Best Indian cuisine in the Carolinas! Even before ordering, the waiters create a wonderful and very gently fragrant atmosphere in a glass. Everyone on staff is warm and welcoming, and our waiter, Matthew, was friendly, courteous, and efficient. The food is creative, beautifully presented, and delicious. We travel from SC to eat here- it's that good (and we judge with a NY foodie palate!) If you like Indian food, this is the place! read more

Jalwa Indian Bistro is a true gem in Raleigh. The staff are incredibly friendly and took the time to explain the delicacies on the menu with genuine passion. The experience started with a unique, aromatic cinnamon-and-smoke table-side vapor that was a delight for the senses. The decor and ambiance was perfect! Starters: The scallops were fresh, and the Garlic Naan paired with their vibrant, colorful dipping sauces is a must-order. Mains Entree: The Lamb Shank was incredibly tender (fell right off the bone!), and the Butter Chicken tender morsels was tender. Dessert: Don't skip the Mango Lassi Tiramisu--a brilliant, refreshing fusion. High-quality food with a touch of theatrical flair. We also got complimentary two scoops of ice cream! We will definitely be back! read more

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I had a nice dinner here. Everything is made fresh, very flavorful and colorful, and without MSG or artificial coloring. My friend and I tried numerous small plates, shared a large plate, then had a main dish each. The drinks were delicious as well (a mango lychee mocktail and a dragonfruit margarita, which was strong). The small and large plates are shareable and the main dish was filling for one. We had the shrimp cooked inside of the coconut and the lobster makhani . I would return for both dishes and to try new ones. Service could have been a tad quicker. I saw everybody receiving their naan bread first when we ordered twice. Also as a first timer here, it would have been nice to get a description or explanation of the different dishes; the staff would just place dishes on the table and walk off. Plenty of parking in the shopping center. They also have a private (not closed off) room for groups. read more

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Food really went downhill. They focus on "wow" factor and not taste. I would avoid this place. The atmosphere is okay but not as classy as you would expect for the price read more

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One of my friends recommended this place and it was a great hidden find. We got a variety of dishes and drinks and confidently say it was well done. My favorite was the paneer as it was home made and filled with flavor. The cauliflower appetizer was also very unique and personally have never seen something like that at any restaurant. The naan was also easily one of the best naans I have had in the area. Overall very good food. One thing to note is you cannot change the spice level which is generally fine but if you like things on the spicier side then just something to note. Their menu also rotates from my understanding. Service here was top notch and the people working here was very friendly and helped with variety of dietary restrictions. The owner was also walking around making great conversation. Ambiance inside was also good. They also have a cool activity before you start eating which I have never seen before. Plenty of parking. Prices are on the higher end but comes with higher quality food for sure. Overall really liked this place and will be back! Will be curious to see how the menu changes in the future but as long as the quality stays the same excited to see what they bring next. read more

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100th Review!!!! I figured I might as well go all out for the 100th review. So I took a chance and went to Raleigh to go try out Jalwa, and I'm glad I did. I was blessed with some of the best Indian- no scratch that, some of the best food I've ever had. As soon as we sat down the waiter came by we informed him neither one of us had ever been there before. The waiter let us know that everything Jalwa had to offer was fresh. Meaning there were no MSG added, no food coloring, nothing artificial, no preservatives and all the produce was purchased from local farmers! With every bite you get a taste of Raleigh. Once we ordered our food the waiter came back with a glass of masala and he dropped some water in there which made it smoke up, it smelled up the table with a delicious aroma. The entire ambiance of the place was upscale. From the light up menu's to the gold silverware, the attention to detail was impeccable. The food though, was the star of the show. Everything we had was finger smacking good. We got the saag burrata, the samosa chaat, and a whole bunch of other things. The presentation, the flavor, everything was top notch. For the drinks the waiter said they do not use anything canned/bottled, all the juices were freshly squeezed. I got the Jaipur Jewel which was vodka, lime, ginger beer and fresh pomegranate that was muddled into the drink along with some mint. It was so good. And we also got cotton candy shots, which ended up melting into a gold glitter, not sure how they pulled that off but it was amazing to see it unfold. The service was amazing from start to finish. The entire staff was super attentive and made us feel super special. Going in to the place I thought it may just be some insanely overpriced restaurant that was going to be mediocre, and I'm so ecstatic that I was proven wrong. I will definitely be back! read more

