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Nestled in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey, Dvaraka Indian Restaurant offers a vibrant and authentic taste of India that truly stands out in the local dining scene. Specializing in rich, flavorful Indian cuisine, this welcoming spot on Witherspoon Street is celebrated for both its depth of traditional flavors and its inviting dining atmosphere.
From the very first bite, Dvaraka immerses you in a symphony of spices and textures. The menu reads like a love letter to Indian culinary artistry, featuring iconic dishes such as the buttery, luscious Butter Chicken, aromatic and layered Chicken Biryani, and the fresh, colorful Dvaraka Special Veg Platter. For those seeking more adventurous options, the Andhra Goat Curry and the famously fragrant Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani offer robust, slow-cooked flavors that evoke a true home-cooked experience. Not to be missed is the Goat Keema Dum Biryani, where tender minced baby goat infuses each grain of basmati rice with aromatic spices, giving a deeply satisfying dish that lingers in the memory.
But Dvaraka’s appeal extends far beyond classic curries. The menu’s Indo-Chinese section showcases unique and flavorful fusion dishes such as Shrimp Szechwan Street Noodles and Mixed Fried Rice, merging bold Asian heat with deft Indian nuances. The diversity ensures there’s something for every palate, whether you crave street-style snacks like crispy Samosa or specialty dishes like the fiery Chicken 555 and Paneer 65.
What truly elevates the experience at Dvaraka is how the passionate kitchen marries tradition with comfort, offering generous portion sizes and immaculate presentation. Reviewers echo this sentiment—Jane C recalls finding refuge during a snowstorm, only to discover “her favorite Indian food in New Jersey,” emphasizing the restaurant's rare ability to deliver warmth on a plate. Diana Sánchez praises the perfectly balanced lamb curry paired with fresh chapati, while Jeff Oppenheim highlights less common delights like the aromatic rosemary naan and impeccable Chana Saag. The consistency in quality shines through in Song Ting Tang’s rave review of the Butter Chicken and garlic naan, despite noting the slight on the saltier side, which speaks to the boldness and depth of flavor Dvaraka confidently embraces.
The dining atmosphere complements the cuisine beautifully—welcoming, relaxed, and perfect for enjoying heartfelt meals with friends and family. The attentive, friendly staff ensure guests feel cared for, making each visit memorable beyond just the food.
For a taste of India that blends rich heritage, bold flavors, and a warm, inviting vibe, Dvaraka Indian Restaurant is a Princeton gem that beckons both connoisseurs and casual diners alike. Whether it’s your first introduction to Indian cuisine or a beloved tradition, expect to leave with your senses delighted and your heart full.
Our visit to Dvaraka was fate-filled, since it was one of few restaurants in Princeton's downtown that dared to be open during a serious snowstorm. We would have been grateful enough for a warm restaurant and decent food, but I certainly didn't expect to find my favorite Indian food in New Jersey here (I know that's a big claim; it was just that good). Let's address the elephant in the room here: sometimes Indian food doesn't look camera-ready. For instance, my absolute favorite thing here was the chana palak, an extremely flavor-packed curry with chickpeas and spinach. What shows up (regretfully) as a greenish mud in pictures is actually an absolute flavor bomb in the mouth. Truly, I still have dreams about this dish. If looks matter to you, I also highly recommend the salmon tandoori special. It arrived on a sizzling platter (the kind that makes heads turn and eyes lock as it approaches the lucky table). There was more flavor to be had here, and I adore a dish that's hot enough to carry a blister risk while eating...especially in the middle of an icy snowstorm. Service was incredibly warm, welcoming, and efficient. Our server checked in with us the exact right number of times, and he repeatedly checked in with us about whether we wanted to take leftovers home, the way a friend or kind auntie might after you've dined sumptuously at her table.
Our food was delicious, portions size were good, very attentive staff. I had the lamb curry and I highly recommend the dish. It came with rice which was also very good and chapati, very fresh and tasty.
The food here is absolutely delicious! I highly recommend trying the Tandoori Veg Fasal and Aloo Paratha – they're my personal favorites. The Daal, Paneer Lababdar, and Mushroom Chilli are also fantastic. Definitely worth a visit!
The chicken chettinadu was excellent. Lots of meat. We liked the rosemary naan, something that I had never seen before. The Chana saag was great. Also, we ate the dahi puri before it could be photographed. The empty plate says it all!
Food: 4 out of 5 Service: 4.5 out of 5 Atmosphere: 4 out of 5 Price/Value: 4 out of 5 Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.125 out of 5 Recommendations: Butter Chicken, Garlic Naan, Mango Lassi Dvaraka is a great place for Indian food! The curries were delicious, especially the butter chicken, and the garlic naans were absolutely a hit. But I do think the curries are on the saltier side. Their mango lassi is fantastic, highly recommend. The portions are pretty good too. Two curries are enough to feed two people. I will def visit again next time I crave Indian!
Whenever I want to take care of my personal needs, I treat myself to goat curry here. It's super fulfilling and makes life worth the hassle They offer complimentary rice refills. Just ask for it but be sure to tip for their kindness. Rahul, the server, is excellent at his job too.
Wife and I were craving Indo-Chinese food and this place did not disappoint! We were with a group that eats only Vegetarian cuisine; so we decided to go back another time for their mouth-watering non-veg dishes! Really enjoyed the Paneer-65 and Gobi Manchurian to begin with; the best was the Szechwan Street Noodles and the Szechwan Fried Rice: absolutely delicious to say the least! Hitting all the perfect notes on our taste palette and we relished these thoroughly! Hoping to make it back soon to try out the non-vegetarian options :)