We had the good fortune of celebrating Diwali at Punjab Grill restaurant, on the waterfront at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, and I sure know where we’ll celebrate the next one!

As exceptional as the Diwali Menu was, it is clear that every day is special at Punjab Grill.

Nestled in Venetian Village, Punjab Grill presents a delightful option for outdoor seating as well as a superbly decorated interior dining hall with several privacy nooks.

And being able to visit during the celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Light, was all the more special for the bespoke menu, but also for the respectful decor in place for this important day of love and togetherness.

The dishes also were specifically prepared to represent the spirit of Diwali.

And the interpretation of the menu was true to traditions, while also inspiring in its creativity and playfulness – after all, Diwali is about joy and the happiness of sharing that feeling with one’s family and community.

The Diwali Menu consists of at least a dozen – lost count! – tasty dishes!

And it starts with snacky morsels, which every Indian will recognize as the crunchy snacks offered to guests during Diwali – and for a non-Indian as myself, they easily represented the hospitality and kindness I’ve experienced first-hand in India, as well as the deep flavors of Indian cuisine, which I have come to love deeply.

Punjab Grill also presents a delicious selection of chutneys and sauces made on the premises.

The meal was certainly a feast – and each dish was a rich representation of the culinary diversity of the Indian subcontinent: truly a journey of gastronomical joy!

Above Chicken Tikka like you’d never imagine you’d see it, and below a splendid spinach dish – above and beyond expectations, and so much fun!

The playfulness of the Diwali Menu becomes clear as the meal progresses – every dish teases and tickles your palate saying: “It’s time to celebrate!”

Below a superlative creation of stuffed chicken wings – a unique dish! – and lovely paneer with a phenomenal coconut chutney:

As the flavors hit the sweet spot repeatedly, you are left speechless, just nodding at your friends and family in ecstasy – what’s coming next?

You never know, because each dish is such a surprise!

Punjab Grill is also fully licensed, and indeed sporting some very prestigious bottles in its dedicated wine cellar.

While your affable bartender is at your service for mixology at a very high level as well as inventive mocktails and juices.

And the atmosphere is delightful, as is the Diwali Menu – but leafing through the regular menu, a la carte, I see that dining at Punjab Grill is a real treat any day of the year.

The natural light is a winning feature, and the high ceilings grace the ambiance with an abundance of space, which in turn makes social distancing and proper precautions natural and easy.

Dessert also impressed, with sweets specially aimed at Diwali.

And as we finish our Diwali feast, fully satisfied, and more: totally impressed! – we realize that we won’t wait for next year’s Diwali before visiting Punjab Grill again… a modern Indian restaurant that is true to its roots but extremely creative in contemporary interpretation at fine-dining level, and, especially, extremely delicious!