Lucknow and food is a love story for the ages! And when we talk international food brands, Domino’s, KFC and McDonald’s are pretty much our ride-or-dies. They’re familiar, they’re reliable, and we probably have our orders memorised by now. But the city’s food scene goes way beyond the usual pizza, burgers and fried chicken! So, the next time you’re in the mood to switch up your usual food scene, here are 7 global names to add to your list!

You’ll order the Loaded Potato Skins as a starter and tell yourself that’s the plan. It won’t be. The Whisky Glazed Chicken Strips show up next, then the Wicked Chicken, and somewhere around the first Fridays LIIT the table stops pretending to be moderate. TGI Fridays in Lucknow is American casual dining with a bar that has an actual personality and a crowd that’s there to enjoy itself, not to be seen.

Cost for two-  ₹1,500

When- 12 PM- 12 AM

Where- Second Floor, Phoenix Palassio Mall, Amar Shaheed Path

Starbucks in Lucknow gets treated like a place to sit, not a place to order, and that’s the mistake. The Java Chip is the one you’ll pretend is a treat and then order again. The Classic Iced Coffee is the dependable one, cold, strong, no drama. The Ginger Ale Cold Brew sounds like a bad idea on paper and turns out to be the best thing on the menu.

Cost for two- ₹900

When- 7:30 AM- 1 AM

Where- Hazratganj [Multiple stores across Lucknow]

Order the Cheesy Lava Taco first, that’s all the advice you need. Then add the Smokin’ Grilled Naked Chicken Taco for something smoky, and the Boss Burrito if you’re properly hungry. Taco Bell in Lucknow gives Mexican fast food an Indian twist, so the spice feels familiar and the cheese is unapologetic. The crunchy chalupas and cheesy crunchwraps are worth a look too.

Cost for two- ₹600

When- 11 AM- 11 PM

Where- 2nd Floor, Lulu Mall, Amar Shaheed Path

Subway in Lucknow is easy to underestimate. It’s a counter, a queue and a lot of choices, but the sandwiches hold up once you stop second-guessing. The Classic Chicken Craver is the dependable one. The Egg n Chicken Melt is the warm, comforting pick. The Chicken Teriyaki Signature Wrap is the lighter option that still fills you up. Submarines, salads and wraps are all built your way, and the only thing that can go wrong is your own sauce choice.

Cost for two- ₹500

When- 10 AM- 11 PM

Where- 6, Sapru Marg, Prem Nagar, Hazratganj, [Multiple outlets across Lucknow]

Chili’s in Lucknow is the easiest place to get Tex-Mex right. The Signature Wings are a solid start, the Tex Mex Rice Bowl is filling and uncomplicated, and the Chicken Enchiladas are the dish most tables end up ordering twice. The Handcrafted Cocktails round things off without any fuss.

Cost for two- ₹2,000

When- 11 AM- 12 AM

Where- Lulu Mall, Amar Shaheed Path

Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria in Lucknow comes with a famous name, but the pizza is what you’ll remember. The Funghi Pizza is simple and earthy, the Chicken Chilli Freak brings real heat, and the crust is thin with a proper Neapolitan char. The Kickin Chicken Wings and the Prawns Arrabiata round out a casual Italian menu that’s easy to share and easy to enjoy.

Cost for two- ₹1,900

When- 11 AM- 11 PM

Where- Phoenix Palassio Mall

Nobody at a Wendy’s table in Lucknow argues about what to order, the argument starts when the food arrives. The Korean Crispy Chicken Burger gets guarded with one arm, the Lord Cheesynator Chicken Burger gets “just a bite” requests, and the Chimichurri Spicy Paneer Burger quietly makes the vegetarian the most popular person present.

Cost for two- ₹800

When- 8 AM- 11 PM

Where- Habibullah Estate, Hazratganj, [Multiple outlets across Lucknow]