Restaurants that bagged the most votes in each category, in no particular order:
North Indian:
Bukhara
The restaurant has gained legendary status for its Northwest Frontier Province region cuisine over the years.
Where: ITC Maurya, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri; New Delhi; 26112233
Moti Mahal, Daryaganj
Known as the ‘inventor’ of butter chicken, this decades-old place attracts those looking for authentic north Indian fare.
Where: 3704, Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj, Delhi; 23273011
Punjabi by Nature
Famous for vodka golgappas, this place is known for its innovative dishes like tandoori quail and drunken prawns.
Where: 11, Basant Lok Complex, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi; 41516666-68
South Indian:
Dakshin
Dakshin offers specialty and unique dishes south of the Vindhyas that would be hard to find anywhere else in the city.
Where: Sheraton New Delhi Hotel, District Centre, Saket, New Delhi; 42661122
Sagar Ratna
Years after this place started, neither the delicious food nor the efficient and friendly service seems to be showing signs of a decline.
Where: 18, Main Market, Defence Colony, New Delhi; 24333688
Saravana Bhavan
This popular outlet serves delectable food at super fast speed. Be ready to brave long queues during lunch and dinner hours.
Where: 46, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi; 23317755
Pan Indian:
Saffron
Looking for a true-blue Indian meal in Gurgaon? Head to Saffron and try their aromatic biryanis and tandoori raan.
Where: Trident Gurgaon, 443, Udyog Vihar Phase V, Gurgaon; 2450505
Indian Accent
Try Indian food with an international twist here. From golgappas to foie gras-stuffed galwat, everything’s superb.
Where: The Manor, 77, Friends Colony (West), New Delhi; 26925151
Varq
Modern Indian cuisine could find no more sumptuous a setting or be presented more beautifully than how it is at Varq.
Where: The Taj Mahal Hotel, 1, Mansingh Road, New Delhi; 23026162
Regional:
Chor Bizarre
A special emphasis on Kashmiri cuisine and a kitschy, quirky decor make this restaurant a winner in all respects.
Where: Hotel Broadway, 4/15A, Asaf Ali Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi; 43663600
Oh! Calcutta
Among the few places in Delhi that serves authentic Bengali cuisine; try Chittagong pomphret bhaja and daab chingri.
Where: International Trade Tower, E- Block, Nehru Place, New Delhi; 26464180
Rajdhani
This restaurant serves pure vegetarian Gujarati and Rajasthani fare and is hugely popular with Delhi’s foodies.
Where: P 1/90, Connaught Place, New Delhi; 23346300/400
Japanese:
Konomi
A well-liked Japanese restaurant in Gurgaon that serves sushi, sashimi, yakitori, teriyaki and donburi.
Where: Trident Hilton Hotel, 443, Udyog Vihar Phase V, Gurgaon; 2450505
Ai
Do not leave this contemporary diner without tasting the tender pork belly starter and omakase sushi platter.
Where: MGF Mall, 2nd Floor, District Centre, Saket, New Delhi; 40654567
Wasabi
Wasabi offers a world-class gastronomic experience. Here, you’ll get new world Japanese cuisine using fantastic ingredients.
Where: The Taj Mahal Hotel, 1, Mansingh Road, New Delhi; 41681333
Specialised South East Asian:
Spice Restaurant & Bar
The alfresco seating is a huge draw. The menu is extensive and the food authentic; try kai hor bai toey and panang curry.
Where: No. 10-11, Gate No. 3, Garden of Five Senses, Said-ul-Ajaib, Delhi; 9650537666
Blue Ginger
The menu offers the best traditional as well as contemporary Vietnamese dishes. Among these, the pho soup and basa fish kari are must-trys.
Where: The Taj Palace Hotel, Sardar Patel Marg, Chanakyapuri, Delhi ; 26110202
Ego Thai
This spacious restaurant-cum-lounge bar offers has some of the best Thai curries and soups in the city.
Where: 53, Community Centre, New Friends Colony, Delhi; 26331182
Pan Asian:
Pan Asian
People swear by the peking duck and dimsums, but the red snapper with three-flavour sauce is also highly recommended .
Where: Sheraton New Delhi Hotel, District Centre, Saket, New Delhi; 42661122
Side Wok
The food is superb and the prices don’t burn a hole in your pocket. The must-trys are butter garlic prawns and mapu tofu.
