It’s classic Indian food, but not as you know it.
It comes as no surprise that India is a melting pot of culinary goodness, especially to the creative geniuses behind the already amazing Ezra (best known for bringing the buzz of Tel Aviv to Sydney). The team have just swung open the doors to Raja restaurant, their very own chic and modern take on Indian dining, with a delicious emphasis on the bustling city of Mumbai.
Raja promises a palate Sydney has not experienced before, exploring rare spices and mixes that are often overlooked in Indian cuisine. The team will be led by Head Chef Ahana Dutt (previously Taj Lands End in Mumbai and Firedoor), who promises to showcase her expertise on traditional Indian flavours paired with an ingenious fusion of contemporary cooking.
Start your meal off with a series of snacks from the menu that will leave you craving for more. There’s Khatta Meetha Oysters, infused with a blend of chilli, coriander, lime water, and a plum spiced sweet chutney as well as Kochuri Stracciatella served with lime achaar (Indian pickles) and ‘Albacore lemon jam’ gunpowder, a flavour packed condiment to add to your Stracciatella. Small plates are designed to share with Beef Tartare and Masala Clams all showcasing the delightful play on modern Indian cuisine, before you move onto mains like the John Dory Ambot Tik, Butter, Garlic and Pepper Crab and the Spatchcock Makhni (a traditional buttery curry not to be confused with butter chicken).
To pair with your food, Raja have carefully curated a delicious drinks menu that features some of Australia’s rising producers, along with award winning international wines. Cocktails are inspired by Indian flavours infused into reimagined classics, designed by mixologist Michael Chiem (best known for his work at PS40).
Leading the interior is NY-based hospitality designer Rosie Rainbow, who is taking Raja to eccentric new heights. Using the ‘romantic idea’ of the Indian subcontinent as inspiration, Raja will be interactive and fun, featuring an illuminated front courtyard banquette, a striking amber glass entry way, hand painted murals and a private dining room with a dusty pink colour-way.
Raja is located in Potts Point, and is open Tuesday-Sunday. For more information, visit their website here.