There’s dining and then there’s dining with a view. India is blessed with its fair share of historical monuments and gorgeous urban skylines. Could there be anything better than taking your taste buds for a joy ride as you treat your eyes with spectacular views? By Karan Kaushik
Restaurants with a view in India that offer an unparalleled dining experience
AER, The Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai
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A favourite among Bollywood A-listers, AER Lounge and Bar is perched at the 34th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel in Worli. The luxurious bar has a chic ambience and serves a wide range of wines and quality cocktails. The place offers incredible panoramic views of the Maximum City and its skyline dotted with sky-touching glass buildings. They have thematic menus throughout the year. Their specially curated music playlists will compel you to groove as you enjoy their delicious small bites with a fantastic drink. The lounge has champagne happy hours every evening from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Bougie, Delhi
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Located in Mehrauli, the newly-opened Bougie offers rewarding views of the Qutub Minar. Whether you want to catch up with your friends on a sunny Saturday afternoon or plan a romantic evening with your special someone, Bougie fits the bill perfectly. They serve European and Italian cuisine. From soups and salads to tapas and sandwiches, every dish on their menu is superlative. Their artisanal woodfire pizzas and southern-style burgers will win your heart. The swanky cafe features elegant interiors and has a very bohemian vibe to it.
Bellevue, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
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The all-day dining restaurant offers an a la carte menu which features a wide range of delicacies. From hand-rolled pastas and melt-in-the-mouth sourdough pizzas to classic and contemporary pan Asian and Indian fare, the restaurant promises a memorable dining experience. What makes the whole experience unmatched is the splendid view of the Taj Mahal basking in all its glory. They also have specially curated tasting menus with paired wines. Their Indian main course includes dishes like Malabar vegetable stew and Goan prawn curry. End your meal with a flavourful dessert. The Amarvilas fruit platter comes highly recommended.
Sheesh Mahal, The Leela Palace, Udaipur
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This open-air fine dining restaurant is housed in Udaipur’s iconic The Leela Palace Hotel. The restaurant overlooks the stunning Pichola Lake, which is lined by heritage buildings and five-star hotels. They serve Indian flavours at their authentic best. Spread across two floors, the restaurant is best known for its traditional cuisine which has been inspired by recipes mastered in the royal kitchens of yesteryears. From Awadhi murg biryani to achari ker sangri, every dish is exquisite. Dining in an alfresco setting coupled with charming views of Udaipur is an unparalleled experience you’ll cherish forever.
Titlie, Vagator, Goa
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Nestled against the dramatic canvas of the Ozran Beach in Vagator, North Goa, Titlie is a trendy open-air cafe. On offer here are great meals and mesmerising views of the sea. People mostly come here to catch stunning sunsets while they listen to some groovy sundowners and sip a cocktail or two. Encompassed by palm and banana trees, the cafe has a great food and bar menu. Their Pita bread and hummus are a must-try. From their interesting cocktail menu, you must try out michelada mary, peach and pear, and elderflower bellini. Other popular dishes include chicken burrata pizza, pesto pasta, and harissa roast chicken.
Alchi Kitchen, Leh
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This modest restaurant is one of the most-flocked eateries in Leh. Run by Nilza Wangmo, Alchi’s Kitchen was the first restaurant in Leh exclusively dedicated to Ladakhi food. The restaurant is named after Nilza’s native village Alchi. They have three branches in Leh. The restaurant offers stunning views of the rugged Leh mountains and the Alchi Gompa. Popular dishes include Khambir, a fermented Ladakhi bread; Chutagi, a Ladakhi version of pasta, and chocolate momos. Their apricot and walnut momos are little bites of heaven. The all-women managed kitchen is every inch cosy and wonderful. You can’t afford to miss dining at Alchi’s Kitchen when in Leh.
Fort House, Kochi
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If you are looking forward to spending quality time with your partner over a romantic dinner date, look no further than Fort House. Dining by the backwaters enjoying the sunset with light music coupled with a boutique vibe sets the mood just about right. The beachfront restaurant serves authentic Kerala cuisine. Prawn Kerala curry, chicken Kerala curry, Pork vindaloo, and grilled sea fish are some of their non-vegetarian specialities. Vegetarians can choose from usual north Indian dishes like vegetable jalfrezi and kadhai paneer. Their homemade chocolate cake is the best way to end your meal.
Wind View Café, Jaipur
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This has to be the most Instagrammed spot in Jaipur right now. Offering majestic views of the Hawa Mahal Palace, Wind View Cafe is bustling with locals and tourists at any given time of the day. Most of them come here to take pictures against the backdrop of the grand palace of wind. But one simply doesn’t get to click pictures without ordering something. The food menu features falafels, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, and the usual fast-food fare. They have a nice range of coffee and teas. You may also visit the next-door Tattoo Cafe for similar views.
Skyye, Bengaluru
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Perched on the 16th floor, this rooftop bar offers nice views of Bengaluru’s urban landscape. UB City is one of the most popular luxury business districts of Bengaluru. Its glass skyscrapers will remind you of the New York skyline. Skyye Lounge is located in UB City near Cubbon Park and MG Road. Go there at dusk on a clear day and watch the sun go down. Their seafood platter, Tempura bowl, panko-crusted fried tofu are popular. Among their cocktails, we’d recommend Devil in the Night Skyye. The only thing that may come off as a turn-off here is the exorbitant pricing.
Glenary’s Restaurant, Darjeeling
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Located on Darjeeling’s Nehru Road, this iconic cafe has been an all-time favourite among tourists in Darjeeling. Just a short distance from the Mall, the restaurant is over a hundred years old. Soak in the colonial vibes as you treat your eyes with splendid views of the snow-clad Eastern Himalayas. The majestic Mount Kanchenjunga is also visible from here. The ground floor has a cafe and bakery. The main restaurant is on the upper floor, while the bar is in the basement. The main restaurant also features an open-air balcony lined with dining tables. It is from here that one gets the best views of the town and the hills. Do try their tender Roast Beef Sub Sandwiches.