Very good! I went there with a friend last night for dinner and we were the only ones there. The service was great. Staff was so friendly to us And the food was sooo good!! I got the plain paratha, and the tikki masala. We also got the chili wings as appetizers! I'm eating leftovers now and it's just as yummy Would recommend and I will definitely be going back read more

I selected this restaurant on location, as the nearby BJ's is a good place to get gas before the price jumps up in the DC area. The location is a shopping mall, but they've got it decorated up with some pride and were quite fastidious. The menu leans Punjabi, and I sought to try their sarson ka saag. Oddly, it was not available with makki di roti, the traditional corn bread accompaniment, but I did get a more conventional wheat based bread which was delightfully fluffy and a good combination. Their saag was a warm flavor and a very heavy dish; there must have been plenty of butter in those greens. An aloo tikki chaat ordered spicy was quite hot and it took some fortitude to devour it as quickly as I did, fortunately having a chai to wash it down. The item I came for didn't 100% deliver, but overall it was a good experience and I would came back. read more

See all

Amazing service, great atmosphere, clean all around and the most important: absolutely delicious food! This place is a must if you are in the Gainesville area. We ordered the tikka masala, butter chicken and aaloo paratha. They were all very tasty. I wish there was more chicken with the dishes but the flavor made up for it. Service was very attentive! Will definitely be back. read more

Pakwaan Indian Cuisine - Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Aaloo Paratha - Indian Near Me - Gainesville, Virginia

We got this for the first time after seeing it so many different times and I got the bullet chili naan, goat, and lamb curries. I branched out and it didn't disappoint. I wanted to try something new and I'm glad I did. The service was quick. We ordered over the phone and it was ready exactly when they said it would. Since we got take out, we had a different experience than dining in, but the restaurant was pretty spacious. One thing though is that it's across from a cemetery. read more

Pakwaan Indian Cuisine - Bullet Naan, hodsht, Lamb Saag - Indian Near Me - Gainesville, Virginia

Great food and service. The staff is friendly and helpful with explaining the menu. It's the only place to get Indian food in the Gainesville area. read more

Great food, great service, love the decor in there. Try the masala chai, an Indian staple. Will be back for more. read more

Pakwaan Indian Cuisine - Goat biryani, garlic naan, cheese naan, butter naan - Indian Near Me - Gainesville, Virginia

Ordered to go, some of the best samoas I've ever had! The lamb biryani was good, I picked the "2nd medium" spice level and it was just right. Will def go again read more

See all

Pakwaan Indian Cuisine - Honest Review I don't usually write reviews. And truth be told, I don't even like Indian food. But I came here for my dad--seven years since he passed. He loved Indian food. So I brought his photo, brought Sassy (my little blue elephant), and did this night in his honor. They started me off with papadum and chutneys. That green one? I don't know what's in it, but I legit wanted to drink it. It was that good. Then came the garlic naan--hot, fresh, and garlicky in the best way. Perfect texture, no grease, just right. Main dish? Lamb korma. And wow. Thick, creamy sauce, loaded with flavor but not heavy. Lamb was soft, not dry, not chewy--just solid. Heat level was somewhere between low and mild--definitely not spicy. I told them it was my first time, and they got it just right. After I finished eating, they brought out the mango lassi--I had ordered it thinking it was a dessert, which technically it is. Ended up being a drink dessert. Cold, smooth, and refreshing. I love mango, but I didn't know what to expect. It ended up tasting like a really good, not overly sweet, thick mango juice. Surprised me--in a good way. Gulab jamun was next. Warm, sweet, soft. Comfort in a bowl. I didn't expect to like it, but I did. And then there was this pistachio-strawberry-jello-thing that I can't explain--but I'd eat it again. It just worked. Service? If I could give it 100 stars, 100 thumbs up, I would. They didn't hover, didn't rush. Just let me be. That kind of service is rare. Price was way better than I expected. You leave full--stomach and heart--and don't feel robbed at the register. Would I come back? For my dad? Always. For me? Honestly, yeah. Pakwaan made this night matter. Solid now. Dis Hawaiian likes Indian food read more

See all

I've eaten at this restaurant several times and had great experiences. I called them because on several occasions I have ordered and there's been two pieces of meat in the dishes. The individual answering the phone suggested that possibly the drivers had eaten the meat out of the dishes which I find actually repugnant I will never go to this place again. It amazes me how people don't work to resolve issues. They complicate issues by saying it's somebody else's problem. read more

Very good! Have returned many times. Tried many menu items, like them all. Good food, good service, nice decore.

