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    Cheeni

    4.1 (59 reviews)
    Open 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Cheeni Photos

    Business Info

    CHEENI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Cheeni

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    Reviews With Photos

    Crab cake fried rice
    Andrea R.

    I'd heard great things about Cheeni and enjoyed our meal there with friends. The staff weee super kind, responsive, and helpful. The setting is homey and feels like you're at someone kitchen table, which was lovely. Our group agreed collectively that the food was good, but maybe a tad underwhelming from the hype. Everything smelled heavenly but I was expecting a little bit of a bigger punch of flavor. The standout item we tried was the garlic naan, which was terrific.

    Nikhil R.

    Unfortunately, this restaurant misses the Mark in terms of accuracy, price, and taste. I had checked with a waitress to make sure that they could do a proper substitution in one of the dishes where instead of beef, they would put chicken. They confirmed this was correct, and it even showed as documented on the receipt as correct. However, once I got the dish, I noticed that there was beef in it. Unfortunately, the restaurant was only willing to provide a 30% discount for the price of the dish rather than a full refund, even though the dish was not touched. Second, the price is quite a lot for the quantity you get. Portions are extremely small, and you are easily paying $20-30 per dish. Lastly, taste is seriously lacking. Everything has zero spice in it, and the dishes themselves are mild at best. They have some dishes that they claim are with crispy chicken, but it was definitely soggy. I don't recommend this place unless you want to be disappointed.

    Kerala Chaat
    Athavi J.

    Cheeni has an Anglo-Indian decor and ambience that houses a lot of tables without feeling crowded, along with an open kitchen. Service was great, with frequent check-ins and well-timed service of appetizers and entrées. The star of our order was the Kerala Chaat with the most beautifully dressed bitter gourd. I was pleasantly surprised and could've eaten a whole plate of it. The remainder of the food was underwhelming. I remember previously devouring the Muttakos Medallions on a different visit, but it came short of expectations this time around. The Mangalorean Chicken was average, and I wouldn't order that again. The Kasundi Fish in Banana Leaf was not edible -- the mustard was overwhelming and made it unpalatable. While the ambience and service were great, I won't be coming back for the food.

    Garlic naan
    J G.

    Cheeni is a 10/10! The service was immaculate! They were so patient considering Friday evening traffic and everyone was friendly. I even asked our server for recommendations which she enthusiastically gave suggestions. I also told our server we were celebrating a birthday and we received 4 complimentary mango lassi shots which were so delicious! We tried the veggies samosas. They were yummy- a solid 7.5/10. Next time I'll probably try the non veggie version Our dishes were really yummy and well spiced. The portion and prices were appropriate. The garlic naan was a show stopper! 20/10 recommend! So delicious. I would love to try their desserts next time!

    The Rani
    Andrea A.

    Such a great new Indian spot in Downtown Durham! First off, I love that they have food represented from so many different parts of India- it warmed my heart to see food from South India, which is usually never featured in most Indian restaurants! The ambiance is super aesthetic & homey-feeling. I loved all the little touches (the cool boxes all the cutlery & menus came in, the handwritten note from the head chef in the menu, the little placard with a cute monkey on it to get your server's attention, open kitchen, etc). We got: - The Rani: Truly the prettiest plate of food I've ever eaten in my life. While it didn't blow me away taste-wise, I appreciated the diversity of textures & flavors (eggplant puree, tandoori mushrooms, beetroot kabab, paneer tikkas, and parsnips with picked red onions and a beetroot raita). - Chicken Ishtu: A surprise to me, this was my favorite dish! Definitely stayed true to the essence of Malayali coconut milk-based stews, while somehow managing to feel & look elevated. Perfectly cooked chicken & veggies with a wonderfully creamy & savory gravy. Would recommend that you eat the Malabar paratha that comes with it fast because it tends to harden quickly. - Lamb Vindaloo: This was alright- a bit too vinegary and not sufficiently spicy for me. - Garlic Naan: Did you even go to an Indian restaurant if you didn't get naan? - Mango Lassi: Loved this! Definitely get it. So appreciated the strong cardamom & rosewater essence, which is not commonplace but should be~ Would suggest getting a reservation, esp on the weekends. Relatively fast service, wonderful ambiance. Free nearby parking in City of Durham garages on weekdays after 7pm and weekends. 8.5/10 would recommend!

