I first heard of this place because Madhuri Dixit visited it. But for all seafood lovers and especially those who hate seafood, Gajalee is the place to visit. If you’re a celebrity sucker, then you should definitely check this place. Akshay Kumar, Twinkle Khanna, Dr Jamuna Pai, Food critic Siddharth Kak and many television personalities are regular out here.
I have been to Gajalee a couple of times in the past 2 years: its long queues (with approx 20-30 minutes waiting), especially on weekends can be very discouraging. But I have stuck around simply because friends have refused to goto another restaurant !! Tandoori Crab is the thing Gajalee is extremely famous for. Be careful when you order the crab - don’t leave it to the stewards but take your own pick. Otherwise you may land up getting a three-legged crab for the price of four!
To be fair, all their Tandoori seafood items (such as Tandoori Rawas or Tandoori Pomfret) are brilliant and lip-smacking. Also try their Prawns Pulao or Prawns Curry. Chicken items are passable and so is the Sol Kadi but then that’s not what Gajalee is known for.
Service is efficient and friendly, though it may be a tad bit slow on weekends. What I like is that unlike most seafood/ coastal restaurants, these people are committed to make sure you have a good time. A useful tip: If you’re not very particular about air conditioning, sit in the non-AC section. It would cost approx 15-25% less than the AC section. A meal for four would be approximately Rs 300-600 per head (depending on whether you’re ordering crabs or the usual and less expensive pomfret/ prawns).
For those of you who are still wondering as to why I am recommending this place to non-seafood lovers - its time you changed. I have several friends who have non-veg but dislike seafood because of the smell or bland taste. I am proud that after Gajalee, they are reformed (for the better of course !!) My advice to such people is that you do try the Tandoori dishes at Gajalee at least once. Or you’ll land up missing something for a lifetime.