Akshay Rafaliya
Google
Canton Royale Restaurant offers a mixed but ultimately decent dining experience, characterized by a pleasant setting and commendable service, though the food quality can be inconsistent. It's a place with great potential, but one where you have to order carefully to ensure a truly satisfying meal.
A Pleasant Ambiance and Excellent Service
Upon entering, the first thing you notice is the good ambiance. The restaurant is well-lit and has a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere that feels like a welcome escape from the bustling streets of Varanasi. This pleasant setting, combined with the good service and cleanliness, creates a very inviting environment. The staff are attentive and polite, making sure you are comfortable and that your needs are met, which significantly elevates the dining experience.
Even before the food arrives, the attention to detail is evident. The menu card is very nice looking, well-sorted, and tidy. It's a pleasure to browse and gives a great first impression of a well-managed establishment.
A Tale of Two Tastes
The dining experience begins on a high note with a delightful complimentary offering. The complimentary papad and chutney are definitely worth going for. They are a great start to the meal and are both fresh and flavorful.
The absolute standout of the entire meal, however, was the lemon rice and curry combination. The flavors in this dish were nothing short of amazing—the rice was fragrant and perfectly cooked, and the curry was rich and harmonious. It was a clear testament to what the kitchen is capable of and is a dish worth visiting for.
Unfortunately, not all items lived up to this high standard. The mushroom panini was just okay; it lacked a certain punch and came across as quite bland. It felt like it was missing key seasonings or ingredients to give it a more robust flavor profile. Even more disappointing was the Elaichi shorba, which was way too watery and tasteless. It completely lacked the aromatic warmth of cardamom and had the consistency of a thin, unseasoned broth, making it a definite miss.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, Canton Royale is a restaurant with a lot of positives. Its pleasant atmosphere, excellent service, and a beautifully presented menu make it a good spot for a relaxed meal. However, the quality of the food is a bit of a hit-or-miss affair. If you stick to the recommended dishes like the incredible lemon rice and curry, you're likely to have a great experience. But be prepared that not every item on the menu may live up to your expectations.