Food was great and service was fast and easy. Gave us birthday shots for a birthday - thank you Fahad

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have experienced some of the finest Indian cuisine around the world--from the refined elegance of Varq at the Taj in Dubai to the consistently high standards of Masala Zone in London's Piccadilly. With that in mind, I don't say this lightly: this restaurant delivers the best Indian food I have ever had. The highlight of the evening was, without question, the lamb chops. Perfectly cooked, exquisitely spiced, and unbelievably tender--they were quite simply the best I have ever tasted. Every bite was a masterclass in balance and flavour, elevating a familiar dish into something truly unforgettable. What makes this place exceptional goes beyond the food alone. The service was warm, attentive, and genuinely thoughtful--striking that rare balance between professionalism and personal connection. From the moment we arrived to the time we left, every detail was handled with care and pride. The ambiance only added to the experience: elegant yet welcoming, with an atmosphere that encourages you to relax and fully savour the moment. It felt less like dining out and more like being hosted. In every respect--food, service, ambiance, and that all-important personal touch--this restaurant operates at a world-class level. A truly outstanding experience and one I will be returning to again and again. read more

4.5 rounded up to 5. One of the better Indian spots. Good food and good service. We were able to walk in as a party of 2 on a Wednesday night around 6:30pm but we probably got the last table available. It was otherwise mostly full. We got the lamb vindaloo and paneer tikka masala with garlic naan and mango lassi and really enjoyed everything! They had more lamb and paneer pieces compared to most places, which was nice. And the lamb vindaloo wasn't as spicy compared to most places, which I appreciated. The owner stopped by every table multiple times to check on how everything was going. Overall, a good spot! read more

See all

**vegetarian review** I got the malai kofta and someone else got the paneer tikka masala- spicy, rosemary naan etc. The food is not bad but average. Nothing stood out in flavour. The rosemary naan - I expected would have fresh rosemary and it doesn't. Barely any herb flavour. The paneer tikka - had soft paneer but the spicy level felt like red chilly powder was added on top and mixed in. Not cooked through. We also got ras malai and gulab jamun. Those were good but could be packaged ones like Nanak as the flavour was similar/equally good. Not bad food at all but I bet there are better places around. read more

We had a very solid meal here. I'm only deducting one star due to service and ambiance; service was slow and we had to waive the waiter down a few times to order. They also forgot our drinks and we had to ask again. The lime soda was delicious (get it salty + sweet)! We enjoyed the butter garlic shrimp appetizer, but the mains were standouts. I loved the chicken saag and chicken madras. The paneer tikka masala had a great flavor but a tad sweet. The spot is crowded and tables are close together so the noise level is high. I will order again as takeout. read more

Cloves Indian Cuisine - Butter Garlic Shrimp - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

See all

I really enjoyed this restaurant i just didn't think the price was worth the entire meal. Unfortunately these restaurants are only found in more high end areas of NYC. I will admit I enjoyed my meal with two other men who happened to eat more than me but we were all satisfied with the food. The service was super attentive with many staff and the food arrived in a decent amount of time hot and fresh! We enjoyed our whole variety and I really loved all kinds of Naan we got which was Garlic, Cheese and Lamb filled Naan. The curries were all great too! Definitely can't go wrong with what varieties they have along with chef specials they have daily. Favorite bite for me was the yummy samosa! Definitely worth grabbing! read more

See all

Everything tasted good. It's a weird layout in this restaurant, everyone sitting super close together. But the food was lovely. It would've been great if they had sent us with extra bread with our leftovers instead of just the leftover half-piece we had in the basket. A little bit pricey but it's worth it for consistently great tasting food. It's very very fattening. I don't think I could eat here often. But it's good if you're craving Indian food and a once in a while treat. read more

Cloves Indian Cuisine - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

See all

This place is quickly becoming popular after opening 11 months ago. The service was impeccable from start to finish, and the owner was so respectful and welcoming. The food was phenomenal. Every dish we tried was thoughtfully prepared and delicious. My favorite dish was the Malai Kofta. I truly wish this place nothing but the best, and I can't wait to go back. read more

