Kahani

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!

incredible, rich and complex food! the cardamom cheesecake is easily the best cheesecake i’ve ever had

I’m not a fan of Indian food but I should say this one was phenomenal and beyond expectations.

Nelson Nelson

Simply amazing food paired with superb service. This authentic Indian restaurant is set within the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel. A must try if you are a hotel guest. We were greeted promptly by the host and sat in a very welcoming and well appointed dining room. Our server Rahul was delightful as he explained the menu to us and offered his suggestions. We decided on the curry sampler with chicken as our protein. Every single dish was delightful and tasty. The Naan was especially memorable and the chicken was best I’ve had anywhere. We will definitely be back the next time we are back in the area. Rahul was amazing and the best server we’ve ever had. I have no doubt Rahul will one day run his own business in the future as his service and professionalism was unparalleled. Rahul you made our night. This is coming from an owner/operator of two restaurants in NY.

Camille Takach

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

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.

Diana

Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s also crazy delicious and a unique take on Indian. Service is standout and you can walk along the Ritz grounds afterwards to take in the view of Salt Creek Beach.

Dev Patel

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.

Teresa L

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!

Vedanth Basappa

Upscale Indian restaurant inside Ritz Carlton. Beautiful resort and the restaurant is decorated nicely. The food was really good. Definitely a must try at least once

Arthur DeCosta

We had a great experience at Kahani. We decided to try it for our anniversary dinner, and despite the fact that we hadn't arranged for anything special, staff still put a few special touches into the meal to celebrate us. Chef Sanjay even stopped by our table to speak with us. Service was extremely attentive and atmosphere was quiet and relaxing. The cuisine was a delicious, thoughtfully composed arrangement of bold fusion and attentively authentic Indian staples.

guneet chadha

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.

Violeta Escobar

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.

Harsh Sancheti

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!

Emmanuel

incredible, rich and complex food! the cardamom cheesecake is easily the best cheesecake i’ve ever had

Sahar Meshksar

I’m not a fan of Indian food but I should say this one was phenomenal and beyond expectations.

The food here is beyond amazing. One of the best north Indian restaurant in California. The flavors here are to the point for Indian food. It’s really authentic Indian.

Varun Garg

The food here is beyond amazing. One of the best north Indian restaurant in California. The flavors here are to the point for Indian food. It’s really authentic Indian.

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.

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.

This beautiful pop-up offers a modern take on some Indian classics. Table favorites included the Corn and Cardomom Bisque, the Masala Paneer en Croute, and the Cardamom Cheesecake. I appreciated the concept of the Spiced Burrata, but found the cheese to be overpowered by the other strong flavors on the plate. Nice drinks, as well. Incredible ambiance and hospitality; Chef Sanjay Rawat was kind enough to stop by our table as well. Would love for this pop-up to take residence with rotating menus!

Harsh

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

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.

Janki Merai

This beautiful pop-up offers a modern take on some Indian classics. Table favorites included the Corn and Cardomom Bisque, the Masala Paneer en Croute, and the Cardamom Cheesecake. I appreciated the concept of the Spiced Burrata, but found the cheese to be overpowered by the other strong flavors on the plate. Nice drinks, as well. Incredible ambiance and hospitality; Chef Sanjay Rawat was kind enough to stop by our table as well. Would love for this pop-up to take residence with rotating menus!

Great atmosphere and service but not what I would consider a great food place. I think being in the Ritz they try to make it gourmet Nouveau Indian but a true Indian food lover will find it very bland and not so flavorful. You are better off going off site for Indian.

Chirag Trivedi

Great atmosphere and service but not what I would consider a great food place. I think being in the Ritz they try to make it gourmet Nouveau Indian but a true Indian food lover will find it very bland and not so flavorful. You are better off going off site for Indian.

In a restaurant like Ritz Carlton, one would expect Ambience and Food to be good. Unfortunately, recent visit to Kahani was rather underwhelming. I want to start with the Ambience...for an Indian restaurant one would expect much more but, the first thing I noticed was very tacky arrangement of cheap fabric highlighted with spot lights. They really really need to do better. Next, to my surprise was the exposed drain outlet. I thought the tables at least could have had table cloth but, what really turned me off was I could see the drain outlet right where I was seated. Whatever happened to good old carpets. We ordered bunch of things. It is nice that the Chef and his team are trying to bring a twist to Indian Cuisine but, to be honest the food lacked the whole essence of Indian Flavors. Except, the Cardamom Bisque (which also felt overpowered with Cardamom) everything else tasted very bland in terms of flavors. I have tasted Paneer Dishes which were much more flavorful in average restaurant. e.g. Yellow Chillies may have average service but, the food there has been consistently tasty. Overall the service was good but, it is not worth the type. May be it will serve well for an American Palette but, for an Indian who is well aware of its flavors and how the spices work this is not worth at all. There are many good restaurants in SoCal if good food is a priority over a fancy experience.

Astha Jain

In a restaurant like Ritz Carlton, one would expect Ambience and Food to be good. Unfortunately, recent visit to Kahani was rather underwhelming. I want to start with the Ambience...for an Indian restaurant one would expect much more but, the first thing I noticed was very tacky arrangement of cheap fabric highlighted with spot lights. They really really need to do better. Next, to my surprise was the exposed drain outlet. I thought the tables at least could have had table cloth but, what really turned me off was I could see the drain outlet right where I was seated. Whatever happened to good old carpets. We ordered bunch of things. It is nice that the Chef and his team are trying to bring a twist to Indian Cuisine but, to be honest the food lacked the whole essence of Indian Flavors. Except, the Cardamom Bisque (which also felt overpowered with Cardamom) everything else tasted very bland in terms of flavors. I have tasted Paneer Dishes which were much more flavorful in average restaurant. e.g. Yellow Chillies may have average service but, the food there has been consistently tasty. Overall the service was good but, it is not worth the type. May be it will serve well for an American Palette but, for an Indian who is well aware of its flavors and how the spices work this is not worth at all. There are many good restaurants in SoCal if good food is a priority over a fancy experience.

I was disappointed with my experience at Kahani Restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton. The food didn’t feel like proper fusion cuisine and seemed poorly prepared, even the bread wasn’t fresh, I expected a higher standard from a restaurant in this setting.

Imran

I was disappointed with my experience at Kahani Restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton. The food didn’t feel like proper fusion cuisine and seemed poorly prepared, even the bread wasn’t fresh, I expected a higher standard from a restaurant in this setting.