If I could give 3.5 stars, I would. This place has the potential to be a 5 with a few changes. First, the GOOD NEWS: Wonderful, hip, interesting, lively atmosphere. Good service. Comfortable large, booths. Some of the dishes are over-the-top delish. The Chicken with the Cashew Saffron Curry is to die for! The garlic parmesan naan is a must order. The Kashmiri spiced, braised lamb shank is a nice portion and the lamb is falling off the bone...very tasty. The BAD NEWS: Unless you get a booth (3 or more) you will most likely be uncomfortable. The chairs are small and metal. They could readily remedy that with some simple chair cushions. The appetizers we ordered were a miss. I'm sure there are some good ones that we did not try but skip the seemingly much lauded Kale Chips. They sound good in the description but they come out mushy, greasy, and falling apart. they are not strong enough to dip into the spicy garbanzo, etc. dip. These would be so much better without the thick batter and oil. If they just dry-crisped with a little seasoning...sometimes less is more. The Gul Guppa shots are a novelty. Maybe worth doing once unless you adore cilantro (i dont). The shot liquid is VERY cilantro-y. Overall we had a fun dining experience but they could use some tweaks.
(4)
Alexander A.
This was my first time to this establishment. I think Chauhan has a chance to be really great. First the decor: There are four different types of light fixtures that can all be seen from the same point of view. It appears disjointed. The fixtures over the host stand need to go. They are tacky. The projecters all over the restaurant are tacky too. Projecting the Restaurants name all over the walls? What is the sense in this? The multicolored votives everywhere were a nice touch. I really liked the cinderblock inlay near the bottom of the fireplace. The cocktails: Love is Blind is probably one of the tastiest cocktails concocted. The spices and pumpkin butter work perfectly with the egg white and amaretto. I agree with the bartender that the Falling Star is tasty but needs one more flavor added. The flyte of beers was a good choice but not enough flavorful drafts to choose from. My server kept taking the cocktail list away from the table everytime I ordered a drink. Shouldn't an Ale house have more Ales on draft? The food: The porkbelly with the frisee salad was a great beginner but the pieces were inconsistently cooked. The heirloom beet salad was light and refreshing. The three colored beets were the perfect texture and had different flavors. The garlic parmesan naan was flavorful and crisp and I could have eaten two orders by myself. The lamb tikka masala had five bite sized pieces of lamb. I could have used a little more. The tikka masala was standard. Nothing special. The double chocolate cake was deliciously rich and the sauce was perfect with spice. The sesame toffee added a nice crunch but the plate was warm and it made the chai ice cream melt before it reached the table. The service: The bartender was knowledgable but the bar was messy. The server at the table was mildly attentive. The manager walking the floor made eye contact with me several times but never once smiled, said hello, or visited the table. I guess I did not look important enough to him. Overall for the price I would rather go to Bombay Palace because their food is better and their service will knock your socks off. They just don't have the flare of Chauhan.
(3)
Miranda R.
Sensational!
(5)
Scott B.
I preface my review with the cold hard fact that I am not an expert on Indian food, but I was with a good friend who may fall under an aficionado. We ordered the Gol Guppa Shots and Marsala Pork Belly. Both were solid. For entrees we ordered the Chicken Tikka Marsala and the Lamb Vendaloo which did not disappoint. We accompanied all the food with your standard Kingfisher. They were selling the Cool Springs brewery beers that were made just for them, a milk stout and douple IPA, but wasn't feeling those. Either way, great service, good scene, solid food, and overall a great up and coming restaurant on the Nashville food scene....Enjoy!
(4)
Sejal M.
What a great concept. I walked in and immediately liked the place. It has an incredible vibe and I love the combination of Indian movies projected on the wall with a hip urban feel. The cocktails we had were fantastic. We had the kale appetizer, described as "upside down nachos" and they were really good. One challenge I had with the cuisine was the combining of traditional Indian dishes/spices. I am indian and cook. The food was good...but I found myself saying "that doesn't go with that". I think I it was hard to be objective about whether or not it actually worked well together, so take that for what it is worth. With that said, here is our take. The paneer kebabs were a wonderful Texture. Great dish for the vegetarian. There was some type of masala that left a little bit of an aftertaste for me, but otherwise the taste of the actual paneer made up for it. My husband and I split the paneer Relleno and Cauliflower Croquette/bean dish. Both were good and unique, Albeit a little spicy. For dessert, the carrot halwa. Very interesting. It was like a combination of halwa, gulab jamun and a kehr-like sauce. Wasn't actually crazy about it. Don't get me wrong, we ate it and we ate it good. But the texture of the gulab portion was a little tough. Probably not a big deal unless you know that a gulab should be light and fluffy. I think the dish, with such a combination, just needed a lightness. Overall, definitely a place I would come back to, definitely a place I would recommend to others, definitely an extremely cool vibe, hats off for making it work !
(4)
Micheal P.
meh.
(3)
Gabriella L.
I honestly don't understand why this restaurant only has four out of five stars-- it deserves all five and then some. Chef Chauhan has done something special at her ale and masala house, she's created Indian Southern fusion and pulled it off entirely. Her food preserves the dignity and complexity of Indian cuisine, while integrating some of our favorite parts of American eating. Some of the stars of the menu include the Tikka Masala poutine-- why has no one thought of this before!?-- and the korma. Her menu also provides a meat and three option that varies daily. It comes with a side of lentils, vegetables, rice, naan, papadums and of course the meat of the day. My husband orders this every time and he's never been disappointed. As far as vibe, this place is beautifully decorated, the staff is friendly, professional, and interested in making sure they serve everything from the kitchen with dignity. For people wondering if they should venture out and try something new, this is a great place to go. For the unadventurous palate, this isn't a place you should be afraid of. Eat here. You won't regret it. Seriously.
(5)
Dene L.
I heard great things about this place but I found it pretty average. The food was good but not any better than Shalimar or Woodlands yet cost a bit more. The server was in a rush to get us out from the beginning and we were seated at the front door. I think because we snuck in with an early reservation before the heavy drinkers arrive. I had even heard from a friend that the waiters were dressed up and handsome but I found them to look as cheesy as the bad projections on the wall. Again, probably because it was early and it wasn't dark enough and I wasn't drinking enough. The hostesses were far more interesting with heavily drawn on bjork-esque eyebrows and short dresses. I had lamb masala and the sauce was great but the lamb was slimy and fatty and poor quality. I had to keep spitting it into my napkin so... I am happy to have action again in this area of what used to be the Gulch. I miss pub of love and 12th and porter as this area was a fun hang back in the day...
(3)
Laura H.
As a huge fan of Maneet Chauhan, I was so excited to finally get the opportunity to eat here. I came with a friend prior to seeing Anthony Bourdain at TPAC. It was a great location to eat prior to the show, as it was only about 5 minutes away. There is ample street parking and free valet parking, as well. I recommend making reservations in advance. We started with Chauhan Bites and Tandoori Chicken Poutine. The Chauhan Bites were small vegetable samosas in a basket that contained around 20, I'd guess. The Poutine consisted of fries and tender tandoor chicken topped with a savory makhani sauce (like a dark, thick gravy) and mozzarella. It was a good-sized portion. I was impressed at the quantity of food on both appetizer plates - really more than enough for two people. We'd planned to order entrees as well, but due to the size of the apps, we decided to get a few more small plates instead. We had the Black Eyed Peas Tikki, croquettes served with a cucumber raita. They were delicious! We also had an order of garlic parmesan naan, which came in a basket with four large slices and tasted a bit like pizza with the garlic and shaved parmesan on top. Daal is one of my most favorite Indian dishes, so I also had to get an order of that plus basmati rice. The daal was the only item I had that wasn't out of this world delicious. I know it was the daal of the day, so I'd like to try another version on a different day. This one had large beans (kidney maybe?) in it, and what I'm used to are small lentils cooked to a creamy consistency - not chunky beans. However, I thoroughly enjoyed everything else and look forward to a return trip.
(4)
Loralyn D.
We started with the Tandori Chicken Poutine from the happy hour menu and it was amazing! Kind of like Indian French fries. Highly recommended! Next we had the kale appetizer based off others' recommendations on Yelp and it was very unique. However, I liked the Tandori Chicken Poutine better. Finally, we had the seafood plate and meat and three for our main course. The meat and three was lamb and it was very flavorful and fell apart in your mouth. My only critiques are there were a bunch of flies that kept swarming the table and the temperature in the restaurant was a little warm on a hot summer evening. We'll definitely be coming back for more!
(4)
Debbie S.
This restaurant was fantastic. Was in Nashville for live on the green and wanted a cool restaurant to try. This place was it. I suggest anything on the menu. I had the Veggie Korma and it was the best Indian food I have ever had. Make sure you get the Bread with assorted butters and chutney.
(5)
Josh H.
I've been here twice now, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. In short, the food and vibe are great, the service is not, and the prices are high. They're at a 3 right now, with room to grow to a 4 if they can work out some kinks, or a 5 if they work out those kinks and lower their prices. MENUS (3.5 stars): The food that I've eaten has been a 4.5, but getting there is a little tricky, as the menus are confusing to navigate. They have a bar snacks menu, which overlaps with the appetizers section of the main menu. Most of the main menu is what many would call fusion cuisine. Many of the small plates and mains are familiar western dishes with Indian flavors and ingredients. They also have a traditional "Desi Fare" section of the menu where you choose your protein and curry, but these dishes are overpriced. Rounding out the menu, they have a daily meat & three. Admittedly, I haven't tried this yet, as it's hard to justify the price tag, but I can't imagine this sticking around as a successful staple of the restaurant. It seems like one gimmick too many. Let's delete this and simplify the options. FOOD (4.5 stars): The food has been great. So far, I've stuck with the small plates and bar snacks. The best thing I've tried has been the garam masala pork belly, served with simple greens and fresh apple and radish. The chunks of belly were crispy and caramelized on the outside and wonderfully melt-in-your-mouth on the inside. They have their take on both fish and chips and Nashville-style hot chicken (of course). The fish and chips were okay, but the fish was sadly pretty limp. I expect more of a crunch from fish and chips. The hot chicken is quite good, though hardly authentic - the ghost pepper dipping sauce was the best part. Other good snacks include the tandoori chicken poutine (amazing!), the kale parkora chaat (lightly battered, well-seasoned kale chips), and the black eyed peas tikki (black eyed pea cakes with cucumber raita for dipping). DRINK (3.5 stars): For an "ale" house, I was surprised that their beer selection wasn't more extensive. You can enjoy a relatively small array of craft beers and traditional Indian beers (e.g. Kingfisher), but the thing to try is their custom beers brewed in cooperation with Cool Springs Brewery (e.g. Garam Masala Ale, Chai Milk Stout, and Saffron Cardamom IPA). They also have some nice inventive cocktails at the going rate of $10-12 per quaff. AMBIANCE & DECOR (4.5 stars): It's nice in here. The vibe is very contemporary and modern, notably the projections on the exposed brick walls, but it's complemented by traditional Indian patterns and artifacts. Nicely done. PRICES (2 stars): Overall, this place is just a little too expensive, especially for Nashville. If they can sustain at these prices, more power to them. In order for me to become a regular, I know I'll need the prices to come down. Given their north Gulch location and proximity to downtown Nashville, I especially think they should rethink their lunch prices and make a real push for their happy hour. SERVICE (2 stars): Front of house is a mess so far. Both times, I encountered awkward and poor customer service at the host stand. The first time, we walked in at 5 p.m. on Sunday. We were asked "What's your last name?" as if we must have had a reservation. We didn't. How about "Welcome to Chauhan. How many are in your party? Do you have a reservation?" Our subsequent service was also terrible. It was a trainer/trainee situation, so they get a bit of a pass there. But it was early on a Sunday night, not crowded at all, and we had to wait so freakin' long for anything to happen. The dining experience took nearly two hours for a total of 4 drinks and 4 small plates. Unacceptable. The second time, I walked in with a group of young professionals at 5 p.m. on a Tuesday. We had a reservation, but if you had seen us, you would have known to ask, "Are you here for dinner or for happy hour?" After waiting for 1-2 minutes (which was unexplainable because no one was there), we were sat at our six-top in the completely empty dining room, only to find out that happy hour is only available in the bar area. So we had to move, which seemed absurd, because we were literally the only people in the restaurant who weren't being paid to be there. The only breath of fresh air service-wise was our bartender Asher. He was great. As a former server, I really hope to see the front of house improve.
(3)
Steven H.
We've been Chopped fans for quite some time, so my girlfriend and I decided to try out Maneet's new restaurant.... It was a great decision. The decor is great and trendy, the staff was so pleasant and the food was amazing. We had the garlic Naan for an appetizer, so fresh and light. I had the shrimp moilee and she had the chicken korma. Both were amazing and would recommend both. The chef was even in the building! She came over to the table to chat and take a photo with us. She was soooo nice and bubbly. The whole experience was fantastic and will definitely go back soon!
(5)
Sarah G.
Let's just say that I wish I had more time in the South to try this place as it evolves. And that androgynous bartender... Left this in a tip but I would say it's not exactly a "casual" place in terms of dress. Took my bestie here for a nice small meal and we were definitely underdressed -- I felt that way anyway. Pretty sure we were the only folks wearing jeans and the rest of the crowd seemed like a post-work business crew that I'm not used to seeing over in East Nashville (or anywhere in Little Rock for that matter). No bother. We didn't have a reservation (on a Monday night) so we sat in the first come first serve bar area at a table in the corner which was great for people watching. The menu wasn't exactly confusing but I had a lot of questions about the drink options -- having never been I was a bit perplexed by the CS (Cool Springs Brewery apparently) custom ales brewed for the space. Our super sweetheart of a server was happy to clarify and I'm glad she did because the saffron cardamom IPA was bomb and not overly infused tasting. It was a great complement to everything. Oh, and burial ground is one of the best bourbon drinks I've had in ages. Do it. We weren't planning on a big dinner, rather we wanted to sample a few things without going overboard. Bar snacks all the way: hot chicken pakora, roasted beet salad, and kale pakora chaat. The latter was the most exciting, interesting thing I've tried in a while. MAD props. Super delicate crispy batter and incredible commingling flavors resting on a tamarind, minty, bed of delicious chickpeas. I'd eat that all day long. The former two were tasty -- beets were good because, well, fresh heirloom beets are good but nothing else stood out in the dish. And the chicken was good in concept but a lil' soggy -- wanted that crispy hot batter Nashville is so good at. That sauce though. So good. I'd drink it and put it on everything. The manager (?) stopped by several times to make small talk. I appreciated the friendly gesture especially given our corner hiding spot. I'll be in Nashville one more time before I move back West...I'd put this on the list of repeat eats for sure.. Maybe for a nice going away dinner for my bestie as he leaves Nashville after 20+ years! It *does* seem like the perfect special occasion place. If I lived closer it might be a regular once/week drink and bar snack joint too. I dig.
(4)
Maria K.
So I'll start out this review by saying that I love love love Indian food. It is my favorite cuisine! That being said, I am half Pakistani, so I've been raised to love this type of food! My family and I are frequent visitors of Sitar but it's not an upscale dining experience. CAMH is not only a place to get good food, but also such a wonderful environment. I literally ate there an hour ago. The first thing I wanted to do when I got back was write a review on this magnificent place. So we came here for Father's Day. I made a reservation a week in advance. You don't have to have one, but I would highly recommend it. The atmosphere is great! It is a very ambient environment. They turned an old brick warehouse into an interesting restaurant! We were immediately seated in a spacious booth (request it when you make your reservation) that was super comfy and even had pillows! They had old Bollywood videos projected onto the brick walls which was a fun touch! Here is what we ordered!! Apps: Gol Guppa Shots: I had never had them, but they were so different! They give you these crunchy and hollow ball things that have potatoes and chick peas in them. You then pour in a cilantro mint water and eat them! Soooo different and good! Chicken pakoras: my favorite item of the night! They come with a ghost pepper sauce that is so spicy and delicious! Meal: Chicken Tikka Masala and Salmon Kabob! Both tasty. I think two people could easily share one order of the masala. We had a bunch of leftovers. The rice, daal and naan were delicious! Dessert: Keer Sundae, which is a rice pudding Sunday with a gulab jamon on top! And we got another desert that had Carmel ice cream, cardamom cupcake and garam masala cake pop. That was the only purchase I regretted. It wasn't worth the ten bucks. One of my favorite parts of the night was the tea service. They brought our masala tea in a cute pit with little cups. For two appetizers, three entrees, several sides and two desserts is was about 150 bucks for three people. So it wasn't cheap, but most certainly was delicious!
(5)
Courtney S.
Came here for an early dinner before going to the Opry. I have been dying to try this place and it didn't disappoint. Our waitress was very knowledgable about foods and beverages. We ordered their specialty beer (IPA with saffron and cardamom) and their Tandoori Poutine to start. The beer was phenomenal and the Poutine was so good. You would expect the fries to be soggy with the curry on top, but totally not! Crispy! For dinner my husband and I shared the meat and three. I think the options that come with this change because it's chefs choice but ours came with lamb tikki masala, rice, some lentil mixture, a cabbage mixture, and some naan. It was so good! Perfect amount of food! Our only complaint was the AC was broke when we were there so it was sooooo hot! We would have ordered another beer but couldn't stand the temperate. The manager said the AC wasn't working and they were working on getting it fixed! We will definitely be back here!!!
(5)
Sheena T.
Can I just say how amazing it is that we have so many new restaurants to look forward to? Nashville is on it. After being lucky enough to sample some bites at a Yelp event, I was even more excited and anxious for the opening. It did not disappoint. The space looks fantastic. When you step inside it's like you are transported somewhere else and I love the Indian decor and lighting. The vibe is awesome. I could not decide what I wanted to eat, so we asked for some recommendations from our very helpful and good-humored server. First things first: The drinks. OMG. I couldn't stop ordering the Rising Star with vodka and coconut milk foam. Wowzer. It was delicious without being overly sweet. If whiskey is more your thing, the Southern Belle was also delicious and a big hit with the guys. Do yourself a favor and at least get one cocktail. The food. Double OMG. Just order the kale pakora appetizer. It's lick the plate good. For an interesting and delicious dish, try the gol guppa shots. MMMM. And lastly. Pork belly....a million times yes. For entrees most everyone tried the desi tiffin which was a very casual nod to the meat and 3. It comes out in a stacked tin and I loved the chicken korma and whatever magic that was put in the cabbage dish was out of this world good. I had the "make your own" dish with paneer and a coconut curry. It was very good, but I definitely was stealing a lot of bites from the chicken korma. Also, the garlic Parmesan naan... order that guy. In summary....everything here was incredible. Presentation, flavors, creativity. A+ all around. And the service was just the perfect cherry on top. Don't walk, RUN to Chauhan!
(5)
Megan K.
What an eclectic and inviting space! Unlike anything in Nashville! Full disclosure: I am not a huge fan of Indian food--mostly due to the fact that I am a newbie when it comes to ethnic cuisine... that being said, I really loved my experience at Chauhan. First and foremost, the building is very accessible and parking is ample. The layout and decor of the building is really beautiful and mesmerizing. I went to Chauhan for lunch with my colleague a while back--she had a Desi Tiffin, or meat + three ("Chauhan's ode to Nashville"), which was a TON of food, all of which she raved about. I opted for a special in the grilled cheese/tomato soup combination, which was heavenly. Super flavorful, very enticing for a rainy Nashville afternoon. Service was great, space was amazing--this would be ideal for a date night! Can't wait to go back! One more thing--the restaurant itself offered a series of cooking classes, led by none other than Maneet Chauhan herself. This added element of intimacy really sets Chauhan apart, and yet adds to the inviting and embracing nature that Nashville is known for.
(5)
Rachel H.
My new favorite restaurant in Nashville! My mom, boyfriend and I tried this place a couple of weeks ago and I've been dying to go back ever since. We had mussels and kale chips. We got some classic Indian dishes for our main meal and they did not let us down. Service was also very good from start to finish. And check out the bathrooms and all the pictures of the chef!
(5)
Lisa J.
I went here for lunch on the recommendation of a friend who has dined there twice. I love Indian food and this place is offering an exciting menu and not the usual standard fare. I ordered the classic chicken tikka masala which was outstanding. I'm looking forward to trying the rest of their menu and the new brunch menu as well.
Great food and atmosphere. I recommend the Moni and the Mule to drink. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Martin C.
Nice looking place inside / trendy and modern. Make sure you get the daily chefs menu. You get a good selection of items for a fraction of the price you'd pay by buying a la carte. The menu is way more Indian than Southern but still some interesting items there like mango ribs. It's fairly pricey but if you get the $23 set menu its great value.
(4)
Deborah P.
"Decided to try the Indian version of Southern food at Chauhan. Loved the ambiance. And our waitress, Wilder, was knowledgeable and so helpful. By the time the food came the environmental systems must have died, because the atmosphere in the place was, well like actual India! Warm, humid and no air moving. Honestly the food (pork belly, hot chicken and fried kale) showed promise but it became a side show compared to the oppressive environment in the restaurant. My partner broke out her fan from Spain in an effort to beat the heat. Bottom line for me: Call me when the AC works. I'll review the food when not distracted by the environment."
Finally an upscale Indian restaurant with quality food! We absolutely loved everything here. This was my first time at an Indian fusion restaurant and I was not disappointed. I highly recommend the kale chips and mussels for appetizers. All the main dishes were awesome as well. Only complaint I had was the room temp was way too hot. I got to a point where I was getting too uncomfortable to eat. Other than that the food was fantastic.
(4)
Amol U.
