Seemor
Sitar Indian CuisineB+Worth Trying
12541 116th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034
· Indian restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (1096 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
A lively South Indian-leaning spot with a popular weekend buffet and crowd-pleasing curries; strong flavors and friendly staff offset by uneven service speed and occasional quality inconsistencies.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Sitar Indian Cuisine delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality in biryanis and South Indian specialties, supported by exceptional customer loyalty and generous portions at fair prices. However, inconsistent execution across visits—ranging from perfectly balanced biryani to overly salty versions—and service delays during takeout rushes prevent a higher grade. The warm, bustling buffet atmosphere suits casual family dining, though the modest strip-mall setting lacks destination appeal.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, especially during the weekend buffet when trays of goat curry and fresh naan circulate. Servers are often friendly and welcoming, and regulars call it a neighborhood gem. One diner noted, "We come most weekends and they remember us," setting expectations for a casual spot with big flavors more than fancy trimmings. The cooking leans South Indian with a comfort-first mindset: biryanis, rasam, sambar, and Indo‑Chinese starters rather than culinary theatrics. When on form, the biryani sings and Apollo fish crackles; butter chicken and tikka masala stay reliably soothing. Expect bold, balanced spice and generous portions, though some visits bring thicker gravies or extra salt. It suits diners seeking regional depth over flash. Families do well here. Kids gravitate to butter chicken and naan, plus fried rice or noodles that feel familiar. The buffet can help selective eaters sample safely, but those with severe allergies should speak clearly and double‑check, as one review flagged a serious allergy lapse.
At a Glance
- Lively South Indian buffet with fresh naan circulation
- Generous portions and fair pricing for the Eastside
- Service slows when takeout volume spikes; long waits reported
- Inconsistent biryani salt levels and occasional heavy gravies
- Allergy communication lapse reported with nuts in a requested nut‑free dish
What Sets It Apart
- weekend_buffet_variety
- south_indian_specialties
- strong_regulars_base
What People Love
- Comforting biryani aroma and tender meats
- Smoky tandoori fish and crisp Apollo fish
- Buffet variety that changes and stays fresh
- Kind staff who remember regulars
- Portions that feel generous for the price
Points of Concern
- Service delays during peak times, with takeout reportedly prioritized over dine‑in
- Quality inconsistency: salty biryani or oily, thick gravies on some visits
- Vegetarian buffet selection sometimes feels limited compared with non‑veg
- Allergy protocols need improvement; one nut‑related incident reported
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-45 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a $14-17 veg curry with Malabar Parotta ($5) for a South Indian combo
- Seafood lovers: Tandoori Fish ($17) then Shrimp Chettinad ($18) for spice-driven progression
- Value route: Share two curries ($17-20) with rice and two naans ($3-4) for two diners
Perfect For
- Weekend buffet runs with friends
- Casual family dinners with mixed spice tolerance
- Takeout nights craving biryani or Indo-Chinese starters
- Groups wanting variety without fine-dining prices
Location Insights
Area: Suburban mixed-use near Totem Lake retail and medical hubs; draws families, office workers, and weekend buffet crowds.
Safety: Generally safe, busy arterials with steady foot traffic near shopping; typical suburban lighting and maintenance.
Nearby: Close to Totem Lake Village, big-box retail, clinics, and I-405 access; convenient for errands and group meetups.
KirklandKirkland is a lakeside city with a vibrant downtown area featuring a variety of dining options ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. The dining scene is family-friendly and community-oriented, with a mix of local and international cuisines catering to residents and visitors alike. The area is safe, accessible, and popular among suburban families and working professionals.
HoughtonHoughton is a residential neighborhood within Kirkland known for its quiet streets and proximity to parks and schools. Dining options here are more casual and neighborhood-focused, serving the local community with convenient and approachable cuisine.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday11:00–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Wednesday11:00–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Thursday11:00–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Friday11:00–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Saturday11:30–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Sunday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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