Sizzling Tandoor RestaurantJust walking in the door of this charming Indian bistro takes me on a sensory trip to a place I long to go, but will probably never get to: India.

There is a precious statue of the Buddha at the front, a gorgeous peacock wall sculpture, and a whimsical chess set of various salt and pepper shakers is available for a quick game in case you have to wait. The TV is playing the latest Bollywood videos above the bar. Suddenly I want to dance! The new owner (two years new) has changed up the wait staff from dour men to beautiful smiling young women dressed in sari fashion. The owner himself is a friendly well-traveled charming visitor to each table making sure everyone and everything is expedited satisfactorily.

I love to eat Indian food with a lot of friends because then you can order more dishes to share. In this case there were only four of us, but we managed four dishes and an assorted appetizer plate. All dishes were served with Basmati rice and Naan bread. We had Chicken Tandoor - chunks of white meat chicken cooked in the Tandoor oven, Lamb Lababdor - creamy and tender and mildly spiced, Vegetable Navratan - nine vegetables and herbs mixed together in a creamy cashew sauce, and Saag Paneer. The wine list was good as well as the selection of beers. There is a buffet lunch six days a week and they also cater parties and special events.

Live entertainment and belly dancing is featured on the weekends.

I LOVE this Sizzling Tandoor!

I will be back regularly!

Sizzling Tandoor
409 Mendocino Ave
Santa Rosa, CA
707-579-5999

Dave's Sonoma County Blog

Dave Roberts

Daily musings about Sonoma County Real estate, architecture, and related issues.