Stratford Raja INC. — Restaurant in Stratford

I returned to Raja on an anniversary trip to Stratford - I had been once, a year to date plus a week. On both occasions, I was blown away by the service of the restaurant and the quality of the food. I have eaten at restaurants that have cost more than the hotels I was staying in, and on many occasions, yet Raja managed something that all of the overly priced entrees in the world could not provide: it was impossibly hospitable and truly remarkable.

The staff were courteous, and we were some of the last patrons there that evening, seeing a late show that night, while all of the others needed to meet much earlier bookings. When ordering a drink from who I later found out was the owner, he doubled it and made it an extra, free of charge, because through a brief conversation we learned that we were kindred spirits as far as drinking spirits was concerned. When receiving dessert, the owner himself came up and let us know that we were receiving an off the menu, special dessert of his making. It outshone any expectations that I had, and we both loved every bite of it.

Finally, at the end of the night, while my partner was in the restroom, the owner came to our table and mentioned that he greatly enjoyed having us as guests, and requested that he and I share a drink of a decade old bottle of scotch that he had brought with him from his time in Scotland - free of charge.

This is all what made this dinner an incredible experience from start to finish, but most importantly was what I perceived from other diners:

This hospitality and level of attention and service is something offered to each and every guest to dine at Raja's, not just my party. We didn't merely hit it off with the owner and receive profound care because of it, but rather this is how they treat any individual who takes a seat at one of their tables. I know this because I witnessed personally at least three patrons approaching the owner and thanking him profusely for a wonderful evening at his restaurant - and that was simply what I saw. Moreover, a tip of $20, discretely folded up in addition to whatever tip the bill had governed, was refused by the owner. Whatever you pay - whatever they'll let you pay, I should amend - you will get back in spades in taste and experience.

I would also like to point out that I rarely, if ever, rate a restaurant. It's not that I'm snobbish and none meet my extravagantly unachievable expectations. Rather, I do not possess the time to write up a report of every venue that I enjoy. In fact, I hardly have the time to type this review, but a restaurant this wonderful deserves, at the very least, a commendation for money well spent.

Moreover, after multiple appetizers and entrees, and a significant quantity of drinks, my bill was only $92 after tax. I've paid five times that and received a less memorable experience.

If I could rate this restaurant 5 stars, then I would give it 6. I love Stratford, and if nothing else, I'll be returning again to dine at Raja's for...

RACISM ALERT! This review is based on personal experience & does not concern other customer reviews. At first we assumed this restaurant is same as the RAJA in KITCHENER but unfortunately the owner Mr. Zafar has copied the entire concept but fails to provide best service like The Original RAJA Of KITCHENER does. I have heard “Brown people are greatest enemies of brown” & Mr. Zafar is a perfect example of this. The restaurant doesn’t mention itself as a “Fine Cuisine” on Google Maps. Since it is the only INDIAN restaurant in Stratford, we arrived there at 5.30pm in the evening for some chai & pakoda as suggested by maps. The server mentioned that they have launched Buffet but of course being an Indian I would not prefer to eat a buffet in the evening at 5.30pm so I proceeded with Coffee & pakoda from their snack menu. (The pakoda was uncooked, it was probably made from previous day leftover batter, on informing it was replaced with other plate which was again the same). While we were waiting for the order we heard Mr. Zafar say “YE LOG YAHAN SIRF PAKODA KHANE AYE HAI”. But while taking our order, the server did not mention us that they don’t server just the snacks we probably would have walked away, there’s no short of better restaurants if one can drive a few kms. After we were done, we asked the server isn’t this Raja same as the one in Kitchener she said no it wasn’t the same, then Mr. Zafar walked to our table to tell us that his restaurant is a Fine Cuisine Restaurant we had to eat something huge & they don’t serve just the snacks coz his table cloth itself costs $5 & he previously worked at Original Raja Kitchener & I felt the burn for him. I really felt sad for this man knowing the incoming of (Indian) customer is very low and that he only pleases the white people, anyway that’s not my concern. I CAME...

Raja is a standout in the world of fine-dining Indian cuisine, offering an experience that goes beyond just the food. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted by a warm, welcoming atmosphere that immediately sets the tone for an exceptional dining experience. A big part of what makes Raja so memorable is the outstanding hospitality provided by the owner, Zafar Qazi. His attention to detail and personal touch elevate the entire experience, making you feel like you're being treated as family.

The service here is impeccable—thoughtful, attentive, and never overbearing. The staff is well-trained, ensuring that your needs are met while allowing you to savor your meal at a comfortable pace. The vibe of the restaurant strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort, with a modern yet cozy ambiance that makes it perfect for any occasion.

As for the food, Raja excels in delivering vibrant, flavorful dishes that are rich in tradition but also showcase a contemporary flair. Each dish is expertly prepared with high-quality ingredients, reflecting the depth and complexity of Indian cuisine. Whether you're a fan of classic dishes or looking to try something new, the menu has something for everyone.

All in all, Raja provides a flawless dining experience. With Zafar Qazi at the helm, the combination of top-tier service, a welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional cuisine makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable fine-dining...