When we think of comfort foods, our minds often wander to dal chawal, khichdi, butter chicken – and, perhaps unexpectedly, even South Indian fare.
It is an amorphous term, really. It means no one dish, but rather that heart-warming feeling of slurping on Sambar on a cold day with a side of crispy dosa or cloud-fluffy idlis.
This cuisine that has traveled its way up North and nestled inside our hearts, perhaps forever, finds a place in every household and restaurant menu alike. But with every street claiming to house the best South Indian restaurants in Delhi, finding something good, something you can return to, becomes ever more difficult.
Don’t worry, though, we saved you the trouble of looking.
Top 10 South Indian restaurants in Delhi for an authentic experience
IamNavigato presents a list of thoughtfully curated South Indian restaurants in Delhi that you can turn to on any given day and be served with the thalis of your literal dreams.
| S.no. | Restaurant Names | Ratings & Reviews |
| 1 | Sagar Ratna | 4.3 (3,784 Reviews) |
| 2 | Saravana Bhavan | 4.4 (27,035 Reviews) |
| 3 | Carnatic Cafe | 4.3 (6,720 Reviews) |
| 4 | Andhra Bhavan | 4.3 (10,477 Reviews) |
| 5 | Juggernaut | 4.4 (9,141 Reviews) |
| 6 | Dakshin | 4.8 (1,302 Reviews) |
| 7 | Naivedyam | 4.4 (6,936 Reviews) |
| 8 | Mahabelly | 4.4 (3,774 Reviews) |
| 9 | Bheemeshwara | 4.2 (1,716 Reviews) |
| 10 | Flavour of Southvala | 4.3 (1,944 Reviews) |
1. Sagar Ratna
Sagar Ratna is the OG South Indian restaurant in Delhi with a legacy spanning almost four decades. If you talk to any Delhiite about South Indian food, chances are that their favorite dosa comes from this household name. The ambiance is that of a family-style restaurant, with freshly made dishes spilling in and out of the kitchens. For classics like sambar, idlis, and dosas, Sagar Ratna is definitely Delhi’s go-to place.
Location: 18 Main Market, Defence Colony
Timings: 11.00 A.M. to 11.00 P.M.
Must-Try: We recommend the Mysore Plain Dosa, Dahi Vada & of course, a Filter Coffee.
2. Saravana Bhavan
A journey that started in Chennai spread across India, and later around the world – Saravana Bhavan is claimed to be the best South Indian restaurant in Delhi. With a rich history in the city, the restaurant has garnered patrons who have been visiting for decades, including some very famous names like South Indian superstar Dhanush. It serves a truly classic South Indian food experience on banana leaves, with thalis that will only leave you wanting more.
Location: 50, Janpath Rd, Atul Grove Road, Janpath, Connaught Place
Timings: 7.00 A.M. to 11.00. P.M.
Must-Try: Go for Kara Dosa, Ghee Paper Roast Masala Dosa, and Panchavarna Uttapam.
3. Carnatic Cafe
This South Indian Kitchen style eatery has become the new name on everyone’s list with consistently soul-warming food and a laid-back ambiance. With new outlets popping up in every corner of the capital, these restaurants might quietly be becoming the favorites of anyone looking for authentic South-Indian food with great quality ingredients.
Location: 2-85 The, Lodhi Rd, Meharchand Market, Lodi Colony
Timings: 9.30 A.M. to 10.30 P.M.
Must-Try: They are best known for their Malleshwaram 18th Cross Dosa, Ghee Roast Masala Dosa, and Thatte Idli.
4. Andhra Bhavan Canteen
To experience the charming chaos of a canteen, with reasonably priced food and to-die-for Andhra-style South Indian thalis, this place is the go-to. The canteen, fondly known as ABC, is stationed among bhavans of different states that host dignitaries but stands apart because of its mouthwatering cuisine. With no frills and fuss, the canteen offers an assuming vibe but thalis that will have you become a regular.
