Hello dear
Welcome to Cholanad
Cholanad is a culinary gem located in the heart of Chapel Hill, specializing in vibrant seafood bars and authentic Indian cuisine. The name captures its essence, reflecting a rich heritage of flavors. This inviting eatery takes pride in offering a diverse menu that appeals to everyone, including vegan and vegetarian options. Guests rave about the generous portions and exceptional service, making it a community favorite. With a warm ambiance, outdoor seating, and tasteful decor, Cholanad is perfect for a cozy dining experience. Whether you're indulging in the spicy lamb vindaloo or the delightful yellow dal, each dish promises a memorable culinary adventure.
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About
Cholanad
Welcome to Cholanad, a hidden gem nestled on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, NC. This exquisite eatery specializes in seafood and offers a vibrant fusion of authentic Indian flavors that delight the senses.
From the moment you step into Cholanad, you are enveloped in a warm, inviting atmosphere characterized by classy decor and a moderate noise level that spurs the perfect dining experience. With options to dine out on their heated, covered outdoor seating, you can enjoy your meal while soaking in the vibrant community around you.
Cholanad is not just another restaurant; it caters to a diverse crowd. Families, groups, and individuals alike will find something to love here, with an array of vegan and vegetarian options alongside their seafood specialties. The restaurant also offers delivery, takeout, and even catering services. This makes it an ideal choice for any occasion—be it a casual dinner with friends or a special celebration.
One of the standout items on the menu is the lamb vindaloo, which has garnered rave reviews for its robust flavors and hearty portion sizes. Customers have described it as authentic and reminiscent of a home-cooked meal. For those who savor milder flavors, the yellow dal paired with garlic naan is equally satisfying, offering a perfect blend of comfort and taste.
- Utility Features:
- Takes reservations
- Outdoor seating available
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accepts credit cards and mobile payments
- Free Wi-Fi for diners
- Customer Experience:
- "Great customer service and large food portions!" - Dumebi U.
- "Literally the best restaurant on Franklin!" - Sophia S.
- "A top-notch dining experience for a very affordable price." - Sophia S.
As a food reviewer for Foodjoyy, I truly appreciate that Cholanad operates with a strong commitment to sustainability through compostable containers and plastic-free packaging, allowing patrons to enjoy delicious food without compromising the environment. Whether you're dining in or getting takeout, Cholanad offers reusable tableware that reflects their passion for both quality and sustainability.
Parking can be a challenge along Franklin Street, but don't let that deter you. There are numerous public lots nearby, making your culinary journey to Cholanad both feasible and rewarding.
In conclusion, Cholanad is more than just a restaurant; it is a feast for both the palate and the spirit. Make it your next destination for dinner, and immerse yourself in the flavorful wonders that await. With its extensive menu, attentive service, and inviting ambiance, you are bound to leave with fond memories and a satisfied appetite.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Great customer service and large food portions, truly loved the food and the service from Cholanad. Thank you for a great experience staff and if you're in the area, try the lamb vindaloo!! ”
“ This is literally the best restaurant on Franklin by far. The food was so so delicious, and the staff was so kind and amazing. The restaurant was very well decorated and the food presentation was very aesthetic. Such a top notch dining experience for a very affordable price. ”
“ I had a great meal with a group of friends here! The atmosphere is nice especially on a rainy evening. I had the yellow dal, garlic naan and mango lassi. Everything was delicious, and the rest of my group thoroughly enjoyed their meals as well!! Just a heads up that anywhere on Franklin St is going to be tricky for parking. Street parking can be difficult and limited so just look for signs for public lots (there are so many nearby) and you'll be fine. ”
“ Franklin Street is fortunate to have three top notch Indian restaurants within a stone's throw of each other. Each restaurant has a decidedly different perspective. On this particular day, I received the lamb vindaloo - rice an additional up charge. My lunch partner the white vegetable kurma - Parota an additional up charge. The vindaloo was hardy and well spiced (perhaps on the spicer side for some). The flavor close to what one could expect from an authentic home meal. Very tasty! The lamb could have been slightly more tender - but again still very delicious! While I didn't try the veggie kurma, my lunch partner was less than enthusiastic. It's was good, but not as expected. The menu is expansive and the most robust in this particular area. I find the online menu a bit easier to navigate than the physical menu, it may behoove you to check there first. Finally, the price was elevated for a lunch meal and the lack of lunch specials was disappointing. Service and wait time were standard. The next time I'm looking for something more reminiscent of what I'd expect from an authentic Indian home meal or something off the beaten path, I'll be sure to visit here again. Indian Restaurant: 4.4 ”
“ Really nice music and food. Short of service but overall a great place for a quiet lunch. ”
“ My husband, our youngest daughter, & I came here for lunch last Saturday while our oldest daughter was attending a program at UNC. We had a phenomenal experience here from the food, & drinks to the service, & even the music! Our server was extremely helpful in offering suggestions to my husband & I since we wanted to try something we had not tried before. My husband's dish was the winner of the afternoon, he got the lamb saag. Ordinarily, this is something my husband would not have tried, had he not been given the suggestion from our server. It was delicious! I will be ordering this next time I'm there. I tried Parota for the first time with my Chetinad chicken curry, and I will definitely be trying that again as well. My youngest daughter just stuck with what she knew and got the chicken tikka masala. Everyone was very pleased with their dishes and the next time we are in town, we will absolutely be back. ”
“ Delicious, flavorful dishes! We got dinner on a quiet Sunday night, and the food came out really quick! I got the pepper chicken with Ceylon parota bread, and my friend got the chettinad chicken curry. the and they were pushed out on this little trolley. The presentation could be better, but I'm not judging off of looks here. The chicken was delicious and packed with aromatic spices, but pretty spicy, so make sure you can handle spice decently well before ordering. It was topped with raw onions and some mint leaves. The parota was really good for dipping, scooping the chicken, and eating it together. My one complaint was that the parota to chicken ratio was a bit off: much less chicken than I wanted but still filling. Overall, really good Indian food around the area! ”
“ Good, solid Indian food in Chapel Hill. The spring dosa was a fantastic appetizer with a few different sauces for dipping. The lamb vindaloo had a decent amount of tender lamb with a great sauce. The chicken tikka masala was great as well. The garlic naan was good. The main area for improvement would be on the service. Our waiter was attentive early on but then was more difficult to get a hold of to ask for the check and some to go boxes. He gave a great recommendation for the spring dosa though. Overall, Cholanad is a solid restaurant and I will come back! ”
