Bhopal is the crown jewel of Madhya Pradesh and is a city that has a palate worth sampling once. The flavors of the food of Bhopal burst in your mouth and it is almost like a culinary party inside. Bhopal offers an extravaganza when it comes to food and like all other major cities in India, it has expanded its menu. From having only traditional food at one time, it has now forayed into fusion food and world cuisine. The dominating influence of Mughlai food can be seen across restaurants in the city. The food scene here now showcases some contrasting flavors where the zesty and tangy street food in Bhopal exists in perfect harmony with the aromatic and spicy Mughlai delicacies like kebabs, tikkas, and biryanis. Here’s a guide to take you through the culinary lanes of the city and help you pick the best restaurants in Bhopal.
Non-veg restaurants in Bhopal
1. Greek Food & Beyond, Bhopal
For a change, let’s start our list with some not-so Bhopali food, but some Mediterranean fare instead, served by this restaurant in DB mall Bhopal. The name Greek Food and Beyond doesn’t do justice to the restaurant as the place serves authentic Italian, Lebanese, and Chinese food as well along with Greek cuisine. You can take your pick from the fabulous outdoor seating which lets you enjoy the pleasant breeze or the comfortable indoors which give you a view of the kitchen and you can witness your dishes being prepared. You can actually see the chefs in action while they whip up an exotic Greek salad or warm up your multigrain Panini. Greek food and Beyond is one of the best restaurants in MP Nagar Bhopal for Continental and Mediterranean cuisine.
- Location: DB City Mall, Maharana Pratap Nagar
- Opening hours: 12 Noon to 12.30 PM
- Must try: Caesar Salad, Pasta, and Death by Chocolate Cake
- Meal for two: ₹1000
2. Chi Kitchen, Bhopal
When you are looking at restaurants in Bhopal, MP Nagar has some prominent names that pop up and one of them is of Chi Kitchen, which doles out the second favorite food of Indians; the Chinese cuisine. This restaurant is one of the preferred place of shoppers in DB mall where it is located. It is a cute little set up with comfortable seating and decent interiors. If you are looking for alcohol then the place doesn’t tick that box for you.
- Location: DB City Mall, Maharana Pratap Nagar
- Opening hours: 10 AM to 11 PM
- Must try: Jasmine tea, Beijing Chicken and Prawn Sushi
- Meal for two: ₹1000
3. La Kutchina, Bhopal
La Kutchina inside Hotel Jehan Numa holds the place of pride in being one of the best restaurants in Bhopal near the lake. This swanky restaurant serves some delightful Italian dishes with impeccable hospitality. The interiors of the restaurant give you a rustic feel, with props like ceramic art, and the decor is accentuated by homely add-ons like grains and garlic pods on the walls. Classic Italian food like pasta and pizzas are made to perfection at this little Italian haven. The place is a good choice if you are looking for the best restaurants in Bhopal for couples.
- Location: Hotel Jehan Numa Palace, Shymala Hills, TT Nagar
- Opening hours: 12 Noon – 3 PM, 7:30 PM – 11 PM
- Must try: Ricotta Spinach Ravioli, Penne Alfredo, Thin crust pizzas and Smoked Chicken Carbonara
- Meal for two: ₹2200
You may also be interested in reading about the Best Places to Visit in Bhopal on your Next Trip.
4. Bhopal Express, Bhopal
Bhopal Express Restaurant located in Hotel Ashok’s compound was once known as Shan-E-Bhopal, and rightly so. It is the world’s first restaurant to be built inside of a broad gauge railway coach, which was renovated to make it a visual delight. The guests mostly choose to sit inside although this famous restaurant in Bhopal also has an outside setting. Special TVs fitted onto the walls give you the feeling of sitting inside a moving train and that adds to the traditional ambiance. Just like the interiors are soothing to the eyes, the prices at this restaurant are soothing to the pocket. The simple menu here includes some yummy local delights like pineapple salad, seekh kebabs, and fried okra with raita.