    Dessert
    Vraj P.

    First time checking out Cheeni for brunch and I was pleasantly impressed. I got the chicken and waffles and have to say it was a very unique experience. It blended together a spicy chicken with a dosa like waffle. Probably my favorite item I had there. I also got their appetizer potato's which were very yummy. The chai was okay but goes well with brunch. The dessert was also very good. The service was great. We made a reservation beforehand and got seated quickly. The waiter was very friendly and helpful in finding things for various dietary restrictions. Prices for brunch were definitely on the higher end but for a restaurant at this level seemed justified. They do not have parking but if you go for Sunday brunch, there is free street parking. The inside was also very well crafted and I enjoyed the ambience. I definitely want to come back for brunch and try some of their other options. May try their dinner though I have heard mixed reviews. They are also in the process of making a cool speakeasy which I plan to check out when open!

    Meg L.

    A good place to go for elevated Indian food. The dishes were perfectly spicy- the chicken had a very nice kick to it! Overall, I think the food was good and the experience was close to fine dining. They have menus in a treasure box which I thought was unique.

    Fish Moilee
    Steve K.

    Stevie K Ceritified Legit...I love this place! Was a fan of the location in North Raleigh but this elevates the concept. Loved Garland too. You can't go wrong with anything Preeti Waas is associated with. She is a 2 time James Beard semifinalist and deserves the recognition...Be sure to read the menu descriptions in the back of the menu with her tales about the food and her connection to it. Highly recommend the chettinad-style chicken and the fish moilee. Excellent cocktail menu with lots of interesting creations. Service was also outstanding!

    Interior
    Glenn G.

    We were at a charity even where the Chef was participating and enjoyed her food (whether or not she was a James Beard Award nominee). They are located in downtown durham where Jack Tar and the Colonel's Daughter previously was. We made reservations for an early dinner on a Wednesday and were warmly welcomed by staff and seated at a table with a little box, which contains the menu and your dinnerware. Right away, we felt very comfortable. We enjoyed the baby brinjals (eggplant app), lamb vindaloo, dal, and garlic naan. We decided to take some of our meal home with us and left room for chai shots and what my wife said is probably the best chocolate chip cookie she ever ate. The server ended up being the chef's daughter, and we had a nice chat. We are looking forward to coming back for brunch and other meals.

    Lamb Vindaloo: lamb cooked with onions, vinegar, dried red chilies, and warm spices

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    2 years ago

    Excellent service, flavorful food - great dinner with great friends. We will be back ASAP!!!

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    Page 2 of 2

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    Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Bacon egg and cheese

    Aaktun Coffee & Bar

    4.4(163 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    English: TL;DR: Beautiful atmosphere, fantastic coffee and…read morefood, thoughtful modern Latin flavors, amazing breakfast/dinner spot, and Fernando, the manager, is awesome. We've been to Aaktun in Durham multiple times for both breakfast and dinner, and it's honestly become one of our favorite spots. I'm Peruvian and grew up with Peruvian cuisine, so seeing lomo saltado -- a classic Peruvian dish -- on the menu immediately made me happy. Having also grown up in Mexico and lived in places like Miami, I really appreciate what they're doing with the menu: a modern, delicious take on Latin flavors that feels creative without losing what makes those cuisines special. The atmosphere is absolutely beautiful. You walk in thinking it's a stylish little coffee shop, then head toward the back and the whole place opens up -- gorgeous bar, tropical touches, cozy alcove seating, really cool vibe. One time we went with friends for a special dining experience they were offering, and it was excellent. The food, drinks, and whole experience were made even better by Fernando, the manager, who has always been incredibly warm, helpful, and accommodating. Highly recommend Aaktun for breakfast or dinner. Still haven't made it there for lunch somehow, but at this point we'd be shocked if it wasn't great too. Spanish: TL;DR: Lugar precioso, café y comida excelentes, sabores latinos con un toque moderno muy bien logrado, y Fernando, el gerente, es increíble. Ya hemos ido varias veces a Aaktun en Durham para desayuno y cena, y sinceramente se ha vuelto uno de nuestros lugares favoritos. Soy peruano y crecí con la cocina peruana, así que ver lomo saltado -- un plato clásico peruano -- en el menú me hizo muy feliz. Además, habiendo crecido en México y vivido en lugares como Miami, me encanta reconocer cómo integran sabores latinos con una propuesta moderna y de fusión. Se siente creativa, diferente y sobre todo riquísima. La atmósfera además es espectacular. Entras pensando que es una cafetería bonita y acogedora, pero luego caminas hacia atrás y el lugar se abre por completo: un bar hermoso, detalles tropicales, mesas tipo alcove... una vibra buenísima. Una vez fuimos con unos amigos para una experiencia especial de cena que estaban ofreciendo y la pasamos increíble. La comida, las bebidas y toda la experiencia fueron aún mejores gracias a Fernando, el gerente, que siempre ha sido súper amable, atento y servicial. Recomendamos muchísimo Aaktun para desayuno o cena. Todavía no hemos ido para almorzar, pero honestamente nos sorprendería mucho que no estuviera igual de bueno.

