Top 5 Best Restaurants in Lucknow

Lucknow popularly known as the city of Nawabs boasts a rich tapestry of flavors-a heroically royal Awadhi to raucous street food. Here's a guide to five of the best dining spots in this historic town.

1. Oudhyana: A Royal Experience

Taj Mahal Lucknow, Oudhyana is the epitome of a luxury dining place steeped in the tradition of Nawabi and has an extremely regal ambiance added by plush décor and attentive service. Some of the star dishes include Kakori Kebabs- that have the tenderness and depth of flavor, Murgh Awadhi Korma that is a rich creamy chicken curry, Dum Pukht Biryani slow-cooked with spices and lamb or chicken, Shahi Tukda -a decadent fried bread soaked in sweet milk and garnished with nuts and much more.

Location: Taj Mahal Lucknow

2. Falaknuma: Dining with a view

Falaknuma is situated atop the Hotel Clarks Avadh, but it is here that offers a great view of the city and a menu full of flavors of Awadhi and Mughlai. The place is elegant in its own way to dine in. Must-tries for the following dishes: Shami Kebabs; kebabs of minced meat mixed with chickpeas and spices; Awadhi Biryani; aromatic rice and meat cooked with spices and saffron; Paneer Pasanda; stuffed paneer in creamy tomato gravy; Dal Makhani; creamy black lentils and kidney beans; Pista Kulfi; traditional Indian ice cream flavored with pistachios.

Location: Hotel Clarks Avadh

3. L-14 Fine Dine Restaurant: A Modern Culinary Gem

At the renaissance Lucknow Hotel, L-14 combines modern decor with an incredible city view. It offers an exciting menu featuring Asian, Continental, and Indian dishes. The highlights include Murgh Makhani, where real butter chicken is served with rich tomato gravy; Tandoori Prawns, a wonderful dish that consists of marinated prawns grilled perfectly; Dimsum Platter, an assortment of different dim sum; Paneer Tikka, an early staple "grilled paneer marinated in spiced yogurt; and Chocolate Fondant, a warm gooey chocolate cake like a pudding, molten center.

Place: 14th Floor, Renaissance Lucknow Hotel.

4. Moti Mahal: A Veggie Treat

Situated in Hazratganj, Moti Mahal has vegetarian items on the menu and an amiable ambiance. The menu is varied with items such as Paneer Maharaja-a rich North Indian preparation with paneer, rich in gravy; Assorted Kulcha which are soft, flaky breads served with gravies; Chinese Delights like Veg Manchurian and Hakka Noodles; Kulfi Falooda, a refreshing dessert combining kulfi with falooda; and Rabri Imarti, that is syrupy imarti with creamy rabri.

Location: No. 75, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Hazratganj.

5. Royal Café: Street Food Haven

A Hazratganj institution, the Royal Café is known for innovative street foods. You should try Basket Chaat, a crispy potato basket replete with an amalgamation of flavors; Aloo Tikki Chaat, tikkis along with several chutneys; Pav Bhaji, spiced vegetable mash served with buttered bread; Pani ke Batashe, tangy pani puri; and Butter Chicken, rich, creamy chicken curry.
Location: 51, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Hazratganj.

From the royal delicacies to street vendors, these are Lucknow's top picks representing the flair and richness of its illustrious tradition.