After visiting the magnificent Taj Mahal, you'll definitely be hungry! But as a tourist, finding a safe, hygienic restaurant can be challenging. This guide covers the best restaurants near Taj Mahal that are tourist-friendly, clean, and serve delicious food.
What Tourists Should Look For
Before we dive into recommendations, here's what tourists should prioritize:
- Hygiene: Clean kitchen, AC dining, filtered water
- Reviews: Google rating above 4.0 stars
- Payment: Accepts cards and UPI (not just cash)
- Menu: English menu available
- Location: Easy to find, safe area
#1 Shripati Dwarkadhish Restaurant (Highly Recommended)
Distance from Taj Mahal: 3 km (10-15 minutes by auto)
Location: Opposite Red Fort, beside Ambedkar Chowk Metro
Cuisine: Pure Vegetarian - North Indian, South Indian, Chinese
Rating: 4.8/5 (285+ reviews)
Why It's Perfect for Tourists:
- Directly opposite Red Fort - visit after lunch!
- 100% pure vegetarian - safe for all diets
- Fully air-conditioned - escape Agra's heat
- Hygienic kitchen with fresh ingredients
- English menu and tourist-friendly staff
- Accepts all payment methods
- Metro connected - easy access
- Open 6 AM - 11 PM
Must-Try Dishes:
- Maharaja Thali (complete royal meal)
- Dal Makhani with Butter Naan
- Paneer Butter Masala
- Masala Dosa (South Indian)
Areas to Consider
Taj Ganj (Near South Gate)
Pros: Walking distance from Taj Mahal, rooftop cafes with Taj views
Cons: Touristy, overpriced, variable hygiene standards
Best for: Quick snacks, coffee with a view
Civil Lines / Red Fort Area (Recommended)
Pros: Better restaurants, cleaner, less crowded
Cons: 3-4 km from Taj Mahal
Best for: Proper sit-down meals, family dining
Tips for Tourists
- Avoid touts: Don't follow people who approach you near Taj Mahal offering restaurant recommendations - they get commissions
- Check reviews: Use Google Maps to verify ratings before going
- Carry water: Stay hydrated, especially in summer
- Vegetarian is safer: If you're worried about hygiene, vegetarian restaurants are generally safer
- Book ahead: During peak season, good restaurants fill up quickly
Sample Tourist Itinerary
Morning: Visit Taj Mahal (sunrise)
Lunch: Shripati Dwarkadhish Restaurant (3 km from Taj)
Afternoon: Visit Red Fort (opposite the restaurant)
Evening: Return to Taj Mahal area for sunset photos
Our Recommendation
For the safest, most enjoyable dining experience near Taj Mahal, visit Shripati Dwarkadhish Restaurant. The combination of location (opposite Red Fort), quality (4.8 rating), and hygiene makes it the top choice for tourists.