Award-Winning Indian Classics Restaurants in Delhi

The award winning restaurants in Delhi represent the highest level of restaurant cooking in India. Progressive Indian cuisine at The Lodhi, tandoor mastery at ITC Maurya, slow-cooked Awadhi preparations in opulent surroundings, and French-Italian fine dining at The Leela Palace all occupy the same city. This guide covers five of the most acclaimed award winning restaurants in Delhi with what to order, what to budget, and how to book at each.

Indian Accent — Progressive Indian Cuisine at The Lodhi

Indian Accent at The Lodhi is the most internationally recognised of the award winning restaurants in Delhi. Chef Manish Mehrotra’s menu redefines Indian classics by introducing global techniques while preserving the culinary traditions underlying each dish. Meetha Achaar Pork Ribs and Blue Cheese Naan are the most discussed signatures. A full tasting menu costs approximately Rs 4,500 to Rs 7,000 per person without wine pairing. The restaurant opens for lunch and dinner. Book at least two weeks ahead for weekend evenings, as tables fill quickly throughout the year. Smart casual dress is the minimum standard.

Bukhara — Tandoori Mastery at ITC Maurya

Bukhara at ITC Maurya is the most historically celebrated of the award winning restaurants in Delhi. The restaurant has served heads of state and international celebrities for decades without fundamentally changing its menu or character. Dal Bukhara — black lentils slow-cooked overnight — and Sikandari Raan — a whole leg of lamb marinated and roasted in the tandoor — are the two dishes that define the restaurant’s reputation. A full dinner costs approximately Rs 3,500 to Rs 6,000 per person. The restaurant opens for dinner daily and for lunch on weekends. Advance booking is advisable on weekends. The nearest metro station is Chanakyapuri Metro Station on the Blue Line.

Le Cirque — French-Italian Fine Dining at The Leela Palace

Le Cirque at The Leela Palace is the most European-influenced of the award winning restaurants in Delhi. Lobster Ravioli and Foie Gras are the signature dishes. A seven-course wine-paired menu costs approximately Rs 8,000 to Rs 14,000 per person. Chandeliers, elegant decor, and formal service create an atmosphere suited to romantic dinners and sophisticated gatherings. Le Cirque opens for dinner in the evenings. Advance booking is essential, particularly for window tables. Formal attire is required.

Dum Pukht — Awadhi Slow Cooking at ITC Maurya

Dum Pukht at ITC Maurya is the most specifically regional of the award winning restaurants in Delhi. The kitchen specialises in Awadhi dum cooking — preparations sealed in dough and slow-cooked over many hours in a way that concentrates flavour without reducing moisture. Dum Pukht Biryani and Kakori Kebabs are the most celebrated dishes. A full dinner costs approximately Rs 4,000 to Rs 7,000 per person. The restaurant opens for lunch and dinner. Furthermore, the opulent interiors directly evoke the Nawabi court traditions that produced the cooking style itself.

Varq — Modern Indian Cuisine at Taj Mahal Hotel

Varq at Taj Mahal Hotel is the most precision-focused of the award winning restaurants in Delhi for contemporary Indian cooking. Ganderi Kebab and Tandoori Sea Bass are the standout dishes — both carrying heritage Indian techniques applied to ingredients and plating that reflect contemporary fine dining standards. A full dinner costs approximately Rs 4,000 to Rs 7,000 per person. The hotel location on Mansingh Road makes it accessible from central Delhi. The nearest metro station is Khan Market Metro Station on the Violet Line.

Practical Tips and Paying at Award Winning Restaurants in Delhi

All the award winning restaurants in Delhi on this list require advance reservations. Book directly through the restaurant or hotel website — third-party platforms occasionally carry incorrect availability. Smart casual dress is the minimum at Bukhara, Indian Accent, and Varq. Formal attire is required at Le Cirque. All venues accept major credit cards and UPI. For NRI visitors and international tourists, Mony makes every payment at these award winning restaurants in Delhi completely effortless. Mony is a travel finance app that lets NRIs and tourists pay like locals using UPI — no foreign card fees and no declined transactions at any restaurant on this list.