I recently visited Sitti for the first time in November 2009 with a bunch of friends, and then in December 2009 with my young son. Both were excellent experiences.\r
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The first visit was exciting, with my friends guiding and explaining the menu after an evening out drinking. I enjoy many types of food, especially Middle Eastern fare, so it was an adventure. We ordered many, many small plates to go around the table.\r
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The second visit was just a drop-in after visiting the Christmas tree lighting and the Governor's Mansion. All the normal tables were full upstairs, so we were the first to be sat at the large communal table that evening. We ordered the sampler platter, some of the ""halloumi"" cheese, and eventually the banana and dough dessert. Everything was delivered quickly and was just as good as my previous visit. Everything was very savory, with variety in the textures.\r
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As the dinner progressed, other couples and parties were sat around us at the large table. For anyone unaccustomed to communal tables, it was plenty large enough to not feel like you were being forced to sit with strangers, but you could still make eye contact and engage others comfortably.\r
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My 5 y.o. son said the food was excellent and some of the best dessert he has ever had. However, I must say this is not a kid-friendly place, and that's ok. The plates are small enough that you should be able to feed a reasonably hungry kid. There are no chicken fingers or pizzas or coloring books. While I did not need them, I could not spot any high-chairs or booster seats.\r
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My only observation would be that the entry door is the old department store design, large and glass. For the winter months Sitti would do well to establish some sort of foyer to buffer the chill air as people come and go. I would probably not have been so happy in my review had I been sat next to the door during these months.\r
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If you go, fear not the downtown parking, for there are many free public parking decks in downtown Raleigh and everything is very walkable.
Pros: Pricing, variety, seating
Cons: Cold by the door
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