This hotel was absolutely beautiful, pictures do not do justice. The restaurant is placed in the courtyard but you can choose from patio, courtyard or indoor seating. I suggest courtyard for evenings, patio for sunsets. You can’t go wrong either way. Our server Imad was absolutely hospitable and extremely friendly. His service was first class and had a conversation to get to know us genuinely. He loves to talk about his passion for music and art. The chef, Sumit also came out later in the evening to talk to each table to ask us how our experience was. He also had a great conversation with us. The whole staff was nice and helpful.
The food was precisely flavored and delicious. We are Indian so this food hit home for us and plus more! We did the vegetarian tasting and boy we were mind blown with all of the flavors hitting our taste buds. I would highly recommend doing the vegetarian tasting.
The only consideration for guests who do not stay at the hotel. It is far from old Medina (25mins). The hotel staff can call a taxi for you. A taxi ride cost one way can be higher and difficult to catch a taxi back later in the evening after 10pm. So plan...
Read moreWe had an unforgettable dining experience at Rivayat. From start to finish, everything was thoughtfully crafted and full of flavor. Chef Sumit truly impressed us with his creativity and finesse.
We began with a beautifully spiced soup in the amuse-bouche, a bold and aromatic start that set the tone for the meal. Each dish that followed continued to surprise and delight us:
Canard ~ Seekh Kebab: tender and full of depth, perfectly balanced spices.
Bar ~ Mangalore: incredibly fresh and flavorful, with a rich coastal influence.
For dessert, the Chocolate ~ Orange was a showstopper, smooth, citrusy, and decadent without being overpowering.
Even the bread had a remarkable texture, warm and just the right softness with a crisp bite clearly made with care.
On top of the excellent food, the service was warm, attentive, and professional, adding to the overall experience without ever feeling intrusive.
Highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking to explore modern Indian cuisine at its finest. Our mouths were melting...
Read moreLast Friday, we dined with friends at a stunning hotel with exceptional service. The Indian restaurant, highly praised, had us eagerly anticipating a culinary delight. As an Indian and food enthusiast, I offer this perspective to complement the positive reviews from non-Indian diners.
The starters, including samosas, prawn masala, and a blue cheese naan, were a letdown at £23 each. While I don't mind paying a premium for exceptional food, the mediocre quality at these prices fell short of expectations.
As an Indian, I found the food bland and lacking authentic Indian flavors. The tandoori chicken masala, served as a whole breast with a side sauce, bore no resemblance to the classic dish. The chicken biryani was the only saving grace.
Given our high hopes for authentic Indian cuisine, I'm unsure if I would return. While the restaurant might satisfy non-Indian palates, it certainly didn't meet the standards of an...
Read more