    **Update 5/12/2026 - I made a reservation to take my mom to brunch on Sunday at 10:15. When we…read morearrived, the hostess said the reservation had been made for outside. I explained and showed her that I booked standard seating and she said that meant outside, which I thought was strange because I was very careful not to book either option that was clearly labeled outdoor. I told her that we wanted a table inside and she said "I have a table that has a reservation for 11:30, can you be done by then?" I laughed and said "sure" but thought to myself that would be up to them! She asked another hostess to seat us, and after we were seated, we waited about 15 minutes and watched staff walk by our table multiple times and no one came by. The original interactions had already put a bad taste in my mouth, so I called another restaurant downtown and asked how long the wait would be for two. They could seat us in the bar area right away, so we got up and left Aaktun to head there. The first two experiences that I had at Aaktun were great. I'm glad I got to try their food because I won't be back after Sunday's experience.

    Photos
    Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Iced autumn blaze latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny

    Iced autumn blaze latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny

    Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Iced dulce de leche latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny

    Iced dulce de leche latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny

    Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Jerk chicken

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    Jerk chicken

    Foster Street Coffee - Breakfast burrito

    Foster Street Coffee

    4.3(121 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    A long-time favorite of mine here in Durham, particularly for anyone wanting a place to study. They…read morehave a ton of tables, free coffee refills, and lots of outlets. The lighting is good, the music is at an appropriate volume, and the seating is comfortable (particularly in the back room). During the weekends and on holidays they can be quite full (particularly during the school year), but generally speaking I can usually find a seat here. Baristas are friendly and competent. They are well-staffed, and even when there is a long line things come out quickly! There is also free parking available in the parking garage around the corner, which is certainly a bonus. My go-to here is simply an iced americano or coffee, but their seasonal drinks are also delicious. Can't recommend enough!

    It's time for "second coffee" and my office for the morning, landing at Foster Street at around…read more8:30 am. Parking wasn't easy since I can't fit into a parking deck but a metered space opened up and I was able to jam into there. Warmly welcomed and my cortado was ready before I'd even finished plugging in the laptop. Strong coffee that had a deep flavor and I'd already had breakfast so I was able to resist the pastries. An hour in, another cup of drip was all I needed while I did the Internet thing. Foster Street is conducive to laptop but it did get a bit loud in there with the talking, the music and the sound of the espresso machine. But if you can handle all of that, it's ideal. I stayed about two hours this morning. [Review 943 of 2025 - 4346 in North Carolina - 24498 overall]

