Sathar's is one of the most popular non-vegetarian restaurants in Thanjavur, found near the bus stand area and doing a brisk trade in biryani and mutton dishes from early lunch until the pots run out — which they often do before evening. The chicken biryani is the house signature: Seeraga samba rice cooked with whole spices, tender meat, and a finishing layer of fried onions and ghee. It is a Thanjavur version of a Tamil biryani, distinct from the Chettinad variety and lighter than a Hyderabadi preparation.
The setting is basic — plastic chairs, ceiling fans, tile walls — and the service is fast and efficient. Go at noon rather than one-thirty if you want the full menu available. This is the kind of place the locals go, and the queue at lunchtime tells you something.