Diners describe the Sarastro dining experience as "flamboyant, theatrical and fun - a delight for the senses". Turkish-oriented, the food is broadly Mediterranean in style; a 2-course meal with wine can cost as little as £20, with £25-30 the average.

Located on the ground floor corner of a Grade II listed Victorian building, Sarastro is behind the Theatre Royal (where Miss Saigon is playing) and is at the junction of Drury Lane and Kemble Street. The unpretentious exterior of the restaurant is marked on two sides by a series of semicircular paned glass windows in which there are numerous domestic knickknacks - dusty books, battered urns and tired lamps with fading lampshades - to give a distinct 'old curiosity shop' appearance.

Sarastro was created by artist and international designer, Richard 'Salim' Sleeman, who was responsible for producing a Turkish bath and Art gallery in southern Spain and an Ottoman complex in Turkey, as well as revamping several notable London restaurants. He has positioned a veritable treasure trove of period and contemporary items in every nook and cranny all around the restaurant and takes delight at replacing things every so often to provide a constant subtle change of appearance.

When visiting our rest rooms adults should be ready for a surprise while kids may have to close their eyes.

Ten opera boxes adorn three sides of the restaurant. All are different and based on English, Gothic, Rococo, Ottoman and Byzantine styles. The 'Royal' box commands the centre position at the far end.

The name Sarastro was inspired by a large character in Mozart's opera, The Magic Flute. Sarastro is a powerful man held in awe, if not fear, by everybody. It reflects the image Richard Niazi seeks to portray - the semblance of a bad man who is actually just the opposite.