The Darikhana — Restaurant in Rajasthan

Terrible experience to say the least...I m surprised at how they call themselves a 'premium' property...this is place is basically a pit stop(on an island) if u opt for a boating experience from the City Palace...so thats how we ended up there...the weather being hot we were craving for something cold. We thought as we have been anyway brought to this island hotel/restaurant..so we got in to check out what's on the menu...we then ordered for 2 Vanilla milkshakes(Rs 300 each)....to our surprise, they rudely declined saying that we need to order something to 'eat' as well in order to be allowed a table....that was an instant put off and we rushed out of the place feeling utterly humiliated and disgusted...I thought I ll have a word with the manager as well to school them on what hospitality is (being a frequent traveller I have been to to the best of properties across the country)....Manager's response was hilarious "this is a fine dining restaurant so we don't allow the guests to be seated unless they order something to 'eat'.This was supposedly to prevent guests from coming in and ordering 'water'...come on!...okay we didn't order for just water...we ordered for ' Vanilla milkshakes'...we might have even considered sitting around for while and ordered some snacks too(even though our lunch was already done and were full)....I d rather request the restaurant to put a board outside saying that if u need to be allowed in you need to order something to 'eat'...and also list out the items that qualify as an an 'eatable'...apparently Vanilla milkshake doesn't 🤣.....putting a board outside the restaurant or informing the guests the same before they enter the place will surely help as the guests would not be left humiliated having to vacate their tables in disgust!!...we very well know what ' fine dining' is having been to the best restaurants....never have I ever been faced with something similar...please reconsider the 'fine dining' tag as there fine dining is also about how you treat your guests impartially....this place is a disgrace...putting to shame, the famed Rajasthani hospitality....PS: I m glad I didn't have anything there..going by some of the reviews...

A Magical Evening at Jagmandir – A 25th Anniversary to Remember

Celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary at Jagmandir was nothing short of a dream. From the moment we stepped onto the boat that ferried us across Lake Pichola, we knew we were in for a special evening—and Jagmandir exceeded every expectation.

The ambiance was regal and romantic, steeped in history and elegance. The palace, bathed in soft golden lights, set the perfect backdrop for such a milestone celebration. Every detail was meticulously arranged, and we felt genuinely cared for by the attentive and gracious staff.

The food was absolutely fantastic. Each course was a celebration in itself, showcasing authentic Rajasthani flavors alongside a few modern, global touches. The starters were vibrant and flavorful, and the main course was rich and perfectly spiced. Our guests are still raving about the pasta live counter and the exquisite desserts that followed. Every dish was served with care and presented beautifully—clearly crafted with both skill and heart.

What truly elevated the evening was the live music. The musicians were exceptional, playing a soulful mix of traditional Rajasthani melodies and soft classical tunes that created a warm, intimate atmosphere without ever overpowering the conversations. Their performance added a magical, emotional dimension to the night, making it even more memorable.

Our evening at Jagmandir was a perfect blend of royal charm, culinary excellence, and heartfelt hospitality. It will forever remain one of the most cherished memories of our lives. We couldn’t have asked for a more spectacular way to celebrate 25...

Location is the USP of this place - it is on the island in Lake Pichola, and commands a premium price for the same reason. But the service is really below average.. Even a normal restaurant makes their guests feel welcome, but this restaurant simply ignores their Indian guests - whether it is taking the order, serving with a smile, billing and everything. They just keep hovering near the foreign tourists. While it is good to welcome foreign tourists, they also pay the same as Indian guests for the food ordered, so I failed to understand the difference in attitude. I had to call and remind the waiters multiple times to get a menu to order. My food was served without basic cutlery like spoons, forks and even the simple paper napkin. I had to keep reminding and pleading and these things arrived only when I was 70% done with my food and beverage. For the bill also the waiter insisted on cash. I had observed many other guests paying by card. So I had to put my foot down to pay by card. I assumed that HRH group of hotels treats their guests royally, but my first experience was bad. I might not be staying, but at least deserve to be treated well. In this respect the Taj group of hotels ticks all the boxes right in treating their guests with respect...