When asked what their favorite comfort food is, a surprising number of people will say a huge slice of pizza with all the fixings or a plate of cheesy white sauce pasta. Out of all the international cuisines available here, urban Indians are pretty much captivated by Italian food and can’t get enough of it. They have a favorite Italian restaurant, a favorite cheese or pasta, and a favorite type of olive oil Here are some of the best, and most popular Italian restaurants in the country.
1. Trattoria:
Located in the city of dreams, Trattoria, or "an Italian restaurant," truly lives up to its name. With beautiful décor, delicious food, and courteous staff, Trattoria has been serving Mumbai’s best Italian fare for over 40 years. It remains a great choice for an authentic Italian experience, especially the four-cheese pizza, mushroom soup, grilled chicken, and cheese rolls.
Address: President,Cuffe Parade, Mumbai
Price for two people: Rs. 2700 (without alcohol)
Time: Monday-Sunday, 7am to 10:30pm
2. CinCin:
Located in suburban Mumbai, CinCin is one of the best restaurants for Italian cuisine. With a lively scene, it promotes subtle music that does not interrupt your conversations with your loved ones. The courteous, helpful service staff is simply the cherry on top, making for a fantastic fine-dining experience.
Address: Ground Floor, Raheja Towers, Bandra East, Mumbai
Price for two people: Rs 2800 (without alcohol) and Rs 300 for a pint of beer
Time: Monday-Sunday, 12noon-1:30am
3.San Gimignano, The Imperial:
With San Gimignano, Italian cuisine found its way into the heart of the country's capital. Known for its excellent atmosphere, ample seating, great service, and stunning food, it is the perfect place to visit after a long day of shopping in the streets.
Address:The Imperial New Delhi, Janpath, New Delhi
Price for two people: Rs 5000 (without alcohol)
Time: Monday- Sunday, 12:30pm – 3pm, 7pm – 11:30pm
4. Diva:
True to its name, this sophisticated and classy place in the Greater Kailash area is all about honest cooking. With more than 10 pizza flavors, cheese filled ravioli, and some really good wine, margaritas, and sangria, Diva is a must-visit for all Delhiites seeking an authentic Italian dining experience.
Address: M-8A, M Block Market, Greater Kailash 2 (GK 2), New Delhi
Price for two people: Rs 2500 (without alcohol) and Rs 200 for a pint of beer
Time: Monday-Sunday, 11am – 10:30pm
5. La Cucina, Hyatt Regency:
Kolkata, known for its rich heritage and culture, is also home to some of the best Italian cuisine in the country. La Cucina is one such example. Known for its great lighting and romantic candlelight dinners, it is definitely worth a visit for the much-loved asparagus salads, asparagus soup, and braised lamb shanks. Make sure to try their out-of-this-world tiramisu during your visit.
Address: JA 1, Sector 3, Salt Lake, Kolkata
Price for two people: Rs 2500 (without alcohol) and Rs 450 for a pint of beer
Time: Monday-Sunday, 12 noon-8pm
6. Fire & Ice:
After achieving massive success in Kathmandu, Fire&Ice made its first venture into India in 2005 with their restaurant in Kolkata. Famous for their wood-fired pizzas, Fire & Ice will surely leave foodies craving more of their pepperoni, spaghetti carbonara, and pizza salads. They also make crepes, and a particularly nice tiramisu.
Address: 41, J.LNehru Road, Chowringhee Road, Camac Street Area, Kolkata
Price for two people: Rs 1800 (without alcohol) and Rs 250 for a pint of beer
Time: Monday-Sunday, 1pm – 10pm
7. Via Milano:
The Silicon Valley of India is also home to some of the most authentic Italian cuisine out there, like the award-winning restaurant Via Milano. It has four locations in Bengaluru, with a live in-house singer, rooftop seating, and a good view. The pizzas are great, and the strawberry panna cotta and chocolate ganache have become pretty famous around here. Make sure to finish your meal with their highly recommended tiramisu and almond semifreddo!
Address: 8, 4th Floor, 80 Feet Road, Koramangala 4th Block, Bangalore
Price for two people: Rs1300 (without alcohol)
Time: Monday-Thursday, 12noon-11pm; Friday-Sunday, 12noon-11:30pm
8. Toscano Restaurant & Wine Bar:
This restaurant now has several locations across Bengaluru, Pune, and Chennai. Some of their signature dishes include Kahlua Mousse, Bruschetta Platter, Ravioli, Risotto, Pepperoni Pizza, and Salmon. For all the wine lovers out there, Toscano has got you covered with plenty of wine options. So, the next time you need a break from your 9 to 5 desk job, make sure to pay Toscano a visit!
Address: 2nd Floor, UB City, Vittal Mallya Road, Near Lavelle Road, Bangalore
Price for two people: Rs 1500 (without alcohol)
Time: Monday-Sunday, 12noon-11:30pm
9. Le Cirque, The Leela Palace:
Le Cirque is Sirio Maccioni’s iconic French and Italian fine-dining restaurant from New York City, with its first Indian branch in Delhi. Make sure to try out their morel mushroom risotto and scallops. With jazz music and a relaxed environment, it is sure to add more taste to your food.
Address: The Leela Palace, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Price for two people: Rs 5000 (without alcohol) and Rs 300 for a pint of beer
Time: Monday-Sunday, 7pm-12midnight
10. Chianti:
Last, but certainly not least, we have Chianti, named after the wine from central Tuscany. This restaurant is known for its authenticity and rustic Italian ambience. With great meal portions, Chianti is definitely a family favorite. So, make sure to visit any one of its branches across Bengaluru the next time you plan a family brunch. Good wine, some of that delicious chocolate bomb, a tiramisu and strawberry panna cotta - this is Italian cuisine done right.
Address: 960, 12th Main, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bangalore
Price for two people: Rs 2000 (without alcohol)
Time: Monday-Friday, 12noon-3:30pm, 6:30-10:30pm; Saturday-Sunday, 12noon-11pm