Beyond the Taj: Discovering the 13 best restaurants in Agra for unforgettable foodies

Agra offers a rewarding food experience, especially for travelers interested in Mughlai and North Indian cuisine. From rich Mughlai cuisine and aromatic biryanis to global fusion dishes and some rooftop restaurants offer distant or partial views of the Taj Mahal, depending on location and conditions, Agra is the place where any visiting traveler will have a memorable food experience. The city offers a wide range of dining options, including classic street food, fine-dining dishes, and cozy cafe settings, and all will leave something to be desired for every taste bud. In this guide, we are taking you on a tour of the 13 best restaurants in Agra, and we have chosen them based on their delicious tastes, their atmosphere, and the service they provide. Whether you are in Agra for sightseeing or leisure, these restaurants will add food to your Agra experience.

Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra is a destination of culture, tradition, and intriguing history

The Ultimate Foodie's Guide: Top 13 Restaurants in Agra You Can't Miss

When having your way around Agra, when famished, these restaurants will definitely delight the foodie in you.Have a meal at any of these best restaurants in Agra for a cherishable dining experience:

Pinch of Spice

Pinch of Spice is a highly sought-after restaurant in the city and is always ranked as one of the best restaurants to eat in Agra.This restaurant boasts of lush Mughlai cuisine, huge servings, as well as an exquisite atmosphere that leaves a memorable dining experience for the touring tourists and locals.The staple delicacies like Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani, Mutton Rogan, and Chicken Tikka are prepared with rich, aromatic spices

The restaurant is also family-friendly, well-furnished with comfortable seating, fast service, and value to its customers.You can have a sumptuous meal after sightseeing the Taj Mahal, or just want to have a good and dependable location to sample the North Indian food, Pinch of Spice is there to offer you the same quality.This restaurant is a personal favorite of all those who prefer a satisfying mix of flavors, comfort, and tradition.

Pinch of Spice is best known for its North Indian and Mughlai dishes, with a limited selection of Continental and Chinese options

Peshawri ITC Mughal

Peshawri at ITC Mughal is one of the best fine dining restaurants in Agra, which provides a memorable eating experience based on the robust flavours of Northwest Frontier India.Peshawri is a restaurant with a rustic appeal, food cooking in clay ovens, and with smoky aromas created by kebabs, dal bukhara, and breads cooked in traditional clay ovens

The rustic excellence of the interior design with wood furniture, copper dishes, and open kitchen design provides the restaurant with a realistic experience of frontier-style hospitality. Guests are traditionally encouraged to eat with their hands, though cutlery is available upon request.Going to Agra because of its history, politics, or luxurious experience, Peshawari is a taste that will be deep, rich, and more than satisfying to the palates of those who come to India to explore its fine cuisine.

Known as the crown jewel of the hotel, it offers a family-style meal with an assortment of kebabs and tikkas cooked in clay tandoors

Esphahan (The Oberoi Amarvilas)

Esphahan is a restaurant inside Oberoi Amarvilas and is generally considered one of the best restaurants in Agra, and a place that should be visited by tourists who are interested in seeing and having an elegant Mughlai cuisine.The restaurant boasts a small atmosphere, a candlelit environment, and flawless service, which provides the customer with a fine experience in traditional Indian food.The menu emphasizes rich curries, slow-cooked kebabs, biryanis made with hand aromatic recipes, and hand-made breads made in traditional methods.

Live traditional music may be offered on selected evenings or special occasions that is a touch of culture, thus making each meal a cultural and memorable experience.Esphahan is not big enough to seat many people, and thus, it needs prior reservation, particularly during the high season.In Agra, Esphahan at The Oberoi Amarvilas is one of the finest restaurants to have fine-dining Indian cuisine and world-class hospitality.