After months of hype, I really wanted to like Chauhan Ale and Masala House. As far as Indian restaurants go, though, this one is decidedly mediocre. I'll start off with the good: the decor. It's really impressive how this place blends the classy, upscale lounge look with more traditional Indian design features. Points to Chauhan for being unique and experimental here, and totally pulling it off. The food leaves a LOT to be desired. For all the anticipation and publicity, the food isn't anything better than what restaurants like Bombay Palace or Sitar offer for a fraction of the price. I ordered the 'meat and three,' which turned out to a terribly bland fish curry, white rice, daal (lentils), and broccoli rabe. It's pretty disingenuous to call that an 'and three'; calling rice and daal two side dishes is like calling the complimentary bread and olive oil in an Italian restaurant two appetizers. Most Indian restaurants throw in rice and daal like a Chinese restaurant gives out fortune cookies or burger joints, fries. $20 for some bland fish and broccoli rabe, when I could have an entire buffet of comparable quality for ~$10? Pass ... I can appreciate that Indian food in Nashville isn't going to taste as authentic as something out of Bombay, but this is Indian cuisine without its distinctive flavors, sharp spices, and frankly .. without taste. If you know anything about Indian food, it's hard to be impressed with this stuff. Chauhan Ale and Masala House bills itself as being Indian food with a Southern twist ... but there's really no unique quality or fusion of tastes on this menu. Just some average, unimpressive Indian food intended for an audience that doesn't have much better to compare it to. I could do better in my own kitchen. And if you look up the nearest Indian grocery store and pick up some basic supplies, I'm sure you could, too.
(2)
Shay G.
Will be back for sure! Great atmosphere, great service, and fantastic food. Really nothing disappointed. We had a booth and loved it, the place was packed basically the entire time which is a great sign. Drinks were awesome and we started with a bunch of apps. Kale chips, guppa shots, lamb kabobs, and hot chicken. ALL WERE AMAZING! Dinner - we shared the chicken with tikka masala (top notch), fish with coconut curry (close second) and lamb with vindaloo (flavorful with just the right amount of spice). Oh and of course the naan was amazing. 2 areas to improve would be including sauces with the naan and more protein in the desi fare - we were left with lots of sauce. All in all this place was wonderful!
(5)
Toni R.
Beautiful space, with excellent Indian/fusion cuisine. Excellent service, cocktails, and food. Not generally a fan of Indian food, but this was remarkable!
(5)
Akriti A.
Great ambience. Great food. Great taste Love the innovative dishes - Indian food with international twist! I always make a special request of Gol guppa shots by Chef Gauri! A total must have!
(5)
Marc P.
Pricey for Indian food, but damn good food and atmosphere. I'd definitely recommend reservations. When we got there at 6pm on a Saturday night they said their tables were all booked for reservations, but fortunately we were able to grab a couple of seats at the bar. As for the decor, we really like the way they projecting faux frames with pictures on the brick wall with projectors in a very dimly lit area. In just gave the dining area a really cool ambiance. My favorite thing to ingest there was without a doubt their custom sourced/crafted "Saffron IPA". This was off-the-hook good. I am a big IPA fan, and I just really dug the confluence of flavors with each quaff. To my surprise, my wife, who is not an IPA fan, also liked it. We each ordered a pint of these.... they were most excellent, but at $10 a pint, quite pricey. Appetizer: Their pork belly, had too much fat for my liking (as a comparison, the pork belly appetizer we had at the Olde Pink House in Savannah was excellent); I personally would not recommend their pork belly unless you are into fatty meats. Mains: I got the Meat and 3, which I enjoyed and which was quite filling. My wife enjoyed her vegetarian Beet Croquette, which was actually quite large. Sitting at the bar wasn't bad, but next time I'd definitely make reservations so we could sit at a table, as I liked that section of the restaurant more.
(4)
Moira B.
Went with my good friend for dinner and sat at the bar. Off the bat, the bartender was awesome - - friendly without being too cheesy - - and made great recommendations. We both ordered the same drink, Moni and the Mule, which was fantastic. For the appetizer, we shared some naan (which was the right combination of crunchy and moist) that came with seven different chutneys, butters, and sauces. My personal fave was the ghost pepper butter; it definitely had a kick, but the heat didn't overwhelm the flavor. My favorite part of the night, however, was one of the two entrees we ordered. While the chicken with the moilee curry was pretty good, the lamb shank was over-the-top excellent. The lamb was so moist that it was falling off the bone, and the meat was very flavorful. The tomato sauced rice was a great complement to the lamb. I am definitely going to come back so that I can try the other dishes. If you must try one of the new Nashville restaurants, I recommend this one.
(5)
Joanna C.
I was out to dinner with 4 other people. They brought my food about 30 mins after everyone else's, when everyone else was finishing up. This was very awkward for everyone, and the food was cold when they brought it to me. The waiter was apologetic, but it was surprising that they did not offer to comp my meal. $25 for cold food and an awkward experience does not seem worth it.
(2)
R B.
Very good and authentic, and I say that as an Indian. Sam Diego needs one of these. chef Chauhan pls move to San Diego - great place for your kids and we need a great India Restaurant!
(5)
Eliza R.
Chauhan Ale & Masala House was one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. I was absolutely thrilled with all of the food and drink I ordered! To start, I ordered a chai milk stout from a local brewery in Cool Springs. It was $10 for a pint, and absolutely worth it. For appetizers, my friend and I split the masala dabba and tandoori bread, which came with a wheel of naan bread and a variety of flavored butters and chutneys. We also decided to splurge and get an extra wheel of garlic parmesan naan, which was absolutely fresh and warm and delicious. The menu is really interesting and there is a variety of food to choose from, ranging from more traditional Indian (such as chicken tikka masala) to inventive Indian-Southern fusions. I ordered the guava glazed BBQ ribs, which came with a cold fingerling potato salad and collard greens. The ribs were incredible, with super-tender meat that was falling off the bone. At this point, I figured I should just go all out and get dessert. I had looked at the menu before coming to the restaurant and I had my heart set on the pot de creme, which they were out of. In its place, I had a spiced maple jaggery kheer sunday, which was OUT OF THIS WORLD. It had rice pudding, spiced pecans, and some dried fruit. It tasted like everything I wanted out of a dessert: sweet and light and satisfying. The perfect end to the most delicious meal. So, this brings to me to the Chauhan's only downfall, which is why I only give it 4 stars. The service is painfully slow. Friendly and attentive, for sure, but perhaps too much so. The waiter tended to ramble on about each dish, and give his opinion on it. I'm pretty familiar with Indian cuisine, so I didn't find it necessary. The food also came out very slowly. To put it in perspective, I had a reservation at 7:30 and was planning on seeing a film at the Belcourt at 8:55. By 8:45, we still hadn't received our check, even though we were finished with our entrees. We decided to just go ahead and order dessert since we were going to be late to the movie anyway! We finally ended up leaving at 9:40 or so. Normally I like long dinners, but since I had plans afterward, I was a little disappointed that everything took so long. I'll end the review here; the food is fantastic, the ambiance is lovely. I wanted to go back the next day to try more off the menu! Just give yourself plenty of time when you eat here, and make sure you don't have any plans set in stone afterward. I'm happy to have this addition to the Nashville food scene - there's nothing else quite like it.
(4)
Randall F.
Oh. My. God! This place is the bomb! Easily the best Indian food in nashville. I went for lunch with a colleague and was completely surprised to find the decor amazing, the service fantastic and the food to be delicious. I am already planning to go back with my wife for date night.
(5)
Susanna H.
Beautiful restaurant - really good for a date night. Drinks are as amazing, if not more, as the food.
(5)
Kimberly W.
We went here last night for a friend's birthday and it was fantastic. The vibe is fun, if a little over the top and the service was more than adequate, but the food blew our minds. Cocktails: I had the Moni and the Mule, which our server described as a "girly drink" (annoying but probably true.) It was just ok. Very sweet, not that exciting. My friend had the cocktail with wild turkey - it was much better. Food: Order the gol guppa shots. Just do it. These were incredible and fun and surprising. So good. We also had the kale chaat (fantastic flavors - the batter was a bit thick) and the naan. Delicious. For mains, my husband had the pork belly appetizer and the poutine. I have never had pork belly so tender in my life. I'm pretty certain magic was involved in this dish. My friend had the lamb shank - also the most tender cut of lamb I've ever had. I had the meat and three - it was chicken korma and it was fantastic. Very flavorful. The waiter brought us free dessert for my friend's birthday - it was chocolate and chai ice creams and so much better than normal ice cream desserts at restaurants. So much flavor in two little scoops of ice cream. Service: Our main dishes came out before we were finished eating appetizers, and it all felt a little rushed, but it was very kind of our waiter to offer a birthday dessert. We will definitely be back. The food was outstanding. Cannot wait to try more.
(5)
Alexandra F.
First off the drinks here are outstanding. OUTSTANDING!!! I'm pretty sure I had the Moni and the Mule. Whoa. I would drink any cocktail from here. I can't wait to try more. The vibe is chill. Not too casual, not too fancy. Really nice bar area. Dimly lit with cool light fixtures and overall design. The food was stellar. Definitely order the fry things with the sauce to start. I have no idea what they are really called. I think I had chicken vindaloo to eat. So very good. My only, only complaint is that there was very little meat in my dish. And in my friends dish there wasn't enough either. I was here on my birthday and the guy gave me a free drink! He was awesome. Also, there were some very nice, dry chillies in my dish. Don't eat them if you don't like the spicy. They are HOT!
(4)
Jeremy E.
I will keep this concise: Atmosphere is great. Very good vibe and well designed furniture. Drinks are solid. Wine list is good. Food has been either great or poor in the three times I have been. The bhunna was fabulous the first time and damn near inedible the last. Pork belly is consistently great. Service is just horrible. 3 different servers and it got worse with each visit. Inattentive, painfully slow, and in this last visit our server had the worst body odor I have smelled in years. We wrapped up our meal an hour early because it was just brutal. 2 stars because of inconsistent food and Applebee's service. Go to Bombay or Taj if you want great Indian.
(2)
Andrew N.
We were traveling to Nashville for a school affair (Home coming / reunion weekend for Vanderbilt's Owen Graduate School of Management) and friends of ours suggested having dinner here. They'd heard great things about Chauhan, and wanted to try it out. First off, we walked from Owen - about 12 blocks - and this place is in a highly transitional neighborhood - car dealerships, garages, barbwire topped fenced in car lots. It's dark and foreboding after sunset so I'd recommend driving and not walking. The restaurant itself is in what looks to be an old brick garage, which creates an amazing ambiance inside as the techno-jazz music plays and random Polish music videos are projected against the purple (?) painted brick walls. The place is noisy - a continuous cacophony of conversation from the scores of other people in the narrow hall, coupled with the background music has you practically yelling at each other across the table. Service is fabulous - they're very attentive and informative - encouraging you to try the various exploratory items on the menu. They have a selection of funky mixed drinks, but I went with the Cardamon infused beer - wow, great drink! The food is great, although I find myself wishing I'd stuck to a meal made of appetizers. The mains are pretty tradition Indian fare - done well and tasty, but I'd say the true allure of this place is the chef's amazing fusion of Southern fare and cuisine and Indian style - who ever heard of black eyed peas and collard greens in Indian food? I had naan and roti with an assortment of chutneys and achar, the gol guppa shots (hollow balls of semolina with a black garbanzo bean past inside and a wicked spicy cilantro liquid that you fill the ball and then stuff in your mouth far a great explosion of flavors) and the lamb vindaloo for a main. The chutneys were wonderful (a full spectrum from sweet and slightly spicy pineapple to salty hot achar - seven in all). I'd say the vindaloo was OK at best - too much sauce, although the meat melted in your mouth, which takes me back to my original statement - I wish I'd stuck to the appetizers because it's clear the chef's strength lies in her ability to create a terrific fusion of cultures and cuisines. I can get lamb vindaloo anywhere - it's a staple that I always enjoy - but black eyed pea tiki? Beet flower croquette in a collard green curry? Damn. Definitely going back to try out what I missed next time I'm in Nashville A note on my rating schema Rating system 1) I wouldn't feed a dog I hated here 2) I'll give it a miss 3) Good food - I'll definitely go again 4) Really good - I'll recommend to business colleagues and connoisseurs of this cuisine 5) Completely worth a trip - I'd book airplane and hotels to go there again.
(4)
Edwin W.
I consider myself a chowhound - lover of all things exotic, cheap, hard to find and I don't care if it is dirty. Why am I giving this over-priced, hipsterfied, trendy place 4 stars? Do we need any more carpet bagging celebrity chefs here in Nashville? Well, it was pretty good, and we need more South Asian offerings, even in this category. Now to the review: A few of us shared some appetizers: Kale Pakora: Fried Kale chips. Can you get trendier than that? Well, they do a nice thing with garbanzo beans and yogurt kind of like a seven layer dip underneath with a little heat stuck in. The suprise? It was served cold. Gol Guppa shots: these were a flavorful mix of potato and garbanzo beans ground up in a semolina puff ball that you could drizzle green mint sauce onto. Some sweet and salty and crunchy/chewy of the semolina. The suprise? They were cold. 7 to the order. We got a couple of their Desi fare - add a protein and a sauce. We were so glad they were served hot. We got the chicken with yellow moilee cocunt curry, which was a nice, savoury sauce without much spice. The chicken chunks were fine, a touch dry. A $16 curry dish. We also got lamb vindaloo which was hotter, but not oppressively so. Chunks of lamb and potato, lamb a bit dry for an $18 lamb vindaloo! On the side we got their raita, which had chunks of curd? in it. Not typical, but very good. We got one of their chutneys of the day, with fermented serrano chilies. I have eaten Thai-spciy Sri pha pai in Queens, a blow your head off Sichuan huo guo in the summer in China and this rivaled those in heat. Wow! make me cry, sister. That actually helped them get 4 stars. Naan for $3 a serving? Good, fresh out of the tandoor-oven fresh, but nothing special, except the high price. Beer list was fine - a good range of $5 and $6 bottles including Boddington's in a can - not common in town. Wine list was fine and expensive. $64 for a $16 bottle of Owen Roe Sharecropper had me shaking my head and sighing, but hey, I didn't order it. But go, take your friends who want to go downtown and have something slightly more on the exotic end of the things (for Nashville) and slightly nicer South Asian (for Nashville). Take friends who are used to paying carpet bagging celebrity chefs for slightly overpriced, but fairly good food in Nashville and you and they won't be disappointed. And you can look across the street, mourn the loss of 12th and Porter and know that you and your yuppie support of celebrity chefs are part of the problem. Like me.
(4)
gloria c.
i was really looking forward to trying this restaurant, since i love chopped (especially when the judges cook) and i also love indian food! but when we finally went this past weekend, we were disappointed. the food was good, but expensive! and definitely didn't live up to the hype. the ambience is very modern, but still warm and inviting. our server was polite and attentive. we ordered the masala dabba appetizer and two curries off the desi fare. everything was delicious (you can see pictures and read descriptions of the food and other reviews), but $12 for one piece of naan and a few condiments (two pats of butter, a spoonful of jam, a pinch of some salted spice)? we enjoyed dinner and it was worth trying once. but for the same cost, i think we could have a better dinner elsewhere for next time.
(3)
Justine F.
I went here last night with my boyfriend to celebrate my birthday. I had been looking forward to trying this place for a long time. The food was very good. From the gol guppa shot appetizer to the Meat & 3, I had no problems with the quality of the food. Everything was yummy, elevated Indian cuisine. However, the service was AWFUL and ended up ruining the experience for the both of us. First off, we were seated at a table right next to the kitchen, which I don't recommend as it turned out to be a loud and chaotic area. My boyfriend ordered the Lamb Korma, but instead was brought out an entree that he did not order. Okay, no big deal - mistakes happen. However, it was the way things were handled after this, that really ruined the night. Normally, when a restaurant screws up your order, it is their priority to get the corrected dish out to that table ASAP. My boyfriend had to wait another 25-30 minutes for his new dish to be brought out to him. There is no excuse for someone who had a reservation at 6:30pm to not have his meal until after 8:00pm. I wish the waitress had checked in with us more than once during that 30 minute wait, because it at least would have made it seem like someone cared. To make matters worse, we ended up being late to another engagement because of this mix up. A gentlemen, who I presumed was a manager of sorts, offered a half-hearted apology. When we informed him that the 25-30 minute wait had really screwed up the night, all we got was "we just got busy". No, that's not the point. His dish should have been a priority at that point. To "make it up to us" our $8 appetizer was taken off the bill. A good restaurant and a good manager would have taken his entree of the bill. Like I said, the food itself was great, along with the ambiance of the place. But due to the terrible service, it's going to take a lot to make me want to go back there again.
(2)
Michael C.
Stopped in for lunch, after passing by for a few days. The smell from across the street was incredible! Ordered the Ol' Chauhan (play on an Old Fashion) and Moni and the Mule (Moscow mule) cocktails to start. Not being a whiskeu,/bourbon drinker, this is definitely something I can get behind! I had the lamb mint burger, it was unbelievably good! Spicy, and cooked perfectly. He had the Pork Belly LT (play on a BLT) and it was almost equally as good as the burger. Love the vibe, and excellent service. Top notch!
(5)
Marian C.
WOW! WOW! One of the best meals I have ever had in Nashville. It is so obvious the chef is not from Nashville. Had their version of the poutine...that sauce is addictive. Went more traditional for the main course with the veggie korma and chicken vindaloo with a side of garlic parmesan naan. Both were sooooo delicious and even great the next day! The drinks, oh the drinks! Made me close my eyes and savor the flavor. So inventive! The attention of the staff was second to none. Every person was attentive and they want to make sure your experience was top notch. I cannot wait to go back!
(5)
Candace a.
I wanted to love this restaurant, I really did. I waited for months for it to open, and I took a friend there for his birthday dinner on opening night. The space is very nice, although it was chilly in the restaurant (granted it was about 28 degrees outside, but still). They put us at a table near a door, but they graciously moved us farther into the restaurant when we asked to be moved. The food was a hodge podge of excellence and mediocrity. Very disappointing - some highs and lows. The appetizers were the high point of the meal. We ordered a Vindaloo sausage which was delicious, very well seasoned but not overly spicy. Also we had a selection of chutneys and butters with Indian bread. Also very good. Unfortunately, the lows were the entrees. I ordered the lamb shank, and my friend ordered the Tikka Masala. Both were uninspired, lacking in flavor, and boring. Plus, the Tikka Masala came with nothing! They served one small piece of chicken in a bowl with a little sauce - no rice, nothing! We shared a pot de creme yogurt dessert which was good but nothing special. The bill came to $120 for two including a tip. In all, it was quite disappointing. I expected a lot and it didn't deliver. The service was quite good, and it seemed pretty smooth for an opening night. But the food? Definitely not what was hyped or expected. is this the problem with owner/chefs not being on site and opening restaurants away from where they actually live and work? Probably so, but still...I wanted to love this restaurant, I really did.
(3)
Reeju D.
Took my girlfriends to lunch here Thursday! They all got the thali and loved it! I loved my Chicken TM flatbread and the water for the day!! Taking them back for dinner soon! It's SO good to have an upper scale indian restaurant in town! Everything we've had there has been delicious! And love those cocktails!!
(5)
Lisa P.
Just had the perfect meal. Ambiance--amazing. Service--perfection. Meal and drinks--like a food fairy tale. The Casablanca (sp?) cocktail was refreshing with a kick and so delicious. The "meat and three" left me nearly licking my plate. And I have no idea what the dessert was called but it was described as an Indian sundae and it was nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. Thanks to our fabulous server, Kristin and the very attentive beverage manager Chris. You made anniversary dinner spectacular. And we also got to meet the chef--Maneet Chauhan. She was warm and kind and totally engaging. This is our new favorite place in Nashville!
(5)
August T.
Hip, delicious and fun. We had kale chat and chicken pakoras (the best) for appetizers. Party of six. 3 did Indian version of "meat and 3", which was excellent. The other 3 enjoyed curries and cioppino. Slip in service was that 2 of the entrees arrived 6-7 minutes later than others. Drink menu eclectic. Hip vibe. On 12th Avenue close to Broadway. A definite winner. Deserves 4.5 stars.
(4)
David R.
A solid 2.5 stars. Went for lunch today and the food (appetizer special and the lamb burger) was decent and interesting. However, nothing on the food was well balanced (heavy-handed I'd call it) and both the appetizer and the burger could have used something tangy and refreshing to counteract the richness of the burger and the hotness of the spice. The price was a little on the high side too. I will not NOT recommend but I'll likely never go back.
(3)
Jonathan V.
What really sealed the deal for me with this restaurant were the hot chicken pakoras. Anyone that has had homemade pakoras will understand what I am saying when you taste this dish. It is the perfect combination of tender Nashville hot chicken flavor topped with the traditional gram flour breadiness of a pakora. Maneet really went above and beyond with this restaurant if her intention was to blend Southern and Indian flavors. The only reason I knocked a star down was because of how expensive this place was. My girlfriend and I spent $120 after tax and tip after two drinks, two appetizers, two entrees, one side, and one dessert. The chicken tikka was remarkably tender but for $22 it didn't even come with a side of rice, just a few small pieces of naan. The food was fingerlicking good but I just don't see it being worth all the money we spent. That being said, the quality of the food was spectacular. The chicken tikka and chicken korma were excellent. The masala dabba came with a large piece of a naan and a number of butters which rotate daily, all of which were delicious. The chai ice cream on the chocolate cake had a garam masala kick to it which was a perfect finish to our meal. I am curious to see how this place improves over time. We will definitely be back.
(4)
Kevin C.
Freddie is a great mixologist! Tell him what your in the mood for and he will wow you. The food was 4 out of 5 and a bit pricey but the place / atmosphere is great.
(4)
Bedabrata C.
This was a surprise find. Food was superb! Highly recommend every food lover to try out this place.
(5)
Josh M.
It looks like Chauhan Ale and Masala House is a great addition to the Nashville food scene. Atmosphere was elegant with subtle Indian influences, but nothing over the top. Nice marriage of Indian and southern. Despite the challenges of opening night the staff was very attentive and willing to make the experience fantastic. Even when not knowing or something wasn't right, they were on top to get it right and fixed. Ode to the meat and three was a nice touch. Chicken Tikka Masla was delicious as well as the curries, kale chips, masala dabba and tandoori breads. Never made it to the dessert and will have to return to try the take on the whoopie pie. Good food, warm environment.
(4)
Alison C.
