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Cholanad Restaurant and Bar, Chapel Hill, NC

Cholanad Restaurant and Bar

4.1
4.1
504 Reviews
$30 and under
South Indian
Cholanad Team is focused on delivering the South Indian culinary experience in a world class style. We are aspiring to become a world leader in ethnic cuisine experience that includes food, ambiance and service.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Cuisines
    South Indian, Indian, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 2:30 pm–10:30 pm Sun 2:30 pm–9:15 pm
  • Phone number
    (800) 246-5262
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Owned/operated by
    South Asian/Indian
  • Catering
    We cater for all your events! Pls email at info@cholanad.com
  • Private party facilities
    Available Private dining on Advanced booking. We provide custom menus for groups of more than 20 guests.
  • Private party contact
    Kumar: (800) 246-5262
  • Neighborhood
    Chapel Hill
  • Cross street
    Mallette St
  • Parking details
    FREE Parking located on the back of the Restaurant via W Rosemary Street.
  • Public transit
    In front of our business
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 504 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.1
4.1 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Healthy

  • Durham

    Kid-friendly

  • Durham

    Good for groups

  • Durham

    Healthy

  • Durham

    Great for outdoor dining

504 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    The food was delicious and yummy! Service was good, sign was up letting patrons know they were short staffed so I glad that was known up front. Our party sat outside and TVs were on the home football game. I would definitely recommend to others and come back!

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  2. yumyum

    Western NC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were stuck in traffic and missed our reservation time but they were very gracious about it even though we were the last diners of the evening. Food was very good.

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  3. TiggyRuffin

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Food was delicious. The Dosa was amazing. Waiter was a little too chatty at times.

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, excellent service, enjoyable atmosphere and great drinks.

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  5. Vincent

    Greensboro

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on June 15, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Delicious food, though the service was slower than I would have preferred. The Lemon Ginger Agave drink was fantastic

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  6. ScottS

    Raleigh

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server, Paul was amazing and remembered us from a previous visit. He knew how to steer my husband to a dish that wasn’t too spicy…and he loved it! We will definitely be back 😊

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience2
    Their food quality has really deteriorated and most importantly I don’t think they are hygienic and clean. Their bathrooms had malfunction and it was leaking which their servers didn’t care about. Food is spicy and service is spotty at best. My last time at this restaurant but then that’s me.

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  8. TarHealer

    Raleigh

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great South Indian food. This was our first visit and the waiter was very helpful as we tried to negotiate the menu. His recommended items were very tasty. Food was served hot. Nice presentation. We shall return.

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  9. HappyFamily

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had an incredible dinner at Cholanad Restaurant to celebrate our child's college graduation. The food was incredibly flavorful and the cocktails incredible - try the Cholanad Delight! The owners, Mathi and Priya, were gracious and friendly hosts. We had a great time overall and enjoyed the entire experience. I highly recommend Cholanad!

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  10. DeniseL

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience5
    Loved the ambiance but the food was cold and service was poor . Wanted to love it!

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  11. Geekdoc

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Middle of the road Americanized Indian fare. Service was slow despite 3:45 PM with only a few other diners. I asked which of the spicy specialties was recommended and ordered the milagu mutton curry, "Indian hot" which had a barely detectable amount of chili, and mutton for that matter. Our waiter did not check on out meals after they were served and I had to walk to the main dining area to ask for extra chilis to season my dish. The samosas (part of samosa chat) were almost certainly premade frozen variety, the basmati low quality and without any character, and in general everything was underseasoned and bland. The dal fritters were overcooked and bland as well, and the sauce did not help much. I sampled dishes off others' plates and they were similar in character. Not bad but absolutely not special. More variety on the menu than most Indian places in this area, I just wish the flavor was there, which is the reason to chose Indian cuisine in the first place. I had hoped for something special as a celebration meal, but this was simply calories. Would only recommend if the prices had been much lower, but the downtown location was at least very convenient and the semi-outdoor dining was pleasant enough.

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  12. KCLJARM

    Raleigh

    68 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    68 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first time here, we don't eat a lot of Indian food, but I've seen the good reviews for awhile and wanted to give it a try. We were seated quickly and drink orders were taken. We explained to our waiter that we weren't very familiar with the dishes, so he was very helpful in explaining them. Also, the menu was pretty good with explanations by noting which dishes were spicy, vegan mild etc. The waiter recommended we try a small appetizer, Samosa Chaat. It had 4 dipping sauces with pita all 4 were very tasty. My wife ordered the Pepper Chicken, which said it was spicy but she didn't think it was. It also had cloves, "chili" and fennel seed. It was served with a thin curry dip, and a pizza-sized flat-bread (called parota?). The dish made her nose run, but really wasn't that spicy. I chose a Spicey Lamb curry dish with potatoes mixed in and served with lemon rice. This spice level was pretty good which made it very enjoyable. We enjoyed our meal very much and would recommend Cholanad if you like authentic Indian cuisine.

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  13. ATL21

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Seriously some of the best Indian food I’ve ever had! The waiter took the time to help us understand the menu. Location is great. We sat out on the patio. We’ll be back!

