The team behind Ezra, who brought the pizazz of Tel Aviv to Sydney, is excited to officially open Raja restaurant next door on July 18th, a love letter to the bustling Indian city of Mumbai. A vibrant and chic take on contemporary Indian dining, Raja will bring a new level of buzz to the Kellett street drinking and dining precinct.
Raja will pay homage to the cultural and culinary melting pot that is India, and more specifically the cutting edge city of Mumbai, whilst drawing influence from all over the world. Sydney has not experienced this iteration of Indian cuisine before, with Raja championing the Indian food and flavours often overlooked in Australia.
Co-Owner’s, Nick and Kirk Mathews-Bowden have brought in incredible chef talent. Head Chef Ahana Dutt (Taj Lands End/The Westin in Mumbai Firedoor in Australia) is taking to the kitchen excited to bridge traditional Indian flavours with contemporary twists and cooking techniques with an aim to showcase the creative and dynamic food scene of India and the plethora of Indian flavors from all over the sub-continent.
Mathews-Bowden both said, “We were long-time travelers before becoming restaurateurs and Raja is our ode to the amazing city of Bombay, bringing Sydney a taste of its food scene, vibrancy, curated chaos, stories, myths and traditions. Raja will tell a story through chic interiors, fresh and light ingredients, elegant cocktails, natural wines, a killer soundtrack and genuine hospitality.”
Raja’s a la carte begins with a series of five flavour-packed snacks. These include ‘Khatta Meetha Oysters’, with chili, coriander, lime water and plum spiced sweet chutney, ‘Kochuri, native citrus achaar, Stracciatella’ served with sunrise lime achaar (Indian pickled) and ‘Albacore, adai, gunpowder, lemon jam’ gunpowder, an essential South Indian powder condiment, that adds explosive flavours to the dish.
The small plates selection includes ‘Beef tartare, Birista, Rassa’, ‘Masala Clams’ and ‘Hara Bhara Goat Riblets’. Take your pick from the selection of mains designed to warm the soul and excite the palate, including the ‘Butter, garlic, pepper crab’, ‘Spatchcock Makhni’ and the ‘John Dory Ambot Tik’. Finally, there is a delicious selection of familiar Indian sides, rice and bread.
Dutt’s passion for Raja is undeniable, creating a sense of pride as she represents her own culture in the food direction. Dutt adds, “Wherever we can, we work directly with the local farmers themselves and with people who are passionate about what they do. Using produce that is sustainable and seasonal is something that is very important to us and ties in with our values.”
The wine list is a carefully curated balance of Australia’s greatest new talent, along with a selection of international wines that complement the menu. The cocktail list is designed by local mixologist hero, Michael Chiem from PS40 bar, who has incorporated a vast array of Indian flavours in reimagined classics.
Designed by dynamic, NY-based hospitality designer Rosie Rainbow, Raja’s eccentric tone was inspired by the “romantic idea” of the Indian subcontinent. Fantasy over fact, interactive, fun and slightly tongue in cheek, Rainbow referenced the Hindi film industry and played on architectural and design cliches as inspiration. Features include an illuminated waved front courtyard banquette, a mahogany and amber glass entry way, hand painted murals, tiled archways throughout and a dusty pink private dining room.
RAJA
1 Kellett Street, Potts Point, Sydney, Australia
https://www.raja.sydney
IG: @raja.sydney
Booking link
Opening hours
Tuesday – Thursday | 5.30pm – late
Friday – Sunday | 12pm – 3pm & 5.40pm – late
Closed Monday
Image credit: Nikki To
