10 Best Restaurants in Rajasthan, India

Named after the year when Udaipur was founded, 1559 occupies an elegant colonial bungalow, with indoor dining as well as alfresco dining in the large garden. Specialties include Rajasthani game birds (farmed, not hunted), prepared in traditional Indian and European styles, as well as salmon or rack of lamb; the menu also features pasta, pizza, and vegetarian specials such as malai kofta and paneer dishes. There's a café with an authentic espresso machine and a bar with a decent selection of wines.

Right on the shore of Lake Pichola opposite Lal Ghat, this lively outdoor restaurant with a pleasant bar has a hidden approach via narrow lanes and stunning views of the City Palace complex and the Lake Palace. It serves Rajasthani standards along with decent continental and Chinese dishes, though the views outshine the food.

If you're here at dinner, ask that a mosquito repellent coil is placed under your table.

After a long day of sightseeing, stop at this rooftop hangout at the Pal Haveli hotel in the Old City, where the ambience exceeds the quality of the food, which is slightly overpriced (though perfectly okay). Go for a sundown drink or dinner (kebabs and thalis are highlights) and take in stunning views of the nearby lake, the fort, the clock tower, and the Umaid Bhawan Palace. The mostly Indian menu includes a couple of continental dishes and some Chinese food, plus there's a decent list of drinks on the bar menu.

In a converted haveli at the end of one of Lal Ghat's labyrinthine lanes, this restaurant has retained the mansion's lovely design and has spectacular views of the Lake Palace, especially at night, when the vistas capture the incredibly romantic essence of the city. There is a decently good range of continental, Chinese, and Indian food; wine, cocktails, and beer available—fish à la Jagat is a highlight during fishing season; otherwise try the laal maas (red meat curry) or subz galouti kabab (vegetarian kebabs). Service can be slow, but to see the brilliantly illuminated palace seemingly float on the water from a cushioned alcove is a signature Udaipur experience. There's nightly live music during peak season. It's a great place for a cup of afternoon chai or lassi, too.

This bustling and often boisterous Jaipur institution might be the most popular restaurant among the middle class, and it is the place to grab dinner before a Bollywood movie at the Rajmandir 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.

Popular with tourists of all ages and backpackers, this family-run restaurant is a great place for Italian coffee and juices—the menu has an incredibly long list of fresh fruit juices and “mocktails." Tandoori food is the favorite here; try the butter chicken or a wide range of vegetarian dishes. It's the spot that local guides recommend for stunning views of Lake Pichola and the Lake Palace as the sun goes down. It's also a nice place to take a tea break between sightseeing.

The pizzas here are as memorable as the locale—the restaurant is located within an out-of-service steam engine; hop aboard and settle into an interior booth (a must in hot months) or dine on the Victorian-era platform. It's located on the grounds of the Rambagh Palace hotel, part of the Taj Hotel empire, and buzzes at night with locals and in-the-know travelers.

Located on the top floor of Parallel Hotel, this happening lounge bar and restaurant offers sweeping views of the cityscape and the surrounding Aravallis. Try one of their signature cocktails along with a selection of Mediterranean-inspired bar bites, dim sums, and sushi; there's also an extensive pizza, pasta, and risotto menu. After a long day of sightseeing, this is the perfect place for a sunset drink and finger food or dinner, although the music does get progressively louder through the evening.

Serving rich North Indian and Rajasthani food, as well as some Chinese, quite a few continental dishes, and a choice of desserts which you don't find at other Jaisalmer restaurants, this rooftop restaurant is an old favorite with travelers even if the food is not outstanding. The tented roof top has a kitschy though charming look, with good views of the fort from the smaller open terrace area. Try the tandoori thali, a combo platter of various chicken and vegetable items baked in a tandoor oven.

Trio can get packed with prebooked tour groups, so check whether you need a reservation for dinner during the peak season.

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.