I’m stunned by the venomous, negative reviews. The food was excellent, different with complex flavors that are not always easy to achieve like the charred eggplant appetizer: brinjal something. It had a hint of smokiness, absolutely delicious and I’ve never had that in an Indian restaurant in the US. Service was also very good, waiters were super fast and friendly, food came out fast. We’re in Raleigh but I’d drive to Durham to eat there again.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Ruiz
Absolutely phenomenal experience at Cheeni! From the moment we walked in, the warm welcome and ambiance + thoughtful décor set the stage for what turned out to be an unforgettable dinner. Every dish was bursting with vibrant flavors that felt both authentic and elevated. Clearly crafted with care and creativity. The service was impeccable: friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the menu.
We left feeling completely satisfied, impressed, and already planning our next visit. Cheeni is a true gem in Durham! a perfect spot for anyone who loves thoughtful food and exceptional hospitality.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lindsay Dillard Huff
We celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary with dinner at Cheeni tonight. This was our 3rd time dining here and it did not disappoint. Every time we go, we try something new, delicious, and unlike anything we’ve tasted before.
I asked for a chai martini which I’d had before but wasn’t currently listed on the drink menu. Our waiter said it was a bar exclusive item that would have to be ordered separately at the bar counter, so not wanting to step away from our date, I picked a different cocktail (which was also delicious). Later in the evening I asked the bartender, who was delivering the drinks to the tables, if I could please have a chai martini, noting what the waiter had told us. The bartender said he’d happily make me one, and not only comped the drink but brought us a small bottle of prosecco as a congratulations for our anniversary.
This act of generosity was the cherry on top of a perfect evening. The food was so delicious we cleaned every plate. Thank you to Cheeni for a lovely anniversary date we won’t soon forget.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lauren Perry
There are just so many thoughtful touches to this place. The food was so delicious and well seasoned. We will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Okamoto
Nothing left and also forgot to take a photo until I took a bite out of the biriyani. This is a must go place if you want good Indian food that is outside of the norm butter chicken. Will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Altamash Memon
The taste and overall flavor profile was really disappointing - even for simple things like chai.
I wasn't expecting authentic Indian, but this was far from even tasty.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Namrata D
Had a great meal at Cheeni. The decor is stunning and the atmosphere is so inviting. The food was excellent across the board. The paneer was some of the softest I've ever had, and we were so impressed by the karela chaat—a truly superior dish we wouldn't normally have tried. Highly recommend this spot for a great meal
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bugs Subu
Cheeni Durham is a nice spot for a special occasion or date night. The décor and ambience are warm, inviting, and authentically styled, and the service is truly top-notch. The drinks menu is extensive, with a good selection of craft cocktails to choose from.
Where the experience fell short for us was the food. The vegetarian options in particular were underwhelming. Many dishes felt like elevated versions of everyday staples such as dal chawal or curd rice—comforting, yes, but not necessarily what one expects at gourmet pricing. Portions were also quite small for the price point, which made the overall value feel lacking.
The speakeasy was another disappointment. Marketed as a “Bollywood speakeasy,” it turned out to be a small room with televisions and the same cocktails available at the restaurant—not quite the unique experience one might imagine.
Overall, Cheeni Durham was worth trying once for the atmosphere and service, but given the cost and limited vegetarian appeal, it’s unlikely we’ll return. More of a novelty than a truly memorable Indian dining experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
E
From the moment I walked through the front door at Cheeni, I felt like I was being welcomed into someone’s home. The interior is captivating, calming colors paired with gold accents set the perfect tone for the evening. We were seated in a cozy booth with a window view, and our server kindly explained their unique system: each table has a black chest that holds silverware, menus, and even a little card you can place out when you’re ready to order. Such a thoughtful touch!
Since we had driven in from out of town, we wanted to try as much as possible. We began with Mango Lassi and Chai shooters. The lassi was rich with cardamom (my favorite!) in every sip, while the chai was smooth and comforting. For appetizers, we ordered the Keema Samosa and Onion Pakoras, perfectly crisp and paired with delicious tamarind and mint chutneys.
