The Raj was the first Indian restaurant to open in Protaras, and it has been serving English style Indian food on Protaras Avenue since 1992. It sits on the sea side of the main road, between the Sunrise Beach and Sunrise Pearl hotels, with views out over Protaras Bay.
What makes it special
Experience outstanding service from warm and attentive staff
Enjoy beautifully presented dishes that are like works of art
Indulge in delicious, richly flavored, and perfectly spiced authentic Indian cuisine
If you are staying in the area and find yourself craving a proper curry after a few days of meze and grilled fish, this is the place most locals will point you towards. Owner Andreas has run it for over three decades, and plenty of guests return year after year.
What Makes It Worth Visiting
The big draw is the tandoor. The Raj cooks in a traditional clay oven fired with charcoal, which is lit every day and used for everything from the tandoori specialities to the naan breads, which are baked against the oven walls. That is what gives the grilled dishes their smoky, sealed-in flavour.
The menu is long, with well over 100 dishes. You will find 14 starters, Raj classic curries, balti dishes, biryanis, house specials and a dedicated vegetarian section, plus 15 different naans. Dishes can be adjusted to your taste, from mild right up to phal for anyone who likes serious heat.
Andreas spent years travelling around the UK researching recipes, which explains why the food will feel familiar to British visitors. The restaurant has also picked up a number of awards over the years, including TripAdvisor recognition.
What to Expect
The restaurant is spacious and comfortable, with traditional décor and tiled tables inside. There is also outdoor seating and open windows that catch the breeze and look out over the sea.
It is a relaxed place for families, with a selection of dishes for children, and groups of any size are welcome. Vegetarian dishes are prepared without cross cooking, which is reassuring if you avoid meat.
The bar covers wines from Cyprus, Italy and Greece, imported spirits, Peroni, Kingfisher, and Strongbow and Magners ciders. Most credit cards are accepted and there is free Wi-Fi.
The Raj opens for a long summer season, usually April to November, serving evenings only from 17:30 to 23:00. Hours and seasonal dates can change, so check with the restaurant before you go. Off street parking is available, and you will find the entrance down a small slope above TeeJay’s Bar.
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If you are unsure what to choose, order the Mixed Tandoori Platter and add a few vegetable sides such as Aloo Gobi or Sag Aloo. It works a bit like an Indian meze and lets the whole table try a little of everything.
For something with more character, the Raj Special and the Chef’s Special (spicy chicken with hot lime pickle in a madras sauce) are good choices. The Tandoori King Prawns are served sizzling, and the Paneer Tikka Kebab is a good vegetarian starter.
Couples or pairs can look at the set menu for two, which brings a spread of starters, curries, pilau rice and naan. The team are happy to talk you through the menu, so do ask if you want to try something new.
Book an outdoor table around sunset if you can, and allow a relaxed couple of hours. A stroll along Protaras Avenue afterwards rounds off the evening nicely.
If you are spending time in Protaras, an evening at The Raj makes a good change from Cypriot tavernas. For more places to eat, swim and explore nearby, browse the ElloCyprus Discover Guide, and if you are still looking for somewhere to stay, ElloCyprus offers professionally managed villas and apartments in Protaras and the surrounding area.
