It is a well-known fact that we Indians are big foodies. We know how to cook our food and more importantly, we know how to enjoy it.  Fortunately, Indians are not only experts when it comes to their own cuisine but have also embraced delicacies from all over the world- Thai, Chinese, Italian, Mediterranean and much more.  Several restaurants from India have earned national and even global fame for their delicious dishes and innovative method of serving. Here are the 10 Best Restaurants in India.

 

1) Smoke House Grill (New Delhi)

 Smokehouse Grill is a multi-award winning restaurant and won the Time Food and Nightlife Guide Award for Best European Restaurant in 2010, among many other accolades for the bar, the food and the whiskies. Contemporary European and innovative Indianfare is what you’ll find on the menu at Smokehouse Grill though; the distinct smoky flavour imparted to the meats and vegetables is what makes the food so succulent.

 

 

 

2) Koh (Mumbai)

When the world-renowned chef Ian Kittichai decided to serve his signature cuisine in Mumbai, most people expected it to serve nothing but the best. Koh does not disappoint. This hot new Thai restaurant uses fresh ingredients that are flown in from an organic farm in Thailand to create delicious dishes such as rice cakes, green curry and yum coconut cheesecake.  Add to that impeccable service and plush leather seating and you’ve got yourself a memorable night.

 

 

 

3) Travertino (The Oberoi, New Delhi)

Picked by Forbes magazine as one of the most expensive restaurants in India, Travertino whips up Italian food like few other places.  The restaurant is designed in such a way that the wine cellar opens into the dining area.  Travertino has one of the most extensive as well as fantastic collection of wine and cheeses.  The signature truffle dishes, such as the risotto with fresh Umbrian black truffle and the tagliolini with pancetta and Umbrian black truffle are not to be missed.

 

 

4) Zen (Leela Palace, Bangalore)

This is definitely a must for those to who love variety in their food.  Diners are spoilt for choice with Japanese, Thai, Korean, Singaporean and Balinese delights.  If you’re bored of sitting at the table and wish to try something new, then head over to the counter where you can choose from Sushi, Teppanyaki, Yakitori, Korean barbeque and a noodle bar. Zen also has a wide array of traditional drinks such as Japanese Sake and Korean Soju. 

 

 

5) Wasabi by Morimoto (The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai)

The award-winning Wasabi by Morimoto draws inspiration from China, Korea and more to bring us one of the most exclusive (and expensive) Japanese restaurants in the country. A complex of drifting cherry blossoms and wooden traditional Japanese joinery walls, Wasabi’s sushi counter and teppanyaki counter are the main places of activity here.  Masterchef Masahuru flies in authentic Japanese ingredients to create his menu.  Vegetarians will also not be let down.

 

 

6) Villa 39 (Mumbai)

Villa 39, with its all crisp white interior, its chandeliers, it’s silver rococo columns and low lighting give one a feel that every table here is having its own private party.  Everybody who is anybody or wants to be anybody is seen at this restaurant.  It doesn’t serve your usual pizza or spaghetti but offers specialties like burrata, an Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. The tomato and mozzarella pesto is also mouth-watering.

 

 

7) Karavali ( The Taj, Bangalore)

Karavali has been nominated as one of India’s as well as Asia’ finest restaurants by the Miele Guide.  It has been designed to look like a Mangalorean home with wooden ceilings, furniture and antique lamps. It serves tantalizing South Indian cuisine and is also very well known for its sea food such as the Alleppey fish curry.

 

 

8) Italia (The Park Hotel, Chennai)

Italia offers you a true taste of Italy with its imported rosciutto and parmesan, wood-oven pizzas, succulent seafood, delicate homemade pastas and a wide range of vegetarian dishes.  All this amidst bold yet sophisticated interiors in black, red and silver.  The restaurant also has quite a few big names associated with it such as Chef Rajesh and top chef Antonio Carluccio who’s a regular on BBC food programmes.  One must try the baked asparagus, risotto with roasted chicken and the Tiramisu.

 

 

9) Wharf (Chennai)

This romantic, outdoor restaurant is just a stone throw away from the sea.  If you’re the kind of person who is very particular about the service of a restaurant, then you must visit the Wharf as along with the exotic ambience and delicious food, you will also enjoy immaculate service.  At the Wharf, the fish is caught right in front of your eyes. It also has been picked as one of Asia’s and India’s best restaurants according to the Miele Guide. 

  

 

10) Sakura (The Metropolitan Hotel, New Delhi)

Sakura has been branded as one of the Top 5 Best Japanese Restaurants of the world, outside Japan and was also awarded the title of ‘Best Japanese Restaurant of Delhi’.  You’ll get the true taste of Japan here as all the chefs are of Japanese origin. Moreover, the restaurant imports most of their fish from Japan since they’re not available in India.  Treat your taste buds to the sashimi and sushi. If you’re a vegetarian, you will love the vegetable tempura.