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  14. GVill

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Food and service are great. Cleanliness of bathroom only reason for not giving five star review.

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  15. Chris

    Raleigh

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    It was nice to sit outside. Our server was very pleasant. Food was delicious. Enough to bring home it was just a shame we had to leave it as we weren’t going home right away.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Good food, comfortable ambience, and good service makes for a good experience with friends and family.

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  17. CDH1

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    Waited 20 min to give order, but the very pleasant team admitted mistake, very apologetic and comped appetizers. food was excellent. Eaten here many times, and will certainly be back.

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  18. NLGA

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was great and portions generous. Many thanks for clearly marking vegan selections and having so many choices. We will be back!

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  19. CaseyD

    E. Tennessee

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really enjoyed the meal here. Our server was very welcoming and open to questions. Would definitely go again when in the Chapel Hill.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for my birthday and got a free glass of champagne. Service was great and food was delicious.

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  21. MelissaR

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We really enjoyed each dish. The waiter made good suggestions and the service was quick and responsive. We will return!

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great for a first time date night the food was amazing and the service was top tier. Highly recommend

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Our server was amazing!! Gave great suggestions and good vibes. He was slammed with tables and still made us feel valued!

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  25. Allie

    Raleigh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall4food5service1ambience2
    The food was amazing as as usual!

    1 person found this helpful

  26. SteveB

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience2
    Food was great. Service was great. Missed the ambience of the prior location (it was more upscale with white tablecloths, etc.) The multiple TVs in this present location make it seem more of a sports bar and less of a fairly high-end Indian restaurant. Also, I wish they would stock the bar with limes so that I could enjoy a really good Gin & Tonic. This is the second time limes have been missing when ordering that cocktail. I still like the restaurant for its food and service.

    1 person found this helpful

  27. KLola

    Raleigh

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great restaurant! Great food, excellent service and ambiance! Highly recommend and will go back!

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  28. krishiyer

    Raleigh

    42 reviews

    5.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Had a great experience with our family celebrating UNC win over NC state

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  29. LiamS

    Raleigh

    37 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on January 16, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Very nice meal.

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  30. ElizabethM

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved our Christmas dinner - was festive, the staff were welcoming and helpful and the food was great!

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  31. JaneP

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had a lovely meal. The setting is a bit industrial (cement floors, etc) but still feels festive. Sitting near the door on a cold evening meant we felt a cold draft every time the door was opened, so they could use a curtain or inner door. Otherwise no complaints!

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  32. LisaH

    Fort Lauderdale

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an excellent meal at Cholanad, the atmosphere was wonderful and the service was great! We would recommend it and go again!

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Outstanding South Indian cuisine, some of the best I’ve ever had and I lived in India for 4 months and have eaten hundreds of dosai! Server wasn’t as attentive as your most attentive server but perfectly fine. Atmosphere is modern, not particularly interesting. But 5 stars based on the food. Spring dosa is my favorite!

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  34. CatherineG

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall3food3service1ambience3
    Second meal here. First was great but this one was very disappointing. Very indifferent food and the service was worse.

    1 person found this helpful

  35. IndiraG

    Wilmington

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was fantastic and reasonably priced. The only input would be to have some soft background music (preferably Indian).

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  36. KarenC

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious, fresh food and attentive service. Thank you!

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our evening could not have been better. We were directed to a table for dining and the hostess answered many questions about ingredient lists because we have significant food allergies. She directed us to some great choices and had the kitchen staff make some modifications to accommodate our allergies. In other words, we were challenging diners. The food was fantastic and plentiful and the service was superb. We’ll definitely return.

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  38. PatriceE

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We came from DC to visit our favorite Indian restaurant. The only thing that’s changed since our last visit is the location. The food is still delicious and the service is warm and friendly.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Good staff. The bread basket order came with a yummy masala sauce. Good service. Quiet booth. Reasonably priced. Getting check took a bit of time but server was busy prepping for the next day.

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  40. RaviG

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    CholaNad experience has generally been very good but this was probably a one off thing (related to short staff?). Food was totally cold upon arrival after waiting long. Server was kind to replace the dosa and roti but the experience was already spoiled. Thali presentation was not up to their own standards. I’d really hope to be back again but on weekdays when customer volume is low and possibly manageable.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Screening

    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Cholanad Restaurant and Bar using the Order Online button. Cholanad Restaurant and Bar also offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Cholanad Restaurant and Bar also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (800) 246-5262.

Cholanad Restaurant and Bar is rated 4.1 stars by 504 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cholanad Restaurant and Bar

310 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Mallette St
  • Neighborhood
    Chapel Hill
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 2:30 pm–10:30 pm Sun 2:30 pm–9:15 pm
  • Cuisines
    South Indian, Indian, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    FREE Parking located on the back of the Restaurant via W Rosemary Street.
  • Public transit
    In front of our business
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    South Asian/Indian
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (800) 246-5262
  • Catering
    We cater for all your events! Pls email at info@cholanad.com
  • Private party facilities
    Available Private dining on Advanced booking. We provide custom menus for groups of more than 20 guests.
  • Private party contact
    Kumar: (800) 246-5262
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