Kahani

Indian restaurant · Dana Point

Kahani

Indian restaurant · Dana Point

5

1 Ritz Carlton Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629

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Highlights

Nestled in the Ritz-Carlton, Kahani serves modern Indian cuisine in a cozy space, boasting inventive dishes and refined flavors that delight gourmets.  

Featured in Eater
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1 Ritz Carlton Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629 Get directions

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$100+

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1 Ritz Carlton Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629 Get directions

+1 949 240 2000
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$100+

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Last updated

Jul 25, 2025

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@eater

Famous Tokyo, Japan Neapolitan Pizzeria Seirinkan Is Coming to LA for One Night Only - Eater LA

"Chef Sanjay Rawat presents an afternoon tea in celebration of Holi, featuring masala chai and Indian street food sandwiches." - Rebecca Roland

https://la.eater.com/2025/3/13/24384966/famous-neopolitan-pizza-tokyo-japan-seirinkan-los-angeles-pop-up-the-nice-guy
View Postcard for Kahani
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The 38 Essential Orange County Restaurants

"Deep in Orange County, hidden away in the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, chef Sanjay Rawat prepares what could be the most incredible Indian fine dining that Southern California has seen. Rawat’s inventive and playful presentations don’t hold back on flavor in a venue that was previously a staid hotel steakhouse. It’s clear that Rawat and his immense wedding feasts for the property translate into something that OC diners can wrap their heads around, like the spiced Chilean sea bass with roasted delicata squash or the exceptional rack of lamb over forbidden rice and handi sauce. — Matthew Kang, lead editor" - Jenn Tanaka

https://la.eater.com/maps/best-essential-restaurants-orange-county-california
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21 Enticing Indian and South Asian Restaurants in Los Angeles

"After generating plenty of attention for his high-flying Indian wedding dinners at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, it was only a matter of time before chef Sanjay Rawat was going to open a place to call his own. Kahani, a dimly lit dining room tucked into the Ritz-Carlton, buzzes with folks excited to experience some of the most modern Indian cooking in Southern California. The $265 curry sampler feeds two to four people and is a great way to get a feel for Rawat’s culinary vision." - Virali_Dave, Eater Staff

https://la.eater.com/maps/best-essential-indian-restaurants-los-angeles
View Postcard for Kahani
@eater

21 Enticing Indian and South Asian Restaurants in Los Angeles

"After generating plenty of attention for his high-flying Indian wedding dinners at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, it was only a matter of time before chef Sanjay Rawat was going to open a place to call his own. Kahani, a dimly lit dining room tucked into the Ritz-Carlton, buzzes with folks excited to experience some of the most modern Indian cooking in Southern California. The $265 curry sampler feeds two to four people and is a great way to get a feel for Rawat’s culinary vision." - Virali_Dave, Eater Staff

https://la.eater.com/maps/indian-pakistani-south-asian-food-takeout-delivery-los-angeles
View Postcard for Kahani
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Kahani Is OC’s New High-End Indian Restaurant Tucked Inside the Ritz-Carlton - Eater LA

"After generating plenty of attention for his high-flying Indian wedding dinners, it was only a matter of time before talented chef Sanjay Rawat was going to open his own restaurant, Kahani, right on the expansive Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel property in Dana Point." - Matthew Kang

https://la.eater.com/2023/10/16/23916518/kahani-indian-food-sanjay-rawat-ritz-carlton-laguna-niguel
View Postcard for Kahani

Harsh

Google
The restaurant cooks with canola oil and they should change all their curries to olive oil or butter or ghee. This would really be much more healthier for everyone. Seed oils are inflammatory and stop insulin from working. The atmosphere is very nice. It has an Old world British feel and food was good. great presentation. It was not very spicy. The curry sauces are all very different. The curry sampler is definitely for 4 people not 2. It’s huge.

Sonika Jain

Google
Went to dinner at Kahani to celebrate our 35th anniversary. We ordered the curry platter and there was more food than we could finish. The staff and service was top notch, they brought out a special mango mousse to celebrate us and overall we had a great experience. The space is a little on the smaller side, wish there had been more room between tables. It was just too noisy. Still, highly recommend.

