Review on Kinara Restaurant
'Kinara' means 'at the water's edge', and this smart, upmarket restaurant is in a delightfully scenic spot beside Bull Island to the north-east of the city. A smiling doorman in full Indian garb is there to greets customers and escort them through the entrance to the sleek dining room, which strikes a balance between ornate tradition and uncluttered modernity. Here you will see Pakistani antiques sharing the space with contemporary Irish art.
One glance at the menu suggests that the kitchen goes about its business with serious intent. Forget long ponderous lists of dhansaks and bhunas, Kinara offers a clever, sharp selection of highly distinctive dishes with helpful descriptions. Under the heading 'traditional', you will find kakeragh (pan-fried local crab claws in a tandoori masala sauce), beef lobia (with green beans, ginger, garlic and cream) and machall achari (fillet of red snapper simmered in a mix of curry leaves, pickles and vinegar).
Elsewhere, there are so-called 'ethnic' main courses such as lahori charga (whole spiced chicken cooked in the tandoor) that are mostly from the Pakistani tradition. Organic and 'lighter' dishes are also highlighted, and vegetarians are offered plenty of choice.
Cuisine
Indian
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 4.00pm Thu-Sun
Dinner: 5.00 - 11.00pm
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express