Traditionally, all the best restaurants in Delhi were to be found in the 5-star international hotels. To an extent, this is still the case, although beyond the confines of the big hotels, the prosperity of Delhi's enormous middle class has ensured that a huge number of excellent restaurants have sprung up where you can be assured of delicious food at a fraction of the price charged in the big hotel dining rooms.

Alcohol (domestic and foreign) is widely available at most places, except budget eateries which often lack the requisite liquor licence. The price of alcohol is variable, with the fancy places charging as much as triple the price of a mid-range eatery. Indian wine does exist and although it has come a long way in recent times, it is still not on par with most international labels. Indian beer is excellent, with Kingfisher long being lauded as the national favourite.

When it comes to food, you can find everything from traditional Indian curries to a commendable assortment of international fare. There are also a large number of restaurants in Delhi that are wholly vegetarian. Indeed, the city is a culinary paradise for the non-meat-eater, as even the categorisation of eating houses (‘veg' and ‘non-veg') suggests a presumption in favour of vegetarianism. Most ‘non-veg' restaurants offer a wide variety of ‘veg' dishes.

We have selected 12 restaurants, which we have divided into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. For each establishment we have indicated the approximate cost of a meal for two with alcoholic beverages (where sold), including taxes, by reference to the following scale:
$$$$ (over Rs8,000)
$$$ (Rs3,000 to Rs8,000)
$$ (Rs1,000 to Rs3,000)
$ (up to Rs1,000)

Masala Art
The principal joy of Masala Art is the so-called ‘interactive' Indian eating experience. Diners sit at a bar, behind which the chefs ply their trade. There are several set menus to choose from, each comprising up to around a dozen small dishes. Diner and chef can discuss the courses as these appear, with guests being treated to tailor-made variety. The dining room is modern and unfussy, the food fabulous.

Taj Palace Hotel, Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Enclave
Tel: (011) 2611 0202.
Website: www.tajhotels.com
Price: $$$

Bukhara
Bukhara is widely touted as the best place in Delhi for Mughal and North-West Frontier specialities. Indeed the restaurant boasts many domestic and international accolades including a place in the World's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2007. The food is phenomenal and everything its reputation suggests - one particularly recommended item is the kastoori kebab, while the delicious dhal makes a super side dish. Diners sit on benches, at elegant low tables.

The Maurya, Diplomatic Enclave
Tel: (011) 2611 2233.
Website: www.itcwelcomgroup.in
Price: $$$

Sakura
Sakura is in the swanky Hotel Metropolitan Nikko, a stone's throw from Connaught Place. It is an award-winning Japanese restaurant, airy, spacious and minimal, which serves top-notch cuisine. The sushi is irresistibly fresh and succulent and the service is suitably obeisant. Lunch at Sakura is the perfect antidote to a brain-draining morning business meeting, or, hectic shopping spree in Connaught Place.

Metropolitan Hotel, Bangla Sahib Road
Tel: (011) 4250 0200.
Website: www.hotelnikkodelhi.com
Price: $$$

The Spice Route
The Spice Route rustles up scrummy South and South-East Asian cuisine that includes Thai, Vietnamese, Keralan, Sri Lankan and Malaysian. The interior décor is uniquely eye-catching, with dramatic design styles such as lavishly painted wooden pillars and panels. The food is innovative and skillfully prepared and the ambience upmarket, making this restaurant ideal for business or leisure.

The Imperial, Janpath
Tel: (011) 2334 1234.
Website: www.theimperialindia.com
Price: $$$

La Piazza
An old favourite, located in the plush Hyatt Regency hotel, La Piazza is the place to come for authentic Italian food, prepared with the finest ingredients and following traditional recipes. Menu items range from crisp wood-fired pizzas to tender (imported) lamb chops and an enticing range of magnificent pasta dishes. The fresh salads and wickedly rich desserts should not be missed.

Hyatt Regency, Bhikaiji Cama Place, Ring Road
Tel: (011) 2679 1234.
Website: www.delhi.regency.hyatt.com
Price: $$

Ego Thai
Serving very commendable Thai food in a smart-casual setting, Ego Thai attracts Delhi's fashionable crowd who come here after quaffing cocktails at the adjoining lounge-bar. The food gets a round of applause for authenticity, particularly the traditional Thai curries, and there are some positively sublime Thai soups that are so satiating they can replace a meal.

53 Community Centre, New Friends Colony
Tel: (011) 2633 1181.
Price: $$

Karim's
Established in 1913, Karim's is something of a Delhi institution. It serves robust Mughal food in rudimentary but clean surroundings off a courtyard that is close behind Jama Masjid in Old Delhi. The tandoori chicken and tandoori burra (mutton) are both highly recommended, as are the succulent kebabs. There is an interesting selection of traditional Indian breads, from stuffed naan to paper-thin romali roti, which are perfect for mopping up every last drop of the lip-smacking curry sauces. Unlicensed.

16 Jama Masjid
Tel: (011) 2326 9880.
Website: www.karimhoteldelhi.com
Price: $

Saravana Bhavan
Saravana Bhavan is arguably the best place in town for flavour-packed inexpensive (vegetarian) South Indian fare. It does a tremendous job of dosas, idlis and uttapams and also prepares awesome thalis. There is a range of excellent take-away namkin (savoury snacks) and mithai (Indian sweets) at low prices. So popular is this restaurant that you may have to queue for a table. Unlicensed.

46 Janpath (smaller branch at 15 P-Block, Connaught Place)
Tel: (011) 2334 7755.
Website: www.saravanabhavan.com
Price: $

Kwality
This iconic restaurant has been going strong for around 70 years thanks to its consistently good, primarily North Indian food. Attracting a predominantly middle-class crowd, Kwality deserves kudos for its variety of dishes, from chunky meat curries to delicate paneer creations. There is a pleasing variety of veg and non-veg dishes to choose from.

7 Regal Building, Connaught Place
Tel: (011) 2374 2352.
Website: www.kwalitygroup.com
Price: $$

United Coffee House
Retaining much of its 1940s interior design flourishes, the unpretentious United Coffee House has an upbeat yet easygoing ambience and is a wonderful spot to recharge your batteries. The menu is incredibly long with a mishmash of Indian, Western and Chinese offerings, as well as light bites such as grilled sandwiches and soups. The food is reliable and the service is courteous. 

15 E-Block, Connaught Place
Tel: (011) 2341 1697.
Price:$$