Amritsar is renowned for its diverse food options. This thriving city blends modern dining options with traditional Punjabi dishes. Amritsar caters to every palate, offering mouth-watering street food and exquisite fine dining experiences.
Over the years, Amritsar’s restaurant culture has evolved and expanded, with new and exciting dining options popping up across the city. Today, the city boasts numerous upscale restaurants that offer unique dining experiences, spanning from traditional Punjabi delicacies to fusion cuisines that blend spices from all around the world.
This blog post highlights Amritsar’s top 7 must-visit restaurants, showcasing the destinations that food enthusiasts shouldn’t miss. We’ll delve into the unique dishes and dining experiences each of these restaurants offers, providing a glimpse into the culinary wonders awaiting you in this vibrant city.
Top Parameters that Define the Best Restaurants in Amritsar
Amritsar is a paradise for food lovers, offering various dining options to suit every taste and budget. However, not all restaurants are equal, and selecting the best places to eat depends on the following parameters.
- Food Quality – Food quality is undoubtedly the most crucial parameter that defines a restaurant’s success. The best restaurants in Amritsar exclusively use fresh ingredients in their dishes. You can also check google reviews to know about other diner’s experiences.
- Authenticity – The best restaurants in Amritsar are popularly known for their commitment to providing the real taste of Punjabi cuisine. A restaurant’s food captures the authentic flavors of the dishes prepared by chefs who know cooking techniques and ingredients well. This parameter is critical to create an unforgettable dining experience. The food in restaurants authentically captures the flavors of the dishes prepared by the chefs and they have comprehensive knowledge of the cooking techniques and ingredients used.
- Ambiance – The restaurant’s atmosphere sets the tone for the dining experience. The top eateries in Amritsar provide a relaxing and friendly atmosphere so guests can unwind and savor their meals.
- Services – The best restaurants in Amritsar provide excellent customer service from the moment the diners walk in until they leave. The restaurants’ staff are welcoming, knowledgeable, and attentive to the diners’ requirements. They try to maintain high standards of both the cuisine and the services at a restaurant.
7 Best Restaurants in Amritsar
- Elgin Cafe
Elgin Cafe is a charming and cozy restaurant in Amritsar. The cafe’s decor is emerald green and gold, which exudes an impression of old-world grandeur. Combining the best-of-a-day bistro and a trendy bar by night, Elgin Cafe offers a space where guests feel surrounded by nature, food, and conversations.
The top dishes at Elgin Cafe include authentic Italian pizza and pasta and non-veg dishes like tandoori chicken. Moreover, trying their cheesecakes for a hearty dessert would be best.
- Must try dishes:
- Cottage cheese steak with creamy tomato sauce – INR 645
- Elgin Butter Garlic Chicken – INR 745
- Address: On the left of Ivy Hospital, Ajnala Rd., Inside 2nd Lane, D R Enclave, Bal Schander, Amritsar.
- Timing: 1 pm – 11:30 pm
- Average dining cost: Rs. 1000-1500 for two
- Grain by Elgin
Grain by Elgin is a delightful cafe designed to provide a light, serene, and versatile environment. It is elegantly decorated in a warm wooden palette and neutral color scheme, providing a space where individuals can savor healthy brunches, indulge in artisanal coffee, and work in peace. Whether you seek a quick snack or a leisurely meal, Grain by Elgin is the perfect spot to relish delicious food in a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
The carefully curated menu offers a selection of salads and nutritious bowls, sumptuous grill items, and fresh combinations of juices and smoothies. All of these dishes are thoughtfully prepared and cooked with handpicked fresh ingredients. You can also choose a healthy bread base for your pizza from options like – whole wheat, Ragi and buckwheat or simply the regular base.
- Must try dishes:
- Potato and Ham omelette – INR 450
- Homemade Granola – INR 425
- Address: Above Haldiram, D – Block, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar
- Timing: 12 pm-11:30 pm
- Average dining cost: Rs 1000-1500 for two
- SOHO
Renowned for its fusion cuisine, Soho skillfully blends global ingredients with local ingredients, offering diners a truly unique taste.
Soho’s menu offers an extensive range of appetizing dishes, ensuring a delightful experience for every taste preference.
Don’t miss the opportunity to savor their authentic Indian main course, traditional desserts such as gulab jamun, and an array of delightful ice cream flavors. You can enjoy your favorite meal in the enticing poolside dining area, which is also equipped with a big-screen television that attracts a lot of crowds during IPL and other sports events.