But the true star was The Raja. The Beef Boti was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted - literally melting in my mouth. It was, without exaggeration, the BEST beef sirloin I’ve ever had. 11/10. I was completely speechless.
To finish, we indulged in the Saffron Rose Popsicle, delicately topped with rose petals and crushed pistachios.. refreshing, fragrant, and beautiful.
What truly elevated the experience was the heart behind the food. The owner, Preeti, personally stopped by our table. She said that food is meant to be shared, never gatekept, and even offered to teach me how to make the beef boti myself! Her kindness and genuine care made the whole evening feel like a meal cooked by a dear friend.
Cheeni felt like more than just a restaurant - it’s an experience filled with warmth, flavor, and hospitality. I cannot wait to return with my family, and I urge you to bring yours too.
Probably my new favorite Durham restaurant! Everything was a 10/10. Apps, mains, and desserts were awesome! Drinks were also good. 100% will be back to try more
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Colleen Scott
First time going and blew us away! Service was great, drinks were delicious and the food was really good and flavorful! Excited to go again :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
warren greshes
My wife and I have now been to Cheenie 6 times and it just keeps getting better: which says allot since we already thought it’s the best Indian restaurant in the triangle! And honestly, now I think it’s one of the best restaurants, period! It’s a family run business and Preeta and her daughter Amy, couldn’t be better hosts. The service from the entire staff is impeccable, but the food is off the charts. There are items on this unique menu you won’t find at other Indian restaurants. ie, my favorite appetizer is Bitter Gourd with Mushrooms. And it’s not an easy choice, since there are at least 6 or 7 appetizers that are delicious. In fact, one night it was so difficult, I just ordered a meal of 4 appetizers! My favorite main course is the Whole fish. It’s a Branzino. Cooked perfectly. As good a piece of fish as you’ll find anywhere. They also have traditional Indian dishes, they taste better than any you’ve had elsewhere. I highly recommend the South Indian Vegetable Kurma and the Aloo Gobi. The menu never stays static. The Aloo Gobi was recently added, along with a delicious appetizer of minced lamb wrapped in collard greens. If you haven’t been to Cheenie, you’re really missing a great culinary experience.
Tonight was the third time my wife and I have been to Cheeni, and, as usual, it was outstanding! As good as, if not better than any Indian restaurant in the Triangle. Cheeni is not your “cookie cutter” Indian restaurant where the menu is the same as hundreds of other places. It is a unique, imaginative menu with amazing tasting dishes you may have never heard of before but are damn glad you found it. It is true Indian home cooking. As far as favorites, the Mushroom and Bitter Gourd Sabzi may be the best appetizer I’ve ever had in any restaurant: and our friend Lucy, who joined us tonight, agreed! The Tamatar and Bindi Daal Tadka is a wonderful vegan option. My wife absolutely loved the Dani Chicken and I can tell you the Whole Fish (Branzino) is one of the best pieces of fish I’ve ever had.
There’s a wide variety of choices for any and all dietary requirements.
The service is excellent; and Preeta, the James Beard Chef, and her daughter Amy have created a home away from home for those of us who love Indian food.
The food at Cheeni is absolutely amazing! I’ll definitely be coming back for the lamb vindaloo (perfect spice and flavor) and the chocolate chip cookies! But what really makes this place stand out is the hospitality. Preeti and Amy are such a kind and wonderful mother-daughter duo who took the time to talk with us for a while and made our first night in Durham so memorable. They instantly made us feel right at home, and it felt more like being welcomed into someone’s home than dining at a restaurant. Cheeni is a true gem, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a home-cooked-feeling Indian meal with warmth you’ll remember long after.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rick Miller
While attending a film festival with colleagues we were treated like family at Cheeni! We were welcomed by the manager/owner and had an incredible meal and drinks at the bar. The flavors were incredible and it made my stay in Durham amazing.