See all

Cloves is my absolute favourite Indian in the city that I've tried thus far. I've dined in once and have ordered it several times. The dine-in experience was fantastic, made all the better by the excellent service. We even got to meet the owner who came out and chatted with us; he's really someone that cares about the customer experience. The Losuni Gobi (fried cauliflower with garlic sauce) will send you over the edge because it's so good. For mains, the highlights for me have been the Lamb Madras, Tandoori Chicken, Palak Paneer, Butter Chicken, and Chicken Tikka Masala (especially when consumed curled up on the couch nursing a wicked hangover). The food is SO good and warming, and instantly banishes any hangxiety you might be feeling. Of course, the naan is also to die for; it's perfectly chewy, flavourful, and IS the moment. Side note, the food is always so good, that I forget to take pictures of it all, but trust that this is a place to go. read more

See all

Sooooo good. Butter chicken was DELISH. Ellie was the best I'm obsessed w her vibe and energy.

While visiting NYC, we wanted to enjoy some of the fantastic ethnic food options available in the Big Apple. Indian is always one of our favorite cuisines, when we noticed Cloves was near our hotel, we decided to give it a try. After being seated at our table in the cozy restaurant, we felt like royalty. Several different staff members stopped by our table throughout to bring the various courses, see that we had what we needed, that our food was to our liking, and that any used items were cleared. Each of the food items was served hot and were attractively plated. As far as taste, each had several layers of wonderful Indian spices that were bursting with flavor. To top it all off, the prices were fair for NYC. read more

See all

We had to try Cloves after reading such great Yelp reviews and it did not disappoint! We went with a big group for new years eve and Syed, the owner, and his staff were all warm and welcoming. We had the mango Lassis which were delicious, not too thin, not too thick. We tried the cauliflower, broccoli and samosas for appetizers. The broccoli was cold and a bit soggy in a yogurt sauce which I think is how it's supposed to be but it took some getting used to. The samosas and cauliflower were very good. For entrees the chicken Tikka masala, vegetable korma, fig lamb were all very good. The special sea bass was fabulous. The cocktails and wine were also very good. All around a great meal and a place we'll be back to! read more

See all

This place was surprisingly busy for a holiday evening. Atmosphere was lively yet inviting. Of course the fan favorites were on the menu, but there were some delicious sounding specials as well. We got the special of lamb masala which was sooooo good. Service was overall great for a busy evening and the wine we ordered went fab with everything too. The manager, however, kept hounding us to leave a review. He was not too thrilled that i left a yelp review and urged us to fill out a Google review. Food was good, but this explains the numerous reviews. Come for the food, but beware of harrassment. read more

We were visiting from LA, and our driver recommended this gem of a place! They have Excellent food and outstanding service. We'll definitely be back! read more

Clove is an elegant restaurant on Madison and 29th Street. Service is prompt and unobtrusive. Appetizers we had the onion fritters, which were fresh and crisp. The potato chat was well balanced and tasty. Both first rate. The lamb with figs, a recommended favorite, was disappointing. Most of the pieces of the lamb were tough although the mixture of figs, lamb, potato and clove had a deep and sweet flavor. The Achari Aloo Ghobi, vegetarian mixture of cauliflower, potatoes and peas was well flavored and balanced. We shared a lovely Ras Malai dessert. Why not five stars? First, the fig lamb was really disappointing. Second while nearly all the other food was very good, it was not exceptional. With all the Indian food readily available not only in NYC but in Edison/Iselin and Jersey City New Jersey, the food overall would have to be a step up to be five stars. read more

Excellent food Punjabi style, excellent service. My favorite Indian restaurant in NYC. Dal Makhnj 10/10 Kadai Paneer 10/10 Garlic naan 10/10. Will be back on next trip to NYC! read more

we ordered the malai kofta, palak paneer, gobi manchurian and garlic naan. the food was a bit too heavy and the palak paneer is kind of sweet. still a cute restaurant and the malai kofta was my favorite dish! service is pretty quick. read more

