Fine Dining Is recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to curate a list of the best fine-dining restaurants in India since newer ones keep bursting onto the culinary scene even as the existing ones continue to thrive. Post-Covid, Indian diners have proven to be more than willing to spend big bucks to ensure they’re getting the best of everything: taste, service, ambience, ingredients and overall experience. Our guide to the best fine-dining restaurants in India—across Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Udaipur and Goa—will help you plan a delectable meal with your loved ones even when you’re travelling.
MUMBAI
1. MASQUE what restaurants are good food: FINE DINING
A Relais & Châteaux member, Masque was awarded the Best Restaurant in India 2023 by Asia’s Top 50 Restaurants’ jury. Situated in a former textile mill, it is a 1,250-square-foot eatery featuring understated, modern interiors. Established by restauranter Aditi Dugar, Masque is well-known for its flavourful progressive Indian dishes crafted using the freshest local ingredients. Chef Varun Totlani’s 10-course summer tasting menu features innovative dishes with seasonal ingredients. Our favourite plates from this menu include Aamras Puri, Corn Masala Papad, Water Chestnut, Pandi Curry with Jackfruit Sausage, Tadgola Momos in Passion Fruit Thukpa, Clams in Goda Masala and Mawa Mousse.
“Mosque Fine Dining” appears to combine elements of spirituality and a high-quality culinary experience, a concept that isn’t typically associated with mosques. However, the idea of integrating fine dining with cultural and spiritual settings has been gaining popularity in various cities. This approach often involves serving traditional and gourmet cuisine in a respectful environment that emphasizes cultural heritage and aesthetic beauty.
In contexts where mosques or mosque-adjacent areas offer fine dining, the experience might include:
1. Cultural Dining Experience
- Restaurants near mosques could serve traditional foods tied to the local culture, such as Mughlai or Middle Eastern cuisine, presented in a sophisticated way. This offers visitors an immersive experience that resonates with the rich culinary traditions of the region.
2. Architecture and Ambiance
- Fine dining spaces near or inspired by mosques might incorporate intricate Islamic architecture, such as domed ceilings, detailed archways, and ambient lighting inspired by mosque interiors. This gives diners a serene, aesthetically rich environment.
3. Ramadan and Special Events
- During Ramadan, certain mosque complexes or nearby establishments might set up fine dining experiences for Iftar (the meal to break the fast). These events often include a curated spread of dates, juices, appetizers, and main courses, enhancing the spiritual and communal essence of the meal.
4. Halal Gourmet Cuisine
- Halal fine dining is a central aspect of these experiences, offering dishes that comply with Islamic dietary laws, often presented with a modern twist. This can attract both local and international diners looking for authentic, high-quality Halal food.
5. Community Engagement
- Fine dining establishments linked to mosque complexes might also hold events that celebrate Islamic art, music, or poetry, making it a space for cultural as well as culinary appreciation.
If you’re looking for a specific fine dining location with these features in or near a mosque, let me know, and I can help with recommendations!
2. INDIAN ACCENT which restaurant is considered healthy food: FINE DINING
Having dropped anchor in Mumbai a few months ago alongside continuing its successful run in New Delhi, Indian Accent at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre has phones ringing off the hook with diners clamouring for a table at the booked-out restaurant. In addition to enjoying the fountains that go off in the evening and sequestering your family in one of the two private dining rooms, a feast fit for a food critic awaits you at Indian Accent. Try the burrata chaat, lotus root papdi, mustard tomato jam, aab gosht, Kanyakumari crab and, of course, the not-to-be-missed Daulat ki Chaat.
Indian Accent is a renowned fine dining restaurant celebrated for its modern take on traditional Indian cuisine. Originally established in New Delhi, it also has branches in New York and London, each offering an inventive, globally inspired menu crafted by acclaimed Chef Manish Mehrotra. Here’s what makes Indian Accent stand out as a fine dining experience:
1. Inventive Modern Indian Cuisine
- Indian Accent takes classic Indian dishes and reinterprets them with global ingredients and culinary techniques. For example, items like blue cheese naan, Kashmiri morels, and black dairy dal highlight familiar flavors with an avant-garde twist.
- The restaurant’s signature dishes, like the mishti doi cannoli and pulled pork phulka tacos, bridge the gap between Indian flavors and international concepts, creating an inventive experience for the palate.