I would give it a 4.5, but you can't on yelp and I gave 404 a 5, so this one gets a 4 because 404 is in a league of its own, in my opinion. Only negative was that I thought it was a little pricey for what it was. I can't believe the bad reviews on here though... Other than everything being about $2 overpriced (drinks and food), I thought it was fabulous. I also thought the place was very inviting and the staff was very friendly. We had a server, but at least 4 other people stopped by to refill water or to check on our drinks and experience. I was very impressed and thought the food was delicious... Maybe just a tad bit overpriced, but not enough to keep me from going back.
(4)
David B.
Excellent Authentic Indian Food! Delicious appetizers, entree and drinks! Atmosphere is pleasant and location is perfect in Nashville. Really enjoyed walking through the gulch before and afterwards!!
(5)
Jamee C.
How disappointing and enormously terrible. I went with high expectations and the food failed miserably in fulfilling my expectations. I grew up in London where it is one of the best places in the world to experience Indian food and when I had heard Chauhan was a famous chef, I expected excellence. Now I know this place is supposed to be "fusion" but the whole time I was tasting the food, all I could think about was what a sell-out, mass-appealing, middle-class-American-centered, cheap, tacky, sad waste of ingredients this was. I went with an Indian friend who studied culinary arts and he too hated it. There was nothing he and I couldn't have made ourselves; there was not a single thing that was impressive. Service was terrible also. We waited 20 minutes although we had made reservations, the server brought the wrong glass of wine TWICE and even tried to argue, they were out of multiple items on the menu and staff wasn't well-informed which meant the server repeatedly had to come back to the table to tell us this. I won't be going back and I will not suggest it to anybody unless they had a rare case of sodium deficiency and no taste buds.
(1)
J K.
Overpriced. $12 for a drink in Nashville is a bit high. Waiter not very knowledgeable about dishes and unprofessional. Freezing cold in the restaurant--- I understand it's new and unprepared for the unusual cold weather but if you have customers, go purchase 5 space heaters to warm the place up! Gave the waiter a $16.50 (12.5%) tip on a $130 meal and he was visibly annoyed and short--unacceptable. Interesting place but better food and service at Woodlands and Taj. Decor was cool though.
(2)
Mod F.
Great atmosphere - and good food, but we found the "traditional" Indian food paled in comparison to the more creative fusion dishes. Skip the Vindaloo and Tikka Masala and get something off the Signature Preparations menu - I'm an omnivore and the beet cauliflower croquette was amazing.
(4)
Meridith B.
Like many other reviewers, I eagerly awaited the opening of this restaurant. We were really disappointed, and both of us (husband and I) thought that we were overly tolerant of the bad service. Our appetizer was late and comped my the manager without our requesting it, okay, that's fine. But then our food was late, and a bread we ordered never came, water rarely re-filled, and the check we received was completely wrong. We were at the restaurant for 2 hours -- 45 minutes with no food, then 10 minutes with appetizer, 40 minutes no food, and 25 minutes with entrees. The food was good, although very small portions for the price. The scallop appetizer ($11) was great, but I think it was one jumbo scallop cut into 3 portions. The Chicken tikka masala had a modest portion of chicken, and the meat and three would probably better suit a lunch crowd. I left feeling okay about the food, but my husband left feeling nauseous. We both agreed we'll give them a year to sort our the kinks, and if the restaurant is still around, we'll try it again. Until then, I'll continue to get my Indian food fix at Bombay Palace.
(2)
Becky Y.
We too have eagerly anticipated the opening of this restaurant. I am hesitant to go to a restaurant during its opening week because even the finest of restaurants have kinks to work out. But it was our anniversary and we really wanted to try it. So off we went to Night 2 of their opening. Good decision! The food is inventive and flavorful with a beautiful balance of spices. We are not knowledgeable about Indian food but our waiter was. He guided us thru the menu with great explanations. We were thrilled with our choices. The tandoori breads appetizer with flavored butters and salts sling with chutney is sublime. But then again every dish is. We found the prices extremely reasonable for the excellent quality of food and service. Welcome to Nashville! We are glad you are here and know we will become good friends!
Nashville is the "It City." Now everyone wants to open a restaurant, store, etc. here. And that is just what Chef Maneet Chauhan did; however, this restaurant was not executed with the precision of the other great places that have recently opened. Believe all the bad reviews Chauhan Ale & Masala House has received. I didn't. I took a group of friends and left the evening apologizing for the service, the food and the experience. The Service: Slow. Indifferent. Irreverent. We waited 25 minutes before asking our server if we could place a drink order. She then requested that we order our entrees simultaneously. (We would have ordered cocktails and appetizers, then wine and entrees. However, that was not an option.) The entrees were served at different times, as in 15 minutes a part. There was never an apology or recognition that the service was slow and poorly timed. Generally, our server was irritated that we at her table. The Food: Meh. Underwhelming. Uninspired. Yes, the typical Indian flavor were there. However, there was nothing excellent or stand-out about the food. It was average at best. Several of the meats were overcooked. And the execution and attention to detail were missing. (We decided that we could get the same quality of food at South Street or we could order the same dishes at Tavern and it be excellent.) The Experience: An amateur's attempt at joining the big leagues without seeking advice/expertise of those in the big leagues. The space's acoustics are poor, thus, extremely loud. While the light fixtures are pretty, everything else about the space is cheap, random, incohesive and poorly executed. The service treats customers as though they are irrelevant and a nuisance. And the food is common. For Chef Chauhan to have received the accolades that are touted when gracing "us poor 'ole hillbillies" with her presence in our fair city, the effort was uninspired and underwhelming. Bottomline: If you are looking for great food, you know where to go... Holland House, Adele's, 404, MStreet restaurants, the Southern. If you are wanting Indian food, Woodlands is still and will always be king. Because Chauhan Ale & Masala House is not the place for either.
(2)
Brian N.
Well, damn you, Chauhan. I used to love eating at Woodlands, and thought the food was great. I ate there today after eating a bunch of times at Chauhan, however, and the food was awful. No, I take the back: the food wasn't awful, but I'm so used to the fantastic food at Chauhan, that Woodlands now just pales in comparison. If you love Indian food, check this place out. It is exceptional. They have tons of veggie options, Chris -- the manager -- is always friendly and helpful, and the food is just fantastic. I wish it were a tad less expensive, but it is delicious at any price.
(5)
Anita A.
Awesome Indian fusion!! So glad to have this in Nashville!! Gol Guppa Shots is other worldly!!! Amritsari Fish n chips are yummorama!! Chicken in Moilee sauce is perfection with the parm - garlic naan.... I will definitely be back!!! Gotta try the Kashmiri Spiced Lamb Shank next!
(5)
Crystal B.
Bottom line, for Indian food, I prefer Woodlands. My party ordered the masala daba and tandoori bread for an appetizer. One small piece of bread, plenty of interesting butters to sample. I enjoyed the butters/chutneys but it would have been better with a 2nd piece of bread. For my entree, I ordered the meat and three which was lamb in the korma sauce. This was $20 and very disappointing. It came with a total of 4 1 inch square pieces of lamb swimming in a cup of sauce. The sauce was good but nothing to get excited over. The other sides were each about 1/2 cup worth of basmati rice, eggplant (which was delicious), and daal (boring and plain). My friend ordered the cioppino and there was a problem with his dish so they offered to comp it and give us a free dessert. We chose the whoopie pies and the chocolate lava cake. The whoopie pies were dry and crumbly and about the size of an oreo cookie. There were 3 of them and they came with a strange carrot sorbet. The lava cake, on the other hand was AMAZING. I thoroughly enjoyed this but, unfortunately, another small portion (about 2 1/2 inches diameter). The chai ice cream it was served with was also amazing. Both deserts were $9 each and, for that price, I felt the portion should have been twice as large. Small portions and mediocre flavors kind of kill this place for me. I like bold Indian food and this place didn't have anything that really stood out. The staff was amazingly attentive and helpful. The interior was charming and it was a pleasant place to dine. For a fantastic Indian food experience, I prefer Woodlands. Even though it's vegetarian, it's truly amazing with lots of great flavors to get excited about.
(2)
Sara D.
This was a great experience. The atmosphere was neat and we had excellent service. The deviled egg appetizer was good. I had the chicken tikka masala and the chicken was tender and the sauce was very flavorful. They have unique cocktails also, try the mule!
(5)
Susan H.
I have to second the question why this restaurant only has four stars. Walking into this restaurant you feel like you've been transported to another world! It's is so warm and inviting. Chef Chauhan is a genious and I can't get enough of her creativity. I am always pleasantly surprised by her subtle twists in traditional menu items that make them uniquely hers, be sure to try her version of the Southern staple, meat & three
(5)
Brian W.
I'll be back. Great first dining experience here. As other reviewers have pointed out, the food is pricey. However, everything I are was excellent. Kale chips and Indian poutine were my favorites. My advice is to dial down your or prices on basic naan. Especially since you don't give enough with your naan+dips app. Ambience, like many places in Nashville, is cool and unique, with Bollywood videos playing on the walls.
(4)
Jessa L.
**For drinks only** yummy & unique cocktails. We had the Burial Ground & Mitha Garam. The BG tasted exactly like a boozy chia $12. The MG was a nice fruity & lightly spicy tequila drink $11 (a little on the sweet side for me but that's usually the case in the South) The bartenders were fun & lively. The ambiance was just what you'd expect for a new Nashville restaurant. Gorgeous bathroom--if that's important to you ;)
(4)
Stacy T.
On opening night, at 6:30, the place was maybe 50% full, which in itself was a little weird. I don't know the last time I've been to a new restaurant and it was so empty. We ordered the tandoori chicken poutine which had great flavor, but was lukewarm. The chutney/naan app was delicious. The appetizers were the highlight, then things started getting weird... We asked our server for recommendations. My husband doesn't like spicy food, but I do. He ordered the catch of the day (snapper) which was supposed to come on top of cauliflower puree with squash. When it was brought, the fish was accompanied by what I think might have been roasted parsnips? Hard to tell. We asked where the cauliflower was and he said it was in the breading of the fish.... haha. There was no breading on the fish. It was broiled fish. I was told the classic preparations weren't that spicy. When I tasted my chicken vindaloo, it was perhaps the spiciest thing I've ever put in my mouth. Now I like spicy, but this was almost inedible. Almost like they're trying to prove a point. I didn't get it. The desert we ordered was pot de creme and it was strange. It was a tea flavored custard with a layer of gelatin on top. It was super unappetizing. We had a couple bites and were done. Lukewarm food, poor service in describing the menu and managing expectations, but the WEIRDEST THING that happened was when they brought us our check and they charged us $2 for ICE in our DRINK!!!!!!!! hahahahah. WHAT?! A $16 Blantons & water was $18 since he added ice!!!!! We asked about this charge and they defended it, saying that when they add ice to drinks they end up pouring more liquor..... It was literally the weirdest thing I've ever experienced at a restaurant. We didn't nickle-and-dime the place when we spent $100+ on dinner, it would be nice if they didn't charge for ice in your drinks as a happy little "thank you." Overall, I had high, high hopes. It was weird. Won't be going back.
(1)
John W.
Finally, a restaurateur understands how to combine high quality ethnic food with a overall dining experience upscale Americans are looking to have. Food, drink, and ambiance - check, check, check. Maneet, if you are looking for a new location, please consider Portland, ME.
The food is quite good and the atmosphere is wonderful but with draft beers at $10 each I won't be here very often. Come on! $10? This is Nashville.
(3)
Lindsay S.
I've been raving about my dining experience at Chauhan recently and figured I would go ahead and yelp about it. My friends and I were seated at a cozy booth and were immediately attended to. The warm atmosphere and whimsical ambiance of Chauhan is very calming. It has an easy, comfortable lighting.....which is uber important for a lady on a date....not that I was on an actual date but that's not the point. I digress. Let's talk alcohol----I was presented a drink called "burial ground" that was described to me in detail. All I remember, however, is that it had Chauhans custom Saffron Cardamon Double IPA in it and I think I heard the word rye. This drink is to die for so I guess that's why they call it "burial ground"---I dig it! The appetizer, Poutine, was a perfect nod to Indian spice and who doesn't love a skillet of loaded french fries?---Uh, YES please. Along with the poutine we had the Pork Belly (PERFECTION), Mussels (amazing flavor), and the Vidaloo Spiced Sausage which had a nice kick that didn't linger too long on my pallet. I honestly can't pick a favorite. Our appetizers had us eagerly awaiting a delicious entree round. We got the Tikka Masala, the Hyderababi Ribeye, and the Indian Meat and 3. Each were of equal delight. The steak was cooked precisely how we ordered it and was well seasoned. I would say for diners who aren't particularly favorable of Indian cuisine that this would be the ideal dinner menu item. The meat and 3 was a fun experience---I loved folding together all the flavors in the naan bread. And let's be honest, I could have made a meal of just that naan-----DIVINE! By the time desert came I had to unbutton my pants. I'm not afraid to say that on the internet (and besides, I was clearly not on a date). But I managed to eat every bite of BOTH desserts we ordered. The Chocolate Cake with Chai Ice Cream is heavenly and an excellent choice for chocolate lovers. It is my new boyfriend. And I'll go out with the Burnt Orange Kulfi again sometime although I'm still trying to figure that one out (delicious yet mysterious). Let's just say I'll be a lifelong lover of Chauhan. Cheers!
(5)
Emily L.
My friend and I had a fabulous happy hour here! We were seated right away- note: the happy hour menu is only available in the bar. We sampled the tandoori chicken poutine- OMG this stuff is freaking delicious. Such an interesting combination of flavors, and one that works really well. We also ordered black eyes peas tikki per our waitress' rec. these little things were fabulous and seemed to be an inventive take on falafel. Also, that cucumber sauce was good- so good I held into it for our other happy hour small plates. The last bite we tried was the hot chicken. After all, we are in Nashville. They were not messing around and super spicy. I think these should come with a side of the cucumber sauce- but I would eat that stuff by itself. Can't forget to mention the delicious drinks. We ordered a couple of different cocktails from the happy hour menu. All were great and unlike anything I had before with exotic flavors. I'm super excited to return, sit in the dining room and sample the naan and tikki masala.
(5)
Diana O.
Finding the place was easy. They had parking across the street n side of the roads. Came on a Saturday the place was busy pack. The atmosphere warm and low lights. The prices on the menu was a little high for the amount of food you get. I really wanted to like Chauhan but the food was too Americanised the flavor of the curry was too plain. I like my curry with more spices n flavors. I ordered the Lamb shank but they were out of that so I ended up getting the lamb with sage spinach curry. It came with like 5 small pieces of lamb in the curry n a side of rice. I wasn't impress. Had better Indian food at other places. They had the garlic parmasean naan bread that were awesome that's about all I enjoyed.
(3)
Kathryn H.
When I entered Chauhan I said, "wow, this place is really cool." The candle light, Indian accents, and Bollywood films projected on the brick wall all added up to great ambience. Our server was very attentive and went into great detail about the drinks and food items on the menu. We both ordered drinks, wine for me and beer for my +1. The server recommended a red wine that was delicious, but boy was it pricey! $11 for a glass- yikes! I will agree with other reviewers in that the beer list wasn't extensive, but because they offered a unique selection for a range of tastes I'd say it is fine...except for the prices. $10 for a beer is pretty steep. As for the food, the Chili Paneer Relleno was just what I wanted. A lighter dish with lots of flavor. My +1 had lamb with spinach saag and naan. Delicious! Would I visit Chauhan again? Absolutely. I'd try happy hour, and I'd love to try the desserts. Chauhan certainly offers something very unique for Nashville. Overall: a special place with equally special prices.
(4)
Stevie F.
Best ever! I hate Kale, but this restaurant made me love Kale!! Everything was amazing. Our server David, was outstanding and the Chef even came over and chatted with us. She is just as lovely as you see on Chopped. Wishing they would open in South Carolina!
(5)
Michael J.
Had a team lunch here and was impressed. Good mix of Indian cuisine with a southern influence.
(4)
Ryan W.
One of my favorite restaurants at the moment as of this weekend. Overall we enjoyed an excellent meal. The interior was elegant but warm feeling and our service was very good. The staff that we experienced was attentive and the pace of the meal felt comfortable. We started off with drinks. She got a mango/tequila cocktail and I had an IPA. The beer was awesome although I can't recall it's name, and her drink was good enough that we each had another throughout the course of the meal. We tried a mussels appetizer as well as the pork belly. Both were flavorful and the temperature warm. The bread served with the mussels was out of this world! The pork belly was just the right texture, a little crispy on the outside, and the spices- clearly Indian, weren't overbearing but just right. Another great dish. I had the lamb shank and she had a rice dish I can't recall the name of. Both were delicious. We finished the meal with a brownie/chocolate sauce dessert which hit the spot. The Chef visited our table at one point and talked about the food a little which was a nice touch. It's clear they have very high standards for the food creation and preparation. Overall, this was a great experience and we will definitely be going back.
I came with a girlfriend last week for dinner and drinks; we had a great time. Transformation of the space was amazing, you would have never known it was previously the cheesy Roosters Texas Dive Bar. Unlike earlier reviews, our service was excellent. Michael was our server and he patiently explained all specials and questions we peppered him about the menu. Our water glasses were always full and the Meat and three (served in the cool Indian lunch pails!) were unlocked and presented to us. My favorite was the Kale Chut, such an innovative dish! This is a great new addition to the restaurant scene and offers a different dining experience from the family style indian haunts in West Nashville. Looking forward to next time!
(4)
Stacy B.
The kale chat was insanely good for an app! The seafood cioppino was delish too! Beer and mixed drink menu was extensive. Crispen and Kingfisher were perfect with our meal. Great decor to top it off.
(5)
Lori M.
Since I have heard this restaurant was going to open...I have wanted to go. It was neat to walk in and see all that they had done to the interior. It is in the old Cafe 123 building in the Gulch. We started with appetizers- scallop, naan with 6 or 7 different toppings and the beet salad. All very good. Our main courses were the ribs, Paneer with korma sauce, Chicken Tikka Masala and a special vegetarian dish. All of it was excellent. But... i must say that the wait staff was clueless. Not great at talking up the dishes, disregarding dirty dishes at the table, bringing clean forks etc. Really easy things to fix. Even our waiter said that the service is trying to catch up to the food. It was a bit pricey, but very very tasty. I would say if the management educates their staff of fine dining Indian food.....they should be good to go!
(4)
Jason K.
Great food and atmosphere. Watch out when ordering a spirit with ice. I called them out on my scotch price being higher on the receipt then the menu. They said "oh that's for the rocks". Jeez.
(4)
Allen C.
I was curious to find out if the service and the food could match the atmosphere. It does. Our waitress was fantastic and the food was, as well. The servings were good. I was full halfway through the entree and the IPA they had on tap was flavorful, to say the least. I will be back and will recommend this place to everyone.
(5)
Darren H.
This a a great choice. Service is the best and the food has very good flavors and variety. Love the craft beers too. Try the Ribeye which is not typical of Indian cusine.
(4)
Arun S.
Fantastic food! Great atmosphere. The chicken tikka masala and paneer were amazing. The garlic naans were the best I've ever had. The mango lassi was great. Will be coming here often!
(5)
Joe F.
It's about time a higher-end Indian restaurant opened in Nashville. Great vibe! Love, love this place.
(5)
David S.
Great food. Very well priced. The Chicken Tikki Masala is the bomb. All the employees there are very friendly and they have complimentary valet. I will be back soon
(5)
Brandon H.
Delicious Indian fusion! Unique dishes served in a trendy atmosphere by attentive staff. I suggest the desi fare dishes.
(5)
Ashby F.
I had the "meat and three" for lunch and it was a delicious variety of dishes featuring the standard Chicken Tikka Masala. Everything was cooked just right and tasted great. A good bit more expensive than your typical Indian(ish) but still very good. Nice vibe as well. Give it a try!
(4)
Kevin R.
Great new place in Nashville. I would describe it as Indian Fusion. The Ribs are good.. the Lamb was excellent. The Marsala Chicken is outstanding. The menu has changed a few times so I've had many different items. Everything is pretty good. There are some dishes I'm not a fan of but there are others that are 5 star. They have some kind of Indian spiced IPA. It's very tasty. Overall a pretty good experience and I would recommend. It's starting to get really really busy these days and the service seems lacking at times. It's a great place regardless. Give it a try! I'll be back.
(4)
Tarun L.
Best indian food...right spices...totaly in love...u will feel as if you are in india..must try:seekh kebabs,amritsari fish and gajar halwa..
(5)
Marirae M.
We went for brunch today and loved this restaurant. The attention to detail can be seen throughout. Though not your conventional type, I had the best bloody mary, made with tomatillos, chilis...so good! Everyone enjoyed their dishes, especially me with the breakfast tacos. Our server David was, great, too! I think we've found a new favorite!
(5)
Marci R.
Firstly, REALLY bad service. Our waitress had an attitude from the time she seated us. The food was average. Kale chips were amazing. Also, she didn't give us the happy hour prices and we were there at 6:15 on a Friday. Disappointing.
(3)
Meitra A.
My husband loves Indian food, and I generally acquiesce about twice a year. I enjoy Indian, but it typically feels one dimensional to me. I think it is important to understand that biased background when I tell you that Chauhan Ale and Masala House goes on my top 5 restaurants in Nashville list. We had the pork belly appetizer and curry poutine for starters. AMAZING and creative. The main dishes were spectacular as well. We had not even gotten to the parking lot upon departure, that our dinner party was discussing the other dishes we were all excited to try on our next visit. Really, really well done.
(5)
Chris S.
Outstanding in all regards. Food, ambiance, service all top notch! Entrees our party of had were the BBQ ribs, desis, and meat and three. All were pleased. We also enjoyed the kale and beet appetizers.
(5)
George J.
Happened upon this place looking at a list of Nashville's best - did not disappoint - service was spot on, the food was unbelievable - different yet still Indian - and the Manhattan's were strong and cold. Will make a point to dine here any time I am in town.
(5)
Travis B.
