Natraj Dining Hall Udaipur is where your culinary journey begins after soaking in the city’s shimmering lakes and majestic palaces. Renowned for serving one of the best Rajasthani thalis in Udaipur, this iconic restaurant captures the true essence of traditional flavors. For travelers craving an authentic taste of Rajasthan, Natraj Dining Hall isn’t just a meal — it’s a cultural experience rooted in decades of culinary excellence.
Xplro.com Review Snapshot
| Restaurant | Natraj Dining Hall & Restaurant |
| Cuisine | Authentic Rajasthani & Gujarati Vegetarian Thali |
| Xplro.com Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) |
| Price | Approx. ₹300 per person for an unlimited feast |
| The Bottom Line | A must-visit cultural and culinary institution. Natraj delivers an authentic, high-energy thali experience at an unbeatable price, making it an essential stop on any Udaipur itinerary. |
Tucked near the Udaipur Railway Station, Natraj began its journey as a small family-owned eatery during the 1970s. Over the years, it grew organically—always prioritizing quality, tradition, and hospitality over flashy decor or rapid expansion. Though modern chains sprouted, Natraj stayed loyal to its roots, preserving its time-honored cooking techniques and warm family-run charm.
How to Reach & Local Tips
- Address: Natraj Dining Hall & Restaurant, Railway Road, Udaipur
- From Railway Station: Landmark—opposite ticket booking counters. Walk across the lane.
- From City Palace / Lake Pichola:
- Auto-rickshaw: ~₹50
- Ride-share: ~₹70
- Walkable if you enjoy markets, ~20 minutes
- Parking: Limited for cars; ample space for bikes
- Peak Times: 12 PM – 2 PM & 7 PM – 9 PM. Arrive 10 minutes early during festivals.
The Xplro.com Scorecard
Our team rated Natraj on five key aspects of the dining experience:
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Taste & Authenticity | ★★★★★ |
| Ambience & Atmosphere | ★★★☆☆ |
| Service & Hospitality | ★★★★★ |
| Value for Money | ★★★★★ |
| Cleanliness | ★★★★☆ |
| OVERALL RATING | 4.6 / 5.0 |
About Natraj: A Udaipur Institution
Before we dive into the food, here are the essential details about this legendary eatery, presented by Xplro.com for your convenience.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Locations | Two main branches: The original in Bapu Bazaar and a very popular one near the City Railway Station, Udaipole. |
| Cuisine | Specializes in unlimited, pure-vegetarian Rajasthani and Gujarati thalis. An à la carte menu is also available. |
| Price | Approximately ₹300 per person for the unlimited thali. |
| Family Deals | Kids under 5 eat for free, and children aged 5-10 dine at half price. |
| Timings | Open daily. Lunch: 10:30 AM – 3:45 PM & Dinner: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM. |
| Reservations | Strictly walk-in only. Advance bookings are not accepted for the thali. |
| Payments | Cash, UPI, credit/debit cards, and digital wallets are all accepted. |
The Thali Deconstructed: A Feast of Flavors
The Natraj thali is a masterclass in balance, offering a delightful mix of spicy Rajasthani staples and subtly sweet Gujarati undertones. The menu changes daily, ensuring a fresh experience with every visit.
The menu changes daily, ensuring a fresh experience with every visit. Here’s what you can expect on your glistening steel platter:
- The Rajasthani Core:
- Dal Baati Churma: The signature trio, rich and hearty. Expect ghee-soaked baatis, spicy dal, and sweet churma.
- Gatte ki Sabzi: Soft gram flour (besan) dumplings in a tangy, yogurt-based gravy.
- Ker Sangri: A classic Marwari delicacy made from dried desert beans and berries.
- The Gujarati Touch:
- Sweet & Savory Kadhi: A creamy, comforting buttermilk curry with a signature sweet-and-sour flavor.
- Seasonal Vegetables: You’ll typically find 2-3 other vegetable dishes, like Aloo Pyaaz Sabzi or a mixed veg curry.
- Farsan (Snacks): Often includes savory items like Dhokla or a small Samosa.
- Staples & Accompaniments:
- An assortment of hot breads like Phulka, Bajra Roti, and Missi Roti.
- Steamed rice and the comforting rice-and-lentil dish, Khichdi.
- Crispy papad, fresh salad, pickles, and spicy green chutney to complement every bite.
- A daily dessert like Gulab Jamun or Moong Dal Halwa.
And the best part? It’s
unlimited. The attentive servers will happily keep your plate full.
Taste & Authenticity: The Xplro.com Verdict
Our team was incredibly impressed by the authentic, homestyle flavors. This is food cooked with soul.
| Dish | Xplro.com Rating | Our Thoughts |
|---|---|---|
| Dal Baati Churma | ★★★★★ | The absolute star of the show. Rich in ghee, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. This dish alone is worth the visit. |
| Gatte ki Sabzi | ★★★★☆ | Deliciously soft dumplings in a tangy, aromatic yogurt-based gravy. A perfect example of this Rajasthani classic. |
| Ker Sangri | ★★★★☆ | A true taste of the desert. It’s a unique, tangy, and spiced delicacy that you won’t find everywhere. |
| Gujarati Kadhi | ★★★★★ | A beautiful and comforting balance of sweet and savory that expertly cuts through the richness of the other dishes. |
| Assorted Breads (Rotis) | ★★★★★ | Served piping hot and fresh, straight from the kitchen to your plate. The variety is a fantastic touch. |
| Chaas (Buttermilk) | ★★★★★ | The perfect, refreshing coolant to wash down the hearty meal and aid digestion. |
The Atmosphere: Energetic and Unpretentious
Do not expect a quiet, romantic dinner. Stepping inside Natraj is like entering a bustling community gathering space. It’s functional, unpretentious, and always buzzing with the happy chatter of diners. The service is famously efficient and cheerful, with staff operating with incredible speed and precision to handle the crowds. It’s an experience of organized chaos that is both entertaining and satisfying.
