Dvaraka Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Princeton

From the moment you step into Dvaraka in Princeton, NJ, you're transported to a culinary journey across the diverse landscapes of India. This establishment stands out not just as another Indian restaurant in the bustling streets of downtown Princeton but as a gastronomic haven for those in search of authentic flavors and unparalleled culinary experiences.

First and foremost, the ambiance strikes a perfect balance between contemporary elegance and traditional Indian charm. Warm hues, intricate wall art, and soft lighting create an inviting atmosphere that complements the dining experience perfectly. The attentive staff ensures that every guest feels welcomed and attended to throughout their meal.

Now, onto the star of the show - the food. Oh, where do I even begin? Each dish we sampled was a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas that left us craving for more. The menu, thoughtfully curated, offers a blend of classic Indian favorites and innovative creations, ensuring there's something for everyone.

The appetizers set the tone for what was to come. Whether it was the crispy samosas bursting with a savory potato filling or the tangy chaats that awakened our taste buds, each bite was a testament to the chef's mastery over spices and ingredients.

Moving on to the main course, the selection was nothing short of spectacular. The butter chicken was a revelation, with its creamy tomato-based sauce that was both rich and balanced in flavor. The achari lamb josh, slow-cooked to perfection, melted in the mouth, leaving behind a trail of aromatic spices that lingered long after the meal ended. Vegetarian options were equally impressive, with dishes like paneer tikka masala and dal makhani showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity.

No Indian meal is complete without bread, and Dvaraka did not disappoint. Their selection of freshly baked naans and parathas served hot and crispy, paired flawlessly with the curries, elevating the dining experience to new heights.

To conclude, Dvaraka is more than just a dining establishment; it's a celebration of Indian cuisine, culture, and hospitality. Each dish tells a story, each flavor evokes a memory, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike. If you find yourself in Princeton, NJ, do yourself a favor and indulge in the culinary delights that await you at Dvaraka. You won't be...

This Friday evening, our party of four visited this restaurant and were greeted with the familiar fantastic ambiance that this place consistently offers. Our experience was marked by a blend of great food, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Upon arriving, we were informed that the booths were reserved, seemingly designed for larger groups, which gave us the impression that the restaurant values optimal seating arrangements. Undeterred, we settled in with our own two bottles of wine.

Our order comprised a delightful array of dishes: Corn and Onion Pakoda, Special Masala Omlette, Guntur Milagai Bajji, and a Chikoo Milkshake for the designated driver among us. Moving on to the main course, we indulged in Kosta Ghee Roast, MLA Pesarattu (a special upma variant), and the Old City Veg Biryani.

The appetizers were an absolute delight, surpassing our expectations with their flavors. Our waitress, Nilema, left a lasting impression with her courteous and friendly service. Her calm and collected demeanor added a pleasant touch to our dining experience. Another staff member, whose name eluded us, went the extra mile by adjusting the air conditioning to provide a comfortable environment after enjoying the spicy fare.

The Veg Biryani, however, fell slightly short of our expectations, as it predominantly featured potatoes. While flavorful and spicy, the scarcity of other vegetables was a minor letdown. We dubbed it somewhat humorously as a "potato biryani," wishing for a more diverse vegetable presence in this otherwise tasty dish.

The highlight of the evening undoubtedly remained the fantastic ambiance and the exemplary service. The blend of soothing aesthetics and attentive staff contributed to an overall enjoyable evening. We were pleasantly surprised when two gentlemen, Sridhar and Srinivas, greeted us and engaged in friendly conversation. Recognizing the effort required to operate a business of this caliber, we took the opportunity to congratulate Srinivas for his exceptional management.

In conclusion, our experience at this restaurant was marked by scrumptious food, wonderful service, and a warm atmosphere. While a more diverse Veg Biryani would have elevated our dining experience further, the positives far outweighed this minor setback. We left the restaurant content, appreciating the effort that goes into maintaining such a high...

Our visit to Dvaraka was fate-filled, since it was one of few restaurants in Princeton's downtown that dared to be open during a serious snowstorm. We would have been grateful enough for a warm restaurant and decent food, but I certainly didn't expect to find my favorite Indian food in New Jersey here (I know that's a big claim; it was just that good).

Let's address the elephant in the room here: sometimes Indian food doesn't look camera-ready. For instance, my absolute favorite thing here was the chana palak, an extremely flavor-packed curry with chickpeas and spinach. What shows up (regretfully) as a greenish mud in pictures is actually an absolute flavor bomb in the mouth. Truly, I still have dreams about this dish.

If looks matter to you, I also highly recommend the salmon tandoori special. It arrived on a sizzling platter (the kind that makes heads turn and eyes lock as it approaches the lucky table). There was more flavor to be had here, and I adore a dish that's hot enough to carry a blister risk while eating...especially in the middle of an icy snowstorm.

Service was incredibly warm, welcoming, and efficient. Our server checked in with us the exact right number of times, and he repeatedly checked in with us about whether we wanted to take leftovers home, the way a friend or kind auntie might after you've dined sumptuously...