I needed to know why Riyasat Restaurant is evaluated as one of the best indian food restaurants in Oakville. Open only since May 2019, the restaurant was featured in the fall 2019 edition of The Canadian Bazaar and seemed to tick all the boxes for foodies and respected restaurant aggregators.

Here is what I found.

The interior is spacious enough to accommodate weddings. The decor is tastefully done with just the right amount of gold accenting the walls. The ceiling design gives the illusion of dining under the stars.

When asked what they thought together Riyasat apart from the others, owner Mukesh Sharma and assistant Jyotsna agreed that it was the “flavors”.

Chef Ramesh Sharma, a native of India, not only creates the most authentic Indian cuisine, but adds distinctive flavors to his dishes.

Because I like this! is their aptly named Butter Chicken. The twist? Instead of honey, the delicious base contains cashews, which gives the sauce and the chicken the perfect balance.

The Lamb palak has spinach infused in curry, and their Chicken Vindaloo is a typically spicy chicken dish prepared from a Portuguese recipe.

When you take that first bite of Old Deli ka Lamb Kormareligious or not, the taste is divine.

The combination of ingredients in this dish is indescribable, with an added spicy touch on the finish. Topped only with melt-in-the-mouth pieces of lamb, which go perfectly with rice or the deliciously light Butter/Basil/Garlic/Naan that you won’t want to share.

For those who like a fiery impact, Laal Maas is a spicy mutton curry that is sure to wake you up.

Riyasat is a family business. Jyotsna shared that the owners treat the staff like family and are exceptionally generous. No wonder waiters Jyotsna and Gur̭inder couldn’t have been more charming and without pause stepping in when needed to help Chef Sharma on special occasions.

Much of the business involves hosting large events in the Greater Toronto Area, Halton, Hamilton and as far as London.

Mukesh and his associates became restaurateurs ten years ago, with a banquet hall in India and a restaurant of the same name in Oslo, Norway.

A month ago, they opened a location in Etobicoke, Ontario, and hope to open a banquet hall in Brampton within the next six months.

I felt like family for the short time I spent there. Next time you eat out, try comfort food at Riyasat. They will make you feel at home. Dinner entrees range from $22 to $24, with vegetarian options from $15 to $17.

Riyasat is located in downtown Oakville at 263 Lakeshore Road East.