If you’ve ever survived the traffic of Delhi, you’d realize why so many food joints are sprouting at every corner. Gastronomy has rekindled the relationship of modern cafe-hoppers and their love for creative cuisine. Unlike small, crowded and uncomfortable ambience of Old Delhi cuisine, new cafes are embracing the art of luxurious food-fare. Pleasant music, themed decor, quirky menus and super-friendly staff follow the principle rule of engaging not one but all the senses of a customer and transporting them to a short-lived, food-paradise. South Delhi is booming with such phenomenal ideas and sensory experiences. We bring you our top 15 picks of best cafes in South Delhi that you absolutely cannot afford to miss.
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1. The Rose Cafe
We recommend every couple to go on a date at least once, to this ‘ pretty as a picture’ cafe. Pink and blue hues dominate the interiors while mahogany chairs and tables provide the perfect vintage contrast to its delicate ambience. You can soak in some vitamin D during winters with their equally pretty outdoor setting or enjoy High Tea like a bunch of royals from their special Victorian section.
Top dishes: Chicken steak, Pasta, Waffles, Coffee, Tiramisu
Address: Saidulajab, Saket, 09899055665
Timings: 12pm-9pm
Average Cost: INR 1000 for two
2. The Big Chill
We undoubtedly agree to the chill quotient that runs in the air at The Big Chill. Your greedy stomach is in for a treat with their generous food servings and definite food coma. But before devouring that penne in vodka sauce, you have to wait for your table as the place is never empty. And we can’t argue because old Hollywood posters, vibrant yellow lights, air that smells like fresh basil and happy faces are a killer combination.
The Big Chill is for you if are in no mood of compromising on great food and chill vibe.
Top dishes: Smoked Chicken Salad, Prawn Puttanesca Pasta, Chicken Pasta, Mustard and Herb Chicken, Peri Peri Pizza, Spinach Ravioli, Waffles, Shakes, Mississippi Mud Pie, Irish Cream Tiramisu and Banoffee Pie.
Address: 122, DLF Mall, Saket, New Delhi, 110017, 011 41170000
Timings: 12pm-11:30pm
Average Cost: INR 1500
3. Big Yellow Door
A magical Yellow Door seems minuscule in the endless escapade of cafes on the busy streets of Satya Niketan. While walking down the street opposite to Venkateswara College, you can spot the titled Big Yellow Door and long queue of hungry souls gawking at the door. Soothing yellow lights, spunky interiors, cozy sitting arrangements and evergreen John Mayor warms you up for the heavenly food-coma you’d eventually receive. Their quick service and generosity towards cheese on your food will hit the spot and make you go ‘ Oh My God’ instantly.
While Sam Smith keeps you company, you can relish the wonderful cool and warm amalgamation of melted cheese and salsa with their popular Cheesy Nachos Mexicana. This is the absolute temple for foodies that are low on budget and crave authentic continental and Italian cuisine.
Top Dishes: Cheesy Nachos Mexicana, Creamy Cheese Sauce Pasta, BYD Cheese Bomb Burger, Fish Fingers, Kit-Kat shake, Butter Chicken Pizza, Peri-Peri Chicken tenders and Cinnamon Palm Latte.
Address: Opposite Venkateswara College, Satya Niketan, 07042294297
Timings: 10am-11pm
Average Cost: INR 600 for two
4. Blue Tokai
Blue Tokai coffee roasters are counted amongst the top breweries in town. They are known for sourcing fresh coffee beans from the estates of Chikmagalur, Coorg, Sheravoy Hills and many others in the South. Besides strong and flavorsome coffee, they serve delicious snacks that you can pair with your favourite brew.
Perfect for a light breakfast to kick-start your day. They keep their menu short and precise, offer a great working environment and don’t burn a whole in your pocket, qualities of an amazing café!
Top Dishes: Flat White, Cortado, Pourover, Chili Cinnamon Mocha, Nitro Coffee, No Leaf Salad, Open-Faced Sandwich, Ragi Pancakes, Mawa Cupcake, Bacon and Cheddar Waffle and Rustom’s Caramel Custard.
Address: Westend Marg, Saidulajab, Saket, 09821126015
Timings: 9am-10pm
Average Cost: INR 750 for two
5. Hauz Khas Social
It’s not possible to strike up a conversation about food and South Delhi without bringing Hauz Khas into the picture. And with that in mind, the best place for food in Hauz Khas has to be Hauz Khas Social. This mammoth structure gives stunning views of signature Hauz Khas fort and lake, a very rare and precious combination in Delhi. Its classic rough look, accessorized by metals, lamps, recycled furniture and #quirky menu is worth walking down the narrow lanes of Hauz Khas village.
Perfect for a date, informal office meetings or the good old gobble mission.
