Cheeni, the highly anticipated homestyle Indian restaurant by James Beard Award semifinalist Preeti Waas, is a welcome addition to the heart of downtown Durham. The lunch, brunch and dinner menus at Cheeni includes regional dishes like masala fries, dosa waffles, Indian kabab rolls and rice bowls from Preeti’s childhood and her family’s food memories, highlighting the regions of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal. Bar Beej is Cheeni's Vintage Bollywood Speakeasy serving creative cocktails in the adjoining space.
The restaurant setting is attractive and the staff were exceptionally kind, so much so that they proactively took 50% off one of my items due to a delay, which I genuinely appreciated.
That said, the food itself was disappointing. This is clearly gentrified Indian food. I have no issue with Indian cuisine in an upscale setting with a significant price markup when it is done with authenticity and depth of flavor - as places like Semma in NYC demonstrate very well. Unfortunately, that was not the case here.
I ordered the Kerala beef parotta as a starter and the kasundi fish in banana leaf as my main. The kasundi fish was passable but unremarkable. The Kerala beef parotta, however, was particularly underwhelming. The Malabar parotta felt more like baked bread than a flaky, layered soft parotta, and the beef was quite dry and lacked any real flavor. As a point of contrast, I would invite people to try the Kerala beef parotta at Grand Malabar in Morrisville to see how flavorful and authentically prepared this dish can be. The ice cream dessert was decent, but it was essentially a straightforward kulfi.
Overall, this felt like Indian food that has been heavily westernized. That impression was reinforced by the clientele, I was essentially the only non-white diner in the restaurant. The food may appeal to a Western audience looking for an “Indian-inspired” date-night experience, but if you’re desi or looking for authentic, flavorful Indian food, I would probably save some money and visit Anjappar next door instead.
Kate Watkins
Dec 26, 2025
3
We were pretty bummed by our experience. I wanted to love it because the beautiful family stories and funky decor set them up for success—- but even after ordering the highlighted things in the menu, we couldn’t find any dish that impressed us, especially considering the price-point. Even the paratha was dry and crunchy, like it had been reheated or leftover. Service was good, but there’s just too much delicious Indian food in Durham to go back.
Shiv K
Nov 5, 2025
5
Cheeni was on my list for quite while and finally had the opportunity. The place has a nice chill vibe with an open kitchen. The menu has lot of options that will appease your tastebuds and your appetite. Highly recommend getting a reservation. I am sure walkins can be accommodated or can wait at the bar.
Food was great. We orders varied dishes, maybe one too many. Portion size is pretty good. Drinks were good. Also on the way out we picked up jeera cookies and chocolate chip cookies - both really good.
Will definitely dine again.
Michael Ruiz
Oct 17, 2025
5
Absolutely phenomenal experience at Cheeni! From the moment we walked in, the warm welcome and ambiance + thoughtful décor set the stage for what turned out to be an unforgettable dinner. Every dish was bursting with vibrant flavors that felt both authentic and elevated. Clearly crafted with care and creativity. The service was impeccable: friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the menu.
We left feeling completely satisfied, impressed, and already planning our next visit. Cheeni is a true gem in Durham! a perfect spot for anyone who loves thoughtful food and exceptional hospitality.
David Okamoto
Sep 21, 2025
5
Nothing left and also forgot to take a photo until I took a bite out of the biriyani. This is a must go place if you want good Indian food that is outside of the norm butter chicken. Will definitely be back.
Namrata D
Sep 3, 2025
5
Had a great meal at Cheeni. The decor is stunning and the atmosphere is so inviting. The food was excellent across the board. The paneer was some of the softest I've ever had, and we were so impressed by the karela chaat—a truly superior dish we wouldn't normally have tried. Highly recommend this spot for a great meal
Bugs Subu
Aug 31, 2025
4
Cheeni Durham is a nice spot for a special occasion or date night. The décor and ambience are warm, inviting, and authentically styled, and the service is truly top-notch. The drinks menu is extensive, with a good selection of craft cocktails to choose from.
Where the experience fell short for us was the food. The vegetarian options in particular were underwhelming. Many dishes felt like elevated versions of everyday staples such as dal chawal or curd rice—comforting, yes, but not necessarily what one expects at gourmet pricing. Portions were also quite small for the price point, which made the overall value feel lacking.
