When Le Corbusier, the Swiss-French mastermind behind the planned city of Chandigarh was designing the city, he had hardly thought that this city-themed around the Capitol Complex would someday be a bustling hub with shopping malls, gardens, multiplexes, hotels, restaurants, and bars. Today, Chandigarh better known for its quintessential butter chicken and dal makhani is a food lover’s delight. The city has a bustling food scene from roadside thelas serving awesome gol gappas and chaats to fine dining restaurants offering you a slice of heaven with their local and global specialties.
Let’s discover some of the best restaurants in Chandigarh that will not only satiate your soul but will also tempt you to keep coming for more:
Whistle In Appreciation At Whistling Duck
Located in Back Lane Sector 26, Whistling Duck is the place to visit if you like big spaces, an open seating plan and lots of sunshine. With its wooden community tables and comfortable sofas, it’s an ideal place for a long and lazy weekend brunch.
Their menu is well stocked with a variety of cuisines and a few homegrown recipes. Try out the quirky Karela which exudes astounding flavors or the juicy Dak Bulgogi which is sweet and spicy to taste. Also, it has a good selection of well-priced and innovative cocktails for those who love to experiment with their tipple. Its combination of a perfect space and menu items makes it top the list of the best restaurants in Chandigarh.
Enjoy The Hop At Hops And Grains
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For beer buffs or those who enjoy craft beers, Hops and Grains is the only microbrewery in the city. With chic interiors and an energetic vibe about the place, it is a great place to visit after work hours with your colleagues or drop in on a Saturday evening for some weekend fun. They have a selection of beers like Premium Lager, Weiss Beer or Dunkel (Dark) from their in-house brews. The happy hours here go all the way to 7.30 pm. Apart from beers, they serve a wide range of finger foods like Beer Batter Prawns, Seekh Kebabs, Amritsari Fish, Nachos and Buffalo Chicken Wings. Located in Panchkula, Sector 9, enjoy experimenting from desi classics to favorite international foods, as you sip your in-house crafted beers.
Start Your Day At Backpacker’s Café
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Next, on the list of the best restaurants in Chandigarh, this rusty themed café has an all-day breakfast menu that is highly popular with locals as well as foreigners. The menu here includes a range of dishes like Cheesy Lamb Burgers and Quiche Lorraine. However, their cinnamon and raisin pancakes dripping in maple syrup, known as ‘Accelerator’, is a must-try dish and something that will put a big smile on your face. After all, who doesn’t love desserts…that too a big one? Their omelets come with a variety of fillings and are a perfect dish to start your day with.
With multiple outlets across the city, you can either stop by the one in Sector 9D or Elante Mall for a big satisfying morning breakfast.
Feel The Mediterranean At Virgin Courtyard
Image Source: Virgin Courtyard
With a white and blue color scheme rocking the entire place, you immediately feel transported to a quaint little town in the Mediterranean. This charming courtyard and terrace café is as much known for its quirky designs and artifacts as it is for its Italian cuisine. If you find yourself in Madhya Marg, Sector 7, you cannot miss spotting this place. The locals treat this as their go-to place for dining out. With mouth-watering dishes like Oven Roasted Pork Loin, Mustard Cheddar Crusted Sole, Red Wine Chicken Risotto, and Spaghetti Aglio Olio, there is much to love here. Their pasta and bread are all handcrafted, and their Tiramisu is absolute to die for. Oh, and before we forget, it’s a great place to bring your date to…over a relaxed Mediterranean fare and some great wine…it will be an evening to remember for both of you!
Simplicity At Its Best At Pal Dhaba
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If you are looking for a break from fancy restaurants, Pal Dhaba is the one you should consider going to. With a neat and clean outdoor seating arrangement, the place invites passers-by with their tantalizing aromas. The décor may be modest, but the food here more than makes up for it. From Aloo Paranthas and Butter Rotis that come dripping in desi Makhan to Kadai Paneer, Dal Makhani, Keema Kaleji, Mutton Kebabs, and creamy Butter Chicken, Pal Dhaba will leave your stomachs stuffed, but your soul asking for more. You cannot leave the place without trying their rich and delicious lassi.
Situated at Booth no. 165-166 Sector 28D and open from 11 in the morning to 11 in the night, you can be assured of delicious and pocket-friendly meals here.
Savor The Taste Of America At Brooklyn Central
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Brooklyn Central, located in Elante Mall is known for its simple décor that appeals to those looking for a nice, relaxed place to enjoy a good meal. This place is a honey trap for the young and old, looking to catch up with friends over American food and drinks. This American-style restro-bar offers comfort foods like Pancakes and Waffles to Cinnamon French Toast, American Corn Chowder, Meaty Casseroles, hot dogs and great Milkshakes. Try out their Oreo Cookie Sundae…it’s heavenly!
Fine Dining At Oregano
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Located in the Marriot in Sector 35, it’s the ideal go-to place for formal lunches and special family occasions. The décor is unassuming and minimalist, but people love the open kitchen and the huge open space, making it a popular kid-friendly restaurant. It serves delicious Italian cuisine. Though the menu is small and limited, the food you get more than makes up for it. It’s an absolute must-visit if you are ever visiting Chandigarh, and for the locals who haven’t visited it yet – have you been living under a rock?
Chomp Chomp At Kebab Khan
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Kebab Khan in Sector 5, Panchkula, is where your craving for kebabs gets fulfilled. This restaurant is one of the finest in Chandigarh and known for its Chapli Kebab with a tomato pressed into its center. From the Kachche Gosht Ki Biryani to the Joojeh Kebab that is marinated in saffron and yogurt, experience the bomb of delicious flavors bursting in your mouth.
Try out the ones you haven’t been to, and if you have already visited them…do it again! After all, having made it to our list calls for an encore!
Great article, it is a one-stop read for food lovers in Chandigarh. Great Work Restaurant Times. Thank you.
This list of best restaurants in Chandigarh will definitely come handy as I am planning to go there for a short trip. Thank you for the list!
These are some of the best restaurants in Chandigarh. I have eaten at all of them:D