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We attended a private event at Jalwa this evening. The restaurant design is beautiful, and the food was delicious and inventive. We also really enjoyed the cocktails we ordered. Unfortunately, the service was painfully slow, and there was an error on our bill that took some time to resolve. We also never received a refill of our waters. I ordered the butter chicken and basket of papad. The sauces that came with the basket were delicious, as was the butter chicken sauce. What I didn't like about the butter chicken was that the chicken came in the form of meatballs that had a strange texture. There are several items on the menu that look interesting to me, so I'm willing to return to give a second chance. read more

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Let me start off by saying Matthew K. is reason enough to come back alone. He's so nice and attentive. I highly recommend! The food was delicious. Now if you want the long version of this then keep reading... I showed up a little early--around 4:10 PM--because Google said they were open, but it turns out they close briefly between lunch and dinner service (they reopen at 4:30). Still, the staff was incredibly kind and let me sit while they finished prepping the dining room. The waiter was super welcoming and made me feel right at home. Right after seating me, he brought over a jar filled with spices and dry ice, then poured boiling water over it to release the aromas. He told me to inhale deeply to "open up my senses" for the food I was about to enjoy--and y'all, it was such a cool, unexpected experience! Like a mini pre-dinner ritual. Loved it. For drinks, I ordered a Jaipur Jewel cocktail and a candy shot. The Jaipur Jewel was super refreshing--no bottled juices here, just fresh fruit and bold flavors. The candy shot was strong and came with a little piece of cotton candy (so cute!). I do wish it had been served chilled, but still fun. Originally, I ordered the chicken tikka masala, but the waiter double-checked and let me know it had cashews (which I'm allergic to). I really appreciated the attentiveness! He recommended a coconut-based curry (moilee sauce) that's usually paired with fish, but it worked beautifully with chicken. It was delicious--rich, flavorful, and came out quickly. The garlic naan on the side was perfection. My only tiny wish was that the curry had some onions or bell peppers for a little texture contrast, but it was still so satisfying. I'll definitely be coming back to try more dishes and cocktails. The food, the drinks, the service--all hit the mark. read more

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Is this place expensive for Indian food? Yes! However you will not find a better example of Indian fine dining than this place. Everything is super creative, and the service is absolutely phenomenal! If you think that Indian restaurants aren't great date night places, you would be wrong, this one definitely is a great spot for a date or special occasion! read more

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The service here is top notch, very friendly and attentive staff, constantly checking on you and making sure you have everything you need! I did not realize this restaurant was fine dining, but the interior totally transforms as you walk in the door from a strip shopping mall exterior. With that being said it is definitely more on the expensive side. The food was delicious, our waiter recommended many dishes that were fantastic! read more

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This new Indian restaurant is a must-try experience! From the minute you walk in, you are treated to an explosion of beauty and taste. This is not just going out to eat, it's immersing yourself in an elevated Indian-inspired experience. Know that every sip, every bite is carefully crafted with pure ingredients, utilizing an amazing array of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, etc. It's been almost a week and I'm still thinking about the Punjab Punch cocktail I enjoyed. Made from fresh beetroot, celery, jalapeno, carrot, orange juice, ginger and vodka, it is so refreshing, with just the right amount of heat. Two others loved the Madras Magic with fresh pineapple juice, bourbon, agave & lime. There are small plates, big plates, amazing breads. Everything is plated as works of art and tastes range from simple to complex. Favorites were all the breads. The four of us shared the Assorted Papad Basket with four chutneys, the garlic naan, and chili garlic naan. YUM. Also highly recommend the Pineapple & Pomegranate Raita which is served in a half pineapple. For us it helped cool off the Shrimp Do-Piaza, which I also highly recommend. Our friends really liked the Baklava small plate, which was not small. For dessert, we would all recommend the Mango Tiramisu. Least favorite was the Tres Leches dessert. I will also say that while the Shrimp Vindaloo small plate was incredibly beautiful and had some good flavors, it was difficult to eat. Some of the other dishes are better for sharing. Service is incredible. Our waters stayed filled. Manager Sonny checked on us. The only small glitch was the forgetting of our friend's tea, but when she asked about it, it came out. Everyone is clearing working hard and are so proud of what they are doing and they should be. Indian food has never been at the top of my list of favorite cuisines. I like it, but normally when I have it, I enjoy it but don't crave it. This place is another story. I can't stop craving that Punjab Punch. And can't stop thinking about all the other things I want to still experience there. Highly recommend for a date night or a get-together with friends. It's fun, it's fabulous! read more

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I was skeptical of this place for sure, especially given that the prices are a little steep, but the food here is out of this world and experience is amazing! I would definitely recommend going here at least once to anyone. I've had a lot of Indian food, and this definitely blew me away. The Service was also amazing! The outside of the place looks a little bit weird because it's in a strip mall, but the inside is beautiful. read more

