Moti Mahal Delux Restaurant

Moti Mahal Delux Restaurant stands as a landmark of North Indian cuisine in Abu Dhabi, bringing a rich culinary legacy from the heart of Delhi to the vibrant Al Zahiyah district. This celebrated Indian restaurant is part of the legendary Moti Mahal Delux chain, a name synonymous with the very invention of some of the world’s most beloved dishes. With a history that traces back to the original Moti Mahal in Peshawar and later Delhi, the restaurant is credited with creating iconic recipes like Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, which have since become staples on Indian menus globally. The story begins in the 1920s when founders Kundan Lal Gujral, Thakur Dass, and Kundan Lal Jaggi worked at a small eatery owned by Mokha Singh in Peshawar. It was here they first dug a tandoor right in the middle of the dining area and introduced the culinary art of tandoori chicken to the region. Following the partition of India in 1947, the trio relocated to Delhi, bought a thara in the Daryaganj area, and established Moti Mahal, where they went on to invent butter chicken and dal makhani, securing their place on the international gourmet map.

Since opening its doors in the UAE in 2007, Moti Mahal Delux has been committed to delivering an authentic and high-quality dining experience. The restaurant's mission is to blend skillful cooking with a fun and enjoyable ambiance, creating an extraordinary experience for every guest. From the sizzling spices of the tandoor to the final garnish on a rich, creamy curry, every step in the kitchen is designed to delight the senses. The team’s dedication to tradition is matched by a modern touch, ensuring that whether you’re dining in, taking away, or ordering a contactless delivery, the essence of North Indian hospitality is always present. With a price level ranging from 50 to 100 AED per person, the restaurant offers an accessible yet refined culinary journey. Moti Mahal Delux has earned a strong reputation in Abu Dhabi, reflected in over 1,116 reviews and consistent praise for its flavorful dishes and welcoming service.

Menu Highlights at Moti Mahal Delux Restaurant

The menu at Moti Mahal Delux is a carefully curated journey through the robust and aromatic flavors of North India. The restaurant’s founders invented the Makhani gravy, often called 'the mother of North Indian gravies,' which transformed Tandoori Chicken into the globally adored Butter Chicken. This unwavering star remains at the heart of the menu, drawing diners for its velvety tomato-based sauce and perfectly charred chicken. Equally celebrated is the Dal Makhani, a slow-cooked black lentil dish simmered overnight with cream and butter, delivering a depth of flavor that has made it a comfort food icon. The tandoor section consistently produces favorites like Chicken Tikka, marinated in spiced yogurt and cooked to smoky perfection, and an array of freshly baked breads including the ever-popular Naan.

Beyond the signature creations, the kitchen offers a diverse selection that caters to a variety of palates. Seafood lovers can savor the Hyderabadi Prawns Biryani, a fragrant rice dish layered with succulent prawns, aromatic spices, and caramelized onions, sealed and slow-cooked to lock in moisture and flavor. Vegetarian options feature prominently, with dishes like Palak Paneer, where soft cubes of Indian cottage cheese are nestled in a vibrant spinach puree, and creamy lentil preparations that showcase the depth of plant-based North Indian cooking. The menu also includes robust curry selections, soul-warming soups, and a range of kebabs that highlight the restaurant's mastery of spice blends. For those with a fondness for classic comfort food, Chicken Tikka Masala and the signature Butter Chicken both appear on the list of customer favorites, while biryani and tandoori preparations round out a feast designed to be shared. The menu is accessible online for browsing, dine-in orders, takeaway, and contactless delivery, ensuring the full Moti Mahal experience is available wherever guests may be.

Our Services and Dining Options

Moti Mahal Delux Restaurant accommodates a variety of dining preferences, ensuring every guest can enjoy their meal exactly as they wish. The core offering is the full dine-in experience, where patrons can immerse themselves in an ambiance that balances traditional Indian hospitality with a lively, modern setting. The restaurant operates seven days a week, with opening hours from 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM, and extended service on Fridays until midnight, making it a convenient choice for both weekday lunches and leisurely weekend dinners. For those who prefer to enjoy their favorite dishes at home or at the office, a comprehensive takeaway service is available, allowing guests to place orders for pickup with the same quality and care as in-house dining.

