Clove Fine Indian Cuisine — Restaurant in Lopatcong Township

Before I begin, let me say that when it comes to Indian cuisine, I've very high standards. I had a lot of Indian friends in college and lived with Indian friends for several years afterwards. From them, I learned to cook a lot of dishes that I've perfected over the last 20 years. One thing that they always told me is to never eat Indian food in a restaurant and never, ever partake in an Indian buffet because they add lots of oil and salt so that one gets full faster. The few times that I broke that rule, I ended up with "Kali's revenge"--repeated trips to the loo immediately after.

A friend invited me to Clove for their buffet and despite my having had home-made Indian food several times already during the previous days, I was feeling adventurous and went along.

I noticed immediately upon entering that there wasn't an overpowering odor of oil. That was my experience at Indian restaurants in the past. There was a nice fragrance of spices and herbs.

The restaurant was small and all the tables were occupied so there was a short wait before we were seated just next to the buffet. The server was very attentive and polite. She took our drink order and told us to help ourselves to the buffet.

At the beginning of the buffet table were all of the ingredients to make bhel puri. Sadly, I think that most people would not know what it is or how to make it so my recommendation would be to have someone there to prepare it--similar to an omelet bar.

There was a variety of vegetarian dishes as well as chicken dishes. The flavours were rich but not overpowering. They weren't saturated with oil and salt. They could have been a bit more spicy but I do understand that they are catering to the American palate.

The atmosphere was quaint and intimate. The clientele seemed to be regular customers. It was an overall good experience and I will definitely return.

It is worthy noting that upon leaving the restaurant, my clothes didn't reek of the dinner that I'd just had, which is commonplace for small restaurants and especially with regard to cuisines that require a...

I don’t eat out often but when I do, I always prioritize family ethnic restaurants because their dishes are ones I can’t reproduce, i it feels good to know I’m supporting a family business vs a corporation, and ultimately it gives me the opportunity to experience different cultures through food ( which I love). I have been coming to the Clove for 5 years ( at least). They used to be in Allentown but since they closed, I frequent the Easton and Nj location, depending on my schedule. Both restaurants are owned and ran by the one family and their food is always delicious, spicy, tender, warm and leaves me wanting more! The owners are always pleasant and welcoming. The chef is super accommodating and goes out of his way to make sure you’re pleased. When I order to go, they put hot sauce on the side, which is thoughtful since my daughter isn’t into spiciness like I am. It always feels good to support family restaurants and businesses but when you could see their passion and are equally satisfied is the best feeling. Today I got malai kofta Chicken makhani Paratha Chicken samosas Which were all delicious. My favorite ( right now) is the paneer makhani and their daal but...

Went from "epicly excellent" to very much subpar. Previously went there twice including for a dine in, recently the other day supposedly their "computers internet" weren't working though their computer was and went to get cash to otherwise order. They repeatedly lied about that they're ongoing doing their lunch special, and on top of that aren't doing a buffet anymore either.

I ordered and asked for full heat spice, and what I got was mild-medium going with how it is with salsa. Two entrees, in pint containers (definitely not quarts!) with rice and naan bread and that was like $38USD+. For chicken and "lamb" and rice and naan bread, takeout.

Somehow it's too much to ask for the same hot seasoning as before especially when they're already charging a premium. The second dish that was "lamb" and no idea if it actually was could've been a beef variety or goat meat variety, I winded up throwing away as some of the meat had unnecessary fats on it and very unnecessary for a premium price of what was supposed to be lamb meat. And they had plenty of time very generous amounts of time at that restaurant to get it done and get...