I was thinking of going to a fancy restaurant for dinner; however, I found a much better place. Kohinoor is an Indian restaurant and is one of the best I've ever been to. It's also very conveniently located, as there's free parking just steps from the restaurant.
The restaurant was beautifully decorated. The warm yellow walls, paired with dark red curtains, gave the place a traditional and symbolic feel. The chairs were made of dark brown wood with swirling tree trunk patterns, and the dark red upholstery made them comfortable while still looking good. The restaurant was cozy, well-designed, and organized, from the plates and silverware to the cups and tables. Calm Indian instrumental music played in the background, enhancing the cozy atmosphere, and it was at the perfect volume. While waiting for my food, I noticed some noise coming from the kitchen, but since the door was wide open, it didn't bother me.
The service was one of the highlights of the experience. The owner greeted my mother and me very warmly and kindly, with a genuine smile, rather than the fake, forced smiles often seen at other restaurants. Throughout the meal, he frequently inquired about us, which shows how much he cares about customer satisfaction. The speed of service was also impressive, as we received our appetizers within 20 minutes. My mother is planning to visit India next year, and coincidentally, the owner knew several travel agencies. They exchanged numbers and gave us helpful advice, which made the experience personal and memorable.
The highlight of the experience was undoubtedly the food. For starters, we ordered potato and pea-filled samosas. The first bite was an explosion of flavor, rich with mixed spices, followed by a subtle wave of spiciness. While my mother enjoyed the spiciness, I struggle with spicy food. Thankfully, the samosas were served with three sauces, including a pleasantly sweet one, which balanced out the spiciness and made the dish enjoyable for me. Next came the paneer naan, a traditional Indian bread, soft and cheesy, with a light saltiness that balanced perfectly with the dough.
My favorite dish was the Kohinoor Special Butter Chicken, excellent value at €12 for a single portion. The presentation was simple and refined, yet appetizing. The pale orange color, garnished with a touch of cream, and the herbaceous aroma created a rich, cultural atmosphere at our table. The butter chicken was surprisingly sweet, which suited my taste perfectly, and the smooth, creamy sauce paired beautifully with the tender, juicy chicken.
To round out the meal, we ordered two Indian desserts: pistachio kulfi and dual barti. The kulfi was presented in a deep green color and had a unique, slightly chewy texture, unlike regular ice cream. It wasn't overly sweet and had a pistachio flavor combined with a subtle herbaceous flavor. The dual barti, which looked like two white rectangles garnished with coconut flakes, melted in the mouth and was equally delicious.
I highly recommend Kohinoor to families or anyone who appreciates traditional Indian cuisine and bold, contrasting flavors. It was a wonderful experience for both my mother and I, and I will definitely return with others. Kohinoor may not be the most extravagant restaurant, but it is certainly one of the most welcoming, comfortable, and delicious in Rome.
Diana Zheng
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15 Dicembre 2025
10,0