2. Unique Tasting Menus
- Indian Accent offers curated tasting menus, allowing diners to sample a wide range of flavors, textures, and ingredients. The chef’s tasting menu, paired with carefully selected wines, takes diners on a multi-course journey that highlights seasonal and regional ingredients.
- Vegetarian and non-vegetarian tasting menus are available, each offering a range of meticulously crafted dishes.
3. Elegant Ambiance
- The ambiance of Indian Accent combines elegance with a contemporary aesthetic. The Delhi location features subtle, modern decor with warm lighting and an intimate setting, while the New York branch balances luxurious design with casual sophistication. Each location keeps the focus on providing an environment where diners can fully immerse themselves in the culinary experience.
4. Exceptional Service
- Known for its attentive and knowledgeable staff, Indian Accent emphasizes personalized service. Servers guide diners through each course, explaining the ingredients, inspiration, and preparation of each dish. This makes the dining experience both educational and enjoyable, adding depth to each plate.
5. Acclaimed Chef and Awards
- Chef Manish Mehrotra is one of India’s most celebrated chefs, and his work at Indian Accent has received multiple awards, including recognitions by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and various global food guides. His approach to merging Indian flavors with global techniques has redefined Indian fine dining on the international stage.
6. Signature Cocktails and Mocktails
- The drinks menu features cocktails that echo Indian flavors, such as curry leaf-infused gin and saffron margaritas. Indian Accent also offers a variety of mocktails for those who prefer non-alcoholic options, each infused with Indian herbs, fruits, and spices.
Locations of Indian Accent:
- New Delhi: The original Indian Accent is located at The Lodhi, Lodhi Road.
- New York: At 123 W 56th St, Manhattan.
- London: The London location is situated in the heart of Mayfair.
Indian Accent is a must-visit for anyone interested in a refined Indian dining experience that balances innovation with tradition.
3. AKINA: best indian fine dining restaurants near me
A modern Japanese eatery, Akina is a 5,000-square-foot restaurant in Bandra West with stylish decor elements reminiscent of Japanese spring flowers. Akina recently launched the Izakaya Social Club, a five-course tasting menu, which includes a selection of contemporary Japanese tapas. From this offering, dishes such as the Rock Corn and Water Chestnut Nori Taquito, Spinach and Soba Noodle Salad, Prawn Toast Okonomiyaki, Mushroom and Kimchi Dumplings, Tokyo Wing Yakitori, and the Coconut Chawanmushi are crowd-favourites. Akina has hosted the likes of celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Malaika Arora and Sachin Tendulkar.
Akina is a contemporary Japanese fine dining restaurant that offers a refined, elevated experience through its modern Japanese cuisine with international influences. Known for its elegant ambiance, sophisticated presentation, and creative dishes, Akina has quickly become a popular choice for diners seeking an upscale Japanese dining experience. Here’s what sets Akina apart in the fine dining scene:
1. Innovative Japanese Fusion Cuisine
- Akina combines traditional Japanese flavors with global ingredients and culinary techniques, creating unique fusion dishes that maintain an authentic Japanese essence. This includes dishes like truffle miso black cod, yuzu-infused sashimi, and wagyu beef tataki.
- The chefs often experiment with seasonal ingredients, incorporating fresh and exotic flavors that reflect the restaurant’s commitment to quality and innovation.
2. Exquisite Tasting Menus
- Akina offers multi-course tasting menus, allowing diners to explore a variety of flavors, textures, and presentations. These menus are carefully curated and often include chef-selected pairings with premium sake, wine, or Japanese-inspired cocktails.
- The Omakase menu, or chef’s choice, is a popular option for those who want a truly immersive experience guided by the chef’s expertise.
3. Minimalist and Luxurious Ambiance
- Akina’s interiors reflect a blend of minimalist Japanese aesthetics and modern luxury. The restaurant often features sleek wood accents, soft lighting, and serene decor that create an intimate and tranquil dining environment.
- Open kitchen designs allow diners to observe the precision and artistry involved in preparing each dish, adding to the experience.
4. Exceptional Beverage Program
- The beverage menu at Akina includes a selection of carefully curated Japanese sake, artisanal cocktails, and premium wines from around the world. Signature cocktails might include elements like matcha, yuzu, and Japanese plum, complementing the flavors of the cuisine.
