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.

The Oberoi Amarvilas itself is an experience in itself while you are here in Agra. The finest hotel in the city with the most magnificent views of the Taj right across from the hotel The speciality restaurant here that serves North Indian food would perhaps be better than any Michelin Star restaurant that you may have eaten itFor one it’s the slow music that’s playing for you abc it is the traditional Santoor that playing out for you that sets the tone Each table is set like a perfect setting with the crockery, cutlery, flowers that are pretty much deserving of that 6 star that I cannot give With the most exquisite selection of drinks, winners and more you can start your meal with the traditional starters that they would recommendFor someone who is a foodie I would recommend the chefs special of the small plates that’s got a hint of fusion in every Indian dish, so be it the salad or even the stuffed paneer starter that’s filled with all the aromatic flavours and tastes Each dish is very well presented that makes so much for the difference Don’t miss the traditional flavour of pickles, papad, chutneys and more on the side There is no concept of a main dish in this preset menu and it’s going to totally linger your senses For someone who is hungry like my friends the Thali is a great treat and it’s wholesome and is a visual treat too And if that’s not all, the deserts are going to also stir you right from the Gulab Jamun, Agra petha, Ras malai, chocolate fondue and more They will have rose petal hand wash done traditional style as you finish!While in Agra not eating here is quite a waste!

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.