Cheeni Indian Food Emporium

Indian restaurant · Raleigh

Cheeni Indian Food Emporium

Indian restaurant · Raleigh

5

1141 Falls River Ave, Raleigh, NC 27614

Photos

Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by Stacey Sprenz Photography
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by Stacey Sprenz Photography
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium by null

Highlights

Indian cafe & marketplace with home-style food, bakery & chai  

Featured in Eater
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1141 Falls River Ave, Raleigh, NC 27614 Get directions

cheeniraleigh.com
@cheeniraleigh

$10–20 · Menu

Information

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1141 Falls River Ave, Raleigh, NC 27614 Get directions

+1 919 438 1468
cheeniraleigh.com
@cheeniraleigh

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 22, 2025

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@eater

Raleigh’s Acclaimed Cheeni Restaurant Expanding to Durham This Fall - Eater Carolinas

"Cheeni Indian Food Emporium is a beloved Indian restaurant located at 1141 Falls River Avenue in north Raleigh. It has gained popularity for its authentic regional Indian cuisine and has received accolades like the Eater Carolinas 2022 North Carolina Restaurant of the Year Award and a 2023 Best Chef: Southeast semifinalist recognition from the James Beard Awards. The restaurant attracts patrons from neighboring areas, including Durham, and is known for its inviting atmosphere and diverse menu offerings." - Eric Ginsburg

https://carolinas.eater.com/2023/9/20/23881888/cheeni-restaurant-durham
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@eater

18 Essential Restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina

"With its recent selection as Eater’s 2022 North Carolina Restaurant of the Year, Cheeni and chef-owner Preeti Waas have continued to impress diners across the state. Waas’s unique blend of Indian comfort food with American cafe-style service offers bites not seen in most other Indian restaurants in the area. The Bombay sandwich features buttered white sandwich bread spread with cilantro-mint chutney and stuffed full of salted cucumbers and tomatoes, while dinner features items like a hariyali whole fish cooked in a tandoor, Bengali roast chicken, and a South Indian style vegetable korma. Don’t miss the specialty beverages either." - Matt Lardie

https://carolinas.eater.com/maps/best-raleigh-restaurants
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@eater

18 Standout Indian Restaurants in the Triangle

"One of Raleigh’s most celebrated new restaurants, Cheeni Indian Food Emporium is part restaurant, part cafe, part school. Owner and chef Preeti Waas was a semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast for the 2022 James Beard Foundation Awards. The cafe-style menu is divided between an all-day tiffin section, with street food-like items such as samosas, masala fries, and the Bombay sandwich (buttered soft white bread with cilantro-mint chutney, filled with salted, sliced tomatoes, and cucumbers) and then larger dishes for lunch and dinner service. The Bazaar sells cookbooks, teas, spices, and more, and Waas teaches a variety of public and private Indian cooking classes." - Matt Lardie

https://carolinas.eater.com/maps/best-indian-restaurant-raleigh-durham
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@eater

2022’s Top Restaurant Standbys for North and South Carolina - Eater Carolinas

"Cheeni Indian Food Emporium — which has turned into my writing spot where I linger all day because chai and chaat!" - Erin Perkins

https://carolinas.eater.com/2022/12/19/23517313/2022s-top-restaurant-standbys-carolinas
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@eater

Eater Carolina’s Awards Winners for 2022 - Eater Carolinas

"Owner Preeti Waas offers a complex vision for restaurants as a third space, combining an all-day cafe with a community hub. The menu features lighter, snackable items during the day and larger plates at night, such as the ginger and green chili-rubbed, tandoor oven-cooked Hariyali whole fish. Cheeni also hosts events and guest chefs in its demonstration kitchen." - Eater Staff

https://carolinas.eater.com/2022/12/1/23486517/2022-eater-carolinas-award-winners
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Deepak Krishnappa

Google
after hearing many good reviews and news, wanted to stop here to check it out. I was very excited about veg puff and madras coffee as it’s not easy to find them around. Overall, food was delicious. We order variety of food in each section. Most we liked was Bread toast. However, was little disappointed about veg puff not being available and madras coffee tasted like authentic filter coffee. Not sure if staff provided me with a latte.

