Khazana by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor — Restaurant in Palo Alto

Gone are the days when your food or experience is well below par, and that restaurant makes you feel good despite the experience. Khazana does the bare minimum to correct shortfalls in its food. At least that was our experience.

We (3 of us) went here on the date of this review with reservations - it was a soft opening for this new and highly anticipated restaurant.

I'm a savvy consumer and expect the simple order of operations. That is, if I arrive and am seated before others (a couple arrived 5 minutes after us and a party of five 15 minutes after us), I expect that my order is taken before them, and if not, that my food arrives before them. Not the case. And not my complaint, except for in hindsight.

Aside from the fact that I had to ask for my order to be taken, the service was very slow. When our meal eventually arrived, it was barely warm. Told our server and he promised to make it right. After a few minutes he came back and said that he would make two of three dishes we ordered again so we could take it to go as a reconciliation, which we accepted. Nothing that I said prompted this except that we expected the food to be hot. Ten minutes later, he came back with the GM who was very apologetic and wanted to make it right. He offered us whatever we wanted and we politely declined, stating that our server was very gracious and that his suggestion was respectable and accepted. They both went off.

Things got strange when it took well over 15 minutes for anyone to come back. Eventually, our server came back with only one dish (the one that he didn't suggest replacing initially likely because it cost the least). Then he was more apologetic than the GM and explained how the owner Kapoor did not accept the resolution that was offered. While they compted one main dish and the garlic naan, we paid, tipped, and smiled before leaving. And the simple process of paying took almost 7-8 minutes for a bit busy soft opening.

The food:

1.Tiger prawns - above average. High quality prawns.

Mango butter chicken - average. Good quality chicken and the meat was cooked very well. The gravy was more run of the mill.

Paneer - average. Gravy virtually identical to the butter chicken. Nothing exciting.

Saag with burrata - below average. Burrata was not great.

Garlic naan - excellent. Perfect thickness and crispness.

The tiger prawn and naan came out hot but nothing else.

I wouldn't go back. How our situation was handled left a worse taste in my mouth than the cold food. I'm the type of consumer that if you own your fault then I will give it another try if the food is good. But if you can't accomplish either overall, I'm not coming back.

Khazana,...

Disappointment Behind the Hype

Located in the heart of University Avenue and boasting the name of a well-known celebrity chef, this Indian restaurant seems to rely more on its prime location and branding than the quality of its food or service. Unfortunately, our experience revealed just how far marketing can stretch beyond merit.

Despite the upscale pricing and chic ambiance, the food was, at best, mediocre. Dishes lacked depth and cohesion, with several items we ordered never even making it to the table. Even more frustrating was the fact that not all guests at our table were served simultaneously, creating an awkward and fragmented dining experience.

Service was inattentive and uncoordinated throughout the evening. It was only after voicing our dissatisfaction that the staff made any effort to recover — an effort that came too late, especially on what was meant to be a special birthday celebration.

To add insult to injury, the restaurant charges extra for items typically complimentary at most Indian establishments, such as chutneys and papadams. With prices this steep, one would reasonably expect both standout food and attentive service — neither of which were delivered.

If you're in the area and craving Indian cuisine, you’ll likely find better meals just a few blocks in either direction. What should have been a memorable evening was instead marred by poor execution and an overall lack of hospitality. This spot may have the name, but it certainly doesn't...

Dining at Khazana by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor was an absolute delight! From the moment we walked in, the elegant ambiance set the stage for an unforgettable meal. The menu offers a perfect blend of authentic Indian flavors with a modern twist, making every dish a work of art. We began our meal with the Beetroot Croquettes and Pani Puri, both of which were absolutely delicious and packed with bold flavors. These vegetarian appetizers were the perfect start, complemented beautifully by our refreshing cocktails - the exotic Lychee Lagoon and the flavorful Aam-Zing. For the seafood lovers, the Tiger Prawns were an absolute standout - perfectly cooked, juicy, and infused with rich spices. Moving on to the mains, we indulged in the Dum Aloo Nazakat, the beautifully crafted Baked Cauliflower Musallam, and the peppery Tellicherry Pepper Chicken. Each dish was bursting with flavor and paired perfectly with the soft, buttery garlic naan and the flaky, perfectly layered Laccha Paratha. And let’s talk about desserts - an absolute must-try! The Jamun Makhan Malai was melt-in-your-mouth delicious, creamy rich rabdi with rose petal confit and the Carrot Pudding Puff Tart was the Gajar ka halwa with a twist.

The service was exceptional, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who ensured we had an amazing experience. If you’re looking for top-tier Indian cuisine in the Bay Area, Khazana is...