Chandigarh, the capital city of Punjab and Haryana, is not only known for its modern architecture and well-planned urban design but also for its vibrant culinary scene. The city offers a diverse range of dining options, from traditional Punjabi food to international cuisines. Whether you’re a foodie looking to explore local flavors or someone who enjoys fine dining, Chandigarh has something to offer for everyone. Here are some of the best places to eat in Chandigarh.

Also Read: Best Things to Do in Chandigarh 

1. Local Flavors and Punjabi Delicacies

Chandigarh’s culinary scene is incomplete without savoring the rich and flavorful Punjabi cuisine. Renowned for its hearty meals an done of the best places to eat in Chandigarh, the city boasts iconic eateries like Sethi Dhaba, Pal Dhaba, and Katani Dhaba. These places offer authentic Punjabi dishes, ensuring a delicious experience with classics like butter chicken, dal makhani, and chole bhature.

Sethi Dhaba

• Location: Sector 28
• Specialty: Traditional Punjabi dishes
• Must-Try: Butter chicken, dal makhani, tandoori roti
• Ambiance: Casual and vibrant
• Price Range: Budget-friendly

Pal Dhaba

• Location: Sector 28D
• Specialty: Authentic Punjabi cuisine
• Must-Try: Chicken curry, mutton curry, lassi
• Ambiance: Rustic and traditional
• Price Range: Moderate

Katani Dhaba

• Location: Sector 35C
• Specialty: Vegetarian Punjabi food
• Must-Try: Paneer butter masala, chole bhature, parathas
• Ambiance: Family-friendly and casual
• Price Range: Budget-friendly

2. Fine Dining and International Cuisine

For those who enjoy fine dining and international flavors, Chandigarh offers a plethora of upscale restaurants. Virgin Courtyard, The Willow Café, and The Chinese Room stand out for their exquisite Italian, Continental, and Chinese cuisines. These establishments provide a sophisticated ambiance, making them perfect for special occasions and culinary indulgence of Chandigarh famous food.

Virgin Courtyard

• Location: Sector 7C
• Specialty: Italian cuisine
• Must-Try: Wood-fired pizzas, pasta, tiramisu
• Ambiance: Romantic and cozy
• Price Range: High-end

The Willow Café

• Location: Sector 10D
• Specialty: Continental and Indian fusion
• Must-Try: Grilled chicken, club sandwich, coffee
• Ambiance: Chic and elegant
• Price Range: Moderate to high-end

The Chinese Room

• Location: Sector 17
• Specialty: Chinese cuisine
• Must-Try: Dim sums, Peking duck, hot and sour soup
• Ambiance: Elegant and sophisticated
• Price Range: High-end

3. Cafés and Bakeries

Indian Coffee House

• Location: Sector 17
• Specialty: South Indian and North Indian snacks
• Must-Try: Masala dosa, filter coffee, cutlets
• Ambiance: Retro and nostalgic
• Price Range: Budget-friendly

Nik Baker’s

• Location: Multiple locations (Sector 9, Sector 35)
• Specialty: Bakery items and café fare
• Must-Try: Cakes, pastries, sandwiches
• Ambiance: Modern and vibrant
• Price Range: Moderate

Backpackers Café

• Location: Sector 9
• Specialty: Continental cuisine and breakfast
• Must-Try: English breakfast, pancakes, smoothies
• Ambiance: Cozy and casual
• Price Range: Moderate

4. Street Food and Snacks

Chandigarh street food scene is vibrant and bustling, offering a variety of delicious snacks. Garg Chaat, Bholey Di Hatti, and the Sector 22 Market are must-visit spots for street food lovers. Here, you can indulge in mouthwatering treats like golgappe, chole bhature, and momos, all at budget-friendly prices. Here are some of the best street food in Chandigarh.

Garg Chaat

• Location: Sector 23
• Specialty: Street food and chaat
• Must-Try: Golgappe, aloo tikki, bhel puri
• Ambiance: Bustling street-side
• Price Range: Budget-friendly

Bholey Di Hatti

• Location: Sector 44
• Specialty: Street snacks
• Must-Try: Chole bhature, samosa, jalebi
• Ambiance: Simple and busy
• Price Range: Budget-friendly

Sector 22 Market

• Location: Sector 22
• Specialty: Various street food stalls
• Must-Try: Chaat, momos, kulfi
• Ambiance: Lively and crowded
• Price Range: Budget-friendly

5. Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Vegetarian and vegan diners will find plenty of satisfying options in Chandigarh. Café JC’s, Hops n Grains, and Shree Rathnam cater to those seeking plant-based meals. These restaurants offer a diverse menu with dishes like quinoa salad, vegan burgers, and dosas, ensuring a delightful dining experience for everyone. Here are some of the best places to eat in Chandigarh.

