Sona Restaurant
| Address: | 2900 Valley Ave, Winchester, VA 22601, USA |
| Phone: | +1 540-662-9299 |
| Site: | sonacuisine.com |
| Rating: | 4.1 |
| Working: | Closed Closed 11AM–1:30PM 11AM–1:30PM 11AM–1:30PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM |
Location
Photos 68
Reviews 6
DH
Dhyana Paresan
If I could, I would give zero or negative stars. I am an Indian so I know what good Indian food is (even if it is modified to appeal to the American palette). Besides the food being over-priced, I was shocked to notice how low quality the food is. I ordered Butter Chicken (or Murg Makhani) and my friend ordered Malai Kofta (fried vegetable balls in curry gravy). Both came to our table with the same sauce - extremely bright red (overused the food color) and chicken in mine and kofta balls in my friends food. I tasted my gravy and was shocked - it is a paste of tomatoes with salt, pepper and maybe a hint of a spice or two. I tasted my friends gravy and it is the same gravy as mine. When I started eating mine, I realized that what I thought were sliced carrot pieces were in fact chicken pieces. I never saw anybody slice chicken in thin oval slices like this chef did (for an Indian curry). And they are sparse. So it is basically tomato sauce with chicken pieces (sliced as if it is a carrot) in it. Absolutely plain, boring and disgusting. The original butter chicken is so amazing, it is hard to stop eating. Of course, my friend hated the plain tomato sauce served as a curry gravy with some kofta balls in it. Absolutely no flavor in both the dishes. The owner/chef stopped by our table halfway through our meal and proudly asked about what we think about the food. I said both our dishes have the same "sauce" and he said "yeah, they come with the same sauce". I also said "this is not butter chicken". He already started getting nervous and defensive and said "then what is it?". I said "it is chicken pieces cut like carrots pieces and boiled in a tomato sauce". He said "oh okay". I believe he serves these dishes like this because there are no Indian restaurants around here and he thinks people in this area will not know the difference. And did I mention how overpriced this restaurant is!!! And the quantities are small and the dishes are on the warm side (instead of being hot when they first came out).Unbelievable. I am especially mad because a friend from this area (who is not familiar with Indian food) said "yeah, I tried Indian food. I did not particularly liked it". And he is talking about this restaurant. I am not sure about these other raving reviews on here. Either they are from people that the owner/chef knows or these people have no idea what Indian food is.
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Matt Smeltzer
I do not understand all of these great reviews. Went there tonight for Valentines Day. Should have known right from the start that it was going to be bad when we were asked if we were fine with sitting with another couple. The service was the worst Ive experienced. Im fine with waiting extra time if the place is busy but almost 30min before being spoken too was ridiculous. The waiters either mumbled or didnt speak at all even after saying thank you to them. Be ready to answer whether or not you want more than water several times and in a condescending manner. The food was mediocre at best. Ive had better Indian food from a convenience store in Stephens City. The sauces were overbearing in some dishes and bland and tasteless in others. The only good thing was the small piece of cheese cake. Then for the price. Again Im fine with paying more for a Valentines Day dinner and expect to. But I also expect to get good service and the food should be fantastic if you are going to charge $88 for 2 people. Thats $88 for lousy food, just water to drink, and lousy service. To end. This is the only place I have ever been where from beginning to end I have been unhappy with every aspect of the meal.
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Allison Lizer
My husband and I went to Sona for the first time in a few years (after being moving away for a bit). The decor is lovely, the service was impeccable with a formal feel, and the food was good. When we first got to our table, our waiter pulled out our chairs for us to have a seat. Any questions we had about items on the menu were answered quickly and the chef even came out to talk to us. Winchester is sorely lacking in Indian food, but luckily Sona can provide a great experience for those who are looking. The only reasons it isnt five stars is that I felt the cheese in my dish (the cheese and pea vegetarian option) was a little skimpy, and I like to give restaurants a few more goes in order to get a really good rating based on a consistent dining experience. *And to address parking that another reviewer mentioned, we parked BEHIND the restaurant so you dont have to back into the street.
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cheryl b
I have been here twice before for lunch w/ friends and enjoyed my visits thoroughly. Tonight was my first time for dinner, but I could not stay, had to take it to go. Enjoyed a cup of chai while I waited. The Chef asked me how spicy I wanted the two entrees, on a scale of 1 to 10. I asked for 7. He looked a little taken aback but I confirmed, 7. The locals here are not known for a love of spice. We are transplants. The food was ready in a reasonable amount of time, but I was in no hurry. The price was as I expected for appetizer, two dinners, and naan. Then I headed home, an hour drive. When I got home I had to warm things up - but still it was wonderful. Everything was spicy, just on the verge of being too hot for me, it was perfect for my sweetie. The Naan made it possible for me to enjoy. The lentil flour cracker is very interesting!
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Jane Bartley Hozier
My husband and I adore Sona and we have become regulars in our short time in town. I have no opinion regarding "authenticity", which seems to be a sore point of debate in some reviews. I do know quality food when I taste it - I am extremely reactive and aware when it comes to food quality - and this food is amazing. The chef is an artist. After eating out, my most common reactions are acceptable neutrality or profound regret. Sona is the only place I have ever eaten where I have walked away feeling healthier than when I walked in. As for portion sizes, they are certainly not American Standard - thank goodness, because I dont like having those kind of leftovers. I always have enough room for what is served, and I never walk away unsatisfied.
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Jennifer Duffy
Excellent food! Family owned business and that personal touch is one of the best perks. Shortly after our food was served, the owner & chef stopped by for a quick chat and to ensure everything was perfect, which it was. Everyone is super friendly and the ambience is very clean and relaxing. While this is a beautifully decorated, traditional Indian restaurant, they still made us feel welcome to have our children dine, which was a great cultural experience for them. After the exquisite dishes leave you inspired to try duplicating at home, you can pick up some of the spices and traditional drinks from their small shop near their bar...yes, I said bar...so if you just want to go for drinks and a game, they cater to that as well!
