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Cumin - Lakeview
Master Critic Review
Cumin - Lakeview
8.5
Cumin’s Lakeview outpost brings the Bib Gourmand–recognized Wicker Park menu of Nepali and Indian cooking to Belmont, with momos, chaats, and rich curries in a polished dining room. Locals use it for fuller sit-down dinners, from butter chicken and lamb curry to shared tandoor orders and vegetarian plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Momo, Butter Chicken (Chicken Makhani), Chicken Tikka Masala
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A Bib-recognized Nepali-Indian menu in a more polished Lakeview dining room.
Who should go: Diners wanting elevated curries, momos, and sharable tandoor platters.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or early weekends before Belmont crowds spike.
What to order: Chicken momo, butter chicken, chicken tikka masala.
Insider tip: Watch for special supper club nights that bundle multi-course family-style menus.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Belmont and nearby side streets; can be tight after 6pm and on weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate — lively dining room but you can still hold a normal conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; short delays possible during nearby office lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong selection of vegetarian curries, paneer dishes, chaats, and momos.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — several vegetable curries and appetizers can be prepared vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Many curries and tandoor proteins are naturally gluten-free; naan and breads contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished dining room, attentive service, and shareable plates make it a strong first-date choice without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier seatings, but expect a wait on busy weekend evenings; reservations are recommended for peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably kid-friendly for older children and families during earlier seatings; limited space and higher noise levels make late peak hours less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Polished sit-down dinners with elevated Nepali-Indian dishes, strong vegetarian options, and sharable tandoor plates in a more refined Lakeview setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking ultra-casual counter service, very spicy regional specialization, or the lowest-budget curry options nearby.
Hours
Monday11am - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 10pm