Punjab Grill — Restaurant in Dubai

My review of Punjab Grill is going to be nothing short of an essay - not because i want to write one, it's cause i have so much to say about the staff, especially Mellissa (yes with a double L so please dont get her name wrong!) A lot of people visit a fine dining restaurant for the food, and the burst of flavors in every bite, but for ME, its different - any restaurant, big or small isnt defined by its food, but its service and the ambiance that the staff creates for you. If the food is the best tasting in the world, but the service and staff turn out horrible, that is what you will retain in your memory for decades to come.

This isnt the case when you enter Punjab Grill - Mellissa is literally the MOST heart warming, mood boosting, positive vibe inducing persona i have met in the longest time! She is the epitome of a gracious hostess, who quite literally goes above and beyond her role at the restaurant, and i really hope the founders are reading this review as i truly hope they know what a GEM they have sitting right under their wing! What started as a request to enter the restaurant for photos with my childhood buddy, which again Mellissa so kindly agreed to do (she took some amazing pics of us!) ended up with an encounter of a lifetime! We showed up 2 days later for their corporate lunch, which was beyond fabulous! The biryanis were served in really cute stand bowls which looked like large egg holders, with their lion head logo embossed on it. As we had reached on the cusp of Eid, we were served haleem which was gastronomically fabulous, which i assume isnt an usual entry in their CL menu. The butter chicken was sweet for my liking, but that's not on them - my darling half has told me that generally butter chicken in restaurants is prepared on the sweeter side, but i am sure if you like it more on the fiery side they would surely oblige! (they serve food with a spice intensity on a scale of 1 to 5, which they inform you about prior to dining to choose as per your palate). The rest of the items were absolutely brain swirling yummy, and dont miss the soya chaap tikka masala! (part of the veg CL menu and NO it doesnt taste like meat, which sadly soya is famously known for but doesnt even come close to - soya has its own persona!)

Our server Dharam was super sweet, and very attentive to our needs and requests. Truly a pleasure to speak with, and took us down memory lane with chats of Thane and Bombay. Jatinder, Satinder and the rest of the staff we interacted with were also soft spoken and courteous. Currently since Anantara Downtown is undergoing renovations, PG ends up getting hidden due to it, but i assure you once you climb up the flight of stairs, you wont regret it!! The interiors are well done; opulent and rich, just like the food they serve :D On a closing note (yes this review is coming to an end haha, & i appreciate you for sparing time to read it!) DO NOT miss their paan rasmalai, and Mellissa's charismatic personality just makes it all worth coming back to over and...

Punjab Grill is my love ❤️❤️❤️

My recent dining experience at Punjab Grill was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we walked in, the warm hospitality from the staff, particularly Shami and Ranjan, made us feel truly welcome. Their attentive service and genuine friendliness enhanced our overall dining experience, ensuring every need was met with a smile.

We started our meal with the Chicken Tikka Sampler, a delightful array of succulent chicken pieces marinated in an exquisite blend of spices. Each bite was a burst of flavors, perfectly grilled to maintain the juiciness of the chicken while infusing it with the rich, smoky essence of the tandoor. This dish was an excellent introduction to the culinary prowess of Punjab Grill.

Next, we savored the Dum Ka Murgh, a traditional dish that exemplified the art of slow cooking. The chicken was tender and infused with aromatic spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that lingered on the palate. The rich, creamy sauce complemented the meat beautifully, making it a standout dish of the evening.

Accompanying our mains was the Laccha Paratha, a layered flatbread that was crispy on the outside yet soft and flaky on the inside. It was the perfect vehicle for mopping up the delicious sauces and added a delightful texture to our meal.

To stay hydrated, we opted for Acqua Panna, a premium still water that was refreshing and smooth, enhancing the flavors of our meal without overpowering them. Additionally, we enjoyed a Heineken, a classic beer that paired wonderfully with the robust flavors of the dishes, providing a crisp and clean finish.

Overall, our experience at Punjab Grill was truly memorable. The combination of outstanding food, excellent service by Shami and Ranjan, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a place worth revisiting. Highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in authentic and delectable...

🌿 A Regal Onam Sadya at Punjab Grill, Anantara Downtown Dubai 🌿

This Onam, I had the pleasure of indulging in a truly memorable Sadya at Punjab Grill, the modern Indian fine-dining gem nestled within the Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel. From the moment I stepped in, the ambiance set the tone for a celebration that beautifully blended tradition with elegance.

What made the experience even more special was the personal touch from Head Chef Vikash, who graciously came out to serve the Sadya himself. Despite not being from Kerala and this being his first attempt at curating an Onam Sadya, his passion and respect for the cuisine shone through every dish. The flavors were authentic, capturing the soul of Kerala’s festive feast—from the tangy Rasam to the comforting Avial and the perfectly balanced Sambar.

🍹 Special shoutout to the cocktails and desserts—they were nothing short of spectacular. The mixology team deserves applause for crafting unique blends that complemented the Sadya beautifully, and the desserts were a divine finale that left us speechless.

👏 Hats off to Chef Vikash and the entire team at Punjab Grill. They’ve managed to create an Onam experience that’s not only respectful of tradition but elevated through fine dining finesse. I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone looking to celebrate Onam in Dubai with style...