Banjara - Gourmet Dining — Restaurant in Gujarat

With so many fine dining restaurants or restaurants that ostentatiously show off their exquisite decor to qualify as a so-called 5-star modern fine dining restaurant, scattered across the city especially on the western side of Ahmedabad, this one seemed no different in comparison but the difference was what made the experience quite exceptional to this author in a long while. Located in Bodakdev on a silent street away from the main road, this is a massive restaurant that has a devoted party hall, swimming pool for pool parties, eloquent and ebullient decor and romantic and rustic settings which are exquisitely classic and highly serviceable, and sticks to the fine dining theme. We were seated inside the restaurant which was quite silent due to us coming late in the afternoon when the kitchen was on the verge of closing down for the afternoon before it reopens in the evening for dinner. I tried a good handful of fancy and fine dining restaurants in Ahmedabad but perhaps, Banjara sticks out as a one for the top for many reasons. Firstly, the staff were well-versed with the knowledge of what’s great, what’s a must try, what can be done with customer specific conditions, and what’s best for health and otherwise too. It is one of those rarest times I come across staff who are experienced and in sync with the menu. Since my partner didn’t want onion and garlic due to personal reasons, we decided to keep our lunch Jain-style. I was impressed when told what could be best if ordered Jain-style. Although the options were tad limited due to lots of condiments of the dishes were pre-made with onion or garlic. We were suggested a good deal of dishes so we decided to go ahead with Mustard Malai Broccoli, Rajma Shami Pao and Hot Head Pizza. All without onion and garlic. Sounds almost tasteless but it’s not. The menu was a mishmash of fusions and unconventional flavours and experiments and nothing was entirely classic. Coming to the food, the Pizza was lovely. It was a thin crust, wood-fire baked, delight with abundance of golden sweet corn, fried pepper slices, jalapenos, and more spice and heat packed into the sauce that goes onto the base. It was a delightful treat but perhaps lacked a bit of depth and complexity. The main peculiarity of it was that it was the first dish to land on our table as main course even much before the entrées arrived. The next was the Rajma Shami Pao. Do you want an unconventional version of a Vada Pav that has more protein? Here’s your cue. It was a moreish delight with a beautiful bombilation of richness and spice humming in the background. A generously buttered and roasted pav bread which was utterly soft and proffer, sandwiching a cutlet of a Shami Kebab made out of kidney beans cooked to perfection and mixed with a subtle yet powerful blent of spices that only enhances the chorus of how the dish eats. The accompaniments of a tomato relish and mint and curd chutney accentuates its powerfulness that resonates shows the power of actual Jain cooking. It was easily one of the best dishes but the dish of the day was the Mustard Malai Broccoli. Often times, the flavours of char, mustard and the very basic spices of a barbecued or tandoor-baked dish is masked by the presence of our beloved Garlic and Onion, but without them this particular dish was a testament to the statement put by Chef Vikas Khanna that Jain cooking is the best style of cooking without the necessity of utilising the flavours of onion and garlic. The dish made me appreciate the presence of Mustard that didn’t make me snort, cough or cry. It was the right amount that even enhanced the flavour of the vegetable itself and the mildly sweet yet rich cream. All in all, this is one experience that has rocked me with its flavours and serviceability. And I strongly recommend to try this restaurant for everything it has to give. My suggestion to this restaurant would be to put up a tasting menu course and dictating chef’s specialties. I shall be back to this restaurant soon. Hungry for more. A liberal 5 star rating barring the minute...

Banjara Restaurant: A Culinary Journey through Indian Flavors

Banjara Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience, capturing the essence of authentic Indian cuisine with a modern twist. From the moment you step in, the warm and inviting ambiance sets the stage for a memorable meal.

Ambiance: The decor at Banjara Restaurant is a harmonious blend of traditional Indian elements and contemporary design. The soft lighting, elegant furnishings, and tasteful artwork create a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. The spacious seating arrangement ensures comfort and privacy, making it ideal for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.

Service: The staff at Banjara Restaurant are incredibly attentive and knowledgeable. From the moment you are greeted at the door to the time you leave, you are treated with genuine hospitality. The servers are well-versed in the menu and are more than happy to make recommendations based on your preferences. Their prompt and courteous service adds to the overall dining experience.

Cuisine: The menu at Banjara Restaurant is a delightful exploration of Indian flavors. Each dish is meticulously prepared using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The chefs expertly balance traditional spices to create dishes that are both flavorful and aromatic.

Starters: The appetizer selection is diverse, offering a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The Samosa Chaat and Tandoori Chicken are must-tries, bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked. Main Courses: The main course menu is extensive, featuring classic dishes such as Butter Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh, and Paneer Tikka Masala. The rich, creamy sauces and tender meats are a testament to the chefs' expertise. For seafood lovers, the Goan Fish Curry is a standout, with its tangy and spicy notes. Breads and Sides: The variety of Indian breads, including Garlic Naan and Roti, are freshly baked and complement the main dishes perfectly. The side dishes, like the fragrant Basmati Rice and Dal Makhani, are also noteworthy. Desserts: To end the meal on a sweet note, the dessert menu offers traditional favorites like Gulab Jamun and Kheer. The desserts are delicately sweet and provide a perfect finish to the meal.

Beverages: Banjara Restaurant boasts an impressive selection of beverages, from traditional Indian drinks like Mango Lassi and Masala Chai to a well-curated wine list and creative cocktails. The drinks are crafted to complement the rich flavors of the cuisine, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Value for Money: While Banjara Restaurant is on the higher end of the price spectrum, the quality of food, ambiance, and service justify the cost. It is a place where you can indulge in an exceptional dining experience that is well worth the price.

Conclusion: Banjara Restaurant is a gem for those who appreciate authentic Indian cuisine served in an elegant setting. The combination of flavorful dishes, impeccable service, and inviting ambiance makes it a top choice for any occasion. Whether you are a connoisseur of Indian food or a newcomer to the cuisine, Banjara Restaurant promises a culinary journey that will leave you satisfied and...

One of the worst customer service experience of my life. Would not suggest or recommend to anyone. I had made the reservation for 8:30 pm. I held my end of the bargain. I was here at 8:20 pm. The point of reservation is that you don't have to wait. Walkins wait based on the rush. Especially when you have 3 super senior citizens, it becomes necessary to reserve tables. As soon as we arrived, the host at the gate said that we have received your booking for 3:00 pm and not 8:30 pm. So naturally we showed the screenshot of the reservation. Yet she was admant that we have wait. No worries we went inside and suggested that kindly guide us to the waiting area so that we can make our elderly sit till the time we wait. A gourmet restaurant did not have anyone to guide nor they had the waiting area. We somehow managed to take one chair from the outdoors and for remaining we requested the manager for 2 more chairs. He said he will make the arrangement and we waited for 5 minutes no chair arrived. I went inside again explaining the situation that there are super senior citizens standing we are seeking chairs for that. He nodded and instructed someone to get the chairs. We waitied another 5 minutes, the chair did not arrive. So I had to get angry and say that are you planning to send them directly to hospital for a knee replacement? We got the table at 9:00 pm. Disclaimer we still did not get the chair while we were waiting. Very disappointed with the reservation system and the staff and hence the bad review. Hopefully looking forward for improvement and if found so, in the next review, I will delete...