Rajwadu

Something very special about Rajwadu is that though it is a sprawling village-theme restaurant, it is located in a busy residential locality easily accessible by autorickshaw (most of the other village-theme places are on the highways). Even as you enter Rajwadu, you will realize that it is much, much more than a restaurant; it is a work of art with a profusion of water bodies, pretty gardens and innovative use of rocks and stones in construction. Dressed up like one of the many fortified villages that abound in Gujarat and Rajasthan, a great deal of thought and implementation have been put into its designing and planning, and the painstaking efforts have borne fruit. Luxuriant and numerous plants, trees and well-maintained landscaping have given it a peaceful touch. Add to these winding pathways, open courtyards (charpoys, folk musicians and performers here), water bodies, temples, baradaris (pavilions) and stone walls… all gently blending into each other. The ambience is matched by excellent food, mostly authentic Gujarati. You can either eat snacks or mini meals at Madhurya, the 11am-to-11pm café on the premises, or go for the entire thali. Authentic Gujarati and Rajasthani dishes are served - and some popular preparations from other states as well - in a traditional environment, where you sit cross-legged and eat off leaves and earthen vessels. But you can also opt for the baradaris, which have low-sitting arrangements, and your food will be served on bronze thalis. Most weekends, Rajwadu wears a busier and festive look, as it holds Gujarati events like book readings, discussions, poetry recitals, music concerts and folk shows. However, Rajwadu is often booked for weddings and events - in the wedding season, call ahead and check before going to avoid disappointment.