Rara Kew — Restaurant in London

Nestled in the heart of the Kew, RARA offers an unparalleled dining experience that seamlessly blends authentic Nepalese flavors with impeccable service and gracious hospitality. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication, promising an evening of culinary delight.

The restaurant’s ambiance exudes elegance, with tasteful decor that subtly hints at Nepalese heritage while maintaining a modern, chic aesthetic. Soft lighting and carefully curated music set the perfect backdrop for an intimate dinner or a special celebration.

Our culinary journey began with a selection of appetizers that were as visually stunning as they were delicious. The momo dumplings, a house specialty, were flawlessly crafted, their delicate exteriors giving way to a savory filling that was bursting with flavor. The accompanying sauces, each meticulously prepared, elevated the dish to new heights.

As we moved to the main courses, we were continuously impressed by the chef’s artistry and attention to detail. The lamb curry, slow-cooked to perfection, was a symphony of spices that danced on the palate, while the vegetarian thali offered a delightful array of textures and tastes, showcasing the rich diversity of Nepalese cuisine. Each dish was presented with an elegance that spoke to the restaurant’s commitment to excellence.

The service at Rara was nothing short of exemplary. The staff, attired in attire that subtly echoed traditional Nepalese dress, were attentive and knowledgeable, providing insightful recommendations and ensuring that every need was met with grace and efficiency. Their genuine warmth and professionalism enhanced the overall dining experience, making us feel like cherished guests rather than mere patrons.

In conclusion, Rara is a true culinary gem that stands out not only for its exquisite food but also for its exceptional service and hospitality. It offers a dining experience that is both luxurious and authentic, a rare find that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on any discerning diner. We highly recommend RARA for those seeking a refined and memorable exploration of...

We really enjoyed our meal at Rara Kew in the Richmond neighborhood of London. The staff was very warm and friendly and the atmosphere was stylish and welcoming. When we inquired if our server was Nepali, he replied, "No", but shortly thereafter, the chef appeared at our table to chat. He was quite pleased to learn that we had visited Nepal and he seemed especially pleased when we told him we had been to his hometown.

As far the food... My wife and I started with papadums. We also ordered chicken tikka (pieces of chicken spiced with yoghurt, lemon, and tikka masala, then roasted in a tandoor oven), chicken dopiaza (translated as double onion), Nepali rice (basically a biriyani), and nann. The food was delicious and the portions generous, enough so that we ended up making a full meal of the leftovers the following night. The amount of food that we ordered would easily have served 4 moderate eaters. Oh, and after joking with the chef that we had expected to see dahl bhat (lentils and rice which is a Nepali staple) he apologized saying that most Londoners were unfamiliar with everyday home cooking in Nepal and there was no demand. A few minutes after he went back to the kitchen, our server appeared with a bowl of dahl, compliments of the chef.

Note that the menu includes both dishes from India and Nepal to attract a wider range of clientele. But the chef has introduced some novel twists that make the preparations distinctive. For example, our papadums came with the expected red and green dipping sauces but this red sauce was made from mangoes, with a bit of tamarind to make it more interesting. Similarly, the green sauce had a hint of sweetness to it instead of simple cilantro and lime juice. The chef told us the red sauce was typical of his hometown in the lowlands while this version of the green sauce was originated in the mountains where his motherwoud take him in the summer to escape the lowland heat

I realize this review is overly long and I apologize. But a a former chef myself and someone who really loves good food, I wanted to share this little gem of a place with you....

I'll start with the positive, the service was excellent. The gentleman who served me was friendly and professional.

I had the gurkhali lamb curry with plain rice. The spices were gentle (although I prefer spicier) and you can tell they sautéed the veg and onions fresh as they had a nice crunch. Rice was fine. Lamb was a bit tough.

Now my main issue: When you go on their website, they feature a 10% off food for dine-in's M-Th. When I asked the server about this after eating, the server called the owner to confirm the details and after some back and forth, came back to say the offer was for customers who made reservations only. And immediately I called bullshit, but I let it slide. I knew it wasn't the server's call or his fault, and I advised him to let his boss know that there would be angry customers if they didn't specify these conditions on their advert. There were no conditions for this offer (see picture) and I had a feeling the owner was being dishonest and wanted to charge me full. Customers are customers, whether walk in or reservation. And it was only me that evening.

It's dishonest practices like these that leaves a bad taste in my mouth, as if I've been taken for a sucker, and won't make me return. Which is a shame as I had wanted to try different items on the menu.

It is repeat customers that make revenue. Not one time customers who feel cheated after being misled by a promotion. By earning £2 more in a one-time meal, they lost exponentially more earnings from...