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Cloves Indian Cuisine
Master Critic Review
Cloves Indian Cuisine
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Cloves Indian Cuisine brings Northern Indian cooking to a small, white-linen dining room just off Madison Avenue in NoMad. Diners come for butter-rich curries, thoughtful cocktails, and polished service that makes it feel more like a date-night restaurant than a casual curry house.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh, Garlic Naan
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: Northern Indian cooking served in an intimate, linen-draped NoMad room.
Who should go: Couples and small groups wanting refined Indian.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours for a full room and energy.
What to order: Butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, garlic naan.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu chef specials if you visit regularly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy casual — jeans are fine, but the room leans polished.
Noise level: Moderate — lively without being loud, easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several dedicated vegetarian curries, dals, and appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable curries and legume-based dishes can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many curries and grilled items are naturally gluten-free; naan and bread contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate, polished room and shareable dishes create an easy, low-pressure atmosphere that still feels special.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evening, but weekends and peak dinner hours are risky without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids — there’s no kids menu, but mild butter chicken, naan, and rice work well for older children.
Best For
Better for: Polished service, cocktails, and a more date-night-ready atmosphere than most casual Indian spots nearby.
Skip if: If you want ultra-authentic regional Indian at rock-bottom prices or a loud, bustling curry-house vibe.