Cloves Indian Cuisine - food - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

All three of us who had dinner here recently found the food and atmosphere perfect for our get-together, and the service was quick and courteous. I love Indian food and have tried many restaurants in NYC, and this is among the best. I'd definitely return for more meals here. read more

We were a party of 7, and everyone had an excellent dish. From the appetizers straight through to the gulab juman, everyone was happy. Our dishes included, tikka masala, tandori chicken, lamb masala, lamb josh, and more. Wonderful people too. I've lived in the neighborhood for over 30 years and there are some fine indian restaurants. Thi one is a notch above! We'll be back. read more

Holy shrimp was the my favorite dinner in my week stay in NY!!! We had the samosa to start and my friend and I inhaled them!! To die for. We got some girly martinis that are 10/10! Finished by the most spiritual experience with the butter chicken, garlic naan, cheese naan and lemon rice. My friend and I couldn't say any words but wow, omg, stfu, are they joking.. but that dinner was mainly enjoyed in silence. In blissful silence and delight. Fahad was our server and went above and beyond!!!! Thank you for making my last night in New York so memorable!!!! read more

Cloves Indian Cuisine - Dessert and a baddie - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

This place is an absolute gem! The food was 10/10, we loved the butter chicken and garlic naan combo (so good!) and Fahad was so great. The service was above and beyond. We even got a free mini dessert that was delicious! I will be coming back read more

Food 4.0/5.0 Service 4.0/5.0 Value 3.0/5.0 Decor 3.5/5.0 Overall 4.0/5.0 Nice white tablecloth spot on Madison. I am intrigued by how they've done such a commendable job of curating their reviews. Mind you, I do like this place, but the scores across the platforms are quite pristine as of early 2025. Food was good, service was decent. Prices were fine for this part of town. Not quite dying to come back, but wouldn't mind it. read more

My favorite Indian takeout spot by far! I always order the chicken tikka masala or paneer tikka masala--both are consistently flavorful and satisfying. I also love their daal, which is hearty and perfectly spiced. Perfect for a cozy night in or whenever I'm craving comforting Indian food. Highly recommend! read more

I happened to discover Cloves after another Indian restaurant that I was initially trying to reserve was too challenging to secure. I had not heard of the restaurant previously, but saw all of the positive reviews and thought it would be a fantastic alternative. The spot was located in a corporate area of Flatiron, but the place was still packed on that Saturday evening. The restaurant was long and narrow, and well-adorned with white tablecloths, a modern-looking bar, and several framed Indian photographs on the walls. From the moment we walked into the warm, cozy space, we were treated with gracious, friendly service that lasted throughout our experience. The atmosphere was not the only positive either. The food and drinks were also excellent! My Jalapeno Watermelon Margarita included real fruit puree. It offered a balance of spicy and sweet that could not be beat (see what I did there). My companion's Kingfisher beer was crisp and easy to drink. When it came to the food, we each ordered our own breads and main dishes. Unfortunately, the entrees did not come with rice, so we ordered a large bowl of the basmati and peas to share, which was reasonably priced at $5. I topped my rice with the Kadai Chicken, a blend of boneless chicken, tomatoes, and bell peppers in a spicy, chunky sauce that was more like a paste than something thick and creamy. In addition, when I had placed the order, I had asked if the chicken was white meat, to which the server replied that it was not, but that he could happily have it made that way. Well, the chicken was unbelievably tender, so I would say that they should always use or offer the white meat variety. I paired my meal with the Peshawari Naan, which was very fluffy and had a bright pink filling made from raisins, almonds, and coconut. It tasted similar to marzipan and was heavenly delicious! In fact, it resembled the first Peshawari Naan I had ever had (from the former Taj in Tribeca), and I had been unable to locate one as delectable for years...until Cloves that is! My partner had opted for the Lamb Vindaloo, which he got at the recommended heat level of 7 out of 10. The selection offered a slow-building heat, but he could have tolerated a bit more spice. The lean, tender lamb had been stewed in the smooth, creamy sauce and was really tasty. His accompanying Onion Kulcha was also delicious. I have to say that Cloves offered the best Indian food I had had in quite some time. The welcoming staff and pleasant dining room were added bonuses. read more