The Salt Caf Kitchen Bar

Salt Caf Kitchen and Bar is among the most modern and fashionable outlets among the famous restaurants in Agra, which also provides a rooftop restaurant featuring a beautiful Santorini-inspired white decor.The cafe is located close to the Taj Mahal and offers a casual yet lively ambience, which is ideal for dinner, sunset views, and social gatherings

Its multi-cuisine restaurant menu includes Indian, Italian, Continental, as well as Asian cuisine, and a great cocktail and mocktail menu.Its vibrant music, lighting about and rooftop sitting position make it an ideal place in the minds of couples, families, and groups.The Salt Caf Kitchen and Bar is a place that will provide you with a memorable dining experience that offers a good meal, good atmosphere and vibes, as well as a view of the immediate surroundings.

The restaurant has an open-roof top terrace and offers a mix of Indian and international café-style dishes rather than traditional local cuisine.

Mama Chicken Mama Franky House

Mama Chicken Mama Franky House is a place to visit for every person eager to have some delicious non-veg food on the street in Agra.Considered to be one of Agra’s most popular street-food spots for non-vegetarian snacks, this iconic restaurant is known for its juicy chicken rolls, spicy kebabs, smoky tandoori dishes, and loaded frankies that are prepared fresh and full of strong North Indian flavors.The menu is affordable, generous in portions, and ideal for having quick snacks as well as late evening snacks.

The uniqueness of Mama Chicken Mama Franky House is in its exuberant ambience and the always tasty food, which appeals to students, residents, and even tourists.You are in the mood to have a soft Chicken Tikka Roll or a regular Tandoori chicken or a nutritious Double Egg-Chicken Frankie, this joint offers a nice street-food flair that actually encompasses the active food culture in Agra.

Dasaprakash

Dasaprakash is a top family restaurant in Agr, especially for tourists clean, comfortable, and authentic vegetarian food.The restaurant has long been established and is well known for its comfortable and family-friendly environment, thereby being a popular choice among families and older generations, and travelers who enjoy the relaxed and hygienic ambiance of the restaurant.

Dasaprakash focuses on South Indian dishes such as dosas, idlis, uttapams, and thalis, prepared with fresh ingredients and mild, well-balanced flavors that can be eaten by all age groups.Their menu also has North Indian dishes and traditional desserts, such as their popular ice cream.It has a spacious seating area, fast service, and affordable prices, making it a perfect place to have a nutritious meal after visiting the Agra monuments.Dasaprakash is a reliable choice, whether you want traditional vegetarian food or simply a dependable place to eat

As for the taste of the food, this restaurant is great and satisfies the appetite of my family to a great extent

Jhankar Restaurant (Hotel Clarks Shiraz)

Jhankar Restaurant at Hotel Clarks Shiraz is among the best restaurants in Agra and is an excellent place to enjoy your meal with warm hospitality and a family-friendly atmosphere.This restaurant is situated in the luxurious Hotel Clarks Shiraz, known for its classy atmosphere, soft lighting, and cozy seating, which are suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers who want to have a comfortable meal after sightseeing the Taj Mahal or Agra Fort.

The menu comprises a good combination of North Indian, Mughlai, Continental, and Chinese cuisine, so that each family member will find something he/she like.Popular ones are butter chicken, paneer lababdar, sizzling platters, and tasty biryanis.Service is attentive and efficient, even when the restaurant becomes busy during peak time.

Whether you prefer a simple meal or something more refined, Jhankar consistently delivers quality, and it is a restaurant that people must visit when they are in Agra.

Enjoy a comfortable dining experience at Jhankar, located inside Hotel Clarks Shiraz, Agra​​​​​​​, known for its exceptional Indian cuisine and elegant ambiance

Shankara Vegis Restaurant

Shankara Vegis Restaurant is one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Agra, and is especially popular among travelers for offering quality, tasty, and inexpensive vegetarian food to its customers in a clean environment.This casual restaurant is found just by the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal, and the friendly staff and home-style food made of fresh ingredients are what make it popular among the people.

The menu combines the North and South Indian favorites like dosas, thalis, paneer curries, and rice plates, making it a convenient choice for backpackers, families, and vegetarian travellers.It has a nice rooftop seating area where one can enjoy an outdoor dining experience, albeit it becomes crowded during tourist times.The Shankara Vegis Restaurant can be counted upon as a trustworthy destination for hearty vegetarian dishes in the very center of Agra, with reasonable prices and consistently good tastes.