Camille Takach

Google
Great live musician playing guitar, delicious curry sampler, and the service was great, we came for our anniversary and everyone was very attentive and gave us a lovely dessert. Definitely want to come back to try some of the entrees and appetizers! Curry sampler could definitely feed 3 people.

David Townsend

Google
KAHANI—which translates to "story" in Hindi—is more than just a name. It’s an experience told through flavor, tradition, and innovation. Nestled within The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, this Indian dining destination blends the comforting warmth of familiar curries with elevated, modern interpretations that take Indian cuisine to remarkable new heights. While the menu features crowd-pleasers that feel like home, it’s the chef’s refined techniques and deep reverence for flavor that truly shine. And the Lumina lamb? Simply wondrous. Each chop is seasoned with a custom spice blend and paired with a sauce born from roasted lamb bones, fat, and neck, simmered down with ginger, garlic, mint, tomato, and herbs into something both bold and beautifully balanced. The plating is elegant, the storytelling through food is powerful, and the dining experience is truly memorable. KAHANI is where heritage meets creativity—and every bite speaks volumes.

Teresa L

Google
Wowowow, what a treat. We decided to check out the "Chit, Chaat & Chai" Afternoon Tea at the Kahani Restaurant inside the Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point. We were not disappointed. As a matter of fact, we were completely wowed by the presentation, service, and most importantly the delicious taste of all the treats served. We each tried the different types of teas, and Chef Sanjay Rawat did a wonderful job accommodating our dietary needs (one gluten-free, one vegetarian and one regular). We were offered a sparkling beverage as we informed the restaurant ahead of time that we were celebrating our daughter's college admission acceptance. The sandwiches were all tasty, perfect in size with balanced flavors and seasoned perfectly. Kahani is beautifully decorated and cozy. Besides the food, I'd like to point out their service. Our server Christian was warm and professional, highly knowledgeable about our menu and offered unobtrusive service. She was fabulous. Savory sandwiches, scones, and sweets were all equally delicious. It was a party in our mouths! Highly recommend so bring yourself, families and friends for a real treat!

Violeta Escobar

Google
Omg this food is amazing. We had the Pakoda Chaat - it is to die for. Layers of smashed garbanzo, spinach fritters, mango and tamarind with a subtle yogurt topping. I am telling you it was delicate and deliciously flavorful. The Tuna Bhel Puri was refreshing with ahi tuna, avocado and puff rice cilantro. The garlic Naan to die for. The desert- mango lassi was delicate and delicious not too sweet but just beautiful and satisfied my sweet tooth. Please please try this place you won’t be disappointed. The chef is amazing. I am so honored to have been able to eat here it is absolutely one of the best tasting meals I have ever had.

Dev Patel

Google
The food at this restaurant is exceptional, as expected from a venue located in the Ritz-Carlton. While the restaurant is undoubtedly on the expensive side, the quality of the food justifies the cost. That said, the portion sizes could be improved. The cocktails are a standout feature—expertly crafted and absolutely worth the price. I highly recommend trying their curry samplers, which offer a delightful blend of flavors. They also have complimentary masala chai if you ask for it. There is Valet parking with a fee.

guneet chadha

Google
Finally a true and authentic Indian Fine restaurant..I was happily surprised to see and experience traditional Indian cuisine and flavors. CHEF 👨‍🍳 @Sanjay Rawat has done a great job in keeping the food a superb attraction. We had following and siper impressed by each and evey itme invkuding the mint chutney. Well done Chef. Tuna Bhel Chaat Pakora RACK OF lamb CURRY sampler plate (which was a modern version of thali) a highlight for us.. Old Delhi Biryani.. Must go and I will be back.
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Arvind S.

Yelp
Amazing food, service and ambiance. Mango Lassi cake was an interesting dish. Tea was the grand finale! Thanks Pinak for your service and recommendations.
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Vasyl Z.