Jessica Frederick

Google
Ok so admittedly not authentic Indian (from my Indian friend) but as an American, I loved it! Every bite had different tastes - haven't had such an exciting meal in ever! Counter service and they bring food to you. Clean up your own tables. Atmosphere was delightful. Tastefully decorated. Small shopping area. I literally can't wait to go back!

Nook H

Google
Cheeni is a cafe-restaurant. I love the way they decorated the restaurant – modern mixed with street Indian pictures. I tried the chicken rice bowl, and it was good; the chicken was tender, and the side vegetables were fresh. You can order everything at the front, and they will bring the food to your table. I also liked the mango lassi and chocolate chip cookies; they are a must-try. The bakery here is pretty good as well. I recommend going there if you're looking for a place to hang out with friends, grab a quick lunch, or just want to sit with your laptop and work; they have free WiFi. I see they are serving liquor now. I'd like to go back and try their cocktails! They also offer a lot of vegetarian options.

David Botts

Google
My wife and I met some friends here for dinner. She really does not eat a lot of Indian food because she has reactions to spicy food, however Cheeni made her think twice about Indian. We loved this place and tried a little bit of everything. The fish was out of this world. The lamb vindaloo equally. I also had the owners take on a rye old fashioned Indian style, and it was out of this world. They’ve been nominated for a James Beard award. Win or not, they are winners in our book. We are so glad we live close to them.

Veronique V. G

Google
Went there for lunch today. Even though there was a big group + a couple more people our order came out rather fast. I guess because I told them I was starving 😄 The atmosphere is quietly welcoming. Very clean. Cheerful and friendly staff. Especially at the order counter. However, didn’t think highly of the dessert. Had the almond flour brownie and my husband had the oatmeal cookie. Wasn’t too fresh. I’d highly recommend this place for lunch.

Greeshma

Google
I was really looking forward to trying Cheeni but found it rather underwhelming. The good: well-decorated, fast service, and nice staff. As other reviewers have pointed out, their food is more Indian fusion rather than authentic Indian. This is fine, I just wish it was more clearly stated on their website or Google Maps profile. They were out of the veg puff when I arrived which was disappointing considering it was still early in their business hours (12:30ish). The masala fries, rice bowl with chicken, and chai were okay but nothing stood out.

Rijul Razdan

Google
It's the same Cheeni that used to be inside a YMCA in Raleigh downtown before but now has a new location, decor, and menu. There's more to it than the food now as it's also a bakery and an emporium, with beautiful desi interiors. The masala fries and veg puff we ordered were delicious and on point with our expectations. The waffle dosa, idli, and sambar were a little on the spicier side but that may only pertain to us because our spice tolerance is low. We also ordered the chicken roll which turned out to be the most interesting food item of all. I understand the unique take on a traditional roll with a "deconstructed" version of it and for a messy experience, but my preference is always for a thin roomali roti which can actually be rolled and carried easily. Overall the food taste was great, the prices reasonable, and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. I'll be coming back for the bakery items because my full stomach didn't get a chance to try any of it.

Angelo DeVita

Google
Lovely Indian restaurant with baked goods. All our dishes were excellent and tasty, what a mouthful of spices and flavor. Portion sizes were large and we took half of ours home, so good Atmosphere is pleasant and somewhat upscale but casual very nice decor. Plus they have bakery items which none of us tried but they look delicious! Well worth trying if you like Indian food.
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Liz M.