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Jalwa Indian Bistro is Raleighs newest Indian restaurant located off of Falls of Neuse road serving up some scrumptious food that not only looks amazing but tastes amazing as well. Each dish is well thought out and curated maintaining the balance of modern and traditional flavors. Perfect for a date night or a family dinner, Jalwa offers a unique take on traditional Indian dishes with a modern twist. Jalwa is a zero waste kitchen using all natural ingredients, no food colors or MSG. I was really impressed with the presentation of every dish from the cocktails, appetizers to the dessert. Their signature cocktails are made from fresh ingredients and you can tell when you take a sip. Don't drink alcohol? Not a problem. Their signature drinks can be made without alcohol as well. Here's what we got: Lamb Sukka Vol Au Vent Open Samosa Chaat Chilean Sea Bass Kofta Delight Deconstructed Shahi Tukda White Wine Chuski Coconut Milk Saffron Dulce I am definitely going back to try the rest. read more

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I really enjoyed this restaurant, from the food to the ambience and the service. Everything was explained to me in detail along with the waiters personal favorites. The details that were put into this dining experience were things I've never seen before. The menus had a backlight on them for readability, which I thought was really cool and thoughtful. Your dinner starts with an aromatic experience of dry ice and spices floating across your table. The more complicated dishes were explained in detail when they came out. All in all, I loved the creative passion that went into this place, and all the food was great quality too. I would love to go back and try the mango lassi tiramisu. The only thing I don't like is the price point of most items. A little high for sure, but maybe some would think the overall experience makes up for that. read more

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We did take-out for 3 and it was scrumptious. A little pricey but worth it. My husband went into pick up the food and said how gorgeous the place is inside. read more

What an incredible restaurant tucked away in this strip. Service - impeccable. The bartender creates some amazing drinks and takes such pride in explaining them and executing. So good. Our server was incredibly informative, also so invested and proud of what they're doing here and for good reason. This is gourmet 5 star Indian cuisine with a few modern touches. The plating presentations must be experienced in person to fully appreciate. They are focused on the total dining experience here beginning with a dry ice spice aromatherapy all the way through to dessert. We tried cauliflower, samosa, naan, lamb, sea bass and I'm certain I'm forgetting at least two. All worthy of having again. Can't wait to go back. (Best crispy garlic naan we've had and yet we didn't take a picture...) read more

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I visited Jalwa Indian Restaurant for a soft-launch Offline event, and stepping inside felt like entering a jewel box with a marble wall, gold-etched wallpaper, and stunning chandeliers in an intimate, beautifully designed space. Their drink menu is expansive with a full bar, Indian beers, and specialty martinis. I tried one of the martinis which was smooth, balanced, and delicious. A tip: know your spice tolerance before ordering. The Crab Cake was bursting with flavor but set my mouth on fire. The Open Samosa Chaat stole the show for presentation with its deconstructed style, tiny chutney tubes, and perfect mix of crisp, creamy, and tangy. For mains, the Chicken Marsala was the standout, rich, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. The Chicken Dum Biryani was fragrant and bold, but the heat was intense. The Smoky Butter Chicken had great flavor but came as a ground chicken ball, which wasn't what I expected. Service was phenomenal and the presentation top-notch. But for me, the spice level was overpowering, and I left with my mouth still burning. Would I return? On my own, probably not. If invited, absolutely, and I'd stick with the Marsala. read more

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We arrived around 6 PM and were the only group at the time. The servers were friendly and accommodating, making us feel welcome right away. After being seated, we were presented with a dry ice-scented display, which added a unique and mystical touch to the experience. Our drinks arrived soon after, though my Indian tea was served a bit too cold for my liking. The food was flavorful overall but could have used more heat--likely tailored more toward Western palates. The chicken korma was slightly tough, but the chicken biryani was absolutely perfect--aromatic and well-balanced. The naan bread stood out: light, buttery, and garlicky--just right. The highlight of the night for me was the open-face samosas, which was bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. read more

