Nirvana
Can you find heaven
in the Pavillon?
Santosh Kumar, owner of Nirvana, an Indian and Nepalese restaurant in the Pavilion, said COVID ended up being positive for him. “It made me think out of the box,” he explained, adding that it helped him become wiser as a business owner by planning carefully around staffing, resources and long-term sustainability.
Nirvana took over the space formerly occupied by Spice Route— and immediately rebranded it. “When the management changes, the menu changes,” he said. “I didn’t want customers walking in expecting one thing and getting surprised.” The transition was complicated by pandemic restrictions, and Komar estimated it took nearly two years for customers to fully recognize the restaurant as a new concept.
The menu combines familiar Indian dishes with a focused selection of Nepalese cuisine, something Komar discovered resonated deeply with the Bainbridge community, many whom he said have been to Nepal through volunteer work or travel. Popular Nepalese specialties, such as goat curry, momo, and vegetable stir-fries, are served alongside popular Indian dishes that include chicken tikka masala, biryani, and butter chicken.
Community involvement is central to Nirvana’s mission. Kumar credited local support for the restaurant’s success, “Whatever I have achieved so far is because of the community, and I believe in giving back.” That includes annual appreciation meals for teachers, police and firefighters; holiday gift certificates for regular customers, and donations to local arts and service organizations.
For Kumar, Nirvana is not just a restaurant, but a place where food, culture and community intersect.
403 Madison Ave. N | 206-780-3545 | nirvanabainbridge.com