Two Saints Bar and Kitchen

Two Saints Bar and Kitchen is a modern, stylish restaurant in Agra that will allow you to enjoy an innovative fusion of international cuisine, elegant design, and vibrant environment.This is a place that is popular with young travelers and couples due to its modern menu created using wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, Indian fusion dishes, and inventive cocktail bars.

The atmosphere is very cozy and lively, accompanied by chic lighting, comfortable seats, and upbeat music that make it an ideal place to hang around during the evening.Whenever you are in the mood to have a casual dinner, a weekend party, or have friends to have a night out over a few craft drinks, Two Saints Bar Kitchen will serve you with a modern yet established feeling.It offers consistently good service and has become a popular place for people seeking to experience the changing culinary landscape of Agra.

If you're looking for a delightful dining experience in Agra, look no further than Two Saints Bar and Kitchen

The Nawaabs

The Nawaabs Restaurant is among the most famous restaurants of Agra, where one can have the traditional Mughalai food in a very classy yet friendly atmosphere.The restaurant is also famous for its traditional Mughlai dishes, known to be rich and aromatic, including some of the most popular ones such as Murgh Musallam, Galouti Kebabs, Mutton Korma, and spicy biryanis, which are cooked over a long period of time to add richness to their taste.

The comfort of the cozy interior and caring staff make the dining experience pleasant enough to invite family, couples, and food enthusiasts to the restaurant to enjoy the flavor of Agra.The Nawaabs is the place to go, whether you are on a journey to uncover the Mughlai cuisine or want to explore authentic Mughlai flavors; the place will provide you with a memorable dining experience without the formality of fine dining.

The Nawaabs is a culinary gem located in Agra, renowned for its authentic North Indian cuisine

Joney's Place

Joney's Place is a simple and affordable restaurant in the city of Agra that tourists visiting the Taj Mahal are particularly fond of.This neighborhood restaurant, located in a small alley in the city's east entrance, has a reputation for homestyle food, friendly service, and delicious dishes made on demand.Tourists assemble here to relish its creamy lassis, spicy curries, vegetable thalis, egg meals, and, surprisingly, the basic continental foods such as pancakes and omelets.

The plain atmosphere of the restaurant is also one of its unique qualities, but what really matters is the genuine flavor and warm hospitality that make each customer feel like he or she is at home.Joney Place is a good value breakfast place, with a warm atmosphere and invariably tasty food, which makes travelers come back here the next time they go sightseeing.

Masala Darbar Restaurant ( M.D )

Masala Darbar Restaurant is a great restaurant in Agra for enjoying North Indian and Mughlai dishes, and you would love to savor North Indian and Mughlai dishes at a relatively cheap cost.The restaurant has a homely and welcoming environment where families, couples, and groups can enjoy their meals due to its tasty gravies, fragrant spices, and healthy portions.The Butter Chicken, Paneer Lababdar, and Dal Makhani are some of the signature dishes and among the favorites of both locals and tourists, sizzling tandoori servings.

There is also a wide range of vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and some multi-cuisine dishes, so everyone can find something they enjoy.Masala Darbar Restaurant is a good option when one wants to have something that satisfies the appetite after a visit to the historical sites in Agra, with friendly service, fast preparation, and a clean and comfortable ambience.Be it the spicy curries or the traditional Indian breads, this restaurant will not fail to provide a satisfying and delicious taste.

Masala Darbar Restaurant is one of Agra's premier dining destinations, where the aroma of spices and the warmth of hospitality come together to create an unforgettable culinary experience

The Royal Dining Restaurant

Royal Dining Restaurant is one of the most affordable restaurants in Agra, offering delicious North Indian and Mughlai cuisine at affordable rates.This restaurant is popular with families, locals, and budget travelers, and it serves ample portions of freshly prepared curries, freshly made rotis, as well as biryanis in a no-frills, calm ambiance.

