Gulab Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Cliffside Park

While mourning the closing of "A Touch of Spice", the only Indian restaurant in our area, we found Gulab, a BYOB establishment that had opened in a quiet section of Palisade Avenue in Cliffside Park, NJ. And what a great surprise it's been so far! Although Gulab's menu may seem somewhat limited to others, it contains ALL the staples of Indian cuisine, made with good ingredients, in good portions, with incredible flavor and at very reasonable prices. On our first visit we were served a complimentary portion of home-made Papadum, Cilantro Chutney and Tamarind Sauce, and we ordered Chicken Somosa (2 pcs), for appetizer; Tandoori Mix Grill (a sampler of Chicken Tika, Chicken Malai Kebab, Lamb Seekh Kebab and Green-coated Shrimp--all grilled to perfection) and Chana Saag (creemy seasoned Spinach with Chickpeas), for main dishes, and Garlic Naan. The entrees came accompanied with Basmati Rice. Everything was super delicious and we knew at that moment that we would come back again soon. Our dinner tab (for 2) was approximately $60 (with tip included), which is more than reasonable. A few days later, we found ourselves dining at Gulab again and, for the last couple of months, we've been coming here, almost religiously, on a weekly basis. Honestly said, Gulab is that type of restaurant that grows and grows on you. In addition to the dishes mentioned before, we've tried others and our favorites are, so far: Chicken Malai Kebab, Samosa Chaat, Lentil Soup, Chicken Tika, Shrimp Saag, Chicken/Shrimp Biryani, Dal Tadka (a vegetarian dish of yellow lentils). All these items are big enough to share and, to our taste, their level of spiciness (which I guess can be adjusted upon request) is just right. Small, homey, with unpretentious decor, nice background music and friendly (and very pleasing) service, Gulab is where we get our "Indian fix" these days and we're delighted to recommend it...

We were in Jersey for a long weekend and went to Gulab with a group of five. We were seated immediately. Our server promptly brought us water and a complimentary serving of papadam and chutney, which was a lovely touch. The papadam was crispy, and the chutney was a perfect accompaniment. The food was exceptional, with each dish showcasing the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine. We ordered a variety of dishes, including the Mango Lassi, Garlic Naan, Seekh Kabab, Veg Samosa, Pakora, Chicken Biryani, and Lamb Korma. Each dish was expertly prepared and presented, and we all enjoyed every bite. The service was attentive and friendly, with our server checking in regularly to ensure we had everything we needed. The ambiance was also pleasant, with a warm and inviting atmosphere that made us feel right at home.

Overall, I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a authentic and delicious Indian dining experience. The food is outstanding, the service is top-notch, and the ambiance is warm and welcoming. We can't wait to go back and try more of their...

I recently dined from here and unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory. From the moment I entered, the ambiance felt lackluster and unwelcoming. However, the real disappointment came with the food and service.

Firstly, the food quality was subpar. The dishes lacked flavor and seemed hastily prepared. It felt like the ingredients were not fresh, and the presentation was uninspiring. Moreover, some of the dishes were overcooked or undercooked, indicating a lack of attention to detail in the kitchen.

Secondly, the service was extremely disappointing. The staff appeared disinterested and inattentive. It took an eternity to get the attention of a server, and even then, requests were met with apathy. There was a clear lack of communication between the front and back of house, resulting in confusion and delays in serving the food.

Overall, my experience at Gulab was highly disappointing. I had hoped for a delightful dining experience, but instead, I left feeling unsatisfied and frustrated. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for quality...