    Photos
    Foster Street Coffee - Order counter

    Order counter

    Foster Street Coffee - Mocha latte and chocolate croissant

    Mocha latte and chocolate croissant

    Foster Street Coffee - Modern open seating

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    Modern open seating

    Yonderlust

    Yonderlust

    4.8(17 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    It took me more than a year of coming here to write a review for Yonderlust, mostly because I'm…read moresurprised by how much this place grew on me. Yonderlust is more than just a coffee shop--it's one of those spaces where you can easily spend an entire afternoon without realizing how much time has passed. It's a fantastic study and work spot: a mix of table sizes, plenty of outlets, and a relatively quiet, calm environment that makes it easy to settle in. It has solid coffee: Drinks here are consistently pretty good. I usually go for their Campfire Latte (a signature for a reason) or whatever seasonal syrup they're featuring, and their matcha latte is reliable too. It has actual, warm food: simple but satisfying sandwiches with enough variety to make for a perfect study snack or light lunch. I am often disappointed when coffee shops only offer cold pastries. It has entertainment: I love taking a quick study break to browse the shop's outdoor gear and clothing; it honestly feels a little like being transported to the West Coast for a moment (give me some Oregan vibes!). Service has always been quick and friendly. I wouldn't say any single thing here is the best in Durham--but together, it is special! There are many days when I find myself craving a few cozy hours at Yonderlust, followed by a quick dessert next door at Rose's.

    Bottom line: Pretty nice coffee shop cafe adjacent to/sharing space with an apparel shop. Crowded…read moreeven on a Sunday. Clean inviting atmosphere, I enjoyed my hot skim latte here. The Deets: I had brunch with some friends that live in Durham and after the meal, they directed me to stop into Yonderlust for a coffee beverage stop instead of having one at the restaurant. We stopped by and ducked into the cafe side...I say cafe side as 2/3 of the space there is an outfitters/apparel shop and the other part houses the coffee shop/cafe. The cafe side (as well as the apparel shop) is very nicely done inside, very appealing and clean. The coffee seating area was packed, it appears to be a great place to stop and sit/work a spell even on a Sunday. Ordering moved through fairly quickly and I put in my request for a hot skim latte to the very nice and positive person at the register. The wait was not long before my beverage was completed, and your beverage/name are both called out to pick up when it's ready. I did manage to find one lone chair to sit and drink my tasty beverage while my friends did some shopping in the apparel side. I enjoyed my latte, I'd most definitely stop in again when in the area.

    Photos
    Yonderlust - Order and pickup counter, Dec 2025.

    Order and pickup counter, Dec 2025.

    Yonderlust
    Yonderlust - Iced black sesame oat latte - lifewithhanny

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    Iced black sesame oat latte - lifewithhanny

    Omie’s Coffee Shop and Roastery - Banana pudding shortie - lifewithhanny

    Omie’s Coffee Shop and Roastery

    4.6(53 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $

    The cutest little coffee shop!! There's been a buzz brewing about this spot so we had to get out…read moreand check it out. Not a lot of parking out front so they allow parking next door at Kings gr but they kept a line of folks. Yes it moved, don't worry. Fresh pastry variety was quite impressive. The goodies were: Vietnamese coffee donut & creamsicle donut from Red Start bakery. An apple pop tart, & blueberry cheese danish also caught my eye. Yes I got them all. There was more but a guy gotta have limits. But I'll just they were mmm mmm good. I'll have to get the donuts again. There is limited seating, and a children's play area which was so cool. I'm hard pressed to not get my jolt of Java so I got a cortado with a drizzle of caramel for a little sweetness. LOVED the flavor, would've loved it if a little hotter. My son-in-law got the Mexican Coke, vanilla espresso. It was cold and amazing as per him. My wife's latte also needed to be hotter. I'll cut the barista a break as she was a one woman show.

    Omie's is a small hidden gem in Durham. This place has the best truly espresso/coffee forward…read moredrinks in the triangle. You can tell the quality of the drink and beans Omie's is high quality as soon as you taste it. I absolutely loved their fun and creative seasonal menu. I ordered the pumpkin pie brown butter latte, and it was so tasty. Normally, I have to ask coffee shops to reduce the sugar, but this drink was perfectly balanced. In addition, Omie's sells baked goods to complement your drink. There was a selection of tasty treats to pick from. One of my friends got a HUGE cookie, which looked absolutely delicious. As a fair heads up, parking and inside seating areas are limited. However, Omie's has done the most to maximize the space to make it a cozy place to sit. Pro tip- there is a little more seating to the left of the bathrooms, and there are several comfy spots interspersed throughout. Come for the good coffee, good vibes, and lovely service staff. I definitely know that I will be back!

    Photos
    Omie’s Coffee Shop and Roastery - Inside

    Inside

    Omie’s Coffee Shop and Roastery - Green Beans - Before roasting

    Green Beans - Before roasting

    Omie’s Coffee Shop and Roastery - Outside

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    Outside

    Cheeni - indpak - Updated May 2026

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