Café JC’s

• Location: Sector 10
• Specialty: Vegetarian and vegan dishes
• Must-Try: Quinoa salad, vegan burgers, smoothies
• Ambiance: Modern and airy
• Price Range: Moderate to high-end

Hops n Grains

• Location: Panchkula (near Chandigarh)
• Specialty: Microbrewery with vegetarian options
• Must-Try: Veg platters, craft beers, pizzas
• Ambiance: Trendy and lively
• Price Range: Moderate to high-end

Shree Rathnam

• Location: Sector 17
• Specialty: South Indian vegetarian cuisine
• Must-Try: Dosas, idlis, vadas
• Ambiance: Traditional and comfortable
• Price Range: Moderate

6. Desserts and Sweet Treats

Chandigarh’s sweet tooth is well-catered to with an array of dessert spots. Gopal Sweets, Oven Fresh, and Softy Corner are favorites for their delightful confections. Whether you crave traditional Indian sweets, decadent cakes, or creamy ice creams, these places offer an irresistible array of sugary delights. Here are some of the best places to eat in Chandigarh.

Gopal Sweets

• Location: Sector 35
• Specialty: Indian sweets and desserts
• Must-Try: Rasgulla, gulab jamun, kaju katli
• Ambiance: Clean and welcoming
• Price Range: Moderate

Oven Fresh

• Location: Sector 35
• Specialty: Bakery items and desserts
• Must-Try: Cheesecakes, brownies, pies
• Ambiance: Cozy and modern
• Price Range: Moderate

Softy Corner

• Location: Sector 17
• Specialty: Ice creams and softy cones
• Must-Try: Vanilla softy, chocolate dip, sundae
• Ambiance: Simple and fun
• Price Range: Budget-friendly

7. Family-Friendly Restaurants

Barbeque Nation

• Location: Sector 26
• Specialty: Buffet with live grills
• Must-Try: BBQ starters, biryani, desserts
• Ambiance: Spacious and lively
• Price Range: Moderate to high-end

Swagath Restaurant and Bar

• Location: Sector 26
• Specialty: Seafood and North Indian cuisine
• Must-Try: Crab curry, tandoori prawns, butter naan
• Ambiance: Elegant and family-friendly
• Price Range: High-end

Sindhi Sweets

• Location: Sector 17 and Sector 22
• Specialty: Indian and continental cuisine
• Must-Try: Chole bhature, paneer tikka, sweets
• Ambiance: Casual and inviting
• Price Range: Moderate

8. Rooftop and Outdoor Dining

Sky Grill

• Location: Sector 34
• Specialty: Multi-cuisine with live music
• Must-Try: Grilled fish, pizzas, cocktails
• Ambiance: Romantic and scenic
• Price Range: High-end

Chandigarh Baking Company

• Location: JW Marriott, Sector 35
• Specialty: Bakery and café fare
• Must-Try: Croissants, coffee, pastries
• Ambiance: Chic and relaxed
• Price Range: High-end

Brooklyn Central

• Location: Elante Mall, Industrial Area Phase I
• Specialty: American cuisine
• Must-Try: Burgers, steaks, shakes
• Ambiance: Trendy and open-air
• Price Range: Moderate to high-end

How to Reach Chandigarh

Chandigarh is well-connected by air, train, and bus, making it easily accessible from major cities across India.

How to Reach Chandigarh By Air

Chandigarh International Airport (IXC)

• Location: 13 km from city center
• Domestic Flights: Major airlines like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara connect Chandigarh to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
• International Flights: Direct flights to destinations such as Dubai and Sharjah.
• Transport from Airport: Prepaid taxis, CTU buses, and car rentals are available for city transfers.

How to Reach Chandigarh By Train

Chandigarh Railway Station (CDG)

• Location: 8 km from city center
• Major Trains: Shatabdi Express (Delhi), Himalayan Queen Express (Delhi-Kalka), Paschim Express (Mumbai).
• Other Trains: Connectivity to Amritsar, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kolkata, and more.
• Transport from Station: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, CTU buses, and ride-sharing services like Ola and Uber.

How to Reach Chandigarh By Bus

ISBT Sector 17 and ISBT Sector 43

• Government Bus Services: Haryana Roadways, Punjab Roadways, Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).
• Private Operators: Volvo, Shree Krishna Travels, Rajdhani Express.
• Bus Types: Volvo and AC buses, sleeper buses, non-AC buses.
• Transport from Bus Stand: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and CTU local buses are available for city transfers.

Bus Booking: You can easily book Chandigarh bus tickets on AbhiBus and travel hassle-free. Here are some of the most travelled bus routes by people to reach Chandigarh

Chandigarh’s efficient connectivity by air, train, and bus ensures a convenient travel experience for all visitors.

Conclusion

Chandigarh’s culinary landscape is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. From traditional Punjabi dhabas to fine dining restaurants, chic cafés to bustling street food markets, there is something to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, exploring the best places to eat in Chandigarh is an experience that should not be missed. So, the next time you find yourself in this beautiful city, make sure to indulge in its rich and varied gastronomic offerings.