Nirvana Indian Kitchen was a place we wanted to try because it looked a bit more upscale than other nearby options. The restaurant definitely delivers on that image -- great decor, linen-covered tables, table lighting, and a cozy, even romantic atmosphere.
What didn't match the setting was the music. It was pumping the entire time like you were in a club, similar to the music during peak hours at the last Indian wedding I attended. It didn't fit the kind of quiet dining experience the space seems designed for.
The staff were friendly and helpful, and the menu is extensive with plenty of options -- chicken, lamb, goat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes.
We started with the calamari cochin, which was excellent. It came out hot and crisp, coated in a flavorful sauce, and felt like a unique take compared to typical fried calamari.
For entrées we ordered eggplant bharta and goat curry with tandoori naan. We clearly asked for the eggplant medium spicy and the goat spicy hot, and the server repeated it back correctly. Neither dish had any heat. Instead, we were given a small bowl of chopped peppers to add ourselves, which isn't the same thing.
The eggplant initially tasted good but became overly smoky as the meal went on. The goat curry was tender and nicely cooked. Unfortunately, as we continued eating we both started feeling increasingly queasy, so something clearly wasn't sitting right.
In the end it was a mixed experience for us and not a place we plan to return to.
Lastly, it's BYOB and there's no credit card fee! read more