Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady is getting an Indian restaurant, Ariya. Starting in May, the space that is Razzle Dazzle for breakfast and brunch will become Ariya at dinner.
Dishes at Ariya will represent a variety of regions in India. Virgin released a list of some menu items: Goan curried mussels, lamb shank biryani, Malabar coconut crab cake, puffed rice and avocado chaat, and tandoori pistachio-crusted snapper.
The restaurant was developed in partnership with Indie Culinaire, an event-planning company founded by celebrity chef, television personality and cookbook author Maneet Chauhan.
Ariya will also debut cocktails such as the Bangalore Old Fashioned with cardamom and jaggery (a raw sugar derived from sugarcane juice or palm sap); a Golden Hour Spritz with saffron and honey; Saffron & Silk with scotch and toasted coconut smoke; and The Seventh Leaf, a botanical zero-proof creation.
There will also be a curated wine list, small-batch spirits from India and a traditional chai tea service. Every table will get a complimentary welcome sip of jaljeera, a chilled blend of tamarind and cumin.
Virgin Voyages said the Ariya's interior "draws inspiration from the intensity and rhythm of India's spice markets, reflecting the richness of turmeric, cardamom and peppercorn."
Ariya will have a semi-private dining space. Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages
The 220-seat restaurant will have layered wood tones and grasscloth wallcoverings, while hammered metal and woven cane accents add detail. Virgin called the restaurant's booth seating "Cuddalore-inspired." At the heart of the restaurant is a semi-private dining space framed by decorative screens, made to resemble the intricate interior of a traditional jewelry box.
A DJ soundtrack will feature a mix of Indian classics, Bollywood hits and Punjabi pop.
Introducing new cuisines at Razzle Dazzle has become a theme for Virgin Voyages in the last couple of years. In 2024, it added the Chinese-inspired Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle on the Scarlet Lady. Last year, the Brilliant Lady joined the fleet with Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, a Spanish restaurant.