For those of you who enjoy Indian cuisine but are looking for a more creative selection, seek out Sitaaray on Drury Lane for truly inspiring dishes from an authentic North Indian Grill.

The Venue
With a similar feel to that of a traditionally-furnished cinema - only with added intimacy – Sitaaray consists of a main dining area downstairs with an intricate staircase leading to a series of inviting and comfortable booths on the next level. Further embracing the cinematic theme, the walls are adorned with hundreds of framed pictures of Bollywood stars from the past and present including Salman Khan and Raveena Tandon. This is only a small offering from the owner’s vast collection, which is so enormous that it’s been exhibited at the Venice Film Festival.

In contrast to this, the exterior is modest and unimposing, tucked away towards the Holborn end of Drury Lane and situated opposite an ugly concrete hotel. Tourists are never seen this far down Drury Lane unless they’re lost. But despite its imperfect location and outside appearance, it could be the ideal venue for those who like discovering hidden gems in the capital.

The Atmosphere
Small, gold-framed LCD screens, strategically placed on the walls by the booths, show a seemingly never-ending selection of well-choreographed Indian music videos which, depending on your taste, may begin to grate. If you’re here with a group of friends, however, the videos become a kind of ambient audio wallpaper. The staff are friendly and conscientious, their service reflecting the meticulous preparation and presentation of the food and guaranteeing a warm and inviting environment.

The Food
Sitaaray provides an alternative line of Indian cuisine that is both refreshing and hugely rewarding. Your approach to Indian food may be changed considerably when faced with the splendid array of delicacies that Sitaraay has to offer. There are no unidentifiable lumps of meat underneath thick sauces here: this is a far more satisfying experience in Indian cuisine.

The grilled meats from the lunch menu, such as the lamb kababs and the chicken marinated in beetroot with yoghurt, are exquisite. The tender salmon tikka simply falls apart when your cutlery makes contact, the crab cakes are fantastic and there are plenty of vegetarian options that everyone should sample regardless of their eating habits. Treats such as the tandoori broccoli and cauliflower and mushroom calouti – mashed mushroom with nutmeg – are glorious creations that bring new life to the flavour of otherwise predictable ingredients.

The Drink
The wine list boasts a fine selection of reds and whites but it is the cocktail and lassi list which proves the most fascinating discovery with an extensive menu consisting of original creations named after landmark films from Indian cinema. The recipes have also been designed to reflect the style of each film whether they be established favourites such as Junoon or contemporary fusions like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge.

The Last Word
A brilliant introduction to North Indian cuisine, Sitaraay provides a spectacular selection of delectable dishes and immerses you in the music and colour of Bollywood, a cultural legacy of which the owners are clearly proud.

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