Sitar, nestled in New Haven, offers a delightful journey into Indian cuisine that is both authentic and satisfying. The restaurant boasts an inviting ambiance, recently renovated to blend modern comfort with tradition. Diners rave about dishes like the Chicken Korma and flavorful samosas, which are praised for their generous portions and reasonable prices. Vegetarian options such as the Aloo Gabi and Dal Makhni stand out, showcasing perfectly executed spices that resonate with true Indian flavors. Non-vegetarian favorites, including the Chicken Vindaloo and Lamb Rogan Josh, are commended for their rich, well-balanced seasonings and robust textures. Customer reviews reveal a consistent theme of exceptional service—from kind, attentive staff to personal touches from the owner, ensuring that patrons feel valued and at home. With a diverse menu that caters to both vegetarian and meat lovers alike, Sitar embodies culinary excellence in an approachable manner. Overall, Sitar not only satisfies cravings but also creates a warm dining experience that invites you to return. Whether for a quick take-out or a relaxed meal, it's a gem in the heart of New Haven that shouldn't be missed.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Has all you can eat
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Photos
Reviews For Sitar
Frank Kachmar
May 25,2025
One of the best Indian restaurants in New Haven! Have dined in and ordered take-out many times, and have never been disappointed. The chicken korma is to die for. The samosas are also delicious. Great prices and huge quantities of food. Can't wait to return!
Hena Yakoob
May 5,2025
Had a really lovely meal here. The interior was modern but comfortable. The staff and service were so kind and considerate - they let me take my time and even asked if I was ready for my main food before serving it. The owner also came out to say hello and check on how my meal was. It was nice to see them treat their regulars and other neighborhood folks in the same way. I had chai, bhel puri, and paneer tikka masala. I enjoyed every bit of it (flavors were on point, the paneer was cooked perfectly) and I felt right at home. I have tried other South Asian places in the area so far that were not as authentic so I’m very pleased to have found this one. Looking forward to going back!
Schola Lach
Apr 25,2025
Fantastic food and drinks! Excellent service. On a minor note, wish it were less chilly inside and didn’t love the pop music playing but overall great experience and will return soon
Wyatt Cannon
Apr 15,2025
I had driven by Sitar for about 7 months now and finally decided to give it a try on a rainy day. I am an avid Indian food lover so whenever there is an opportunity to add a new Indian restaurant to my rotation, I take the chance. When we stepped in there were no patrons inside but there were quite a lot of doordash orders being picked up - glad they are doing well on that front. We sat down and ordered lamb samosa, regular naan, chicken vindaloo, lamb rogan josh, a masala chai, and a thandai. The food exceeded my expectations and was one of the best Indian restaurants I have been to in CT. The vindaloo was perfectly hot and seasoned, the lamb rogan josh packed all the seasoning in there that I craved. It overall was great!
Food of CT
Mar 20,2025
We’ve driven past Sitar for years and finally decided it was time to check them out! I don’t know what the restaurant looked like previously inside, but I know they just renovated and it’s really nice! We were adventurous and tried goat for the first time, and we thought it was delicious! The malai chicken kebab was flavorful and not dry at all. Friendly and attentive staff. Would definitely come back here!
Alan Teitleman
Mar 3,2025
Absolutely marvelous dinner at Sitar. Service was attentive and very pleasant, and the food was amazing from the beginning and kept getting better with each course. Was our first dining experience here, and we will most definitely return!
Anita J
Feb 22,2025
Sitar is amazing! We came here as a group of 3 for lunch. They have a great lunch deal which they say is served in "lunch portions" but I thought was still a good amount of food. For all their food, they ask for a spice level (I believe the options are mild, medium, and spicy). We started off with the Achari Gobi which we got as medium (I believe) and it was quite spicy! We all loved it. Each of us got a curry - Saag, tikka masala, and vindaloo. They were all great and the spice levels we requested (one mild and 2 spicy) were all very appropriate and delicious. Their naan was also delicious. Perfect mix of crispy edge and soft inside. I can't wait to go back again for lunch!
Jeremy Edmunds
Feb 6,2025
The familiar aromas of cumin, cardamom and clove greet you upon entering Sitar Restaurant in New Haven, where northern Indian cuisine has found a comfortable home amid contemporary decor. Exposed brick walls contrast with white pillars and ceiling, while caramel-toned chairs and navy upholstered booths create a modern yet inviting atmosphere. On a recent visit, the lamb vindaloo arrived in a traditional metal bowl, its reddish-brown sauce glistening under the restaurant's soft lighting. Each spoonful delivered the dish's signature heat, tempered by tender chunks of lamb and brightened with fresh cilantro. The accompanying basmati rice, adorned simply with carrot slivers and herbs, provided the necessary counterpoint to the robust curry. The garlic naan deserves special mention. Pulled from the tandoor at the precise moment, it arrives with the ideal balance of char and chew, its surface bubbled and glistening with a whisper of butter and garlic. Sitar's menu extends beyond these standards to include chicken tikka masala, lamb rogan josh and saag paneer, all prepared with an eye toward authenticity rather than adaptation. Vegetarian and gluten-free options appear throughout the offerings, reflecting a thoughtful consideration for diverse dietary needs. The service strikes that delicate balance between attentiveness and restraint. Water glasses remain filled, empty plates disappear promptly, and questions about spice levels receive honest answers rather than default reassurances. Some diners have noted occasional delays during peak hours, though the quality of the food generally compensates for any wait. Others praise the restaurant's delivery service, which reportedly arrives with food still steaming in secured packaging. Sitar operates daily during lunch and dinner hours, with a brief afternoon closure. Prices remain reasonable for the portion size, with most entrees allowing for tomorrow's lunch — a value proposition that, like the restaurant itself, satisfies without unnecessary flourish.
Reviews For Sitar