So good. I can't wait to come here again. I got the lamb Marsala and you get to choose your spice level from 1 to 7. I'm not a super spicy guy so I said 3 and he repeated medium. Still it was a dangerous choice. As I ate I felt my bald spot getting damp. My brow began to perspire. The have the best Naan I've had. We got a bread basket. Onion, garlic and some thing with potato. The only issue was when you come in it's kinda confusing what to do. No stand or anyone to seat you at the front. One guy was doing all serving and sitting. He was great though! Never saw a restaurant with a Biden. read more

Went to Nirvana in Chestnut Hill for a Father's Day lunch with my sons. The food was delicious and the service was fantastic. Would recommend and will be back. read more

Honestly, the customer service in here was extremely slow so that alone kind of annoyed me, but they were nice. I will say they're friendly. They're just slow. The fried cauliflower that I got was pretty delicious. The lentils and chicken I got was not good to me. I honestly should've got something different but the chicken wasn't cut up as much as I was hoping it to be and not as flavorful as I was hoping it to be. read more

Nirvana Indian Bistro - Indian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I had to update my review based on my experience on Friday, 09/12. My friend had gotten there 20-25 mins before me, but when I got there, he still hadn't been even asked if he wanted to order anything. I had to usher over the staff to order something and had to constantly usher them everytime we needed something. The service isn't just bad, it's awful. The food is spectacular, but the service is awful given there's only a couple of tables in the entire restaurant too... I wanted to order another dish but got tired of the awful service and just went with our original order. Truly unacceptable experience read more

Nirvana Indian Bistro - Paneer Tikka Masala - Indian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I rarely come on to give a bad review but I was really looking forward to this Indian food tonight so I'm disappointed. Ordered (take-out via DoorDash) Saag Paneer and Chicken Tikka Masala. The Saag had three (3) small cubes of Paneer in the sauce and the Tikka had five (5) "smaller" chucks of chicken. So I felt like I pretty much ordered sauce with rice. I usually write "extra paneer" in the notes on my to-go order because I feel like they lean on the fewer side (but never just 3), but this restaurant doesn't let you leave suggestions or notes on DoorDash anymore. Each dish is about $20 or close to it so it's frustrating to spend that much money and not get much for it. read more

I've always liked their food, but I had a horrible thing happen with their biryani lamb three weeks ago. It was takeout, and there were some very hard bits of bone in the food. And now two very damaged teeth. And lots of money needed to fix them.It was a very expensive meal! Be careful. read more

We made a reservation for a birthday dinner at 1pm and showed up on time to find a hilarious note on the door. (See photo). Is this location closing? Kind of odd. It's by far the best of its kind in northwest Philly so I hope it stays open read more

Nirvana Indian Bistro - Suddenly closed - Indian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Outstanding Indian restaurant, now at this new location right on Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill. Perhaps it's better known as a take-out place, but we stopped in for lunch on a weekday, and we pleased to find such an attractive and comfortable dining room. The menu is quite extensive, with a sizeable vegetarian section - no surprise there - but also quite a variety of meat and fish/seafood choices. We weren't sure about ordering two entrees just for lunch (too much food?), so we stayed with two appetizers plus an order of Naan. The Chili Chicken and Chili Paneer were both excellent choices, and with the naan, an adequately filling lunch. My deputy Yelper praised the chicken as excellent. The dishes were distinguished by the reliance on fresh herbs in the sauces. We specified a roughly "medium" spice level, and it was perfect. Reasonably attentive, friendly staff. We will surely be back. read more

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I cannot speak to the food or the place because I called for ingredient information only. They were very polite and informative.

We got takeout from Nirvana, first time eating Nirvana so wasn't sure exactly what to expect. Pleasantly surprised at how delicious and properly cooked/spiced the food was. You can select how spicy you like a dish, and everything from the rice to the chicken kabobs were excellent, in my opinion. I do recommend trying this place! read more

Love this place, love the food, great people, we've been customers since they opened. And this time I waited an hour and a half for my take out order -- several errors on the online order form (won't use that again), several restarts, partial order, etc etc, just a really unpleasant experience. Mainly, it killed hanging out eating a leisurely meal at home with my spouse on a Friday evening. We have liked this place, will go back eventually, but we'll explore other options until this memory fades. read more

Loved everything about this restaurant! The service was so friendly, helpful and attentive. The food was great. The ambiance is very pleasant. I didn't take pictures of my food because I wasn't planning to write a review in advance but we had such a nice and yummy meal I felt compelled to write a review in appreciation. read more

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All I have to say is WOW! We were blown away by Nirvana from appetizers all the way through. We didn't even have room for dessert. Some of the knock outs were the lamb chops and butter chicken. I don't know if I'll ever go anywhere else for Indian food! read more

Deeeliscious, intimate, authentic, robust flavors busrting from this little restaurant. The cuisine is very fresh. The old world feel adds to the appeal of the meal. If you aren't paying attention. You might miss it. The Samosas were large and very satisfying. Chicken Vindaloo was med-spicy. That wasn't enough spice for me. So order your spice level up one if you come here. Strangely, they are BYOB. Which has its advantages. Very much a great place to sit back and enjoy. read more

