1135 AD

1135 AD is a fine-dining restaurant inside Amber Fort, on the second level above Jaleb Chowk, the great courtyard where visitors first enter the palace complex. Eating within a 16th-century fort is an unusual experience even in Rajasthan, and the restaurant makes the most of its setting with rooms full of decoration and views out over the surrounding hills. It is one of the most atmospheric places to dine in the Jaipur area.

There are several dining spaces. An open-air courtyard is used on clear nights, while indoor rooms take their names and style from the palace itself: a frescoed Suvarna Mahal and a mirrored Sheesh Mahal. Candles, flaming torches and old fort objects add to the sense of occasion. Guests may be welcomed with a shower of flower petals, and the team can arrange table decoration and surprise set-ups for anniversaries and proposals if asked in advance.

The food is rich North Indian and Rajasthani cooking. Laal maas, the red mutton curry made with Mathania chillies, is the dish many first-time diners choose. Starters include a vegetarian platter of paneer tikka, smoky broccoli and galouti kebab, or tandoori lamb and chicken spiced with Mathania chillies. Among the mains are amber gosht, junglee maas, mutton kacher, Jodhpuri gatta, panchmel dal and shahi paneer, with breads such as warqi paratha. For dessert, shahi tukda flavoured with cardamom or a kesari phirni round off the meal.

This is one of the more expensive meals in Jaipur, with prices at the top of the local range, and it is best suited to special occasions, couples and anyone who wants a memorable dinner. Booking ahead is advisable, especially for dinner. The kitchen can adjust spice levels on request. Time Out lists opening hours of 11:00 to 23:30 from Monday to Saturday and 12:00 to 22:30 on Sunday, but confirm when you book.

Getting there means driving up the winding road to the fort, which is part of the experience after dark when the illuminated walls come into view. Combine lunch with a daytime visit to Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort, or come for dinner after the evening sound and light show at the fort. Arrange a taxi for the return journey to Jaipur.