The speakeasy was another disappointment. Marketed as a “Bollywood speakeasy,” it turned out to be a small room with televisions and the same cocktails available at the restaurant—not quite the unique experience one might imagine.
Overall, Cheeni Durham was worth trying once for the atmosphere and service, but given the cost and limited vegetarian appeal, it’s unlikely we’ll return. More of a novelty than a truly memorable Indian dining experience.
John Lawler
Jul 5, 2025
5
Some very delicious and fresh lunch dishes. Very impressed at how fresh the ingredients were, best samosas I’ve had. Reasonable lunch prices. Love the seating and table designs.
I came back for dinner, and was blown away. Their dinner was so delicious - the style of Indian they deliver is phenomenal. The quality of cooking and masalas done was so perfect. Spices are there, and it’s so well executed. This is definitely a top 5 downtown Durham dining for food.
Charles Galentine
Apr 23, 2025
5
I love this restaurant!
Both time’s I’ve eaten there I went with a group so we could order “family style” to share many dishes. No matter which menu item I tried, it was delicious. I hesitate to recommend one particular dish because all the ones I’ve tried were so good, but the Paneer Kofta was particularly excellent.
I was also pleasantly surprised at large portion sizes. I’ve never actually tried one of their desserts because I’m always so full after the main course.
The atmosphere is also something which made me want to return. The staff were very attentive, plus the owner actually came out to check on us and share some anecdotes about the dishes. It was a fun experience.
If the weather is nice I also suggest getting an outdoor table if you can. The location has a great view of that section of downtown Durham.
This might be my new favorite restaurant in Durham.
Suneet Bhatt (Is it really Suneet?)
Apr 19, 2025
5
In my 50 years of eating food, I have never had a better holistic dining experience outside of a home than the one I had at Cheeni while on a work trip to Durham. The food, is exceptional. I went on two different nights because after my first visit and after engaging with the staff on their feedback, I found myself compelled to come back for some of the dishes I didn’t have the space to try. And I wasn’t disappointed. The Lamb. The croquettes. The samosas. The daal (the best I’ve ever had outside of my mom’s kitchen). The cocktails were brilliant and nuanced extensikns and adaptations of flavors we’ve crossed but never thought would shine in a glass that way.
This is the best assortment of Indian food as well as the best Indian food. Oohhh. Even the Mango Lassi was next level.
But that’s not what makes it a standout.
The service.
Indian restaurants often fail because they can’t nail the high bar of high class fine dining expectations without compromising the warmth, energy, and explosion of flavor that patience and a familial touch allows. They often have to pick and thus one shines while the other fades.
Cheeni has found a way to do it and i attribute that to the powerhouse mother / daughter tandem curating every detail and then extending their passion to and through a truly exceptional staff.
This only happens when a family owns it. Cheeni has met the bar set by our other favorite, Hall’s Chophouse in Charleston, where the brothers shine in a similar way. But I tip my hat to Cheeni, because while the Hall brothers brought us up, Cheeni brought me home.
Amy will make you feel the same way.
Mayra Salgado Castillo
Apr 2, 2025
3
Cheeni was on my list of must-visit restaurants for a while. So when I saw they had a promo with InKind, I knew had to go. I made a reservation and they gladly allowed me to come in a few minutes late. We ordered the crispy gourd dish, barramundi, chicken, and branzino. The dishes were all alright, not very flavorful, or surprising, and also lukewarm/coldish. The restaurant is also loud so I would not recommend if you are looking for a more intimate setting. Overall, it was a good try but I will gravitate towards the other Indian restaurants downtown.
Jakob Klemm
Mar 4, 2025
4
Great variety, fun cocktails. Love the creative menu. Wish there were more curries with meat, and it was pricey compared to a number of other nearby Indian restaurants with similar quality.
Mary Ann Wilson
Feb 25, 2025
5
The atmosphere is warm and inviting. The food is full of flavor and is delicious. Our favorite is the appetizer that looks like a sandwich, bread pakora, it is amazing. Ending the night with a chai martini at the adjacent Bar, beej is a must try.
