Rangoli Yas Island

Rangoli is the North Indian restaurant at Yas Plaza Marina Hotel on Yas Island, an atmospheric dining room with considered decor that sets it apart from the typical hotel restaurant. The kitchen takes authenticity seriously, and the results show in dishes that taste closer to Delhi than to the usual hotel-Indian register. The butter chicken is rich, well-balanced, and made with notably tender, juicy chicken. The Champaran mutton, slow-cooked in a clay pot until fall-apart tender, is a standout. The chicken dum biryani is properly aromatic and layered, and the amchoori bhindi offers a textural counterpoint that rewards ordering. The charcoal-cooked samosa is a signature starter worth trying, and the naan and kulcha breads are fresh from the tandoor. Cocktails are more interesting than expected - the house DDLJ comes with a story - and the Mysore Pak cheesecake is an inventive closer that bridges Indian and Western dessert traditions. The chef occasionally visits tables to check on feedback, which adds a personal touch. Service is warm and knowledgeable, with staff who explain the history and preparation behind dishes in a way that genuinely enriches the meal. The restaurant handles celebrations well, tailoring menus for occasions. Reservations are recommended, as the room fills on weekends. Quality can vary slightly between visits, but at its best, this is one of the strongest Indian restaurants on Yas Island.