19 Unique Restaurants in India: Where Meals and Magic Meet

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India’s dining scene is a feast for the senses, blending centuries of tradition with bold, innovative experiences. From North to South, every region boasts its own culinary identity, offering iconic dishes like biryani, dosas, butter chicken, and an explosion of street food flavors. But the magic doesn’t stop at the food—it’s in the unforgettable settings too.

Imagine dining under the stars at Jaipur’s Chokhi Dhani, enjoying a royal thali in a centuries-old palace, or experiencing a quirky Bollywood-themed café in Mumbai. Craving something extraordinary? Try dinner in a floating restaurant on Kerala’s backwaters or savor street food at Delhi’s bustling Paranthe Wali Gali.

India isn’t just one of the beautiful Asian countries to visit; it’s also a paradise for food lovers. Let’s dive into 12 unique restaurants where meals meet magic!

👉 Pro Tip: The Food and Heritage Walk in Old Delhi is a foodie dream! Snack on chaat, parathas, and jalebis while exploring buzzing streets filled with history. Come hungry—this tour perfectly mixes culture and bites!

Coolest places to eat in India

Ready to discover what India has on its menu? From silent conversations in sign language to dining inside a cave, we’re set to explore the country’s most extraordinary eateries. Join me as we uncover the quirkiest places to eat in India.

Craving authentic biryani served by toy trains? Or perhaps you’d prefer momos at the world’s highest restaurant? India has all of that and more. Let’s dive right into the best eateries in India.

1. Mirchi & Mime

• 📍 Location: Mumbai
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Indian / Contemporary
• 🔥 Standout Features: Sign language–using staff, upscale Indian cuisine, unique inclusive dining.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Supporting inclusive businesses and innovative Indian food lovers.

Prepare for a meal that will touch your heart as much as it delights your palate at Mirchi & Mime in Mumbai. This exceptional restaurant is renowned not only for its delicious modern Indian cuisine but for its inspiring service concept: the entire waitstaff is speech and hearing impaired, communicating with guests through sign language (menus have helpful guides). The atmosphere is warm, uplifting, and surprisingly efficient.

A good way to explore their menu is by trying their creative takes on Indian classics, like the tamarind-glazed pork ribs or the delicate stuffed kulchas. It’s a beautiful, impactful, and truly memorable dining experience that champions inclusivity.

2. Ciclo Café

Pedal-powered charm meets inventive cuisine at Ciclo Café in Chennai. This place is heaven for cyclists (yep, you’ll spot actual bikes hanging on the walls) and coffee lovers alike. Their fluffy beetroot gnocchi and signature Spiced-Ciclo Chicken Burger are proof that café food doesn’t have to be boring. Grab a table near the floor-to-ceiling windows for people watching or, if you’re feeling energetic, rent a cycle right from their fleet. The vibe is relaxed but buzzy – on weekends, the hum of friendly cyclists is infectious. With the Greenways Road metro nearby, it’s a cinch to get to. I loved how everyone, from Lycra-clad riders to students, seemed at home here.

3. Gufha Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Bengaluru
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: North Indian / Afghani / Themed
• 🔥 Standout Features: Cave-themed decor, servers as hunters, immersive adventurous vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Families with kids, themed dining fans, and lovers of North Indian and Afghani food.

Descend into a subterranean world of flavor at Gufha Restaurant in Bengaluru! This place is a full-on adventure, with an incredibly immersive cave-themed decor that will make you feel like you’re dining in a hidden cavern – think stalactites, dim lighting, and servers dressed as hunters. The air is filled with the aroma of tandoori spices and grilling meats.

For a true caveman feast, you’ll want to order their robust Afghani kebabs or a rich and flavorful North Indian curry. It’s a wonderfully quirky and theatrical spot that’s perfect for a fun family outing or a date night with a difference.

4. The Black Pearl

If you daydream about dining in a pirate ship, The Black Pearl in Bangalore makes it a reality. The place nails its Blackbeard theme, with dimmed lighting, wooden barrels, and skeletons in every corner. Food is an all-you-can-eat carnival, but the grilled pineapple and spiced mutton seekh are definitely the showstoppers. The restaurant is huge, perfect for rowdy groups or family feasts, and their staff wear pirate hats (cheesy, but fun!). Friday evenings come alive with live music and pirate jokes that’ll either make you groan or laugh – or, let’s be honest, both. After dinner, swing by Koramangala Social or Forum Mall for a nightcap. The immersive theme here is worth the detour alone!

