The Sitara — Restaurant in London

I had the pleasure of visiting The Sitara at Archway, London on a whim last Saturday (17.06.2023) with my girlfriend, and I must say, it turned out to be a remarkable experience. Intrigued by the positive reviews, we decided to give it a try, and boy, were we in for a treat!

From the moment we stepped inside, we were captivated by the warm and inviting ambiance. The jazz theme made for a relaxing and wholesome aesthetic, as well some excellent background music. The restaurant, managed by three generations of the same family, exuded a sense of authenticity and togetherness that resonated throughout our evening.

Now, let's talk about the food. Wow! The flavours we experienced were simply unparalleled. We opted for the chef’s specials of Chicken Tikka Masala and Chicken Karahi, accompanied by fragrant Pilau Rice and delectable Garlic Naan. Every bite was a revelation, leaving us craving more. It's safe to say that this was, without a doubt, the best curry I have ever had the pleasure of eating. The skill and passion that went into crafting these dishes was evident in every mouthwatering morsel.

What truly stood out, though, was the genuine kindness displayed by the restaurant staff. While we regrettably missed catching the name of the lovely older lady who attended to us, her warmth and attentive service were felt throughout the evening. It's these personal touches that make dining experiences truly memorable. And the chef himself, was incredibly humble and full of jokes when we gave him our compliments.

Overall, I cannot praise The Sitara enough. It is a hidden gem that deserves all the accolades it receives. The combination of exceptional service, stunning aesthetics, and divine cuisine makes it a must-visit for anyone in search of an extraordinary dining experience. It doesn’t matter where you are based in London, it’s worth the journey no matter how long or short. I can't recommend it highly enough, and I am already eagerly planning my next visit to this...

The Sitara Restaurant, up on the Holloway Road close to Archway, was a cool and welcoming destination last night. On a sultry evening the air-conditioning was much appreciated, as was the hospitality and support offered by Raj, the jazz-loving son of the founder of this 37yr old establishment. This unusual duration for an Indian restaurant must reflect the quality of their formula: delicious Punjabi food and a very personal high quality of service. Raj and his young colleague looked after us patiently with water and wine while we caught up with the friends who were our guests. Our selection of their vArgentinian Malbec red wine actually proved to be the best value and most memorable wine we have been able to purchase in any restaurant in the last few years. When it came to time to order, Raj guided us through the menu, aware of our fish and vegetarian preferences. He even suggested a dish that was not listed on the menu, but proved to be a brilliant starter to share. Everything arrived at the right interludes to assure us that it was freshly cooked and prepared. We all enjoyed every dish we were served. The generous portions and quality resourcing were a reflection of Sam the founder’s culinary skills. The thoughtful table lighting, interesting pictures on the wall and well-judged background soundtrack of classic jazz all contributed to the ambience of the venue and the pleasure of our experience.When it came to leave, I was very impressed by Raj’s insistence that the Sitara had no expectation of tips, and everything - including the first class and attentive service - was included in the bill. This is most unusual, but not the prime reason why we will be...

I have lived next door to the Sitara for about four years now, and it took me that long to finally try it out for the first time, a week before having to move out of the area. And I am now so angry with myself for having waited that long to have one of the best dining experiences that I can recount in such a long time.

As soon as you walk into the Sitara, you are welcomed with warmth and grace by its wonderful Patron, accompanied by the incredibly charming atmosphere created by a beautifully put together Jazzy soundtrack. The decoration and vibe inside there is magnificent. To top this all off, the charismatic and friendly Head Chef will talk you through the special dishes of the day upon ordering your food, and help you pick something you will truly enjoy, creating a a beautiful rapport with the customer that is so rare to find in this day and age. And the food itself... wow. Possibly some of the finest Indian food I have ever had, if not the best.

We went to the Sitara to celebrate the completion of a very special three day project, and we couldn't have picked a better place to do so. They helped create a truly memorable and beautiful ending to our experience, and we are all so grateful for this.

And so, if you ever find yourself in the area with the need of some divine food and atmosphere, now you know where to go. And if that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, well... KFC is...