My girlfriend and I waited for months for this restaurant and we were not disappointed. We had some of the best Indian food we'd ever had, and perhaps the best in Nashville. For appetizers, the pork belly is a MUST. It was likely the best thing I ate all night. We also had the naan bread and chutney sampler. Absolutely fantastic. We sampled several drinks between us, both cocktails and beer. The cocktails all seem to have some spice to them, so watch out if that's not your thing. Their Indian-inspired beer is excellent, at least as far as the IPA and Chai Stout go. For dinner, we had the meat 'n' three and lamb bhunna. Both were outstanding. If you're looking for the signature Chauhan dish, get the meat 'n' three. The presentation, as well as the food (of course), are excellent. It changes daily, so you'll get something new every time! All in all, we can wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone. It's a great place to expand your palate or reconnect with existing favorites. The atmosphere and vibe are very welcoming and intimate. Go check it out everyone!
(5)
Scott C.
Fried kale app was surprisingly good, bread and variety of sauces were good for an inexperienced palette. Entree was meat and three, decent. Not outstanding, but appropriately priced and tasty. Service was good, nice vibe and atmosphere.
(3)
Lou Ann B.
Linger over the appetizer section: the Gol Guppa Shots and Kale Pakora Chaat are two of the most delicious and unusual dishes I've ever encountered. This restaurant is just what Nashville needed-- a break from the faux Southern, deviled egg and pimento cheese-overloaded copycats that have proliferated recently.
(4)
Nash B.
Great decor/concept. Food's good, but overpriced. You expect there to be more to the food when you're paying that price. Indian food's pretty darn easy to cook at home. :) I've heard that the lamb shank if REALLY good. And someone said the ribeye was really good (of all things! ha.) So, go for the experience and the non-typical Indian fare. But if you just want to eat Indian food, hit up the local Indian dives and save some moolah.
(3)
Daniel S.
I had high expectations, and they actually surpassed them. Great ambiance, servers and staff were very helpful. The variety of food, which incorporates traditional Indian with unique flares, was excellent. Loved the Saffron IPA as well. A new favorite.
(5)
Lily D.
Went there last night and was pleasantly surprised! This was my first experience with Indian food and it definitely set the bar high! I ordered lamb with saffron cashew curry sauce and basmati rice. This meal was phenomenal! Got to try the beet salad, some naan bread and finished the meal off with a few bites of the chocolate cake with ice cream. Everything was so delicious! The atmosphere was cool and trendy too. They had projectors displaying Indian movies on the wall, which was really neat. The whole experience was just a great overall!!
(5)
Karen M.
Amazing! LOVE the kale chips w/spicy garbanzo dip, gol guppa shots, and the ciopinni! Chicken tikka marsala also good. Sexy restaurant at night, very cool vibe and Maneet is the bomb!
(5)
Cy B.
I've read the other reviews and I had absolutely zero complaints. Zero. What a great dinner and experience! I am familiar with Indian food via Woodlands, where I eat on a regular basis. I did not find Woodlands to be superior in any way, just different. Our waitress was friendly and attentive, without being intrusive or annoying. She explained various aspects of the menu well and answered the questions we had. Our waters glasses were always full. I had the "meat and three" which was chicken tikka masala. As others have mentioned it is delivered to the table in a traditional Indian lunch pail. Our waitress unlocked it for me and put each bowl on my plate and told me what each was and pointed out that there were serving spoons for each. But, even if she didn't do any of this, it would not have been a problem. Others have complained that it was just dropped at their table and left. I did not experience that but, honestly, a third grader could figure it out. It's bowls stacked on top of each other. That's it. As far as the food itself, it was wonderful. The right amount of spice and exploding with flavors, which is why I love Indian food to begin with. I was particularly taken with the sweet potatoes... wow! So light and fluffy and mild, a great compliment to the other spicier dishes. We also had at the kale appetizer. Don't miss it. I was less than excited but it is to die for. I will never see kale in the same light again! Unfortunately, I was too stuffed for dessert! It was an all-around wonderful meal with really excellent service. Just a great dinner in every aspect. Based on my experience last night, I couldn't come up with one thing that needed improvement or tweaking or was not outstanding. I'm so glad it lived up to my expectations!
(5)
Tammura A.
Our experience was great. The service was impeccable. Went with the chicken kabab. I couldn't get enough of the mint chutney and seasonal slaw. The other dish chosen was the moilee vegetable coconut curry. But what made the meal come full circle was the Saffron cardamom double IPA from cool springs brewery. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Aly G.
I have been here now for lunch and dinner. Lunch service was great, it was dead and we got a lot of attention. I highly recommend the tikka masala naan flatbread and the grilled cheese/tomato soup. I came in barely hungry and by the end of my meal was using my fork to grab every last crumb and sauce from that flatbread. The tomato soup has a bit of curry that makes it so different and so so good. Finally a new take on grilled cheese and tomato soup. Yum. Dinner was packed, we reserved a table in the bar area and we were amongst many people standing waiting for seats. Because of the wait the servers were all very busy and we waited a loooong time for our food. However, the server was really nice and updated us on our order's progress. We shared the cashew curry and Tikka Masala with chicken and Parmesan Garlic Naan. It was all incredible. The atmosphere is great; however keep in mind it is loud. We had no problem hearing each other after people around us were seated, but if you're coming in during the dinner rush, expect to get close to have a conversation. My boyfriend and I love that, but it isn't for everyone. We will be frequenting this place often! I highly recommend taking a new-to-Indian or afraid-of-curry friend, the menu is approachable but so flavorful.
(4)
Bridgette C.
Gorgeous space. Great service. Delicious food. Chauhan has made great use of a revolving-door space in the north Gulch by offering Indian food with a twist. I have my favorite Indian takeout place, but Chauhan offers a great introduction to those maybe not as familiar with Indian fare. They have a "desi fare" menu that allows someone new to the cuisine to get a sense of the different spices and curries. I went with a friend who wasn't a fan of Indian food and she left converted. This is a great way to try something new and actually know what you're having, as the staff is very helpful with finding a dish right for you. I highly recommend the tikka masala with any of their protein offerings (vegetarians, there something here for you too!). It's a very wonderful dining experience and I hope Chauhan breaks the curse this venue space has had and sticks around for a long time so I can try everything they have to offer.
(4)
Rhonda C.
Please trust all of the bad reviews. its not somebody hating on the place or the concept. its just really OVERPRICED, MEDICORE Inidan food. Your better off shopping at Patel and Sons, Googeling your fav dish and making it at home. Man , money down the drain.
(2)
Luke S.
MUST EAT HERE! Brand spank'n new, right next to anthem, & across the street from 12th and porter. This place is in an amazing location, and the food is even better! First experience with Indian food, and this spot sold me. Food game, ON POINT, well done. Had a good portion of the menu, my friends and I have been wait for something new in this area, so we had to do it up. So many new flavors and textures, my mouth didn't know what was going on. Nicely plated, well executed, and desserts were the Marsala on top(don't care if that doesn't make sense, Indian food is still new to me). Go check this spot out, we will definitely be back in. Real quick.
(5)
Charlotte J.
AMAZING! Get a reservation NOW! The food is spectacular and the atmosphere is superb. We got the meat and three which was chicken tikki masala. The flavors where perfect and the portions where huge! We also had a tandoori bread and chutney app which was an amazing array of flavors. We have been to Bombay palace which is a great place for indian food but this is our new spot! Ps: Connie Britton from ABC's Nashville (Rayna James) thinks its good too seeing as she was there on her birthday! She and her group sat 2 tables down from us. Seriously get a reservation now. We barely squeezed in a week in advance.
(5)
Justin R.
Just had an excellent experience here! The drinks were a little pricey but delicious and they had a decent variety of standard alcohol for the less adventurous. The food was DELICIOUS. Think traditional Indian fare with a flair. Service was great and the restaurants decor was very cool.
(5)
Chrissy M.
I hate that this place is here in Nashville!!! I so badly want to take this place with me to Kansas City! By far some of the most amazing Indian Fusion food we have ever had. A wonderful experience from the moment we walked in. The service was amazing and staff all very knowledgeable. The food was just an amazing explosion of flavors from start to finish! If we still lived here this would be our new addiction! You are totally missing out if you don't experience this place! Do yourself a favor and GO!!!
(5)
Dana T.
Went to Chauhan's last night and I was very impressed. A lot of the reviews on here are saying things like "why would they have beef, it's an Indian restaurant" and things of the sort. It's a freakin INDIAN FUSION restaurant. It's not supposed to be traditional Indian food. For one, look where it's at. It's not in the mall. It's an upscale Indian FUSION restaurant. I thought the prices were great for what it was, seeing as how that's normal pricing for the area. We ordered the pork belly app which was outstanding, I had chicken tikka masala served with rice and I ordered naan to go with it. He ordered the chefs choice meat and 3. Which was chicken and some sort of cashew curry dish served with black eyed peas, rice, naan, a different (but good) beet dish, and everything was FANTASTIC. He's not one for "different" food, but he enjoyed everything. I like spicy, which I didn't get, but I also didn't order spicy dishes. I don't know if everyone just expects all Indian food to be spicy, but it's not. And this isn't traditional anyhow. It's a top chef doing what she does and I thought she got very creative and it was definitely beyond my expectations. Saw the chef walking around talking to different tables also, which I thought was very cool. Overall this is my new favorite restaurant, and I think you should all go try it and have an OPEN MIND PEOPLE. Footnote: the decor was outstanding. Way to go.
(5)
John B.
Authentic Indian cuisine paired with some Indian/Nashville fusions. Maneet has done a remarkable job. This is by far my favorite place in town. Best Chicken Vindaloo ever. I can't wait to have the opportunity to complete the menu.
(5)
malia m.
First off, the decor is sumptuous and exotic. The food is unlike anything in Nashville-- such a concept. Fine cocktails and the saffron cardamom ipa was perfect with my meal. I'm a fan and will be frequenting this place!!
(5)
Mike K.
I love Indian food. I was so excited to try this spin on pub meets Indian and I am sad to say I was very disappointed. If you are craving Indian food, this is not the place for you. Our server did not know the menu to start and confused us with another one of her tables multiple times. The bar manager came to introduce himself to us and mentioned that the chef had a personal hand in everything that went out on our table yet everything was bland and a few of our tables dishes were cold. The cocktails however, were pretty incredible. I had the Moni and the Mule and it was other worldly. I will be back for a cocktail but not for dinner. If I want Indian I'll head over to Taj.
(2)
Lisa B.
Loved it. Interesting take on indian food. All different countries fayres with an Indian twist. Beautiful decor and lovely staff. A must visit.
(5)
Harleen P.
Ahhmazing Indian fusion cuisine! Everything from: naan with different spreads to pepper shrimp to amritsari fish was delish! Lamb shank was so soft that I never used a knife.. Melted in the mouth! Kheer dessert with gulab jamun on top.. That's like bogo! Highly highly recommend this place!
(5)
William R.
I've had Indian food before and thought it was just okay. This was not your buffet with different colors of goup. This was nothing short of amazing. The flavors were expertly balanced and the presentation was good. My order was the chili rellano, which was really fantastic. My server, Michael, was very attentive without hovering. The only negative is the price of the appetizers, which was way too high.
(4)
Chris P.
Fantastic. Great service, stellar food, great beer, reasonably priced. Loved the meat and three.
More like 3.5 Pros: -Good flavor -Cool atmosphere -Good service Cons: -Small portions -Hard for me to justify paying $10 for a beer
(3)
Mia N.
Wonderful atmosphere. Warm yet modern. The kale chips are amazing-light flavorful and tasty!
(5)
Derek M.
I had the opportunity to eat at this restaurant last weekend and the food was all around amazing. Normally I am not much of a fan for Indian food but this restaurant has done an excellent job of combining Indian and Southern cuisine. When we arrived, we were able to sit at the bar (which does have 2 TVs) until our entire party was present for our reservation. The bar area has nice big windows and decent amount of seating. One of the beers they offer is a special brew that is designed to compliment the Indian spices in the food (which it did). Of the 5 appetizers we shared, the fish n'chips and hot chicken seemed to be everyones favorite. They were seasoned with different Indian spices and came with Indian dipping sauces. Dinner was also excellent and well presented. I tried the ribs which were made in a special BBQ sauce had a ton of Indian flavor. Lastly our dessert was nothing short of amazing. The chef and owners came out to greet us during our meal and made sure we had a great experience. As for the atmosphere, the restaurant did a great job at combining modern designs with traditional Indian artwork. Music was playing throughout dinner but the entire restaurant was not overly loud. All in all, Chauhan was an outstanding restaurant with great staff and fantastic food. Whether you're local or just visiting, it is definitely a must eat.
(5)
Rachel S.
We had such a fun time at this restaurant. The food was amazing. We particularly liked the Indian Osso Buco, the Nash, raita, shrimp vindaloo, and this cheesy naan (can't remember the name). Cocktails were fabulous and so was the service. Though the hostess could use a nicer attitude. Would recommend to anyone visiting Nashville.
(5)
Grace G.
Really enjoyed the entire experience. Went for happy hour with a few friends and sipped drinks from their creative drink menu. Loved the garlic naan and the chocolate cake. Will definitely be back. (Sidenote- the prices are compete or to any restaurant of this standard in Nashville.)
(5)
Lauren K.
I have never written a yelp review before, but my experience here was so amazing I had to! I took my mother to dinner here last night. The food was great. Our server was amazing. And the staff took really good care of us. I highly recommend you try this place out!
(5)
Stacey O.
Im a huge fan of Indian food, and it is SO exciting that Nashville has finally gotten a legitimate Indian restaurant that is also suitable for date night. The decor of the place is spot on & their food is truly unique. Don't miss the naan with the daily assortment of chutneys and butters (still dreaming about the house made curry butter) or the salmon kebabs which are about to be a new addition to the menu- OUT OF THIS WORLD. My plate from the desi fare was great as well. Oh and don't skip dessert- their triple chocolate cake, while small, is packed with flavor and doesn't taste like any other chocolate cake in nashville. Only bad part about our experience? The carrot cake whoopee pies, which suffered from too heavy a hit of cardamom. But nothing could stop me from coming back to this place. Truly amazing!
(5)
Kyle F.
Haven't had good, authentic Indian food since leaving Chicago many years ago...but I have now found it!! The decor is wonderful, especially the 'little shrine' to India in the back. The beer selection is ok, but does have some unique Indian beers. The lamb shank was excellent and the garlic parm naan was the best. The kale chips were the best I have ever had. Sat at the bar and was well entertained by the staff.
(5)
Courtney H.
I have to say after all of the hype and press associated with this restaurant opening, I was very disappointed. Nashville has some amazing dining establishments and I can't say that this rates very high on my list. My friend and I went and it took over 10 minutes for them to come take our drink order- normally with a new restaurant, I would overlook this... but the restaurant was 60% full. Being a new restaurant, we asked our server for guidance and he couldn't tell us anything.... clearly he was as lost as we were. We took a shot in the dark and got a couple of apps. The scallops were fantastic, but the shots were ok- better if they were warmer. A second server came by to check on us and ask if we were ready to order and she was quite helpful, but again couldn't give us much guidance with ordering or the menu. We ordered the signature chicken dish and then the lamb. The lamb was good, but our chicken seemed almost luke warm. We weren't finished with our dinner, but before we could get a word out to our server, he came by stacked our plates and rushed off to the back. Keep in mind- we each had a full cocktail in front of us. He then threw down the dessert menu took more plates away. We couldn't help but feel extremely rushed, so we opted out of dessert and he quickly brought the check and took away our waters. So strange... once we paid and he saw we still had a cocktail he asked if we wanted some water... We moved to the bar to finish our cocktail, where the bartenders were quite attentive. I wanted to see if they were going to "flip" the table and after all of that, no one was seated there. Anyway, for this restaurant opening to be delayed over and over, I am surprised that the staff weren't more knowledgeable and that the service wasn't better. Not sure that I am willing to take the risk again with this place.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
India is the birth place of Chicken Tikka Masala and Curries. Indian foods are prepared with a blend of finely mixed spices quite popular across the region. The spices develop the rich taste in Indian food enough to boggle your mind. The ever-increasing fan base of Indian food around the New York city is steadily increasing because of the large number of Indians who traveled to the land of dreams. The Indians also brought their very own vibrant, colorful, and aromatic authentic dishes for the people in the West. While most of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian food is great for people who are looking for vegan or vegetarian food option. If you are a Meat lover, don't get disappointed yet. Indian food also boasts of some popular non-vegetarian dishes too. Few examples are the famous Butter Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Indian food has gained reputation all over the world especially in the United States. You can find many places serving the appetizing Indian food across all major cities in the US. India is a diverse country with different food culture originated from different parts of the country. While the Northern region boasts tandoori dishes and korma offering royal taste, the Western Ghats offers sea foods that is made in naturally sweet tender coconut milk. The South Indian food servers a quality of different dishes made from rice accompanied with spicy chutneys, curries and famous sambhar. Also, the Indian sweets are a delight to relish. If you ever want to have a burst of sugar syrup in mouth, don't forget to try few Bengali Sweets. Be it spicy, tangy, or sweet flavor, you can find everything in the Indian cuisine. Be assured that the melody of spices will surely bring delight to you.
Karen M.
If I could give 3.5 stars, I would. This place has the potential to be a 5 with a few changes. First, the GOOD NEWS: Wonderful, hip, interesting, lively atmosphere. Good service. Comfortable large, booths. Some of the dishes are over-the-top delish. The Chicken with the Cashew Saffron Curry is to die for! The garlic parmesan naan is a must order. The Kashmiri spiced, braised lamb shank is a nice portion and the lamb is falling off the bone...very tasty. The BAD NEWS: Unless you get a booth (3 or more) you will most likely be uncomfortable. The chairs are small and metal. They could readily remedy that with some simple chair cushions. The appetizers we ordered were a miss. I'm sure there are some good ones that we did not try but skip the seemingly much lauded Kale Chips. They sound good in the description but they come out mushy, greasy, and falling apart. they are not strong enough to dip into the spicy garbanzo, etc. dip. These would be so much better without the thick batter and oil. If they just dry-crisped with a little seasoning...sometimes less is more. The Gul Guppa shots are a novelty. Maybe worth doing once unless you adore cilantro (i dont). The shot liquid is VERY cilantro-y. Overall we had a fun dining experience but they could use some tweaks.
(4)Alexander A.
This was my first time to this establishment. I think Chauhan has a chance to be really great. First the decor: There are four different types of light fixtures that can all be seen from the same point of view. It appears disjointed. The fixtures over the host stand need to go. They are tacky. The projecters all over the restaurant are tacky too. Projecting the Restaurants name all over the walls? What is the sense in this? The multicolored votives everywhere were a nice touch. I really liked the cinderblock inlay near the bottom of the fireplace. The cocktails: Love is Blind is probably one of the tastiest cocktails concocted. The spices and pumpkin butter work perfectly with the egg white and amaretto. I agree with the bartender that the Falling Star is tasty but needs one more flavor added. The flyte of beers was a good choice but not enough flavorful drafts to choose from. My server kept taking the cocktail list away from the table everytime I ordered a drink. Shouldn't an Ale house have more Ales on draft? The food: The porkbelly with the frisee salad was a great beginner but the pieces were inconsistently cooked. The heirloom beet salad was light and refreshing. The three colored beets were the perfect texture and had different flavors. The garlic parmesan naan was flavorful and crisp and I could have eaten two orders by myself. The lamb tikka masala had five bite sized pieces of lamb. I could have used a little more. The tikka masala was standard. Nothing special. The double chocolate cake was deliciously rich and the sauce was perfect with spice. The sesame toffee added a nice crunch but the plate was warm and it made the chai ice cream melt before it reached the table. The service: The bartender was knowledgable but the bar was messy. The server at the table was mildly attentive. The manager walking the floor made eye contact with me several times but never once smiled, said hello, or visited the table. I guess I did not look important enough to him. Overall for the price I would rather go to Bombay Palace because their food is better and their service will knock your socks off. They just don't have the flare of Chauhan.
(3)Miranda R.
Sensational!
(5)Scott B.
I preface my review with the cold hard fact that I am not an expert on Indian food, but I was with a good friend who may fall under an aficionado. We ordered the Gol Guppa Shots and Marsala Pork Belly. Both were solid. For entrees we ordered the Chicken Tikka Marsala and the Lamb Vendaloo which did not disappoint. We accompanied all the food with your standard Kingfisher. They were selling the Cool Springs brewery beers that were made just for them, a milk stout and douple IPA, but wasn't feeling those. Either way, great service, good scene, solid food, and overall a great up and coming restaurant on the Nashville food scene....Enjoy!
(4)Sejal M.
What a great concept. I walked in and immediately liked the place. It has an incredible vibe and I love the combination of Indian movies projected on the wall with a hip urban feel. The cocktails we had were fantastic. We had the kale appetizer, described as "upside down nachos" and they were really good. One challenge I had with the cuisine was the combining of traditional Indian dishes/spices. I am indian and cook. The food was good...but I found myself saying "that doesn't go with that". I think I it was hard to be objective about whether or not it actually worked well together, so take that for what it is worth. With that said, here is our take. The paneer kebabs were a wonderful Texture. Great dish for the vegetarian. There was some type of masala that left a little bit of an aftertaste for me, but otherwise the taste of the actual paneer made up for it. My husband and I split the paneer Relleno and Cauliflower Croquette/bean dish. Both were good and unique, Albeit a little spicy. For dessert, the carrot halwa. Very interesting. It was like a combination of halwa, gulab jamun and a kehr-like sauce. Wasn't actually crazy about it. Don't get me wrong, we ate it and we ate it good. But the texture of the gulab portion was a little tough. Probably not a big deal unless you know that a gulab should be light and fluffy. I think the dish, with such a combination, just needed a lightness. Overall, definitely a place I would come back to, definitely a place I would recommend to others, definitely an extremely cool vibe, hats off for making it work !
(4)Micheal P.
meh.
(3)Gabriella L.
