Another elevated Indian restaurant is opening in Raleigh this month.
Dishing another layer of “splendor and charm,” the so translated—and aptly named—Jalwa Indian Bistro is set to bow Jan. 27 in the former famed North Raleigh Saint Jacques space. On the heels of highly progressive modern Indian restaurant Tamasha, the elevated Indian eatery promises to continue to level up the local Asian food scene by dishing a similar luxe fine-dining experience blending fab fare, welcoming service and inviting ambiance.
At the hands of globally renowned chef Mukesh Gautam, the menu will spotlight modern creative Indian cuisine with a fresh twist on traditional flavors—in addition to dishes inspired by owner Ajit Pal Singh Khanna’s family recipes, especially those crafted by his grandmother for family gatherings. Think classic faves like chicken tikka, chaat and Changezi Raan Flambé—complemented by an array of vibrant cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine program.
“Gautam is an artist in modern Indian culinary arts,” says Khanna. “His deep understanding of food, its chemical makeup and advanced techniques sets his creations apart, making them truly exceptional. He is undoubtedly someone to watch, with a talent that continues to redefine the culinary scene.”
Joining a welcome wave in approachable Raleigh hospitality (think Birdie’s, La Terrazza, Timber), the elevated experience doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. With affordability top of mind, Khanna aims to balance accessibility with quality and verity to accommodate various tastes and budgets. And leaning into community, Jalwa will also boast a private dining room, accommodating up to 30 guests for more intimate birthday celebrations, client meetings and everything in-between.
“I wanted to deliver a dining experience that is both memorable and authentic to the residents of Raleigh,” emphasizes Khanna. “Through every dish we serve and every guest we welcome, we’re dedicated to upholding the rich traditions of Indian cuisine while fostering a culture of inclusivity, generosity and genuine human connection.”
That connection can be seen and felt from first entry—and entree—where every guest’ll be treated like family, promises Khanna. Consider another splendid night out found.@jalwaindianbistronc
Whether or not you savored some gastronomic globetrotting at this month’s Raleigh’s International Food Festival, extend your palate passport all summerlong—and beyond—via these authentic local worldly eateries.
Don’t judge a book by its cover—or restaurant by its exterior. Once inside this Korean outpost, you’ll def be sold on the made-to-order fried chicken—aka the perf balance of spicy, crispy and flavorful. The bibimbap is also, well, boppin’. 2815 Brentwood Road, facebook.com
It’s hard to ~ramen~ calm when slurping the creamy broth + flavorful ingredients featured in this Japanese joint’s ream of ramen ops, aka the international version of soup for the soul. The sushi rolls, bao buns and karaage fried chicken are also worth a try.2330 Bale St., Ste. 112, @genramen_raleigh
What to order: Get the royal treatment via the Royal chicken curry
Raleigh’s OG Indian oasis doesn’t miss with its award-winning curry curations. Belly up for some spice-forward and veggie-loaded flavor. Or, if curry ain’t your thing, the chicken tikka masala doesn’t disappoint. 3901 Capital Blvd., Ste 103, @royal.india.nc
Skip the DoorDash deep dive and just Chuan it. Experience the flair of the Middle Kingdom (minus the Great Wall) when diggin’ your chopsticks into the fan-fave sesame chicken. And you can’t go wrong with lo mein, dry-fried string beans or General Tso’s chicken either. 2004 New Bern Ave., @chuanxiacafe
Embrace fresh Far East flavor when dining at this authentic gem flaunting mouthwatering and belly-warming pho—NTM bangin’ banh mi and gobbleworthy rice vermicelli soups. 4011 Capital Blvd., phofareastrestaurant.godaddysites.com
Feeding Raleigh like (Sicilian) family one slice and bowl at a time since it bowed in the early ’80s, Sicily-native Frank Amato’s love affair with contemporary casual Italian eats will transport you straight to the “Boot.” Did we mention the dough, sauces and soups are all scratchmade?! 423 Woodburn Road, @ncpiccolaitalia
Ashley Christensen famously once said she gets her chicken from this Peruvian paradise when she’s not cooking it, and we can’t blame her—it’s the place in Raleigh for rotisserie! Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the sweet plantains. 2401 Wake Forest Road, mamislatinrotisserie.com
Comfort from the Land of 13 Sunshines comes in the form of food and atmosphere as you taste Ethiopia through beef-, chicken-, and veggie-based dishes with a ginger tea to pair. So hearty! 2109 Avent Ferry Road, Ste. 146, @nafkot2109
A strip-mall standout, this authentic south of the border eatery boasts tantalizing tacos of all types topped with its signature spicy green sauce. After stuffing yourself, wash it all down with a Mexican Coke and an order of flan, natch. 3601 Junction Blvd., facebook.com
What to order: Stay fruity with pineapple fried rice
You’ll surely be feeling like you made a pit stop in the Land of Smiles itself after pigging out on some of the best fried rice in town (trust us). And if the mood for noods strikes instead, opt for an order of the fan-fave pad thai or pad see ew. 8320 Litchford Road, Ste. 142, lemongrassnc.com
Escape to the Mediterranean when you dine at Neomonde—and while the kebabs’ll have a stake on your heart, the pita pockets, hummus and baklava are all worth coming back for. 3817 Beryl Road, @neomondemediterranean
If you imagine strip mall buffets, butter chicken and various curry dishes when you think of Indian food—it’s time to broaden your horizons. From the minds of serial entrepreneurs and trailblazing restaurateurs Mike Kathrani and Tina Vora—and brought to tasteful life via the culinary genius of executive chef Bhavin Chhatwani—comes the extravagant and authentic Indian concept, Tamasha Modern Indian.
The restaurant, set to slide into a primo North Hills locale on the ground floor of the Advance Auto Parts Tower and open Feb. 9, will introduce innovative, progressive and genuine Indian cuisine to the Raleigh community—thus filling a much-needed gap in the diversity of our city’s food scene.
Tamasha, which translates to “grand performance,” is poised to bring a certain flair and wow-factor to elevate the cuisine. “Indian food is underrated,” says Kathrani. “It is one of the most complex foods, and we have seen that the whole gamut of Indian food hasn’t yet been presented to America”—and certainly not Raleigh.
The refreshing restaurant will serve up everything from starters for sharing to dessert, along with large artfully presented plates meant to be enjoyed individually. Keeping diners on their toes via constant rotation of new dishes, the acclaimed chef plans to implement local ingredients to showcase the rich and diverse flavors authentic to India.
“My cooking style is experimental and creative,” Chhatwani maintains. To wit, expect to find a twist on traditional spicy South Indian dish Chicken 65, with oysters in lieu of chicken; meat curry-filled bao buns; and creative takes on classic Indian desserts.
Rounding out that grand performance, the restaurant’s interior design communicates a sleek, modern and elegant ambiance. In essence, an immaculate presentation can be anticipated on all fronts.
“We feel like Raleigh is ready for a big city-type of restaurant with the glitz and bling you might see in Vegas,” shares Vora, the visionary behind Tamasha’s luxury design aesthetic. Emulating Zen and a definitively striking space, the sophisticated atmosphere will feature modern touches; a dark moody vibe with olive green, lush velvet and tasteful gold accents (think arches over the tables and fancy lighting arrangements); and greenery lining the walls.
With Raleigh’s exploding food scene, it’s only fitting that the Tamasha team is now launching this intentionally and unapologetically authentic Indian concept in our fair city. And we are ready to dig in. Reservations live beginning Jan. 31, tamashanc.com, @tamashanc