Top dishes: Cocktails, shakes, Butter Garlic Chicken, 4 Cheese Pizza and Social Caesar Salad
Address: Hauz Khas Village, 07838652814
Timings: 11am-12:30am
Average Cost: INR 1300 for two
Also Read: 15 Best Weekend Getaways from Delhi
6. Lodi – The Garden Restaurant
source: sewara
Lodi brings a gourmet meal to your table with exceptional hospitality, serene surroundings and impeccable flavour palette. Bordering the Lodi Garden, its minimalistic outdoor setting encourages nature to control the ambience. Mediterranean cuisine explores the lines of European and Middle Eastern touch and blends perfectly with their wine collection.
Even though it blurs the line between a café and a restaurant, its extravagant menu is worth the splurge.
Top dishes: Wild Mushroom Risotto with Pan Seared Cep, Grilled Tenderloin Steak, Grilled Jumbo Prawns with Lemon Butter, Banoffee Pie and Almond Bread Pudding with Warm Toffee Sauce and Fig Ice-Cream.
Address: Opposite Mausam Bhawan, Lodhi Road, 011 24655054
Timings: 12pm-12:30am
Average Cost: INR 2500 for two
7. Jugmug Thela
A regular thela and a regular cup of tea is not as exciting as the Masala Chai of Jugmug Thela in the hidden lanes of Champa Gali. This popular tea stall is as quirky as its name. They offer unique blends of coffee and tea that are sourced directly from the estates of South. Health wizards will be happy to explore their Homemade Munchies section that booms with healthy snacks.
You can spend your entire day sipping piping hot tea and reading from their awesome book collection.
Top dishes: Masala Chai, Chocolate Walnut Brownie, Sandwiches and Coffee.
Address: Westend Marg, Saidulajab, Saket, 09871470507
Timing: 11am-8pm
Average Cost: INR 500 for two
8. Diggin
This fairly new eatery already has a massive fan following. Victorian style interiors, antique wall clocks, porcelain teapots, twinkling lights, soothing wall art and comfortable cushions can bring a nerve wrecking day to a blissful end. Their outdoor arrangement is equally appealing with the yellow of Chinese lanterns harmonising elegantly with the green of nature.
It’s the perfect stop for an after work grub fest or basic Sunday brunch.
Top dishes: Grilled Tomato Bruschetta, Chicken Jalapeño Pizza, Rosemary Grilled Chicken, Jalapeño Cheese Poppers, Belgium Chocolate Shake and Oreo Brownie Cheesecake.
Address: Chanakyapuri, 011 26110787
Timings: 11:30am-10:30pm
Average Cost: INR 1400 for two
9. The Potbelly Rooftop Cafe
Many modern cafes in Delhi have nailed continental cuisine excellently, but when it comes to regional food with a modern twist, the Potbelly Rooftop Café is leading the race with their delicious Litti Chokha Mutton Platter. Bright sunlight and cozy interiors are the best combination for a hot Bihari meal during winters. Their efforts for turning a simple rooftop space into a beautiful, warm and welcoming cafe are meritorious.
Green plants and smiling flowers keep you company while you’re waiting for your order. So next time you’re craving Khada Masala Mutton with a stunning view and fresh air, Potbelly is the place for your belly!
Top dishes: Litti Chokha, Khada Masala Mutton, Phataka French Fries, Champaran Style Mutton, Dehati Fish n Chips, Keema Maggi, Mustard Fish and Prawn Curry.
Address: Shahpur Jat, 011 41612048
Timings: 12:30pm-10:30pm
Average Cost: INR 1000 for two
10. Hard Rock Cafe
Even after many years and countless rivals, Hard Rock Cafe has successfully maintained its phenomenal charm, gripping music and Legendary Chicken Burgers. All the reasons why every music lover should visit them at least once, for an extraordinary evening. Their classic take on rock music, live bands, red and yellow lights, wooden interiors, enormous couches and giant portions of food will never disappoint you.
Our advice is to opt for a light meal before you gear up for their tantalizing menu. Delectable drinks paired with massive burgers should be your new guilty pleasure for the weekend.
Top dishes: US Tennessee BBQ Burger, The Sucker Punch Burger, Mexican Veg Quesadilla Burger, Cocktails, Corn Fritters, Nachos and Legendary Chicken Burger.
Address: DLF Place Mall, Saket, 011 47158888
Timings: 12pm-1am
Average Cost: INR 2500 for two
A noble and hungry man once said, “ Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” and we couldn’t agree more. As more and more cafes are brewing amazing food, its hard to pick a favourite. But who are we to complain when more than one café can nail that Penne Arrabbiata and transport our taste buds to food nirvana.
Also Read: Unique Places to Eat in Mumbai
Last Updated on October 30, 2018 by Rohan
