10 Best Restaurants in Rajasthan, India

The mood in the evenings at this twinkling, partly open-air haveli restaurant, located in the shadow of the lit Mehrangarh Fort, is memorably romantic. Using as many locally sourced ingredients and spices as possible, Darikhana serves both Indian and international food, including pastas, Mediterranean, and Thai dishes; popular Indian dishes are the traditional Rajasthani laal maas (spiced, well-marinated mutton), chicken curry, dahi kebab, and the paneer dishes.

For a break after a morning of sightseeing at Jaipur's fortresses, go to this pretty restaurant in the Trident hotel to sample a mix of Indian and European fare—pastas, kebabs, salads, sandwiches—washed down with cold Indian beer, or try the grilled red snapper or the Rajasthani thali (traditional laal maas or spiced mutton), two of the best dishes on the menu. It also offers a sizeable breakfast buffet.

One of the better attempts at all-day, upscale cuisine in Jodhpur, the neo-Mughal-style restaurant serves continental and Indian food, with a few Rajasthani specialties, and there is a buffet (evenings) as well as à la carte options. Try Jodhpuri gatteki subz curry (steamed chickpea flour dumplings in yogurt-base gravy) or the spicy Jodhpuri laal maas (lamb) curry, both typical of this region. There are also pasta dishes, north Indian and Rajasthani thalis, and desserts such as tiramisu and kulfi (Indian ice cream). On most nights live Indian classical music is performed.

This bustling and often boisterous Jaipur institution with both inside and outside seating might be the most popular restaurant among the middle class, and it is the place to grab dinner before a Bollywood movie at the Raj Mandir Cinema around the corner. Dine on decent Indian and Chinese food (the range is extensive), as well as continental dishes; to drink, the options include beer and wine, and cold coffee topped with ice cream. During peak tourist season reservations are advisable.

A favorite with backpackers, this quirky vegetarian restaurant in an old whitewashed-blue building near the Brahma Temple has chilled trance music in the background, and reasonably quick and attentive service. The lengthy menu has everything from pizzas, thalis, extensive breakfasts (fit for a king) with Italian espresso, 20 types of grilled sandwiches, 12 types of soup, many flavors of lassi (chocolate, rose, mixed fruit), pasta (a favorite is ravioli in sage sauce), Mexican favorites, and Israeli and Middle Eastern food like falafel, to crepes (vegetable, sweet, or salty) and apple pie. You can eat downstairs in a/c comfort or head to the rooftop and have a meal with a view.

If you're looking to feel like royalty and splurge on a wining-and-dining experience with impeccable service, head to this elegant, formal dining room adorned with portraits from the royal collection—or opt for the balcony overlooking verdant gardens. The contemporary European and unique Indian dishes are a welcome change from the usual Indian and Rajasthani fare, and the drinks menu is extensive, and includes internationally sourced wines. If you like seafood, you're in luck—try the prawn curry in a tomato cream sauce. The roast chicken, roast lamb and pastas are also very well done, while desserts are superb.

Nonhotel guests may have trouble securing a reservation during the busy season; call ahead.

Stop by this lively café and lounge, centrally located near a city garden and close to Fateh Sagar Lake, for some interesting blends of coffee, a quick bite, or to chill on the comfortable sofas. Sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas are on the menu, and Wi-Fi is free.

If you like to people-watch, this small terrace restaurant with lovely lake views is the place to be---expect to see an eclectic mash-up of dreadlocked backpackers, ornately adorned desert dwellers singing and dancing, and plenty of local priests eager to perform pujas (Hindu ceremonies). The menu mixes Indian (stuffed parathas or a thali), Italian (pizza, lasagna, bruschettas) and Mexican (enchiladas), though the international dishes aren't quite what you are used to back home; the veg sizzlers, lasagna, and banana pancakes are particularly popular here.

Come in the early evening, when scores of tourists and locals gather in front of the restaurant on Pushkar Lake's eastern shore to watch the sun set.

Overlooking Lake Pichola, this café benefits from a constant breeze, and sitting on the terrace feels as if you've joined the aristocracy and have unlimited leisure---plus live instrumental music adds to the romance in the evenings. Order from a fixed-price menu or à la carte options; favorites include the butter chicken, kung pao chicken, prawns masala, paneer lababdar (soft white cheese in an onion and tomato gravy). Come at night to have a cocktail and watch the sunset.

The name of the Lake Pichola Hotel's restaurant means "upstairs" in the local dialect, and that's exactly what it is—a rooftop spot beside the pool, with spectacular views of the City Palace complex and lake, especially charming and romantic when they are lighted up after dark (it can be hot at lunchtime). There's typical Rajasthani seating on high beds and against bolsters, too. Run by the same family that runs 1559 AD, this is a favorite among locals and tourists, who come for the good-quality (though not outstanding) food at reasonable prices. The menu features Italian, Mexican, and Chinese dishes alongside the Indian food. The restaurant also has a well-stocked bar.