- Must try dishes:
- Mutton Rogan Josh – INR 655
- Bharwan Kulcha – INR 95
- Vegetable in Black Bean Sauce – INR 525
- Address: At the top floor of Best Western Hotel, District Shopping Complex, B – Block, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar
- Timing: 12:15 pm-11:30 pm
- Average dining cost: Rs. 1000-1300 for two
- WelcomCafe Phulkari – WelcomHotel ITC
WelcomCafe Phulkari at WelcomHotel ITC Amritsar is a fine dining restaurant that is renowned for serving classic Punjabi cuisine. The restaurant is a favorite among both locals and visitors due to its lively atmosphere, gracious service, and mouth-watering food.
The restaurant’s entrance is adorned with intricate Phulkari embroidery in vibrant color. The menu offers a range of north Indian, Italian and continental dishes. Some of the must-try dishes include different types of noodles and pasta, north Indian delights and the authentic Indian main course.
- Must try dishes
- Paneer butter masala – INR 400 (approx.)
- Butter Chicken – INR 500 (approx.)
- Address: WelcomHotel, Raja Sansi, Ajnala Road, Amritsar
- Timing: 7 am-11:45 pm
- Average dining cost: Rs. 1000-1500 for two
- Crystal Restaurant
Renowned among food enthusiasts, Crystal Restaurant in Amritsar is a popular establishment with 85 years of history. It offers a delectable array of food items that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. The restaurant has an extensive menu that appeals to vegetarian and non-vegetarian tastes, focusing on north Indian and Mughlai cuisine.
Simple yet stylish furnishings, dining area and cosy lighting contribute to the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere. Guests can expect excellent service from the kind and courteous staff, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The menu at Crystal restaurant features an array of delicious foods with some of the most popular items being Butter Chicken, Mutton Rogan Josh, Dal Makhani and other Chinese and continental cuisines too.
- Must try dishes:
- Moroccan spiced fish – INR 750
- Rice noodles Shangai style (veg/non-veg) – INR 440/490
- Address: 1st one from the Crystal Chowk, Queens Rd, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Nagar, Near Company Bagh, Amritsar.
- Timing: 11:30am-11:30pm
- Average dining cost: Rs. 800-1000 for two
- The Bagh
Indulge in a truly unique dining experience at ‘The Bagh.’ Nestled within a serene green garden, The Bagh invites you to a place with authentic delicacies and elegantly decorated interiors of covered cabins. It also has an open dining space with a modern touch that is sure to mesmerize all the diners.
The menu at The Bagh features a variety of masterfully created classic and modern dishes that represent the best of Indian cuisine. The restaurant is renowned for its outstanding biryanis and kebabs, and the menu has various vegetarian and non-vegetarian alternatives. Complementing the cuisine, The Bagh’s bar also offers a selection of traditional and innovative beverages.
- Must try dishes
- Fish Tikka – INR 845
- Mushroom Galawati and Kulcha – INR 695
- Address: The Bagh, The Forest Resort, Bypass Rd, Vallah, Amritsar
- Timing: 12:30 pm-1 am
- Average dining cost: Rs. 1000-1200 for two
- Amritsari Haveli
Amritsari Haveli immerses you in the ambiance of old Punjabi villages with its captivating traditional décor that emits the lively Punjabi culture.
The restaurant offers a diverse menu with a variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. It features mouth-watering dishes such as Amritsari Special Kulcha, Dal Makhani, Haveli Special Paneer, Sarso Ka Saag with Makki Di Roti, Haveli Chicken Tikka, Butter Chicken, Mutton Rogan Josh, and Mutton Nalli Nihari.
Amritsari Haveli is the perfect choice for an unforgettable experience of savoring authentic Punjabi cuisine in a warm and welcoming environment.
- Must try dishes:
- Haveli special thali – INR 249 (veg), 349 (non-veg)
- Haveli Mutton Nalli Nihari – INR 379
- Address: 1st outlet – Nexus Mall Amritsar, 2nd Floor, Food Court, New Amritsar
2nd outlet – SCO 27, near Sure Stay Hotel, D – Block, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar
Multiple other outlets available in Amritsar - Timing: 11 am-11 pm
- Average dining cost: Rs. 800-1000 for two
Conclusion
With a rich culinary heritage rooted in its food and culture, Amritsar has preserved its gastronomic traditions. Over time, Amritsar’s restaurant scene has evolved, with new establishments offering fusion dishes that blend regional and international tastes, providing a wide range of dining options. Whether you prefer the rooftop lounge at SOHO or the authentic Punjabi dishes at Amritsari Haveli, each restaurant on this list promises a distinctive dining experience.
Therefore, on your next visit to Amritsar, indulge your taste buds at one of these premium eateries and immerse yourself in the city’s lively food culture.