Amazing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Naan, Vegetable Samosas
I’m stunned by the venomous, negative reviews. The food was excellent, different with complex flavors that are not always easy to achieve like the charred eggplant appetizer: brinjal something. It had a hint of smokiness, absolutely delicious and I’ve never had that in an Indian restaurant in the US. Service was also very good, waiters were super fast and friendly, food came out fast. We’re in Raleigh but I’d drive to Durham to eat there again.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely phenomenal experience at Cheeni! From the moment we walked in, the warm welcome and ambiance + thoughtful décor set the stage for what turned out to be an unforgettable dinner. Every dish was bursting with vibrant flavors that felt both authentic and elevated. Clearly crafted with care and creativity. The service was impeccable: friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the menu.
We left feeling completely satisfied, impressed, and already planning our next visit. Cheeni is a true gem in Durham! a perfect spot for anyone who loves thoughtful food and exceptional hospitality.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary with dinner at Cheeni tonight. This was our 3rd time dining here and it did not disappoint. Every time we go, we try something new, delicious, and unlike anything we’ve tasted before.
I asked for a chai martini which I’d had before but wasn’t currently listed on the drink menu. Our waiter said it was a bar exclusive item that would have to be ordered separately at the bar counter, so not wanting to step away from our date, I picked a different cocktail (which was also delicious). Later in the evening I asked the bartender, who was delivering the drinks to the tables, if I could please have a chai martini, noting what the waiter had told us. The bartender said he’d happily make me one, and not only comped the drink but brought us a small bottle of prosecco as a congratulations for our anniversary.
This act of generosity was the cherry on top of a perfect evening. The food was so delicious we cleaned every plate. Thank you to Cheeni for a lovely anniversary date we won’t soon forget.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
There are just so many thoughtful touches to this place. The food was so delicious and well seasoned. We will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nothing left and also forgot to take a photo until I took a bite out of the biriyani. This is a must go place if you want good Indian food that is outside of the norm butter chicken. Will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The taste and overall flavor profile was really disappointing - even for simple things like chai.
I wasn't expecting authentic Indian, but this was far from even tasty.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Had a great meal at Cheeni. The decor is stunning and the atmosphere is so inviting. The food was excellent across the board. The paneer was some of the softest I've ever had, and we were so impressed by the karela chaat—a truly superior dish we wouldn't normally have tried. Highly recommend this spot for a great meal
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cheeni Durham is a nice spot for a special occasion or date night. The décor and ambience are warm, inviting, and authentically styled, and the service is truly top-notch. The drinks menu is extensive, with a good selection of craft cocktails to choose from.
Where the experience fell short for us was the food. The vegetarian options in particular were underwhelming. Many dishes felt like elevated versions of everyday staples such as dal chawal or curd rice—comforting, yes, but not necessarily what one expects at gourmet pricing. Portions were also quite small for the price point, which made the overall value feel lacking.
The speakeasy was another disappointment. Marketed as a “Bollywood speakeasy,” it turned out to be a small room with televisions and the same cocktails available at the restaurant—not quite the unique experience one might imagine.
Overall, Cheeni Durham was worth trying once for the atmosphere and service, but given the cost and limited vegetarian appeal, it’s unlikely we’ll return. More of a novelty than a truly memorable Indian dining experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
From the moment I walked through the front door at Cheeni, I felt like I was being welcomed into someone’s home. The interior is captivating, calming colors paired with gold accents set the perfect tone for the evening. We were seated in a cozy booth with a window view, and our server kindly explained their unique system: each table has a black chest that holds silverware, menus, and even a little card you can place out when you’re ready to order. Such a thoughtful touch!
Since we had driven in from out of town, we wanted to try as much as possible. We began with Mango Lassi and Chai shooters. The lassi was rich with cardamom (my favorite!) in every sip, while the chai was smooth and comforting. For appetizers, we ordered the Keema Samosa and Onion Pakoras, perfectly crisp and paired with delicious tamarind and mint chutneys.