I honestly don't understand why this restaurant only has four out of five stars-- it deserves all five and then some. Chef Chauhan has done something special at her ale and masala house, she's created Indian Southern fusion and pulled it off entirely. Her food preserves the dignity and complexity of Indian cuisine, while integrating some of our favorite parts of American eating. Some of the stars of the menu include the Tikka Masala poutine-- why has no one thought of this before!?-- and the korma. Her menu also provides a meat and three option that varies daily. It comes with a side of lentils, vegetables, rice, naan, papadums and of course the meat of the day. My husband orders this every time and he's never been disappointed. As far as vibe, this place is beautifully decorated, the staff is friendly, professional, and interested in making sure they serve everything from the kitchen with dignity. For people wondering if they should venture out and try something new, this is a great place to go. For the unadventurous palate, this isn't a place you should be afraid of. Eat here. You won't regret it. Seriously.
(5)Dene L.
I heard great things about this place but I found it pretty average. The food was good but not any better than Shalimar or Woodlands yet cost a bit more. The server was in a rush to get us out from the beginning and we were seated at the front door. I think because we snuck in with an early reservation before the heavy drinkers arrive. I had even heard from a friend that the waiters were dressed up and handsome but I found them to look as cheesy as the bad projections on the wall. Again, probably because it was early and it wasn't dark enough and I wasn't drinking enough. The hostesses were far more interesting with heavily drawn on bjork-esque eyebrows and short dresses. I had lamb masala and the sauce was great but the lamb was slimy and fatty and poor quality. I had to keep spitting it into my napkin so... I am happy to have action again in this area of what used to be the Gulch. I miss pub of love and 12th and porter as this area was a fun hang back in the day...
(3)Laura H.
As a huge fan of Maneet Chauhan, I was so excited to finally get the opportunity to eat here. I came with a friend prior to seeing Anthony Bourdain at TPAC. It was a great location to eat prior to the show, as it was only about 5 minutes away. There is ample street parking and free valet parking, as well. I recommend making reservations in advance. We started with Chauhan Bites and Tandoori Chicken Poutine. The Chauhan Bites were small vegetable samosas in a basket that contained around 20, I'd guess. The Poutine consisted of fries and tender tandoor chicken topped with a savory makhani sauce (like a dark, thick gravy) and mozzarella. It was a good-sized portion. I was impressed at the quantity of food on both appetizer plates - really more than enough for two people. We'd planned to order entrees as well, but due to the size of the apps, we decided to get a few more small plates instead. We had the Black Eyed Peas Tikki, croquettes served with a cucumber raita. They were delicious! We also had an order of garlic parmesan naan, which came in a basket with four large slices and tasted a bit like pizza with the garlic and shaved parmesan on top. Daal is one of my most favorite Indian dishes, so I also had to get an order of that plus basmati rice. The daal was the only item I had that wasn't out of this world delicious. I know it was the daal of the day, so I'd like to try another version on a different day. This one had large beans (kidney maybe?) in it, and what I'm used to are small lentils cooked to a creamy consistency - not chunky beans. However, I thoroughly enjoyed everything else and look forward to a return trip.
(4)Loralyn D.
We started with the Tandori Chicken Poutine from the happy hour menu and it was amazing! Kind of like Indian French fries. Highly recommended! Next we had the kale appetizer based off others' recommendations on Yelp and it was very unique. However, I liked the Tandori Chicken Poutine better. Finally, we had the seafood plate and meat and three for our main course. The meat and three was lamb and it was very flavorful and fell apart in your mouth. My only critiques are there were a bunch of flies that kept swarming the table and the temperature in the restaurant was a little warm on a hot summer evening. We'll definitely be coming back for more!
(4)Debbie S.
This restaurant was fantastic. Was in Nashville for live on the green and wanted a cool restaurant to try. This place was it. I suggest anything on the menu. I had the Veggie Korma and it was the best Indian food I have ever had. Make sure you get the Bread with assorted butters and chutney.
(5)Josh H.
I've been here twice now, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. In short, the food and vibe are great, the service is not, and the prices are high. They're at a 3 right now, with room to grow to a 4 if they can work out some kinks, or a 5 if they work out those kinks and lower their prices. MENUS (3.5 stars): The food that I've eaten has been a 4.5, but getting there is a little tricky, as the menus are confusing to navigate. They have a bar snacks menu, which overlaps with the appetizers section of the main menu. Most of the main menu is what many would call fusion cuisine. Many of the small plates and mains are familiar western dishes with Indian flavors and ingredients. They also have a traditional "Desi Fare" section of the menu where you choose your protein and curry, but these dishes are overpriced. Rounding out the menu, they have a daily meat & three. Admittedly, I haven't tried this yet, as it's hard to justify the price tag, but I can't imagine this sticking around as a successful staple of the restaurant. It seems like one gimmick too many. Let's delete this and simplify the options. FOOD (4.5 stars): The food has been great. So far, I've stuck with the small plates and bar snacks. The best thing I've tried has been the garam masala pork belly, served with simple greens and fresh apple and radish. The chunks of belly were crispy and caramelized on the outside and wonderfully melt-in-your-mouth on the inside. They have their take on both fish and chips and Nashville-style hot chicken (of course). The fish and chips were okay, but the fish was sadly pretty limp. I expect more of a crunch from fish and chips. The hot chicken is quite good, though hardly authentic - the ghost pepper dipping sauce was the best part. Other good snacks include the tandoori chicken poutine (amazing!), the kale parkora chaat (lightly battered, well-seasoned kale chips), and the black eyed peas tikki (black eyed pea cakes with cucumber raita for dipping). DRINK (3.5 stars): For an "ale" house, I was surprised that their beer selection wasn't more extensive. You can enjoy a relatively small array of craft beers and traditional Indian beers (e.g. Kingfisher), but the thing to try is their custom beers brewed in cooperation with Cool Springs Brewery (e.g. Garam Masala Ale, Chai Milk Stout, and Saffron Cardamom IPA). They also have some nice inventive cocktails at the going rate of $10-12 per quaff. AMBIANCE & DECOR (4.5 stars): It's nice in here. The vibe is very contemporary and modern, notably the projections on the exposed brick walls, but it's complemented by traditional Indian patterns and artifacts. Nicely done. PRICES (2 stars): Overall, this place is just a little too expensive, especially for Nashville. If they can sustain at these prices, more power to them. In order for me to become a regular, I know I'll need the prices to come down. Given their north Gulch location and proximity to downtown Nashville, I especially think they should rethink their lunch prices and make a real push for their happy hour. SERVICE (2 stars): Front of house is a mess so far. Both times, I encountered awkward and poor customer service at the host stand. The first time, we walked in at 5 p.m. on Sunday. We were asked "What's your last name?" as if we must have had a reservation. We didn't. How about "Welcome to Chauhan. How many are in your party? Do you have a reservation?" Our subsequent service was also terrible. It was a trainer/trainee situation, so they get a bit of a pass there. But it was early on a Sunday night, not crowded at all, and we had to wait so freakin' long for anything to happen. The dining experience took nearly two hours for a total of 4 drinks and 4 small plates. Unacceptable. The second time, I walked in with a group of young professionals at 5 p.m. on a Tuesday. We had a reservation, but if you had seen us, you would have known to ask, "Are you here for dinner or for happy hour?" After waiting for 1-2 minutes (which was unexplainable because no one was there), we were sat at our six-top in the completely empty dining room, only to find out that happy hour is only available in the bar area. So we had to move, which seemed absurd, because we were literally the only people in the restaurant who weren't being paid to be there. The only breath of fresh air service-wise was our bartender Asher. He was great. As a former server, I really hope to see the front of house improve.
(3)Steven H.
We've been Chopped fans for quite some time, so my girlfriend and I decided to try out Maneet's new restaurant.... It was a great decision. The decor is great and trendy, the staff was so pleasant and the food was amazing. We had the garlic Naan for an appetizer, so fresh and light. I had the shrimp moilee and she had the chicken korma. Both were amazing and would recommend both. The chef was even in the building! She came over to the table to chat and take a photo with us. She was soooo nice and bubbly. The whole experience was fantastic and will definitely go back soon!
(5)Sarah G.
Let's just say that I wish I had more time in the South to try this place as it evolves. And that androgynous bartender... Left this in a tip but I would say it's not exactly a "casual" place in terms of dress. Took my bestie here for a nice small meal and we were definitely underdressed -- I felt that way anyway. Pretty sure we were the only folks wearing jeans and the rest of the crowd seemed like a post-work business crew that I'm not used to seeing over in East Nashville (or anywhere in Little Rock for that matter). No bother. We didn't have a reservation (on a Monday night) so we sat in the first come first serve bar area at a table in the corner which was great for people watching. The menu wasn't exactly confusing but I had a lot of questions about the drink options -- having never been I was a bit perplexed by the CS (Cool Springs Brewery apparently) custom ales brewed for the space. Our super sweetheart of a server was happy to clarify and I'm glad she did because the saffron cardamom IPA was bomb and not overly infused tasting. It was a great complement to everything. Oh, and burial ground is one of the best bourbon drinks I've had in ages. Do it. We weren't planning on a big dinner, rather we wanted to sample a few things without going overboard. Bar snacks all the way: hot chicken pakora, roasted beet salad, and kale pakora chaat. The latter was the most exciting, interesting thing I've tried in a while. MAD props. Super delicate crispy batter and incredible commingling flavors resting on a tamarind, minty, bed of delicious chickpeas. I'd eat that all day long. The former two were tasty -- beets were good because, well, fresh heirloom beets are good but nothing else stood out in the dish. And the chicken was good in concept but a lil' soggy -- wanted that crispy hot batter Nashville is so good at. That sauce though. So good. I'd drink it and put it on everything. The manager (?) stopped by several times to make small talk. I appreciated the friendly gesture especially given our corner hiding spot. I'll be in Nashville one more time before I move back West...I'd put this on the list of repeat eats for sure.. Maybe for a nice going away dinner for my bestie as he leaves Nashville after 20+ years! It *does* seem like the perfect special occasion place. If I lived closer it might be a regular once/week drink and bar snack joint too. I dig.
(4)Maria K.
So I'll start out this review by saying that I love love love Indian food. It is my favorite cuisine! That being said, I am half Pakistani, so I've been raised to love this type of food! My family and I are frequent visitors of Sitar but it's not an upscale dining experience. CAMH is not only a place to get good food, but also such a wonderful environment. I literally ate there an hour ago. The first thing I wanted to do when I got back was write a review on this magnificent place. So we came here for Father's Day. I made a reservation a week in advance. You don't have to have one, but I would highly recommend it. The atmosphere is great! It is a very ambient environment. They turned an old brick warehouse into an interesting restaurant! We were immediately seated in a spacious booth (request it when you make your reservation) that was super comfy and even had pillows! They had old Bollywood videos projected onto the brick walls which was a fun touch! Here is what we ordered!! Apps: Gol Guppa Shots: I had never had them, but they were so different! They give you these crunchy and hollow ball things that have potatoes and chick peas in them. You then pour in a cilantro mint water and eat them! Soooo different and good! Chicken pakoras: my favorite item of the night! They come with a ghost pepper sauce that is so spicy and delicious! Meal: Chicken Tikka Masala and Salmon Kabob! Both tasty. I think two people could easily share one order of the masala. We had a bunch of leftovers. The rice, daal and naan were delicious! Dessert: Keer Sundae, which is a rice pudding Sunday with a gulab jamon on top! And we got another desert that had Carmel ice cream, cardamom cupcake and garam masala cake pop. That was the only purchase I regretted. It wasn't worth the ten bucks. One of my favorite parts of the night was the tea service. They brought our masala tea in a cute pit with little cups. For two appetizers, three entrees, several sides and two desserts is was about 150 bucks for three people. So it wasn't cheap, but most certainly was delicious!
(5)Courtney S.
Came here for an early dinner before going to the Opry. I have been dying to try this place and it didn't disappoint. Our waitress was very knowledgable about foods and beverages. We ordered their specialty beer (IPA with saffron and cardamom) and their Tandoori Poutine to start. The beer was phenomenal and the Poutine was so good. You would expect the fries to be soggy with the curry on top, but totally not! Crispy! For dinner my husband and I shared the meat and three. I think the options that come with this change because it's chefs choice but ours came with lamb tikki masala, rice, some lentil mixture, a cabbage mixture, and some naan. It was so good! Perfect amount of food! Our only complaint was the AC was broke when we were there so it was sooooo hot! We would have ordered another beer but couldn't stand the temperate. The manager said the AC wasn't working and they were working on getting it fixed! We will definitely be back here!!!
(5)Sheena T.
Can I just say how amazing it is that we have so many new restaurants to look forward to? Nashville is on it. After being lucky enough to sample some bites at a Yelp event, I was even more excited and anxious for the opening. It did not disappoint. The space looks fantastic. When you step inside it's like you are transported somewhere else and I love the Indian decor and lighting. The vibe is awesome. I could not decide what I wanted to eat, so we asked for some recommendations from our very helpful and good-humored server. First things first: The drinks. OMG. I couldn't stop ordering the Rising Star with vodka and coconut milk foam. Wowzer. It was delicious without being overly sweet. If whiskey is more your thing, the Southern Belle was also delicious and a big hit with the guys. Do yourself a favor and at least get one cocktail. The food. Double OMG. Just order the kale pakora appetizer. It's lick the plate good. For an interesting and delicious dish, try the gol guppa shots. MMMM. And lastly. Pork belly....a million times yes. For entrees most everyone tried the desi tiffin which was a very casual nod to the meat and 3. It comes out in a stacked tin and I loved the chicken korma and whatever magic that was put in the cabbage dish was out of this world good. I had the "make your own" dish with paneer and a coconut curry. It was very good, but I definitely was stealing a lot of bites from the chicken korma. Also, the garlic Parmesan naan... order that guy. In summary....everything here was incredible. Presentation, flavors, creativity. A+ all around. And the service was just the perfect cherry on top. Don't walk, RUN to Chauhan!
(5)Megan K.
What an eclectic and inviting space! Unlike anything in Nashville! Full disclosure: I am not a huge fan of Indian food--mostly due to the fact that I am a newbie when it comes to ethnic cuisine... that being said, I really loved my experience at Chauhan. First and foremost, the building is very accessible and parking is ample. The layout and decor of the building is really beautiful and mesmerizing. I went to Chauhan for lunch with my colleague a while back--she had a Desi Tiffin, or meat + three ("Chauhan's ode to Nashville"), which was a TON of food, all of which she raved about. I opted for a special in the grilled cheese/tomato soup combination, which was heavenly. Super flavorful, very enticing for a rainy Nashville afternoon. Service was great, space was amazing--this would be ideal for a date night! Can't wait to go back! One more thing--the restaurant itself offered a series of cooking classes, led by none other than Maneet Chauhan herself. This added element of intimacy really sets Chauhan apart, and yet adds to the inviting and embracing nature that Nashville is known for.
(5)Rachel H.
My new favorite restaurant in Nashville! My mom, boyfriend and I tried this place a couple of weeks ago and I've been dying to go back ever since. We had mussels and kale chips. We got some classic Indian dishes for our main meal and they did not let us down. Service was also very good from start to finish. And check out the bathrooms and all the pictures of the chef!
(5)Lisa J.
I went here for lunch on the recommendation of a friend who has dined there twice. I love Indian food and this place is offering an exciting menu and not the usual standard fare. I ordered the classic chicken tikka masala which was outstanding. I'm looking forward to trying the rest of their menu and the new brunch menu as well.
(5)Kristina L.
Full disclosure: I am not very knowledgeable about Indian cuisine. And this should be a 4.5 but Yelp won't give halfsies... Of course, taste is subjective. But I must say when it comes to a new place that I am besotted with, Chauhan Ale and Masala House is it. I went last weekend and must say it was a delight of the senses - The décor is lovely, the smells emanating from the tables surrounding me, the delight of my cocktail and complimentary nibbles (spiced, puffed lotus seeds) were intoxicating and I savored these things. I have read that others were taken aback about the ordering process and having to tell your server all that you want when you place said order. That did not faze me since it was explained that this is to help the kitchen have everything come to you in a relaxing flow of food. It was an agreeable pace; neither too quick nor too slow. It allowed for plenty of time to savor but not so much that you were left wondering when your entrée would arrive. The other two at my table agreed. Service was fantastic. Our server took the time to truly walk us through the menu and explain items in great detail - down to making flavor comparisons if we were uncertain of an ingredient or flavor profile. It was refreshing to have that type of assistance when perusing many dishes which are unfamiliar to me. We certainly were pointed in the right direction as all three of us were hooked. I had the daily special ode to Nashville of the meat and three. The main course of the evening was tikka masala and while outstanding, my only complaint was that for $20, I only received 4 chunks of chicken. Truly, that was my only complaint of the evening. But with sides, rice and naan I was more than full. Yes, I am now head over heels with this place. I already have reservations for later this month. I plan on being far more adventurous this time and branching out. So yes, go try this new feather in the Nashville culinary cap. Enjoy the ambiance, and the exotic flair that Chef Maneet Chauhan has brought to our fair city.
(4)Katherine F.
Great food and atmosphere. I recommend the Moni and the Mule to drink. We will definitely be back!
(5)Martin C.
Nice looking place inside / trendy and modern. Make sure you get the daily chefs menu. You get a good selection of items for a fraction of the price you'd pay by buying a la carte. The menu is way more Indian than Southern but still some interesting items there like mango ribs. It's fairly pricey but if you get the $23 set menu its great value.
(4)Deborah P.
"Decided to try the Indian version of Southern food at Chauhan. Loved the ambiance. And our waitress, Wilder, was knowledgeable and so helpful. By the time the food came the environmental systems must have died, because the atmosphere in the place was, well like actual India! Warm, humid and no air moving. Honestly the food (pork belly, hot chicken and fried kale) showed promise but it became a side show compared to the oppressive environment in the restaurant. My partner broke out her fan from Spain in an effort to beat the heat. Bottom line for me: Call me when the AC works. I'll review the food when not distracted by the environment."
(3)Katie I.
First Sean, then Jonathan, now Maneet. Nashville is finally getting on the culinary map! It's really hard to find an Indian restaurant that just wows me after having my Indian friend/foodie cook a homemade Indian feast. We have an array of Indian in Nashville, which some are good, however, Chauhan is in a league of its own. First of all, I'm thrilled to see that side of 12th Ave being revived. I hadn't been over to that side of Broadway since 12th and Porter days. The build out is incredible. Indian trinkets meet modern swank and urban vibe. It's got just the amount of class without being too pretentious. We've been twice now, and I have noticed the drink menu has changed a bit. The first time I had an awesome drink which I described in the pic. I mean, how many drinks have star anise in them? This time I didn't see that one listed, so I opted for a white wine, which was ok. The showstopper here is the kale appetizer. It's lightly fried (almost like a tempura) on a bed of spicy garbanzo and mint yogurt. There are so many layers to this, taste, flavor, texture. It's freaking amazing and you should get it. Most unique appetizer in Nashville. They have a meat and 3 changing daily. Several curries to choose from and other entrée selections. The prices are very reasonable to me. Most curries are under $18. The saag paneer was pretty good, but my absolute favorite is the chicken korma. It is truly elevated Indian comfort food. They do give you a lot of sauce with whatever protein you choose, so box it up and take it home. I could drink the stuff. Tender chicken, the rice is perfect. Perfect for sharing. Garlic naan- amazing. We tried a side of dal this time, one of my favorite things ever. Sadly, it was just ok. It was a bit soupy to me. I believe the server said it was a 5 lentil dal that day, but looked like mostly white/light colored lentils. I prefer green, red, black. I may try this again as they change it. Was too full for dessert, but I will be back and back again. I truly believe for those of you scared of Indian food, this place may convert you. It's a great place for a date, girls night, any occasion really. I also noticed they will be opening up for lunch soon and there is a happy hour Sunday- Thursday. Also, Maneet has been there both times working it. She is amazing and we are so lucky to have her in Nashville. Well done, Maneet!
(5)Ali S.
Finally an upscale Indian restaurant with quality food! We absolutely loved everything here. This was my first time at an Indian fusion restaurant and I was not disappointed. I highly recommend the kale chips and mussels for appetizers. All the main dishes were awesome as well. Only complaint I had was the room temp was way too hot. I got to a point where I was getting too uncomfortable to eat. Other than that the food was fantastic.
(4)Amol U.
After months of hype, I really wanted to like Chauhan Ale and Masala House. As far as Indian restaurants go, though, this one is decidedly mediocre. I'll start off with the good: the decor. It's really impressive how this place blends the classy, upscale lounge look with more traditional Indian design features. Points to Chauhan for being unique and experimental here, and totally pulling it off. The food leaves a LOT to be desired. For all the anticipation and publicity, the food isn't anything better than what restaurants like Bombay Palace or Sitar offer for a fraction of the price. I ordered the 'meat and three,' which turned out to a terribly bland fish curry, white rice, daal (lentils), and broccoli rabe. It's pretty disingenuous to call that an 'and three'; calling rice and daal two side dishes is like calling the complimentary bread and olive oil in an Italian restaurant two appetizers. Most Indian restaurants throw in rice and daal like a Chinese restaurant gives out fortune cookies or burger joints, fries. $20 for some bland fish and broccoli rabe, when I could have an entire buffet of comparable quality for ~$10? Pass ... I can appreciate that Indian food in Nashville isn't going to taste as authentic as something out of Bombay, but this is Indian cuisine without its distinctive flavors, sharp spices, and frankly .. without taste. If you know anything about Indian food, it's hard to be impressed with this stuff. Chauhan Ale and Masala House bills itself as being Indian food with a Southern twist ... but there's really no unique quality or fusion of tastes on this menu. Just some average, unimpressive Indian food intended for an audience that doesn't have much better to compare it to. I could do better in my own kitchen. And if you look up the nearest Indian grocery store and pick up some basic supplies, I'm sure you could, too.
(2)Shay G.
Will be back for sure! Great atmosphere, great service, and fantastic food. Really nothing disappointed. We had a booth and loved it, the place was packed basically the entire time which is a great sign. Drinks were awesome and we started with a bunch of apps. Kale chips, guppa shots, lamb kabobs, and hot chicken. ALL WERE AMAZING! Dinner - we shared the chicken with tikka masala (top notch), fish with coconut curry (close second) and lamb with vindaloo (flavorful with just the right amount of spice). Oh and of course the naan was amazing. 2 areas to improve would be including sauces with the naan and more protein in the desi fare - we were left with lots of sauce. All in all this place was wonderful!
