9 Best Restaurants in Jodhpur, Rajasthan

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.

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.

Jodhpur's most famous sweet shop buzzes till 11 pm, so consider stopping here for dessert. It's a good place to sample regional delicacies; test your chilli tolerance level with the spicy mirchi bada, a huge pepper that's been breaded and deep-fried or, for something sweeter, try the local specialty mawa kachori (a pastry filled with nut-based milk solid), ghevar (disc-shape sweet), or rabri laddu (milk balls). The place serves Indianized vegetarian versions of American-style fast food—think pizzas and burgers—though they are just okay at best. There's another branch of Janta near the railway station, but you are best off hitting the main branch at Nai Sarak.

Join fellow travelers at this happening spot for a cup of masala chai or a meal in the garden courtyard oasis in the city. The restaurant, which also offers rooftop dining with fort views or indoor dining with a/c, is strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free, but even meat eaters will marvel at the well-priced Indian house specialties. Pizzas and western dishes are on the menu, but the Indian entrées shine; go for a thali, vegetable biryani, or some perfectly spiced curries. Jhankar is at its best after dark, when tiny twinkling lights strung through the trees lend a whimsical air to the setting.

Sip a chilled beer or wine and enjoy spectacular views of Jodhpur city at this romantically lit restaurant high up within the royal Mehrangarh Fort. This touristy outdoor eatery is notable more for its ambience than the food, but if you're dining here, try the traditional Rajasthani food or standard tandoori favorites like mutton kebab and paneer tikka.

This jungle-theme and mostly outdoor restaurant in the new section of the city won't offer you the best meal you've ever had, but the food---rich and hearty---is good, the beer is cold, and it's an ideal rest stop for a quick drink or lunch. On weekends, its cavelike bar, Rocktails, is a hopping place.

Arrive at this extra-large food stall as early as 7 am (or as late as 10 pm) for an old North Indian favorite—piping hot puris and alu (deep-fried wheat bread served with potato curry)---or try traditional Jodhpuri sweets, snacks, parathas, and more. Don't expect ambience, but the food is made fresh and bakery items are in chilled cases.

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 extensive drinks menu includes internationally sourced wines. If you like seafood, you're in luck—try the prawn curry in a tomato cream sauce. The restaurant also serves a sumptuous afternoon tea.

Non-hotel guests may have trouble securing a reservation during the busy season; call ahead.

A modern and cosmopolitan vibe greets you when you enter this small café next to the Toorji Stepwell and Raas. It's a perfect spot to sit in air-conditioned comfort and have an afternoon break, and you can choose from cocktails, light meals, or an espresso.