Danish's Cuisine — Restaurant in South Carolina

I'm originally from the DC area, and have had many experiences eating at a wide array of restaurants, plenty of them being Middle Eastern and Indian (as these are my favorite culinary regions), in a wide range of prices. I usually won't take the time to write a review unless my experience was particularly horrible, or particularly exceptional. This was the ladder.

I've been here twice and Danish, the owner and proprietor, has both times been a gracious and inviting host. The decor, music, lighting, and general atmosphere are all very appropriate. This is not an americanized restuarant with Puerto Ricans in the back making "Indian food". It's almost like this is the man's home, and he's inviting you in for a traditional and lovingly prepared meal.

He is in charge in the kitchen, and his passion absolutely shows in his food. The samosas are some of the best I've ever had (I've had literally hundreds). The naan is crispy and chewy, just perfect- and the onion chutney it's served with is vibrant, spicy and fresh. Chicken tandoori has a deep, rich flavor and the beef curry (both times) was just fantastic- rich, spicy, bold, and hearty. I'd recommend the lamb above anything else, though. He says he doesn't always have lamb (I believe he buys all the ingredients himself- as the menu is small/limited and each time the curry had different vegetables in it...I love this fact), and often times people will call in with that order so he can special make it. I was lucky enough to come in on my most recent visit when he had lamb chops available and I ordered them without hesitation. They were cooked to absolute perfection: and I mean...perfection. SO tender, SO flavorful, and perfectly pink throughout the meat. Not too rare, not too done...just perfectly medium-medium/rare. Now, I haven't tried the Italian side of the menu, but based on this man's skills in the kitchen, I can only assume it's delicious as well. Oh, and the chai is delicious as well- a great end to your meal. He brews it nice and strong, and gives it an appropriate level of sweetening- not overdone like some places will.

Read his story on the back of the menu, the newspaper article on the wall, and speak with this man for all of a minute and I think you'll get a pretty good feel for who he is. Sitting down and talking with this man, you feel like he might be your Pakistani best friend's father. He's hilarious and a little bit eccentric, and his personality definitely makes the whole experience even better. I'd come back here any day of the week (if I could afford to eat out every day) just for the food alone- but end up staying for a glass of chai and...

Please ignore the review of Tabbi Crenshaw, I happened to be dining the same Friday as her family of 12. Danish's website clearly states not for children and if you have a large party to call in advance- Tabbi not only brought several kids, which were very disruptive and rambunctious, she also did not call ahead, barging in with a party of 12; Tabbi and her family then proceeded to be very rude- cursing at Danish himself and using vulgar language and excessive loudness and use of phones (which had their flashes on), she also proclaimed that Danish was, "going to poison her food" and left without leaving a tip. Tabbi is the prime example of what a bad customer is- do not be that person. Danish's is NOT a family restaurant, it is a fine dining establishment meant for small parties looking to expand their tastes. I've been to Danish's several times and every time has been nothing short of perfect. Danish not only cooks and serves he also shows, those who lack knowledge of culture, the ways the food is put together- he also is extremely friendly and funny often times offering complementary items for simply asking, "what should I try?" I recommend Danish's to anyone looking to taste authentic Indian-Pakistani cuisine and for those less adventurous- though I heavily urge you to try the Indian-Pakistani cuisine- he also provides a solid range of Italian dishes. A truly amazing experience and one I recommend to anyone who is looking for a wonderful night out. (Edit as of January 14th 2017) Sean Ferris, I am not the owner of the restaurant, I was the young fellow who's night, along with most other patrons evening, you practically ruined due to your rude- in concise family and ability to not control children. I know the things from my statement above because Danish spoke to me personally of how disrespectful you and your family were- while also being a witness to it. For you to stoop to the level of name calling and insulting, along with threatening the owners business, you have no moral consciousness; next time you feel the need to try and create issues at a fine establishment, please refrain from lying and pressing your personal insecurities to the world via Internet- since you do not want to take responsibility for your malicious actions/intents. Best regards from a 19 year old man whom you might want to avoid argumentative...

Thanks but no Thanks! Never again!

I took my mother and daughter to dine at Danish. The food was good and authentic but the owner was very rude! First he very openly told us he did not like that my daughter was with us, and had he been busier he would not allow her to dine. Then he treated us like we were idiots and assumed we did not know how to eat the food. He proceeded to tell me that children weren't allowed because they were disturbing and parents do not discipline their children. He proceeded to tell me that if she made a mess I would be responsible for cleaning it up and picking things up off the floor. Niether of which I needed to do. My four year old is not a hellion. Then the owner said that next time we came in we needed to not bring my daughter and that to share food with a four year old would cost $5 extra.... This extra cost was not for extra food or service, just circumstantial. He asked what I did for a living and I informed him I was a chef and director of dining for the largest food service company in the world. He laughed and without knowing my condition told me I should cut back and needed to trim down. He does not have to worry about me visiting his place anymore. I can get insulted anywhere else for free. Thanks but no thanks. Terrible customer...