(5)Toni R.
Beautiful space, with excellent Indian/fusion cuisine. Excellent service, cocktails, and food. Not generally a fan of Indian food, but this was remarkable!
(5)Akriti A.
Great ambience. Great food. Great taste Love the innovative dishes - Indian food with international twist! I always make a special request of Gol guppa shots by Chef Gauri! A total must have!
(5)Marc P.
Pricey for Indian food, but damn good food and atmosphere. I'd definitely recommend reservations. When we got there at 6pm on a Saturday night they said their tables were all booked for reservations, but fortunately we were able to grab a couple of seats at the bar. As for the decor, we really like the way they projecting faux frames with pictures on the brick wall with projectors in a very dimly lit area. In just gave the dining area a really cool ambiance. My favorite thing to ingest there was without a doubt their custom sourced/crafted "Saffron IPA". This was off-the-hook good. I am a big IPA fan, and I just really dug the confluence of flavors with each quaff. To my surprise, my wife, who is not an IPA fan, also liked it. We each ordered a pint of these.... they were most excellent, but at $10 a pint, quite pricey. Appetizer: Their pork belly, had too much fat for my liking (as a comparison, the pork belly appetizer we had at the Olde Pink House in Savannah was excellent); I personally would not recommend their pork belly unless you are into fatty meats. Mains: I got the Meat and 3, which I enjoyed and which was quite filling. My wife enjoyed her vegetarian Beet Croquette, which was actually quite large. Sitting at the bar wasn't bad, but next time I'd definitely make reservations so we could sit at a table, as I liked that section of the restaurant more.
(4)Moira B.
Went with my good friend for dinner and sat at the bar. Off the bat, the bartender was awesome - - friendly without being too cheesy - - and made great recommendations. We both ordered the same drink, Moni and the Mule, which was fantastic. For the appetizer, we shared some naan (which was the right combination of crunchy and moist) that came with seven different chutneys, butters, and sauces. My personal fave was the ghost pepper butter; it definitely had a kick, but the heat didn't overwhelm the flavor. My favorite part of the night, however, was one of the two entrees we ordered. While the chicken with the moilee curry was pretty good, the lamb shank was over-the-top excellent. The lamb was so moist that it was falling off the bone, and the meat was very flavorful. The tomato sauced rice was a great complement to the lamb. I am definitely going to come back so that I can try the other dishes. If you must try one of the new Nashville restaurants, I recommend this one.
(5)Joanna C.
I was out to dinner with 4 other people. They brought my food about 30 mins after everyone else's, when everyone else was finishing up. This was very awkward for everyone, and the food was cold when they brought it to me. The waiter was apologetic, but it was surprising that they did not offer to comp my meal. $25 for cold food and an awkward experience does not seem worth it.
(2)R B.
Very good and authentic, and I say that as an Indian. Sam Diego needs one of these. chef Chauhan pls move to San Diego - great place for your kids and we need a great India Restaurant!
(5)Eliza R.
Chauhan Ale & Masala House was one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. I was absolutely thrilled with all of the food and drink I ordered! To start, I ordered a chai milk stout from a local brewery in Cool Springs. It was $10 for a pint, and absolutely worth it. For appetizers, my friend and I split the masala dabba and tandoori bread, which came with a wheel of naan bread and a variety of flavored butters and chutneys. We also decided to splurge and get an extra wheel of garlic parmesan naan, which was absolutely fresh and warm and delicious. The menu is really interesting and there is a variety of food to choose from, ranging from more traditional Indian (such as chicken tikka masala) to inventive Indian-Southern fusions. I ordered the guava glazed BBQ ribs, which came with a cold fingerling potato salad and collard greens. The ribs were incredible, with super-tender meat that was falling off the bone. At this point, I figured I should just go all out and get dessert. I had looked at the menu before coming to the restaurant and I had my heart set on the pot de creme, which they were out of. In its place, I had a spiced maple jaggery kheer sunday, which was OUT OF THIS WORLD. It had rice pudding, spiced pecans, and some dried fruit. It tasted like everything I wanted out of a dessert: sweet and light and satisfying. The perfect end to the most delicious meal. So, this brings to me to the Chauhan's only downfall, which is why I only give it 4 stars. The service is painfully slow. Friendly and attentive, for sure, but perhaps too much so. The waiter tended to ramble on about each dish, and give his opinion on it. I'm pretty familiar with Indian cuisine, so I didn't find it necessary. The food also came out very slowly. To put it in perspective, I had a reservation at 7:30 and was planning on seeing a film at the Belcourt at 8:55. By 8:45, we still hadn't received our check, even though we were finished with our entrees. We decided to just go ahead and order dessert since we were going to be late to the movie anyway! We finally ended up leaving at 9:40 or so. Normally I like long dinners, but since I had plans afterward, I was a little disappointed that everything took so long. I'll end the review here; the food is fantastic, the ambiance is lovely. I wanted to go back the next day to try more off the menu! Just give yourself plenty of time when you eat here, and make sure you don't have any plans set in stone afterward. I'm happy to have this addition to the Nashville food scene - there's nothing else quite like it.
(4)Randall F.
Oh. My. God! This place is the bomb! Easily the best Indian food in nashville. I went for lunch with a colleague and was completely surprised to find the decor amazing, the service fantastic and the food to be delicious. I am already planning to go back with my wife for date night.
(5)Susanna H.
Beautiful restaurant - really good for a date night. Drinks are as amazing, if not more, as the food.
(5)Kimberly W.
We went here last night for a friend's birthday and it was fantastic. The vibe is fun, if a little over the top and the service was more than adequate, but the food blew our minds. Cocktails: I had the Moni and the Mule, which our server described as a "girly drink" (annoying but probably true.) It was just ok. Very sweet, not that exciting. My friend had the cocktail with wild turkey - it was much better. Food: Order the gol guppa shots. Just do it. These were incredible and fun and surprising. So good. We also had the kale chaat (fantastic flavors - the batter was a bit thick) and the naan. Delicious. For mains, my husband had the pork belly appetizer and the poutine. I have never had pork belly so tender in my life. I'm pretty certain magic was involved in this dish. My friend had the lamb shank - also the most tender cut of lamb I've ever had. I had the meat and three - it was chicken korma and it was fantastic. Very flavorful. The waiter brought us free dessert for my friend's birthday - it was chocolate and chai ice creams and so much better than normal ice cream desserts at restaurants. So much flavor in two little scoops of ice cream. Service: Our main dishes came out before we were finished eating appetizers, and it all felt a little rushed, but it was very kind of our waiter to offer a birthday dessert. We will definitely be back. The food was outstanding. Cannot wait to try more.
(5)Alexandra F.
First off the drinks here are outstanding. OUTSTANDING!!! I'm pretty sure I had the Moni and the Mule. Whoa. I would drink any cocktail from here. I can't wait to try more. The vibe is chill. Not too casual, not too fancy. Really nice bar area. Dimly lit with cool light fixtures and overall design. The food was stellar. Definitely order the fry things with the sauce to start. I have no idea what they are really called. I think I had chicken vindaloo to eat. So very good. My only, only complaint is that there was very little meat in my dish. And in my friends dish there wasn't enough either. I was here on my birthday and the guy gave me a free drink! He was awesome. Also, there were some very nice, dry chillies in my dish. Don't eat them if you don't like the spicy. They are HOT!
(4)Jeremy E.
I will keep this concise: Atmosphere is great. Very good vibe and well designed furniture. Drinks are solid. Wine list is good. Food has been either great or poor in the three times I have been. The bhunna was fabulous the first time and damn near inedible the last. Pork belly is consistently great. Service is just horrible. 3 different servers and it got worse with each visit. Inattentive, painfully slow, and in this last visit our server had the worst body odor I have smelled in years. We wrapped up our meal an hour early because it was just brutal. 2 stars because of inconsistent food and Applebee's service. Go to Bombay or Taj if you want great Indian.
(2)Andrew N.
We were traveling to Nashville for a school affair (Home coming / reunion weekend for Vanderbilt's Owen Graduate School of Management) and friends of ours suggested having dinner here. They'd heard great things about Chauhan, and wanted to try it out. First off, we walked from Owen - about 12 blocks - and this place is in a highly transitional neighborhood - car dealerships, garages, barbwire topped fenced in car lots. It's dark and foreboding after sunset so I'd recommend driving and not walking. The restaurant itself is in what looks to be an old brick garage, which creates an amazing ambiance inside as the techno-jazz music plays and random Polish music videos are projected against the purple (?) painted brick walls. The place is noisy - a continuous cacophony of conversation from the scores of other people in the narrow hall, coupled with the background music has you practically yelling at each other across the table. Service is fabulous - they're very attentive and informative - encouraging you to try the various exploratory items on the menu. They have a selection of funky mixed drinks, but I went with the Cardamon infused beer - wow, great drink! The food is great, although I find myself wishing I'd stuck to a meal made of appetizers. The mains are pretty tradition Indian fare - done well and tasty, but I'd say the true allure of this place is the chef's amazing fusion of Southern fare and cuisine and Indian style - who ever heard of black eyed peas and collard greens in Indian food? I had naan and roti with an assortment of chutneys and achar, the gol guppa shots (hollow balls of semolina with a black garbanzo bean past inside and a wicked spicy cilantro liquid that you fill the ball and then stuff in your mouth far a great explosion of flavors) and the lamb vindaloo for a main. The chutneys were wonderful (a full spectrum from sweet and slightly spicy pineapple to salty hot achar - seven in all). I'd say the vindaloo was OK at best - too much sauce, although the meat melted in your mouth, which takes me back to my original statement - I wish I'd stuck to the appetizers because it's clear the chef's strength lies in her ability to create a terrific fusion of cultures and cuisines. I can get lamb vindaloo anywhere - it's a staple that I always enjoy - but black eyed pea tiki? Beet flower croquette in a collard green curry? Damn. Definitely going back to try out what I missed next time I'm in Nashville A note on my rating schema Rating system 1) I wouldn't feed a dog I hated here 2) I'll give it a miss 3) Good food - I'll definitely go again 4) Really good - I'll recommend to business colleagues and connoisseurs of this cuisine 5) Completely worth a trip - I'd book airplane and hotels to go there again.
(4)Edwin W.
I consider myself a chowhound - lover of all things exotic, cheap, hard to find and I don't care if it is dirty. Why am I giving this over-priced, hipsterfied, trendy place 4 stars? Do we need any more carpet bagging celebrity chefs here in Nashville? Well, it was pretty good, and we need more South Asian offerings, even in this category. Now to the review: A few of us shared some appetizers: Kale Pakora: Fried Kale chips. Can you get trendier than that? Well, they do a nice thing with garbanzo beans and yogurt kind of like a seven layer dip underneath with a little heat stuck in. The suprise? It was served cold. Gol Guppa shots: these were a flavorful mix of potato and garbanzo beans ground up in a semolina puff ball that you could drizzle green mint sauce onto. Some sweet and salty and crunchy/chewy of the semolina. The suprise? They were cold. 7 to the order. We got a couple of their Desi fare - add a protein and a sauce. We were so glad they were served hot. We got the chicken with yellow moilee cocunt curry, which was a nice, savoury sauce without much spice. The chicken chunks were fine, a touch dry. A $16 curry dish. We also got lamb vindaloo which was hotter, but not oppressively so. Chunks of lamb and potato, lamb a bit dry for an $18 lamb vindaloo! On the side we got their raita, which had chunks of curd? in it. Not typical, but very good. We got one of their chutneys of the day, with fermented serrano chilies. I have eaten Thai-spciy Sri pha pai in Queens, a blow your head off Sichuan huo guo in the summer in China and this rivaled those in heat. Wow! make me cry, sister. That actually helped them get 4 stars. Naan for $3 a serving? Good, fresh out of the tandoor-oven fresh, but nothing special, except the high price. Beer list was fine - a good range of $5 and $6 bottles including Boddington's in a can - not common in town. Wine list was fine and expensive. $64 for a $16 bottle of Owen Roe Sharecropper had me shaking my head and sighing, but hey, I didn't order it. But go, take your friends who want to go downtown and have something slightly more on the exotic end of the things (for Nashville) and slightly nicer South Asian (for Nashville). Take friends who are used to paying carpet bagging celebrity chefs for slightly overpriced, but fairly good food in Nashville and you and they won't be disappointed. And you can look across the street, mourn the loss of 12th and Porter and know that you and your yuppie support of celebrity chefs are part of the problem. Like me.
(4)gloria c.
i was really looking forward to trying this restaurant, since i love chopped (especially when the judges cook) and i also love indian food! but when we finally went this past weekend, we were disappointed. the food was good, but expensive! and definitely didn't live up to the hype. the ambience is very modern, but still warm and inviting. our server was polite and attentive. we ordered the masala dabba appetizer and two curries off the desi fare. everything was delicious (you can see pictures and read descriptions of the food and other reviews), but $12 for one piece of naan and a few condiments (two pats of butter, a spoonful of jam, a pinch of some salted spice)? we enjoyed dinner and it was worth trying once. but for the same cost, i think we could have a better dinner elsewhere for next time.
(3)Justine F.
I went here last night with my boyfriend to celebrate my birthday. I had been looking forward to trying this place for a long time. The food was very good. From the gol guppa shot appetizer to the Meat & 3, I had no problems with the quality of the food. Everything was yummy, elevated Indian cuisine. However, the service was AWFUL and ended up ruining the experience for the both of us. First off, we were seated at a table right next to the kitchen, which I don't recommend as it turned out to be a loud and chaotic area. My boyfriend ordered the Lamb Korma, but instead was brought out an entree that he did not order. Okay, no big deal - mistakes happen. However, it was the way things were handled after this, that really ruined the night. Normally, when a restaurant screws up your order, it is their priority to get the corrected dish out to that table ASAP. My boyfriend had to wait another 25-30 minutes for his new dish to be brought out to him. There is no excuse for someone who had a reservation at 6:30pm to not have his meal until after 8:00pm. I wish the waitress had checked in with us more than once during that 30 minute wait, because it at least would have made it seem like someone cared. To make matters worse, we ended up being late to another engagement because of this mix up. A gentlemen, who I presumed was a manager of sorts, offered a half-hearted apology. When we informed him that the 25-30 minute wait had really screwed up the night, all we got was "we just got busy". No, that's not the point. His dish should have been a priority at that point. To "make it up to us" our $8 appetizer was taken off the bill. A good restaurant and a good manager would have taken his entree of the bill. Like I said, the food itself was great, along with the ambiance of the place. But due to the terrible service, it's going to take a lot to make me want to go back there again.
(2)Michael C.
Stopped in for lunch, after passing by for a few days. The smell from across the street was incredible! Ordered the Ol' Chauhan (play on an Old Fashion) and Moni and the Mule (Moscow mule) cocktails to start. Not being a whiskeu,/bourbon drinker, this is definitely something I can get behind! I had the lamb mint burger, it was unbelievably good! Spicy, and cooked perfectly. He had the Pork Belly LT (play on a BLT) and it was almost equally as good as the burger. Love the vibe, and excellent service. Top notch!
(5)Marian C.
WOW! WOW! One of the best meals I have ever had in Nashville. It is so obvious the chef is not from Nashville. Had their version of the poutine...that sauce is addictive. Went more traditional for the main course with the veggie korma and chicken vindaloo with a side of garlic parmesan naan. Both were sooooo delicious and even great the next day! The drinks, oh the drinks! Made me close my eyes and savor the flavor. So inventive! The attention of the staff was second to none. Every person was attentive and they want to make sure your experience was top notch. I cannot wait to go back!
(5)Candace a.
I wanted to love this restaurant, I really did. I waited for months for it to open, and I took a friend there for his birthday dinner on opening night. The space is very nice, although it was chilly in the restaurant (granted it was about 28 degrees outside, but still). They put us at a table near a door, but they graciously moved us farther into the restaurant when we asked to be moved. The food was a hodge podge of excellence and mediocrity. Very disappointing - some highs and lows. The appetizers were the high point of the meal. We ordered a Vindaloo sausage which was delicious, very well seasoned but not overly spicy. Also we had a selection of chutneys and butters with Indian bread. Also very good. Unfortunately, the lows were the entrees. I ordered the lamb shank, and my friend ordered the Tikka Masala. Both were uninspired, lacking in flavor, and boring. Plus, the Tikka Masala came with nothing! They served one small piece of chicken in a bowl with a little sauce - no rice, nothing! We shared a pot de creme yogurt dessert which was good but nothing special. The bill came to $120 for two including a tip. In all, it was quite disappointing. I expected a lot and it didn't deliver. The service was quite good, and it seemed pretty smooth for an opening night. But the food? Definitely not what was hyped or expected. is this the problem with owner/chefs not being on site and opening restaurants away from where they actually live and work? Probably so, but still...I wanted to love this restaurant, I really did.
(3)Reeju D.
Took my girlfriends to lunch here Thursday! They all got the thali and loved it! I loved my Chicken TM flatbread and the water for the day!! Taking them back for dinner soon! It's SO good to have an upper scale indian restaurant in town! Everything we've had there has been delicious! And love those cocktails!!
(5)Lisa P.
Just had the perfect meal. Ambiance--amazing. Service--perfection. Meal and drinks--like a food fairy tale. The Casablanca (sp?) cocktail was refreshing with a kick and so delicious. The "meat and three" left me nearly licking my plate. And I have no idea what the dessert was called but it was described as an Indian sundae and it was nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. Thanks to our fabulous server, Kristin and the very attentive beverage manager Chris. You made anniversary dinner spectacular. And we also got to meet the chef--Maneet Chauhan. She was warm and kind and totally engaging. This is our new favorite place in Nashville!
(5)August T.
Hip, delicious and fun. We had kale chat and chicken pakoras (the best) for appetizers. Party of six. 3 did Indian version of "meat and 3", which was excellent. The other 3 enjoyed curries and cioppino. Slip in service was that 2 of the entrees arrived 6-7 minutes later than others. Drink menu eclectic. Hip vibe. On 12th Avenue close to Broadway. A definite winner. Deserves 4.5 stars.
(4)David R.
A solid 2.5 stars. Went for lunch today and the food (appetizer special and the lamb burger) was decent and interesting. However, nothing on the food was well balanced (heavy-handed I'd call it) and both the appetizer and the burger could have used something tangy and refreshing to counteract the richness of the burger and the hotness of the spice. The price was a little on the high side too. I will not NOT recommend but I'll likely never go back.
(3)Jonathan V.
What really sealed the deal for me with this restaurant were the hot chicken pakoras. Anyone that has had homemade pakoras will understand what I am saying when you taste this dish. It is the perfect combination of tender Nashville hot chicken flavor topped with the traditional gram flour breadiness of a pakora. Maneet really went above and beyond with this restaurant if her intention was to blend Southern and Indian flavors. The only reason I knocked a star down was because of how expensive this place was. My girlfriend and I spent $120 after tax and tip after two drinks, two appetizers, two entrees, one side, and one dessert. The chicken tikka was remarkably tender but for $22 it didn't even come with a side of rice, just a few small pieces of naan. The food was fingerlicking good but I just don't see it being worth all the money we spent. That being said, the quality of the food was spectacular. The chicken tikka and chicken korma were excellent. The masala dabba came with a large piece of a naan and a number of butters which rotate daily, all of which were delicious. The chai ice cream on the chocolate cake had a garam masala kick to it which was a perfect finish to our meal. I am curious to see how this place improves over time. We will definitely be back.
(4)Kevin C.
Freddie is a great mixologist! Tell him what your in the mood for and he will wow you. The food was 4 out of 5 and a bit pricey but the place / atmosphere is great.
(4)Bedabrata C.
This was a surprise find. Food was superb! Highly recommend every food lover to try out this place.
(5)Josh M.
It looks like Chauhan Ale and Masala House is a great addition to the Nashville food scene. Atmosphere was elegant with subtle Indian influences, but nothing over the top. Nice marriage of Indian and southern. Despite the challenges of opening night the staff was very attentive and willing to make the experience fantastic. Even when not knowing or something wasn't right, they were on top to get it right and fixed. Ode to the meat and three was a nice touch. Chicken Tikka Masla was delicious as well as the curries, kale chips, masala dabba and tandoori breads. Never made it to the dessert and will have to return to try the take on the whoopie pie. Good food, warm environment.
(4)Alison C.
I would give it a 4.5, but you can't on yelp and I gave 404 a 5, so this one gets a 4 because 404 is in a league of its own, in my opinion. Only negative was that I thought it was a little pricey for what it was. I can't believe the bad reviews on here though... Other than everything being about $2 overpriced (drinks and food), I thought it was fabulous. I also thought the place was very inviting and the staff was very friendly. We had a server, but at least 4 other people stopped by to refill water or to check on our drinks and experience. I was very impressed and thought the food was delicious... Maybe just a tad bit overpriced, but not enough to keep me from going back.
(4)David B.
Excellent Authentic Indian Food! Delicious appetizers, entree and drinks! Atmosphere is pleasant and location is perfect in Nashville. Really enjoyed walking through the gulch before and afterwards!!
(5)Jamee C.
How disappointing and enormously terrible. I went with high expectations and the food failed miserably in fulfilling my expectations. I grew up in London where it is one of the best places in the world to experience Indian food and when I had heard Chauhan was a famous chef, I expected excellence. Now I know this place is supposed to be "fusion" but the whole time I was tasting the food, all I could think about was what a sell-out, mass-appealing, middle-class-American-centered, cheap, tacky, sad waste of ingredients this was. I went with an Indian friend who studied culinary arts and he too hated it. There was nothing he and I couldn't have made ourselves; there was not a single thing that was impressive. Service was terrible also. We waited 20 minutes although we had made reservations, the server brought the wrong glass of wine TWICE and even tried to argue, they were out of multiple items on the menu and staff wasn't well-informed which meant the server repeatedly had to come back to the table to tell us this. I won't be going back and I will not suggest it to anybody unless they had a rare case of sodium deficiency and no taste buds.
(1)J K.