I would give them six stars! Honestly as good as when we visited India. Polite, respectful and considerate service with quick turnaround. Superb ingredients, well prepared, balanced, nicely portioned and presented. Majority of people in there appeared to be Indian. They clearly are onto something. read more

On Tuesday, I was meeting a family friend for lunch. We decided to go for Indian food and I chose Cloves. Located on Madison Avenue between 27th and 28th Streets, this restaurant is a year old. The interior is pretty with many last poster style photographs. The menu had many choices. We chose to share Onion Pakoras and Chicken Garlic Kebab as our appetizers. Then Chicken Biryani as our main course. Both the pakoras and kebabs had the same decoration of tiny julienned red cabbage and carrots. The pakoras were crisp and tasty. Tamarind and green chutneys were served alongside to dip into for extra flavor. The kebabs were tender and flavorful. Then came the chicken biryani with a ramekin of raita which always accompanies this renown rice dish. I am sure we could have asked for more yogurt. Garlic naan was too bready, not smeared with ghee and with hardly a taste of garlic. Was there a shortage of this bulb in the kitchen? Or did the line cook not know how to make it? The finest garlic naan to date in the Big Apple was at the folded SONA. I mentioned it to the manager who said that he would make it to my specifications next time but it would be ideal if it was changed for everyone. To make up for the less than stellar naan we were given dessert on the house - 2 Gulab Jamuns. This is predominantly served festivals and weddings. As Shehbaz was celebrating his birthday, I let him have my dessert. read more

See all

I was so delighted with my saag paneer dinner at Cloves tonight! It tasted like homemade - soft, creamy paneer in a fresh, vibrant green spinach gravy that was perfectly spiced. Service was warm and attentive. Atmosphere was lovely. I will absolutely come back the next time I am in NY! read more

Cloves Indian Cuisine - Saag paneer - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

We love to try new Indian spots whenever we travel and Cloves was close to the office and hotel. We visited on a Monday night and had the Shrimp Balchao, Mulligatawany, Chicken Kerala, and Baingan Bharta. I cannot begin to describe how delicious all of the food was! Each dish that was delivered to our table was better than the last and we left the restaurant stunned and ready to come back for more. If I lived in NYC this would be my go to Indian restaurant! The service was also excellent. And the restaurant itself was lovely. read more

6 stars! Food was incredible! Great atmosphere and ambiance! Service was unbelievable! Syed made our night! End of work trip with our team and it ended perfectly at Cloves! My go to spot from now on for Indian read more

Great food and great staff! Delicious and the vibes were amazing, chicken and lamb were both great!

Delish food, calm ambiance, friendly staff, and reasonable prices. Cloves is great! I'll definitely be back and would strongly recommend

Naseem took great care of us twice during brunch with the Lamb Rogan Josh, Chicken Tikka Masala, with Basmati rice and Naan bread. Everything well prepared, hot, and delicious. Very peaceful dining, which we like very much. It's very hard to find a good quality Indian restaurant that is under $100 for a couple in Manhattan. Worth the trip to NoMad. read more

Absolutely the best food I've had in this city for a long time and 100% the best I've had in the neighborhood. We dined on a VERY busy Saturday night with a line out the door. The staff worked tirelessly to insure everyone got a table . The food was absolutely worth the wait and the staff was incredibly kind and attentive. Even my nine year old felt spoiled. I'll be flying across the country to eat their kadai chicken again soon. Eat here now before it's too famous and busy to ever get a table. read more