Yelp
Unbeknownst to me, I had the pleasure of eating at this space shortly before it transitioned into a multipurpose facility. For whatever it's worth here is my review: We ordered the: *Fries *Lunch Beef dish *Chicken Bowl *Vegetarian samosas?!?' The best item, in my opinion, was the ground beef item. The beef was flavorful, and tender. The con was the portion size (non large eater here) The chicken bowl was delicious. The "sauces" were arranged in the middle of the plate. After reviewing other Yelp reviews, I determined the "sauces" should be mixed into the meal. Makes sense! If I'm being honest, I'd prefer a drizzle of the sauces from a bottle with a nozzle, to incorporate the sauce with the meal. I realize I'm being nit-picky with that observation, but a honest observation nonetheless. The "fries" appeared to come from a mechanical device that produces swirls. The "fries" were lightly spiced and delicious. The sweet and savory ketchup provided a delightful balance. This restaurant provided a light version of Indian Eatery, and I'm here for it. My biggest complaint would be cost to serving size. Looking forward to seeing the expansion, as this site is no longer a restaurant experience.
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Nash I.

Yelp
This was such a cute local Indian cafe! Plenty of seating was available on a Wednesday night for dinner. The food came out very quickly and the paneer tikka rice bowl and the chai masala roll were quite delicious! While I went with their more popular dishes, the menu also included some very authentic dishes that I often being see in restaurants - I feel like my desi parents would have really enjoyed them! They also had a shop up front that had plenty of Indian gifts, spices, and trinkets available for purchase. Overall, this place felt like a boutique Indian experience - smaller, local, and sharing their curated selection of foods/desserts! *FYI the lunch menu is available all day now!
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Charlotte B.

Yelp
Cheeni is as good as ever, possibly better! I cannot believe we let a year go by since our last visit. This time we enjoyed dinner and it was wonderful. You can order then sit, or be seated and order using a QR code and the toast app. We chose to be seated and use the app. Important to note here: cash tips only! We felt horrible we had no cash because we got exceptional service. As I review I plan on returning when they open today to give a cash tip. The kitchen does note in the app if they've run out of something. We are usually early diners but we're here later this night so missed out on some favorites. The talented Preeti herself let us know she couldn't serve us one of our ordered small plates as it was close to last batch and not as up to standard as she'd like. She offered us something else that wasn't even on menu - we loved that! It ended up being the most delicious butter chicken we'd ever had. We ordered the chili chicken also and it was the perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, spicy but not overly spicy. They now service cocktails! We got the Purany Dost for our first round; bourbon, house made orange and fennel marmalade, bitters. It was delicious. The atmosphere is unassuming, cozy and lovely all at the same time. Come here. Support this special restaurant!
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John B.

Yelp
An atmospheric place with counter ordering and a more innovative selection than the average restaurant. Notably, they offer a modest all-day menu and separate menus for lunch and dinner on top of that. I arrived before dinner, but I was happy with what I got. A veg puff was basically a baked samosa in more of a croissant-style crust. A dosa waffle smelled as savory as the regular crepe form, and came with some surprisingly spicy chutneys and sambar, which were bursting with flavor but not crazy salty as these things sometimes are. My chai was delicious, and they also had a chai-flavored bun, which looks like a cinnamon bun. I was told it would be a crime not to at least try it fresh, and it was a remarkably soft texture and a rich set of flavors. The business model is unconventional, and I could see why the 10% service charge and being asked to bus your own table are aggravating to some, but I appreciated that it was clear and the intrigue of the food was worthwhile for me.
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Heidi B.

Yelp
Amazing food and ambience! The menu was quite unique from anything I've tried before, even among my favorite Indian spots there were new things to try at Cheeni. Add to that the beautiful decor, great organic wine, freshly baked goods, and mini boutique inside, and I'm hooked. The food is so well seasoned, fresh, well plated, definitely good for ordering several dishes to share as small plates for the table (for maximum taste potential). So many times I would try a bite of a dish, my eyes would go wide because of the pure elation from the explosion of flavors. Just wow!
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Holly K.