Yelp
It was our first visit to Kahani, and what a lovely story it has become for us! We celebrated my birthday there, and everything was just perfect--the service, the food, the ambiance. As an Indian, I often miss the deliciously spiced dishes, but Kahani truly hit the mark! The flavors and quality of the food are absolutely top-notch, and it feels like the chef handpicks each ingredient with care. And can we talk about the chai? It's such a sweet touch to enjoy a cup after finishing your meal--it's their way of saying goodbye, and we loved it!

Anjali M.

Yelp
Amazing food and ambiance. The chef came out and visited us and gave us an overview of the restaurant.
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Elisa G.

Yelp
We are so thrilled to be here again and Larry accommodated last minute and seated us at a booth. We love everything about this restaurant!!
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Shradha S.

Yelp
The food was so beautifully presented. The food had unique fusion.Service was astoundingly thoughtful. The restaurant was amazingly beautiful.
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Evelyn C.

Yelp
For our last dinner at the the Ritz-Carlton we definitely wanted to try Kahani pop-up restaurant. They were closed the first two days we were here and we haven't ever gone to eat at an Indian restaurant so we knew we had to try it! Not only did it NOT disappoint, but we are still talking about how delicious everything was! Summer was our server and we also had her as a server at Raya- very sweet. The decor and vibe was authentic and that's what we loved about it. The sauces were incredible and the complimentary muse that they serve after they seat you was the best thing ever. We finished our little bowl of that and just couldn't resist asking for more, it was THAT good, so we knew we were off to a great start. We ordered the Masala Paneer, Snake River Farms Wagyu Short Rib for our entrées and for enhancements we ordered the rice and Saag Paneer. We left no crumbs, everything was THAT GOOD! Looks like we have to look up local Indian restaurants near our city and I hope they end up making this Indian pop-up a permanent restaurant!
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Ron W.

Yelp
Kahani is a pop-up bucking for a permanent base. It offers high end, upscale Indian cuisine suitable for a Rajah's Daughter's nuptials. The decor is opulent, lavish, luxurious and smacks of old and new money although the pricing is manageable for what you will experience. Kahani is borrowing the EnoSteak space at the Ritz Carlton and added a few elements and flourishes. For example there is so much gold leaf spread around that the Golden Buddha in the National Museum in New Delhi is now nearly naked. The small dining room is elegant without being stuffy, so settle in. The Staff: Rough cut diamonds who paid copious attention during their training in hopes that Kahani survives and offers a full time gig. Samantha and Camille were charming and cared for their assigned guests like Faberge Eggs. Larry, a seasoned Veteran as polished and smooth as an Indian Prince's brass buttons, directs traffic from the host podium to the table. He should offer a Master Class on how to be a savvy Maitre d'Hotel. The Bar: Signature cocktails that are suitable to leave any Real Housewife with that amusing glow which alcohol produces. There is a huge Wine List borrowed from EnoSteak along with their Somm to assist. So finding the right wine will be easy. My Chai Fashioned which could've powered a Tesla battery came in a High Ball glass. One quick stir and everything re-settled into place. Ultimately, the drink was as smooth as a puppy's tummy. Who's here? He wanted to try something new and where else can you leave the Lambo without being hassled for a large spiff or worse, followed home these days? She wanted somewhere tried and true and just received something witchy from Jean Paul Gaultier before he hung up his pin cushion and retired that costs as much as what the whole staff makes in a year. He orders everything with his eyes and she picks at her Papadum as trophies are a depreciating asset and it's only 6 months until Bikini weather. The Food: Who knew Indian food could be elevated to this level? As you are seated a runner runs over and sets down a tray of crackers with a Spicy Mint/Yogurt Sauce, and some Tomato Chutney which was creamy instead of merely a Salsa wannabe. Salty, crunchy and perfect to go with your cocktail. The Masala Beets beat a path to the table and happily so. Torched Goat Cheese, Citrus Greens, Pistachio, sweetened Yogurt all awash in a Honey Vinaigrette dotted with Cilantro Oil. You're not going to find this in the frozen food case at Trader Joe's. This was a sophisticated composition featuring farm fresh ingredients married to haute technique. The Ajwain Scallops were seared and then halved onto a pool of Tamarind Gastrique mixed with Cauliflower Crema and non-slimy Okra Masala. Add it all up and this was one brilliant concoction. Saag Paneer was different. Normally, it's smooth chopped Spinach/Green Vegetables with cubes of Farmer's Cheese resembling salty Firm Tofu. Here that familiar Cheese was settled into a bowl of Jungle Green Soup. The dish fell short of the mark. Saag Paneer is Indian comfort food and this version said a prep cook walked away from the Vitamix that was cranked up to Destroy. The Malai Kofte was a Vegetable Dumpling laid to rest in a wading pool of Tomato Curry. The Sauce was the star here. I was reluctant to ask for the Wagyu Short Ribs. Wagyu is mostly a fatty business. Fat with streaks of meat created by the same mad man ad man who renamed the Patagonian Toothfish to Chilean Sea Bass. Wrong! This dish was fabulous. Tender squares of meat that looked like meat instead of Fat Back. The Short Ribs Slices lay in Rogan Josh Sauce, a mildly spiced Tomato Sauce, along with Tumeric, Sage, Sago Palm Pith, Cumin, Chili Aioli, Potato bits, Pickled Shallot slices, Charred Shishito Peppers, and a Sago Crisp. This tied for the best dish of the night. Next, out came the perfect Chilean Sea Bass which was as good as fish gets. A Bean Ragu, Delicata Squash, Mustard Oil, Curry Leaf, and Ninja Radish were all important supporting actors but the Fish took the Oscar. Full to my hat band, I asked for Malwas Cake. Think Indian Carrot Cake with just the right sweet index that produced a satisfying happy ending. Okay...it was close enough any way. Here's hoping Kahani finds a forever home in OC.
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Danya S.

