Our Top 7 picks for fine dining Indian restaurants

The Veggiebuzz team have been on an Indian eating spree lately – we’ve eaten at pretty much every fine dining Indian restaurant that Dubai has to offer in the past several months!  With Diwali just around the corner, we thought we’d do a quick roundup of 7 of our current Indian fine dining favorites. So if you’re looking for an ideal venue for your next family dinner or Diwali celebration, look no further!

1. Tresind

TresInd at the Radisson Royal has an approach to Indian food that’s completely out of the box. It’s the first Indian restaurant in Dubai that uses molecular gastronomy, resulting in some unique creations. They put on a little show for you when preparing some of the dishes and drinks, making it a fun experience as well!

The modernist Chaat Trolley recreates Indian street food in a modern and unusual way, using liquid nitrogen to freeze-dry dhokla. There’s also deconstructed pav bhaji presented as a minestrone soup, and some fantastic spicy sprouted lentils served with cheese buns (Misal Pav).

2. Bombay Brasserie

Located in the Taj Hotel at Business Bay, it goes without saying that Bombay Brasserie exudes Taj hospitality, with the sort of impeccable service that is rarely found in restaurants around the city.

The restaurant’s got a contemporary feel with an open kitchen in the center, and delivers on some solid traditional flavors. There are some unconventional ideas at play as well, such as grilled asparagus and avocado coated in spices, and Baingan Bhartha served in an eggplant-shaped pot.

3. Indego by Vineet

Indego by Vineet needs no introduction. Opened by Michelin starred Chef Vineet Bhatia at Grosvenor House back in 2004, it has become one of the best known destinations for fine Indian dining.

Following Chef Vineet’s concept of evolved Indian cooking, one can find unconventional but tasty dishes like the surprisingly savory Pumpkin Seekh Kebab, bite-sized Goat Cheese Samosas with lentil soup and Almond Tikki, almond dumplings on a bed of creamy Chana Masala. The sticky toffee pudding served with Gajar ka Halwa and caramelized banana ice cream makes for an unforgettable dessert thanks to its intriguing masala chai flavor, and Chef Vineet’s take on the seasonal Delhi street dessert Daulat ki Chaat is the best one we’ve had till date!

4. Junoon

Junoon at the Shangri-La Hotel combines traditional Indian cuisine with some modern flourishes and a passion for great flavors. Deep brown and purple hues add a sense of serenity to the spacious dining room, and the open kitchen by the entrance is a fun touch.

We love the Eggplant Chaat, a little twist on a street food classic, and the Yam Biryani adds some lovely sweet notes to liven things up. Leave room for dessert, as the curry leaf kulfi will have you scratching your head and licking your lips at the same time!

5. Ananta

Ananta at The Oberoi is a bit deceptive, as the contemporary and elegant interior suggests the cuisine might be the same. However, we were pleasantly surprised by some solid, traditionally prepared dishes.

Chana Masala is a classic North Indian dish that absolutely shines and Bhutta Methi Palak has a nice mix of greens with the slight sweetness of corn. Of course, we have to mention the Dahi ke Kebab, a delicious kebab stuffed with yogurt and the Gajar Halwa Spring Rolls, which combine a Far Eastern aesthetic with true Indian flavor.

6. Amala

Located in Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, the grand resort on the furthest edge of the Palm Jumeirah, Amala has the look and feel of a courtyard, with looming columns, high ceilings and a fountain in the center. The outdoor dining area has a more casual vibe, with a great view of the sea and resort grounds.

The chefs at Amala keep things traditional, but packed with flavor. Saunfiya Paneer Tikka has a lovely fennel flavor and the Dal Amala is a tasty signature dish. The Vegetable Biryani packs a few surprises with an interesting mix of veggies, and their Shahi Tukda is a perfectly decadent end to the meal.

7. Ashiana by Vineet

Ashiana by Vineet is Chef Vineet Bhatia’s most recent Dubai venture. Located at the Creekside Sheraton in Deira, it creates a homely atmosphere that reflects its name. We love the charming rustic façade of the restaurant, giving it a unique personality in its surroundings.

The food presents some unique twists and interesting flavor combinations. Chandni Broccoli is perhaps the best way to have broccoli, while Lifafa Baingan is a French-inspired take on baingan bhartha. For dessert, there’s Ashiana ki Aan, a quartet of dishes including Rasmalai with Pistachio Rabdi and a fantastic Khoya Crème Brulee.