Esphahan - Agra

Whatever I say about this find dine experience will not make justice to how good the food tasted, how amazing the ambience was and how well we were treated by the staff. <br/ <br/ We went for the non veg chef’s platter and were nothing but extremely happy with it. <br/ <br/ Shoutout to chef Saurabh. What food. Worth every penny. <br/ <br/ Must must must visit. For special occasions and otherwise.

Royal north Indian taste. Me and my colleagues had a lovely and memorable dinner at the Esphahan. We had kebabs, lamb rice and some more dishes. The food was well prepared, balanced masalas were used. Superb place to go

Amarvilas has its definite royal and rich feel. And the same reflects in the food they have to offer.<br/ <br/ Delicious food with a royal presentation makes you enjoy the aura and ambience around. The quality of ingredients used is super and above expectation.<br/ <br/ Truly a rich experience.

And Kunnu's Birthday celebrations continued at Esphahan, a restaurant named after a city in Iran signifying the influence of Persia Iran's contribution to the Mughlai Cuisine, in the very eloquently beautiful fortress like Oberoi's Ammarvillas the only place in Agra from where one can See The Taj Mahal from almost every Suite of this Hotel.  <br <br Mixed reviews deterred us from trying this restaurant but thank God we paid no heed to them and decided to celebrate Kunnu's birthday here. While the soft music of Santoor (being played live) serenaded our heart and soul, we ordered Balai ka Jhinga and Chicken Biryani (Avadhi style of Preparation) while we kept sipping Hoegaarden :P . <br <br We were served khakras (Lentil crisps) and Lentil soup before we started our sojourn. Lentil soup was high on flavors and tasted better because of the garlic.We were zapped by the perfectly charred Tiger prawns that were marinated in a citrusy creamy marination. Very little spice yet the subtle sourness of the marination gelled well with the natural flavors of very juicy prawns.Instead of Chicken Biryani, we were served Mutton Biryani and no sooner had they realised their goof up, they served us Chicken Biryani and we ended up liking Mutton Biryani. This Biryani was unlike many Biryani's we have eaten in the past. It was moist yet without the gravy bit, and just perfect on taste and flavors. Very sweet of the restaurant to serve a complimentary Mango Mousse Cake (which was totally delicious) to celebrate Kunnu's birthday. Santoor player managed to play The Happy Birthday song on this very beautiful classical instrument. <br <br  Devansh and Tazeem took turns in taking great care of us. <br <br For a 5 Star the prices and quantity were befitting.<br <br One of the most beautiful properties we have been to in the recent times, Esphahan and The Oberoi Ammarvillas are etched in our memories forever.

We stayed at the Oberoi on a short stay in Agra. We are Australians and while we enjoy great Indian food in Melbourne, we ate at a totally different level on our vacation in India. The hotel standard is exceptional and a haven from the hectic nature of the Taj. After a long afternoon, we enjoyed a wonderful Thali at Esphahan. We'd enjoyed superb food at the Oberoi in Mumbai Ziya) and also at The Oberoi in Udaipur, so we were not surprised at the exceptional service levels and also the quality of the food. Staggering complexity of flavours in even the simplest of dishes the Yellow Dahl was simply superb). 2 Thali options Vegetarian or Carnivore) and while I'm not a vegetarian, I absolutely loved this option. The Paneer Tikka a standout of 8 dishes. I'm convinced that India is the one country in the world in which I could be a vegetarian, such is the capacity of the creative process in the use of spices. And at a restaurant of the calibre of Esphahan, you're taken to a new level.