Hands down the best Indian food I've had in the past year. It makes the 2-hour bus ride down from NYC worth it. Family-owned. Vegan-friendly, entrees clearly marked. And just incredible flavors. Everything I've tasted here has been delicious that I can't decide on a fav. On the last trip, ordered the: - Alu gobi - Alu saag - Baigan bharta, and - Veg madras curry Must check out the bhindi masala next time. Glad to see this place thriving. New location just opened in West Chestnut. Maybe I can finally dine in and tell the chef in person how much I enjoy their food. read more

I've never had a bad experience at Nirvana! The food is exceptional, portions are generous, and service is quick. The restaurant feels very cozy and homey. My favorites are the chicken tikka masala, mango lassi, and all the different varieties of naan! read more

Nirvana Indian Bistro - a table of food and drinks - Indian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Great food and service and atmosphere. Have not had a bad meal in my 5 trips in 6 weeks!

A gal pal suggested we try out the new restaurant. It was EXCELLENT. I had lamb saag. She had mango chicken? We tasted each other's food and just giggled. We had the smoothie and Indian Coke drink- both awesome. The dining room is TINY but the table settings are works of art- fancy napkin sculptures and elegant, playful silverware & dishes. The onion stuffed naan was exquisite. Our server was attentive, polite and answered our questions without hostility or offense. The spices are ON POINT. Their system of personally developing everyone's plate is outstanding. I discovered that I am a wimpy +2 while my friend is a +3. Trying both our food with the varying heat/spice ratios, I could enjoy and taste all the flavors without having my tongue burned off, lol. My ONLY complaint, which has kept me from trying them in the past, is that to order and pick-up take-out, you must use their back door which I find to be creepy and dangerous looking. So I guess I'll only go when I can eat in, using the front door, LOL. However, I was impressed when we asked for our leftovers to be packaged, our server gave each of us free complimentary fresh bismati rice to go along with our uneaten entrees. They give good portions! And the packaging is washable, reusable, recyclable plastic containers- not cheap carboard that soaks up sauces or scary unstable thin plastic that leaks or horrible styrofoam that should be outlawed. THIS RESTAURANT IS WONDERFUL! read more

Delicious and the price to quantity ratio was great. Especially loved the chicken biryani, was so colorful and tasty, really good price for the amount. The service was good and it was a very small relaxing room. We ordered medium spicy and it did not disappointed- just spicy enough for us where it wasn't too over -bearing! Definitely coming back again soon read more

Nirvana Indian Bistro - a variety of dishes on a table - Indian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Great Indian food and a welcome addition to the local take out and restaurant scene in NW Philly. A little $$ for take out but this is the 21st century and people have to live. You can change the heat level of most all the dishes too. They missed an entree on one of my last orders and made up for it the next time with a more pricey one. Owner is very nice and responsive. read more

What a gem!! Love this place. Heard about it from some locals who were raving about this good quality Indian food. I came at the perfect time. The vibe of the place is so elegant and warm. I wish my wife was on this trip with me because this would be our repeat date spot. The staff is great and the food is phenomenal! read more

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This is our family's new go to for Indian cuisine. The dining room is elegantly appointed and the food is delicious. Some comments have suggested that they are a little pricey but I figure you get what you pay for. Our household consist of vegans, pescatarians and carnivores so it isn't always easy to order from one restaurant but Nirvana fits the bill. Salmon & Shrimp tikka masala are so delicious! The gobi Manchurian is the best I've ever had, you can easily eat it all in one sitting. Samosas are large and yummy. Great veggie biryani and Chana masala. They are the perfect addition to the NW and I highly recommend them. read more

What a nice evening we had at Nirvana! The food was all delicious! (And there was enough to take home for another meal!) Plus, the service was top notch. Our waiters were very attentive. In fact, one of our tables was a little wobbly at the start; without being asked, our waiter took the time to reset it to our satisfaction so that we could truly enjoy our meals. Although the restaurant is on the small side, we didn't feel crowded. It was easy to have a conversation with the 5 of us that were present. Bottom line, I look forward to eating her again! read more

We enjoyed dining in at the Chestnut Hill location - perfect and delicious. Will certainly be there more often. Service knocked it out of the park, too. read more

Great Indian food with large menu.The portions are substantial and the service is very good. The only reason I took away a star is because it is quite noisy there. It is still worth going. read more

We always get takeout so I can't comment on the dining experience. The food is consistently good - so much better than Tiffin. Solid Indian in Chestnut Hill. read more

Exquisite Indian food! Dining room can get crowded in Chestnut Hill but ample space in Lafayette Hill. read more

Great new addition to Chestnut Hill. Went on a cold Saturday night in February. Had mulligatawny soup, garlic nan, clay pot mushroom appetizer and chicken tikka kabob. The restaurant has an upscale feel but remains cozy. The food was aromatic, tasty and very well priced. Definitely will be back! read more