Enjoyed some good indian food here. The ambiance was lovely and the service iexcellent. The food was perfectly fine- not 5 star but still good. The paladin were crisp. The chicken tikka masala was tasty but not nearly as hot as i ordered. The salad was fresh and generous and the fish was good. There are definitely better indian restaurants in the city but if you are in the area this place is fine. read more

See all

This newish Curry Hill-adjacent restaurant might be our current fave sit-down Indian dinner joint in town. After my second meal here, I can confidently say that it's a worthy addition to our date night rotation. During my most recent visit, I was once again impressed with the superb service (the kind that's magically present whenever you need something, but otherwise leaves you alone), monstrous portions, flavor-packed dishes, and a sophisticated but unpretentious ambiance. I've yet to have a dish I didn't enjoy, but special shoutouts to the palak paneer and garlic naan. Their prices are quite reasonable, as well. With two veg dishes, a side of rice, and a bread, our total rang up to barely $60 -- and we had roughly 50% of each veg to take home for leftovers! We had some initial reservations about the acoustics, but I ascertained that the extreme volume was probably due to our window seating during our first visit. On hand one, it's nice to have a view of the foot traffic passing by along Madison Ave., but the glass bounces sound back pretty aggressively. When seated in the middle of the room, we didn't experience this effect and were able to enjoy a delightful conversation with the pleasant hum of background noise. read more

See all

Amazing food and the service is spectacular! I have a great time every time I come here. Please treat yourself to a delicious meal, I especially recommend the lamb vindaloo which is just the right amount of spicy read more

Might be one of my new favorite restaurants in the city, but definitely the favorite under the "Indian food" category. The flavors were delicious and the staff was so nice. My only comment is that the main dish portions are smaller than what I typically get at Indian restaurants. Would have appreciated a few more pieces of chicken for sure :) read more

Cloves Indian Cuisine - Butter Chicken (right) and Palak Paneer (left) - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

Exquisite flavors, friendly staff. Extensive menu. Will return. Fresh spices. Nice location. read more

Cloves Indian Cuisine - A bit noisy and crowded but absolutely delicious! I will return. - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Very attentive service, great food, and a nice atmosphere. I stopped in while in town on my own, so didn't have the chance to try as many dishes as I would have liked; but all that I did try were very good. The samosas were piping hot and nice and crispy shell, and filled perfectly with no air pockets. They had a bit of heat to them (not hot peppers, just a nice subtle heat, I believe from cinnamon) which was unexpected but a pleasant surprise. The lamb biryani was very flavorful and tender. The raita was well prepared and not watery. Will definitely be back next time I'm in town. read more

Cloves Indian Cuisine - Lamb Biryani, Raita, Naan - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

I saw a sea of five-star reviews as I went to write mine, and I have to ask: What are you all smoking (and can I have some)? Cloves is mid, at best. It's neither unique enough to compete with the Gazabs, Semmas or even Tamarinds of NYC, nor is it cheap enough to belong to the average-but-affordable category. It falls squarely in the mediocre middle. The menu is mostly generic, par-for-the-course, pan-Indian offerings--boring, watered down stuff that Westerners (who will never actually visit India) love. The only standout item for me was the Salmon Tikka Jafrezi, which featured nicely tender cuts of salmon in a spiced, stir-fry medley with vegetables. Get this. WARNING: The reason for my low rating is not because of the food. It's because of the scummy, scammy way we were billed. They automatically added a 20% gratuity to to our bill, yet still left space for a tip--AND DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE ADDED GRATUITY. I don't have a problem with restaurants adding automatic tips, but they'll make a point to mention it at some point during your meal. Cloves' staff deliberately stayed mum. This was proven when we confronted the staff, and the manager tried to play dumb for a while before finally admitting to being aware of the added gratuity and claiming it was a system issue. When we pointed out that that didn't explain why the staff didn't say anything, he just mumbled something about looking into it. Wonder if that extra gratuity they've sneakily collected is paying for all these five-star reviews? read more