The city of Lucknow is not just popular for its historical significance in the country, but is also known for being a hub of lip smacking food. The city of Lucknow has a huge influence of the Nawabs that once ruled the city, and it is deeply drenched in the food habits of the people here. In Lucknow you will find plenty of Awadhi, and Mughlai restaurants that will make you wanting for more. For Non Vegetarians, Lucknow is indeed a haven. We all have heard about the delicious Kebabs of Lucknow, and the popular Lucknow Biryani, but this city is more than that.
In this blog we have listed some of the best restaurants in Lucknow that serve Mughlai food. If you are planning a trip to Lucknow, then a visit to these restaurants is a must.
1 – Oudhyana
If you are seeking some authentic experience coupled with luxury, then Oudhyana is the place you should be headed to. It is primarily a Awadhi restaurant that is located inside Vivanta by Taj in Lucknow. If there is one place in Lucknow to savor the best cooked Kebabs then it is Oudhyana. Here you will find one of the best preparations of Galawat and Kakori Kebabs. The popular Galawat Kebabs here will melt in your mouth without any eating effort.
Oudhyana is also known for many other heritage dishes that have been lost in time. The chef of the restaurant ensures that you have a wholesome experience with the best blend of spices. The décor of the restaurant is superb, and Oudhyana is a perfect place for fine dining with your family. You can choose this avenue to for some special occasion party.
Address – Taj Mahal Lucknow, Vipin Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226010
Cost for two – 4000 INR
2 – Mughal’s Dastarkhwan
Mughal’s Dastarkhwan is one of the best places in Lucknow to savor Mughlai Food. The chicken Biryani served here is made with a blend of Mughlai and Awadh style of cooking. The Shami Kebabs are simply delicious and one of the best ones found in Lucknow. At Mughal’s Dastarkhwan you will also find Mutton Cuisines that are prepared with best blends of spices that will tantalize your senses. This restaurant is a delight for Non Vegetarian food lovers.
In few words Mughal’s DastarKhwan is a representation of Lucknow’s culinary heritage. The best thing about this restaurant is that the menu is pocket friendly. They have a traditional setup for dining. But you have to be wary of the fact that this restaurant can get very crowded ion evenings, so visit it at an appropriate time for a leisure eating experience.
Address – 125-1-2-3, Ground Floor & Lower Ground Floor, Near Quinton Road, Lalbagh, Lucknow
Cost for Two – 1000 INR
3 – Naushijaan
Naushijaan is a hidden gem in Lucknow’s culinary world. The restaurant is known for its Kebabs, particularly the Kakori Kebabs that are lip smacking and go very well with a combo of Rumali Roti. However you will also find Galawat Kebabs here that are as good as that of Tunday Kababi. The Boti Kebabs of this restaurant are another specialty, and they are found in many of the restaurants as it is more of a blend of Awadhi Mughlai preparation.
In evenings this restaurant gets very crowded, so you got to arrive here early. The interiors of this restaurant is classic, with a dim light ambience. Many famous personalities have visited this restaurant to enjoy Mughlai delicacies. The restaurant is also known for its pocket friendly menu,. And is a great place for casual dining.
Address – Naushijaan, Tulsi Theatre Complex, Lalbagh, Lucknow
Cost for Two – 800 INR
4 – Idris Biryani
We do not think that there is better place for Mutton Biryani than Idris in entire Lucknow. The biryani served here is the best form of Mughlai and Awadhi style of cooking. The restaurant is not a very fancy one, instead has a Dhaba kind of feel. But the taste it offers makes it very popular that the entire pot of Biryani cooked sells in couple of hours. You have to be wary of the fact that they do not have spacious tables in their establishment, but good biryani makes it all worth.
The restaurant was founded by Mohammad Idris back in 1968, and ever since it has been serving the people of Lucknow with their delectable preparation. The Biryani over here is cooked on coal, which gives the preparation a unique taste with full of flavors. If you are in Lucknow and you have an appetite for Mutton Biryani, then do visit this restaurant.
Address – Jauhari Mohalla, Raja Bazar, Opposite Police Chowki, Lucknow 226003
Cost for Two – 500 INR
5 – Raheem Hotel
Raheem’s is popular across Old Lucknow for its delectable Mutton Nihari. If you are seeking slowly cooked and authentic Mughlai Nihari then this is the place you should hit. Raheem Hotel is also popular for its Kebabs, specially the Seek Kebab, which is juicy and full of spices that will make you wanting for more. The ideal order in this hotel would be Mutton Nihari with Kulche or Mutton Nihari with some fresh Sheermal.
The Raheem Hotel was founded in the year of 1890 and since then it has been carrying the legacy of serving people of Lucknow with delicious food. The restaurant has been visited by many famous personalities, who all have appreciated the flavors they found in this restaurant. We recommend that you visit this restaurant to not only try delicious cuisines, but also to witness the Old Lucknow.
Address – Raheem’s Hotel, Near Akbari Gate, Chowk, Lucknow
Cost for Two – 300 INR
6 – Sakhawat’s
Sakhawat’s is another hidden gem that has been serving great Mughlai Food to the people of Lucknow since the year of 1911. One of the specialty of Sakhawat is the fish kebab and they prepare it only on Fridays. Yes you heard that right, Fish Kebabs are for real and to believe it you got to visit restaurant. Sakhawat’s has a completely different fan base when it comes to the savor of Fish Kebabs cooked on Tawa with aromatic spices.
Sakhawat is also known for its ‘Bater’ Biryani, which is quite rare in restaurants. You won’t find the meat of Bater in restaurants that easily. These different and delicious preparations of Sakhawat makes it one of the best Mughlai restaurant of Lucknow.
Address – Near Oudh Gymkhana Club, Kaiserbagh Officer’s Colony, Qaisar Bagh, Lucknow
Cost for Two – 500 INR
7 – Mubeen’s
Mubeen’s restaurant which is located in the old Lucknow is popular for its Pasanda, and Nihari Kulcha. Pasanda is primarily a dish from Bhopal, but the founders of Mubeen made it popular in Lucknow with their unique style of cooking. It is in Mubeen that you will find the authentic Nihari which is cooked over night. If you are trying Nihari for the first time then order for Nalli Nihari, which will give you a chance to taste the bone marrow with scrumptious pieces of meat.
The Mubeen’s restaurant had a very humble beginning dating back to 1973. The other popular dish of Mubeen’s is the Keema Kaleji which is very popular amongst its patrons. The restaurant doesn’t has fancy interiors, but if you want some good and delicious food, then this is the place.
Address – Opposite Ek Minara Masjid, Akbari Gate, Chowk, Lucknow
Cost for Two – 300 INR
8 – Tunday Kababi
We have saved the best for the last. A non vegetarian’s trip to Lucknow is incomplete without a visit to Tunday Kababi. The Galawat Kebabs here are in their truest form, and their combination with Ulta Tawa Parathas or with Sheermal is simply delicious. They offer Tandoor dishes, and Biryanis that are cooked with Mughali and Awadhi style of cooking. Their curries and Kormas are also delectable and very rich in flavor.
In present times, there are many outlets of Tunday Kababi that have opened across many locations in Lucknow. You can try their dishes in any of them, but we will recommend going to their Aminabad or Chowk outlet. You will find rush in these outlets but along with authentic preparations.
Address – 168/6, Old Nazirabad Rd, Mohan Market, Aminabad, Lucknow
Cost for Two – 300 INR
Lucknow is foodie’s paradise!