If you have ever visited Jaipur, you would agree that the city’s air has something effortlessly romantic about it. If you are planning to ask your partner on a date and confused about where to go, we have got you covered.
From dining at a palace to sitting across the table with your loved one in a room lit only by candles, the city’s restaurants are doing everything to make your date a magical one. Check out these five fine-dine date spots in Jaipur for a cozy and fulfilling evening.
Peshawri, ITC Rajputana
If there is one spot in Jaipur that will feature on the favorites list of people across all age groups, it has to be Peshawri at ITC Rajputana. Loyal diners don’t usually find the need to get a menu before placing their order.
However, if you are someone visiting for the very first time, start your meal with their tandoor platter. The hearty portion comes with roasted potatoes, cauliflower, pineapples, cottage cheese, and capsicum. Pair it with their iconic spiced onions and coriander chutney to have a lip-smacking starter.
As you will progress to the main course, don’t forget to order their iconic long-cooked dal bukhara, paneer khurchan, and onion kulcha. A special mention for their dal which is almost addictive for how well cooked and creamy it is.
A pro tip, never call for cutlery at Peshawri, it is considered against their norm.
Close your meal with their much loved phirni. It is considered one of the best in the city and for all the right reasons. Served in an earthen bowl, the phirni is silky and luscious. As you wrap up and head out, you will be treated by a pann. My suggestion is, never miss it!
Address: ITC RAJPUTANA, Road, Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006
Price for two: INR 7,000
Giardino, Jai Mahal Palace
If there is one spot that all Pink City dwellers would recommend for a swanky Italian meal, it would be Giardino. Housed at the opulent Jai Mahal Palace in the heart of the city, the restaurant is apt for a cozy date paired with an unmissable food menu.
I recommend you try their risotto di funghi which is not just super creamy but will melt in your mouth before you know it. If you are into pastas, try their fusilli al pesto which has a cult following in the city. Coming to their pizzas, my order alternates between the cherry tomato and basil-topped bufalina or the classic quattro formaggi.
My meat eating friends enjoy the ham and cheese topped prosciutto. Their tiramisu and chocolate gelato are to die for- I would consider it blasphemous to leave the restaurant without trying these two.
Their drinks are done very well too- with coffees as good as their wines and cocktails.
Address: Ground Floor, Jacob Rd, near Bharat petroleum, Civil Lines, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006
Price for two: INR 5,500
Baradari, City Palace
There could be nothing more romantic than taking your partner out for a date at a palace. Baradari at Jaipur’s City Palace, gives you a chance to enjoy a meal in the lap of the regal structure that continues to be the residence of Jaipur’s royal family.
One can never go wrong with their appetizers. While all are great, if you are a vegetarian, go for the paneer mathania, if a meat eater then the classic Baradari chicken tikka should be a no-brainer. I am told, their shami kebabs are great too.
As you progress to the main course, you will be faced with a dilemma to order from their Indian or International section. My suggestion is, go for the former.
Their smoked baingan ka bharta and mangodi hara pyaza are great to pair with their soft naans. Baradari is also known to serve one of the best laal maas in the city. You can pair it with bajra khichdi and Rajasthani chards.
Their pasta and pizzas are competent but don’t come close to the Indian dishes. The spaghetti tricolore with tomato sauce, spinach ricotta, and parmesan is well-plated and sumptuous. From the pizzas, you could give a shot to Caprese or Napoletana.
Tie the meal together with the gajar ka halwa which is as well prepared as the lemon tarte. My staple at Baradari would be their in-house apple jalebi with rose petal ice cream.
Address: The City Palace, Gate 2, Jaleb Chowk, Pink City, Jaipur
Price for two: INR 3,000
Mohan Mahal, The Leela Palace
Inspired by Amer Fort’s Sheesh Mahal, is Mohan Mahal at the Leela Palace Jaipur. I could bet my bottom dollar to say that it would become one of the most mesmerising restaurants you would have possibly dined at. Draped with traditional thikri (glass work), it is lit up using candles without the use of any lights.
The menu will bring you closer to Rajasthani cuisine and culture. Their offerings include three thaali options- vegetarian thaali, non-vegetarian thali, and the mohan mahal aujasya thali.
From dal, baati, churma, ker sangri, and gatte ka saag to malai ghewar and Alwar ka kalakand, the thaali will leave you stuffed. The Shekhawati nali gosht and murgh ka mukul served in the non-vegetarian thaali is much loved by patrons.
Accompanying the thaalis are four different kinds of rotis-Rajasthan’s famous bejad ka tikad, sawaser ki roti, bina pani ki roti, and khoba roti.
Address: The Leela Palace, Jaipur-Delhi Highway, NH 11, Kukas, Jaipur
Price for two: INR 10,000
Steams, Rambagh Palace
Saving the best for the last is Steams at one of Jaipur’s most cherished properties. One of my most favourite spots in the city, it serves not only the best pizzas but an ambience that allows you to eat inside a train with the view of the palatial Rambagh Palace.
From their compact menu, you must try the avocado, refried beans, lettuce, and jack cheese quesadillas, the Alaska or quattro stagioni pizza, and their paneer tikka roll. If you ask me, Steams is an underrated spot for desserts. Their apple strudel and biscoff cheesecake are undeniably the best in the city.
From their range of ice creams, the palace-made blueberry and cinnamon ice cream should be a no brainer.
Address: Rambagh Palace, Bhawani Singh Road, C Scheme, Jaipur
Price for two: INR 5,500
