Rani Indian Fine Dining Restaurant, Lounge, & Bar — Restaurant in Hamilton Township

A lovely unexpected surprise. We didn’t know anything about the restaurant in advance and were expecting the typical suburban restaurant, but Rani’s is anything but typical.

The service is more formal than one typical finds out of the city, but it is a comfortable formal where you still feel at home. We were pleasantly welcomed when we arrived and quickly seated without a reservation.

There were multi-generational families celebrating events (a few birthdays) and couples in the dining area, mainly couples and singles seated at the large bar. For many, especially those in the larger family groups, dress was on the nicer side with most women in dresses or nicer pants. The men mostly wearing sport shirts and a couple in shorts. We were quite a bit more casual in jeans (yikes, mine with holes) though we still felt quite welcome.

Large cocktail menu with an excellent selection of Gins; though didn’t look at the other liquors, noticed the bar had many bottles of scotch. Non-alcoholic drinks appeared much more interesting than just a typical cocktail without the liquor with some traditional Indian ingredients and herbs. Our waiter was patient when answering questions about the lesser known ingredients.

Craft beers including Belgium-style wheat beers, IPA’s, along with some Indian beers were offered by the glass or bottle. Wine available by the glass and bottle

Both our meals were substantial and came with a choice of rice or naan. Additional sides were available to add on to your meal along with many ‘bread’ type options. The naan was stupendous. Not too buttery, not too soft with a slight crisp to the outermost layer. The basmati rice was fragrant.

We split the Saoji Chicken and the Badami Lamb Curry. Both were fragrantly flavored and well balanced The chicken dish was supposed to have some heat to it though to me, just a wee hint of heat. My preference though is for extremely spicy food.

Desserts were quite large and you could easily split one between two people and possibly three if you were just wanting a ‘taste’. I had the Kunafeh with compressed watermelon. A Turkish inspired dish with Kataifi or shredded filo dough, a coconut-based cream filling, light honey syrup and pistachios. A balance of delicate flavors which paired quite well with Chai masala (tea). My husband had the Jalebi Churros with a heavenly cinnamon scent and served over a light coffee flavored cream.

Our waiter was excellent, extremely competent, friendly but not in the ‘My name is James and I will be your waiter tonight’ type of way. He provided just the right amount of information about our selections, shared a short anecdote about 1 or 2 items and allowed us to enjoy our meal He was supported by an efficient staff of servers all operating in a very professional manner which added to our perfectly unexpected...

Rani - Hamilton, NJ: A Modern Indian Culinary Gem

We visited Rani in Hamilton, NJ for an early dinner on a Friday evening at 5:30 PM, and what a delightful two hours we spent! Every bite we took was an explosion of flavor, leaving us craving for more even though we were full. Rani has masterfully elevated Indian cuisine with a modern twist, and it’s an absolute treat for the taste buds.

To begin our food adventure, we focused on appetizers and drinks, starting with the Amritsar Paneer with Aam. This dish was a harmonious blend of tanginess and a gentle touch of spice. The paneer was incredibly fresh, reminiscent of the homemade paneer found in India—creamy, soft, and clearly a notch above store-bought versions.

Next up, we indulged in the Elaichi Murgh and Amritsar Fish—both perfect choices for our toddler. The Elaichi Murgh was tender, flavorful, and mild enough for our little one to enjoy. The Amritsar Fish was a hit as well, with its crispy exterior giving way to warm, flaky white fish inside.

The Tamatar Chaat was presented in an exciting pull-tube style, making it as fun to watch as it was to eat. While the tomato puree sauce was flavorful, we felt it could use more crispy papad to balance out the texture. Nevertheless, the unique presentation was a highlight.

The star of the appetizers, however, was the Pathar ke Gosht. This dish was a masterpiece—the soft, melt-in-your-mouth mutton paired with a smoky, buttery flavor from the fire presentation. The keema crisp added a delightful crunch that we couldn’t get enough of. Honestly, we wished there was more of that keema crisp or even a standalone dish dedicated to it!

By the time we finished the appetizers, we were completely satisfied, but dessert was calling, and we couldn’t resist. The portion sizes of the appetizers were generous and worth every penny, leaving us impressed and delighted.

For desserts, we tried three: Jalebi Churro, Gulab Jamun, and Kulfi Falooda. The Kulfi Falooda, though flavorful, became a bit soupy by the time we reached it. It might be better served earlier or separately. The Gulab Jamun was an absolute showstopper—soft, syrupy, and decadently unique with a modern twist. The Jalebi Churro was a playful take on traditional jalebi, leaning more towards a churro texture but paired perfectly with the soft, lightly sweetened cream.

Overall, Rani brings something special to our small town—a modern Indian dining experience that’s both exciting and delicious. From the vibrant flavors to the creative presentations, every detail was thoughtfully executed. We can’t wait to return and dive into their entrees next time. This is a must-visit spot for anyone who loves great food with a...

Rani – A Regal Surprise in Robbinsville

Nestled in an unassuming strip mall in Robbinsville, Rani delivers something rarely found in suburban Indian dining: imagination. From the moment we stepped inside, the experience unfolded like a well-directed film—one that balances tradition with flair, and comfort with creativity.

The décor is a stunner—vibrant yet refined, as if an old Aston Martin and a Dyson Airwrap had a baby. The central bar, framed in emerald green with sleek lines, immediately draws the eye. Playful portraits of various “Ranis”—from traditional to fashion-forward—line the walls, adding personality and charm.

We began with cocktails. I ordered the “Mr. Brightside”—so good I ordered another. It’s citrusy, herbaceous, and dangerously easy to drink. My wife had the lychee martini, which arrived looking like a child had just blown bubbles into a glass of milk. But looks can deceive—the burst of sweet lychee flavor made it worth every strange glance. A friend ordered a cocktail served in a glass sword, complete with a story behind its significance—a memorable, theatrical touch.

Appetizers were a mixed bag. The Gunpowder Bengali Beetroot Croquettes, though moist and visually appealing, lacked depth—perhaps a hint of fennel or mint would have lifted them. The Paneer ke Kabab, on the other hand, were sublime—silky, well-spiced, and miles from the rubbery renditions often served elsewhere. But the showstopper was the Chicken 65: crispy edges, tender center, punchy with heat and flavor. The generous portion was a pleasant surprise.

For mains, the Mushroom Masala was a revelation—even for someone who avoids mushrooms. Rich, meaty, and layered with umami, it converted me instantly. The Rajasthani Laal Maas came with a fair warning: spicy. But it’s not “white spicy”—it’s fiery, unapologetic, and bursting with flavor. Thank God for the cooling raita. The Seekh Kebabs were competent—succulent and mildly spiced—but not standout.

And then came dessert. Most desi spots phone this part in. Not Rani. The Kunafeh, with its crackly kataifi pastry and coconut cream cheese center, was an addictive collision of textures and cultures. The Rasmalai Cake was even better—saffron-soaked sponge layered with cardamom cream, pistachio, and rose petals. A perfect finale.

Service was attentive, warm, and conversational, and the staff clearly take pride in the guest experience. One recommendation: the bathroom hand dryer could use a mat underneath to prevent slips.

Rani doesn’t just serve food—it builds a mood. It flirts with opulence, stays grounded in authenticity, and mostly hits the mark....