Nawab Indian Cuisine — Restaurant in Norfolk

I had the great opportunity to visit Nawab Indian Cuisine today for the first time with my wife and one of my sons.

I have never been to an Indian restaurant and was not sure how I’d like it.

As soon as we pulled into the parking lot – the aromas coming from the kitchen hit me and I knew I was going to love it.

The building looked plane on the outside but was very stylish and nice inside. A cool statue of Ganesh was in the lobby and on making our way to the table we passed by a large granite wall hanging with water cascading down the granite.

The aroma of the spices and herbs and dishes was making me want to run to the buffet. Upon reaching the food buffet, I was amazed at the dishes that I knew nothing about. But they all looked great. I tried them all. I’m still not sure of the names of most. Each dish had amazing flavor and was fresh and had a kick of flavor explosion. The bread was fantastic too. The veggies were all fresh and prepared deliciously.

My absolute fav was the Tandoor Chicken. I read that it is made in a Tandoor barrel shaped clay pot over a wood fire. – I need to see that some time. I asked but was told next time – they were preparing for dinner. The flavors amazed me and I need more soon. I also will try to learn to cook some like that too. My son is a vegetarian and he loved the choices and flavor of the dishes. We all were stuffed and happy.

I’ve never been to a buffet with so much amazing great flavor and joy.

The service was very good. I think this would be a great place for a date dinner – nice and cozy and delicious but not over the top.

The price of our buffet was about $ 10 ea – that is amazing considering the quality and freshness and work that went into preparing that great food.

I can not wait to return. I’m going to learn the names of the dishes and the spices and herbs and be better on my next review. Don’t postpone Joy! Go try Nawab – it will not disappoint!

I’ve posted some photos...

Nawab Indian Cuisine in Norfolk offers a consistently good and enjoyable dining experience that earns a solid four stars. It's a reliable choice for anyone craving authentic and well-executed Indian fare in a pleasant setting. The menu at Nawab boasts a wide variety of traditional Indian dishes, from rich curries to flavorful tandoori specialties. Their Butter Chicken is a standout – creamy, perfectly spiced, and wonderfully comforting. The Garlic Naan is always fresh, fluffy, and a perfect accompaniment to soak up all the delicious sauces. I also appreciate their commitment to offering a good selection of vegetarian and vegan options, clearly marked on the menu, making it easy for diverse dietary needs. The ambiance is generally inviting and comfortable, often with a subtle elegance that elevates it above a typical casual eatery. It's a good spot for both a casual meal with friends or a slightly more special occasion. The service is usually attentive and efficient, with staff members who are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to offer recommendations. What keeps it from a perfect five stars is sometimes the consistency. While usually excellent, there have been occasional instances where a dish might be slightly less vibrant or the spice level a little off compared to previous visits. Also, during peak hours, the service can sometimes be a tad slower, but never to the point of being disruptive. Overall, Nawab Indian Cuisine remains a top contender for Indian food in Norfolk. Its consistently delicious food, pleasant atmosphere, and generally good service make it a highly recommended destination for a satisfying and authentic...

Food: 4 Service: 2 Atmosphere: 3

Visited for the first time since just prior to the pandemic.

First, the food was excellent and the entree portions large. The naan bread was clearly straight out of the oven and delicious - though it was a real bummer that they charge $4 for two pieces of naan, sliced into four small quarters. $2 I could understand, but for $4 I was expecting more.

Service is uneven. The owner ( I assume he's the owner) seems to do 90% of the work. The waitress ignores her duties to badger another worker and help him clean stuff that clearly does not require two people to clean (like a door next to the bar). It's a long boring story of bad service, but suffice to say she seems like a detriment to the business rather than a boon.

The men's restroom needed some attention. The hand soap dispenser was empty. Everything needed a deep cleaning or replacement. There was an obvious drainage issue with one of the sinks, with a bowl set beneath the drainage pipe that was full of soap scum and what looked like mold.

If they take care of that restroom situation and hire some proper wait staff this place could be great again - even without the much missed lunch buffet. As it is now, I am not...