Arghon fine dining — Restaurant in Ladakh

I'd my eye on the Arghon Fine Dining for a long time. It's a brand new eatery that opened this June, several days after I arrived in Leh this summer. At night, it's bright ambient lights and décor, are a bright spot near the main mosque. During the day, people sitting in its second-floor balcony or on the third-floor terrace invariably catch your eye. Yeah! it's that prominent. Up two flights of stairs, from a side lane running off the mosque courtyard, the restaurant's second-floor seating area is comfortable with broad, cushioned chairs around round tables that seat three by huge glass windows overlooking the market, and also a more formal arrangement of four chairs around rectangular tables at one end of the wall. There's a narrow balcony with high stools overlooking the mosque courtyard and the main market, great for people-watching. Everything is shiny and spic and span, as a brand new place should be. I preferred sitting on the open terrace with glass sides and faux grass. The views of the mosque, market, the Leh palace and Leh city from here is non pareil! You can see the snow-covered peak of Stok Kangri(6050m) and its sister snowy peaks, a lovely view indeed. The Arghon's menu is a bit mystifying. To begin with it's very concise, too concise. It gives the impression that it's a Mughlai joint, but it serves pizzas and it's Indian meat section is very small. It's name spells fine dining, but it lacks that ambience. It's more of a bistro, minus the friendly, conversational chef. Short of ideas on what to eat, and unsure of their offering, I played safe and ordered chicken seekh kebab and tandoori roti. One can't go too wrong there. For dessert, there was just bakery items, and I toyed with the idea of having brownie with icecream, before dropping it, the brownie being a very tiny piece. I gushed over the terrace views under the hot sun. The snowy peaks surrounding the Leh Valley, glistening under the afternoon sun. The food took time in arriving. The seekh kebab was just about okay. It wasn't meaty enough, a bit dry and could've been a bit more spicy. The roti was fine. The kebab, wrapped in a piece of roti, dipped in the spicy mint-yoghurt chutney was yumm. I ran out of the chutney and ordered some more. If I'd to go to the Arghon again, it would be...

While exploring the peaceful streets of Leh, I found a lovely little restaurant that quickly became the highlight of my day. With its relaxed vibe, cozy interiors, and the smell of freshly cooked food wafting through the air, I knew I was in for something special. I started my meal with the Mexican Salad, and it was the perfect opener—fresh, colorful, and full of flavor. Crisp lettuce, sweet corn, smoked Chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing that tied everything together. It was light but satisfying, and a great way to wake up the taste buds. Next came the Kung Pao Chicken, and wow—it packed a punch! Juicy chicken pieces tossed in a spicy-sweet sauce with just the right amount of heat, crunchy peanuts, and stir-fried veggies. Every bite had that exciting mix of flavors you want in good Asian food. It was bold, delicious, and left me wanting more. To balance things out, I ordered the Penne Alfredo, and it was comfort food at its best. Creamy, cheesy, and rich without being too heavy. The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the Alfredo sauce had a lovely, smooth texture that coated every bite. If you're someone who enjoys classic comfort dishes, this one won’t disappoint. The service was friendly and fast, and the mountain views from the windows made everything feel even more special. Whether you’re just passing through or staying a while in Leh, this restaurant is a great stop for a relaxed meal with...

Absolutely Disappointing Experience – Never Again!

Visited this place expecting a decent meal but walked out utterly frustrated. The food was almost good, but the pathetic service ruined the entire experience.

To begin with, basic dining essentials like glasses, spoons, and bowls were not even provided. We had to repeatedly beg the staff for them, and even then, they took their sweet time as if they were doing us a favour. It was as if we were invisible until we raised our voices.

And the salad? What a joke. It arrived after the meal was over – who in their right mind serves salad at the end? By then it was pointless and just an afterthought.

But the final straw? They served rotis and naans first, and only after a long wait, brought out the chicken curry. By that time, the breads had turned dry and stiff like papad. Who serves dry bread without curry in an Indian restaurant? The timing and coordination in the kitchen were clearly non-existent.

Overall, while the taste of the food had some potential, the service was a complete disaster. Unprofessional, careless, and clueless staff. Definitely not worth the money or time. Would not recommend to anyone unless they enjoy bad service with a side...