Location: 1, Ashoka Rd, Hyderabad House, near India Gate
Timings: 12 P.M. to 3.30 P.M. & 7 P.M. to 9.30 P.M.
Must-Try: They only serve finger-lickin’ thalis, but we also recommend a Sunday special, Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani.
5. Juggernaut
Juggernaut offers a stellar fine-dining vibe to its patrons along with a delicious all-vegetarian menu. The ambiance is family-friendly, and the cuisine expands from the classic dishes into more local and coastal delicacies. If you happen to visit during breakfast hours, you will be welcomed by a host of Indian Classical musicians who often grace the restaurants in the morning. If you’re looking for peaceful vibes and food that you will never forget, Juggernaut should be at the top of your list.
Location: HS16, Kailash Colony Market, Greater Kailash-1, Kailash Colony
Timings: 6 A.M. to 11.30 P.M
Must-Try: Go for MLA Pesarattu, and Podi Ghee Idli & if you catch them during breakfast hours, try the Mushroom Chettinad Dosa.
6. Dakshin
With a blend of fine dining & home-style South Indian meals, Dakshin is quickly garnering a lot of international acclaim & local attention. The space is colored in terracotta & green with brass accents and cutlery to create the earthy atmosphere of a South-Indian temple. Recommended by the prolific magazine, Condé Nast Traveller India, it offers a mix of never-heard-before South Indian & Sri Lankan dishes. If you’d like to visit make sure to call ahead because the restaurant offers reservations only.
Location: Sheraton New Delhi Hotel, Saket District Centre, Sector 6, Pushp Vihar
Timings: 12.30 P.M. to 2.45 P.M. & 7 P.M. to 11.30 P.M.
Must-Try: Their Chettinad Chicken, Sri Lankan Bandakkaya Curry with dosa & Mutton Artiraichi Kozhambu with parotta are especially recommended.
7. Naivedyam
Intricately designed to replicate a temple-style ambiance, Naivedyam is a choice that can never go wrong. It is consistently good with a menu that offers a decent variety of South Indian dishes. The menu is inspired by Karnataka cuisine, so expect a delicate balance of sweet and savory in your dishes.
Location: 1, Hauz Khas Village, Deer Park, Hauz Khas
Timings: 10.00 A.M. to 11.00 P.M.
Must-Try: Their Mysore Rava Dosa & South Indian Thali are a must, must, must.
8. Mahabelly
If you want to move beyond the traditionally vegetarian South-Indian offerings, this restaurant has a list of Kerala-style non-vegetarian delicacies that will blow your mind. Besides being a culinary delight, this restaurant is a haven for patrons looking to dine alone. With a “Home Made Better” menu, it offers single-serve portions that can satiate your hunger and leave you coming back for more.
Location: First Floor, Commons, DLF Avenue Mall, AV-242, Saket District Centre, Saket
Timings: 12.00 P.M. to 10.00 P.M
Must-Try: We recommend Chicken Varattiyathu, Prawn Roast & Sweet Coconut Dosa.
9. Bheemeshwara
The best and the spiciest from the five southern states – this is what Bheemeshwara invites you to sample. And, safe to say, they are killing it. This joint is slowly taking Delhi-NCR by storm, offering a menu that has something for everyone. If you are a fan of spicy and meaty biryanis, check it out because this might be the next favorite you’re waiting to find.
Location: Ground And Mezzanine Floor, 3/90, Block P, Connaught Place
Timings: 11.00 A.M. to 11.00 P.M.
Must-Try: Go for Andhra Bheemeshwara Spl. Chicken Boneless Biryani & Andhra Mutton Fry Piece Biryani. Their Fish Fry is also to die for.
10. Flavour of Southvala
Hidden away from other popular food blogs, Flavour of Southvala is the city’s best-kept secret when it comes to homely South Indian food. With regulars visiting for more than a decade, this family-friendly joint is the one place everyone wants to gatekeep. The ambiance is clean with no frills or fuss, but offers a truly authentic vegetarian & non-vegetarian South Indian experience.