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Ciera with Offline - This was my second visit to Jalwa, and I'm happy to say it still hits the mark. You can tell there's a very structured, no-nonsense culture behind the scenes, hopefully one that treats employees well, but from a guest's perspective, the experience has always been smooth, consistent, and genuinely enjoyable. Each time I've dined here, I've left impressed by how comforting and authentic everything feels. The little details, like the way dishes are presented and the warmth of the service, create this cozy, almost homemade atmosphere that feels true to the roots of the cuisine. I really appreciate that they stay authentic instead of trying to over-modernize or "Americanize" their cultural dishes. The drinks are always top-tier (seriously, never had a bad one). On my most recent visit, I tried the meatballs which were flavorful and unique, though a bit different from what I personally expected. That's more of a me-thing than a critique, because the quality and care in preparation were still there. Their naan and appetizers are always standouts fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. And I know this might sound funny, but I even love their takeout bags! Every time I have leftovers, I keep the bag because it's so nice and sturdy that it feels like a little gift to reuse later. Overall, Jalwa remains one of those rare spots where you feel both comforted and inspired with every bite. I'm excited to keep coming back and work my way through the rest of the menu. read more

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This place is incredible. Most attentive service I've ever experienced in Raleigh. The food was spectacular, and the cocktails were fun and refreshing. I cannot recommend this place enough! read more

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This place exceeded my expectations. Beautiful clean decore. Excellent service and ambiance. Food was very good. But, the monk fish was a little too firm for me It's a little pricey, but worth every penny. We will go back for sure! read more

We went to celebrate my wife's bday with our two kids (under 10) and we had a blast! The food was great- the modern take on traditional northern and southern Indian dishes did not disappoint. The service was phenomenal as well, multiple servers and staff engaged our kids. The decor and overall vibe was really great as well. read more

Jalwa Indian Bistro - Samosa chaat - Indian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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My parents were in town, so I wanted to try out a new place with them, as well all really like Indian food. We had a fantastic experience. The staff is incredibly attentive and helpful. My Mom is Gluten Free, so the waiter was great about pointing out what was safe. They even brought her a separate scoop of ice cream so she could enjoy a dessert with us but avoid the gluten (they did not charge us for that). We got the shrimp and Stuffed Hara Bahra Kebab and Dal Muzzafar for appetizers. Oh my gosh, they were both delicious and very unique. My Dad and I don't drink alcohol, so they had a great mocktail list and we could even order any signature drink and get it virgin. I got the lychee "martini" and the juice was incredibly delicious. I think they make that in house. Dad was also very happy with his drink. My Mom tried the Indian red wine since the other wines by the glass were really overpriced and she ended up enjoying the wine, so if you are adventurous, definitely give it a try. For mains, we had the Scallops, the Monkfish and the Pompano like whole fish and shared them all. The only let down of the evening was the whole fish. None of us enjoyed it, but we had plenty to eat and enjoy with the scallops and the monk fish. The winner was the monk fish. Don't miss out on that! We also got naan (the garlic naan was wonderful) and they give you a helping of rice with your dinner. The presentation, wait staff, bartender, hostess, ambiance and the food made for a lovely evening out. The only negative was the 20% gratuity added on for our party of 3. It was buried in the bill and there is another line below your total listing "tip". Now, I have seen that added on for large parties and either the waiter calls it out, or it says "additional tip" at the bottom of the receipt. My Dad ended up tipping twice, but when he called the restaurant, they graciously removed the additional tip. Just know that tip is already included. read more

This was such a fun and inviting dining experience! Love the attention to detail that this whole restaurant has - from decor to menu lighting to food presentation. The food was delicious and had plenty of vegetarian options too! I would definitely recommend coming here for a special meal. read more

Jalwa Indian Bistro - Tofu small plate - Indian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I thought that I was just going to a regular Indian restaurant. This place is not that. It's a whole mood. From the decor to the food it is worth every penny. Our server Brian was great from the start, and even helping me with picking my meal. He went above and beyond! read more

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First time ordering food at this restaurant. The reception was pleasant and helpful with the menu. The food is on the expensive side but worth it. They provide lots of plate options for vegetarian dishes. In my take out order I got the Saag Burrata mild with Garlic Naan. This meal could feed three people. It was delicious as the receptionist suggested. I'm happy that I have enough for lunch tomorrow. The veggie sauce went well with the naan. The atmosphere appeared to be nice and treatment of customer satisfaction. read more

What a wonderful dining experience we had in celebration of a birthday! From the start of making our reservation, to the greeting and warm welcome by the owner we felt as if we were part of ones family. The unique presentation of the food, the beauty of the dining areas and the wonderful food made for a delightful evening. We will certainly return. Highlights that our table all enjoyed were the sea bass, the lamb shank and don't miss the home made garlic naan. OH! and the cocktails were almost to beautful to enjoy but of course we did but they were artistic into themselves! Happy to support this new restaurant and encourage you to not miss this one! read more

