Indian Accent continues to be on top of the list of most popular restaurants in India for another year in running. Well, nothing official about it but this list is based on user reviews on popular reviewing site TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor compiles list based on user reviews and updates them annually according to user ratings.
It seems that Indian Accent at Friends Colony in New Delhi has continued to maintain its love affair with foodies. But besides this top position this list has seen a lot of upheaval in past one year. Four from the last list have lost their place and consequently there are four new entrants this year. New in this list but already known names. Goa lost one place but than there was another one from Goa to get entry. NCR continues to have its hold in the list with four entrants.
Villa Maya at Trivandrum has moved up a notch from 3rd position last year to number 2 this year. Peshawri at ITC Maratha in Mumbai has actually switched its place with Villa Maya this year. From number two last year, it has now come down to number three. Bukhara at ITC Maurya in New Delhi has also dropped one position from number four last year to number five this year. Karavalli in tech city Bengaluru enters the top 10 list at number four this year. Thalassa at Vagator in Goa is also a new entrant in the list at number six. Malaka Spice at Pune continues to be at the same position as last year at number seven. But Khyber at Mumbai has dropped two positions from number six last year to number eighth in this year’s list. Lodi, The Garden Restaurant in New Delhi also enters the list at number nine. Gurgaon’s (now Gurugram) Farzi Cafe also makes its way in the list at number ten.
Those restaurants who are out of the list include Agashiye at Ahmedabad (number five last year), Gulati at New Delhi (number eight last year), Pinch of Spice at Agra (number nine last year) and Tuscany Gardens at Candolim in Goa (number ten last year).
Let’s have a look at the four new entrants this year.
Located at The Gateway Hotel in Bangalore, Karavalli is to south Indian food what Bukhara is to kebabs. Not only is the food terrific but Karavalli’s influence has transformed the way south Indian food is perceived and served. Having embarked on a journey in 1990 to offer guests traditional cuisine of the South Western Coastal region, Karavalli has reinvented itself to give connoisseurs and gourmands a rejuvenated epicurean experience. At the iconic Karavalli, authenticity is the hallmark, where well-researched home-food recipes come together to ensure an experience that reiterates the greatness of Karavalli with a refreshed blend of novel additions to the menu, innovative desserts and unique dining experiences. The restored Karavalli captures the essence of 22 years of extensive research by the restaurant’s expert Chefs, reflecting the culinary legacy of the coastal regions of south west India. The Chefs have put together a distinctive compilation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies with extensive culinary journeys ranging from the best of the Mangalorean Bunts and Konkanis, Kodavas from Coorg, Malayalees, Calicut Muslims and Syrian Christians of Travancore, Havyaka Brahmins of Vitla and the Portuguese of Goa. New experiences like Tiffin carrier, South west coast Grills in the garden, Seasonal Curries and Wood fired dishes await our discerning guests. Karavalli the recipient of many awards both National and International and is featured in the best food guides across the world, like the one-of-its-kind Miele Food Guide (excerpts from the restaurant page).
“Thalassa” is an acronym for the “sea” in Greek, and this Greek taverna offers stunning views of Goa’s thalassa. Perched on the edge of a high cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea in Small Vagator village, this open-air restaurant offers one of the most breath-taking sunset views in Goa and a fabulous evening ambiance. Conceived, owned and managed by Mariketty, diners are invited to share the ‘Greek culture’ that infuses this enchanting taverna, from its authentic and delectable Greek food, to the music and the warm hospitality. Set upon a high cliff that offers a stunning ocean-view, and styled completely in white, replete with with cane furnishings, white plastered walls and billowy white muslins-drapes, this elegant open-air Greek restaurant is reminiscent of any classic chic eat in Mykonos. With the azure waters of the Arabian Sea serving as the backdrop, soft lounge music wafting through the speakers and the attentive (and knowledgeable) staff who magically appear whenever you need them , it is easy to see why this Little Vagator taverna is one of North Goa’s most adored restaurants. The food is Greek and the plates are bountiful. From classic Greek appetizers, dips and salads, to melt-in-your-mouth meats from the grill and Greek main courses, the food here is simply delicious! (excerpts from whatsupgoa.com)
Lodi, The Garden Restaurant is loved by Delhi. Known for its romantic setting & natural surroundings, Lodi is touted as the city’s favorite alfresco restaurant. The elegant & earthy interiors complimenting the natural landscape create an unobtrusive vibe, setting the tone for an unhurried meal with family or a day out with friends. From popular Sunday brunches to hi teas in the evenings, experiences at The Lodi are customized based on guest preferences. While the wine bar boasts of an extensive wine list and a 16 tap wine machine, the garden bar is popular for its innovative cocktails. Lodi is well known as a non-institutional cultural hub. We work with well known & upcoming artists to organize a wide variety of events & gatherings ranging from live music and stand up comedy to travel talks and book readings. Highlighted by its lush botanical surroundings, pebbled walkways and bamboo railings, the restaurant is an extension of Lodhi Garden itself. The menu is an eclectic mix of flavors from around the world, though the emphasis remains on the much favored European influenced cuisine. Restaurant borrows serenity from the adjacent Lodhi Gardens. The Lodi has seating that is split between the Atrium, the Bar Floor, the Terrace, the Garden Area and the Ground Floor. The Garden area houses a variety of trees including the Jamun & Peepal, some over 100 years old. Comforting colors like orange have been used to ensure the seamless blending-in of the serene natural environment with that of the restaurant. The restaurant is not only known for its signature dishes like Moroccan Lamb Shoulder, Mezze platters, and The Lodi Chocolate Mousse, but also for its specialized organic farm to fork dishes, catering services and a live outdoor grill that serves authentic Rajasthani food. (excerpts from sewara.com)
Farzi Cafe in Gurgaon will seem to be as quirky as the name suggests. The cafe is located in the hot spot of NCR ie DLF Cyber Hub. If you are a sucker for Indian cuisine but are bored with the sameness or wary of the overwhelming spices, then Farzi is the place for you. This place serves all the popular Indian dishes with quirky plating and presentation. If you want to have Indian food with a twist, look no further because Farzi Cafe is dedicated to providing the customers with innovative variations of Indian foods. A lively ambience and a polite staff. Have a small menu so really easy to choose stuff. A very large place with a long bar running on the left side. For large groups, there are round tables with black leather couches that kinda gives you a private space. A small platform on the right hosts live music on a few select days. Everything is wood and as soon as you enter its brown up and down. Even the ceiling has a wooden finish. A formal dining place with a twist. Focusing on the gourmet diner as well as the youth of India, Farzi Café aims to bring Indian cuisine back “in-Vogue”. “Farzi” can have many connotations, but at Farzi Café, it has just one, “creating an illusion” with its cuisine. Best described as a gourmet experience, it amalgamates traditional global and Indian classics, with Indian influences, contemporary presentations, culinary styles and ambiance. It is a quirky, chic, modern Indian café, where guests enjoy a sensory experience through the finest modern Indian cuisine, with a high energy ambiance. Infusing a generous dose of Indian flavours, Farzi Café presents Indian cuisine where culinary art meets the alchemy of modern presentations and cooking techniques like molecular gastronomy to absorb the guest into the ultimate gastronomic illusion (excerpts from restaurant site).