Where: 45, Khan Market, New Delhi; 43587122
Oriental Octopus
An exhaustive menu from eight countries, foot-tapping music and delectable cuisine makes this place a winner.
Where: Hotel Savoy Suites, 79A, Sector 16, Noida; 2512143
Chinese:
My Humble House
A Zen-like decor welcomes you to this place, that has an interesting, contemporary menu. The food is brilliant.
Where: ITC Maurya, Sardar Patel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi; 26112233
The Monk
Sample the green teas as you decide on what to eat. We recommend the chef’s special szechwan chicken dish.
Where: Galaxy Hotel, Sector 15, Part II, Gurgaon; 4565000
The China Kitchen
The star of the menu at this world-class restaurant is Peking duck, but do try the are beggar’s chicken and sizzling seabass.
Where: Hyatt Regency, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi; 66771308
Italian:
La Piazza
Among the best Italian restaurants in the city, it offers cordon bleu Italian cuisine amidst a warm, inviting ambience.
Where: Hyatt Regency, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi; 26791234
Cibo:
The menu has the traditional Italian five courses but we recommend the insalata di fagioli from the salad section.
Where: Hotel Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi; 23340070
Diva
It’s hard to have a bad meal at Diva; the best thing about this place is that the menu is revised regularly, so expect something new every time you visit.
Where: M-8, GK-II, New Delhi; 41637858
Mediterranean:
Olive Beach
The ambience is top-notch and the food wins on all counts; dine on novel dishes never seen before in Delhi.
Where: Hotel Diplomat, 9, SP Marg, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi; 46040404
It’s Greek To Me
Looking for unusual Greek food? Then this is the place to be. Try the tonnos me revithia and Greek soup avgolomono here.
Where: B6/4, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi; 41012240-41
Shalom
Gorge on hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, cacik and various other dips and morsels with some yummy sangrias here.
Where: N-18, Greater Kailash I, New Delhi; 41632280
European:
West View - The Grill
The view from the 16th floor is awe-inspiring. Add to it the great food, and the combination leaves your soul satiated.
Where: ITC Maurya, Diplomatic Enclave, SP Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi; 26112233
Olive Bar & Kitchen
Aforest, a minaret, delicious munchies and drinks beneath a banyan tree — it’s just some of what you can look forward to.
Where: One Style Mile, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi; 29574443
Smoke House Grill
The chic eatery boasts of great food and drink in uber cool ambience. Try the braised chicken legs with lindt chocolate.
Where: 2, VIPPS Centre, GK-II, Delhi; 41435530
Central & South American:
Ruby Tuesday
A peppy little place serving the best of Tex Mex dishes. The helpings are huge and the ambience is pleasant.
Where: Ground Floor, TDI Mall, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi; 45034413
Rodeo
A happy place that serves great nachos topped with cheese and veggies. Follow that with some quesadillas.
Where: A-12, Connaught Place, New Delhi; 23713780
Sancho’s
This vibrant eatery offers value for money Tex-Mex fare and excellent cocktails. Foot tapping music plays in the background.
Where: TM-48, Outer Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi; 971756504
Café (Stand-Alone):
The Big Chill
Give your calorie count a miss as you savour pizzas, pastas and excellent cheesecakes at this hugely-popular cafe.
Where: 35, Middle Lane, Khan Market, New Delhi; 41757533
Hard Rock Café
Tuck in the tikka fed burger as you swing to the beats of heavy metal, garage, grunge, heartland, country, and more.
Where: M-110, 1st Floor, DLF Place, District Centre, Saket, New Delhi; 47158888
Urban Café
The decor is superb, the food is varied but we recommend their urban shakes, Scottish salmon and chicken toscana.
Where: 70, 1st and 2nd floor, Middle Lane, Khan Market, New Delhi; 43597127
All-Day Dining:
Cilantro
This multi-cuisine all-day diner has some of the best wood-fired pizzas on offer; also try the smoky Norwegian salmon and cheese souffle.
Where: Trident Hotel, 443, Udyog Vihar, Phase V, Gurgaon; 2450505
The Pavilion
This restaurant is known for its elaborate buffets and Sunday brunches. The live counters add a nice buzz to the ambience.
Where: ITC Maurya, 9, SP Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi; 26112233
Baywatch
This coffee shop serves popular breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets and a la carte menu. Try the biryani and lamb chops.