Overpriced. $12 for a drink in Nashville is a bit high. Waiter not very knowledgeable about dishes and unprofessional. Freezing cold in the restaurant--- I understand it's new and unprepared for the unusual cold weather but if you have customers, go purchase 5 space heaters to warm the place up! Gave the waiter a $16.50 (12.5%) tip on a $130 meal and he was visibly annoyed and short--unacceptable. Interesting place but better food and service at Woodlands and Taj. Decor was cool though.
(2)Mod F.
Great atmosphere - and good food, but we found the "traditional" Indian food paled in comparison to the more creative fusion dishes. Skip the Vindaloo and Tikka Masala and get something off the Signature Preparations menu - I'm an omnivore and the beet cauliflower croquette was amazing.
(4)Meridith B.
Like many other reviewers, I eagerly awaited the opening of this restaurant. We were really disappointed, and both of us (husband and I) thought that we were overly tolerant of the bad service. Our appetizer was late and comped my the manager without our requesting it, okay, that's fine. But then our food was late, and a bread we ordered never came, water rarely re-filled, and the check we received was completely wrong. We were at the restaurant for 2 hours -- 45 minutes with no food, then 10 minutes with appetizer, 40 minutes no food, and 25 minutes with entrees. The food was good, although very small portions for the price. The scallop appetizer ($11) was great, but I think it was one jumbo scallop cut into 3 portions. The Chicken tikka masala had a modest portion of chicken, and the meat and three would probably better suit a lunch crowd. I left feeling okay about the food, but my husband left feeling nauseous. We both agreed we'll give them a year to sort our the kinks, and if the restaurant is still around, we'll try it again. Until then, I'll continue to get my Indian food fix at Bombay Palace.
(2)Becky Y.
We too have eagerly anticipated the opening of this restaurant. I am hesitant to go to a restaurant during its opening week because even the finest of restaurants have kinks to work out. But it was our anniversary and we really wanted to try it. So off we went to Night 2 of their opening. Good decision! The food is inventive and flavorful with a beautiful balance of spices. We are not knowledgeable about Indian food but our waiter was. He guided us thru the menu with great explanations. We were thrilled with our choices. The tandoori breads appetizer with flavored butters and salts sling with chutney is sublime. But then again every dish is. We found the prices extremely reasonable for the excellent quality of food and service. Welcome to Nashville! We are glad you are here and know we will become good friends!
(5)Thomas H.
It's been open two weeks. That's time to get the kinks worked out that plagued our dinner this evening. Party of four. Arrived and had a delicious cocktail made with an Indian cola called "Thums Up." Despite their rather récherché drink menu, this one wasn't on there-- a last minute addition that was quite tasty We liked it so well we ordered another when we got seated. The waiter brought the wrong cocktail. We sent it back-- another wrong one was delivered. Third time it was right. Our waiter-- pardon me-- "guide" (his word)-- was neither quick nor knowledgeable. When we asked for a recommendation on appetizers, his descriptions didn't make anything sound good. His entrée recommendation was "I'm a meat and potatoes man, so the ribeye." Dude-- it's an Indian restaurant. Why is beef even on the menu for one thing, and are you recommending it because it's the only price outlier ($42) or because you have no imagination? With all those interesting choices, I don't think anyone is coming to Chauhan for steak. There was also this serious production number from the waiter about food allergies. N. can't eat cilantro, and I can't do cucumbers, so we explained and the waiter seemed very concerned about making sure that we didn't get any. L. & K. eat anything so no worries. So back to apps: we got the garam masala pork belly, the curried scallops, the vindaloo sausage and some papadums. The papadums were greasy. The pork belly was absolutely delicious-- perfect taste really-- but a tiny portion, so not good for sharing at all. The sausage was fine, but the lentil bed it sat on was better. But those scallops. Holy mother of heaven alive. Too. Mother. Grabbing. Hot. It was like taking a bite of a straight super-hot pepper. Literally blistered my lips. It's a freaking scallop. It's the most delicate of shellfish, and you want to do that to it? What the heck did it do to hack you off? Moreover, what did your diners do to warrant such torture? Seriously: some folks like hot food, but something like that should come with a warning label. Several bottles of water later, my tongue was starting to return to normal. By the time our entrees arrived-- FORTY-FIVE MINUTES LATER-- my tongue could taste again, but I kinda didn't care, 'coz I was very irritated. L.'s chicken tikka masala was fine. Nothing to write home about, but good. K's "meat and three" was lamb bhoona, served in something that looked like an iron maiden, and the food runner simply dropped it with no explanation of even how to get the contraption open. We eventually figured it out, and although it's an interesting presentation, it's cumbersome and unnecessary. N. ordered the "chili paneer relleno," which was full of cilantro despite the confab about her allergy. Completely unacceptable. What is the point of all that drama if you're going to disregard the patron's wishes? I asked for the guava-glazed BBQ ribs. They were moist and tasty, but the accompanying sides-- fingerling potatoes and collards-- were cold. I was told the potatoes were supposed to be a "potato salad," but they were not, they were straight-up cold potatoes, no seasoning. The collards were also tough to boot. Even the bread I ordered was ridiculously hot. This after I was told they'd do it "special" for me. Thanks, but I don't need this kind of special attention. I called the manager, Chris, over to discuss the disaster the evening was turning into. It was now nigh on 90 minutes that we'd been in the restaurant. and entrées were just being served. N. had to leave without any food-- and she had prepaid to make a quick exit, so she didn't even benefit from the eventual comp. Chris comped the entrees, which was kind, but I'd rather it just have been a good experience. If you're not ready, don't open. If your servers aren't trained, don't let them wait tables. If your kitchen can't handle the pace, close. I was excited. I wanted it to be good-- I really did. It wasn't. It had highlights, but overall, it was a bust-- slow, untrained service, inappropriately spicy recipes and bad pacing. The prices were a bit steep for what it was, but I was expecting that with the celebrity chef bit. But overall, it's poorly executed. The final straw came when our waiter brought the check. N. had to leave, K. had to leave (we were going to a show!) and L. and I were still there. The waiter asked how we wanted to apps and breads divided and we told him. TWENTY-FIVE MINUTES LATER we still had no final check. It's inexcusable. We were watching him wait other tables and even clearing plates. No worries that we'd been there now over two hours. Eventually, manager Chris came back and comped the whole check, fell all over himself apologizing, and asked us to come back. It seems unlikely. Shame, too. I think if it were done right it would be a great addition to Nashville's food landscape. A footnote: not one patron in the restaurant was smiling.
(1)Mackenzie C.
Nashville is the "It City." Now everyone wants to open a restaurant, store, etc. here. And that is just what Chef Maneet Chauhan did; however, this restaurant was not executed with the precision of the other great places that have recently opened. Believe all the bad reviews Chauhan Ale & Masala House has received. I didn't. I took a group of friends and left the evening apologizing for the service, the food and the experience. The Service: Slow. Indifferent. Irreverent. We waited 25 minutes before asking our server if we could place a drink order. She then requested that we order our entrees simultaneously. (We would have ordered cocktails and appetizers, then wine and entrees. However, that was not an option.) The entrees were served at different times, as in 15 minutes a part. There was never an apology or recognition that the service was slow and poorly timed. Generally, our server was irritated that we at her table. The Food: Meh. Underwhelming. Uninspired. Yes, the typical Indian flavor were there. However, there was nothing excellent or stand-out about the food. It was average at best. Several of the meats were overcooked. And the execution and attention to detail were missing. (We decided that we could get the same quality of food at South Street or we could order the same dishes at Tavern and it be excellent.) The Experience: An amateur's attempt at joining the big leagues without seeking advice/expertise of those in the big leagues. The space's acoustics are poor, thus, extremely loud. While the light fixtures are pretty, everything else about the space is cheap, random, incohesive and poorly executed. The service treats customers as though they are irrelevant and a nuisance. And the food is common. For Chef Chauhan to have received the accolades that are touted when gracing "us poor 'ole hillbillies" with her presence in our fair city, the effort was uninspired and underwhelming. Bottomline: If you are looking for great food, you know where to go... Holland House, Adele's, 404, MStreet restaurants, the Southern. If you are wanting Indian food, Woodlands is still and will always be king. Because Chauhan Ale & Masala House is not the place for either.
(2)Brian N.
Well, damn you, Chauhan. I used to love eating at Woodlands, and thought the food was great. I ate there today after eating a bunch of times at Chauhan, however, and the food was awful. No, I take the back: the food wasn't awful, but I'm so used to the fantastic food at Chauhan, that Woodlands now just pales in comparison. If you love Indian food, check this place out. It is exceptional. They have tons of veggie options, Chris -- the manager -- is always friendly and helpful, and the food is just fantastic. I wish it were a tad less expensive, but it is delicious at any price.
(5)Anita A.
Awesome Indian fusion!! So glad to have this in Nashville!! Gol Guppa Shots is other worldly!!! Amritsari Fish n chips are yummorama!! Chicken in Moilee sauce is perfection with the parm - garlic naan.... I will definitely be back!!! Gotta try the Kashmiri Spiced Lamb Shank next!
(5)Crystal B.
Bottom line, for Indian food, I prefer Woodlands. My party ordered the masala daba and tandoori bread for an appetizer. One small piece of bread, plenty of interesting butters to sample. I enjoyed the butters/chutneys but it would have been better with a 2nd piece of bread. For my entree, I ordered the meat and three which was lamb in the korma sauce. This was $20 and very disappointing. It came with a total of 4 1 inch square pieces of lamb swimming in a cup of sauce. The sauce was good but nothing to get excited over. The other sides were each about 1/2 cup worth of basmati rice, eggplant (which was delicious), and daal (boring and plain). My friend ordered the cioppino and there was a problem with his dish so they offered to comp it and give us a free dessert. We chose the whoopie pies and the chocolate lava cake. The whoopie pies were dry and crumbly and about the size of an oreo cookie. There were 3 of them and they came with a strange carrot sorbet. The lava cake, on the other hand was AMAZING. I thoroughly enjoyed this but, unfortunately, another small portion (about 2 1/2 inches diameter). The chai ice cream it was served with was also amazing. Both deserts were $9 each and, for that price, I felt the portion should have been twice as large. Small portions and mediocre flavors kind of kill this place for me. I like bold Indian food and this place didn't have anything that really stood out. The staff was amazingly attentive and helpful. The interior was charming and it was a pleasant place to dine. For a fantastic Indian food experience, I prefer Woodlands. Even though it's vegetarian, it's truly amazing with lots of great flavors to get excited about.
(2)Sara D.
This was a great experience. The atmosphere was neat and we had excellent service. The deviled egg appetizer was good. I had the chicken tikka masala and the chicken was tender and the sauce was very flavorful. They have unique cocktails also, try the mule!
(5)Susan H.
I have to second the question why this restaurant only has four stars. Walking into this restaurant you feel like you've been transported to another world! It's is so warm and inviting. Chef Chauhan is a genious and I can't get enough of her creativity. I am always pleasantly surprised by her subtle twists in traditional menu items that make them uniquely hers, be sure to try her version of the Southern staple, meat & three
(5)Brian W.
I'll be back. Great first dining experience here. As other reviewers have pointed out, the food is pricey. However, everything I are was excellent. Kale chips and Indian poutine were my favorites. My advice is to dial down your or prices on basic naan. Especially since you don't give enough with your naan+dips app. Ambience, like many places in Nashville, is cool and unique, with Bollywood videos playing on the walls.
(4)Jessa L.
**For drinks only** yummy & unique cocktails. We had the Burial Ground & Mitha Garam. The BG tasted exactly like a boozy chia $12. The MG was a nice fruity & lightly spicy tequila drink $11 (a little on the sweet side for me but that's usually the case in the South) The bartenders were fun & lively. The ambiance was just what you'd expect for a new Nashville restaurant. Gorgeous bathroom--if that's important to you ;)
(4)Stacy T.
On opening night, at 6:30, the place was maybe 50% full, which in itself was a little weird. I don't know the last time I've been to a new restaurant and it was so empty. We ordered the tandoori chicken poutine which had great flavor, but was lukewarm. The chutney/naan app was delicious. The appetizers were the highlight, then things started getting weird... We asked our server for recommendations. My husband doesn't like spicy food, but I do. He ordered the catch of the day (snapper) which was supposed to come on top of cauliflower puree with squash. When it was brought, the fish was accompanied by what I think might have been roasted parsnips? Hard to tell. We asked where the cauliflower was and he said it was in the breading of the fish.... haha. There was no breading on the fish. It was broiled fish. I was told the classic preparations weren't that spicy. When I tasted my chicken vindaloo, it was perhaps the spiciest thing I've ever put in my mouth. Now I like spicy, but this was almost inedible. Almost like they're trying to prove a point. I didn't get it. The desert we ordered was pot de creme and it was strange. It was a tea flavored custard with a layer of gelatin on top. It was super unappetizing. We had a couple bites and were done. Lukewarm food, poor service in describing the menu and managing expectations, but the WEIRDEST THING that happened was when they brought us our check and they charged us $2 for ICE in our DRINK!!!!!!!! hahahahah. WHAT?! A $16 Blantons & water was $18 since he added ice!!!!! We asked about this charge and they defended it, saying that when they add ice to drinks they end up pouring more liquor..... It was literally the weirdest thing I've ever experienced at a restaurant. We didn't nickle-and-dime the place when we spent $100+ on dinner, it would be nice if they didn't charge for ice in your drinks as a happy little "thank you." Overall, I had high, high hopes. It was weird. Won't be going back.
(1)John W.
Finally, a restaurateur understands how to combine high quality ethnic food with a overall dining experience upscale Americans are looking to have. Food, drink, and ambiance - check, check, check. Maneet, if you are looking for a new location, please consider Portland, ME.
(5)M W.
The restaurant has an welcoming atmosphere. I enjoyed the bar while waiting on my party. We tried the hot chicken, the kale nachos and naan and relish tray as appetizers. All delicious items and I would recommend them. The entree were tasty but the portion sizes are interesting. I had the Chicken Tikka Marsala. Usually this dish includes rice but it only came with a chicken leg and 4 small wedges of naan. I had to order rice as a side dish. My companions had the BBQ ribs, Leg of Lamb and the Spinach Chicken dish. Delicious but the portions were off. For dessert I had their version of creme brûlée. It was delicious and came in a dainty mason jar accompanied by two cookies. I enjoyed the experience if u don't do appetizers you may leave hungry.
(4)Aleacia S.
The food is quite good and the atmosphere is wonderful but with draft beers at $10 each I won't be here very often. Come on! $10? This is Nashville.
(3)Lindsay S.
I've been raving about my dining experience at Chauhan recently and figured I would go ahead and yelp about it. My friends and I were seated at a cozy booth and were immediately attended to. The warm atmosphere and whimsical ambiance of Chauhan is very calming. It has an easy, comfortable lighting.....which is uber important for a lady on a date....not that I was on an actual date but that's not the point. I digress. Let's talk alcohol----I was presented a drink called "burial ground" that was described to me in detail. All I remember, however, is that it had Chauhans custom Saffron Cardamon Double IPA in it and I think I heard the word rye. This drink is to die for so I guess that's why they call it "burial ground"---I dig it! The appetizer, Poutine, was a perfect nod to Indian spice and who doesn't love a skillet of loaded french fries?---Uh, YES please. Along with the poutine we had the Pork Belly (PERFECTION), Mussels (amazing flavor), and the Vidaloo Spiced Sausage which had a nice kick that didn't linger too long on my pallet. I honestly can't pick a favorite. Our appetizers had us eagerly awaiting a delicious entree round. We got the Tikka Masala, the Hyderababi Ribeye, and the Indian Meat and 3. Each were of equal delight. The steak was cooked precisely how we ordered it and was well seasoned. I would say for diners who aren't particularly favorable of Indian cuisine that this would be the ideal dinner menu item. The meat and 3 was a fun experience---I loved folding together all the flavors in the naan bread. And let's be honest, I could have made a meal of just that naan-----DIVINE! By the time desert came I had to unbutton my pants. I'm not afraid to say that on the internet (and besides, I was clearly not on a date). But I managed to eat every bite of BOTH desserts we ordered. The Chocolate Cake with Chai Ice Cream is heavenly and an excellent choice for chocolate lovers. It is my new boyfriend. And I'll go out with the Burnt Orange Kulfi again sometime although I'm still trying to figure that one out (delicious yet mysterious). Let's just say I'll be a lifelong lover of Chauhan. Cheers!
(5)Emily L.
My friend and I had a fabulous happy hour here! We were seated right away- note: the happy hour menu is only available in the bar. We sampled the tandoori chicken poutine- OMG this stuff is freaking delicious. Such an interesting combination of flavors, and one that works really well. We also ordered black eyes peas tikki per our waitress' rec. these little things were fabulous and seemed to be an inventive take on falafel. Also, that cucumber sauce was good- so good I held into it for our other happy hour small plates. The last bite we tried was the hot chicken. After all, we are in Nashville. They were not messing around and super spicy. I think these should come with a side of the cucumber sauce- but I would eat that stuff by itself. Can't forget to mention the delicious drinks. We ordered a couple of different cocktails from the happy hour menu. All were great and unlike anything I had before with exotic flavors. I'm super excited to return, sit in the dining room and sample the naan and tikki masala.
(5)Diana O.
Finding the place was easy. They had parking across the street n side of the roads. Came on a Saturday the place was busy pack. The atmosphere warm and low lights. The prices on the menu was a little high for the amount of food you get. I really wanted to like Chauhan but the food was too Americanised the flavor of the curry was too plain. I like my curry with more spices n flavors. I ordered the Lamb shank but they were out of that so I ended up getting the lamb with sage spinach curry. It came with like 5 small pieces of lamb in the curry n a side of rice. I wasn't impress. Had better Indian food at other places. They had the garlic parmasean naan bread that were awesome that's about all I enjoyed.
(3)Kathryn H.
When I entered Chauhan I said, "wow, this place is really cool." The candle light, Indian accents, and Bollywood films projected on the brick wall all added up to great ambience. Our server was very attentive and went into great detail about the drinks and food items on the menu. We both ordered drinks, wine for me and beer for my +1. The server recommended a red wine that was delicious, but boy was it pricey! $11 for a glass- yikes! I will agree with other reviewers in that the beer list wasn't extensive, but because they offered a unique selection for a range of tastes I'd say it is fine...except for the prices. $10 for a beer is pretty steep. As for the food, the Chili Paneer Relleno was just what I wanted. A lighter dish with lots of flavor. My +1 had lamb with spinach saag and naan. Delicious! Would I visit Chauhan again? Absolutely. I'd try happy hour, and I'd love to try the desserts. Chauhan certainly offers something very unique for Nashville. Overall: a special place with equally special prices.
(4)Stevie F.
Best ever! I hate Kale, but this restaurant made me love Kale!! Everything was amazing. Our server David, was outstanding and the Chef even came over and chatted with us. She is just as lovely as you see on Chopped. Wishing they would open in South Carolina!
(5)Michael J.
Had a team lunch here and was impressed. Good mix of Indian cuisine with a southern influence.
(4)Ryan W.
One of my favorite restaurants at the moment as of this weekend. Overall we enjoyed an excellent meal. The interior was elegant but warm feeling and our service was very good. The staff that we experienced was attentive and the pace of the meal felt comfortable. We started off with drinks. She got a mango/tequila cocktail and I had an IPA. The beer was awesome although I can't recall it's name, and her drink was good enough that we each had another throughout the course of the meal. We tried a mussels appetizer as well as the pork belly. Both were flavorful and the temperature warm. The bread served with the mussels was out of this world! The pork belly was just the right texture, a little crispy on the outside, and the spices- clearly Indian, weren't overbearing but just right. Another great dish. I had the lamb shank and she had a rice dish I can't recall the name of. Both were delicious. We finished the meal with a brownie/chocolate sauce dessert which hit the spot. The Chef visited our table at one point and talked about the food a little which was a nice touch. It's clear they have very high standards for the food creation and preparation. Overall, this was a great experience and we will definitely be going back.
(5)Kat M.
This was my first time to try Indian food with a girl friend of mine. We went on a Saturday night at 6:30PM, without reservations, and we were seated immediately. I don't think that will last long though -- not once word gets out. The ambiance is great for a girls night out, or a date. It's intimate, yet pretty casual. The lights strung throughout the space are beautiful. Now to the food.... For 2 girls, we went all out, and it was totally worth it: Apps: Mussels, Tandoori Chicken Poutine, + Garlic Parmesan Naan Mussels: I would get these every time, and I HIGHLY recommend. They sit in a delicious Indian sauce, that I have no idea what is in it -- but I could (and did) spoon eat the sauce alone. Our lovely server recommended that we get some Naan to soak up the sauce, and we readily agreed. Garlic Parm Naan: Yes. for $4, Yes! I've never had homemade Naan, and now I'm unsure if I can buy from the store ever again. So light, fluffy, but the edges a little crisp.. tasted like a mini pizza! Tandoori Chicken Poutine: This was our least favorite out of everything we ordered. It was still VERY good! But less adventurous. It was fries, chicken, and a tandoori type sauce with cheese. I don't regret getting it by any means, but I wouldn't get it a second time around. Entrees: Malabari Seafood Cioppino + Catch of the Day Malabari Seafood: I do not believe you can get this dish anywhere else in Nashville. The best way I can describe it is as a seafood "stew" with a side of rice. All types of seafood (clams, fish [I believe Salmon?] chunks, large shrimp, squid, scallops!] marinated in a coconut-type broth. This was a very light, yet filling dish. It was so so fresh and the broth did not have a major coconut flavor. Catch of the Day: was Broiled Snapper w/squash purée, peppered asparagus, + pickled onions. If I had just gotten this, I'd give the place 3 stars. In my opinion, it was pretty bland. And does not remind me of Indian infused food at all. The snapper itself was really good, and for those not feeling adventurous - this is probably the perfect dish! Luckily, we got so many other delicious foods, that this did not sway my feelings on the overall experience. I will definitely return for the Pork Belly app, the Lamb Shank entree, and the Chauhan beers! Highly recommend. Great service, wonderful food, and fun ambiance.
(5)Jen W.