Yelp
Kahani is a pop up that is only sticking around for about 3 months. We were really excited to try it out because of the hype around it. The positives are the service was amazing and the decor was beautiful. From the second we sat down the service was 5 stars. Now the food......I have to say it was not the best and I have had better. When you first sit they give you a complimentary chai. The starters were delicious, we had the blackened tuna and scallops, but everything else we had was mediocre. The curries and rice were cold, the masala with potatoes and chickpeas had maybe one piece of potato and three chickpeas. To end the night the server brought a birthday treat which was so kind of him. Bottom line do I think it was worth all the hype, and the answer is no.
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Kshama P.

Yelp
It pains me to write this since there is a desperate need and niche for fine dine indian cuisine in OC but this is not it. What's good: Service was the best thing here, followed by the complementary beverages. Our server was intuitive and also maneuvered us through the menu well. Their complementary fennel tea at the end was tasty and chai at the start made us feel really hopeful about the items to come. But it went downhill from here. What's not: the food. For starters, the menu is super limited in items/variety and especially if you have dietary restrictions. As a vegetarian, my partner was limited to one item per section, and each was paneer based. Coming from India, I think this limitation can't be an excuse, especially if you're representing a culture that prides itself on being plant based or plant focused. There are so many alternatives and vegetable focused meals and delicacies there and to see, close to none in the menu, was disheartening and just a let down. We tried a couple of starters, naan and got sides to share because of these limitations and everything we tried was either not fresh, too salty, tasted like frozen/ready to eat meals and not impressive. Especially at the price it was asking for. Would not recommend.
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MaDonna W.