- Location: Doordarshan Premises, Lake View, Shamla Hills, TT Nagar
- Opening hours: 12 – 3 pm, 7:15-10:30 pm
- Must try: Kurkuri Bhindi, Hara Bhara Kabab, Vegetable Biryani, Kadhai Chicken and Phirni
- Meal for two: ₹800
Veg restaurants in Bhopal
5. Rajhans Restaurant, Bhopal
Rajhans Restaurant Bhopal is popularly known as Rajhans Thali by the locals. It is easily one of the best veg restaurants in Bhopal, serving the essence of North India in a thali with bowls filled with lip-smacking treats. Though it is amongst some of the new restaurants in Bhopal, which are vying for the attention of the people of the city, it has become quite popular among the vegetarians. Read also – Things to do in Bhopal
- Location: Zone 2, Maharana Pratap Nagar,
- Opening hours: 11 :30AM – 3:30 pm, 6:45 pm to 10:30 PM
- Must try: The thali and its sweet and savory offerings
- Meal for two: ₹400
6. Manohar Dairy and Restaurant, Bhopal
Manohar dates back to 1978 when it was just a simple milk shop that catered to the milk demands of the city. With years, it has gradually expanded its operations and has placed itself in line with some famous restaurants in Bhopal. Though the place is large enough to serve around 180 people at one time, you will encounter a bustling crowd at all times of the day as this is of the best pure veg restaurants in Bhopal. The restaurant also caters to the sweet tooth of its guests through its bakery section, which will leave you spoilt for choice. Manohar has vowed its guests by its specialty which is Indian street food. Do not leave without trying the piping hot jalebis. Manohar dairy is one of the few restaurants near Bhopal railway station that offer good food at reasonable prices.
- Location: Zone 1, Maharana Pratap Nagar,
- Opening hours: 8 AM to 10.30 AM
- Must try: Papdi Chaat, Thali, Dahi Wada, Chhole Samosa, Chhole Bhature, Rasmalai and Tiramisu
- Meal for two: ₹400
7. Sankalp, Bhopal
If you are a fan of South Indian fare then Sankalp is one of the best restaurants in Bhopal for a pleasant dinner with family. The restaurant offers some delish South Indian foods that have been twisted to include some of the flavors of famous foods of Bhopal. The ambiance of the restaurant is classy and the service is prompt too, making it a popular place among the city people. You will be lost in their host of dosas and idlis before you can move onto the other gorgeous dishes on the menu. Click here to know about pubs in Bhopal
- Location: Zone II, Maharana Pratap Nagar
- Opening hours: 10AM to 11 PM
- Must try: Telangana Aloo, the complimentary Khakhra with green chutney, Ghee Roast Dosa, cheese Corn Dosa
- Meal for two: ₹600
Rooftop restaurants in Bhopal
8. Under the Mango Tree, Bhopal
Jehan Numa Palace is a heritage site of Bhopal that has been renovated into a hotel. It is home to many upscale restaurants that endeavor to give a splendid dining experience to its patrons. One of them is Under the Mango tree, which is counted as one of the best non-veg restaurants in Bhopal . The chic rooftop restaurant gives you a breathtaking view of the surroundings, painted with picturesque greenery and turquoise water fountains. The open kitchen offers the guests a peek into their food as it gets prepared with finesse and perfection. It opens only for dinner and though the prices are little towards the higher side, it is among the top restaurants in Bhopal.
- Location: Hotel Jehan Numa Palace, Shymala Hills, TT Nagar
- Opening hours: 7 PM to 11 PM
- Must try: Mutton Nihari, Lahori Chicken, Dal Makhani, Quesadilla, Chocolate Chilli Ganache with Plum Sauce and Cinnamon Ice Cream, and Olive Cheese & Pumpkin Ravioli
- Meal for two: ₹2000
Some other popular eateries and restaurants with a rooftop seating in Bhopal are Sheesha Sky Lounge, The Kanha Castle and HL Rooftop Restaurant. When you are done with shopping et al, things that are the trademark of a tourist, you can also try some of the Thai and Chinese restaurants in Bhopal like Kebabsville, Za-aiqa, and Rice n Bowl.
Once you have tried all the gastronomical delights and want to come out of the food coma, we recommend a trip to one of these waterparks in Bhopal to rejuvenate your soul and build up an appetite. So step out of your hotel in Bhopal and get ready for a flavor roller coaster ride!