"If you 're looking for a typical curry house for a session meal before the rugby, you might be in for a surprise. You wouldn 't have guessed that Indian food could be like this, don 't believe me? just watch. There is a level of sophistication in the food that makes Atithi Restaurant one of the best dining restaurants for a popular cuisine this side of London. I 'm not going to make any excuses for those of you who find finer dining uncomfortable, when the food is this good you are going to have to just darn well put up with it. I have been to Atithi too many times to count, and every time I have put my blogging aside because I have been too impatient, wanting to actually enjoy my meal without having to document my experience. Yes, this has been an oversight on my part, but it is a testament to how good the food is here. It is dark inside, so you 'll find yourself in quite an intimate environment. Be sure to be asked to be seated further back inside the restaurant when you go, it can be a little drafty near the front in the winter months. Forget about the usual curry houses down Church Street and head one street back toward the station on York Street, opposite The Bear pub and you 'll find Atithi. When presented with the menu, steer away from the samosa 's, although they are nice you 'll be doing yourself a disfavour by not ordering the potato cake or the butterfly king prawns as a starter. The Paneer is also a favourite of mine. There 's a particularly interesting mains dish Goan Prawn curry with coconut and poppy seeds that is very tasty indeed. I for the most party enjoy the Galafi Handi, spring lamb cooked with onion, tomato and spices. You maybe be wondering how this compares to another Indian restaurant Tangawizi in East Twickenham. They are more flashy (which I like) and the food is also good there, however, I got fed up with being rushed through service. The are very much into 'turning their tables ', and to me, that is not dining. Having staff hovering around your table waiting for you to finish is pushing the envelope to far and this is what Tangiwizi do. So I love to go to Atithi whenever I need a good curry, we are also favourite of their delivery service, which is great for a night in and a treat every now and again. I understand that they maybe a little more on the wallet but if you really want to experience high quality Indian cuisine then its definitely a go. See my blog:"
