Back in 2009, Arjun Shaktawat had a vision. After studying at the prestigious Les Roches International School of Hotel Management in Switzerland and working with Aspen Meadows Resort in Colorado, he returned to Udaipur and took on a 100-year old dilapidated haveli on lease from the Maharana of Udaipur. After a meticulous restoration, it became one of the city's most complimented restaurant - bistro-lounge: 1559 AD. The name was easy for Arjun, as 1559 was the historical year that Udaipur was founded by Maharana Udai Singh.

If you are visiting Udaipur, be sure to check out this gem that blends contemporary and traditional Indian cuisine. The restaurant has received rave, mouth-watering reviews by critics and travelers. (It received a Certificate of Excellence on Trip Advisor in May of this year.) Also, be sure to check out Upre, Shaktawat's newest Udaipur restaurant and bar on the rooftop of the Lake Pichola hotel. And coming soon in Jodhpur: Bijolai.