Houses in Jaipur have a charm of their own. Many of these spaces have been converted into restaurants and cafes that not only serve great food but allow you to indulge in the beauty of the houses. Check out these 5 homes-turned-restaurants in the Pink City.
Houses in Jaipur hold a charm of their own. A large courtyard or a lavish lawn, airy verandahs, tall ceilings, and beautiful frescoes are some of the many features specific to the Pink City houses. Another characteristic of Jaipur houses is the rich history that comes along with them.
Many of these houses have been converted into cafes, restaurants, and eateries that city dwellers love. From an 80-year-old haveli at Paanch Batti to an age-old house in Jaipur’s Johri Bazaar, check out these homes turned into cafes in the Pink City.
Located in an 80-year-old building at Jaipur’s Paanch Batti is Paro, a modern Indian kitchen that has been on the top of every city dweller’s favourites list, ever since it opened doors two years ago in February 2023.
Being a modern Indian kitchen, Paro offers a range of Indian delicacies with a twist. The burrata tokri chaat and dosa onion rings are my favourites from their vegetarian appetisers. You could also go for their kakori kebab or gun powder prawns ( I am told they are one of the few places in Jaipur that do them well).
My recommendation from their main course would be the rara paneer or dhungar daal paired with a well-done stuffed naan. My non-vegetarian friends usually go for the mutton nihari or laal maas. The chicken biryani also makes for a good pick. To close the meal, unthinkingly go for their thandai tres leches or aamras pannacotta. Both are epic.
In addition to a well-curated food menu, drinks at Paro are the talk of the town. Each cocktail is unique, from their vodka-based ras malai and garam masala with jeera-infused whisky to spicy sunset and house of Kashmir.
With both an al fresco and indoor dining space, Paro’s sandstone walls display Jaipuri frescoes, painted jharokas, and lime-washed arches. The building also features courtyards and spacious corridors— quite specific to Jaipur’s homes.
Address: 1st & 2nd Floor, Japuria Mansion, Panch Batti, MI Road, Jaipur
Price for two: INR 2,000 (without alcohol)
Nestled in Jaipur’s Johri Bazaar (jeweller’s market), an 18th-century haveli turned boutique hotel is one of the city’s most talked-about restaurants, The Johri. If you are visiting Jaipur for the first time and want to experience dining in a space that allows you to experience the city while serving great food, then a pit stop at The Johri is a must. Flocked by tourists and city dwellers alike, ensure you book a table at the restaurant before you go.
Some standouts from the vegetarian menu at The Johri include the chaat section. The crispy avocado chaat is as good as the baby paan and palak patta chaat. Try their rajma galouti, malai broccoli, and Amarnath crusted dahi ke kebab. As for mains, pair their aloo pyaaz ki sabzi or corn palak and zero-sized matar with a preferred bread. Their gucchi pulao is a diner favourite and must-try from their compact food menu.
Their impeccable dessert menu will make for the most loved part of your meal. Hawa Mahal, their airy milk cake and mango rabri are the most loved.
As for drinks, go for the Johri highball or the shikar whiskey-based the solution. Other standouts from the menu include the gin basil smash, kalingad, and gold rush.
Address: 3950, MSB Ka Rasta, Johri Bazar, Ghat Darwaza, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302003, India
Price for two: INR 1,400
Roastery Coffee House is located in a beautiful red sandstone home in Jaipur’s C-Scheme—a coffee stop that has been a consistent favourite of most in the city. The coffee house offers the comfort of a home paired with a much-loved food and drinks menu.
Highlights from the menu include mushroom and South West chicken burger, Mexican pizza, paneer keema sandwich, and cranberry salad. My go-to order at Roastery is their hand-made mushroom, ricotta tortellini, spinach, and corn lasagna. From the desserts, don’t miss out on their burnt cheesecake and nutty date cake.
If you are a coffee lover, you must have their honey-blended cold brew and cardamom latte. Both are diner favourites.
Address: J-8, Subhash Marg, C Scheme, Jaipur
Price for two: INR 850
O’Baque is one of Jaipur’s most Instagrammable craft kitchens and bakeries, started by two sisters in their 50-year-old ancestral home in the city. With pastel interiors and beautiful walls, the patisserie is known among city dwellers for its croissants, rolls, and pastries and for the regular baking workshops they conduct.
If I had to pick your order from O’Baque, I suggest you order their Korean sausage rolls, potato chips, onion jam, cream cheese swirl, and cream and garlic Jerusalem bagel.
Their mini cream rolls, raspberry custard, and black forest croissant are must-tries from the menu for sweet delights.
Address: 3, Peelwa Garden, Moti Doongri Rd, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004
Price for two: INR 500
Jaipur Modern Kitchen is one of Jaipur’s latest hotspots among people across age groups. The eatery housed in a 1940s bungalow in the heart of New Jaipur is one of the few spots serving vegan and gluten-free options in the city.
Seasonal and fresh ingredients drive the menu. Some standouts from the menu include the avo truffle toastie (a diner favourite), potato rosti platter, soba noodle salad, curry momo, and the Jaipur Modern pizza. I also enjoy their pomodoro pasta quite a bit. Their smoothie bowls are immensely loved among Jaipur Modern loyalists, and a staple order by most is their butter berry or tahini mocha bowl.
From the desserts, one must pick their tiramisu, which is undisputedly the best in the city. The Philly cheesecake and quinoa carrot cake are also good picks.
More than their coffee and tea, Jaipur Modern Kitchen juices are considered must-tries on your visit. I recommend you pick the rosa rossa or energia. If you feel a good cup of coffee, go for their Vietnamese flat white or Iced mocha.
Address: 51, Sardar Patel Marg, Dhuleshwar Garden Crossing, C Scheme, Jaipur
Price for two: INR 1,900