The Aloo Gobhi is my favorite. I also enjoyed the samosas. The atmosphere is very peaceful and my server, Brij, was very kind and attentive. The service was excellent. read more

Everything was very delicious and the service was wonderful! We had the butter chicken and chicken curry with delicious butter naan. When we were finished, they brought us a complementary rice pudding. Superb! read more

My favorite place for dal makhani and Mughal dishes. Pleasant atmosphere and friendly staff. My oldest daughter loves the chicken tikka masala and turned me on to this place. Truly enjoy it. read more

Best Indian food you will ever have, hands down. My wife and I had heard good things about this restaurant from friends, but we didn't know just how good it was until we went for ourselves. The service was top-tier, with our waiter being very friendly and patient with us while we were figuring out their menu. Service was super fast, and we got our food and appetizers within 20 minutes. Their Lamb Tikka Masala was one of the best dishes I've had period, and highly recommend. They even gave us a free dessert as a thank you for our first visit, and gave me a free re-fill on my beer. If you are looking for authentic Indian cuisine, this is the place. read more

I recently visited Pakwaan for the first time for dinner... I ordered the boneless chicken chili appetizer and for the entree the Goat Curry. Flavor was delicious with both dishes - however, the Goat Curry had several inedible pieces: bones, fat that needed to be trimmed, as well as some fibrous membrane-like silver skin. Finer butchery would address this issue. I've been to a number of Indian restaurants that struggle with proper trimming of Goat. I was also served a little bowl of something that were like super airy chips - served with two small sides of dipping sauces. A tasty starter! The Men's restroom was clean and well appointed. Service was very good. I will be back! #PakwaanIndianCuisine read more

See all

The goat curry was excellent - tender and moist. Great naan, great masala chai, and very good service

Love this place - best Mulligatawny soup in town - nothing else is even close - service is excellent and the chicken tikka is my go to. read more

See all

Dining at a restaurant isn't just about the food; it's an experience. Customers seek good meals, lasting memories, and a connection with the staff. This restaurant delivers on all of those expectations. I tried the lamb biryani, vegetable momos, and lamb curry, and everything was spot on--flavorful, well-prepared, and authentic. To top it off, the lassi was the perfect ending to a satisfying meal. The customer service was excellent, and the clean, cozy layout made for a comforting, small-family outing. The prices were also very reasonable for the quality of food and service. read more

If I could give this a place a negative rating it would be a -100. The management and service is awful, my son and I didn't even taste the food because no one would take our order. We walked in Saturday night 9/20 and the place wasn't busy and the employees looked at my son and I 3 times before they sat us. It took them 5 minutes just to get us water, they delivered food to the table next to us and continued to ignore us. They sat another table near us and still no one would come over, then someone who I think is management came and filled our water but didn't ask if we were ready to order. After another 7-10 minutes my son and I just got up and left. Do not go here I can't stress that enough management and service is awful. Then they email me and said I was not at their restaurant, they have no clue that 9/20 is the date which is today, just goes to show you how dumb management is read more

I came in for dinner tonight for the first time and it was the best experience. The ambiance, the customer service, the food, and the prices were all deserving of 5 stars. The gentlemen working the front of the house were all super kind and helpful with my menu questions. Every dish that came out to different patrons looked delicious and smelled amazing. From the person greeting me when I walked in to the person asking if my hot chai was to my liking and the person delivering my food, this was fine dining service to a tee. I ended up buying additional dishes for take out to feed the rest of my family. I will be back to try more dishes, drinks, and desserts. I highly recommend trying this place out. read more

Pakwaan Indian Cuisine - Lamb Korma, Bullet Naan, Rice - Indian Near Me - Gainesville, Virginia

See all

For those who remember the Connaught Place in Fairfax, which closed in 2005, Pakwaan Indian Cuisine has pedigree from that restaurant. The purveyor of Pakwaan worked there those many years ago. Both restaurants have provided the best Indian cuisine that I have ever eaten. It is a friendly, nice looking restaurant that went out of their way to make me a dish I have not had since the Connaught Place closed, chicken hyderabadi. It was fantastic! I've also had the chicken tikka masala which was equally as good. This gem of a restaurant is tucked away in Gainesville, Virginia in the Virginia Gateway shopping center. If I had to make any suggestions to the restaurant, I would ask that they consider making lemon pickle, although their mixed pickle is quite good, and put Pimm's #1in the bar for a refreshing Pimm's Cup. Well done to those at Pakwaan! read more

Amazing food and service at an affordable price at a good location in Gainesville! We will surely recommend to friends!