Yelp
I went in to Cheeni for dinner with friends and think it's such a neat concept. This is a counter service restaurant, but they also have a few grab and go items, a small shop with a variety of goods, and a beautiful area where they host cooking classes. You can tell a lot of thought went into the interior design of the place. I ordered the chai and really enjoyed it. I had had it before at their downtown location so I knew what to expect. If you are expecting Americanized chai, this is not it. I then went for the whole fish, since i have a hard time not order the whole fish when I see it on the menu. It did not disappoint, it was a hefty portion, super flaky, and flavorful. I would definitely order it again next time and I thought the price was very reasonable at $24. I like that they have small plate style snacks and main dishes. Perfect for sharing if you'd like to try a variety. Looking forward to heading in again!
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Ravi G.

Yelp
This place disappointed. The chole and lamb vindaloo were incredibly spicy and you could not alter the spice. The food came out in less than 5 minutes. Clearly made ahead of time and makes sense that there could be no alterations. My wife is pregnant and her chole was too spicy and I agreed and I can handle spice. She asked if they could make it mild since there is no description of that being so spicy. She was offered raita (yogurt) that the worker was eager to ring up. Lol. what a joke. I've wanted to try some of the events they hold every so often but I'm spreading the word that everyone needs to avoid this place like the plague. There's literally dozens and dozens of of other indian restaurants that are better. I would say this is the worst Indian restaurant in a 50 mile radius.
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Jim P.

Yelp
My wife and I had a nice early dinner at Cheeni tonight, eating from their small plate menu. We had their puff pastry form of Samosas (the "Veg Puf") and their Dosa Waffles with vegetable/lentil soup and two kinds of chutney. All very good and a bit on the spicy Indian food side of things, which we both love. We also tried their buttered naan, baked in their clay oven but were a bit disappointed with it. It appeared to have been torn apart when pulled off the oven wall. Our food was delicious and we will come back soon to try more of their food choices. My wife bought me one of their chocolate chip cookies. It was delicious. The service was also great.
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Fredric B.

Yelp
Highly anticipated. The food and service is very good but alittle too much schmaltz in the back storiesthat fill the menu and the special box presented at every table. The menu gave uou a back story to every menu item and ingredient with the food promising to evoke special memories and experiences. The story behind the restaurant was also given. I find all the narrative pretentious and unwanted. The focus should be on the food and dining experience. A welcoming greeting upon arrival was nice but I suggest allowing the food and service speak for itself.
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Mark S.

Yelp
Amazing food. So sad the Raleigh Cheeni is no longer serving food. I'll have to go to Durham. Can you open a place in Clayton. One that serves food? Please?
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Donald C.

Yelp
BLUF: Generous servings, delicious dishes! As first time diners, we really wanted to try their entire menu to get a feel of the place. We thought ordering just one main and some small dishes would be just right, but boy we're we in for a surprise! One order of their Bhel Puri is enough for 6 people. Both the sambhar plates are entrees by themselves. The butter naan is delightfully fragrant with a crisp exterior and tender interior. We're taking a bite here and there with a bite of Bhel Puri to refresh the taste buds. The other entrees on their dinner menu are definitely going to bring us back. They've got their seasonings, spices, and heat just right. It makes our mouths water thinking about what the Hariyaloli fish and their vindaloo will taste like.
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Divya N.

Yelp
Lives up to the hype! We enjoyed the samosa chaat, breaded pakora, dosa waffles with madras filter coffee and jeera cookies. Great spice and flavor. It was clearly a busy weekend for them after the James Beard news but the staff were all working very!! hard and handling the crowd with courtesy and patience. We loved it and will be back.
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dan s.

Yelp
Update. The food continues to amaze. The service has improved, along with beer, wine, cocktails, specials, classes, and more. The owner (Preeti) pours herself into this business. Her family does too. Personal touches abound. Last time there I told Preeti that the Lamb Vindaloo was the best I've ever had anywhere, and to please never ever tone down the spice level. I think the prices are reasonable, and I actually dislike the mandatory 10% service fee, not because the staff doesn't deserve it, but because I would actually tip more. There is a tip jar, but if you don't have cash, then what? Adding an extra tip on the card is not an option and it's the only thing I would change. Maybe add a venmo code for tips? Cheeni also offers lots of gluten free options, and many vegetarian options. As for the silly complaints I have read in recent reviews... If you dislike spice and strong flavors, I'm sorry to say but you should probably not be eating (proper) Indian food. Cheeni is authentic, unapologetic Indian cuisine. Thank you Cheeni.
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Ellen A.

