The Clove Ignites Glenview Dining with Record Reviews and Fire Dancing Spectacle

In an unprecedented achievement for the North Shore dining scene, The Clove Indian and Nepali Cuisine in Glenview has garnered more five-star reviews than any other restaurant in Glenview—and more than any other Indian restaurant across Illinois—in just its first three months of operation, a remarkable feat for a restaurant that opened its doors on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

The restaurant has made Glenview history three times in two months, a record unmatched in the North Shore area for a century. Its most recent groundbreaking event featured the first fire dancer performance in Glenview's 153-year history on October 15, 2025, adding to its previous achievements of hosting the first belly dancing performance since the 1920s and the only restaurant cooking show outside Chicago in Illinois .
A Meteoric Rise in Reviews:
The Clove's rapid accumulation of five-star reviews signals its immediate impact on the local culinary landscape. The restaurant has achieved what few new establishments can claim, surpassing all Glenview competitors and every other Indian restaurant in Illinois in critical acclaim during its inaugural quarter
This review dominance is particularly impressive given the restaurant's recent opening. Patrons on Google and Yelp have consistently awarded The Clove five-star ratings, with one recently returned traveler from India noting, "The food at the Clove is extremely authentic. I thought I was back in India" . Another reviewer declared it has "quickly become the best restaurant in Glenview" .
🔥 History Made with Flames and Rhythm
The Clove has redefined restaurant entertainment in Glenview through a series of historic firsts:
Fire Dancing Debut: On October 15, 2025, Luke Embers became the first fire dancer to perform in Glenview history, spinning up to four large sticks with fire burning at both ends at breathtaking speeds approaching 60 mph while dancing and jumping around. The captivated audience responded with thunderous applause .
Candlelit Belly Dancing: The same evening featured a stunning performance by Vanessa Oliveira, who balanced a plate with half a dozen tall candles on her head while belly dancing. During her second show, she wore a dress adorned with over 100 lights and invited patron Christina Chiamas of Downers Grove to dance with her .
Acrobatic Display: Completing the triple threat of entertainment, Sierra Rhodes of Pilsen delivered a 10-minute acrobatic circus balance performance, dancing on her hands while latched onto four poles from the floor .
More Than a Restaurant: A Cultural Destination
The Clove has established itself as Glenview's newest entertainment destination through innovative monthly programming that blends rich cultural traditions with a bold vision for suburban dining.
Historic Belly Dancing Return: Last month, The Clove revived belly dancing in Glenview after nearly a century, marking the first performance of its kind at a Glenview restaurant since the 1920s.
Pioneering Cooking Shows: On September 24, 2025, The Clove hosted what the Illinois Restaurant Association recognizes as "the only cooking show at a restaurant outside of Chicago in the state of Illinois" . The interactive culinary theater features chefs explaining each step of the cooking process while patrons enjoy a five-course meal including appetizer, salad, soup, main course, and a dessert large enough for two.
Diverse Monthly Events: The restaurant's calendar includes Cultural Nights, Poetry Recitals, Comedy Nights, Belly Dancing, Cooking Shows, Karaoke, and more. Karaoke is already available nightly, and co-owner Ankur Sharma encourages guests celebrating special occasions to request it from owners at any time .
Fusion of Himalayan Flavors
Beyond the spectacle, The Clove delivers on its culinary promise with authentic Indian, Nepali, and Indo-Chinese dishes crafted with heart and traditional spices .
The menu features:
- Indian Specialties: Butter chicken, paneer tikka masala, lamb rogan josh, and vegetable biryani
- Nepali Favorites: Momo (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and chicken choila
- ndo-Chinese Fusion: Kungpao chicken, orange chicken, and hot and sour soup—what owner Ramakant Kharel calls "something of a hidden treasure" And our favorite Curry Shrimp!
The restaurant operates from two separate kitchens—one dedicated to Indian-Nepali cuisine, the other to Indo-Chinese dishes—ensuring authenticity in both culinary traditions .
Building Community Through Food and Entertainment
Co-owner Ramakant Kharel who brings over 25 years of restaurant experience, explains the philosophy behind The Clove: "I always wanted to open this type of concept" . He emphasizes that "customers are the heart of the restaurant. We are here to serve them" .
Ankur Sharma, co-owner, adds: "Many of our guests are curious about the ingredients and preparation behind each dish, so we wanted to create an opportunity to educate them and let them experience firsthand how their favorite dishes are made" .
The restaurant's design reflects its dual purpose as both dining establishment and entertainment venue. One side features an elegant 30-table dining room, while the other offers a spacious bar area, all adorned with culturally inspired décor . With seating for 90 people in the dining room and 35 more in the bar section, The Clove can accommodate both intimate dinners and larger celebrations.
A Bright Future for Glenview's Dining Scene
Located at 1827 Waukegan Road in Glenview, The Clove is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. .
The restaurant has already garnered official community support, with Village Trustees Adam Sidoti and Mary Cooper attending the grand opening on August 15, 2025. "This is one of the best grand openings that I've been a part of," Sidoti declared, expressing his hopes for the new establishment: "I really hope that they're successful" .
As The Clove continues its unprecedented run of historical achievements and culinary excellence, it has positioned itself as a strong contender for Glenview's best new business in 2025—potentially becoming what many patrons are already calling the most exciting restaurant to open in years in the North Shore area.
To follow The Clove's schedule of events, you can find them on Facebook (The Clove Glenview) or on Instagram. For those interested in viewing highlight videos from the restaurant, search "George LeClaire The Clove YouTube" and Google will bring up three two-minute videos at the top of your search results.