Nirvana Chestnut Hill

A gal pal suggested we try out the new restaurant. It was EXCELLENT. I had lamb saag. She had mango chicken? We tasted each other's food and just giggled. We had the smoothie and Indian Coke drink- both awesome. The dining room is TINY but the table settings are works of art- fancy napkin sculptures and elegant, playful silverware & dishes. The onion stuffed naan was exquisite. Our server was attentive, polite and answered our questions without hostility or offense. The spices are ON POINT. Their system of personally developing everyone's plate is outstanding. I discovered that I am a wimpy +2 while my friend is a +3. Trying both our food with the varying heat/spice ratios, I could enjoy and taste all the flavors without having my tongue burned off, lol. My ONLY complaint, which has kept me from trying them in the past, is that to order and pick-up take-out, you must use their back door which I find to be creepy and dangerous looking. So I guess I'll only go when I can eat in, using the front door, LOL. However, I was impressed when we asked for our leftovers to be packaged, our server gave each of us free complimentary fresh bismati rice to go along with our uneaten entrees. They give good portions! And the packaging is washable, reusable, recyclable plastic containers- not cheap carboard that soaks up sauces or scary unstable thin plastic that leaks or horrible styrofoam that should be outlawed. THIS RESTAURANT IS WONDERFUL!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

Quite literally followed our noses here for an amazing lunch! Had the lamb biryani - simply fantastic! The rice was incredibly tasty and the lamb tender as can be. I ordered a spicier version of the dish (5/7), and was very happy with the spice levels. For those wary of eating spicy, the side yogurt-based sauce was a great cooling option with lightly sweet carrots in it. Last, can’t have biryani without some good naan - the garlic naan was so delicious! Great biryani! Great service! Highly recommend!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Naan

Vegetarian options: It’s all delicious, and if you want it spicy, this place won’t disappoint.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best delivery Indian food I have had in Philadelphia!

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was great and loved the atmosphere, different from what you experience in most restaurants.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Naan, Paneer Masala

Everything is excellent food, Service and Atmosphere. Wow so Lovely place…

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing service, fantastic food, and great vegan options!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Veg Madras Curry

The spice blend was good. Medium complexity and a solid amount of chicken and rice.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

Had a nice dinner here a few weeks ago. Service was exceptional, and the food was very well-prepared. Small and cozy atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Good personality, and kind ?? ez free juice

Atmosphere: 5

We enjoy Indian food, have eaten at many restaurants, and found that the food and service here was exceptional. We ate outside on their patio (because of the Covid pandemic we always eat outdoors). A great addition to the limited restaurant scene in the neighborhood.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

So yummy

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lamb Tikka Masala, Naan

I would give Nirvana extra stars if I could. I booked a table for 10 senior citizens, all of us in Philadelphia from across the country for our 55th (!!) high school reunion. Although the reservation I made must have been confusing (due to my uncertainty about the head count), and I’m SURE our ordering was confusing, too ?, the Nirvana staff was prepared for our arrival, welcomed us warmly, and managed to bring us the correct (and delicious) food cheerfully and without a hitch. (I eat at Indian restaurants a lot so I feel I know quality when I taste it.) I am grateful to Nirvana for making this a special evening in a lovely setting, and m—if my classmates and I survive another five years—I hope to be back for our 60th! (p.s. The fact that Nirvana is BYOB can be a huge plus for a group that is splitting the check because the modest drinkers don’t have to pay for the big boozers! Also, despite the size of the group, Nirvana didn’t ask for a credit card number or financial commitment in advance, which was a relief because I didn’t trust all the other old folks to show up —though they actually did!)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Saag, Naan

So accommodating and excellent food ??

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was great, I order Lamb Kaalimirch, Chilli Chicken and in vegetarian options - Nirwana Paneer, Methi Malai.We all really enjoyed the food and the service was great.If I am in the nearby area then I'll definitely visit again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5