Sitara Indian cuisine, London Rd Sarnia — Restaurant in Sarnia

We had the most surreal experience at Sitara (London Road location) on Valentine’s Day for dinner. We had flown in to London all the way from Calgary, drove straight to Sarnia and found the highest rated restaurant on google to have dinner on Valentine’s Day. The place was bustling and even though we didn’t have a reservation, a gentleman in a pink shirt seated us almost immediately. For that we were grateful, being so tired and hungry.

But that’s when our luck ran out. Restaurant was cold. We had no service at the table for the next 20-30mins, no one poured water for us like they did at other tables or brought us chutneys. We were okay with that, we’re perfectly capable of pouring our own water and continued to peruse the menu. We waited and waited for someone to come take our order, while watching the pantomime of the same waitresses pouring water at the other tables and bring out chutneys for the pappadom, recommend ways to best eat them. We tried to flag down the girls to no avail.

Finally someone remembered us and took our orders. By that time, we just wanted to leave but we’d already eaten the dry pappadum waiting for the chutney so we felt bad just walking out. We made a basic order of a chicken seekh kabab, rice, naan, a curry of some sort. Food took a while to come and we were freezing at that point. Literally gulped down our dinner in our jackets, because we didn’t enjoy it at all, didn’t bother with taking our leftovers, packed up my child’s stuff quickly only to wait another 15-20mins for the bill -__-

We were so happy to finally leave. We felt like we’d gone to a totally different restaurant than the one on google. Bizarre. Wonder if they chose to focus on regulars, people with reservations or a specific demographic because we felt invisible and ignored on that day. Suffice to say, we didn’t go back in the next three weeks that we were without a kitchen and we won’t be back at all for anything. Sayonara Sitara.

Couple of things I wanted to clarify - I’d rate it 2 stars and not 1 merely for the festive decor and ambience of Valentine’s Day despite not enjoying the food or not having any service. We did leave a tip because we never leave our manners at home. At the end of the day servers are mostly students trying to make a few extra bucks. We’ve been there and we recognize the hustle. Feedback to management - work on a plan to deal with busy days like VDay. The girls were running around like chickens with their heads cut off. It didn’t seem like they had specific tables or a game plan of any sort to keep things moving smoothly. Try to treat all your patrons the same and practice consistency in...

I took my family over the border to this restaurant from Marysville, Michigan. Although I am not Indian, I have had Indian cuisine all over India, Europe and the US during my business travels. For me, this was the best Indian food I have experienced. My family of 5 rarely agrees on food, and my youngest (8 yrs old) is ultra-conservative when we dine out and usually orders chicken strips. After our dining experience it is tradition for us to rate the restaurant on the drive home. I was amazed as I heard 10s (out of 10) ratings coming from my kids mouths. As a family we have never rated a restaurant this high before. The owner made special efforts to discuss the level of spice with my kids suited to their taste. He indicated that he will try to make everyone happy. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the garlic naan hot from the clay Tandoor oven. The service was detailed and relaxed, and very accommodating especially for my kids. I ate the Lamb Masala where every bite was a delight. My wife had the Lamb Korma which was also delicious. The red Michelin guide should expand beyond the major North American cities and give this gem the...

Marie and I decided to visit Sitara one our way through Sarnia and the reviews looked good so we went and are super glad we did. Having lived in Vancouver for 17 years I know what authentic Indian food tastes like. Sitara delivered. The Pakora was fresh and yummy. The chutney and sauces we excellent. The Garlic Naan was so tasty and fresh and the butter chicken was to die for.

The food was a 10 out of 10 but the service made this place an 11. Its so nice watching a family work together to serve in such a delightful way. We met both the husband and wife and had a very wonderful conversation.

A dining experience is always 50% food and 50% service in my opinion. They have both going for them at Sitara. Even if you don't like Indian food you have to visit this place and experience for yourself and you will then understand why its rated the best restaurant in Sarnia.

Joe and Marie from The Push for Change

PS thank you for supporting Youth Homelessness and the many other great charitable causes in your community. Your community board...