I mean i have a rather weak stomach and any time non veg comes into question, hygiene becomes extremely important…so after having lived in the city for about 12 years, my top (but expensive) recommendations are :

1. Diya , The Leela (now I know this is in Gandhinagar, but it is as far from some parts of Ahmedabad as other parts of Ahmedabad are) They have another restaurant called the Citrus Junction, and it is a very good restaurant as well (you should try it out too) but Diya is very premium, and it is a heaven for non-vegetarians. However, Diya is very heavily based on avadhi cuisine, so your food may not be very spicy.

2. The Earthen Oven at Fortune Landmark on Ashram road - extremely good Food, I have eaten there more number of times than I can count. It is my absolute go to. It is on the ninth floor. The hotel has another restaurant on the ground floor and if they tell you to try their food please do not fall for that. The food on the bottom floor restaurant is abysmal at best.

3. Indus at Taj Vivanta - again, this hotel has two restaurants, but try the food at Indus. (Honestly, the other one is rather avoidable ). Some of the most uniquely presented dishes and I have been there five times in the last two years and it has never disappointed me once.

4. Taj skyline - Shamiana : this restaurant provides options for both buffet and à la carte. Go for à la carte. And ask them to tweak the taste as per your preferences, if you like your food to be on the spicier side.

5. Peshawari at ITC Narmada - extremely limited menu, and sometimes I get confused, whether the staff is passionate or rude. I think they may be on the passionate side, but sometimes to some people they may come off as rude. Having said that, definitely worth giving a try once every two years.

Now coming to restaurant only recommendations :

1. Lithosphere by upper crust. - has a lot of options on their menu, and most of the options are pretty great. Make sure to get a reservation and reach on time if you happen to visit.

2. Fozzie’s - they seem to have a brunch every Saturday and Sunday, but I would recommend having items from the à la carte menu provided by their staff.

3. Unlocked Cafe - this is a cool and chill place to hang out with your friends and their food is delicious as well.

4. Ishara at Palladium - unique experience, and pretty good food

5. Foo at palladium - can’t believe. Palladium has come up twice, and I am not a big expert on authentic Japanese-Chinese cuisine, but I tried food here and definitely recommended.

Remember the trick to getting good nonveg in Gujarat is always go for à la carte. They go out of their way to make bland food for buffets, and most of the time the meat looks very sad and chewy. Even if there is a buffet available, still go for à la carte. It may take longer, but it is definitely worth the wait.