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Amazing food and service! So many great options on the menu. Beautifully displayed and delicious. Service was attentive. Cocktails also fun! read more

Jalwa Indian Bistro - Samosa chaat - Indian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

The restaurant is beautiful and the service was great. Unfortunately, we found that the prices were extremely high and the food was not that tasty. Everything looked beautiful but was just bland. The pinwheels were excellent. The lamb however was dry and the chicken curry was bland. I wanted to like the place but for the prices in don't think I can give it another shot. read more

This is not typical indian cuisine. This is fine dining, Indian style. We enjoyed their mocktails...didn't miss the alcohol so much. Dinner was really a new experience. Highly recommended. read more

When you walk in the ambience is beautiful! The menu's light up when you open it! Sunny the owner was so attentive to us and all the other guest! All the staff treat you like royalty. The drinks, food and deserts were outstanding!!! This place itself is an experience I won't forget. We wish they were in Northwest Arkansas. We have a lot of great places to eat but this by far was wonderful!!!!! We would highly recommend them!!! I gave them 5 star if I could I would give them 6! read more

Jalwa Indian Bistro - The restaurant! - Indian Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

The food is out of this world!! Service was excellent and ambiance is perfect for a memorable evening out. You have to try this restaurant!! read more

Great experience. Excellent food. Outstanding service. The food presentations were incredible. We had a birthday celebration with five people. All were satisfied. The portions were large, spicy and delicious. Highly recommend. The entree prices are top of market, but so was the value. read more

Lovely restaurant! Food was amazing and the service was excellent. In fact, everyone from the owner, the waiter, and the bartender were extremely friendly. Will definitely be back! So many things to try! read more

This is an exquisite restaurant environment... Upon arrival it's a mesmerizing portal into a welcoming host. The drinks were a work of art. The service was superb. The food presentation was a traditional delight. However the food was just ok. I really wanted to love it and I did eat it. All food was served barely warm, not hot. The Nan wasn't even warm. I generally say something, however they were so proud and I was the only diner as I came in at 4:30. Other customers began to arrive as I was completing my experience . read more

First, I wish they had not used the word "bistro" in their name. To me (and by definition - see any dictionary), a bistro is an informal, simple place to get inexpensive and not-fancy food. Jalwa is not a bistro. From the chandeliers to the tablecloths and dry ice greeting when you first sit down, this is an upscale restaurant. There is nothing informal about it. That said, the food is beautiful - gorgeous presentation! It is also overpriced and not as tasty as our favorite neighborhood takeout. We had the Saag Burrata ($29) and the Chicken Tikka Masala ($35). The flavors were not as complex as we would like and lacked depth of flavor. The cocktails were delicious and beautiful - and very expensive. I would have given this 4 stars if not for the misnaming. read more

As a fan of Indian food for many decades, I can say without reservation that this is the best Indian food I have had in my life. The Service is exceptional and the ambiance is great. It's a little pricey but well worth every penny. read more

There are very few fine Indian Restaurants in Raleigh. My wife and went to Jawa for our 43rd Anniversary and the food and service was fantastic. Sony, the manager made us feel like Royalty! read more

This was a great experience. I can understand the point of the mediocre reviews in that it is not traditional Indian. They have made significant twists on many of the traditional dishes and incorporated ideas from other cuisines. That said, everything we had was very good to exceptional. The whole menu is crafted carefully and thoughtfully, so it is not a massive menu. This is usually a really good sign that the chef takes care to focus the dishes rather than try to appeal to everyone. We had Korma and Chilean sea bass, the Palak Paneer Baklava, a cocktail, chili garlic naan and tres leches dessert. No disappointments. One reviewer stated the portions were small and another said meals were not served hot. This was definitely not our experience. We left full and very pleased. The prices are higher than average, but the creativity in the dishes and the service might just warrant it. Try it out! read more

New upscale Indian restaurant opened in North Raleigh by ex Nazara restaurant, Cary owners. We wouldn't have gone, had we known as that restaurant food was bad. Just like Nazara, this place really disappointed us, especially after paying Manhattan level high prices, food really wasn't what it should be. Service and presentation was excellent but main thing food lacked the substance. Non Indians may like it but our Indian food palates didn't like a single thing that we ordered. Portions are very small for the price. Sauce in the main dishes was so sweet - dessert like sweet and not edible. Indian food is not supposed to be sweet. Biryani can't be called biryani and had no flavor. One drink was good out of 5 drinks we tried. Too much emphasis on the presentation without making sure the food is good. They'll Keep fooling people who don't know what good Indian food is like. Two stars for excellence in service and food presentation. read more