5. Farmlore

• 📍 Location: Bengaluru (near a lake, often requires travel from city center)
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $150+ per person (Often tasting menu/experience based)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Indian / Farm-to-Table / Experiential Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: Working farm setting, hyper-seasonal tasting menus, nature-connected dining.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Foodies, special occasion splurges, and sustainable cuisine enthusiasts.

Escape the city bustle and reconnect with the land at Farmlore, an experiential dining destination located on a working farm near Bengaluru. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a journey, where hyper-seasonal tasting menus are crafted from ingredients grown just steps from your table. Imagine savoring vegetables picked that morning or herbs still dewy from the garden.

The menu is a constantly evolving celebration of nature’s bounty, with dishes like smoked eggplant with fresh farm cheese or wood-fired flatbreads with seasonal toppings. It’s a truly special and deeply thoughtful dining experience that will leave you with a new appreciation for food.

6. Chokhi Dhani, Jaipur

Chokhi Dhani is a full-on Rajasthani village experience right in Jaipur (about 20 km from the city). From the moment you enter, folk dancers, puppet shows, camel rides, and musicians envelop you in a technicolor whirlwind. Food is served on low tables, and the unlimited Rajasthani thali is the headliner – don’t leave without sampling the dal baati churma and gatte ki sabzi. This is a place to come with an appetite and a curiosity for culture. Expect rustic huts, traditional cots for seating, and mud-plastered walls with colorful murals. It’s a little kitschy and a lot of fun. Visiting at dinner is best – the lit-up fairground vibes are unreal. You’ll only regret not wearing your stretchiest pants.

7. Kaidi Kitchen

• 📍 Location: Chennai & Kolkata
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Vegetarian / Multi-Cuisine (Indian, Chinese, Italian)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Jail-themed dining, staff as inmates/jailers, diverse vegetarian menu.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Families, vegetarians, and fans of quirky themed restaurants..

Get ready to be “locked up” for a delicious meal at Kaidi Kitchen! With locations in Chennai and Kolkata, this unique restaurant offers a full-on jail-themed experience, where you dine in “cells” and are served by staff dressed as inmates and jailers. It’s a surprisingly fun and lighthearted take on a quirky concept. The menu is entirely vegetarian and surprisingly diverse, offering Indian, Chinese, and Italian options.

Consider trying their flavorful paneer tikka or a cheesy vegetarian pizza. It’s a great spot for a playful family outing or a memorable meal with friends who appreciate a good theme. Don’t worry, you get paroled after dessert!

8. Hauz Khas Social

Tucked inside Delhi’s hip Hauz Khas Village, Social is the spot every creative swears by. It’s decked out like a collaborative workspace but turns party-central as dusk falls. Grab a corner with a view over the ancient lake and order their signature Death Wings (they’re fiery and unforgettable) and the oddly addictive Chocolate Blood Bath dessert. The crowd is a lively mix of startups, musicians, and expats. Sounds spill out from the DJ booth, making Saturday nights wild. Step outside and you’ll find artsy boutiques and the historic Hauz Khas Fort just steps away. Every time I come here, it’s a different adventure.

9. Under the Neem Trees (Neem Chowk at Mahila Municipal Garden)

• 📍 Location: Mahila Municipal Garden
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Indian / Gujarati Thali / Authentic Regional
• 🔥 Standout Features: Green oasis setting, modern Gujarati classics, magical nighttime ambiance.
•  🎯 Perfect For: Gujarati thali lovers, peaceful meals, and gatherings with family or friends.
  

Discover a lovely restaurant in the green environment of Under the Neem Trees, or Neem Chowk, in Mahila Municipal Garden! It offers a delightful modern twist on traditional Indian cuisine, with each dish showcasing the chef’s interpretation of a classic. The charming night setting features a picturesque pond, soft lighting, and trees, creating a peaceful, magical atmosphere.

Although it’s pricier, the experience is worth it. The unlimited Gujarati thali provides a generous variety of flavorful traditional dishes and delightful sweets. Don’t miss the tableside guacamole cart or a refreshing watermelon mocktail to enhance your meal in this lovely setting.

10. The Blue Poppy Thakali

Northeast comfort food doesn’t get more authentic than The Blue Poppy Thakali in Kolkata. Known for soulful Nepalese and Tibetan eats, this cozy spot is all about simple decor – think wooden tables and little prayer flags. The mutton momos and thakali thali are complete standouts. If you want heat, order the Ema Datshi. The crowd skews young, with college groups and mountain-lovers making it a chill hangout. Don’t be shy about asking for recommendations – staff love sharing their favorites. There’s a sweet independence to the place, a world away from city chaos. Go off-peak for faster service.

