Luxury, finesse, and flavour—that’s what you get when you dine at restaurants housed inside five-star hotels! This category honours those eateries that have not only raised the standards for their hospitality but also their culinary endeavours. Here’s what you really shouldn’t be missing out on in these spaces.
Megu, The Leela Palace, Delhi
Since its 2012 opening, this restaurant has become known as one of India's best options for authentic Japanese cuisine. A medley of the best products sourced from around the globe—including Japan, the United States of America, Canada, and Europe—graces the restaurant's menu. The furnishings of Megu pay homage to the classic Japanese style. Rich oakwood columns and elaborately embroidered silk kimono fabric adorn the walls, making the room cosier.
The classic lacquered walls in red and black seem like a contemporary spin on classic Japanese eateries. The cuisine embodies this dedication to tradition, featuring dishes like Oriental Salad, Hamachi Carpaccio, Salmon Tartare, Crispy Asparagus, and Kanzuri Prawns, all of which are customer favourites. The well-organised sake list is just what you need to choose from to find an accompaniment to the grand meal!
Koiishii, St Regis, Mumbai
Koishii combines dishes from different parts of the world and is perched on the 37th floor penthouse of Mumbai's St. Regis Hotel. It is a fusion restaurant serving dishes inspired by both Peruvian and Japanese cuisines. Think Mango Ceviches and Lotus Roots cooked in a flame pit.
Ever eaten a garden on a plate? Their Yellowtail Nikkei Tiradito would be just that; three varieties of puff quinoa and rocket leaves decorated around exquisite slices of blush-pink fish, all of which sit like delicate flowers. The light, crisp fish taste is perfectly complemented by the savoury Yamasa dressing, made with Japanese soy. Nigiri platters presented on dry ice are equally delicious. The freshness shines through in every cut, from the hamachi to the Scottish salmon. When it comes to vegetarian choices, Chef Kinyo spares no effort in his quest to rethink the food.
Indulge in this luscious Avocado Tartare with parsnip chips—a cool and creamy treat that will help you beat the scorching heat in Mumbai. The Aubergine Ceviche, similar to the mango ceviche, is a masterful medley of tastes and textures when tossed with Leches deTigre. Try their wreath-shaped dish of Watermelon Carpaccio entwined with baby spinach, quinoa, caramelised sesame seeds, and ponzu-dressed tofu. Trust us, it tastes as good as it looks!
Dum Pukht, ITC Maurya, Delhi
The Awadhi-style lighting and colonial-style furniture embroidered with zardozi at Dum Pukht will take you back in time, while the cuisine will take you to the royal kitchens of the nawabs. In "dum pukht” style of cooking, food is slowly cooked in a dough-sealed handi, a method that brings out the fullest flavours and fragrances by letting the contents age.
At the ITC Maurya restaurant, they bring this time-honoured method back to life with dishes passed down through the ages from royal courts all throughout India, from Hyderabad to Kashmir. The restaurant has received several accolades for its elevated and redefined traditional Indian cuisine, which is showcased in dishes such as the irresistible Kakori Kebab, juicy Murg Chandi Tikka, Mildly Spiced Baghare Baingan, and legendary Dum Pukht Biryani. Reviving ancient eating traditions, the restaurant firmly believes in utilising sustainably and locally sourced products, employing artisan cooking methods, and serving food in season.
Kangan, Westin Mumbai
At Kangan, visitors may savour Indian delicacies among a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, stunning views of the Mumbai cityscape, and the soft light of candles mingled with the tantalising scents of Indian spices. To promote family-style meals, Kangan provides a fragrant and delicious-tasting menu.
Private dining rooms are perfect for that unforgettable "personal experience," and the restaurant's interactive show kitchen and live clay oven or Tandoor cooking bring a dramatic touch that keeps diners enthralled. Needless to say, they keep coming back for more. The alluring culinary adventure known as Kangan takes an intriguing turn with a wide wine list that features a premium selection from across the world.
The inventive Indo-Asian combinations are made to accentuate the strong Indian tastes of the Northwest Frontier and the Awadhi area. Our picks? The crowd favourites, of course, including the Tandoori Lobster, Tandoori Chooza, Chicken Tikka Masala, Dal Kangan, Murg Biryani, and their amazing variety of naan breads. Add some mind-blowing kulfi to your supper to round it off!
Kokum Kitchen, Taj Fort Aguada Goa
Indulge in a spicy Goan breakfast or a continental spread of freshly baked pastries at Kokum Kitchen, one of the most flavourful eateries in Taj Aguada. The friendly staff is there to assist you with the nuances of regional specialities, and the lunch and supper menus contain a variety of tempting meals from across the world.
Stunning sea views complement delectable meals at this light and airy cafe, where you'll be spoilt for choice. Indulge in an array of international tastes and scents prepared in a live kitchen and served al fresco on the terrace. The entire menu is delicious, but our recommendations? Their Grilled Pomfret is a fresh taste of the ocean, but our favourites are the Chicken Xacuti, Bhindi Sol and Pork Vindaloo!
These five-star restaurants redefine luxury dining with world-class cuisine, impeccable service, and stunning ambience. Whether it’s Japanese finesse, regal Awadhi flavours, or bold Indo-Asian creations, each nominee offers an unforgettable experience. Indulge in culinary excellence and discover the finest flavours crafted by masterchefs at these prestigious dining destinations.
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