Kahani

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

From Diwali Pop-Up to Permanent Destination

What began as a Diwali pop-up in October 2023 has become one of Southern California's most talked-about fine dining addresses. Kahani — the word means "story" in Hindi — occupies a permanent home inside The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, perched above the Dana Point coastline. The Los Angeles Times put it plainly: it is "some of the most creative Indian fare in California, and worth making a trek for."

Chef Sanjay Rawat and the Vision Behind the Menu

The restaurant is the work of Chef Sanjay Rawat, who has articulated his ambition with characteristic directness: "I want Kahani, my story, to inspire other chefs to dream outside of their parameters and have trust that their journey will come full circle, like mine." Eater's critic noted that Rawat is "navigating high-end Indian flavors and dishes on a level that virtually no one is executing in Los Angeles/Orange County" — a verdict that has only been reinforced since the restaurant earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2025.

Traditional Roots, Modern Expression

The dinner menu reads as a confident dialogue between Indian heritage and California ingredients. Starters range from Pakoda Chaat — spinach fritters with mango, pomegranate, tamarind, and mint sauce — to an Ajwain Scallop served over butternut squash purée with green pea masala. The Tuna Bhel Puri pairs ahi tuna with puffed rice and avocado chutney, a coastal California flourish on a Mumbai street-food classic.

Entrées anchor the menu in the subcontinent's deeper pantry: Lumina Lamb arrives with forbidden rice and handi sauce; Chennai Sea Bass is finished with mustard oil and a bean ragu; Snake River Wagyu Short Rib comes alongside sabudana khichdi. Vegetarians are genuinely catered for, with options like Masala Paneer en Croûte in makhani sauce and a Tandoori Spiced Gobi with cilantro chimichurri. Classic curries — Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, Daal Tadka — are available as a Curry Sampler served with garlic naan, masala rice, and all the proper accompaniments.

Desserts close the meal with equal care: a Mango Lassi Bar built with pistachio crunch, coconut meringue, and mango lime sorbet; Apricot Rabdi with almond sponge and candied apricots; and the enduring comfort of Gulab Jamun and Rasmalai.

Setting and Private Dining

Forbes described the plates as "elegantly plated modern dishes that are rooted in tradition but take Indian food to new heights in Southern California." The setting matches that ambition — the coastal elegance of a Ritz-Carlton property provides a backdrop that suits both an intimate dinner for two and a private celebration. Bespoke menus and attentive event service are available for private dining occasions, from small gatherings to larger events.