Indigo is an authentic Indian restaurant located in Beach Rotana. It’s the perfect place to go when you want Indian food in an elegant setting. The decor is lovely– it’s modern yet still has very cultural touches. We had a table reserved, so we were seated on one of the semi-private dining areas. When we went there, it was quite packed so I would highly suggest booking in advanced, especially for a large party, or if you want to sit in one of these special areas.

We were seated and they quickly brought out a baby high chair for little Khalifa. They gave us the menu, the wine list and a special set course menu. The chef then came to our table and introduced himself and asked us what we would like. The menu is really extensive, and we were so confused as to what to get. They have so many appetizing things like Tandoor Tiger Prawns and Duck Tikka Kebab, so I really didn’t know what to get! The Chef kindly suggested that we try the Assortment of Kebabs as our starter since it has a little bit of everything.

When our appetizers came, we were absolutely amazed. It looked so delicious and the presentation was so simple and elegant. This dish comes with Fish Tikka, Tandoori Lamb chops, Murgh Malai Tikka, Rosemary Prawns, a zingy Chicken 65, and a spicy Mint Chutney. Everything on the plate was delicious, but the lamb chops really stood out for me. Like everything else presented on the platter, it was cooked to absolute perfection, but it also had a delicious spice rub on it that will easily keep you wanting more. My husband really enjoyed the Tiger Prawns, and little Khalifa had a few tiny slivers of the yogurt-marinated chicken since it wasn’t spicy. The chutney and the Chicken 65 are a bit spicy so make sure you have your cold drink close by when trying those!

Now usually, every time I eat at an Indian restaurant, my go-to dish is Butter Chicken or Chicken Tikka Masala. I told the Chef that I wanted something different for mains, so he suggested the Southern Chicken Korma and the Dhaba-style Lamb Curry. Along with that, he asked if we would prefer Basmati rice or authentic Indian breads; we chose the breads. He mentioned a new creation of his, the Mushroom with Truffle Oil Naan, and I chose to try that one. My husband got Garlic Naan to go with his Southern Chicken Korma dish.

Although the appetizer took some time to get to the table, they were quite quick to bring the mains. The presentation, again, was simple and beautiful. They even brought out an extra bowl of plain rice with a side of plain yogurt in case the baby wanted some, which was really thoughtful. We tucked into our mains, and both dishes were so flavorful and so well-cooked. My favorite thing though, was definitely that crispy-on-the-outside, yet fluffy-on-the-inside Mushroom with Truffle Oil Naan bread. Seriously, I could eat it on its own! Make sure to ask about that when you go!

Although we were quite stuffed with our mains and appetizers, I love Indian desserts and had to save a little room for some. We ordered the Falooda and Ras Malai, but the Chef surprised us with a beautiful selection of desserts. In it were the Falooda ice cream as well as the sweet milky Ras Malai, but also he added a super decadent chocolate mousse– which has a touch of fennel to it, a mint sorbet, and a delectable Gulab Jamun. That chocolate mousse is to die for! I really didn’t even want to share it with my husband, but he definitely clawed his way into his half! The mint sorbet was also a wonderful end to the delicious meal, it was very refreshing.

This place really hit a cord with me, and is easily my favorite Indian restaurant in Abu Dhabi. It’s definitely higher-end Indian cuisine, but its worth the price!

Ratings (0-5): 

• Staff/Service: 5
• Cleanliness: 5
• Food: 5
• Value for money: 4.5

Overall Rating: 4.87

Worth Trying?: Yes! Amazing Indian food with a creative touch. Make sure to try the Mushroom and Truffle Oil Naan and the Chocolate Mousse. Thank me later!

For more information, call Indigo at Beach Rotana at +971 (0) 2 697 9011.