Trio To Desert Boys Dhani: The Best Restaurants To Eat In Jaisalmer
In addition to beautiful havelis and desert landscapes, Jaisalmer steals my heart with eateries along ancient streets serving aromatic curries, fiery grilled preparations and much more, where the generosity of the royal family in the desert is translated into recipes for us to enjoy.
Join me for 6 incredible food gems that reflect Jaisalmer’s rich culinary repertoire – one flavorful bite at a time!
1. Trio – For royal Rajasthani celebrations
My Jaisalmer food memories start at Trio restaurant, hidden in a quiet corner, serving the royal cuisine of Rajasthan in family-run warmth. As ethnic embroidery glitters, I lose myself enjoying daal baati churma, spicy ker-sangri sabzi and more on traditional leaf plates, while melodies of haunting ballads and dances transport me to desert regions. For royal Rajasthani celebrations coupled with cultural delights, Trio is always at the top of the list!
- Family run, award winning heritage restaurant
- Famous for Rajasthani thali with authentic dishes
- Cultural performances during dinner
- Royal Rajputana heritage decor
2. The Turban Cafe – Scenic al fresco treats
When I’m craving continental flavors besides catching golden sunsets, The Turban Cafe, located on the rooftop opposite Jaisalmer’s sprawling fort, has me swooning over their cheese-laden thin crust pizzas, creamy pastas and more as I admire the rugged fort that glows in crimson hues. Chilling with fries and frothy shakes while this desert gem turns to gold, precious memories are made!
- Outdoor rooftop restaurant
- Panoramic view of the golden Jaisalmer Fort
- Multi cuisine menu including Indian, Italian etc
- Beautiful Amber Fort facade
3. Gaji’s Restaurant – Tasty home cooked meals
Tucked in a corner near the famous Patwa Haveli, Gaji’s small restaurant draws me in every time with the aromas of homely dishes, richly flavored with local spices and herbs. Under kitschy walls, you can bond with other guests at long tables over any number of Rajasthani thalis, lovingly served by turban-clad staff. For a hearty meal paired with the legendary hospitality the desert state is famous for, Gaji’s remains my delicious secret.
- Award-winning, family-run restaurant
- Specialized in traditional Rajasthani cuisine
- Famous for laal maas and safe maas dishes
- Modest seating in lively interiors
4. Saffron – Fine dining amidst royal opulence
Saffraan Restaurant at Hotel Jaisal Vilas offers royal treatment through a refined atmosphere and delicacies reinvented from recipes frequented by former nobles. The velvety dal bukhara simmered overnight in creamy tomato gravy or the succulent stuffed chicken roasted in the clay oven are a few rich preparations that satiate both the soul and the palate at this majestic restaurant in Jaisalmer!
- Award-winning fine dining restaurant and heritage hotel
- Royal setting combined with inventive food presentation
- Visited for decades by local noble families
- North Indian, Rajasthani, Continental cuisine
5. Pleasant Haveli Roof – for enchanting meals at dusk
As dusk falls over Jaisalmer, I head to the roof of Pleasant Haveli, bathed in warm lights, perfect for special twilight meals with loved ones. Under a series of globes, gaze at fairytale Jaisalmer glowing ethereally in the dark before delving into the selection of vegetarian favorites being lovingly whipped up while lingering conversations last for hours. For delicious al fresco dining, drenched in old-world allure, Pleasant Haveli charms.
- Fine dining restaurant by candlelight on the roof
- Panoramic view of the illuminated Golden Fort
- Multi-cuisine menu with mainly vegetarian dishes
- Romantic setting, ideal for couples
6. Desert Boys Dhani – Cultural extravaganza
I conclude by enjoying the treasures of Jaisalmer at Desert Boys Dhani, designed as a traditional rural village, complete with thatched huts, low seating and a starry sky. Folk singers and dancers entertain as you enjoy generous Rajasthani flavors of hot bajra rotis, spicy sangri subzis traditionally served on leaves stretched on the floor. An evening well spent, immersed in cultural extravaganza – a perfect farewell to Jaisalmer until next time!
- Open-air restaurant conceptualized as a traditional village
- Seating on the ground according to ancient customs
- Rajasthani folk artists perform throughout the evening
- Royal thali with specialty traditional dishes here
Jaisalmer kept me enthralled with its dining options, telling stories of a rich heritage – whether it was royal recipes made from secret spices or hearty home-cooked dishes still prepared in the warmth of legendary hospitality.