Yelp
We made a reservation. This is a newish American infused Indian restaurant... It will be closed in January and then reopened in February on a permanent basis. I believe their last day of operation is December 31. If you are looking for some extremely fresh, delicate, bold, immersed, abundant flavors . Then you need to make a reservation. We enjoyed the delicious crème brûlée goat and beet salad so good. The Aji tuna and a fresh cucumber, spiced purée. Perfectly cooked Chilean Sea Bass with garbanzo beans, kidney beans, and edamame in a delicious perfectly spiced Ragu. Possibly my favorite dish so far this year. They have some wonderful signature cocktails I ended up having the heart of gold, which is made with Casamigo tequila, kumquat syrup, and ginger. It was very tasty with a little marigold flower, but in my opinion, a little bit too sweet. We also enjoyed the cardamom cheesecake now this was a tasty treat with blueberries and a little bit of brittle. That was just perfect. Very creamy. everything was fresh, spiced just right . They do offer beautiful booths tables for 2,4,6 or 10. It's very lovely and the staff members are extremely attentive . They do offer an extensive wine and cocktail list from the Raya restaurant. Located steps away. They do offer a complete validation when you have dinner here . It was absolutely a gorgeous memorable meal..
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Abha S.

Yelp
First Indian restaurant I've seen in a Ritz Carlton! Food is delicious, though non veg heavy, and the service is impeccable.

Jayne L.

Yelp
Our dinner at Kahani was the best meal we had during our four day vacation in Dana Point. Every dish was interesting and perfect. The restaurant is spectacularly beautiful. Even on crazy New Year's Eve, the service was calm, cool and perfect. Highly recommended.
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Apeksha S.

Yelp
My heartiest compliments to Chef Sanjay Rawat on the opening of his restaurant at the Ritz Carlton- Laguna Niguel! I came tonight for dinner and feel compelled to pause and complete this review before I go to bed. The food here was INCREDIBLE. I came within the first couple weeks of the opening and they just were incredible in both service and flavor. We ordered two cocktails- both the Chai Old Fashioned and Jal Jeera mocktail. Both out of the world! They started the evening off with serving a small cup of chai. I have to say, you know the quality and flavor of the food will be good when the chai is a banger. It was delicious! The cardamom flavor was so refreshing! Both Paneer dishes were very unique in their own right. The fruit pairing with the paneer gulgula appetizer was something new and hit just right. But my HEART was stolen with the entree paneer dish. I have to say, I haven't had a better dish in a very long time. It was a fully encrusted biryani- type dish. We ordered the food spicy, and the kitchen delivered. Flavors were out of the world and we ate and cleared the plates within minutes. Final finish to the evening was a sweet little birthday treat. Thank you!
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Mako S.

Yelp
As an OC native, I've eagerly awaited the opening of Kahani. Luck was on my side, as I last minute secured a reservation for my birthday. The ease of parking and the beautifully decorated Christmas lobby set a festive tone. We started off with a complimentary cup of chai as we mulled over the menu. The standout of this experience was undeniably the customer service. Our server ensured our vegetarian culinary choices were diverse. For appetizers, the gulgula with a unique twist of a srikhand-like yogurt caught me by surprise. The aloo paneer and mushroom dishes were solid, but the malai kofta with some soft naan was my favorite pairing. Chef Sanjay's personal touch elevated the experience further, as he visited each table to chat about the food. His humble presence added to the overall charm. Wishing Kahani a permanent place at the Ritz-Carlton; this establishment is a gem that OC deserves!

Avner G.

Yelp
I can't really rate the food or the pricing because they refused for us to enter the restaurant. When we booked the dinner we made the effort to call and ask if our service dog will be welcomed, and we were reassured that as long he will stay on the floor it will fine. We arrived on time. The manager at the door started to question us why our dog is a service dog and what kind of disability I have that I need a service dog (embarrasing). According to ADA.GOV staff are not allowed to inquire about the nature about a person's disability. When I started to feel unwelcome I decided to leave, but not before I asked to speak with a manager. The manager was as rude and just as snoby as the door manager. She promised to talk to door manager but offered no relief to the situation. As i mentioned, I didn't have a chance to taste the food, but based on other reviews I read here it wasn't such a big loss. Just inconvenient. Rude management and not so great food is not something the the name Ritz Carlton should be associated with.
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Bhakti P.

