Because a good day always begins with a scrumptious and filling breakfast – or for the less energetically inclined, a brunch – we’ve gone in search of luscious options for a morning meal in the heart of Lutyen’s Delhi, between the fabled lanes that make up Connaught Place. Get ready for some tasty dosa, oodles of chai and plenty, plenty more Indian treats besides!
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.
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.
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
Restaurant, Indian
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.
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 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.
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.
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’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.
