New York City is a mecca for Indian food lovers. From modern twists on traditional dishes to nostalgic homestyle flavors, including aromatic biryanis, fluffy dosas, and fiery vindaloos. These 10 must-try Indian restaurants showcase the breadth of the subcontinent’s culinary traditions, featuring everything from fine dining to street snacks and northern specialties to coastal seafood curries.
Baazi
Trek to the Upper West Side for Chef Gaurav Anand’s newest addition to his NYC portfolio. Chef Anand has already won the stomachs of New Yorkers with his food at Bhatti Indian Grill, Moti Mahal Delux, and previously aRoqa. Place your bets on Baazi’s Papad Kebab in a monogrammed Baazi box or the Butternut Squash Kofta to show you a devilishly good time. Pair with brilliantly blended cocktails while you listen to the DJ spin bhangra beats that match the electric energy.
Indian Accent
This Michelin-starred hotspot brings a stylish modern twist to classic Indian cuisine. The sleek, minimalist decor and fancy presentation will make you feel like royalty. Try the three or four course tasting (with or without the wine pairing); this is the perfect spot for a date night or celebrating a special occasion like an anniversary or birthday. They recently also opened a brand new location in Mumbai, so add that to your travel itinerary if you are heading to India.
Semma
Experience authentic cooking at this eatery that unapologetically emphasizes flavors that are true to the local homes and neighborhoods of South India. Chef Vijay Kumar, a native of Tamil Nadu, sticks to his roots to bring tastes that are reminiscent of his family’s cooking. From hearty biryani to crispy dosas, their food is a sample of the variety of regional specialties from South India. Plus, the bright decor and family-friendly vibes match the cheerful service.
Spice Symphony
Since its opening in 2012, Spice Symphony has been synonymous with fusion flavors that represent Indo-Chinese food. Immerse yourself in the symphony of aromas and tastes found in dishes like Chinese bhel, hakka noodles, and manchurian. Great for a takeout meal, or a sit-in affair, you can enjoy food here any day of the week.
Pongal
Named after the popular three-day harvest festival and also common sweet rice dish, Pongal in Murray Hill is a casual restaurant where you can experience the warmth of South Indian home cooking. The menu is vegetarian and vegan friendly and full of dosas, idlis, curries, and even chaats. With this many options available, you’ll leave smiling, and no doubt, full.
Baar Baar
Baar Baar is not just a gastro bar, it’s an experience. Come here to enjoy live Bollywood music, kitschy decor and Indian-inspired cocktails that set the tone for this high-energy restaurant. From reimagined takes on classics, savor paneer pinwheels, jackfruit biryani or a sea bass tawa fry. You must leave room for the waffle jalebi dessert.
Jazba
Jazba is the vibrant new restaurant from Akshay Bhardwaj of Junoon, another favorite in the Flatiron district. Located in the East Village, Jazba is an ode to street food found in India’s roadside stalls or dhabas. The interior is decorated with vibrant colors and murals which is fitting given the name translates to “passion” in Urdu. Pair with imaginative cocktails like the “Paan” inspired by the classic aromatic paan flavoring that is a popular mouth freshener after meals.
Honest NYC
Enjoy no fuss comfort food at wallet-friendly prices. This no-frills spot focuses on a wide range of dishes including samosa chaat, paneer chili and an assortment of Indian-inspired sandwiches layered with chutneys, amul cheese, and vegetables.
GupShup
There is nothing that feels as comforting as a good gossip (gupshup) and chai session with a close friend. The charming decor with vintage Bollywood posters makes this cozy eatery feel like an intimate Mumbai cafe. Go for an omelette paratha or a fried chicken with waffle topped with honey chili. On the weekends, the brunch features pitchers of cocktails so come hungry, and thirsty.
Angel
Given its large South Asian demographic, Queens is one of the best places to experience Indian food. At Angel, located in Jackson Heights, this gem dishes out fragrant biryanis in classic chicken and goat to a vegetable one for non-meat eaters. Their meat vindaloos deserve an honorable mention too. Go early to avoid a wait or order online for a satisfying meal at home.
