I caution myself, "Pfft, another Indian restaurant in Sydney. Prepare to be disappointed!" before…read moreentering, because they can't possibly compare to the authentic Indian restuarants in India, right?
...Wrong!
They get all the little cultural idiosyncrasies of North Indian restaurants completely right! From the free paapads (or pappadums, as they're called in South India) on the tables (which they reload every time you finish them), to the fennel breath-fresheners they bring out after your meal!
It's just a beautiful restaurant, with a really professional, sophisticated ambience. From the stark-white of the table-trimmings, to the soft glow of the candles.
The service is excellent. The wait staff are so attentive! They pull your chairs out for you, they spread the napkins in your lap, they refill your glass every time it's less than half-full, and they make you feel well looked-after. They look over every now and then too, just in case you need anything, so you're never left waiting if there's a problem.
And all this, for a fairly reasonable price!
My date and I ordered two main dishes, and three garlic naans, for under $50. A hefty meal, at a lovely establishment, for under $25? Excellent! I had a hard time carrying myself and my full-to-bursting stomach out of there, so much did I eat!
Of course, in the interest of full disclosure, I must warn you about the spiciness.
I ordered the Butter Chicken, and my date ordered the Lagan Ki Boti (baby goat).. and we ended up having to swap, because his dish was too spicy for him. Being Indian, I barely registered the spiciness, but it's probably worth mentioning, so that your sensitive palates aren't unduly distressed.
If you're deathly afraid of spice, go for the Butter Chicken. My date was very happy with it, and he has a pansy Irish palate. You can't go wrong there!