I came with a girlfriend last week for dinner and drinks; we had a great time. Transformation of the space was amazing, you would have never known it was previously the cheesy Roosters Texas Dive Bar. Unlike earlier reviews, our service was excellent. Michael was our server and he patiently explained all specials and questions we peppered him about the menu. Our water glasses were always full and the Meat and three (served in the cool Indian lunch pails!) were unlocked and presented to us. My favorite was the Kale Chut, such an innovative dish! This is a great new addition to the restaurant scene and offers a different dining experience from the family style indian haunts in West Nashville. Looking forward to next time!
(4)Stacy B.
The kale chat was insanely good for an app! The seafood cioppino was delish too! Beer and mixed drink menu was extensive. Crispen and Kingfisher were perfect with our meal. Great decor to top it off.
(5)Lori M.
Since I have heard this restaurant was going to open...I have wanted to go. It was neat to walk in and see all that they had done to the interior. It is in the old Cafe 123 building in the Gulch. We started with appetizers- scallop, naan with 6 or 7 different toppings and the beet salad. All very good. Our main courses were the ribs, Paneer with korma sauce, Chicken Tikka Masala and a special vegetarian dish. All of it was excellent. But... i must say that the wait staff was clueless. Not great at talking up the dishes, disregarding dirty dishes at the table, bringing clean forks etc. Really easy things to fix. Even our waiter said that the service is trying to catch up to the food. It was a bit pricey, but very very tasty. I would say if the management educates their staff of fine dining Indian food.....they should be good to go!
(4)Jason K.
Great food and atmosphere. Watch out when ordering a spirit with ice. I called them out on my scotch price being higher on the receipt then the menu. They said "oh that's for the rocks". Jeez.
(4)Allen C.
I was curious to find out if the service and the food could match the atmosphere. It does. Our waitress was fantastic and the food was, as well. The servings were good. I was full halfway through the entree and the IPA they had on tap was flavorful, to say the least. I will be back and will recommend this place to everyone.
(5)Darren H.
This a a great choice. Service is the best and the food has very good flavors and variety. Love the craft beers too. Try the Ribeye which is not typical of Indian cusine.
(4)Arun S.
Fantastic food! Great atmosphere. The chicken tikka masala and paneer were amazing. The garlic naans were the best I've ever had. The mango lassi was great. Will be coming here often!
(5)Joe F.
It's about time a higher-end Indian restaurant opened in Nashville. Great vibe! Love, love this place.
(5)David S.
Great food. Very well priced. The Chicken Tikki Masala is the bomb. All the employees there are very friendly and they have complimentary valet. I will be back soon
(5)Brandon H.
Delicious Indian fusion! Unique dishes served in a trendy atmosphere by attentive staff. I suggest the desi fare dishes.
(5)Ashby F.
I had the "meat and three" for lunch and it was a delicious variety of dishes featuring the standard Chicken Tikka Masala. Everything was cooked just right and tasted great. A good bit more expensive than your typical Indian(ish) but still very good. Nice vibe as well. Give it a try!
(4)Kevin R.
Great new place in Nashville. I would describe it as Indian Fusion. The Ribs are good.. the Lamb was excellent. The Marsala Chicken is outstanding. The menu has changed a few times so I've had many different items. Everything is pretty good. There are some dishes I'm not a fan of but there are others that are 5 star. They have some kind of Indian spiced IPA. It's very tasty. Overall a pretty good experience and I would recommend. It's starting to get really really busy these days and the service seems lacking at times. It's a great place regardless. Give it a try! I'll be back.
(4)Tarun L.
Best indian food...right spices...totaly in love...u will feel as if you are in india..must try:seekh kebabs,amritsari fish and gajar halwa..
(5)Marirae M.
We went for brunch today and loved this restaurant. The attention to detail can be seen throughout. Though not your conventional type, I had the best bloody mary, made with tomatillos, chilis...so good! Everyone enjoyed their dishes, especially me with the breakfast tacos. Our server David was, great, too! I think we've found a new favorite!
(5)Marci R.
Firstly, REALLY bad service. Our waitress had an attitude from the time she seated us. The food was average. Kale chips were amazing. Also, she didn't give us the happy hour prices and we were there at 6:15 on a Friday. Disappointing.
(3)Meitra A.
My husband loves Indian food, and I generally acquiesce about twice a year. I enjoy Indian, but it typically feels one dimensional to me. I think it is important to understand that biased background when I tell you that Chauhan Ale and Masala House goes on my top 5 restaurants in Nashville list. We had the pork belly appetizer and curry poutine for starters. AMAZING and creative. The main dishes were spectacular as well. We had not even gotten to the parking lot upon departure, that our dinner party was discussing the other dishes we were all excited to try on our next visit. Really, really well done.
(5)Chris S.
Outstanding in all regards. Food, ambiance, service all top notch! Entrees our party of had were the BBQ ribs, desis, and meat and three. All were pleased. We also enjoyed the kale and beet appetizers.
(5)George J.
Happened upon this place looking at a list of Nashville's best - did not disappoint - service was spot on, the food was unbelievable - different yet still Indian - and the Manhattan's were strong and cold. Will make a point to dine here any time I am in town.
(5)Travis B.
My girlfriend and I waited for months for this restaurant and we were not disappointed. We had some of the best Indian food we'd ever had, and perhaps the best in Nashville. For appetizers, the pork belly is a MUST. It was likely the best thing I ate all night. We also had the naan bread and chutney sampler. Absolutely fantastic. We sampled several drinks between us, both cocktails and beer. The cocktails all seem to have some spice to them, so watch out if that's not your thing. Their Indian-inspired beer is excellent, at least as far as the IPA and Chai Stout go. For dinner, we had the meat 'n' three and lamb bhunna. Both were outstanding. If you're looking for the signature Chauhan dish, get the meat 'n' three. The presentation, as well as the food (of course), are excellent. It changes daily, so you'll get something new every time! All in all, we can wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone. It's a great place to expand your palate or reconnect with existing favorites. The atmosphere and vibe are very welcoming and intimate. Go check it out everyone!
(5)Scott C.
Fried kale app was surprisingly good, bread and variety of sauces were good for an inexperienced palette. Entree was meat and three, decent. Not outstanding, but appropriately priced and tasty. Service was good, nice vibe and atmosphere.
(3)Lou Ann B.
Linger over the appetizer section: the Gol Guppa Shots and Kale Pakora Chaat are two of the most delicious and unusual dishes I've ever encountered. This restaurant is just what Nashville needed-- a break from the faux Southern, deviled egg and pimento cheese-overloaded copycats that have proliferated recently.
(4)Nash B.
Great decor/concept. Food's good, but overpriced. You expect there to be more to the food when you're paying that price. Indian food's pretty darn easy to cook at home. :) I've heard that the lamb shank if REALLY good. And someone said the ribeye was really good (of all things! ha.) So, go for the experience and the non-typical Indian fare. But if you just want to eat Indian food, hit up the local Indian dives and save some moolah.
(3)Daniel S.
I had high expectations, and they actually surpassed them. Great ambiance, servers and staff were very helpful. The variety of food, which incorporates traditional Indian with unique flares, was excellent. Loved the Saffron IPA as well. A new favorite.
(5)Lily D.
Went there last night and was pleasantly surprised! This was my first experience with Indian food and it definitely set the bar high! I ordered lamb with saffron cashew curry sauce and basmati rice. This meal was phenomenal! Got to try the beet salad, some naan bread and finished the meal off with a few bites of the chocolate cake with ice cream. Everything was so delicious! The atmosphere was cool and trendy too. They had projectors displaying Indian movies on the wall, which was really neat. The whole experience was just a great overall!!
(5)Karen M.
Amazing! LOVE the kale chips w/spicy garbanzo dip, gol guppa shots, and the ciopinni! Chicken tikka marsala also good. Sexy restaurant at night, very cool vibe and Maneet is the bomb!
(5)Cy B.
I've read the other reviews and I had absolutely zero complaints. Zero. What a great dinner and experience! I am familiar with Indian food via Woodlands, where I eat on a regular basis. I did not find Woodlands to be superior in any way, just different. Our waitress was friendly and attentive, without being intrusive or annoying. She explained various aspects of the menu well and answered the questions we had. Our waters glasses were always full. I had the "meat and three" which was chicken tikka masala. As others have mentioned it is delivered to the table in a traditional Indian lunch pail. Our waitress unlocked it for me and put each bowl on my plate and told me what each was and pointed out that there were serving spoons for each. But, even if she didn't do any of this, it would not have been a problem. Others have complained that it was just dropped at their table and left. I did not experience that but, honestly, a third grader could figure it out. It's bowls stacked on top of each other. That's it. As far as the food itself, it was wonderful. The right amount of spice and exploding with flavors, which is why I love Indian food to begin with. I was particularly taken with the sweet potatoes... wow! So light and fluffy and mild, a great compliment to the other spicier dishes. We also had at the kale appetizer. Don't miss it. I was less than excited but it is to die for. I will never see kale in the same light again! Unfortunately, I was too stuffed for dessert! It was an all-around wonderful meal with really excellent service. Just a great dinner in every aspect. Based on my experience last night, I couldn't come up with one thing that needed improvement or tweaking or was not outstanding. I'm so glad it lived up to my expectations!
(5)Tammura A.
Our experience was great. The service was impeccable. Went with the chicken kabab. I couldn't get enough of the mint chutney and seasonal slaw. The other dish chosen was the moilee vegetable coconut curry. But what made the meal come full circle was the Saffron cardamom double IPA from cool springs brewery. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Aly G.
I have been here now for lunch and dinner. Lunch service was great, it was dead and we got a lot of attention. I highly recommend the tikka masala naan flatbread and the grilled cheese/tomato soup. I came in barely hungry and by the end of my meal was using my fork to grab every last crumb and sauce from that flatbread. The tomato soup has a bit of curry that makes it so different and so so good. Finally a new take on grilled cheese and tomato soup. Yum. Dinner was packed, we reserved a table in the bar area and we were amongst many people standing waiting for seats. Because of the wait the servers were all very busy and we waited a loooong time for our food. However, the server was really nice and updated us on our order's progress. We shared the cashew curry and Tikka Masala with chicken and Parmesan Garlic Naan. It was all incredible. The atmosphere is great; however keep in mind it is loud. We had no problem hearing each other after people around us were seated, but if you're coming in during the dinner rush, expect to get close to have a conversation. My boyfriend and I love that, but it isn't for everyone. We will be frequenting this place often! I highly recommend taking a new-to-Indian or afraid-of-curry friend, the menu is approachable but so flavorful.
(4)Bridgette C.
Gorgeous space. Great service. Delicious food. Chauhan has made great use of a revolving-door space in the north Gulch by offering Indian food with a twist. I have my favorite Indian takeout place, but Chauhan offers a great introduction to those maybe not as familiar with Indian fare. They have a "desi fare" menu that allows someone new to the cuisine to get a sense of the different spices and curries. I went with a friend who wasn't a fan of Indian food and she left converted. This is a great way to try something new and actually know what you're having, as the staff is very helpful with finding a dish right for you. I highly recommend the tikka masala with any of their protein offerings (vegetarians, there something here for you too!). It's a very wonderful dining experience and I hope Chauhan breaks the curse this venue space has had and sticks around for a long time so I can try everything they have to offer.
(4)Rhonda C.
Please trust all of the bad reviews. its not somebody hating on the place or the concept. its just really OVERPRICED, MEDICORE Inidan food. Your better off shopping at Patel and Sons, Googeling your fav dish and making it at home. Man , money down the drain.
(2)Luke S.
MUST EAT HERE! Brand spank'n new, right next to anthem, & across the street from 12th and porter. This place is in an amazing location, and the food is even better! First experience with Indian food, and this spot sold me. Food game, ON POINT, well done. Had a good portion of the menu, my friends and I have been wait for something new in this area, so we had to do it up. So many new flavors and textures, my mouth didn't know what was going on. Nicely plated, well executed, and desserts were the Marsala on top(don't care if that doesn't make sense, Indian food is still new to me). Go check this spot out, we will definitely be back in. Real quick.
(5)Charlotte J.
AMAZING! Get a reservation NOW! The food is spectacular and the atmosphere is superb. We got the meat and three which was chicken tikki masala. The flavors where perfect and the portions where huge! We also had a tandoori bread and chutney app which was an amazing array of flavors. We have been to Bombay palace which is a great place for indian food but this is our new spot! Ps: Connie Britton from ABC's Nashville (Rayna James) thinks its good too seeing as she was there on her birthday! She and her group sat 2 tables down from us. Seriously get a reservation now. We barely squeezed in a week in advance.
(5)Justin R.
Just had an excellent experience here! The drinks were a little pricey but delicious and they had a decent variety of standard alcohol for the less adventurous. The food was DELICIOUS. Think traditional Indian fare with a flair. Service was great and the restaurants decor was very cool.
(5)Chrissy M.
I hate that this place is here in Nashville!!! I so badly want to take this place with me to Kansas City! By far some of the most amazing Indian Fusion food we have ever had. A wonderful experience from the moment we walked in. The service was amazing and staff all very knowledgeable. The food was just an amazing explosion of flavors from start to finish! If we still lived here this would be our new addiction! You are totally missing out if you don't experience this place! Do yourself a favor and GO!!!
(5)Dana T.
Went to Chauhan's last night and I was very impressed. A lot of the reviews on here are saying things like "why would they have beef, it's an Indian restaurant" and things of the sort. It's a freakin INDIAN FUSION restaurant. It's not supposed to be traditional Indian food. For one, look where it's at. It's not in the mall. It's an upscale Indian FUSION restaurant. I thought the prices were great for what it was, seeing as how that's normal pricing for the area. We ordered the pork belly app which was outstanding, I had chicken tikka masala served with rice and I ordered naan to go with it. He ordered the chefs choice meat and 3. Which was chicken and some sort of cashew curry dish served with black eyed peas, rice, naan, a different (but good) beet dish, and everything was FANTASTIC. He's not one for "different" food, but he enjoyed everything. I like spicy, which I didn't get, but I also didn't order spicy dishes. I don't know if everyone just expects all Indian food to be spicy, but it's not. And this isn't traditional anyhow. It's a top chef doing what she does and I thought she got very creative and it was definitely beyond my expectations. Saw the chef walking around talking to different tables also, which I thought was very cool. Overall this is my new favorite restaurant, and I think you should all go try it and have an OPEN MIND PEOPLE. Footnote: the decor was outstanding. Way to go.
(5)John B.
Authentic Indian cuisine paired with some Indian/Nashville fusions. Maneet has done a remarkable job. This is by far my favorite place in town. Best Chicken Vindaloo ever. I can't wait to have the opportunity to complete the menu.
(5)malia m.
First off, the decor is sumptuous and exotic. The food is unlike anything in Nashville-- such a concept. Fine cocktails and the saffron cardamom ipa was perfect with my meal. I'm a fan and will be frequenting this place!!
(5)Mike K.
I love Indian food. I was so excited to try this spin on pub meets Indian and I am sad to say I was very disappointed. If you are craving Indian food, this is not the place for you. Our server did not know the menu to start and confused us with another one of her tables multiple times. The bar manager came to introduce himself to us and mentioned that the chef had a personal hand in everything that went out on our table yet everything was bland and a few of our tables dishes were cold. The cocktails however, were pretty incredible. I had the Moni and the Mule and it was other worldly. I will be back for a cocktail but not for dinner. If I want Indian I'll head over to Taj.
(2)Lisa B.
Loved it. Interesting take on indian food. All different countries fayres with an Indian twist. Beautiful decor and lovely staff. A must visit.
(5)Harleen P.
Ahhmazing Indian fusion cuisine! Everything from: naan with different spreads to pepper shrimp to amritsari fish was delish! Lamb shank was so soft that I never used a knife.. Melted in the mouth! Kheer dessert with gulab jamun on top.. That's like bogo! Highly highly recommend this place!
(5)William R.
I've had Indian food before and thought it was just okay. This was not your buffet with different colors of goup. This was nothing short of amazing. The flavors were expertly balanced and the presentation was good. My order was the chili rellano, which was really fantastic. My server, Michael, was very attentive without hovering. The only negative is the price of the appetizers, which was way too high.
(4)Chris P.
Fantastic. Great service, stellar food, great beer, reasonably priced. Loved the meat and three.
(5)Dana S.
I love Indian food. I could eat it forever probably, so I was more than excited when I found out Maneet Chauhan was opening up a restaurant in Nashville. I finally made it over there with my fiancé earlier this week. We made reservations, but it seemed a little slow for a new restaurant on a Tuesday night. The decor is fun - there are projectors that play Bollywood films and ocean scenes on one of the walls, candles, and damask style velvet wallpaper. We started with a couple of drinks - the 'what has two thums' (which is essentially an indian twist on rum and coke) and the 'burial grounds' (spicy and perfect). We then ordered some naan and their kale pakora chat. Do yourself a favor and order the kale. It is fried kale with perfectly seasoned potatoes and will blow your taste buds away. Fiancé got the catch of the day and claims it was the best fish he has ever eaten. I had the meat and three with chicken korma. It comes in a tiffin and had a lentil stew, ivy gourds, and rice. The chicken korma could have been a little spicier for my liking, but otherwise, it was perfect. Their portions were pretty substantial - I took home leftovers. They have a few indian desserts that I've heard are very good, but we were too stuffed to try them. Our server was friendly and attentive, and we loved eating there! We even had a brief sighting of the famous chef herself! We will definitely be back for a date night every once in awhile.
(5)Henry D.
More like 3.5 Pros: -Good flavor -Cool atmosphere -Good service Cons: -Small portions -Hard for me to justify paying $10 for a beer
(3)Mia N.
Wonderful atmosphere. Warm yet modern. The kale chips are amazing-light flavorful and tasty!
(5)Derek M.
I had the opportunity to eat at this restaurant last weekend and the food was all around amazing. Normally I am not much of a fan for Indian food but this restaurant has done an excellent job of combining Indian and Southern cuisine. When we arrived, we were able to sit at the bar (which does have 2 TVs) until our entire party was present for our reservation. The bar area has nice big windows and decent amount of seating. One of the beers they offer is a special brew that is designed to compliment the Indian spices in the food (which it did). Of the 5 appetizers we shared, the fish n'chips and hot chicken seemed to be everyones favorite. They were seasoned with different Indian spices and came with Indian dipping sauces. Dinner was also excellent and well presented. I tried the ribs which were made in a special BBQ sauce had a ton of Indian flavor. Lastly our dessert was nothing short of amazing. The chef and owners came out to greet us during our meal and made sure we had a great experience. As for the atmosphere, the restaurant did a great job at combining modern designs with traditional Indian artwork. Music was playing throughout dinner but the entire restaurant was not overly loud. All in all, Chauhan was an outstanding restaurant with great staff and fantastic food. Whether you're local or just visiting, it is definitely a must eat.
(5)Rachel S.
We had such a fun time at this restaurant. The food was amazing. We particularly liked the Indian Osso Buco, the Nash, raita, shrimp vindaloo, and this cheesy naan (can't remember the name). Cocktails were fabulous and so was the service. Though the hostess could use a nicer attitude. Would recommend to anyone visiting Nashville.
(5)Grace G.
Really enjoyed the entire experience. Went for happy hour with a few friends and sipped drinks from their creative drink menu. Loved the garlic naan and the chocolate cake. Will definitely be back. (Sidenote- the prices are compete or to any restaurant of this standard in Nashville.)
(5)Lauren K.
I have never written a yelp review before, but my experience here was so amazing I had to! I took my mother to dinner here last night. The food was great. Our server was amazing. And the staff took really good care of us. I highly recommend you try this place out!
(5)Stacey O.
Im a huge fan of Indian food, and it is SO exciting that Nashville has finally gotten a legitimate Indian restaurant that is also suitable for date night. The decor of the place is spot on & their food is truly unique. Don't miss the naan with the daily assortment of chutneys and butters (still dreaming about the house made curry butter) or the salmon kebabs which are about to be a new addition to the menu- OUT OF THIS WORLD. My plate from the desi fare was great as well. Oh and don't skip dessert- their triple chocolate cake, while small, is packed with flavor and doesn't taste like any other chocolate cake in nashville. Only bad part about our experience? The carrot cake whoopee pies, which suffered from too heavy a hit of cardamom. But nothing could stop me from coming back to this place. Truly amazing!
(5)Kyle F.
Haven't had good, authentic Indian food since leaving Chicago many years ago...but I have now found it!! The decor is wonderful, especially the 'little shrine' to India in the back. The beer selection is ok, but does have some unique Indian beers. The lamb shank was excellent and the garlic parm naan was the best. The kale chips were the best I have ever had. Sat at the bar and was well entertained by the staff.
(5)Courtney H.
I have to say after all of the hype and press associated with this restaurant opening, I was very disappointed. Nashville has some amazing dining establishments and I can't say that this rates very high on my list. My friend and I went and it took over 10 minutes for them to come take our drink order- normally with a new restaurant, I would overlook this... but the restaurant was 60% full. Being a new restaurant, we asked our server for guidance and he couldn't tell us anything.... clearly he was as lost as we were. We took a shot in the dark and got a couple of apps. The scallops were fantastic, but the shots were ok- better if they were warmer. A second server came by to check on us and ask if we were ready to order and she was quite helpful, but again couldn't give us much guidance with ordering or the menu. We ordered the signature chicken dish and then the lamb. The lamb was good, but our chicken seemed almost luke warm. We weren't finished with our dinner, but before we could get a word out to our server, he came by stacked our plates and rushed off to the back. Keep in mind- we each had a full cocktail in front of us. He then threw down the dessert menu took more plates away. We couldn't help but feel extremely rushed, so we opted out of dessert and he quickly brought the check and took away our waters. So strange... once we paid and he saw we still had a cocktail he asked if we wanted some water... We moved to the bar to finish our cocktail, where the bartenders were quite attentive. I wanted to see if they were going to "flip" the table and after all of that, no one was seated there. Anyway, for this restaurant opening to be delayed over and over, I am surprised that the staff weren't more knowledgeable and that the service wasn't better. Not sure that I am willing to take the risk again with this place.
(2)