Nawab Indian Cuisine — Restaurant in Poquoson

It is hard to define the attraction of Nawab in Newport News, because there is so much to love. I have often written reviews of Nawab for other travel sites online, but I return so regularly to dine there, alone or with Sheila or with our whole family, that I believe there is an almost indefinable magic that permeates the cuisine, the hosts, the ambiance,—here we still have heavy flatware, spotless crystal, romantic lighting, and tasteful, almost exotic, decor. Nawab “fills up your senses,” in the John Denver meaning of the term—but the dining experience is of course what you have come for, and whether you choose lamb, chicken, salmon, shrimp, paneer, or entirely vegetarian dishes, the mastery of spices and the preparation of each dish will—in my experience, anyway—enchant you to return again and again!

November 7, 2022 update: Well, what a splendid review I have already posted for you! All of it still true, I am delighted to be able to say! Now, on the eve of Election Day, wham all good men and women will be coming to the aid of their Party, I was happy to find Nawab open on a Monday for lunch: and what a lunch! For $14, you could elect a substantial meal of two courses, soup and any entree from an enormous variety, served hot (and if you like, quite spicy) to your table, accompanied by a bowl of Basmati Rice and a loaf of Naan. Beverages and desserts are charged separately, of course, but what a bargain for the meal—no elbowing your way through a traditional buffet, and everything just as you might dream of it!

By now they have earned six...

There are a lot of restaurants to choose from when you drive from Maryland to Virginia Beach, but we choose Nawab Indian Cuisine, and I'm delighted we did!

Don't be deterred by the shopping center. From the moment you walk through the door, you will see that they spare nothing in their attention to quality and the entire dining experience. The service was friendly and attentive, authentically eager to please. And the food was out off this world!

I chose the Boti Kabab Patia (Roasted Lamb Filets, Mango-Ginger Glaze) and my taste buds exploded with that universally loved combination of a sweet and spicy sauce over lamb that was marinated, seasoned, and baked in a clay oven. The lamb itself was tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The overall dish was spectacular. Even if lamb's not your thing, I'd bet money that you'd still love this dish.

Coming from out of town, and not that familiar with Indian food, we quickly felt at home and comfortable. We stopped in spontaneously, but now I can't imagine traveling anywhere close to the area without making a special trip for dinner, or maybe their much renowned buffet.

If you love Indian food, go to Nawab. If you've never had Indian food, go to Nawab! Either way, you're in for an excellent experience. I'm tempted to make a special trip all the way from Maryland, so if you live within 50 miles, you've...

I never shy away from a place because of its location. I found that the hole in the wall places are among the absolute best. Nawab Indian Cuisine is a definite hit. I highly recommend eating in so you may have an opportunity to experience the service but also cap your meal with the milk chai cardomon. Tea. First, the staff is very attentive and friendly without feeling overbearing. They watch very closely from a distance. My meal lamb Rogan was among some of the best I’ve had in the states. With a Punjabi hand in the kitchen, don’t be afraid to take your Spice level up a level or two. Especially if you’re going with the goat. The full richness of flavor you’ll receive might be worth it. The basmati used is excellently prepared I’m excited to try a biryani the next time I’m in town. The rice and the bread were as good or better than fancier restaurants in fancier areas of town. With that said, don’t let the area or the locals throw you off the parking lot has adequate security for the mall and once inside, you’ll find a clean modern inviting experience that is good for business dinners, family, or even a romantic experience. With the attention from the staff, whatever your goal...