- The restaurant staff often offers pairing suggestions to enhance the dining experience, with unique combinations to highlight the flavors in each dish.
5. Attention to Detail and Service
- Akina’s staff are highly trained to provide attentive, personalized service. Each dish is presented with an explanation of ingredients and techniques, enriching the dining experience and helping diners appreciate the thought and skill behind each plate.
6. Artful Presentation
- Each dish at Akina is presented with an artistic flair, with careful attention to colors, textures, and plating. From delicate edible flowers to artfully arranged sushi, the restaurant emphasizes aesthetics that elevate the visual appeal of the cuisine.
Potential Locations of Akina Fine Dining:
- Akina restaurants are located in major international cities where the dining scene embraces fusion and high-end Japanese cuisine, such as New York, London, and Dubai. Each location is designed with regional preferences in mind, but all share a commitment to Japanese artistry and culinary craftsmanship.
Akina is perfect for those who appreciate Japanese cuisine in a sophisticated, modern setting, where the attention to flavor, presentation, and ambiance creates an immersive and memorable dining experience.
4. THE ORIENT EXPRESS:
Evocative of the iconic luxury train, which ran from Paris to Istanbul until 1977, the Orient Express has been New Delhi’s most renowned fine-dining restaurant since 1983. The eatery’s interiors recreate a carriage of the train and the ambience of a bygone era. The Orient Express’s Degustation Menu is a thoughtful five-course assemblage of some of the finest dishes that the eatery has to offer. The restaurant’s Dutch Asparagus Soup, Risotto with Butternut and Sage, Camembert Cheese Soufflé, Lamb Chasseur, Griddle Cooked Sea Bass and Warm Chocolate Pudding are must-haves.
The Orient Express is a legendary fine dining restaurant inspired by the iconic luxury train that once traveled between Paris and Istanbul. Known for its luxurious ambiance, attention to detail, and curated menu, the restaurant reimagines the elegance and sophistication of classic European train journeys. Here’s what makes The Orient Express an exceptional fine dining experience:
1. Elegant, Train-Inspired Ambiance
- The restaurant captures the spirit of the Orient Express with a setting designed to resemble the train’s lavish compartments. The interiors often feature wood-paneled walls, rich upholstery, vintage lighting, and intricate details like brass accents, evoking a bygone era of luxury travel.
- Some locations go a step further, designing the dining area to look like an actual train car, complete with windows that mimic views of passing landscapes, creating an immersive experience for guests.
2. European-Inspired Multi-Course Menus
- The menu often focuses on classic French and European cuisine, with dishes that reflect the historic stops along the Orient Express route. Signature items might include French onion soup, foie gras, beef Wellington, and ratatouille, alongside Mediterranean dishes inspired by the train’s route through Italy, Austria, and Turkey.
- Many restaurants also offer tasting menus and chef’s recommendations, allowing guests to explore a wide array of flavors in multiple courses, often paired with wines from Europe’s finest vineyards.
3. Fine Wine and Beverage Selection
- A diverse selection of wines, including some from regions along the Orient Express route, adds to the experience. Guests can enjoy wines from France, Italy, and Austria, or choose from a variety of expertly crafted cocktails inspired by European flavors.
- Some locations also offer specialty cocktails and mocktails with a historical twist, drawing from the ingredients and styles popular during the train’s heyday.
4. Sophisticated Service and Attention to Detail
- The staff at The Orient Express provides exceptional service, dressed in attire reminiscent of the original train’s staff, adding an air of classic sophistication. Each course is presented with an explanation of the dish’s history or inspiration, enhancing the dining experience and transporting guests back to the luxury travel era.
- The service team is knowledgeable about the wine pairings, ingredients, and history of each dish, ensuring a seamless and elegant dining experience.
5. Artful, Period-Inspired Presentations
- Each dish is meticulously plated to match the restaurant’s luxurious setting, with classic silverware, fine china, and vintage-style glassware enhancing the meal’s visual appeal. This attention to presentation reinforces the restaurant’s dedication to detail and heritage.
6. Historical Experience
- Dining at The Orient Express is like taking a historical journey, with each dish and design element carefully curated to honor the legendary train. Some restaurants even provide menus that resemble vintage train tickets, and tableside storytelling shares historical insights, making the meal an interactive experience.
