Nirvana Indian & Nepali Cuisine-Bainbridge Island — Restaurant in Bainbridge Island

Please visit Nirvana Indian & Nepali Cuisine if you haven’t already. It was a happy accident that we came upon our new favorite restaurant. We were enjoying our meal and already planning our next visit with friends.

There is ample outdoor parking in a lot outside the plaza. The restaurant is on the second level. We were greeted by the most gracious host and seated without a wait. The restaurant was immaculately clean and the ambiance was perfect. The dining area had a cozy, intimate feel, and the music and lighting really made for an enjoyable time. What started out as a quick visit turned into a really special time.

The menu is not your ordinary Indian menu. There are a few very unique items that we had not seen before at previous Indian restaurants. There is also a separate portion of the menu for Nepali cuisine. Our host was very helpful and attentive. He recommended one of the most delicious dishes we’ve enjoyed in a while.

This is a great place to go if you’re bored with the usual restaurant fare. We ordered the Vegetarian Delight appetizer to begin with and it was such a treat. Not only were the flavors and temperature spot-on, but I had never had perfectly crisp-fluffy, almost pastry-like appetizers like this. They almost melted in your mouth. Our two entrees were mixed: 1) classic saag paneer (to compare against other saag paneers we have had), and 2) the house special curry. Both dishes were amazing! The curry had a very unique combo of coconut and spices that was both refreshing and comforting at the same time. It was like soul food. The rice was fluffy, light, and delicately flavored. The cheese naan was cloud-like and perfect for dipping into the rich sauces. We really enjoyed our time here; it was just perfect!

I can’t say enough about our host too. He was very hospitable and checked in often to ensure everything was meeting or exceeding our expectations. He was a very genuine person and seemed to enjoy that we were so happy with our experience. Thank you, sir!

This is a great venue for a cozy dinner for two or large get-togethers with family and friends. I cannot recommend this place enough. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy it as much as we did. Looking forward to our next visit already. Thank you...

Had dinner here for the first time. Food was outstanding. However, if you like to be ignored or completely disregarded, this is your place! Have a feeling this came down to us being last priority being two females, as women in decades past managed to develop a reputation for being selective tippers.

After an experience like this I start analyzing reviews. It appears they have taken their high rating for granted, much of which is likely faked, as I've never seen so many reviews where the author has only written just one review or two at most (hmm, what are the odds?). Anyway, when there are 6 tables occupied with mostly couples and there's 2 servers, one should be able to receive decent service with a server handling 3 tables each (I use to be a server, so that's an easy night). NOT HERE. There were two at our table and we ordered three dishes and naan. Firstly, no one will come to take your order unless you push the button on the little electronic device over by the window at your table. If not noticing this you will be sitting there a very long time. No water, nothing until they take your order. Our folded up menu's sat there on the edge of the table and servers would just walk by and ignore us. We were almost ready to leave when I noticed the device. Surprised the host DID NOT MENTION THIS when seating us.

After eating dinner we waited, and waited, and waited to get our check and to-go boxes. Had to ask 3 TIMES in a nearly 30 minute period. We finally got up to go to the register to pay (no check yet) and someone comes rushing out to stop us. So, we sit back down. Do you get a paper receipt to look over at your leisure? Of course not. You are handed an electronic device with small screen and must look over everything while the server watches over you. Not a fan of this.

In summary, I would not dine here again, but would definitely get take out. I don't believe the 4.8 rating, as I'm sure if this happened to us it has...

I’ve been to this restaurant a couple of times before and had decent experiences, but this last visit was by far the worst and it finally pushed me to leave a review.

To begin with, the tea was served with a thick layer of malai on top, clearly showing it was reheated old tea. It wasn’t even strained properly. When I politely asked if they could strain it, the response was dismissive and rude: “Haven’t you seen this before? We can’t remove it.” That’s not how customers should be treated.

The server was extremely rude throughout the visit: no smile, no proper communication, and always in a rush. It felt like they couldn’t care less about the service or the customers.

On top of that, the samosa was served broken, showing a complete lack of attention to food quality or presentation.

And to make matters worse, they added a hidden service charge to the bill. The total amount didn’t match the itemized sum, and only when I questioned it did they mention it was a service charge. I asked where it was written that they would add one, and the server couldn’t show me any proof. Only then they removed it. This clearly shows they’re trying to fool customers with undisclosed and unauthorized charges.

This place has gone downhill completely—poor quality food, terrible service, and shady billing practices. I won’t be coming back, and I strongly advise others to check their bills carefully if they choose...