But the true star was The Raja. The Beef Boti was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted - literally melting in my mouth. It was, without exaggeration, the BEST beef sirloin I’ve ever had. 11/10. I was completely speechless.
To finish, we indulged in the Saffron Rose Popsicle, delicately topped with rose petals and crushed pistachios.. refreshing, fragrant, and beautiful.
What truly elevated the experience was the heart behind the food. The owner, Preeti, personally stopped by our table. She said that food is meant to be shared, never gatekept, and even offered to teach me how to make the beef boti myself! Her kindness and genuine care made the whole evening feel like a meal cooked by a dear friend.
Cheeni felt like more than just a restaurant - it’s an experience filled with warmth, flavor, and hospitality. I cannot wait to return with my family, and I urge you to bring yours too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Probably my new favorite Durham restaurant! Everything was a 10/10. Apps, mains, and desserts were awesome! Drinks were also good. 100% will be back to try more
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time going and blew us away! Service was great, drinks were delicious and the food was really good and flavorful! Excited to go again :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My wife and I have now been to Cheenie 6 times and it just keeps getting better: which says allot since we already thought it’s the best Indian restaurant in the triangle! And honestly, now I think it’s one of the best restaurants, period! It’s a family run business and Preeta and her daughter Amy, couldn’t be better hosts. The service from the entire staff is impeccable, but the food is off the charts. There are items on this unique menu you won’t find at other Indian restaurants. ie, my favorite appetizer is Bitter Gourd with Mushrooms. And it’s not an easy choice, since there are at least 6 or 7 appetizers that are delicious. In fact, one night it was so difficult, I just ordered a meal of 4 appetizers! My favorite main course is the Whole fish. It’s a Branzino. Cooked perfectly. As good a piece of fish as you’ll find anywhere. They also have traditional Indian dishes, they taste better than any you’ve had elsewhere. I highly recommend the South Indian Vegetable Kurma and the Aloo Gobi. The menu never stays static. The Aloo Gobi was recently added, along with a delicious appetizer of minced lamb wrapped in collard greens. If you haven’t been to Cheenie, you’re really missing a great culinary experience.
Tonight was the third time my wife and I have been to Cheeni, and, as usual, it was outstanding! As good as, if not better than any Indian restaurant in the Triangle. Cheeni is not your “cookie cutter” Indian restaurant where the menu is the same as hundreds of other places. It is a unique, imaginative menu with amazing tasting dishes you may have never heard of before but are damn glad you found it. It is true Indian home cooking. As far as favorites, the Mushroom and Bitter Gourd Sabzi may be the best appetizer I’ve ever had in any restaurant: and our friend Lucy, who joined us tonight, agreed! The Tamatar and Bindi Daal Tadka is a wonderful vegan option. My wife absolutely loved the Dani Chicken and I can tell you the Whole Fish (Branzino) is one of the best pieces of fish I’ve ever had.
There’s a wide variety of choices for any and all dietary requirements.
The service is excellent; and Preeta, the James Beard Chef, and her daughter Amy have created a home away from home for those of us who love Indian food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Naan, The Hariyali Whole Fish, Vegetable Korma, Vegetable Samosas
The food at Cheeni is absolutely amazing! I’ll definitely be coming back for the lamb vindaloo (perfect spice and flavor) and the chocolate chip cookies! But what really makes this place stand out is the hospitality. Preeti and Amy are such a kind and wonderful mother-daughter duo who took the time to talk with us for a while and made our first night in Durham so memorable. They instantly made us feel right at home, and it felt more like being welcomed into someone’s home than dining at a restaurant. Cheeni is a true gem, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a home-cooked-feeling Indian meal with warmth you’ll remember long after.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
While attending a film festival with colleagues we were treated like family at Cheeni! We were welcomed by the manager/owner and had an incredible meal and drinks at the bar. The flavors were incredible and it made my stay in Durham amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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