Rara Fine Dining Indian and Nepalese Restaurant

We went to this restaurant as a group 18 family members to celebrate addition in the family. I had been looking around for a restaurant with slightly different menu to the usual Indian curry house and emphasis on presentation. I did not know much about the restaurant apart from a brief introduction to the menu and pictures of plated food which looked interesting on their web site. I contacted the proprietor ‘Pratap’ and specified exactly what I was looking for and the way I wanted it, a couple days in advance. He assured me that he could cater to my requirements with a menu and presentation that would not disappointed us. I am glad we chose this place. The starters came ready plated for each person with a selection of 5 items per plate with a saucer of dip and wonderful garnish of salad beautifully presented. The vegetarians had Tandoori phool, stffed potato, Garlic Mushrooms, Paneer Tikka and Stuffed Paneer. The non Veg’s had Salmon Tikka, Fish Amritsari, Tandoori Chicken Tikka, Pepper Chicken Tikka and Paneer Tikka. Every one was most impressed with the starters apart from stuffed potato which could have done with some herb and spices. At least 4 people wanted second helping of starters, which Pratap managed to whiz together in no time at all.

The main course of Lamb Bhutawa, Crab Kofta Curry, Chilli Chicken, Karahi Paneer, Mushroom beans, Bhindi Tarkari were served in clean white bowls individually and beautifully garnished. Even the plate of Bhanta masala looked tempting. The vegetables were nice and crisp with colour and not overcooked like most Indian places. The winning presentation was probably the sea bass on a large plate beautifully garnished with Lime, and red onions, even though it lacked slightly in taste due to lack of spice and flavors. Even though I had not specified Raita in my initial order Pratap and his team were able to whiz that together enough for every one again wonderfully garnished and decorated in individual bowls. The Nan’s and Kulcha were soft and fresh and rice was fluffy and fragrant with everything in limitless supply. We were even given a bag of food to take away from the leftovers, individually packed.

The deserts were what made up my mind about selecting this restaurant. I have never known any Indian restaurant to have a such a wide selection of desserts. Apart from the usual Indian Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai and Kulfi they had a very tempting and beautifully presented selection of at least 12 types of deserts. Every one of us tried something different and everyone had positive things to say about their selection.

Their soft drinks, Lasi and juices were in tall and immaculately clean glases. Even the glasses for tap water had a slice of lime in it, which is unheard of in an Indian restaurant.

Though it was unusually quite for a Sunday evening, probably because of the buffet meal in the afternoon, the service was immaculate and very friendly. The total bill for 18 of us without wine or spirits with a few bottled bears came to £387 and I think this was possibly the best value we have had in a long time.

The décor is a bit dull because of the lighting, but the table layout, crisp linen and comfort levels are quite cozy. I would certainly be frequenting this restaurant quite often and if you are willing to take the trouble of contacting Pratap in advance to specify your needs then I am sure you will not be disappointed. Don’t try him on a busy Friday evening as he may not even answer the phone or have time to chat with you.
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Kiran Sidhar
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8
Sunday, February 25, 2007

Really terrific food. Different from the usual. Wonderfully polite service.

Clean white cloths. Spotless glasses. And food where all the subtleties of the flavours come out individually.

Godd and fair pricing. Highly recommended, from a not easily satisfied customer.
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Thursday, January 11, 2007

Excellent food, service and value for money. The menu is limited but every item I've had from it is delicious and there is a wide selection of vegetarian food. Unfortunately the smoking area is where you enter the restaurant and you must pass through it to get to the non-smoking area but that shouldn't put you off. It can get noisy but that just adds to the atmosphere. Overall a great place for a lovely meal.
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Jennifer
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Thursday, February 09, 2006

Rara has a lovely atmosphere, great staff and very different food. The easily accessed and not overlong menu convinced me to try something completely different - what a hit! The staff also take great pains to make sure the customers are satisfied... and all for reasonable prices.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Thursday, February 02, 2006