11. Runway 1 Delhi

• 📍 Location: Delhi (Rohini, near Metro Walk Mall)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Multi-Cuisine (North Indian, Chinese, Continental)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Dining inside a real airplane, diverse menu, unique in-flight theme.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Aviation fans, families, and unique themed dining seekers.

Prepare for takeoff on a culinary journey at Runway 1 Delhi, a restaurant uniquely housed inside a converted Airbus A320 airplane! This Rohini spot offers a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience where you can enjoy a meal in an actual aircraft cabin, complete with airplane seats and window views (of the surroundings, not the sky!). The menu is surprisingly diverse, offering North Indian, Chinese, and Continental options.

You could order a classic butter chicken or some chili paneer while pretending you’re jetting off to an exotic destination. It’s a fantastic and memorable experience, especially for kids and anyone who loves aviation.

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12. Shree Thaker Bhojanalay (Since 1945)

Mumbai’s culinary royalty, Shree Thaker Bhojanalay, has fed everyone from Bollywood stars to homesick Gujaratis since 1945. It’s a no-fuss dining hall, buzzing with waiters dishing out endless rounds of the famed Gujarati thali – crispy farsan, decadent aamras, and ghee-laden rotis. The crowd sits elbow-to-elbow, and there’s a joyous sense of plenty in every refill. It’s tucked in Kalbadevi, and after lunch, you can walk to Chor Bazaar for antique-hunting. Reservations are a must, especially during summer mango season. I went for nostalgia, but ended up floored by the sheer range of flavors.

13. Toit

• 📍 Location: Bengaluru
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Brewpub / Multi-Cuisine Pub Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Diverse craft beer selection, lively multi-level space, extensive food menu (pizzas, burgers, Indian bites).
• 🎯 Perfect For: Craft beer enthusiasts, casual group hangouts, lively pub atmosphere, trying local brews, and diverse pub grub.

Raise a glass to one of Bengaluru’s pioneering craft breweries at Toit in Bengaluru! This incredibly popular multi-level brewpub is always buzzing with energy, offering a fantastic selection of their own freshly brewed beers alongside a massive menu of delicious pub fare.

You should definitely sample a flight of their signature craft beers, like the “Tintin Toit” (a Belgian Wit) or the “Basmati Blonde.” For food, their wood-fired pizzas are a hit, as are their juicy burgers or flavorful Indian-inspired appetizers like chicken ghee roast. Toit is a quintessential Bengaluru experience.

• Read Next: 12 Breathtaking Places in Delhi You Can’t Miss

14. Litti Hut

Bihar’s earthy cuisine finally gets its moment at Litti Hut, with outlets in Patna and beyond. This place specializes in litti chokha – smoky roasted wheat balls with spicy mashed veggies. The sattu paratha is a strong contender too, especially when slathered with ghee. The setup is simple but clean, with benches and clay cups for chai, perfect for lively family meals. If you’re new to Bihari food, ask for tasting portions. Patna Museum isn’t far – ideal for a post-feast stroll. Their fresh, no-frills approach won me over; it’s one of those rare spots where everything tastes like a home-cooked treat.

15. Ishaara

• 📍 Location: Mumbai (Lower Parel & other locations)
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Indian / Contemporary
• 🔥 Standout Features: Sign language staff, elegant cuisine, socially conscious dining.
•  🎯 Perfect For: Supporters of inclusivity, refined Indian food lovers, and meaningful meals.
  

Experience the beauty of communication beyond words at Ishaara. This wonderful Mumbai restaurant, much like its sister concern Mirchi & Mime, provides an uplifting dining experience by employing speech and hearing-impaired staff who gracefully communicate using sign language. The ambiance is elegant and modern.

Their menu features contemporary takes on Indian classics, with dishes like succulent lamb kebabs or flavorful biryanis presented with artistry. It’s a place that not only serves fantastic food but also warms your heart with its inclusive and inspiring ethos.

16. Khmer Kitchen

• 📍 Location: Bengaluru (JP Nagar)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Cambodian / Khmer
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Khmer cuisine, rare Southeast Asian flavors, aromatic dishes.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous eaters, Southeast Asia food explorers, and cultural food experiences.