Pakwaan Indian Cuisine in Gainesville, VA truly stands out with its exceptional vegetarian offerings that celebrate the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine. Dishes like their velvety dal tadka, flavorful paneer makhani, and spinach-laced palaak paneer transform humble ingredients into unforgettable meals, each dish boasting authentic spices and thoughtfully balanced seasoning. The aloo naan is a particular highlight--warm, pillowy, and generously filled, it beautifully complements both curries and lentil dishes. The restaurant's environment enhances the dining experience, combining contemporary décor with a friendly, attentive staff who ensure that every guest feels welcome. Service is consistently excellent, whether dining in or opting for the speedy takeout. Pakwaan is also known for offering crowd-pleasers like mango lassi and kheer, which provide a refreshing finish to a vibrant vegetarian spread. Whether you are looking for comforting classics or exploring new flavors, Pakwaan's vegetarian menu offers variety, freshness, and authentic taste that frequently earns praise from both local regulars and new visitors alike. Highly recommended for anyone seeking outstanding vegetarian Indian food in Gainesville! Vegetarian Delights at Pakwaan Indian Cuisine Pakwaan Indian Cuisine consistently delivers a memorable vegetarian experience, and their offerings stand out in terms of authenticity, flavour, and variety. With a stellar rating of 4.5+ stars across 600+ reviews, it's clear that diners appreciate their plant-based options as much as everything else they serve Appetizers That Impress The Vegetable Samosas are a standout: delightfully crisp pastry shells filled with well-spiced potatoes and peas. Local reviewers described them as "very flavorful" and reminiscent of homemade quality The Vegetable Pakora rises to the occasion--golden, crunchy, and executed perfectly with gram-flour batter and seasonal vegetables. Aloo Tikki served with chutneys offers balanced heat, texture, and freshness, another favorite among locals . Mains & Curries That Inspire Chana Masala is widely praised for its bold Delhi-style flavours with tender chickpeas, sautéed onions, garlic, and a confident spice blend - many guests rate it "excellent" and "on point" Dal Tarka--a creamy lentil dish spiced with mustard seeds, red chili, garlic, and ginger--serves as a perfect companion to rice or naan, offering soulful comfort with aromatic warmth Paneer Jalfrezi and Aloo Gobi both shine. Paneer Jalfrezi delivers tender cottage cheese cubes tossed with crisp vegetables in a spicy-sweet gravy; Aloo Gobi offers a fragrant and straightforward cauliflower-potato option that pairs beautifully with rotis or rice read more

One of the best authentic tasting Indian Cuisines I've had in a while. From the moment you walk in you just feel very welcomed service was amazing and the Manager is so kind hospitality top. Love this place - best Mulligatawny soup in town - nothing else is even close - service is excellent and the chicken tikka is my go-to. Ishaq Rafiqui read more

Best Indian restaurant in the Gainesville area. The atmosphere is very nice and clean. The food is excellent - we always get a house salad, Chicken Tikka, Momos and garlic nann. Everything is fresh and delicious. The food comes out quickly and piping hot. The managers are very nice and Angelo is always our server and he is top notch. It's always a treat to dine here and we look forward to our next trip. read more

Pakwaan is a modern, attractive Indian restaurant with an extensive menu and good service. The food is nicely prepared and presented. I asked for a "mild" thali plate and found that I could kick it up a notch or two for more flavor. read more

I had The Goat Curry and garlic naan and raita with a mango lassi The managers name is Brij Singh he waa wonderful the good was delicious and he also made me a custom cocktail I highly recommend read more

Pakwaan Indian Cuisine - Indian Near Me - Gainesville, Virginia

One of the best authentic tasting Indian Cuisines I've had in a while. From the moment you walk in you just feel very welcomed service was amazing and the owner was so kind hospitality top notch, you don't really see that anymore. Would highly recommend this place me and my husband had the chicken tikka masala 10/10, Lamb Biryani 10/10 , Samosa which had a good quick to it. Over all experience was amazing. read more

Pakwaan Indian Cuisine - Indian Near Me - Gainesville, Virginia

This must be the GOAT of all Indian restaurants. All dishes had incredible flavor and the naan is so fresh, warm and fluffy! They also have momos and I went with their chili chicken ones because I love spicy. The spices were so good and the filling was moist and delicious! To start with, they brought out complimentary light chips, accompanied by two different sauces. The green chutney was more minty and spicy while the tamarind chutney was more sweet. Both flavors were good but the chips especially were heavenly! It was a wonderful start. We ordered lamb vindaloo and butter chicken as our main dishes (requested both as spicy) and the bullet naan (jalapeños) as our side carb. The butter chicken was aromatic and creamy and the lamb vindaloo had a mild sweetness to it but still packed some heat. I definitely recommend coming here for the momos and naan alone. The space is small but comfortable and you will be welcomed enthusiastically! read more