The atmosphere is basic yet friendly, hence befitting casual meals after visiting attractions.The Royal Dining Restaurant offers excellent services, prompt preparation, and stable quality of the food at a very affordable rate, and this makes it a great place for travelers to enjoy authentic Indian food and experience the real taste of Indian food.

Useful Dining Tips in Agra for First-Time Visitors

Dining in Agra can be a memorable experience, provided you have some idea of how to enjoy this vibrant culinary city. Specialties of the area, to rooftop restaurants with a view of the Taj Mahal, these are some of the tips that will make your food experience more special.

These best restaurants in Agra that will definitely impress you with their flavoursome delicacies and a soothing ambience

1. Best Time to Visit Restaurants

Tourist-oriented restaurants in Agra are usually busiest during lunch and early dinner hours.In case you want to eat in a more relaxed or quieter place, you can visit slightly earlieraround noon for lunch or before 7 PM for dinner.In the rooftop restaurants that offer a view of the Taj Mahal, sunset hours (5 PM6:30 PM) are the most requested times, so reservations are important.During winter, the mornings and evenings are all good, whereas during summer, it is better in the late evenings because the temperatures are so hot during the day.

2. Popular Dishes to Try in Agra

Agra is known for its Mughal dishes and traditional North Indian cuisines.The specialties that should be tried are:

• Petha: A dessert made from ash gourd, available in both dry and syrupy versions.
• Bedai Jalebi: A traditional breakfast in Agra.
• Mughlai Curries: These include Chicken Jahangiri, Mutton Korma or Paneer Noorjahani.
• Tandoori Delicacies: Kebabs, tikkas, and tandoori rotis.
• Creamy curries and dal makhani in local restaurants such as Pinch of Spice.
• Don’t miss trying street food in Sadar Bazaar, where you can enjoy chaats and lassis.

3. Hygiene Food Safety

The most important thing to consider when eating in Agra is to go to restaurants that handle food well and maintain cleanliness.Rather than look for hygiene ratings, which most restaurants in India don’t display, check for practical indicators of safety like a clean environment, hot meals cooked recently, good ventilation, and restaurants that have a stable stream of local patrons.

Choose places that serve hot, freshly cooked food (avoid items that have been sitting out).Also, it is a good idea to always use bottled or filtered drinking water and ensure that the seating space is clean and well-maintained.

When eating street food, look for vendors with a large local crowd; in most cases, it implies high turnover and fresher food.In addition, avoid ice in drinks from small shops unless you are sure it made from purified water.

4. Rooftop Dining Etiquette

Some rooftop restaurants in Agra offer a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal, and this is one of the reasons why many tourists travel to Agra.To enjoy rooftop dining comfortably:

• Reserve early, and more so in high tourist seasons.
• Wear light, comfortable clothingrooftops can get breezy.
• Arrive early before sunset to take photos.
• Noise is to be kept down, since most rooftops have a calm atmosphere.
• Respect photography guidelines; some venues prohibit flash or drones near heritage sites (drones are strictly banned around the Taj Mahal).

Important note: Not every rooftop restaurant has a direct or clear view of the Taj Mahal.Visibility may change depending on the location, distance, haze, pollution levels, or even a new structure that may block the view.Just in case, do not forget to look at the recent reviews or raise the question directly with the restaurant about the quality of the view before making a reservation.

Conclusion

The 13 best restaurants in Agra are among the finest ways to experience the city's cultural and culinary heritage.Agra has everything: fine-dining places with delicious, authentic Mughlai food and small rooftop cafes offering rooftop views of the Taj Mahal, which would be an a memorable dining experience for travelers interested in Mughlai and North Indian flavors.It can be the kebabs with a touch of flavor, or the creamy curries, or the traditional petha of Agra, but either way, each of the restaurants adds a different touch to your trip to this historic city.

In case you are visiting the country as a foreigner, then you should not forget that the majority of international visitors need to acquire a visa before accessing India.The simplest and fastest option is to apply for an India e-Visa, which can be completed online without the need to visit an embassy.Once you receive your e-Visa, you’ll be ready to begin your Agra trip with its magnificent structures, hospitable people, and fine dining, all with peace of mind.