Star of India
| Address: | 496 Boulevard, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA |
| Phone: | +1 908-272-6633 |
| Site: | starofindiakenilworthnj.com |
| Rating: | 3.9 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 8
A
A Private User
The Star of India restaurant was an absolute delight! When we first walked in, I knew we had found our place. Its a little hidden gem on the corner of 20th and 509, but dont let that discourage you! Upon walking in, you are greeted by a wonderful host who takes you to your table through the wonderfully decorated restaurant. The lighting is fantastic (great for cuddling up with the one you love), and the art makes you feel like youve just walked into a restaurant in Kanpur, India. After sitting down the wait staff brings you a wonderful selection of hors doeuvres, including a fantastic mango chutney. My group ordered a variety of dishes including lamb curry, shrimp curry, and, my personal favorite, chicken tikka masala. The food was served with perfect timing, as we had just finished our appetizers. The masala was absolutely incredible and reminded me of my recent trip to India, with its intense flavor, wonderful spice, and delicate rice. The lamb curry had a wonderful underlying spice that made it impossible to put down, while the shrimp curry held a sweet flavor that was reminiscent of a coconut-battered shrimp with a curry twist! Just when I was thinking this meal couldnt become more unforgettable, our waiter one-upped himself. One of our party had been coughing during the meal (she was desperately trying to beat a cold that had kept her in doors for a few days), and our waiter brought her a number of things to help her reduce her cough. Initially it was a stronger version of the mango chutney, but he then brought her a few traditional Indian herbs to chew on, followed by a traditional ice cream that soothed her throat. We all loved the ice cream (that he offered to us for free), which had a subtle pistachio flavor following the smooth and thick creamy taste. The dinner was truly an otherworldly experience. My biggest complaint is that I will not be in Kenilworth again for some time and its a shame that I found this place so late in my time there. This failure of mine will stay with me for some time, just like the medley of flavors I experienced that night. I will always remember this lovely little family restaurant.
TA
Tapasvi Bagrecha
We placed out first carry out order over the phone and they missed an item from the order. We are in Springfield close to Millburn and dont have decent Indian restaurant near by so we placed our order here and decided to pick up instead of delivery. We ordered all 3 vegetarian dishes (veg jalfrezy, matar paneer and daal special) and 2 regular naans with butter and 1 without butter between 4 people. Food was delicious. Especially Matar Paneer. We aksed for medium spice but they were more spciy than we liked but still delicious. Quantities were good too. Betwee 4 of us we couldnt finish it all. Each dish came with rice so it was a lot of food. Food was ready on time. The host was polite and the pickup experience was smooth and quick. However, when I got back home and realised that they didnt pack on the item I called them. I was told that it was my fault that I forgot to pick up that item and when I didnt buy that then I was told that they dont have that item on menu which is a complete lie. And then they said I was not charged for that item so why are we complaining. The whole point was that we aksed for Daal Special and they completely forgot. Instead of apologizing they blame me. Ruined the whole experience and not going there again.
BR
Bruce Johnson
This was a nice find. The cozy red dining room is elegantly decorated, and the staff are friendly and accommodating, if sometimes a little disorganized. The tandoori chicken can be made in varying degrees of spiciness ranging from mild to hot, and I can attest that the "medium" is hot, indeed. It set my mouth afire like the first tandoori chicken I had 30 years ago (and havent found since); it wasnt, however, achieved in the same way, as this tandoori was smothered in a hot sauce, and that initial tandoori chicken was straight out of the tandoor and had acquired its spiciness during marination. The garlic naan caused my face to break into a sweat. The samosas filling held a good bit of spice. All of this warmed me up sufficiently on a chilly evening that the kulfi ("traditional Indian ice cream) I had for dessert was just right to put out the fire. I may have to come this way again just for Star of India.
A
A Private User
Wonderful! First off, it was as if I walked straight into India! The decor was just lovely, and we sat under a beautifully painted tapestry covered in oxen. The staff were so friendly and actually ended up giving us a free appetizer and ice cream at the start and end of our meal respectively. The service was prompt and consistently kept our drinks flowing. The food was also absolutely amazing. I got the lamb curry and was happily satisfied with every bite. They offered many additional sauces including mango chutney! Finally, our check was significantly cheaper than we planned. All in all, this has become one of my favorite Indian restaurants to dine at.
A
A Private User
I havent lived in the area very long, but my roommate suggested this place one night when I was craving Indian food. We called in for pick-up, and ordered the "Special Combination for Two" (which, for the record, is a ridiculously large amount of food!). Everything was wonderfully spiced to really bring out the flavors. The Lamb Rogan Josh was especially delicious. The place itself was very small, but nicely decorated inside. I have eaten at a lot of Indian food places around New Jersey, including fancy places like the Ashirwad Palace in Randolph, and I can tell you right now this blows those places out of the water. It is definitely worth a try!
RO
rosa latorre
I would have given it 5 stars as this was my favorite local spot. I did not see the old guy I was use to seeing before. The latest time I went was not pleasant. First they got my order wrong. Second it did not taste the same (I get the same thing all the time). Third, when I tried to ask for my order, I got attitude and then the new dish did not taste the same again. To top it off I asked if the dish had nuts because I am allergic and she said no. A few hours later I was throwing up until I popped veins all over my face. Terrible service.
VI
vimal patrick
Last night I placed a to go order 5 mins prior to the closing time wondering if they will take the order! He took the order and also called back to ask how spicy we need and made sure we get food as per our preference. while many restaurants said they had closed their kitchen before the closing time, this owner waited up till we reach there and was very polite! He is very friendly and kind. Best place to have Indian food. Tasty food, excellent service, nice people.
A
A Private User
I discovered this place by accident! It was the best accident ever! I turned my boyfriend onto this place as well and now we go at least 3 times a month. The place is small and dimly lit. It is a perfect date spot! The Chicken Tikka Masala is amazing. And the Naan( bread) is divine. The servers stay out of your way and seem to know when you need them. Its never packed, but its never really empty. All in all a definite "must-go."
