Jodhpur's culinary delights: 10 Must-try eateries

In the lively streets of Jodhpur, where history fuses with culture, there is a food scene as diverse as the city’s heritage. Jodhpur is known as the “Blue City” because of its buildings painted in different shades of blue, but it is equally famous for its exceptional cuisine. This city has something for every taste bud – be it spicy street snacks from crowded markets or elegant rooftop restaurants overlooking the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. Every morsel unveils more and more of what makes this place such an epicurean’s paradise.

So, should you ever have fantasised about tasting the best Rajasthani meals then here is our top 10 list of must-visit restaurants in Jodhpur where one’s experience cannot be forgotten.

1. Cafe La Casetta

Cafe La Casetta is a restored haveli which has been done up beautifully. Its insides reflect some of the architectural splendour of Jodhpur’s royal past. The atmosphere at Cafe La Casetta is a mix of conventional Rajasthani and modern day comfort. This joint serves as an appropriate place for anyone who wants to take some rest from bustling streets. Cafe La Casetta proposes different dishes like traditional Rajasthani Thali and even European cuisine.

• Cost for two: INR 1500
• Timings: 10:00 am to 2:00 am
• Drive time from The Hosteller Jodhpur: 5 minutes (2.1 km)

Cafe La Casetta | Credits: cafe_la_casetta, Instagram

2. Shri Mishrilal Hotel

When in Jodhpur, you simply cannot miss the iconic makhaniya lassi at the Shri Mishrilal Hotel. Situated close to Clock Tower, this small eating outlet has been selling its unique lassi for over 100 years now. The makhaniya lassi is creamy, thick and topped with plenty of butter; it takes away thirst on a hot day perfectly. Due to its richness and light sweetness, it is loved by many and it can be a perfect way to cool down after exploring the busy market area.

• Cost for two: INR 400
• Timings: 8:30 am to 10:00 pm
• Drive time from The Hosteller Jodhpur: 7 minutes (2.2 km)

Shri Mishrilal Hotel | Credits: shrimishrilalhotel, Instagram

3. Shandar Sweet Home

There’s no way anyone can stay in Jodhpur without grabbing its fabled sweets, and Shandar Sweet Home is one locality you should be looking forward to being next to. The sweet shop that became iconic because of mawa kachori and mirchi vada has been satisfying these desires for many years now. It possesses a flaky mawa kachori with a filling made up of sweetened mawa and nuts that results in an incredible combination of textures as well as tastes. Meanwhile, the mirchi vada offers a spicy kick, balancing out the sweetness. Shandar Sweet Home combines old-fashioned recipes with high-quality ingredients thus creating a great destination for all dessert lovers.

• Cost for two: INR 400
• Timings: 9:30 am to 10:30 pm
• Drive time from The Hosteller Jodhpur: 7 minutes (3.4 km)

Shandar Sweet Home | Credits: itsallaboutfooodd, Instagram

4. Indique Restaurant & Bar

For a dining experience that combines great food with stunning views, Indique Restaurant is a top choice. Located at the rooftop of Pal Haveli, Indique boasts of an all-round sight of Mehrangarh Fort, which adds magnificence to your meal. The menu comprises Rajasthani and continental dishes, which cater for different tastes. Whether you are having dinner or you would like to have a romantic night out, one cannot forget the atmosphere of this place.

• Cost for two: INR 1200
• Timings: 12:30 pm to 11:00 pm
• Drive time from The Hosteller Jodhpur: 8 minutes (2.4 km)

Indique Restaurant & Bar | Credits: Palhaveli

5. Stepwell Cafe

Next to the famous Toorji Ka Jhalra Stepwell, you will find the Stepwell Cafe which is a modern eatery that adds class to the traditional attitude in food. Offering everything from pizzas made with wood-fired ovens to peculiarly local dishes, this café can be visited at any time for an occasion. Outdoor seating here guarantees diners a peaceful view of the well creating a relaxing atmosphere. For history on your plate without getting formal about it, visit Stepwell Cafe which stands where history is thick and proud in every corner of Jodhpur.

