Tandoor Chapel hill Indian Restaurant on East Franklin Street has had a face-lift. For the past 30 years 1301 East Franklin Street has gone thru many reincarnations and this one is truly the most colorful and delicious. It’s all about the experience says Terry Melville, who masterminded the rejuvenation of Tandoor along with Tandoor’s Baleinder Bhupal, better known as Binda to his loyal customers. Vivid Indian-colored walls and doors of Mango Orange, Kashmiri Hot Pink and Bombay Yellow, trimmed in Peacock Blue replace the formerly drab off-white and brown decor.
The redesigned dining room is more open, yet the new leather-tooled paisley booths create an intimate and cozy setting for quiet conversation while guests enjoy the aroma.
Mostly Northern Indian eats in a colorful room with Bollywood videos overhead, plus a lunch buffet. Based on 332 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.3 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ No-contact delivery
Address:
1301 E Franklin St #100, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Phone: (919) 967-6622
Website:
Hours
| Wednesday |
11 AM–2:30 PM, 5–9:30 PM |
| Thursday |
11 AM–2:30 PM, 5–9:30 PM |
| Friday |
11 AM–2:30 PM, 5–9:30 PM |
| Saturday |
11 AM–2:30 PM, 5–9:30 PM |
| Sunday |
5–9:30 PM |
| Monday |
5–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday |
11 AM–2:30 PM, 5–9:30 PM |
Menu
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Photo Gallery
Reviews
D Nickelson
For under $12, you don’t typically find a decent buffet, but this one was good for a quick lunch. There are mostly chicken and vegetable options. Naan served at the table was very good. On the buffet I tried a variety of dishes. The chicken Tikka was the best dish I had that day. Good flavor, great sauce, and seemed to have good quality chicken. The chicken curry wasn’t as flavorful as I expected. Pretty one dimensional. It could really use some heat. Tandoori chicken was also bland and not hot, temperature wise. I tried a few of the vegetable stews. They were all fine.
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RobertsMom NC
Delicious lunch. Since it was Saturday I thought they might not have the lunch buffet but it was available. Lots of options. I loved that the food wasn’t spicy but definitely full of flavor. The naan bread was delicious. the restaurant is actually downstairs from street level.
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Elizabeth Gonzalez
Kind of a weird set up, it’s on a lower level basement type deal. The Lamb Curry was alright but a bit on the watery side. My daughter had the chicken Tikka and couldn’t finish after finding a nerve in her meat, she lost her appetite after that. The rice seemed to have been sitting a while son it didn’t really taste fresh. The server was nice but the staff as a whole seemed depressed and the restaurant itself was dingy and not very clean. The mirror upon walking in was filthy. Pretty disappointing because I chose this place for lunch based off the reviews. Now I know not to do that again. The only thing I really did like was the garlic naan. I DO NOT RECOMMEND.
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Eric Marcantonio
Ate here twice (once take out and once dine in), both times have been amazing. The spice and flavor in the food is perfect (we asked for spicy and it was spicy), and the garlic naan bread was incredible. We ordered the lamb vindaloo, chicken curry, some type of yellow lentil dish. The owner and his wife were very nice
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Baljit Brar
The Indian food at this restaurant is truly exceptional! The menu is extensive, with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to choose from. The dishes are made with a perfect blend of spices and flavors, resulting in a culinary experience that is both satisfying and delicious. The chicken tikka was particularly outstanding, with juicy and flavorful meat that was cooked to perfection. The restaurant’s ambiance was elegant and sophisticated, and the staff was knowledgeable and friendly, providing excellent recommendations and ensuring that every diner had a memorable experience. Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a fantastic Indian dining experience
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Alberto Balderas
Food is amazing. Best in town and beyond. I been to many Indian restaurants and Tandoor taste so good. Owner Nick is super friendly too.
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Hamid Mukhtar
Hard to find as it is located in a basement. The food was below average in my opinion. We asked for level of spice as spicy but even then it was quite bland. The staff is however friendly and gets 5 star for service.
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Andrea Torres
I don’t think the food is very authentic at all. Indian Monsoon in Durham is SO, so good though!! The tikki masala here was so watery and oily and had like a whole chicken breast in it. It was weird lol
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felix lockett
Best Indian food within 100 miles that I have had. Which has made it convenient and enjoyable to introduce friends/family to such a wonderful cuisine that never had the pleasure of an Indian dining experience. Thank you so much for always exceeding my expectations. See you all again soon
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Albert Luo
Best Indian buffet place for lunch. A bit pricey for dinner. Their garlic naan is fresh and so delicious!
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