See all

BELIEVE THE HYPE! Great food, spotlessly clean establishment with prompt and courteous service! I only wish they were closer my home. read more

Food is good quality, quantity and value for money, I generally do a takeout and they are pretty fast to prepare it. Vegetarian options are minimal and they are great, their aloo naan is amazing read more

Amazing food, everything was delicious, service was also excellent fast and attentive! Ive been a few times and continue to come by whenever the mood strikes! read more

Environment looked pretty but not sure how the food tastes...I was wanting to do a sit down lunch only to be told they close in 30 mins, close at 2:30pm and reopen at 5pm. That my only option was carry-out. I don't live in the area and this is my only opportunity to try them, guess they didn't want a customer to eat their food. Kinda sucks if you ask me, pretty disappointing. read more

Our go-to spot for Indian food that is close! We love coming here and have ordered take out several times! Service is excellent and waiters are always kind! read more

A lot of the recent reviews are from users who have very little experience, so you can use your noggin on how legitimate you think those might be. As someone who has ordered from here many times, and has a track record of review activity, here is my take. Something happened when this place changed from Urban Tandoor to Pakwaan. Urban was great, then Pakwaan was amazing when it first started out, but now it's gone down hill and is not as consistent as it used to be. Sometimes salt is missing from different items. I agree with the other review about the food being extremely acidic sometimes (to the point where it hurts). I agree with the other review about the chicken always being overcooked. The rice pudding is sometimes really watery and sometimes really thick. I found a big black peppercorn in my rice pudding. I love pepper, and I am typically heavy on my own pepper application, but in the rice pudding? Something is off. Different staff, cutting corners, inconsistency, maybe a combination of all of them. What was once great, is not just okay. No way this place deserves 5 stars though. read more

Absolutely LOVED the vegetable Pakora!!! The food came fast, hot and fresh! Everything we ate was delicious! Recommend Chana Masala, Gobi Manchurian Dry and the Samosas, and of course veggie pakora! read more

We stopped in to a neat but suspiciously empty restaurant on the Sunday before Labor Day for a VERY early dinner lol. After three hours on a farm the kids were starving and hot dogs weren't cutting it so I mapped an Indian restaurant (what we could agree on) and we gave it a shot. 1) it's very clean and neat with a nice, if bland, exterior. Located right outside the mall, there is also plenty of parking. 2) we were greeted immediately and enthusiastically by who I assume to be the owners or relatives of the owners; 3) the menu is quite large and though we didn't do appetizers- the kids had started on snacks in the car- the papadum (which was suspiciously light on cumin seeds) was served with the traditional cilantro and tamarind chutneys and the kids devoured two bowls. We ordered the chicken tikka masala (always), lamb josh rogan, baingan bartha, and channa masala. We ordered two spicy, one medium, and one light and honestly, they were all pretty medium (expected and we requested extra hot sauce, but if you like spicy, SPICY, say that!). The food was very well seasoned, their garlic naan are fairly small- we usually share one per two persons and ended up needing a fourth this time, but the four entrees fed all of us with plenty left over. The prices are about mid-range for Indian food, honestly, from DC, on the low end, and I'd say a family of four with drinks could still come out under $$$. The food is good, and I'm picky about Indian food and prefer South Indian food (which this is lol, no peas in the baingan bartha please!). The naan is fresh, and tandoori hot as are the rotis! We loved it and given an opportunity would definitely go back again! read more

Sorry I forgot pictures but this is my second time here and the food is incredible. Service is also amazing. The lamb korma is one of the best plates of food I've ever eaten!ok found a pic)! read more

Pakwaan Indian Cuisine - Indian Near Me - Gainesville, Virginia

This is hands down one of the best Indian food restaurants in Virginia. The food is excellent. It can be ordered "regular" or medium to hot, depending on your preference. At any temperature, the food is very flavorful, fresh, and delicious! We love the charming decor, and the restaurant it is very clean and uplifting. Has a bar as well. The staff is so professional and friendly, always offering excellent service. I am almost afraid to give it the high rating it deserves as I dont want it to be hard to get a table when i go there!! It is SO good that i wish they would open a branch in Warrenton!! read more

The people were friendly and that's it. I got food poisoning after eating the butter chicken and was super sick for 12 hours after eating here. I felt the chicken was rubbery and chewy, so I shouldn't have eaten it. The portions were small. Definitely not going back. read more