Amritsar, the vibrant city in Punjab, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, spiritual sites, and of course, its delectable cuisine. Punjabi food is loved and relished by people all over the world, and Amritsar is considered the culinary capital of Punjab. From butter chicken to makki roti, the city offers a plethora of mouth-watering dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Let’s take a closer look at the top 12 restaurants in Amritsar, where you can savor the quintessential taste of Punjab.
Veg Restaurants in Amritsar:
- Bharawan Da Dhaba, Amritsar: Located near the Golden Temple, Bharawan Da Dhaba is hailed as the best vegetarian restaurant in Amritsar by both locals and travelers. This iconic eatery offers an authentic Punjabi flavor with dishes like Makki Ki Roti and Sarson Ka Saag stealing the show. Their wide selection of stuffed kulchas is also a must-try. The restaurant provides a perfect ambiance for families and is an ideal spot for an early heavy breakfast.
- Location: Town Hall, Amritsar
- Timings: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Meal for two: INR 500
- Kanha Sweets, Amritsar: Don’t let the name deceive you; Kanha Sweets is not just a sweet shop but also serves some of the best kulchas in the city. Their iconic Amritsari Kulcha, served with chhole, is a favorite among patrons. Other popular dishes include chhole puri and halwa. Make sure to complement your meal with a glass of authentic Punjabi lassi. Please note that the restaurant has limited evening hours, so plan accordingly.
- Location: Lawrence Road, Dayanand Nagar, Amritsar
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Meal for two: INR 150
- All India Famous Kulcha, Amritsar: If you’re a fan of kulchas, All India Famous Kulche is a must-visit in Amritsar. Since 1989, they have been delighting diners with their iconic Punjabi flatbread prepared in a unique seven-layered style. The kulchas are stuffed with paneer or potatoes, offering a delightful burst of flavors.
- Location: Maqbool Road, Amritsar
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Meal for two: INR 200
- The Kulcha Land, Amritsar: As the name suggests, The Kulcha Land is a paradise for kulcha lovers in Amritsar. This popular restaurant specializes in serving scrumptious stuffed kulchas with chhole, generously topped with butter. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a refreshing glass of lassi. To avoid the rush, it’s recommended to visit the restaurant early, as it closes in the early evening.
- Location: Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Meal for two: INR 200
- Brothers Dhaba, Amritsar: Located near the Golden Temple, Brothers Dhaba is a hybrid between a dhaba and a restaurant. It caters to both North Indian and South Indian cuisines and even offers Chinese dishes. Highly recommended dishes include butter paneer masala and dal makhani.
- Location: Town Hall, Amritsar
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Meal for two: INR 500
- Kesar Da Dhaba, Amritsar: Kesar Da Dhaba tops the list of famous restaurants in Amritsar, especially for its unique preparations of dal. Located in the narrow lanes of the city, this legendary dhaba has been serving customers since the year of independence, 1947. Order their kali dal or dal makhani, which is slow-cooked for almost 12 hours, starting a day in advance. Experience the taste of history at Kesar Da Dhaba.
- Location: Shastri Market, Amritsar
- Timings: 12:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Meal for two: INR 500
Non-Veg Restaurants in Amritsar:
- Makhan Fish & Chicken Corner, Amritsar: Considered the best non-vegetarian restaurant in Amritsar, Makhan Fish & Chicken Corner is renowned for its fish delicacies. Originally a cozy place specializing in fish dishes, it has now transformed into an air-conditioned restaurant offering a wide range of fish and chicken delicacies. Don’t miss their fried fish, White Butter Chicken, and Kadhai Chicken.
- Location: Basant Nagar, Amritsar
- Timings: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Meal for two: INR 700
- Beera Chicken Corner, Amritsar: A famous name among non-veg restaurants in Amritsar, Beera Chicken Corner is a paradise for chicken lovers. Their unique recipe for Tandoori Chicken, marinated in a blend of spices and roasted to perfection, has been winning hearts since 1972. Due to limited seating, there may be a waiting time, but you can also enjoy their delectable food in the comfort of your car. Chicken Tikka is another highly recommended dish.
- Location: Majitha Road, Amritsar
- Timings: 12:30 PM – 11:00 PM
- Meal for two: INR 500
- Crystal Restaurant, Amritsar: While not a Mughlai-specialty restaurant, Crystal Restaurant offers a variety of delicacies from the cuisine. Known for its roasts, steaks, and grills, this restaurant is among the top dining establishments in Amritsar. The Murgh Tawa Frontier, with chicken immersed in a spicy onion gravy, is highly recommended.
- Location: INA Colony, Amritsar
- Timings: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- Meal for two: INR 800
- Adarsh Meat Shop, Amritsar: For ardent carnivores, Adarsh Meat Shop is a must-visit restaurant in Amritsar. Slow-cooked and shallow-fried, their meat dishes are tender, succulent, and bursting with flavors. Indulge in their signature Mutton Chaap, Mutton Tikka, and Brain Curry, all served with kulchas. The restaurant has limited seating, so be prepared for a possible wait or opt for car service.
- Location: C Block Market, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar
- Timings: 3:00 PM – 11:00 AM
- Meal for two: INR 150
- Bittu Meat Wala, Amritsar: Named after its founder, S Davinder Singh Bittu, Bittu Meat Wala is a small yet popular non-veg restaurant in Amritsar. Renowned for its variety of non-veg dishes, the restaurant offers delectable items like Chicken Tandoori, Mutton Tandoori, and the famous mutton raan (whole leg of lamb or goat).
- Location: Transport Nagar, Amritsar
- Timings: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Meal for two: INR 400
- Mama Meat Shop, Amritsar: Established in 1978, Mama Meat Shop is another must-visit non-veg restaurant in Amritsar. Known for its authentic Punjabi taste, the restaurant specializes in Butter Chicken for non-vegetarians and offers delicious options like Dal Makhani and Kadhai Paneer for vegetarians.
- Location: C Block, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar
- Timings: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Meal for two: INR 200
These are just a few of the many delightful restaurants in Amritsar. As you explore the city, don’t miss the opportunity to savor the flavors of Punjab at these renowned establishments. Whether you prefer vegetarian or non-vegetarian cuisine, Amritsar has something to offer everyone. So, go ahead and indulge in a culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Amritsar, where every bite is a celebration of Punjabi food culture.