Where: Sheraton New Delhi Hotel, District Centre, Saket, New Delhi; 42661122
Bakery/Patisserie:
Gourmet Shop
The place serves an array of gateaux, pastries and breads. Among the top draws are the doughnuts, croissants and tarts.
Where: ITC Maurya, Sardar Patel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi; 26112233
Wenger’s
Set up in 1926, it’s one of the oldest pastry shops in town. Must-trys include the rich chocolate truffle and black forest cakes.
Where: A-16, Inner Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi; 23324594
Angels in My Kitchen
Whether it’s rich pastries or vegetarian sausage rolls, this place serves everything fresh and delicious.
Where: 7, Defence Colony, Delhi; 41551122
Coastal:
Swagath
The place certainly ranks high for seafood and coastal cuisine. Must-trys are Malvani banana and dal Hyderabadi.
Where: Hotel Janpath, Connaught Place, Delhi; 23366761
Purana Villa
This relatively new eatery has become the talk-of-the-town thanks to its dakhini prawn curry and kozi curry.
Where: 4/172, Jor Bagh Market, New Delhi; 24629207
Frozen Desserts:
Haagen-Dazs
Some of the popular ice creams at this popular international joint include Belgian chocolate and, cappuccino truffle. The fresh fruit sorbets are a must-have, too.
Where: 32-36, Select Citywalk Mall, District Centre, Saket, New Delhi; 49535567
Giani
The natural ice creams made of fresh fruits such as mangoes, jamun, litchi are hugely popular. The calorie conscious can feast on gelatos and lite desserts.
Where: Multiple outlets
Cocoberry
This swanky chain of concept store offers new flavours of delicious, zero fat, low calorie frozen yogurts each month.
Where: Multiple outlets
Bistro/Diner/Deli:
All American Diner
The food portions are generous and the all-day breakfast menu is mind-boggling. A quaint bar adds to the appeal of the place.
Where: India Habitat Centre, Habitat World, Lodhi Road, New Delhi; 41220000
Smoke House Deli
They serve the best wasabi, saffron pappardelle and burnt butter brioche. The smoked turkey pastrami bagels are worth a try. A must-visit for a leisurely meal.
Where: DLF Place, 2nd Floor, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi; 46075646
Oberoi Patisserie & Delicatessen
You can get everything from spicy Calabrian salam and Somerset cheddar cheese here. The chocolate section is worth a look.
Where: The Oberoi, Dr. Zakir Husain Marg, New Delhi; 24363030
Vegetarian:
Sattvik
The eatery has notched up quite a fan following, with dal-e-sattvik and paneer moksha ranking among the popular dishes.
Where: 2nd floor, Select Citywalk Mall, Saket, New Delhi; 40599911
Veg Gulati
Looking for some late night desi grub? Then come here to try the paneer tikka kesari, navratan korma and kadhai paneer.
Where: 8, Pandara Road, Shri Barda Ukil Marg, New Delhi; 23388830
Tatva
The quality of the food is complemented by the service. Try the handi biryani, dal makni and nazakat ke kofte here.
Where: Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, 64/6, Site-IV, Ghaziabad; 4180000
Multi-Cuisine:
Q’BA
A trendy restaurant that serves excellent choices are the mezze platter, BBQ chicken wings, and much more.
Where: E-42/43, Inner Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi; 45173333
Drift
Dig into the citrus-infused duck breast on potato corn galette and sinful desserts as you discuss business with friends here.
Where: Epicentre, Apparel House, Sector 44, Gurgaon; 2715111
Sequel
The menu is so vast that you can get anything you can think of. Try seafood kebabs and Moroccan lamb tagine.
Where: 35, Main Market, Defence Colony, New Delhi; 46576555
Bar/Nightclub:
Howzatt
Combine cricket with beer and you get Howzatt. Delhi’s very first micropub (microbrewery plus pub) is a must-visit.
Where: Galaxy Hotel, Sector 15, Part II, NH 8, Gurgaon; 4565000
The Love Hotel
Get the best cocktails here. The must-trys are Wild Irish Rose and Ai Wasabi.
Where: ai, MGF Metropolitan Mall, District Centre, Saket, New Delhi; 40654567
F Bar & Lounge
This exclusive 24x7 bar sees the who’s-who of fashion and Page 3 swinging the night away. Couples entry only.
Where: The Ashok Hotel, 50-B, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi; 26116161