5-Star Indian Restaurants That Are Almost Perfect

With its 29 states and seven union territories, India definitely provides a world-class experience to foodies. Be it the cheap and absolutely delicious street food (if you’d like to read more about the various street foods in India, check out The Most Popular Street Foods in North India) or the sophisticated and luxurious restaurants. If I can guarantee you something in this country, then it’s that the local food of any state, whatsoever, will not disappoint you.

Some people prefer eating in 4 or 5-star restaurants and if you’re one of those people, here is a list of the top 5 restaurants that will make your tummy happy.

1. Bukhara, New Delhi

It beats all the other restaurants in the country regarding food, interiors and service. It is almost perfect. Bukhara gives you an exceptional dining experience with a traditional Indian vibe. The restaurant is so famous that it’s always reserved and as a result, you’ll have to book in advance. Its interior has a rustic look to it that doesn’t fail to impress. The restaurant gained more popularity when it served the former US President, Bill Clinton. Since then, they’ve named particular platters to US Presidents’ names. There’s one called Obama and even Hillary Clinton as well.

The restaurant prepares popular North Indian cuisines, sometimes by adding their own twist to it. The most popular dish made in Bukhara is their Dal Makhani. Don’t return without having a taste of this yummy dish which is prepared by cooking black lentils or kidney beans in loads of butter and cream until it attains a creamy texture. It tastes best with naan or tandoori roti. Finish it off with their extensive range of desserts. Many platters are also available. You will find that you’re spoilt for choice.

It is the most expensive restaurant in Delhi, and also a 4-star. A full course meal will cost you anywhere near Rs. 5000 here. It is within the famous ITC Maurya Hotel.

2. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

It is not just a visit but a royal experience in itself. Some people even exclaim that it’s like heaven on earth and nothing could be truer than that. It is a hotel palace owned by the Taj Hotels, and they took approximately 14 years to renovate it to its present glory. Hats off to them because they did an amazing work.

It was actually the former palace of the Nizam of Hyderabad (apparently the richest man in the world during his time). It was restored in such a way so that the palatial feel and ambience remains in the hotel and the restaurants. It is a 5-star hotel now. The interior of the palace is spellbinding. It shows you the level of grandeur and luxury that the Nizam lived in. Even their services have the feel of a bygone era as they make you travel in a horse-drawn carriage from your entrance. The valet will then show you the significant places in the palace.

The palace has four restaurants namely Adaa, Celeste, Gol Bungalow and the Jade Terrace. Each of these restaurants differs by price (the price in these restaurants are below Rs. 10,000 for a full course meal) and the view. Adaa provides some amazing Indian cuisines while Celeste has multi-cuisine specialities. Celebrate royal decadence at the Falaknuma Palace. To know about other luxurious resorts and hotels, read India’s Top 6 Most Luxurious Accommodations.

3. Wasabi by Moritomo, Delhi & Mumbai

These restaurants become a must-visit simply because they are run by Michelin star chef Moritomo. Nowhere in India can you get a better taste of even the local Japanese cuisines than in Wasabi. Wasabi cremebrulee and white fish carpaccio are the signature dishes here.

As if their excellent food wasn’t enough, the restaurants are nothing less than spectacular. You will love their menu because Moritomo likes to get inventive with his dishes and therefore, there are plenty of options to choose from. For a contemporary Japanese menu, especially seafood, they went to extreme lengths, and as a result, even some of the fishes are imported directly from Japan.

Both of these restaurants are owned by Taj Hotels. They were recognised among the Top 50 best diners in Asia. The price for a full course meal here can shoot up to more than Rs. 12,000.

4. Karavalli, Bangalore

Thankfully, you won’t have to go in search of the best restaurant in each South Indian state. Why should you when you can get all the South Indian cuisines and more in this one fantastic restaurant called “Karavalli”?

This restaurant, again, belongs to Taj (guess they have the best ones!). The antique feel that its interior successfully brings with all those lamps and furniture is superb. They have both indoor and outdoor settings. Many people prefer outdoor.

Coming to the food, it’s just delicious. As they specialise in South Indian dishes, their fish curries and chicken fry are the most popular. There are many other recipes to choose from as well, and if you are confused, the staff is very amiable, and they’ll solve your dilemma by serving you with only the best.

It has also been ranked in the list of the top 50 Asian restaurants.

5. Villa Maya, Trivandrum

This heritage resort/restaurant in Kerala has a rich history backing it up. This entire building was an 18th-century Dutch manor. It has been renovated very skillfully while keeping that Portuguese/Dutch/South Indian vibe intact. They have cute photos, lamps and old-looking windows in the hotel to enhance its look further.

Since it was a Dutch mansion/villa, there is a private garden and courtyard with a lake in front of it. There are many seating arrangements here so that you can sit in peace and gaze at the beauty that Kerala is; all of this while having their delicious food.

When it comes to food, Villa Maya prepares the best contemporary dishes of Kerala. Most of these recipes include fish and other seafood. Other than their mouth-watering meal, their dessert is probably their most famous asset. Villa Maya has a never ending assortment of desserts that will make you drool.

It’s truly worth a visit, both for its grandeur and its excellent food.