The restaurant also prioritizes convenience with a robust contactless delivery option, ensuring meals arrive fresh and safely. Online ordering is streamlined through the website and integrated platforms, making it easy to schedule deliveries directly. A standout feature of Moti Mahal Delux is its large banquet hall, perfectly suited for corporate meetings, family get-togethers, and celebratory parties. This private space can be reserved in advance, providing a dedicated setting for special occasions with the full support of the culinary team. Whether it is a small family dinner or a larger gathering, the combination of flexible service models and a spacious venue makes Moti Mahal Delux a versatile choice for any event.

Why Choose Moti Mahal Delux in Abu Dhabi

Choosing Moti Mahal Delux means connecting with a piece of living culinary history. The restaurant's direct lineage to the inventors of Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani, and Tandoori Chicken as they are known today provides a level of authenticity that few establishments can claim. This heritage is preserved not only in the recipes but in the very techniques and spirit of hospitality passed down through generations. The kitchen’s commitment to tradition is unwavering, with chefs trained to replicate the exacting standards that first made these dishes famous. Combined with a warm, service-oriented attitude, the restaurant delivers more than just a meal—it offers a story and a sensory connection to the roots of North Indian cuisine.

Consistency in quality is a hallmark of the Moti Mahal Delux experience. Every ingredient is carefully sourced, and spices are ground and blended in-house to maintain the integrity of each dish. The tandoor ovens remain the beating heart of the kitchen, infusing breads and proteins with the distinctive smoky character that is central to frontier-style cooking. Online reviews frequently highlight the restaurant’s comfortable atmosphere and attentive staff, pointing to a management philosophy that treats every guest as part of the extended family. The blend of historical significance, meticulous execution, and genuine warmth results in a dining destination that resonates with longtime residents and first-time visitors alike.

Location and Atmosphere in Al Zahiyah

Moti Mahal Delux is ideally situated at 01 Al Zahiyah Street in the E16-01 zone of Al Zahiyah, a bustling area in Abu Dhabi known for its energetic mix of dining and entertainment. The location is easily accessible from major routes, with no significant parking issues reported by patrons, a notable convenience in the city. Al Zahiyah itself is a vibrant district that draws a cosmopolitan crowd, and the restaurant fits seamlessly into this dynamic environment. The interior design reflects a balance between contemporary comfort and traditional Indian aesthetics, with warm lighting, elegant decor, and seating arranged to accommodate both intimate meals and larger groups.

The atmosphere at Moti Mahal Delux evolves throughout the day. During lunch hours and early evenings, the restaurant is typically quiet and relaxed, perfect for business meetings or a calm meal. As the evening progresses, particularly on weekends, the space fills with lively conversation and the clinking of plates, creating a festive yet welcoming energy. The banquet hall adds another layer to the venue, allowing for private events without disturbing the main dining area. The combination of storied cuisine, a prime address, and a thoughtfully crafted environment makes Moti Mahal Delux a destination that captures the spirit of Delhi’s legendary hospitality while firmly planting its roots in Abu Dhabi's social fabric.

Operating Hours and Contact Information

Moti Mahal Delux welcomes guests every day of the week, maintaining hours that cater to a wide range of schedules. The restaurant opens at 11:00 AM and closes at 11:30 PM from Sunday through Saturday, with an extended closing time of midnight on Fridays to accommodate larger gatherings and weekend diners. Full contact details are available for reservations and inquiries. The Abu Dhabi branch can be reached by phone at +971 2 674 2121, and the website at motimahaldeluxeuae.com provides direct links for menu browsing, online ordering, and table reservations. For those planning private events or large parties, the banquet hall can be booked by calling the Abu Dhabi number directly.