Yelp
This is not Indian food- which as an Indian, growing up eating home cooked Indian food, I knew it wouldn't be but for those expecting this to be Indian food, it's not. The food wasn't good or worth the price. 1. The cocktails were like warm- I ordered an extra glass of ice to add to my cocktail 2. The burrata was ice cold (usually it's served too temp) 3. The beets were over marinated- beets are tough to work with and hardly anyone likes beets... kahini's beets didn't help the case. 4. The lamb and short rib were good but heavy/ dense. Indian food can be heavy but it doesn't have to be. Fine dining usually makes basic food elevated and sophisticated but Kahani didn't do that. 5. Service was super slow- but the staff was nice and average (they were trying but for some reason they were slow) 6. It's impossible to get a reservation but 30% of the tables were empty? 7. Price did not match quality of the food. The presentation was good but we didn't enjoy eating it (the food itself was not good) The few things that were good: the chai before the meal and the fennel tea at the end were amazing! If kahani could be a permanent chai/ tea Cafe I'd go but there's no way I'd eat there again.
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Elizabeth H.

Yelp
Very good fish, a little bit picture but was a fun experience! There are only eight chairs which makes it super fun!
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Anush O.

Yelp
I hate to give this place a 3 star because the service and ambiance deserved a 5 star. But the people deserve to know the food is ok. We had the chicken tika masala that had an overpowering mint flavor. The paneer masala again just bland. The short rib was probably the best dish we had. The burrata just didn't belong in the combination it was placed in. The naan was decent. I think maybe my expectations were too high as it was more fusion and not authentic Indian. So I was sorry to say I was disappointed.
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Anshu E.

Yelp
It fell short of 5 stars for me. We were here for dinner mid week for our anniversary and I was not blown away by the service or the food. Our reservation was at 6:15 but we got there at around 5:30 and the place was quite empty and we were seated right away. Service wasn't great. We weren't asked if we were celebrating any occasion and server did not attempt to explain the menu items. Maybe she was having an off day? We ordered the spiced burrata which was yummy and I had the over priced Chenna sea bass, which was tasty though. My husband being vegan didn't have too many choices and felt the dal had too much cinnamon and the mushroom masala was just ok. Didn't get the upscale dining feel and just overall felt bleh. The cardamom cheesecake was definitely the highlight. Maybe we would have enjoyed it more if our service had been better.
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Rohan K.

Yelp
Best Indian food I've ever had. Definitely will come back for a special occasion. Loved it!
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Aaina A.

Yelp
Very good take on Indian food, amazing location and service. Had a very good experience. Looking forward to visiting again.
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Smit P.

Yelp
The dining experience at Ritz Carlton's modern Indian restaurant is nothing short of exceptional. The menu showcases a creative take on traditional Indian dishes, with each offering bursting with innovative flavors and artistic presentation. The service is impeccable, with attentive staff ensuring a seamless and enjoyable meal. The ambiance reflects a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort, creating an upscale yet inviting atmosphere. From the first bite to the last, this restaurant at Ritz Carlton elevates modern Indian cuisine to new heights, providing a culinary journey that exceeds expectations.
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Ferzin C.

Yelp
To the Management Team, The main reason we came to try Kahani is because we had tasted the head chefs cooking as a guest at 2 Indian events that was catered at the Ritz and just loved the food. When we heard about this pop-up we just had to come try it. The menu at Kahani was very different from what we had eaten at the events. The chefs creativity to the Kahani menu definitely showcased elevated Indian cuisine and the presentation of every dish was just exquisite but maybe we had high expectations and towards the end it did not meet our standards. Maybe because we were vegetarian and the dishes we ordered were not as incredible as the non-veg dish that our guest had ordered who loved their meal. The only veg dish we loved was the Paneer Croquette. That was definitely innovative and different and tasted amazing!! The malai kofta on the other hand was overall salty, the sag paneer was not that thick and it was bland. The appetizer paneer gula had a weird taste but the yogurt and fruit that came with it was delicious. The cheesecake and rasmalai were also bland but the ladoo crumbs used as garnish was probably the better part of both desserts. Overall we just felt that all dishes were a bit off in taste and eventhough they were some of the traditional Indian dishes with a twist, they were definitely overpriced. Seems like we just paid for the art of the dish as they did look amazing. Sorry for the mixed review as I just wanted to be honest and give my true feedback so it could be shared with the kitchen staff and maybe at the end of the day only slight adjustments are needed to enhance the veg dishes. Our waitress was also a bit slow. I guess since she had other tables she could not service us faster. Hope this review does not put a dent into anything and as the Chef truly is amazing but may his team was just having a bad night when we went. Hopefully we get to attend another event at Ritz where the chef can cater his amazing Indian street food menu or maybe even add from items from the catering menu to the actual Kahani menu :-).
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Jay R.