• Cost for two: INR 1000
• Timings: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
• Drive time from The Hosteller Jodhpur: 9 minutes (2.7 km)

Stepwell Cafe | Credits: stepwell_cafe, Instagram

6. Kalinga Restaurant

Kalinga Restaurant offers a fine dining experience focusing on traditional Rajasthani foods. Decorated with elegance, the hotel represents royal Jodhpur heritage featuring furniture dating back centuries and artifacts collected from across India. Some delicacies on offer are laal maas – spicy mutton curry; ker sangri – desert beans with berries; etc. The taste is rich making it a must-visit if someone wants to know how deep Rajasthani cooking goes; while ultra-polite stuff and royal surroundings bring us into Rajasthan’s culinary history.

• Cost for two: INR 700
• Timings: 11:30 am to 11:00 pm
• Drive time from The Hosteller Jodhpur: 10 minutes (3.2 km)

Kalinga Hotel | Credits: kalingahotel, Instagram

7. Mehran Terrace

Mehran Terrace located on top of Mehrangarh Fort offers an exclusive dining experience different from all others around the city centre. Traditional Rajasthani cuisine is served here under the open sky while overlooking the imposing fort walls. Its combination with outstanding views overlying the valley and its historical importance makes dining here one of a kind.

• Cost for two: INR 800
• Timings: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
• Drive time from The Hosteller Jodhpur: 11 minutes (3.3 km)

Mehran Terrace | Credits: indian_dream_travel, Instagram

8. On The Rocks

On The Rocks is another well-frequented restaurant in the city due to its lively atmosphere and wide variety of dishes available. It offers both Indian and Chinese cuisines as well as Continental food amidst outdoor gardens with tables and chairs. Live music and bonfires make it a perfect place for people who want to have fun during evenings with their friends or relatives. When you feel like indulging in an Indian delicacy or having something simple, On The Rocks has got you covered.

• Cost for two: INR 2000
• Timings: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
• Drive time from The Hosteller Jodhpur: 12 minutes (3.5 km)

On The Rocks | Credits: ontherocksrestaurantandbar, Instagram

9. Janta Sweet Home

Janta Sweet Home serves a wide variety of sweets and also some fine snacks in Jodhpur town. Their local favorites are pyaz ki kachori and mirchi bada which are liked by both residents and visitors alike. The onion-spiced filled deep-fried kachori is perfectly delicious while its counterpart mirchi bada gives a crispy outside plus hot inside experience when eaten from this place; hence making it an ideal spot for either snacks or light meal complemented by tasty desserts back home after such visitation

• Cost for two: INR 400
• Timings: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
• Drive time from The Hosteller Jodhpur: 12 minutes (5.6 km)

Janta Sweet Home | Credits: jantasweethome, Instagram
 

10. Gypsy Vegetarian Restaurant

For those who are in the mood to try out Rajasthani flavours firsthand, Gypsy Restaurant is the place to be. One of Jodhpur’s downtown highlights, this famous eatery is best known for its thali which has a variety of traditional dishes. Each item on the thali from dal bati churma to gatte ki sabzi celebrates Rajasthan’s culinary heritage. With a friendly staff and warm atmosphere, dining at Gypsy has never been so rewarding.

• Cost for two: INR 600
• Timings: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
• Drive time from The Hosteller Jodhpur: 41 minutes (26.7 km)

Gypsy Vegetarian Restaurant | Credits: gypsy_restaurant, Instagram

Conclusion

Jodhpur city is made of a fusion of different cuisines from all over the world as well as the conventional flavors of Rajasthani. This is truly a gastronomic tour that will cater for all tastes and preferences. It doesn’t matter if you are eating at one of the popular street food shops or having dinner in a cafe. This is what makes each restaurant special thereby bringing you closer to the essence of Blue City’s vibrancy. Enjoy these must-visit restaurants as they capture everything about Jodhpur’s cuisine. Once again, while enjoying delightful meals in Jodhpur, there is no better place to stay than The Hosteller Jodhpur. Located in a central place, this lively hostel not only offers comfortable beds but also cultural immersion experiences. The hotel has state-of-the-art facilities, and its rooftop café has a panoramic view of the town which creates an inviting environment for its guests.