Punjabi by Nature Quickie
A stylish haven for north Indian fare that opens conveniently for lunch and brunch at the strike of midday, Punjabi by Nature Quickie cooks up mouth-watering thali plates, nashta meals and chaats. With a menu that’s overwhelmingly veggie-friendly, patrons here can expect a medley of paneer-packed rolls and puris, along with a smattering of dishes courtesy of India’s other great metropolises.
Address & telephone number: Punjabi by Nature Quickie, F-30 B, Inner Circle, Opp Metro Station Gate No. 6, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi, India, +91 11 4767 5701
Wenger’s Bakery & Deli
Arguably one of Delhi’s oldest confectioneries, Wenger’s Bakery is a landmark that’s really worth a visit. Opened in 1926, the bakery and café was popular among British bureaucrats, diplomatic staff and Indian royalty, with many expat weddings and ballroom dances being conducted here. Though the current setup is just a fraction of the original restaurant, the place remains a staple for snacks and milkshakes in Delhi’s Connaught Place.
Address & telephone number: Wenger’s Bakery & Deli, A16, Connaught Place, New Delhi, India, +91 11 2332 4373
Indian Coffee House
Another veritable landmark on Connaught Place, the Indian Coffee House is a regular haunt of Delhi’s older residents. A walk down memory lane where liveried waiters in spotless white uniforms and turbans take orders and bustled about. The food remains good, and the rooftop seating with its view of the heart of Delhi remains one of the chief attractions.
Address & telephone number: Indian Coffee House, Mohan Singh Palace, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi, India, +91 11 2334 299
Bhimsain’s Bengali Sweet House
Bhimsain’s Bengali Sweet House serves up a sugary array of classic Indian desserts, along with curries, dals and savoury creations doused in in-house masalas and spices. For a filling meal, don’t miss the value combo meals, which include the likes of roti breads, raitas and mixed vegetable chutneys, and think about matching it all with a sweet lassi.
Address & telephone number: Bhimsain’s Bengali Sweet House, 115-117, Bangla Sahib Marg, Doctor Lane, Sector 3, Gole Market, New Delhi, India, +91 11 2336 3780
Mist at The Park Hotel
The 24 hour café and restaurant at the Park has a great spread for mid-sized wallets, with a good variety of fruits, cereals, cold cuts and Indian options to choose from in the morning. Of course patrons here will have to dispense with the lively and earthy atmosphere of the more urban joints on this list, but the refined meal choices and curious interior design is a fine compensation. Guests can expect a soothing environment to eat in, with water-themed art works and calming blue hues throughout.
Address & telephone number: Mist, The Park Hotel, 15, Parliament Street, Connaught Place, New Delhi, India, +91 11 2374 3000
Caffe Tonino
In the heart of Connaught Place, a little slice of Italy greets travellers who step into Caffe Tonino’s quiet ambience. The place offers a variety of breakfast food, from frittatas to waffles, and their signature Italian coffees are worth every penny. A variety of pastas and thin crust wood fired pizzas are also available for the brunch crowd. The café is the junior version of Tonino, one of Delhi’s restaurants of choice for authentic Italian cuisine.
Address & telephone number: Caffe Tonino, PVR Plaza Building, H Block, Connaught Place, New Delhi, India
United Coffee House
United Coffee House is an elaborate affair with chandeliers and colonial fixtures in abundance. The food is classical and spans Indian as well as Continental tastes. The eggs Benedict, Oktoberfest Frankfurters and maska kheema (mincemeat) buns all come highly recommended, while the eponymous coffees are also worth a try.
Price: Fine-dining
Opening hours: Mon to Sun 10am-11.45pm
Watch out for: The eggs Benedict and a wide range of coffees
Address & telephone number: United Coffee House, E15, Connaught Place, New Delhi, India, +91 11 2341 6075
The 1911 at the Imperial Hotel
The 1911 is Imperial’s frequently awarded and widely recognized restaurant. The opulence and décor combined with the service and quality of fare stands tall alongside any renowned hotel in the city. The outside sitting area with a view of the garden is serene, while the food is a mix of Indian and Continental options and offers a whole host of breakfast choices, from cold cuts to piping hot idlis and more.
Address & telephone number: 1911, The Imperial, Janpath, New Delhi, India, +91 11 4111 6603
Caffe 9
Conceived as an all-in-one restaurant, this place is split into two levels, with the dining area below and a bar on the upper level. The breakfast menu offers a variety of dishes and great if you like your breakfast early and piping hot.
Address & telephone number: Caffe 9, P-15, Connaught Place, New Delhi, India, +91 11 4150 9040
Sagar Ratna
Sagar Ratna’s delivers moderately priced meals and casual dining. The food is good and plentiful, and the place is usually crowded on weekends. The pure vegetarian menu may not be for everyone, but the restaurant has numerous fans for the quality dosas it serves. What’s more, the south Indian treats here are fantastic and imbued well with the flavors of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Address & telephone number: Sagar Ratna, K-15, Connaught Place, New Delhi, India,