The Akbar restaurants are exceptional places to dine. Akbar's history began with Mr. A.N. Malhotra, the patriarch, who modeled his first restaurant after Emperor King Akbar; who was not only the most powerful Mogul emperor but also a very hospitable host. Over the years, Akbar and Mr. Malhotra have acquired an enviable reputation internationally.
Mr. Malhotra started as a modest manager for the British-owned Spencer & Co. in the 1940s. By 1952 Mr. Malhotra had launched Gaylord in Mumbai and continues to remain, part-owner, today. Subsequently, Mr. Malhotra expanded Gaylord to London and later to Hong Kong.
In 1976, Mr. Malhotra, along with his son Pradeep, opened Akbar in Manhattan. The delicate cuisine and elegant ambiance found at Akbar restaurants can be traced back to the 16th century in Northern India - specifically to a Mogul Emperor of the same name who had a flair for dining in unique surroundings.
Today, thanks to his culinary expertise and over 40 years as a talented restaurateur, Mr. Malhotra has succeeded in spanning the ages. With authentic recipes prepared by centuries-old methods and chefs imported from Bombay, he has made it possible for modern-day gourmets to enjoy specialties that were virtually unheard of in the U.S. until the late 1970's.
Mr. Malhotra emphasized the quality of service and food from the beginning. Thanks to its popularity, Akbar now has branches in Garden City, NY, and Edison, NJ. While the latter is managed by Pradeep, the Garden City branch of Akbar is managed by Mr. Malhotra's daughter, Meena.
At the Garden City branch of Akbar, Meena has initiated a reorganization of the management, a new and exciting menu, and staffed with professionals to ensure world-class service. At the same time, Meena undertook some changes in the cooking content and style, introducing healthier editions of its Mughlai cuisine without compromising the taste and quality of the food.
Similarly, at the Edison, NJ Akbar location, Pradeep Malhotra and his wife, Meenakshi, provide personalized treatment to all of their guests. They have put together the elegant dining room and caring staff known for making guests feel like family. Sparklers atop ice cream cakes to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions light up the unique space at Akbar in Edison.
The dining room at Akbar in Edison is a hushed, tastefully palatial space, centered on a long rectangular fountain that feels something like an outdoor plaza.
The austere ivory walls are embellished with artful moldings and stained glass inserts of historical and mythical scenes. The lighting is subdued. At the front, a windowed kitchen affords a view of the cooks and their busy clay ovens.
Akbar in Edison, NJ provides Banquet facilities for Weddings, Graduations, Sweet Sixteen's, Anniversaries, Baby Showers and other special events. Akbar can provide Banquet facilities and services for up to 600 people.
The Star-Ledger says: "Akbar scene is soothing and the savories snappy."
Akbar also serves a lunch buffet from Monday to Sunday - 12:00p to 3:00p
Executive Chef Harpal Singh Obhan & Akbar's other expert chefs are graduates of Culinary College with the highest credentials in their professions