Chandigarh is the capital of two states in India, Punjab and Haryana. It’s a new age city witnessing a burgeoning food scene. Here, we discover the best restaurants in Chandigarh.
Awarded the best multi-cuisine restaurant by the Times Food Guide, Whistling Duck is a relaxed and fun place to visit for a light lunch, with its low-hanging ceiling lights, long trestle tables made of wood, and comfortable sofas. Guests can choose to sit outside to enjoy the view while munching on their dishes from various cuisines, or sit inside near the wall shelves which stock organic ingredients such as coffee and honey and teas. The menu is well done with quirky names and an excellent variety of dishes. With an open seating plan and lots of sunlight peeping in, this restaurant is ideally suited for a relaxed and casual meal.
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Virgin Courtyard is the perfect setting for a dinner date with a loved one or a casual and fun lunch with the family. With its pebbled pathway, sunlight courtyard and the white and blue decor, the restaurant is reminiscent of a quaint place in a Mediterranean country. The menu is more or less Italian fare along with a decent wine collection. The pizzas are some of the best in city and their tiramisu is definitely worth a shot. The staff ensures the visit is even more enjoyable with their attention to detail, making the Virgin Courtyard an ideal restaurant to visit for a relaxing time.
Backpacker’s Caféis one of Chandigarh’s favorite breakfast spots. As the name suggests, the cafe caters mainly to travelers, with healthy breakfast options all day long and various travel magazines for guests to flip through while waiting for their order. The restaurant features a charming decor, with wall shelves filled with quirky travel items such as books, guides and toy vehicles. They serve breakfast all day long, from traditional breakfast options to custom-made choices and a range of delicious burgers. To help it go down, they also offer a range of smoothies and vegetable blends. This is an ideal pit stop for travelers and breakfast-loving people.
Monica’s is an iconic bakery in Chandigarh. From humble beginnings in a garage to becoming one of the city’s most popular bakeries, it has come a long way. Its attraction lies in the baked goods which are homemade, contain no preservatives and are extremely delicious and flavorful; it’s no wonder Monica’s has a sustained fan following despite stiff competition. It also provide small eats like burgers and rolls, and is the perfect option for those looking to indulge their sweet tooth without the guilt of processed foods.
Pal Dhaba is one of the most popular restaurants in the city. It attracts the high and mighty as well as everyday folk to its doors. It may be somewhat lacking when it comes to decor but don’t let that fool you, here the food does the talking. From succulent chicken and mutton kebabs to creamy butter chicken and crisp naans and rotis, nobody leaves Pal Dhaba without a full stomach. To complete the meal, a lassi is a must – it’s a traditional Indian yogurt drink which is rich and delicious. Its outside seating area is quite neat and well done and is often packed with regular patrons. The reason for Pal Dhaba’s success in the constant involvement of their owners who make sure no customer leaves unsatisfied.
Located in the spacious Elante Mall, Brooklyn Central with its simple decor and industrial style setup is a perfect place to catch up with friends over a drink or to have a great milkshake after a long shopping spree. This New York-inspired restaurant serves diner food similar to the classic American institutions. The diner is a carnivore’s paradise with its Brooklyn’s Pancakes and Waffles, Cinnamon French Toast and the Meaty Hash Casserole being crowd favorites. Its edgy and hip vibe attracts a mix of people from the young to the old, all there for the comfort food and friendly atmosphere.
This decades-old place is an institution in itself. Entering this cafe, guests are greeted by the rich aroma of coffee and the charm of an old cafe where time tends to stop. The servers wear traditional kurtas and turbans, and are attentive and courteous, making each visit a memorable one. You can always find travelers and hitchhikers at this place, which make for great conversations of over steaming cups of rich aromatic coffee.
Oregano took the city of Chandigarh by storm when it first opened. Located at the mezzanine level of the Marriott, this restaurant is the place to go for formal lunches or special family events. Its minimalist and unassuming decor, coupled with the huge open space and open kitchen, has won the hearts of many. It serves Italian cuisine and is headed by an Italian chef who makes sure that the small yet delightful menu lives up to its name. Oregano is a stylish restaurant which should be on everybody’s list if they ever visit Chandigarh.
Nik Bakers is the most popular spot in Chandigarh for those who are craving cakes, desserts, quiches and tarts, or feel like a stomach-filling lunch of burgers, wraps, omelets and waffles. The bakery makes their own bread and also serves breakfast all day. They also have healthy smoothies and mocktails for their health-conscious patrons. Nik Bakers is an ideal place to grab a bite for lunch before heading back to work, and its friendly, vibrant atmosphere adds a positive edge to anyone’s day.
The Willow Caféis a quaint little place in Chandigarh. From wooden tables and floors to plush curtains and sofas, and attractive lamps on the shelves and the roof, this three-storey cafe breathes charm and is reminiscent of old British restaurants. The open air terrace area has the best seats in the cafe and offers a relaxing ambiance. It offers breakfast options from Western and Indian cuisines and has delightful coffee selections. From a traditional Punjabi breakfast of parathas with curd and pickle to French toast, omelets and sandwiches, The Willow Café is a cozy little place to visit.
