A welcoming, clean Paharganj restaurant with broad Indian, Indo-Chinese and international choices, strong hospitality and low menu prices, though breakfast service can be inconsistent and the busy tourist setting is not always tranquil.
Imperial Cafe delivers solid food quality with fresh ingredients and generous portions that earn consistent praise, anchored by warm owner-led hospitality. Inconsistent breakfast service and occasional gaps in execution prevent a stronger grade, though the clean, inviting interior and reliable value make it a dependable neighborhood choice in Paharganj.
Imperial Cafe is a clean, welcoming refuge just off Paharganj's hectic Main Bazaar, especially useful for travelers staying in nearby hotels. Inside, reviews describe a cozy, air-conditioned room where the noise and dust of the street give way to calmer meals; one returning guest said the family made the cafe feel almost like home. The owner and staff are the clear social center, with repeated praise for warmth, helpfulness and small gestures of care. The kitchen takes a broad, crowd-pleasing approach rather than a narrowly regional one: North Indian staples sit beside South Indian breakfast, Indo-Chinese noodles, tandoori vegetarian dishes, coffee and international comfort food. Paneer butter masala, palak paneer, thalis, chicken fried rice and pizza are popular in reviews, although several reviewed favorites are not visible on the supplied current menu and may have changed. Most diners find the food fresh, flavorful and generous, while breakfast service can be noticeably disorganized or slow on some visits. Families should find plenty to work with: the menu includes toast, parathas, dosa, noodles, fried rice, mild vegetarian curries and other familiar choices, while reviews also mention pancakes, pizza, pasta and sandwiches. There is no dedicated children's menu shown, and one review mentions noise from children, but the overall evidence supports a practical family stop rather than an adults-only dining room.
Area vibe: Busy, budget-travel and market district with vibrant street life and many small eateries.
Safety: Generally busy and well-lit along main streets, but expect crowded lanes and petty‑crime risks after late hours.
What's nearby: Close to New Delhi Railway Station, Ajmeri Gate, backpacker hostels, markets, and a dense cluster of cheap restaurants.
The safest bets range from a ₹350 thali and paneer classics to dosas, noodles, and a brownie dessert.
It is a comfortable escape from Paharganj, but breakfast delays and unexpected supplements are the main things to watch.
Generous portions and approachable prices make it good everyday value, provided you keep an eye on add-ons.