Yelp
I'm torn between a 3 and 4 here. The space is great, very pretty and spacious. The "fee" report is that they charge a 10% fee to all orders, even though you order at the counter and they have signs saying that you'll be "scolded" if you don't bus your own table. So what is this fee for?! They food is ok. The dosa waffle is novel, the rice is cooked well, but the curries and such are not as flavorful as they should be.
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Aditi K.

Yelp
i was super excited when i heard about this place and have wanted to try it for ages! yesterday i stopped by for lunch after seeing the barbie movie (which is so fun by the way). there's a couple ordering options - you can either order at the counter or order and pay with toast tab on your phone. i opted for the latter, but i saw some really nice-looking bakery items at the counter that i would be interested in trying later. the decor is gorgeous and besides the food, everything is self serve including water and utensils. (also great music choices.) my mom and i ordered three items to share. the first to come out was the bombay sandwich. the chutney tasted super authentic, which was nice, but the sandwich was almost unbearably salty. it felt as if they had put chaat masala in the sandwich and then forgotten that that already has salt in it and added another layer of salt. we split the sandwich but i don't think i could've eaten more than a half. the samosa chaat and masala fries came out at the same time after that. i was expecting a nachos style thing with the fries, with chutneys and sev and dahi dolloped on top, but it's not the restaurant's fault that i didn't know what the dish would be. what it was was pretty great - perfectly cooked fries with chaat masala sprinkled on top instead of salt and served with sweet chutney instead of ketchup. this was easily my favorite dish. the samosa chaat was okay. if i had never had samosa chaat before i probably would have enthused about this one, but since it's one of my favorite comfort foods and i eat it regularly, i wasn't as impressed. something felt missing in the chhole- not enough tamarind/sweet chutney, maybe? the samosa was fine, but the chaat left something to be desired. even though i only liked 1 out of the 3 dishes we ordered, it wasn't a wash because that one dish was very good, service was super quick and pleasant, the prices are extremely reasonable, and the baked goods in the front are still calling my name. i would return for a snack or a coffee and pastry, just maybe not a full meal. i would give this place 3.5 stars, but i rounded up!
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Cindy B.

Yelp
Not too sure of their recommendations or knowledge of the food. I visited with my 11 yr. old grandson ( who loves international food, sushi, etc) and is not shy to spicy things. We were impressed with the choices and there was a lot that was new for us. I asked about the "grilled cheese" option for my GS and they said it was a good choice for kids as it was not spicy. OK guys, a sandwich that has serrano peppers slices on top is going to be hot! Either you didn't know the product or you did and you misrepresented, either way, after $40 for lunch, my GS left hungry. I am strongly recommending that your site is not for: a) kids b) fast service c) reasonable rates
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Hishaam R.

Yelp
Have been meaning to come to Cheeni since their opening, and now I wish I didn't wait so long. Walking in is like entering a 80's Bollywood movie with the proper music playing. The spot is beautifully decorated. Tried the dosa waffle and it was amazing! Also, got the iced chai and veg puff pastry, which makes a perfect breakfast. Not pictured are the masali chocolate chip cookies and tutti fruity cake that were devoured on the way home. Staff is great, and the owner treats you like you are entering her own home. A must try spot and one of a kind place for Indian food. Check out @raleating on Instagram for reviews and recommendations on Triangle food spots!
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Sadia S.

