7 Best Restaurants in Agra and Environs, Side Trips from Delhi

This airy indoor restaurant looks out on the Oberoi's gardens, with beautiful views of the Taj Mahal in the distance. Decor is stylish, with chic brown-and-white tile floors, plush turquoise booths, and dusky wooden tables and chairs.

Rustic wood tabletops resting on tree-trunk bases, plush, bright-orange seat cushions, and hammered copper plates and goblets create a dark, romantic mood, complemented by the simple, delicious barbecue cuisine of the North West Frontier area in present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. All kinds of meats are freshly prepared over open flames and served with rich, aromatic sauces, with plenty for vegetarians, and guests are encouraged to eat with their hands.

The light and spicy South Indian vegetarian dishes served at this casual town favorite are a nice change from Agra's usual rich Mughlai fare. The food is excellent and service is fast at this casual, reliable, chain eatery.

Situated just past The Oberoi Amarvilas's illuminated Mughal-style courtyard and grand marble lobby, this intimate den celebrates local craftsmanship, with square pillars of red sandstone and white marble and carved wooden screens. Through the glass wall of the kitchen you can watch the chefs at work, while live instrumental music, including performances on the dulcimer-like santoor, adds to the mood throughout the week.

Occupying an elegant, airy space that opens out to the lobby of the Taj Gateway Hotel, Jhankar serves excellent Mughlai dishes every day at dinnertime. Flavors are subtle and distinct; many herbs and vegetables come from the kitchen garden.

The panoramic view from a wall of windows takes in both the Taj Mahal and the Fort, while evening live ghazals (Urdu love song) performances set the mood for rich Mughlai dishes served here. A ceiling of faux twinkling stars floats over an interior of rich reds, with brass trays hanging on walls and tables set with silver goblets.

This sleek, modern restaurant is decorated in rich shades of purple, beige, and orange, and lighted by glittering glass chandeliers. The five-page menu includes Chinese and European dishes, but the North Indian cuisine is what makes the restaurant so popular with domestic visitors.