Discover the delicious and often overlooked cuisine of Cambodia at Khmer Kitchen in Bengaluru! This gem offers an authentic taste of Khmer food, known for its delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors, and its use of fresh herbs and aromatic spices. The air is fragrant with lemongrass, galangal, and prahok (fermented fish paste, a key ingredient).

You’ll certainly want to try their signature fish amok, a luscious steamed fish curry in banana leaves, or the flavorful beef lok lak. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore a unique and incredibly satisfying Southeast Asian culinary tradition.

17. Platform65

• 📍 Location: Multiple cities in India (e.g., Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Vizag)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Multi-Cuisine (Indian, Chinese, Continental) / Train-Themed
• 🔥 Standout Features: Food delivered by model trains, playful setting, diverse menu.
•  🎯 Perfect For: Families, train enthusiasts, and casual themed dining.
  

All aboard for a meal delivered with a delightful choo-choo at Platform65! This fun and innovative restaurant chain brings a unique twist to dining by having your food delivered directly to your table by miniature model trains that chug along a network of tracks. Kids (and adults!) absolutely love watching their dishes arrive by locomotive. The menu is a crowd-pleasing multi-cuisine affair.

Consider ordering a flavorful biryani or some classic Indian curries and wait for your personal train to pull into your “station.” It’s a wonderfully playful and memorable experience for the whole family.

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18. World’s Highest Restaurant, Komic

• 📍 Location: Komic, Himachal Pradesh
• 💲 Price range: $5 – $15 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Himalayan Cafe / Indian Comfort Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: Highest restaurant claim, monastery views, simple hot meals.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventure travelers, spiritual seekers, and lovers of Himalayan scenery.

Experience the World’s Highest Restaurant in Komic, Himachal Pradesh! Nestled in the Himalayas, this eatery sits between an old and a new monastery. Inside, marine fossils highlight the region’s geological past when the mountains were submerged. The air is thin, crisp, and imbued with tranquility.

While the views and the altitude are the main draw, the simple, hot food is a welcome comfort. You’ll be grateful for a steaming bowl of classic Maggi noodles, a fortifying cup of local Seabuckthorn Tea, or a hearty Spitian Sandwich.

• Read Next: 12 Enchanting Places in the Himalayas That Look Straight Out of a Postcard

Note: The World’s highest restaurant doesn’t have an official website, so I recommend using Google maps to find all relevant location info.

19. NAAR

• 📍 Location: Kasauli (Himachal Pradesh)
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $80+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Indian / Progressive Himachali / Farm-to-Table
• 🔥 Standout Features: Hyper-local ingredients, mountain setting, chef-driven modern cuisine.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Foodies, culinary explorers, and lovers of regional innovation.

Embark on a culinary exploration of the Himalayas at NAAR in Kasauli. This exceptional restaurant is redefining Himachali cuisine, taking hyper-local ingredients and forgotten traditional recipes and presenting them with stunning modern techniques. The mountain air is crisp, and the views are as inspiring as the food.

A meal here might feature dishes like fermented apricot curry or buckwheat noodles with wild greens, all showcasing the unique bounty of the region. It’s an intimate, chef-driven experience that connects you deeply to the culture and landscape of the Himalayas through innovative and soulful cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the quirkiest restaurants in India

Are you searching for more information about where to eat in India? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about India’s most unique restaurants.

What food is India famous for?

India is famous for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, with dishes like biryani, butter chicken, dosas, and samosas making waves globally. It’s the spices and the variety, from rich curries to vegan delights, that put Indian food on the map. I’d say, don’t leave without trying a thali – it’s the best way to sample a bit of everything, making it a must-visit in Asia.

What is the most eaten meat in India?

Chicken is the most eaten meat in India, hands down. It’s versatile and finds its way into countless dishes, from street food favorites like tandoori chicken to home-cooked meals. If you’re a meat-eater, chicken dishes here are a must-try. They’re marinated in a mix of spices that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Are there any Michelin star chefs in India?

Yes, there are Michelin star chefs from India, like Vikas Khanna and Vineet Bhatia, who’ve brought Indian cuisine to the global stage, making it a destination for food enthusiasts who fly to India. They blend traditional flavors with innovative techniques, creating dishes that are a feast for the senses. If you get a chance, dining at one of their restaurants is an experience you won’t forget.

Is tikka masala British or Indian?

Tikka masala is a delicious blend of cultures, with roots in both British and Indian cuisine. While it’s beloved in Britain and often considered a British dish, its flavors and preparation are deeply rooted in Indian culinary traditions, offering a taste experience worth exploring for those who fly to Asia. Think of it as the best of both worlds.