Norbu Restaurant — Restaurant in Town of Otsego

Norbu is a culinary gem in Cooperstown that blends the vibrant flavors of India with the rich Nepalese culinary tradition. It is a must visit if you are in town.

This family-owned establishment was founded with love and it absolutely shows from the way each dish is prepared to how every order is taken. From the moment you walk in, you are invited into a real South Asian experience from the way the cozy interior is decorated with authentic relics from Nepal. Your order is warmly taken by one of the family members of Norbu (the uncle whose name the restaurant bears) and they are careful to explain what each item is and contains.

The Chicken Tikka Masala we ordered was perfect and we learned they use a real tandoor (Indian urn-shaped oven) to prepare the dish. The curry was cooked to perfection and it was so creamy and savory when paired with the garlic naan. We also enjoyed Nepali momos (steamed dumpling that are a delicacy in Nepal) as an appetizer and were so delicious! There is also a “Today’s Special” menu that changes every day, so there is always something new for you to try.

The bar serves cocktails, wines, and beers. I really enjoyed the local Cooperstown brews on tap from the Brewery Ommegang.

If you happen to be in Cooperstown, don’t miss out on Norbu. Seats fill up quick in the busy season so make sure check ahead if they have seating…it is certainly...

HOLY. WOW. Norbu just changed my life.

I don’t even know where to begin because every single thing we ate was a spiritual experience. Like—how is this restaurant in Cooperstown?? What did we do to deserve this?

We kicked it off with ginger margaritas that honestly could end wars. Light, zippy, just the right kick—like sipping liquid sunshine and enlightenment. Then the food started rolling in and it was game over.

The veg samosas? Crispy little pockets of heaven. The cauliflower appetizer? I would trade personal secrets for that recipe. The tikka masala was so good it made me emotional. I’m not saying I teared up, but I’m not not saying that.

Then came the lamb vindaloo which was rich, spicy, tender—like the culinary version of a power ballad. And the hot honey fries??? WHY is this not a global sensation already?? Sweet, spicy, crispy madness.

We dunked everything in cucumber raita and mango chutney, which basically felt like spa day for your taste buds. And the garlic naan? Pillowy perfection. I’d like to be wrapped in it and gently rocked to sleep.

Bottom line: it was bussin. Like actually, truly bussin. 10/10. No crumbs left. Clean plate club.

Honestly, this was one of the best meals I’ve had in years. The flavors? Off the charts. The vibes? Immaculate. The only mistake was not ordering double of everything.

Norbu, I love you. Don’t...

My family visited last night and had a great experience. The service is top notch here, with sincere, caring, attentive servers, and help for my son, who uses a wheelchair. We ordered a variety of food from the menu: Fish Curry, Paneer, Chicken Tikka and a Beet Kofta, as well as Garlic Naan. All of it was outstanding. The Fish Curry had a nice kick to it, spice wise, but it wasn't too intense, either. My son loved the Paneer, and the rice and naan. The prices are in line with other good restaurants on Main Street in Cooperstown, pretty much, but we will probably try to order from their lunch menu in the future if we are just having a quick 'Indian food' craving, just to keep things affordable! The staff really were wonderful, and I...