Yelp
An amazing experience from start to finish. This is authentic Indian food elevated to perfection with a combination of traditional and regional flavors. The service was impeccable, the presentation was sublime and I left with my taste buds dancing. We sat in a booth which allowed for an intimate discussion for four adults. Five stars across the board.
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Harsh S.

Yelp
We had the pleasure of dining at the newly opened Indian restaurant, Kahani in the Ritz Carlton Laguna Beach, and it was an extraordinary experience. As the first of its kind Indian restaurant set in the fancy Ritz Carlton, it truly set the bar high. The menu featured Modern Indian cuisine with a delightful twist on cocktails. One of the highlights of the evening was the complementary cardamom chai that greeted us at the beginning and the fennel chai that bid us farewell. These little touches added to the overall charm of the meal. The balance of flavors in the dishes was impeccable; each bite was a delightful journey through the intricacies of Indian cuisine. What made this dining experience even more special was the chef Sanjay's personal touch. He took the time to visit each table and inquire about our dining experience, ensuring that everything was to our liking. It's not every day that you get to interact with the chef in such an intimate way. It's hard to get bookings so you may need to wait a few weeks. If you're a fan of Indian cuisine and appreciate exceptional service in a luxurious beach setting, this is the place to be. I can't recommend it enough!
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Varun D.

Yelp
Awesome place. Loved the food and the service. Got cheesecake as desert and it was amazing. Would be definitely going back.

Jen S.

Yelp
Incredibly disappointing. The reviews are accurate, it's overpriced and underwhelming. They served a tomato chutney for appetizers, the server told me it was tomato and coconut and I asked the waiter about the ingredients she just made up a bunch, I asked what spices and she said well 40 spices?!! I asked why I couldn't taste coconut only to be told later it was tomato onion chutney not tomato coconut. That was the start. We ordered the spiced burrata for appetizers, the burrata was not fresh, and not at room temperature. The croutons were stale and the dish was not satisfying For main we ordered the seabass which was delicious and well cooked. We also ordered the malai kofta - again frozen koftas and not fresh We ordered lacha parata - again frozen pre-made parathas that had been reheated I skipped desert Very disappointing for what I hoped would be an incredible addition to this area

Sudheer R.

Yelp
Food: Does not taste Indian to begin with. Shrimp was over cooked. Curry was too salty. Chaat is named as Pakoda and Mango Lassi is a cake. Quite confusing. Can get much better food at Yellow Chilli and Baar Baar. Service: The gentleman at the entrance had an attitude. The serving staff was well mannered and respectful. Table was not ready when we arrived. Ambience: Poor for the price we pay. We had lunch at Raya a few days earlier at the same hotel with the best view of the pacific and food with better quality. Probably my first and last visit to Kahani.
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Trisha M.

Yelp
An interesting combination of Indian flavors and "American" food. I'm out party had the seabass, short ribs, paneer en croute, channa and mushroom masala. All was delicious! The channa was pretty spicy, so if you're sensitive - beware.

Archana B.

Yelp
Insanely good food! Ambience and service was incredible. The chef even came over and met us. We ate platter it was enough for 4 ppl, all the kabobs were amazing and the curries in the platter were very flavorful. Even the drinks were so delicious. It was my birthday so the chef sent out a bunch of desserts which were absolutely outstanding! Excellent play on gajjar ka halwa and ras malai.

