Rotarian A.
Google
We dined at Wasabi at the Taj Mahal Palace, having booked the restaurant through the concierge. Although we were told that a reservation was not strictly necessary, we still secured one for 7:00 pm. Upon arrival, we requested a window-side table. However, the hostess, Ishana Kakkar, was noticeably unwelcoming and reluctant to accommodate this request. She informed us that the table was reserved for 8:00 pm, a claim that appeared untrue. The restaurant was largely empty throughout our visit, and we had finished our meal well before 8:00 pm, with no such reservation materializing.
What stood out most was not the unavailability of a particular table, but the manner in which the situation was handled. There was a clear lack of warmth, flexibility, and genuine effort to accommodate guests. The overall attitude from the hostess to the front-facing staff felt biased and dismissive rather than hospitable.
Hospitality, especially at an establishment of this stature, is as much about grace and intention as it is about logistics. Unfortunately, that standard was not met. Ishana Kakkar would benefit from further training in guest relations and service sensitivity. Based on this experience, I would not recommend this restaurant, nor would I choose to return.