El Taj, the place seems to be as old as lonavala itself. First run by an unknown proprietor, not it comes under the umbrella of Kamat Hotels, a predominantly vegetarian chain handling a hard core meaty place.
If my first statement doesn't make it clear, allow me to repeat, the place is ancient, I remember back in the days, drives to lonavala would mean 1) Kalamboli McD 2) Take-away from El Taj.
The food hasn't changed, the favorites remain the same, butter chicken with naan(if you are eating in), tandoori chicken or the jungli kebab. Again, the place is inconsistent with their flavours and cooking of their meat. Sometimes, it will be the best darn kebab you have had, other times it will be hard enough to knock your teeth out. The butter chicken ranges from bland to dessert-like sweetness (you have to be extremely unlucky for that to happen though)
Dining in although an option, is something that should be avoided, the interiors are dismal and depressing paired with the fact that you get sudden glimpses of a dreary kitchen makes for a total appetite killer.
All that being said, they still have good food that is worth a try
Quick Ratings
Ambiance - 2/5 Service -3/5 Food -...
   Read moreWe have been coming to El Taj khandala for close to 9 years now. In a world where humanity is lost, these people love their pets n feed the strays( dogs cats cows) n have loyal staff Reasons: They initially had a doberman who would sit in t hotel n happily come to greet n when called Then came 2 dachshunds Now, they have a pug called Simba Amazing chicken tandoori, rotis, dal tadka n more A very sweet old man...
   Read moreVisited after decades, sadly the place is not the same anymore.
Ordered the following: Full tandoori chicken 4.5/5 Excellent preparation and cooked to perfection. The quality of the chicken was very good. Worth ordering.
Mutton biryani 3.5/5 Okaish, more like a Pulao.
The place was empty and hence it didn't take long to get the food. Post this experience, I'd definitely visit again if I have to stop for a meal in...
   Read more