Gumbad cafe — Restaurant in Delhi

Tucked away in the bustling lanes of Old Delhi, Gumbad Cafe is a rooftop gem that offers a truly memorable experience. Located just opposite Gate No. 3 of the iconic Jama Masjid, the cafe provides a stunning panoramic view of the mosque’s magnificent domes and minarets—making it a top choice for visitors looking to soak in the heritage vibes of the area.

The ambience is warm and welcoming, blending vintage charm with a bohemian touch. Colorful cushions, low seating, and dim lighting create a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for an evening meal or a late-night chai session. The real star, though, is the view—especially at sunset when the mosque glows in the golden light.

The menu features a mix of North Indian, Mughlai, and fusion dishes. Standouts include the biryani, creamy butter chicken, and a unique dessert known as Shahi Tukda, which is both rich and flavorful. The food is satisfying, though some dishes may lean more toward presentation than depth of flavor. Still, the overall quality is decent, and the portion sizes are fair.

Service is generally courteous, with staff making a genuine effort to ensure guests are comfortable. The cafe tends to get crowded during peak hours, so arriving early or booking in advance is recommended. Note that it’s not very accessible for people with mobility challenges due to its rooftop location and narrow stairways.

In short, Gumbad Cafe is more than just a place to eat—it’s an experience. With its unbeatable view of Jama Masjid, charming decor, and reasonably good food, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring Delhi’s historic heart.

I personally like their Barbeque...

Worst one in Delhi. I've hardly given any reviews on Google, but these guys deserve one. I booked a table well in advance at 7:15. When I reached there at around 6:45, firstly they denied that I had a booking with them, and were not ready to listen to the call recordings and other proofs that I had. Finally at around 7:30 they agreed for us to let in and asked us to wait for 40 mints. I did so patiently and waited for the tables to be cleared. I saw them then taking many bookings after me and letting them in one after another. The guy who stood on the door downstairs seemed nothing less than a goon or a gunda who constantly misbehaved and disrespected people whom he thought were not upto 'their standards', I'm saying this because I over heard him on call saying 'ha acche kapde pehne hai, 2 log hai, inki karva dete hai'. I had my bus from ISBT at 10, I kept on requesting them to let us us and finally after waiting for more than 2 and half hours they finally agreed. This wasn't even the worst part, what came after this was pathetic. Food wasnt very good, just an average, charged exorbitant money for it and even the staff wasn't trained, seemed they had just been recruited for the first time and in the end they had to courtesy to charge 10% service charge for our bill. I personally went up to the service manager and denied paying but he kept on giving illogocal reasons. I even told him it's illegal to charge it if the customer is not giving the consent for it, he still did not agree. Finally since I had to rush for my next trip, I paid for it and left and decided never to come back to this...

Gumbad Cafe in Delhi offers a mixed experience. While the location and ambiance, particularly the view of Jama Masjid, are praised, some reviews mention inconsistent food quality and slow service, with one even citing a negative encounter with the staff. The pricing can also be a point of contention, with some finding it on the higher side.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Pros:

Location and Ambiance:

The cafe boasts a great view of Jama Masjid and a pleasant ambiance.

Decor:

The decor is well-regarded, with mentions of it being intricate and charming.

Good for Groups:

It's a good place to visit with family and friends, and some find it suitable for celebrations.

Menu Variety:

Several reviews mention a wide range of options on the menu, including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Cons:

Food Quality:

Some reviews indicate that the food quality can be inconsistent, with some dishes not meeting expectations.

Service:

Slow and inattentive service has been reported by some reviewers.

Pricing:

The pricing can be a bit high, especially when considering nearby food options.

Staff Behavior:

There's a mention of a negative experience with staff members in one review.

Overall:

Gumbad Cafe has the potential to be a great dining experience due to its location and ambiance, but it seems to be let down by inconsistent food quality and service issues for some customers. The mandatory service charge is also a point of contention. It's recommended to manage expectations regarding food and service, and perhaps opt for a visit during less busy hours to potentially improve...