Yelp
Having recently moved to Raleigh, my family and I have been wanting to try Cheeni for a long time and we absolutely love it. It's not like your typical Indian restaurant. It's a market place which also happens to have a bakery serving excellent baked goods and a restaurant. I walked in and saw Preeti and she is such a nice, warm and hospitable host. We ordered the bhelpuri (divine), the tofu (lovely), the chicken kabab with naan (amazing), and the chicken rice bowl (loved it). We also got the masala chai and the mango lassi, both of which were so nice and refreshing. My husband got the cinnamon roll to go and it was divine with all the Indian spices. Cheeni has become our go-to place when you just want a nice home cooked Indian meal. I hope to try one of their classes in the near future. Go to Cheeni. You won't be disappointed!
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Britney R.

Yelp
Stopped by cheeni today and I had a great experience! I've had their veg puff before and that was so good but this time I tried the samosa chaat and I'm glad I did because it was delicious! I had a basic oat milk latte and is was pretty good too. The service was really great and I will definitely be back.
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Phil M.

Yelp
We enjoy Indian food so we decided to try this place out. We went for dinner. The options were very limited. We chose the only two meat options...the lamb and the chicken. The lamb was good and very spicy which I liked. The chicken was just ok but nothing special. There is no table service which is not a big deal. The biggest surprise is the price. We spent over $80 on the meal which seemed expensive for the dishes that we got. This place is close to the house so we may give it a shot for lunch. It seemed to have more options on the lunch menu.
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Kate L.

Yelp
Wonderful ambiance, great food, great service. I love going to Cheeni - they even have nice gifts!

Connie B.

Yelp
What is all the fuss about? I had to find out. And OMG it is amazing. This sounds so corny. But, you can really taste the love in every dish. The flavors are layered and not so spicy that you can't enjoy the taste. each dish had a unique flavor, texture and presentation. The whole fish is insanely good. The cocktails are also really surprisingly amazing. They compliment the food so well. We have been several times and we've never been disappointed whether it be for a rice bowl at lunch or a special occasion dinner. The chef, Preeti has been nominated for two James Beard Awards. Who would have thought a strip mall in North Raleigh would have a restaurant of this caliber? This place lives up to the hype.
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Steemi S.

Yelp
The food was really good and had a lot of flavor! The staff there are so so friendly and patient. The service itself is pretty quick and though it is a little untraditional a waiter was really not missed. There is a ton of light and very comfortable seating.
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America's Top C.

Yelp
I recently had a great dining experience at this restaurant. When I first walked in, I thought it was rather odd. that it was a very elegant setting yet there was a "deli counter" area immediately upon arrival The owners/staff were very gracious and very sweet and directed me to the dining room Where I could either order from the table via a QR code, or up to the deli counter, and order from there, and then be served at my table. My companion that evening was a hard-core foodie, and had a ball with the menu ordering lots of Indian food, most I've never even heard of before. Everything ordered was absolutely delicious, and incredibly unique. The combinations of flavors and textures were absolutely outstanding, well thought out, and everything was prepared by hand from scratch The only dish I was not crazy about was a lamb dish, but it was my mistake. Somewhere on the menu, it said "very hot" and I somehow overlooked that so my mouth got lit on fire just a bit! When the owner/chef came to the table, as she did to many other tables, checking on the quality of the food and our satisfaction. we were quick to complement every dish. When it came to the lamb, I had a less than stellar review, and she in turn went back to the kitchen and returned with a Homemade whipped yogurt that she gave me in a to go container to bring home with the lamb as a way to cut the spiciness and be able to enjoy the dish and I did Overall, it was an exceptional experience, and I would absolutely return again!
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Tanvi G.

Yelp
We love Cheeni! It was our first time and the ambiance is so cute, like a little Indian cafe. We ordered the idli-sambar, bhel, and masala fries. Everything was delicious, authentic Indian style street food. We will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu!
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Mary E M.

Yelp
Delicious food well prepared. Healthy and filling. I felt a little pressure ordering at the counter,but I had a great meal. Some of the menu was unfamiliar to us. Very helpful ,they bring the food to the table as it is ready. Fresh hot and great flavor.
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Cole E.

Yelp
OMG! Perfection It's like eating homemade extra special meals prepared with love by a family member who knows all your favorites. Beautiful place, beautiful people amazing food. The whole fish is incredible
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Myles Y.

