Best Restaurants in Ajmer (2026)

TL;DR 🍽️

• Ajmer's food scene blends Mughlai classics from the Dargah district with traditional Rajasthani thalis
• Jannat Hotel and Restaurant near Dargah Ajmer Sharif is renowned for biryani and hearty breakfast
• Mango Masala is the reliable choice for families wanting butter chicken, biryani, and a comfortable setting
• Rasoi - The Train Restaurant serves an excellent vegetarian Rajasthani thali
• Pushkar (15 km away) is fully vegetarian — if anyone in your group wants non-veg, eat in Ajmer

Ajmer's Distinct Food Identity

Ajmer has a culinary identity that few Rajasthani cities can match. While Jaipur has its tourist infrastructure and Jodhpur its famous makhaniya lassi trail, Ajmer occupies a rare intersection of Rajasthani Hindu tradition and deep Mughlai influence — a legacy of the Dargah Ajmer Sharif, one of South Asia's most visited Sufi shrines, which has drawn pilgrims of every faith and background for centuries.

This history shapes every meal in the city. In the lanes approaching the Dargah, biryani and haleem reign: hearty, perfumed with whole spices, and served without fanfare to the tens of thousands of pilgrims who pass through each week. A few kilometres away, in the residential and commercial districts, you find straightforward Rajasthani thali joints — the kind where a generous spread of gatte ki sabzi, dal baati churma, and ker sangri arrives on a large steel plate and gets replenished without asking.

Both traditions are worth experiencing, and the best food visit to Ajmer involves at least one meal from each world.

The Dargah District: Mughlai and Biryani Country

The lanes around Jannat Hotel and Restaurant, which sits close to the Dargah Ajmer Sharif, are Ajmer's most atmospheric eating zone. The restaurant is known for its Mughlai-style biryani — a preparation locals describe as a must-order — as well as for early morning breakfast dishes that fuel pilgrims before a long day at the shrine. It is family-friendly and draws a mixed crowd of pilgrims, locals, and visitors throughout the day.

Kaaynat Restaurant in the same neighbourhood is another local favourite, particularly for tandoori chicken. Madina Restaurant is a budget-friendly option for mutton curry and kheema paratha — described in travel guides as offering delicious food at an affordable cost, without any pretence. The crowd at lunchtime here is itself a recommendation.

The practical tip for visiting the Dargah area is to arrive early — by 8 AM if you can — eat breakfast before the midday rush, complete your visit, and then return to the main city for lunch or dinner.

Insider Tip: Ajmer and Pushkar are often packaged together in travel guides, but they differ in one crucial way: Pushkar is fully vegetarian and prohibits meat, eggs, and alcohol by city ordinance. Some restaurant listings online that appear to be in "Ajmer" are actually in Pushkar. Always verify the street address. If your group includes non-vegetarians, make sure you eat in Ajmer proper.

Rajasthani Thalis and Vegetarian Dining

Rasoi - The Train Restaurant is Ajmer's most distinctive vegetarian option. Built around a railway theme, it offers a Rajasthani thali — a curated spread of regional dishes that includes the classics: gatte ki sabzi, dal baati churma, bajra roti, and seasonal vegetables prepared in the local style. It is the right choice for vegetarian families and for anyone wanting an organised introduction to Rajasthani home cooking in a single sitting.

For a more contemporary setting without losing the vegetarian focus, Royal Spice Restaurant is a rooftop multicuisine option with spacious, well-lit family dining. It is pure-veg and well-regarded for consistency. Mero Vrindavan Dhaba in the Vaishali Nagar area is another respected vegetarian choice, with strong ratings among local diners for its thali and comfort food.

For something lighter, Ganga Laffa & Falafel Restaurant offers falafel and wraps — a refreshing option after a morning of heavy Mughlai food and an increasingly popular choice among younger visitors.

A Modern Favourite for All Palates

Mango Masala has established itself as Ajmer's most consistent family-dining option across a range of cuisines. Its menu runs from butter chicken and biryani to Paneer Toofani and Malai Kofta — a spread reliable enough for groups with varied preferences. The restaurant is reviewed positively for its consistency and for its ability to handle family groups comfortably.

Aravali, associated with the Pratap Mahal property, is recommended for Laal Maas, Gatte ki Sabzi, and Dal Baati Churma, and is described by one source as a good choice for a celebratory dinner. It offers a more relaxed dining experience compared to the busy Dargah-area restaurants.

What to Do Between Meals

Ajmer's main sight is the Dargah Ajmer Sharif itself, followed by Ana Sagar Lake, whose promenade is a pleasant evening walk. The Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra mosque, a remarkable 12th-century structure, is a short walk from the city centre, as is the Akbar Fort and Museum. Given Ajmer's compact geography, most visitors find they can cover the main sights and have two proper meals in a single day. The standard pattern is the Dargah in the morning, Ana Sagar in the afternoon, and dinner at Mango Masala or Rasoi.

FAQ

What are the best restaurants in Ajmer for Rajasthani food? Rasoi - The Train Restaurant is the most consistently recommended for traditional Rajasthani cuisine. Its vegetarian thali is the standout item. Aravali is another option for Laal Maas and Gatte ki Sabzi in a quieter setting.

Where can I eat biryani in Ajmer? The restaurants near Dargah Ajmer Sharif — including Jannat Hotel and Restaurant and Madina Restaurant — are the city's best-known options for Mughlai-style biryani. These are also good for breakfast dishes before a Dargah visit.

Is vegetarian food easy to find in Ajmer? Absolutely. Rasoi - The Train Restaurant, Royal Spice Restaurant, and Mero Vrindavan Dhaba are among several pure-veg options. Most neighbourhood thali joints are also vegetarian.

Can I eat non-vegetarian food in Pushkar? No. Pushkar enforces a city-wide ban on meat, eggs, and alcohol. If your group includes non-vegetarians, plan all non-veg meals in Ajmer before crossing to Pushkar. The two towns are about 15 km apart.

What is the typical cost of a meal at Mango Masala or Rasoi? Mid-range restaurants like Mango Masala typically run around ₹800–₹1,000 for two. Thali restaurants near the Dargah are considerably more affordable. Verify current pricing directly with the restaurant, as these figures change over time.

Bottom Line

Ajmer's food scene rewards exploration at both ends: toward the Dargah for Mughlai biryani at Jannat Hotel and Restaurant, and outward to the residential streets for honest Rajasthani thalis at Rasoi - The Train Restaurant or a family dinner at Mango Masala. Whether you're arriving as a pilgrim or a curious food traveller, Ajmer delivers genuine flavour without pretension. Visit Desi.Net's Ajmer page for local listings, confirm hours before you go, and keep Pushkar's vegetarian-only rule in mind if you're visiting both cities in the same trip.