Title: A Culinary Journey to Nirvana: An Unforgettable Indian Dining Experience Rating: (5/5) Nirvana, is the best Indian restaurant in Chestnut Hill ,PA and is our family go to restaurant. It is a true haven for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic and delectable journey through the flavors of India. Located in the heart of the Chestnut Hill, Nirvana stands out not only for its exquisite cuisine but also for its warm ambiance, impeccable service, and an extensive menu that caters to diverse palates. Now, let's talk about the star of the show--the food. Nirvana's menu is a culinary masterpiece, offering a wide range of dishes from various regions of India, each prepared with precision and passion. During my visit, I had the pleasure of sampling a variety of dishes, and each one exceeded my expectations. The Tandoori Platter was a carnivore's dream, featuring succulent kebabs bursting with spices and flavors. For appetizers try the Aloo Chaat and Gobi Manchurian-- it melts in your mouth. In addition for entree we had Bhindi masala, Aloo Gobi that was a fragrant delight, with perfectly cooked rice and a medley of fresh vegetables. The silky paneer Tikka masala was the epitome of comfort food, and the garlic naan was a perfect accompaniment to soak up every bit of that flavorful gravy. One of the highlights of Nirvana is its commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. This dedication is evident in the complex and balanced flavors that come through in every bite. Whether you prefer mild or spicy, Nirvana can customize the spice level of your dishes to suit your palate. The service at Nirvana is exceptional, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who are more than happy to guide you through the menu and make recommendations. The owners take great pride in ensuring that every aspect of your dining experience is top-notch, and their warm hospitality and smile that adds to the overall charm of the restaurant. In conclusion, Nirvana is not just a restaurant; it's an experience. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur of Indian cuisine or someone looking to explore the diverse flavors of India for the first time, Nirvana is the place to be. With its outstanding food, inviting ambiance, and impeccable service, it's no wonder that Nirvana stands as the best Indian restaurant in town. Dining here is truly a journey to culinary Nirvana, and I can't wait to return for another unforgettable meal. read more

Nirvana is an elegant, reasonably-priced Indian BYOB set in an inmate atmosphere in Chestnut Hill. The food is based in tradition but with modern touches and is very flavourful. There are many vegetarian options but I really loved the Tandoori Salmon during my last visit there. read more

Bad or expired food sent via delivery. Became physically ill and was up all night after eating. Potential food poisoning.

One of the best spots for Indian cuisine!! Having ordered takeout and dined in many Indian restaurants in Philly, I can say Nirvana Indian Bistro was, by far, the best (and tastiest) experience to date. Enjoyed the classics like Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala, but also indulged in the Samosa Chat and Tangy Eggplant - both of which had the perfect texture, taste, flavor ratio!! Highly recommend. read more

Four of us just made our first dinner visit to Nirvana in Chestnut Hill, and we will be back. We now have two excellent BYOB Indian restaurants in Chestnut Hill. (The other one is New Era on Willow Grove Avenue.) We thoroughly enjoyed the sizzling grilled mushroom appetizer, shrimp Vindaloo, shrimp Biryani and garlic naan, among others. You can ask for how mild or spicy you want each dish. I asked for mild-to-medium spicy, and that's exactly how everything came out. Bring some cold beer. A perfect match. Prices are ridiculously reasonable. You can park around the corner in the State Store parking lot for free. Our server was a delightful young lady with a permanent smile on her face. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that she was the only server in the restaurant and was overwhelmed, so we had to wait a long time for glasses for wine, an ice bucket and our first course. Most restaurants are understaffed these days, however. I would highly recommend Nirvana! read more

I would give Nirvana extra stars, if I could. I booked a table for 10 senior citizens, all of us in Philadelphia from across the country for our 55th (!!) high school reunion. Although the reservation I made must have been confusing (due to my uncertainty about the head count), and I'm SURE our ordering was confusing, too , the Nirvana staff was prepared for our arrival, welcomed us warmly, and managed to bring us the correct (and delicious) food cheerfully and without a hitch. (I eat at Indian restaurants a lot, so I feel I know quality when I taste it.) I am grateful to Nirvana for making this a special evening in a lovely setting, and--if my classmates and I survive another five years --I hope to be back for our 60th! (p.s. The fact that Nirvana is BYOB can be a huge plus for a group that is splitting the check because the modest drinkers don't have to pay for the big boozers! Our total bill was delightfully low. I was also surprised--and appreciative--that Nirvana didn't ask for a credit card number in advance because we were a large group. I had been concerned that some folks wouldn't show up and I'd get stuck for their share anyway, but Nirvana didn't take any credit card info from me ahead of time nor did they harass me with reminder phone calls and texts, as so many restaurants do these days.) read more

We really enjoyed our meal. Servings were plentiful. And the food was delicious. The devour was quite authentic.

outstanding food and service until the last 30 seconds, after paying the bill, when we were told "I'm sorry we need the table." Not classy.