Pros & Cons: The Xplro.com Breakdown
Here’s a quick summary of what we loved and what you should know before you go.
| What We Loved ✅ | Things to Keep in Mind ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| A full-blown unlimited thali with authentic, generational recipes. | The atmosphere is bustling and not ideal if you prefer quiet, upscale decor. |
| Incredibly rapid, warm, and courteous service that makes you feel welcome. | The restaurant is often crowded during peak hours, and wait times are common. |
| Phenomenal value for money; it’s a true budget-friendly feast. | The main focus is the thali; it’s not a place for extensive à la carte dining. |
| Clean, well-managed, and centrally located branches. | No reservations are accepted, so it’s always walk-in only. |
The Final Word from Xplro.com
Natraj Dining Hall & Restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it is an unmissable Udaipur cultural experience. It delivers exactly what it promises: a delicious, authentic, and hearty thali served with exceptional hospitality at a price that is hard to beat. It truly represents the flavor and spirit of Mewar on a platter.
For budget travelers, culture-seeking families, solo backpackers, and anyone craving traditional Indian food in its purest form, Xplro.com gives Natraj its highest recommendation. Bring a big appetite, and leave with a satisfied heart.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Natraj Dining Hall Udaipur
1. How much does the unlimited thali at Natraj Udaipur cost?
- The thali is very budget-friendly, priced at approximately ₹300 per person. Some sources mention a range of about ₹250 to ₹350.
2. Is the thali at Natraj truly unlimited?
- Yes, it is. You can enjoy unlimited servings and refills of most items, which are included at no extra cost. The servers are famously quick to refill your plate.
3. What are the operating hours for Natraj Dining Hall?
- The restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner. Timings are generally from 10:30 AM to 3:45 PM for lunch, and 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM for dinner.
4. Is Natraj Dining Hall a pure-vegetarian restaurant?
- Yes, the restaurant and its entire thali are 100% pure-vegetarian. No meat is served on the premises.
5. Does Natraj offer Jain food without onion and garlic?
- Yes, Jain-friendly options are available. You should inform the staff upon being seated, and they will cater to no-onion and no-garlic preferences.
6. Can I book a table in advance at Natraj?
- No, the restaurant operates on a walk-in-only basis and does not accept reservations for the thali section.
7. What is the policy for children dining at Natraj?
- The restaurant is family-friendly. Children under the age of 5 can eat for free, while children between the ages of 5 and 10 are charged half the price of an adult thali.
8. What dishes are typically served in the Natraj thali?
- The thali is an elaborate feast featuring a rotating menu of Rajasthani and Gujarati dishes. Staples almost always include Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Ker Sangri, seasonal vegetable curries, Kadhi, assorted Rotis, rice, farsan (snacks), pickles, and a dessert.
9. Where is Natraj Dining Hall located in Udaipur?
- Natraj has two primary, well-known branches. One is the iconic original located in Bapu Bazaar, and the other is conveniently situated near the City Railway Station on City Station Road , directly opposite the ticket booking counters.
10. Which branch of Natraj is better to visit?
- Both branches are highly rated, offering consistent taste and quality. The Bapu Bazaar branch has a more nostalgic, original feel, while the railway station branch is very convenient for travelers.
11. Is the food at Natraj very spicy?
- The thali offers a balanced flavor profile. While some Rajasthani dishes are spicy, they are balanced by milder and sweeter Gujarati dishes like Kadhi, making it suitable for most palates, including international tourists.
12. What payment methods are accepted at Natraj?
- They accept a wide range of payment methods, including cash, UPI, credit/debit cards, and other digital wallets.
13. What is the best time to visit Natraj to avoid a long wait?
- The restaurant gets very busy during peak lunch (12 PM – 2 PM) and dinner (7 PM – 9 PM) hours. To avoid crowds, the best time to visit is for an early lunch around 11:30 AM or an early dinner at 6:30 PM.
14. Is there parking available at Natraj?
- Parking can be challenging. There is limited space for cars, though ample space is usually available for bikes. Using a rickshaw or walking is highly recommended.
15. How clean and hygienic is the restaurant?
- The restaurant maintains commendable standards of hygiene and cleanliness. Tables are promptly wiped down, sanitizers are available, staff wear proper uniforms, and the steel thalis are sparkling clean.
16. Is Natraj a good place for international tourists?
- Yes, definitely. The restaurant is popular with both domestic and international tourists. The staff is friendly, can communicate in English, and can provide guidance for first-time visitors.
17. Can I get the thali for takeaway or delivery?
- The unlimited thali experience is for dine-in only. However, the restaurant also has an à la carte menu, and some of those items may be available for takeaway.
18. What is the ambience like at Natraj?
- The ambience is functional, energetic, and unpretentious rather than upscale or quiet. It is a clean, well-lit, air-conditioned dining hall that is almost always buzzing with the chatter of happy diners.
19. How is the service at the restaurant?
- The service is a highlight of the experience. It is known for being incredibly fast, efficient, warm, and courteous. The staff is attentive, and refills are often provided before you even have to ask.
20. What makes Natraj Dining Hall so famous in Udaipur?
- Natraj’s fame comes from its long-standing legacy of serving authentic Rajasthani and Gujarati food with recipes passed down through generations. It’s celebrated for its delicious, unlimited thali at a budget-friendly price, combined with fast, warm hospitality, making it a local treasure.