New York City is a melting pot of cultures, and its culinary scene reflects this beautifully. Indian cuisine, with its rich spices, vibrant flavors, and diverse offerings, has found a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers. Whether you’re craving authentic North Indian dishes, South Indian delicacies, or contemporary fusion plates, New York has some fantastic Indian restaurants to satisfy every palate. Here’s a roundup of the best Indian restaurants in New York, along with their locations and price range.
1. Junoon
- Location: 27 W 24th St, New York, NY 10010
- Price Range: $$$$ (High-End)
- Overview: A Michelin-starred restaurant, Junoon offers a luxurious dining experience with traditional and modern Indian dishes. Their tasting menus and seasonal specialties make this a destination for those looking to splurge on exquisite Indian flavors. From their in-house spice room to the elegant décor, Junoon provides a unique fine dining experience.
- Must-Try: Lobster tandoori, lamb shank, and their innovative cocktails.
2. Indian Accent
- Location: 123 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
- Price Range: $$$$ (High-End)
- Overview: Indian Accent blends Indian traditions with global influences, delivering a contemporary and refined dining experience. Known for its artistic presentations and progressive take on Indian cuisine, this is the place for foodies seeking to explore new tastes. The chef’s tasting menu is highly recommended for an adventurous meal.
- Must-Try: Pork ribs with sonth chutney, stuffed kulchas, and their signature dessert, doda barfi treacle tart.
3. Adda Indian Canteen
- Location: 31-31 Thomson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
- Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
- Overview: Adda is a vibrant and casual restaurant known for its home-style Indian cooking. The space is simple but the flavors are bold, with dishes that focus on authentic Indian flavors without the frills. Adda’s menu is accessible and offers a great variety of dishes for a reasonable price.
- Must-Try: Lamb biryani, paneer masala, and the keema pav.
4. Biryani Bol
- Location: 103 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016
- Price Range: $ (Affordable)
- Overview: Located in Manhattan’s Curry Hill, Biryani Bol specializes in—you guessed it—biryanis. The restaurant offers various styles of biryani, from Hyderabadi to Kolkata, along with a selection of flavorful curries. The portion sizes are generous, and the food quality makes it a favorite among students and locals alike.
- Must-Try: Chicken 65 biryani, lamb rogan josh, and garlic naan.
5. Dhamaka
- Location: 119 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002
- Price Range: $$$ (Moderate to High-End)
- Overview: Dhamaka brings the bold and rustic flavors of regional Indian cuisine to NYC. The restaurant focuses on dishes that are rarely seen on Indian menus in the U.S. and is known for its no-holds-barred spice levels. The lively ambiance and unconventional dishes make Dhamaka a must-visit for anyone wanting an authentic Indian dining adventure.
- Must-Try: Goat neck dum biryani, gurda kapoora (goat kidney and testicles), and the signature Dhamaka cocktail.
6. Saravanaa Bhavan
- Location: 81 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016
- Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
- Overview: For lovers of South Indian cuisine, Saravanaa Bhavan is a go-to spot in New York. Famous for its dosas, idlis, and thalis, this vegetarian restaurant offers traditional South Indian food at affordable prices. The ambiance is casual, making it perfect for a quick meal or a gathering with friends.
- Must-Try: Masala dosa, rava idli, and South Indian filter coffee.
7. Tamarind Tribeca
- Location: 99 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013
- Price Range: $$$$ (High-End)
- Overview: Tamarind Tribeca offers a luxurious dining experience in the heart of New York’s Tribeca neighborhood. Known for its elegant setting and attentive service, this restaurant serves refined Indian cuisine with a modern twist. The ambiance is perfect for special occasions, and the extensive wine list complements the flavors of the dishes perfectly.
- Must-Try: Tandoori prawns, lamb chops, and saag paneer.
8. Thelewala
- Location: 112 Macdougal St, New York, NY 10012
- Price Range: $ (Affordable)
- Overview: For those looking for a quick bite, Thelewala offers street-style Indian food in a casual, counter-service setting. Inspired by the roadside eateries of Kolkata, this tiny restaurant serves up kathi rolls, chaats, and other Indian snacks that are perfect for a quick and flavorful meal on the go.
- Must-Try: Chicken kathi roll, aloo tikki chaat, and the spicy masala fries.
9. Dhaba
- Location: 108 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016
- Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
- Overview: Located in the heart of Curry Hill, Dhaba offers classic North Indian dishes with a focus on rich gravies and tandoori specialties. The vibrant and bustling atmosphere combined with an extensive menu makes Dhaba a great spot for families and large groups.
- Must-Try: Butter chicken, dal makhani, and lamb vindaloo.
10. Vatan
- Location: 409 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016
- Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
- Overview: Vatan is an all-vegetarian Indian restaurant offering a unique prix fixe menu that takes diners through a journey of Indian flavors. The thali-style meal includes a variety of appetizers, curries, breads, and desserts, all served in a traditional Indian setting. The cozy, vibrant ambiance and the diverse menu make Vatan a top choice for vegetarian diners.
- Must-Try: Full thali, puran poli, and homemade ice cream.
Conclusion New York City’s Indian restaurant scene offers something for every taste and budget. Whether you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience at Michelin-starred Junoon, or you’re craving street food-style snacks from Thelewala, the city has a diverse array of options. Explore these restaurants to indulge in the rich and varied flavors of Indian cuisine.
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