine, this AC place serves generous portions of flavoursome biryanis at modest prices (veg…
Mumbai (Bombay)
Samrat has an à la carte menu but most rightly opt for the famous Gujarati thali – a cavalcade of taste and texture, sweetness and spice that includes…
Hyderabad
Highly regarded spot for South Indian vegetarian food. You may have to wait for a lunch table, but order the South Indian thali and you'll be brought heap…
Calangute & Baga
This permanent beachfront restaurant is simple in appearance but the daytime menu is bona fide fine dining – the chef also oversees Pousada Tauma's…
Karnataka
There's a choice of indoor or outdoor garden seating at this fine hotel restaurant, which does fantastic vegetarian dishes, including 13 kinds of dosa …
Smoor Chocolates Signature Lounge
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
The city's finest chocolaterie has a lovely, air-conditioned and spacious interior where you can indulge in exquisite gateaux and cakes, and of course a…
Hampi
A well-run place with cushion seating (or dining tables) and an excess of psychedelic wall hangings. Serves tasty Indian, Israeli and Western classics…
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
Dine alfresco on Fava’s canopy-covered decking, feasting on large plates of delectable dishes like Middle Eastern meze, minced-lamb kebabs or black-sesame…
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
This inexpensive samosa hotspot is perfect for a quick bite on the southwestern side of the Indiranagar area. There's a wide range of trad (and twisted)…
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
Hot out of the oven, Lady Baga brings its seafood specialities, Goan delicacies and chilled-out vibe to Bengaluru. The food is divine (try the mud crab in…
Karnataka
Excellent South and North Indian dishes are on offer here at very fair rates; try a paneer kadai (cottage cheese cooked in thick tomato gravy). The…
Mysuru (Mysore)
Mysuru’s most social restaurant, with outdoor tables moodily lit by countless lanterns. There's often live traditional music, too. The menu offers…
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
This warehouse-style bar-resto, drawing a cool urban crowd, serves cocktails in beakers and offers napkins toilet-paper style (on a roll). The menu takes…
Karnataka
Woodlands is regarded as the best vegetarian place in town and has an air-con dining room where you can escape the heat. Serves both South and North…
Hampi
Serves up flavoursome Indian, Chinese and Israeli food, and even the Mexican grub (try the veg enchiladas) is quite tasty. Sip a lassi (₹60) or masala…
Mysuru (Mysore)
This hole-in-the-wall takeaway samosa place is only open limited hours, but it's well worth checking out. There's always a queue, such is its popularity,…
Mumbai (Bombay)
K Rustom has nothing but a few metal freezers, but the ice-cream sandwiches here have been pleasing Mumbaikar palates since 1953. Pick from 50 flavours;…
Hyderabad
Renowned for its Hyderabadi dishes, this elegant hotel restaurant serves fine biryanis, kebabs and wonderful haleem, including a veg version (₹675) of…
Mumbai (Bombay)
Serves 36 flavours of the best kulfi (Indian firm-textured ice cream) you’ll have anywhere. Killer flavours include pistachio, malai (cream) and mango.
