Cilantro Indian Cafe

Having a dry chicken in a spinach curry was interesting! (the amount of chicken pieces was 6 and paid $17) The chickpea meze or salad served as a side was not fresh! The combination of water and flour is always good except for the naan we were served! The owner or manager visits the tables which is good but it is really necessary?

I really enjoyed this restaurant. The food was really good and the employees were really nice.

My wife and I moved to North Carolina with our family from New York, where we loved the cuisine experiences we had there, specifically Indian Cuisine. We had one favorite restaurant that was so far above the normal date night it was sad to leave. Upon moving here to NC about 18 months ago, we started looking for another Indian restaurant. We've been to many places; checking menus, noting interiors, checking cleanliness, observing staff interactions etc. We're weird people, yes, it's true. But that's what makes our reviews more fun, I guess! Tonight we finally chose Cilantro in Cary as the first full dinner experience we would try. We stepped out of our car and immediately the fragrance of the restaurant met us 50 yards from the door. My wife glanced at me with the "This is promising" look. Cilantro is decorated beautifully and impeccably clean. We didn't know whether to be seated or what to do and asked the friendly young man at the counter. He let us know you order and then they bring out the food to you. Not a problem. They have a Gluten Free / Vegan Menu and a Regular one (Fantastic!) I have an auto immune disease and need to be careful what I eat. So even though tonight for me was a bit of a cheat night I've been saving up for, I was very glad to know that Cilantro offers a menu that I could order from on a non- cheat day and still have the same experience. The back wall of the counter is covered with Indian Cuisine Awards. It looks like Cilantro has won an award every year for the last 12 years running. WOW... My wife made her selection and I asked the young gentlemen how confident he felt with thier cuisine. He stated he probably would bleed curry if cut (I liked him immediately). Thus, I gave him a challenge. I told him I felt like having something with Lamb and to pick something for me that would impress us. Dinner was astounding... It was artful, it was flavorful, it was by far one of the best meals we've ever had. The Cilantro Chutney with the Naan and Lamb bite was outside my wheelhouse and so delightful I had to find the manager and thank him. Thats how we met Mustafa and learned that Cilantro started once upon a time when he ran a convenience store and customers asked what smelled so good (his lunch packed by Tabassum, his wife). At first he shared his lunch free with patrons. Then they made extra lunch and sold to-go containers. Now, her finesse in the kitchen is an entire restaurant that is more than a date night hot spot, more than an elegant dinner night, it's like being invited to thier personal space for a home cooked family meal with friends. Mustafa greeted us and told us we ought to try their tea. Ok... I love good tea and only use loose leaf and have my special kettle and brewing set up and... yeah back to me being an eccentric weird person again. I know. Anyway, We agreed to try the Masala Chai Tea and some sort of whipped slice of cake heaven that I don't honestly remember the name of. Now, I love tea and have tried various varieties from all over the world. I don't care for Chai. Never have. And then Mustafa served his family's version... Apparently I've never had Indian Masala Tea. I'm writing this review unable to describe it. Yes, it's that good. And that's coming from an eccentric weird person who researches and tries tea way more than you do. Cilantro is impressive in every category. It is family run and they go out of thier way to make sure you feel their genuine hospitality. My wife and I have 4 very young children and cannot get out as often as we'd like. However, we will keep Cilantro as one of our favorites for as long as they keep opening their doors. If you don't have 4 young children and have more time than I currently do, I advise you to try Cilantro. If you are drowning in diapers and can only get out once or twice a year... I also encourage you to go to Cilantro, as it's an experience that is worth it as frequently or infrequently as you are able. My wife and I will be back as often as we can. Vegetarian options: They have an entire menu for Gluten free / Vegan options!

AWESOME customer service, beautiful atmosphere, great food, and affordable prices. Definitely try it out!

Unbelievably good food, dessert heaven, friendly and caring staff, and a beautiful yet casual atmosphere. This place really is a gem. The parking can be rough on weekends, but Cilantro is worth the trouble. It's just that good. Dietary restrictions: Many gluten free options for my celiac friends.

Good menu and food, but it is expensive for an order-yourself restaurant.

Excellent food...great service with awesome people that care about their product. Highly recommended...

El aviente es genial todo son muy amables la comida tan rica