Location: Gate No 5, Metro Station Laxmi Nagar, D-355, Vikas Marg, Veer Savarkar Block, Block D, Laxmi Nagar
Timings: 2.15 A.M. to 10.30 P.M.
Must-Try: We recommend Vada Sambar, Masala Dosa & Filter Coffee
How To Pick A Great South Indian Restaurant?
The mark of truly great South Indian restaurants is their commitment to preserving the flavor legacies of the South – it doesn’t just include the taste but also the quality of the produce & ingredients used.
- Authentic Recipes: South Indian cuisine is steeped in centuries-old culinary traditions – and a truly good South Indian restaurant honors those roots with every dish it serves. When looking for a good experience, always gravitate towards authenticity.
- Variety: While Dosas & Idlis are undeniably delicious, they are only the tip of the iceberg of South Indian cuisine. From thalis to seafood to spicy non-vegetarian curries, the cuisine is a bursting pot of diversity, with great flavors every which way you turn. Trust any restaurant that offers a variety of foods you might have not heard of.
- Affordability: To experience good South Indian food, one does not have to shell out his fortune. Restaurants like Andhra Bhavan, Sagar Ratna & Savarana Bhavans serve bang-for-your-buck thalis with a variety of delicious, filling & authentic dishes.
Tips for Visiting South Indian Restaurants in Delhi
Trying out a new cuisine can be a daunting experience. Not to worry, these tips will help you ace what to order, how to eat, and when to visit!
- First-timer tips: the cornerstones of South Indian cuisines are its thalis, idlis & dosas & filter coffee. If you’re visiting one for the first time, indulging in any of the classics can never go wrong.
- How to eat traditionally: Many South Indian restaurants serve food on banana leaves as it is said to enhance flavor and is deeply rooted in Southern culture. It is recommended to eat using your hands to have the most authentic experience, so make sure to sanitize them before indulging in this culinary history.
- Best time to visit: Avoid the weekend rush by going on a weekday
Extra Tip: Try visiting during the morning for an unforgettable breakfast & calm experience.
Final Thoughts
Delhi is a bursting pot of the best cuisines from around the world. Among these, South Indian food invokes a craving like no other and desires restaurants that honor its flavour heritage. So, whether you’re in the mood to revisit comforting classics or discover something new, these recommendations promise a culinary experience worth coming back to.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Which is the most famous South Indian food?
A. Among the diverse flavors of South Indian cuisine, dosa, idli, and sambar are its crowning jewels, popular across the world. These dishes are also authentic staples served in South Indian households.
Q. Which is the largest South Indian restaurant in the world?
A. The largest South Indian restaurant chain is Savarana Bhava, which started in Tamil Nadu, and now spans multiple countries like France, Germany, the UAE & Britain. It has 33 branches in India and over 92 branches in 28 countries.
Q. Which state in South India has the best food?
A. There’s no single “best” state for South Indian food -it all depends on your taste. Tamil Nadu offers bold, spicy flavors with dishes like sambar, rasam, and filter coffee. Kerala’s cuisine is rich and coconut-heavy, featuring seafood and stews. Andhra Pradesh is known for its fiery, tangy curries, while Karnataka balances sweet and savory in its dishes. Each state has a distinct, delicious identity, making the best one a matter of personal preference.
Q. What is a traditional South Indian meal?
A. A traditional South Indian meal includes rice, sambar, rasam, curd, vegetable sides, papad, and pickle – often served on a banana leaf. Coastal regions also include a variety of meat & fish curries.
Q. Where to find the best banana leaf thali in Delhi?
A. Banana leaf thali is the traditional serving of South Indian cuisine. Instead of cutlery, food is served on a banana leaf and eaten with hands. For the best, most authentic banana leaf thali experience, you can visit South Indian restaurants like Andhra Bhavan, Saravana Bhavan, Bheemeshwara, etc to satisfy your cravings.
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