Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro

30 E Main St, Freehold, NJ 07728, United States
$$$ Indian restaurant
(1581 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Nestled in the heart of Freehold, New Jersey, Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro offers an exquisite journey through the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine. With a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a true gem for anyone looking to indulge in vibrant flavors and beautifully plated dishes.

The menu at Aarzu is a curated masterpiece, featuring an array of small plates and appetizers that highlight the essence of modern Indian cooking. Start your culinary adventure with their Dahi Vada—tantalizing lentil fritters drizzled with sweet yoghurt and cumin, a delightful symphony of flavors for just $9. For those seeking something a little more daring, the Smoked Quail Eggs with Tellicherry pepper, coconut, and baby naan will intrigue your palate and elevate your dining experience.

This restaurant truly shines with its ambient decor—a perfect blend of modern aesthetics and comfort. Step inside, and you'll be greeted by a warm, welcoming staff that makes you feel right at home. Customers like Megh Patel laud the atmosphere, noting that it feels special and modern while maintaining a friendly vibe, a rarity in the main streets of Freehold.

The Appetizer segment of the menu is particularly noteworthy, with standout items like the Truffle Butter Pav Bhaji ($16) that pairs spiced mashed vegetables with fluffy buns, and Calcutta Gobhi Manchurian ($16)—a crispy cauliflower dish that dances delicately on your taste buds. One patron, Purbasha Dalabehera, remarked on the excellent presentation and flavor of the starters, encapsulating the artistry that each dish embodies.

However, not every experience has been seamless. Some customers, such as Saaketh Krosuri, found the main courses somewhat less impressive compared to the vibrant appetizers, suggesting a focus primarily on the small plates for a more satisfying dining experience. Despite some mixed reviews, the majority agree that the atmosphere and service remain top-notch, significantly contributing to a memorable outing.

Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro stands out not only for its captivating rendition of Indian food but also for its inviting spirit, making it an ideal spot for celebrating special occasions, as emphasized by customers like Megh Patel during his graduation celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Indian cuisine or a curious newcomer, Aarzu promises an adventure filled with delightful dishes and warm hospitality.

With a location at 30 E Main St, Aarzu is perfect for both casual diners and those looking for an upscale experience without venturing far from home. Whether you're stopping in for a family dinner or a special celebration, the bistro's culinary warmth is sure to leave you satisfied and eager to return.

For reservations or inquiries about their culinary offerings, you can reach Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro at +1 732-333-0933. Dive into a dining experience that marries traditional flavors with a contemporary twist, and discover why this restaurant is capturing the hearts of those in Freehold.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Has live music
Popular for
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves halal food
Serves healthy options
Has private dining room
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Has counter service
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free parking lot
Paid parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

4:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

4:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

12:00 AM - 2:30 PM

,

4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

1581 Reviews
James W

14 Sep 2025

I'm no expert when it comes to Indian food, and comparing one place to another. But I do know what I like when I get it, and Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro delivers. Four of us went for dinner, and decided to order several dishes to share. It was a good way to sample. We ordered braised goat, slow cooked lamb, shrimp in curry leaf and coconut milk, tandoor chicken, and of course, butter chicken, and naan (see their menu for authentic descriptions). All I can say is they were all divine, and favorites changed as all were sampled. I enjoy our local takeout Indian dishes, but this was on another level. We brought our own wine, and did not try the mocktails. Service and atmosphere were fine. Cheers!

Purbasha Dalabehera

27 Aug 2025

Nice food . Good environment . Parking available in the back but we did street parking . We made reservations earlier . Food was excellent . Not a long list of items . But am sure each dish will be good n taste . Presentation is excellent . We ordered palak chat , ragda patties, paneer tikka, gobi Manchurian, coconut chicken . All starters were good compared to main course which was dal tadka naan chicken moilee and veg kofta . Mocktails and desert were good . We ordered guava chili drink and mango Moscow mule , rose kulfi and rad malai. Desert are not too sweet just the way I liked it . Restaurant is kid friendly. They let us bring fries for the kid from outside

Alisha Jay

03 Aug 2025

The presentation is good, but food specifically the main course is quite alright and the menu is very limiting.