Location of The Orient Express Fine Dining
- While the original Orient Express train no longer runs, fine dining restaurants inspired by it can be found in major cities worldwide, such as London, Paris, New York, and Dubai. Some luxury hotels also have Orient Express-inspired dining rooms, adding a nostalgic touch to their establishments.
Dining at The Orient Express is perfect for those who appreciate a touch of history, elegance, and European culinary excellence, all brought together in a unique and memorable experience that evokes the magic of classic travel.
5. KOISHII:
Offering a blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines, Koishii is situated in The Penthouse on the 37th floor of The St. Regis. Exhibiting a striking post-industrial setting, the eatery features a library lounge, a primary dining area with a metal bar, an open robata kitchen and sushi counter, and private dining rooms. We recommend Koishii’s Omakase Weekend Menu which includes the Mango Ceviche, Lima to Tokyo Tiradito, Watermelon Carpaccio, Hamachi Ceviche, Salmón Tropical, and Seco Norteño (lamb shank). Grab a table in the main dining area for a fun dining experience.
Koishii is a high-end dining concept known for its innovative fusion of Japanese and Peruvian (Nikkei) cuisine, creating a refined and modern culinary experience. Popular in vibrant cities and luxury destinations, Koishii celebrates the unique flavors and techniques that blend Japanese precision with Peruvian ingredients. Here’s what makes Koishii an extraordinary fine dining experience:
1. Nikkei Fusion Cuisine
- Koishii specializes in Nikkei cuisine, a style that originated with Japanese immigrants in Peru, combining Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavors and ingredients. Signature dishes might include tiradito (sashimi-style fish with Peruvian sauces), ceviche with a Japanese twist, sushi with aji amarillo (a Peruvian chili pepper), and miso-marinated meats.
- The fusion of two distinct culinary cultures creates a menu that’s both exciting and authentic, appealing to diners who appreciate inventive, globally-inspired flavors.
2. Tasting Menus and Signature Dishes
- Koishii often offers tasting menus or Omakase-style (chef’s choice) experiences that showcase the best of Japanese-Peruvian fusion. Each course takes guests through a range of flavors, from fresh seafood to richly marinated meats, allowing them to enjoy a curated journey of Nikkei cuisine.
- Signature dishes like tuna tiradito with yuzu soy, anticucho-style robata-grilled meats, and passionfruit-infused maki rolls are both visually stunning and deeply flavorful.
3. Chic, Contemporary Ambiance
- Koishii’s interiors are designed to reflect a blend of Japanese minimalism and Peruvian vibrancy. You might find sleek wood furnishings, bold artwork, ambient lighting, and touches of natural elements like bamboo or greenery, creating a chic yet relaxed atmosphere.
- Open kitchens and sushi counters often allow diners to watch the chefs at work, adding an interactive, lively element to the dining experience.
4. Inventive Cocktails and Beverage Selection
- The bar at Koishii is known for its creative cocktails that mix Japanese and Peruvian ingredients, such as pisco-based drinks with shiso or matcha-infused cocktails with tropical fruits. These unique drinks complement the Nikkei dishes perfectly.
- A premium selection of Japanese sake, Peruvian pisco, and fine wines from around the world is available, with sommeliers and bartenders often recommending pairings that elevate the flavor experience.
5. Attentive Service with Cultural Insight
- Koishii’s staff are well-trained and knowledgeable about the Nikkei concept, explaining the unique fusion of flavors and offering recommendations to enhance the meal. Attentive and personalized service ensures guests enjoy a memorable dining experience that’s both informative and immersive.
- The team often includes chefs with specialized training in Nikkei cuisine, adding an authentic touch to the dishes and service.
6. Artistic Plating and Presentation
- Each dish at Koishii is presented with an artistic flair, often incorporating vibrant colors, edible flowers, and thoughtful arrangements. Plating is an essential part of the Koishii experience, making each dish as visually captivating as it is flavorful.
Koishii Locations
- Koishii restaurants are typically found in high-end dining districts of cities like Dubai, London, New York, and Miami, attracting food lovers who seek unique, upscale fusion experiences.
Koishii is ideal for those looking for a culinary adventure that combines the best of Japanese and Peruvian flavors in a luxurious setting, creating a dining experience that’s both bold and sophisticated.