Cheeni

The restaurant setting is attractive and the staff were exceptionally kind, so much so that they proactively took 50% off one of my items due to a delay, which I genuinely appreciated. That said, the food itself was disappointing. This is clearly gentrified Indian food. I have no issue with Indian cuisine in an upscale setting with a significant price markup when it is done with authenticity and depth of flavor - as places like Semma in NYC demonstrate very well. Unfortunately, that was not the case here. I ordered the Kerala beef parotta as a starter and the kasundi fish in banana leaf as my main. The kasundi fish was passable but unremarkable. The Kerala beef parotta, however, was particularly underwhelming. The Malabar parotta felt more like baked bread than a flaky, layered soft parotta, and the beef was quite dry and lacked any real flavor. As a point of contrast, I would invite people to try the Kerala beef parotta at Grand Malabar in Morrisville to see how flavorful and authentically prepared this dish can be. The ice cream dessert was decent, but it was essentially a straightforward kulfi. Overall, this felt like Indian food that has been heavily westernized. That impression was reinforced by the clientele, I was essentially the only non-white diner in the restaurant. The food may appeal to a Western audience looking for an “Indian-inspired” date-night experience, but if you’re desi or looking for authentic, flavorful Indian food, I would probably save some money and visit Anjappar next door instead.

Unfortunately, this restaurant misses the Mark in terms of accuracy, price, and taste. I had checked with a waitress to make sure that they could do a proper substitution in one of the dishes where instead of beef, they would put chicken. They confirmed this was correct, and it even showed as documented on the receipt as correct. However, once I got the dish, I noticed that there was beef in it. Unfortunately, the restaurant was only willing to provide a 30% discount for the price of the dish rather than a full refund, even though the dish was not touched. Second, the price is quite a lot for the quantity you get. Portions are extremely small, and you are easily paying $20-30 per dish. Lastly, taste is seriously lacking. Everything has zero spice in it, and the dishes themselves are mild at best. They have some dishes that they claim are with crispy chicken, but it was definitely soggy. I don’t recommend this place unless you want to be disappointed.

Cheeni was on my list for quite while and finally had the opportunity. The place has a nice chill vibe with an open kitchen. The menu has lot of options that will appease your tastebuds and your appetite. Highly recommend getting a reservation. I am sure walkins can be accommodated or can wait at the bar. Food was great. We orders varied dishes, maybe one too many. Portion size is pretty good. Drinks were good. Also on the way out we picked up jeera cookies and chocolate chip cookies - both really good. Will definitely dine again.

Had a great meal at Cheeni. The decor is stunning and the atmosphere is so inviting. The food was excellent across the board. The paneer was some of the softest I've ever had, and we were so impressed by the karela chaat—a truly superior dish we wouldn't normally have tried. Highly recommend this spot for a great meal

Cheeni Durham is a nice spot for a special occasion or date night. The décor and ambience are warm, inviting, and authentically styled, and the service is truly top-notch. The drinks menu is extensive, with a good selection of craft cocktails to choose from. Where the experience fell short for us was the food. The vegetarian options in particular were underwhelming. Many dishes felt like elevated versions of everyday staples such as dal chawal or curd rice—comforting, yes, but not necessarily what one expects at gourmet pricing. Portions were also quite small for the price point, which made the overall value feel lacking. The speakeasy was another disappointment. Marketed as a “Bollywood speakeasy,” it turned out to be a small room with televisions and the same cocktails available at the restaurant—not quite the unique experience one might imagine. Overall, Cheeni Durham was worth trying once for the atmosphere and service, but given the cost and limited vegetarian appeal, it’s unlikely we’ll return. More of a novelty than a truly memorable Indian dining experience.