Claire L.

Yelp
I came here with my husband for my birthday dinner and it was a very good experience. From the food, to the service, to the ambiance, we are completely satisfied. We will definitely make an effort to come back for future opportunities. Highly recommended if you expect true Ritz Carlton quality. (Can't say the same for the hotel, but that's a different review...)
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Sharm C.

Yelp
The service was excellent. The surroundings beautiful. The food is for not the best. Do not expect your traditional Indian food.

Suchi v.

Yelp
What a fabulous experience to have high-end Indian food at a fancy hotel in the US. These kind of experiences are hard to get, especially if you're vegetarian. The staff was very knowledgeable, and they understood the sensibilities very well and guided us appropriately to order the food .

shruthi ..

Yelp
Mediocre Indian food that is overpriced with exceptional service. My local Indian restaurant in Tustin serves way better food.

Bob K.

Yelp
How good can Indian food be at the Ritz Carlton? Right? I didn't have any expectations. I didn't even know why my wife wanted me to make a reservation there. Well to my complete surprise this was one of the tastiest Indian dinners I have ever had. Perfect amount of heat (we asked for extra spicy). Service was excellent. My wife and I are lactose intolerant and the server was very considerate with swapping out dishes for us. We had the curry sampler and it was excellent. Pricey for Indian food but excellent. The lamb was cooked perfectly. The rice was decadent and the assorted curries were deliciously dense. I felt completely satisfied as if I had a great workout. The papaya parfait was a great perfect wrap up to a wonderful meal. Two big thumbs up.

Isaac H.

Yelp
Incredible!!! Service and food won't be beat. One of the best food experiences of our life. Get the sampler for two. It's unreal. Service was beyond perfect as well. We will be back.

Hetal S.

Yelp
Assembly of Vegetarian food! Service is good! Nice ambience! We tried everything vegetarian on the menu and some items tasted same. For example: The kofta of malai kofta curry was the same paneer kofta in 'Paneer gulgula' appetizer. It was tasting good but it's just assembly of the same things in different dishes. If you want to pay $200 on assembled food then this is your place!

john L.

Yelp
I didn't expect to find Indian food here at Ritz. I asked staff for nice quiet spot where I could eat and work. It turned out to be an elegant spot with superb food. The menu offers both gringo Indian and authentic. Choose the authentic at the bottom of the menu. Superb!!!

Nick S.

Yelp
My wife and I have dined here twice and are going back one more time before they close at the end of the month. The dishes are spectacular. The food adds premium quality ingredients and fun plays on traditional Indian and global dishes alike. The Almost Chai martini tastes just like a Starbucks Chai Tea Latte, so be careful. The only dish that has been slightly disappointing is the Nan bread; it has been a bit crispy on both visits so far. For dessert definitely get the Cardamom Cheesecake. We so hope the chef will open a permanent location as the food is so wonderful and we would love to continue to patron such a creative and detail oriented individual.

brian g.

Yelp
I wish this was a long standing restaurant and not just a pop up. If you can get in, the experience is totally worth it.

Anant P.

Yelp
We have been to this place a couple of times at this point. The first time was an above average experience. The second time our experience extremely ordinary. We ended up taking our friends the second time around, and they were just as disappointed as we were. The food seemed stale and the servers were extremely pushy about getting more stuff on the menu. The ambiance was really average and they placed us close to entrance while the entire restaurant was empty, they said that they had full reservations and we ended up not seeing many people show up. The food was so expensive and the flavor was so average. We spent $450 on a dinner for 4!!! This is not a true Indian food experience, and please don't go here. It is a straight disrespect to Indian cuisine and flavors. The naan was soggy with butter instead of having a nice crisp and softness that a traditional naan does. Secondly the curries were oily/butter which overpowered the flavor. The head chef needs to really understand the flavor profile of Indian food before marketing Indian food at such a high end hotel establishment. Ritz Carlton needs to get a new restaurant or a better chef to represent Indian culture. I hope they can change my mind in the future.