Megh Patel

23 Jul 2025

I came to Aarzu with my family and close friends to celebrate my master’s graduation, and the experience was amazing! The staff was welcoming, the service was smooth, and the space had a modern yet warm feel that made the night feel special from the moment we walked in. As someone who grew up nearby in Monmouth County, I’ve never seen anything like this on Main Street in Freehold or anywhere else in the area. Aarzu brings something completely unique to the local dining scene with bold Indian flavors, beautiful presentation, and a real sense of care in every dish. We shared everything at the table and ended up trying most of the menu. Each dish was thoughtfully crafted and presented like artwork. You can tell the chefs take real pride in what they do. Every bite had depth and balance, and there was not a single thing we didn’t enjoy. We even reordered a few of our favorites. Highlights included the pani puri, palak chaat, samosas, and kadhi kachori. Each dish had its own personality and hit a different flavor note. The mocktails were refreshing and paired perfectly with the meal. The truffle butter pav bhaji was something I had never seen before. Rich, creamy, and finished with truffle, it was a creative take on a classic that completely blew me away. The lamb chops were the star of the night. Incredibly tender, perfectly seasoned, and cooked to perfection. That dish alone is worth coming back for. We finished with the dessert platter, and it was just as impressive, with each dessert offering something unique and memorable. I had seen Aarzu featured by USA Today and heard amazing things from friends, so expectations were high. It still exceeded all of them. Whether you’re celebrating something meaningful or just looking for a standout meal, Aarzu is absolutely worth the visit.

Cheryl R

20 Jun 2025

We went here recently for Father’s Day and had a nice overall experience. The service was friendly and attentive, making us feel welcomed from the start. The appetizers were a highlight—beautifully presented and full of flavor. However, the main course curry was a bit underwhelming in comparison; it was just average and didn’t quite match the quality of the starters. Still, it was a pleasant outing with great service and a warm atmosphere.

Saaketh Krosuri

02 Jun 2025

TLDR: Like most NJ Indian restaurants, not worth the steep prices; stick with the apps and forget the mains Been to Aarzu a bunch of times over the years, as it is one of the more “upscale” options in central NJ. Mocktails and apps were generally fantastic this time around, and mains were anything but (a lot of the main courses were unfortunately quite bland). Service was great but inconsistent (e.g., wait times for courses), and ambiance for the private room leaves a lot to be desired. Hope they can improve next time we visit. Drinks: - Mocktails - mango lassi, mango moscow mule, anar sangria (all quite solid) Apps: - Coconut Chicken 65 (awesome, definitely the standout) - Lamb Chops (pricey at $32 for 3 chops but a highlight and fantastic!) - Eggplant Chaat (really good!) - Truffle Butter Pav Bhaji (very good!) - Beetroot Tikki (interesting and pretty good!) - Palak Chaat (quite good!) - Multani Chicken Tikka (decent, could skip) - Kadhi Kachori (decent, not very memorable) - Pani Puri (SKIP - cute presentation but classically overpriced with 4 pani puri for $9) - Smoked Quail Eggs (SKIP - nothing special and portion size of 4 eggs with two pita bread “naans” for $9 was laughable) Mains (come with white rice): - Dal Tadka (probably the highlight from the mains at a fraction of the cost) - Zafrani Murgh (decent chicken curry) - Fish Curry (salmon curry is a strange concept as is, and this had a predictably fishy taste that didn’t quite work) - Goat Shank (off-menu; server told us this was the restaurant special and insanely good - it was quite overcooked / tough and not good. huge disappointment as we got upsold on getting 2 of these and kind of ruined the experience) - Chicken Biryani (SO bland) - Breads (roti, onion kulcha, garlic naan - all pretty great) Dessert: - Aarzu dessert platter (nice presentation and solid taste, but not worth the $32 price as had super tiny portions of hazelnut cake and standard Indian sweets like kulfi, gulab jamun, and rasmalai)

Hannah Luke

29 May 2025

This restaurant exceeded my expectations in every way! I was so excited to finally try Aarzu, and went for a belated birthday celebration with a friend. We ordered several appetizers and an entree to share, so we could try as many items as possible. Everything we ordered was full of wonderful spices, flavors, and texture. The presentations and plating for every dish was stunning. The service was exceptional and the decor was lovely. Can’t wait for my next return. Don’t pass up on ordering desserts after your meal, the black sesame pudding and rose ice cream were phenomenal and big showstoppers!

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