Indian Ocean Tandoori Restaurant

A Symphony of Flavours at the Raj of Islington - An Unmissable Culinary Experience! I pen this review with utmost delight, having had the opportunity to dine at the Raj of Islington not once, but twice. This place, to say the least, is an absolute gem in the heart of London, truly living up to its lofty reputation. From the first step in, we were treated as more than just guests; we felt an instant connection, as if we were part of the Raj family. The manager was a paragon of warmth and grace, going the extra mile to accommodate us with the bigger table, not once, but on both our visits. Our first culinary sojourn saw us indulge in a pan-Indian set multi-course meal. The appetisers alone set the bar high, each bite a mélange of diverse flavours. What followed was a mesmerising journey across the vast Indian culinary landscape - from the hearty meals of the North, the fiery delicacies of the South, the hearty food of the East, to the spicy marvels of the West. Our second visit saw us hand-picking our dishes. The lamb curry, an absolute must-try, was a masterclass in texture, flavour and depth. The butter chicken and chicken masala were a sensory explosion, each bite swirling with the richness of well-balanced spices. Their samosas, a popular Indian appetiser, were a pleasant surprise, featuring a thicker pastry that offered a delightfully satisfying crunch. The meal was capped off with the sublime carrot halwa, paired with ice cream, providing an exciting hot and cold sensation that lingered long after the last spoonful. But the Raj of Islington isn't just about extraordinary food and impeccable service. It’s also a haven for fellow Arsenal fans. The manager, an ardent Gunner himself, boasts an impressive knowledge of the Arsenal, rivalling his expertise in Indian cuisine. It was an unexpected pleasure to find a shared passion and camaraderie in a place of fine dining. In conclusion, the Raj of Islington offers a transcendent dining experience that marries culinary excellence with outstanding service. If you find yourself in London, make it a point to visit this establishment. You won't just have a meal; you'll have an experience that will last long in your memory. A hearty cheer for the Raj of Islington, and, of course, come on you Gunners!

We had lost our previous reliable Indian restaurant. Not careless of us, a new owner stole its soul and sacked the chef. The Raj was therefore a new venture for us, after an unanticipated fasting period, so we went with high hopes and experienced palates! Although we were the only inhouse dining customers on the drizzly post-lockdown Tuesday evening, the Raj did not disappoint us one jot. Assad & Nayeem, the two waiters on duty were enthusiastic, knowledgeable and attentive. We ordered a typical set of dishes, but noted with interest the wide range of unusual dishes and the heritage locales (Kashmir, Delhi etc.) which identified them. There was care over service, and consideration of appropriate pauses between courses. The ambience of the expensively refurbished restaurant was romantic and stylish. The sister restaurant is in South Kensington, and this Holloway siting is an audacious move. It deserves to triumph if Islington food-lovers give it the support it seeks! All the food was first class. Imaginatively presented, well spiced but not overly hot, tasty and generous proportions. The mushroom rice was delicately fluffy and escaped the usual pulao oiliness that often comes cloggingly with it, and the aubergine dish was the best we had tasted of its genre for years. The tarka daal was prepared and served exactly as the memsaab specified. Perhaps the spinach could have been a touch less fluid in the main paneer dish, and a diminution in the chilli added therein, but this would be our only critique of the cuisine. We welcomed Assad's bold assertion that "The chef is the head of the restaurant!". The courteous 20% discount (until June) off food has been inadequately advertised, in our opinion, and this makes it a particular destination to seek out at the moment. But even when this welcome feature ends, the quality of the cooking and the upmarket experience at the dining tables, raises this establishment head and shoulders over others in Islington that seem uninspiring by comparison. Thank you, Raj! URGENT UPDATE 11th Nov. 2022 RAJ OF ISLINGTON IS NOW CLOSED PERMANENTLY. Sad loss to the area. Seeking a quality replacement. LATEST Recommendation- MEMSAAB on Westbourne Road? New chef is meant to be excellent. Check it out….

I read that this place was highly rated so we cycled up last night. We were not disappointed, a nice little menu that feels a lot more sensible than most curry houses. I had the railway lamb and HelBel had and excellent prawn dish and shared black chickpeas. It was delicious. The service was excellent and it's a lovely looking relaxing place to eat. We'll be back.