We visited this restaurant based on a friend's recommendation, and I was curious after hearing their feedback. Indian fine dining is somewhat of a rarity in the US, so I was excited to see how they delivered. While the ambiance was impressive, I felt the food didn't quite justify the price.
The decor was stunning--vaulted ceilings, gold accents, golden trees, and a marbled bar all gave the place an air of luxury.
The highlight of the evening was our server (whose name unfortunately escapes me). She was attentive, kind, and knowledgeable, especially when explaining the drinks and desserts. She truly seemed invested in making sure we had a great experience. However, I wasn't thrilled about the mandatory gratuity, which was charged as a 20% 'Service Fee.'
Here's what we ordered:
Mocktails
- Dilli 6: A huge disappointment. Served in a highball glass, it tasted exactly like a Masala soda I make at home for less than a dollar. As someone who frequently makes this drink, I didn't feel it was worth the price.
Appetizers
- Paneer Tikka: This was the best dish of the night. It reminded me of authentic Indian flavors, though I didn't love the papaya combination. For just three cubes of paneer, it felt overpriced.
- Blue Cheese Kulcha: Very unique and delicious, but again, quite expensive for only three small pieces.
Mains
- Garlic Naan and Onion Kulcha: Both were disappointing. The Garlic Naan was hard, and the Onion Kulcha tasted more like Aloo Paratha. It didn't help that the menu or server didn't mention the three types of kulchas available, which we only found out after raising the issue with the manager.
- Paneer Makhni: This dish had an interesting modern twist with masala rolled inside the paneer. While the paneer itself was good, the gravy was underwhelming. At $35, it didn't live up to expectations.
- Dal Tadka: By far the biggest letdown of the evening. It was bland, especially for the $22 price tag. I've had better dal at far more affordable places.
- Vegetable Biryani: Standard biryani, nothing special. It didn't seem innovative and felt overpriced at $30.
Dessert
- Rasmalai: Our server highly recommended this, describing it as a contemporary take on a classic dessert. While it was good, it didn't justify the $25 price.
- Chocolate Cake: This wasn't on the menu but was offered as a complimentary treat since we were celebrating my wife's birthday. It was another highlight of the night--the cake literally melted in our mouths. However, it does have a strong dark chocolate flavor, so it may not be ideal for those who prefer something lighter.
Overall, while the service was impeccable, the food fell short of expectations, especially considering the cost. I likely wouldn't return based on the overall experience. The fine dining aspect felt more like a way to justify higher prices rather than a true reflection of the food quality. That said, I really can't praise our server enough--she was fantastic and made the evening enjoyable despite the food. Hopefully, the restaurant takes some time to re-evaluate and improve the dining experience moving forward. read more