5 Cheap (but Decent) Restaurants in Paharganj Delhi

In addition to an abundance of budget hotels, you'll also find many cheap restaurants in Paharganj. Try these popular ones.

1. Metropolis Bar and Restaurant

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The Metropolis Bar and Restaurant, located on the rooftop of the Metropolis Tourist Home, is without a doubt the pick of the Paharganj eateries. It’s a little more costly than the rest -- main meals average around 250 rupees ($6) -- but the quality and variety of food is a definite step up from the usual suspects. Both Indian and western dishes are prepared. Service is friendly, fast, and efficient. Reasonably priced alcohol is also served, including cocktails.

• Address: Metropolis Tourist Home, 1628 Main Bazaar, Paharganj, Delhi. Ph: (11) 2356-1782.
• Opening Hours: 8 a.m. until 11 p.m.
• Cost: 750 rupees ($18) for two people.

Visit Their Website

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Malhotra is an intimate restaurant that serves good Indian and Continental food. Step inside and you'll find seating for around 40 people, wooden and tiled walls, and lighting that sets the mood nicely. Service is courteous but variable, and it tends to be better in the evenings than at other times of the day. Sometimes a waiter will immediately come to take your order, but other times it's possible to be left waiting for 10 minutes.

• Address: 1833-34 Laxmi Narain Street, Paharganj, Delhi (opposite the Hotel Cottage Yes Please). Ph: (11) 2358-9371.
• Opening Hours: 7 a.m. until 11 p.m.
• Cost: 200 rupees ($5) for two people.

3. Gem Bar and Restaurant

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Surprisingly, in keeping with its name, the Gem Bar and Restaurant is quite a gem! This narrow, relatively new place is modern and decorated in warm tones inside. Upstairs is popular for its wide screen TV, which is much sought after for watching sport. Staff are attentive, and you'll find a wide range of cuisine on the menu. If you simply feel like relaxing and having a drink, definitely come to Gem. It can get crowded and noisy at times, but it's a decent place and one of the few in Pahaganj that serves alcohol.

• Address: 1050 Main Bazaar, Paharganj, Delhi. Ph: (11) 2358-8165.
• Opening Hours: 9 a.m. until midnight.
• Cost: 300 rupees ($7) for two people.

4. Diamond Cafe

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Decorated with striped orange and white walls, and pictures of Hindu gods, the Diamond Cafe is another place that offers everything from Indian to Israeli food. Most of what's on the menu costs less than 100 rupees ($2.50) and is quite appetizing. You'll usually have to call for the waiter's attention, and will have to write your own order. Waiters will also bring beer if you ask.

• Address: 5066 Main Bazaar, Paharganj, Delhi (opposite the Vivek Hotel). Ph: 9810818456.
• Opening Hours: 7.30 a.m. until 11 p.m.
• Cost: 200 rupees ($5) for two people.

5. Sam's Cafe

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Travelers seem to love it here but the ongoing popularity of Sam’s Café is quite puzzling. It must be due to the Cafe's attractive rooftop garden setting, because it certainly can’t be for the service or food (although rumor has it that the western breakfasts are quite good). Service is very slow and the food, once it finally arrives, isn’t particularly appealing. The Café serves a variety of Israeli and Italian food, as well as steak and burgers. There’s also barbecue from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly.

• Address: Vivek Hotel, 1534-50 Main Bazaar, Paharganj, Delhi. Ph: (11) 4154-1436.
• Opening Hours: 8 a.m. until 11 p.m.
• Cost: 200 rupees ($5) for two people.

Staying in Paharganj