Yelp
Besides the beautiful design and exceptional food, the atmosphere and friendly nature is what made me pause to write a review. As a simple American looking to broaden the horizons of my culinary pallet, I went to Cheeni to explore. Those assisting me were incredibly helpful in explaining the flavors and difference between European influenced Indian cuisine and the authentic style that Cheeni is striving to reintroduce. Wether you've never before experienced Indian cuisine or have only door dashed from the local joint down the block, I fully recommend Cheeni! *Also only try the Chai if you're ready to never go back to that dish water at Starbucks.
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LC C.

Yelp
Fabulously unique North Raleigh Indian Cuisine! The owner/chef and her daughter were so welcoming and took great care to describe several dishes. We loved everything. Looking forward to taking a biryani class in the future!

Karen R.

Yelp
Eccentric service; uncomfortable seating; but good food. The central preoccupation of the servers seems to be keeping its menus clean.
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Angela L.

Yelp
Cheeni was very good. Clean and bright atmosphere. Counter staff helped me pick something delicious. Food was slightly spicy but I am sensitive to spicy food. I still ate it all! So good!
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Rachel R.

Yelp
Everything about Cheeni is just awe inspiring. As soon as you walk in you're charmed by the beautiful interior, the friendly staff, and the perfectly laid out baked goods. Menu is simple and easy to read. I got the roast chicken and it was just YUM! We also picked out a few baked goodies to bring home. Everything is lovingly made here. And they also have a quant little shopping corner with unique jewelry and other small things. You MUST go try Cheeni!
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Josh Y.

Yelp
Home cooked Indian food -- Outstanding. Everything was great from the food to the wait staff. I felt like I was eating a home cooked meal at a restaurant. We got the vegetarian dish, the chicken dish the naan, the kids grilled cheese and French fries. Even the chocolate chip cookies were soft and delish! Hats off to Cheeni. Awesome place. Will definitely return.
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Niki M.

Yelp
I absolutely love this place! The interior is beautifully designed and the food is delicious. The owner is so kind and always treats each patron like a guest in her home. I'm looking forward to attending one of the cooking classes soon so I can learn some of their magic.

Tatiana M.

Yelp
Trash and very dirty. Do not eat here 0/10 they use microwave to warm your food/ beverages

Ariel M.

Yelp
I've been here a few times and normally my experience is great. It is very quiet during the day and the staff is normally friendly; however, today was different. First, ordered the chai, and the lady behind the counter left to go in the back, which I thought nothing of. I was drinking it and I noticed my cup was dirty. Not just dirty but filthy, it had food outside of the cup and some dried-up sauce inside. I let them know and I got a new drink, but this time they grabbed a cup from behind the counter. I noticed that was where they keep clean cups. So did you just go back there and purposely grab a dirty cup? Next, I ordered food. The person who had originally served me and made my drink had left. I figured I'd test out if my mistreatment was a mistake or if they took issue with me being there. Just as an aside, I was the only black person there. I went to wait in line as two ladies were ordering food. When they left I was about to walk up when another customer just cut me in line. I assumed the cashier, who I think was the owner, would say something. Earlier I saw the last employee inform her of my dirty cup. Since she didn't apologize for that, surely she would this time. I mean this was two times I was given bad service. But alas, no. She said absolutely nothing. The customer apologized, but she never did. I ordered the lamb vindaloo and I asked if this could be made with no onions, and she assured me it could. Imagine my surprise, when I get home that there are onions in my dish. I'm allergic to onions. If you couldn't take them out, just say that. But I digress. I couldn't eat the meal which is sad because it smelled good, but definitely not worth the price I paid. I watched for the entire time I was there as she made rounds to tables, and engaged in conversation with all of the other customers. But she couldn't even apologize to me. Sad, but I won't be coming back, not that I think she cares. Maybe I was naive and should have left earlier before I got hungry. Anyway, the food is not worth what you pay, at least when it comes to portions. The small piece of lamb I tried was dry and overcooked. I mean I could not even cut it with a metal fork. If I'm paying 26 dollars for one dish it had better be tender meat, no fat, or at the very least freshly made. Considering I didn't wait that long I'm guessing it wasn't. You can find better and cheaper Indian food from anywhere else in this part of Raleigh. It just sucks to lose a quiet place to work

Cristal A.

