Jaisalmer is one of those rare cities where the food is as dramatic as the landscape. Tucked within the ancient sandstone walls of the Jaisalmer Fort, Imperial Spice Best Restaurants in Jaisalmer and Cafe has become the go-to destination for travelers who want more than just a meal — they want an experience. Whether you’re heading in for a slow lunch as the afternoon light turns the fort walls gold, or a candlelit dinner with the Thar Desert breeze, this place delivers every single time.
Why Imperial Spice Is Consistently Rated the Best Restaurants in Jaisalmer
Ask any seasoned traveler who has explored Jaisalmer and they’ll have the same answer — great food here is harder to find than it looks. Most restaurants in Jaisalmer cater to the tourist crowd with generic menus and inconsistent quality. Imperial Spice is the exception.
What sets it apart? Three things: location, food quality, and atmosphere. You get all three at once, and that’s rare.
One of the Best Rooftop Restaurants in Jaisalmer — With the Views to Prove It
| Breakfast Favorite |
| Best Value |
| Chef’s Pick |
Let’s talk about the location first, because it changes everything. Imperial Spice sits inside the living, breathing Jaisalmer Fort — one of the only inhabited forts in the world. The rooftop seating offers sweeping views of the fort’s ancient bastions and the city below, especially magical during sunset and early evening.
If you’re searching for rooftop restaurants in Jaisalmer that feel genuinely special — not just a terrace with a plastic table and a ‘view’ of another building — this is it. The fort’s architecture wraps around you as you eat, and on a clear evening, the golden light on the sandstone is something you’ll remember long after you’ve left Rajasthan.
Best Veg Restaurant in Jaisalmer? The Menu Makes the Case
Imperial Spice runs a 100% vegetarian kitchen — and this is not the ‘vegetarian by default’ kind of cooking where everything tastes like a compromise. This is intentional, skilled, proud vegetarian food rooted in Rajasthani tradition and elevated for the modern traveler.
The menu spans authentic local Rajasthani dishes, North Indian classics, and a well-executed continental section for those who want something familiar after days on the road.
Rajasthani Thali is especially worth mentioning if you want to explore the full spread of local flavors in one sitting — it arrives with rotating seasonal dishes and is easily one of the best thalis you’ll find at any Jaisalmer restaurant. The portion sizes are generous, the presentation is clean, and the cooking is consistent across visits.
The Best Restaurants in Jaisalmer for Lunch — Here’s Why
Jaisalmer afternoons can be brutal in the heat, and the last thing you want is to be wandering around looking for a good lunch spot. Imperial Spice solves this beautifully. Their lunch service is unhurried — perfect for travelers who want to settle in with a cold lassi, order slowly, and spend a proper hour or two off their feet.
The shaded seating, fort-view rooftop, and a menu that balances hearty Rajasthani cooking with lighter options makes it one of the best restaurants in Jaisalmer for lunch by a comfortable margin.
Best Restaurants in Jaisalmer for Dinner — The Evening Vibe is Everything
If lunch at Imperial Spice is relaxed and golden, dinner is elevated. The rooftop seating transforms at night — string lights, the glow of the fort walls, the quiet hum of travelers from across the world sharing tables. It’s atmospheric without being overdone.
The dinner menu builds on the lunch offerings with a few additional slow-cooked dishes that need more prep time. If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Jaisalmer for dinner where you can linger over food and actually feel like you’re in Rajasthan — not just passing through it — this is the one.
Pairs perfectly with a post-dinner walk along the fort ramparts, which are lit up beautifully after dark.
How to Reach Imperial Spice — Finding the Best Restaurant in Jaisalmer Fort
Imperial Spice is located inside the Jaisalmer Fort, accessible by the main fort gate (Hawa Pol). From Jaisalmer’s main market, it’s a 5–10 minute walk or a short auto-rickshaw ride. Once inside the fort, follow the main lane — locals can point you in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Imperial Spice the best vegetarian restaurant in Jaisalmer?
For a combination of rooftop views, authentic Rajasthani food, and consistent quality — yes, Imperial Spice is widely regarded as the best pure veg restaurant in Jaisalmer. The 100% vegetarian kitchen ensures every dish is made with full focus on flavors that are often diluted in mixed kitchens.
Is Imperial Spice good for both lunch and dinner?
Absolutely. Lunch is relaxed and well-priced, great for a long afternoon break. Dinner is more atmospheric with the fort lit up at night. Both are worth experiencing if you’re staying in Jaisalmer for more than one day
.Is it inside Jaisalmer Fort? Is it easy to reach?
Yes — Imperial Spice is one of the notable restaurants in Jaisalmer Fort. The fort is easily accessible from Jaisalmer city, and the restaurant is a short walk from the main fort entrance. No vehicle is needed inside the fort.
What is the best food to order at Imperial Spice?
The Rajasthani Thali, Dal Baati Churma, and Ker Sangri Sabzi are standout dishes. For lighter options, the soups and fresh lime soda are excellent. The masala chai here is also worth a special mention — simple, but perfect.
Does Imperial Spice have rooftop seating?
Yes. The rooftop is one of the main draws — it offers unobstructed views of the fort and surrounding city. It’s one of the few genuine rooftop restaurants in Jaisalmer that is actually inside a fort rather than just near one.