Yelp
The bhel puri did not meet my expectations, I loved eating this meal, but this time, it was a huge miss, and I'm not coming back. The tomatoes weren't minced and were in chunks. There was too much tamerin sauce. They seemed to have added dried tamerin, which looked like rasins. For me, it wasn't a good mix texture wise. The cherry on top for me was the hair I found. You can see it in the corner of the pictures. I used to love this place but I'd rather eat somewhere else.
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Lucy D.

Yelp
I went to the other Cheeni locations before this opened, and I was so excited to come here. It's wonderful to see what the owner Preeti can do with a full kitchen now! We tried a bunch of different things, but everyone's favorite was the masala fries. They were like nothing I ever tasted before, and I will definitely order every time I come by! Cheeni is one of my favorite small businesses in the area, because there is a huge focus on quality. At the same time, the staff is happy to answer questions about the menu. I don't have any pictures from my visit, because we honestly just ate everything so quickly.

Riley Jane T.

Yelp
Love Cheeni!! Everything is so good and made from scratch, don't miss the baked goods and mango lassi either
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Deliah A.

Yelp
I've only tried the chai and carrot muffins so far, but my goodness, both were incredible! Best savory muffin ever. There was a bit of a wait on Saturday but understandable since it was packed and a small space. So lucky ti have this gem nearby.
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Kelly K.

Yelp
Such an adorable space. Staff are so kind and helpful. Food is amazing! Highly recommended!
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NJ M.

Yelp
Excellent quality and consistency of the food. Relaxing atmosphere with a shop too. I love this place! The employees are very warm and helpful as well. Highly recommend!
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Steph G.

Yelp
Such a lovely little treat! Cafe that serves Indian dishes. Perfect when you are craving Indian food but don't want to go to a whole sit down experience. This is the place you go when you feel like trying a little bit of everything. I have to say I was pleasantly distracted by the class that was happening behind us. I will definitely be coming back to take a class and learn more about the owner and the food.
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Swati B.

Yelp
The best Indian chaat place in RDU. Hands down, they had the softest bhatura and the perfectly cooked and spiced authentic Choley along to go with. Another dish I tried that impressed me highly was the street side toast. This toast gave me major nostalgic vibes and was so cheesy and crispy. The owner was so sweet and made sure we're comfortable. Will definitely go back soon to try out other things in their menu!

Deborah M.

Yelp
Nice decorative atmosphere. It appears the owner cooks. The meals can be very 'too hot' as in spicy hot, even for my husband who likes spicy foods. The desserts are great & flavorful. Sad, when we went in for our favorite rice pudding, they had down sized the portion, keeping the high price. Interesting items for sale, clothing, essential oils, authentic.

Kim A.

Yelp
What a hidden gem! The food was exceptional, service amazing, and had a great time! Great experience!
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Heather D.

Yelp
WOW!! We don't typically eat Indian food so didn't know what to expect. This surpassed everything! The atmosphere is so cute, the staff was SO friendly and helpful and the food was dynamite! From the naan to the chai we were blown away, I won't stop thinking about it until I go back! The chicken kabob was amazing!!

Dalton K.

Yelp
Great spot, you should definitely check it out for dinner. The food is delicious and authentic!

Chris O.

Yelp
Easily one of the best restaurants around and certainly the best Indian cuisine in the region. The staff are so friendly and welcoming. We had samosas with one of the best chutneys I have ever had. The street toast also rocked as did the masala fries. Get the samosa chaat too. Vegan kurma was very nice but two standouts were the chole bhathura and the chocolate chip cookie. We cannot wait to come back!