The Indian subcontinent offers a cuisine as diverse as its culture, and New York City is home to some of the best Indian restaurants (even better than London, yes!).
Quick Recommendations: Masalawala & Sons and Semma
From authentic South Indian fare to elevated and creative North Indian classics, the following best Indian restaurants in NYC are totally worth the hype.
1. Masalawala & Sons
Masalawala & Sons in New York is renowned for its exceptional Indian cuisine, particularly from Kolkata and West Bengal. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere is enhanced by a colorful mural.
Notable dishes include the Dahi Vada, with its perfect blend of creamy yogurt and spices, and the traditional Bengali Kosha Mangsho, a mutton curry slow-cooked to perfection. Complement these dishes with Chapati or Ghee Bhat for a complete meal.
What to order: Dahi Vada, Kosha Mangsho, Chapati, Ghee Bhat, Daab Chingri
Address: 365 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215
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2. Saar
Saar, led by Michelin-starred Chef Hemant Mathur, offers a fusion of Indian street food and home-cooked dishes. The restaurant features a modern, colorful setting, reflecting India’s multicultural influence.
Must-tries include the flavorful Biryani, available with chicken, goat, or jackfruit, and the Cochin Black Pepper Chicken. Their Tandoori Lamb Chops, known for being succulent and perfectly spiced, are a highlight.
What to order: Biryani, Cochin Black Pepper Chicken, Tandoori Lamb Chops, Moong Dal Halwa
Address: 241 W 51st Street, New York, NY 10019
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3. Semma
Semma in West Village truly lives up to its name, meaning “fantastic,” by offering a journey through Southern Indian cuisine. They provide a diverse menu with different portion sizes. Start with the Eral Thokku, featuring tiger prawns, and move on to the Attu Kari Sukka for perfectly cooked lamb. For a hearty meal, the Valiya Chemmeen Moilee with lobster tail is an excellent choice.
What to order: Eral Thokku, Attu Kari Sukka, Valiya Chemmeen Moilee
Address: 60 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
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4. Delhi Heights
Delhi Heights is a unique Indian-Nepali/Chinese restaurant with a cozy, intimate vibe, perfect for a date night. Their Samosa Chaat, featuring crispy samosa shells in chana masala, and Palak Paneer, a classic spinach-based gravy with soft cheese, are highly recommended. These dishes, with their perfect blend of flavors and textures, showcase the restaurant’s culinary diversity.
What to order: Samosa Chaat, Palak Paneer, Chicken Tikka Masala, Steamed Beef Momos, Mokthuk
Address: 3766 74th Street, Queens, NY 11372
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5. Junoon
Junoon offers fine dining with a modern twist on traditional Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s intimate space is complemented by elegant decor. The Eggplant Chaat and Tellicherry Duck stand out for their unique flavors and textures. Also, don’t miss the Ghost Chili Murgh Tikka for a fiery yet balanced dish, with a smoked coconut-carrot puree to offset the heat.
What to order: Eggplant Chaat, Tellicherry Duck, Ghost Chili Murgh Tikka, Chef’s Tasting Menu
Address: 19 W 24th Street, New York, NY 10010
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6. Adda
Adda specializes in regional Indian home cooking, offering traditional dishes in a bright and casual setting. Their Dahi Batata Puri is a flavor-packed snack, and the Amul Cheese & Chili Naan paired with Dilliwala Butter Chicken is a must-try. This combination of creamy, spicy, and complex flavors makes Adda a standout dining destination.
What to order: Dahi Batata Puri, Amul Cheese & Chili Naan, Dilliwala Butter Chicken, Lucknow Dum Biryani
Address: 31-31 Thompson Avenue, Queens, NY 11101
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7. Seva
Seva in Astoria provides a welcoming dining experience with a diverse menu at affordable prices. Their 3-Course Prix Fixe meal is a great value. The Vegetable and Chicken Samosas are crispy and well-seasoned, while the Chicken Tikka Masala offers a milder taste. For those who enjoy heat, the Green Chili Chicken with its spicy ginger-garlic sauce is a perfect choice.
What to order: Vegetable Samosa, Chicken Samosa, Butternut Squash Soup, Chicken Tikka Masala, Green Chili Chicken, Saag Paneer
Address: 34-11 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103
8. Indian Accent
At Indian Accent in New York, Chef Manish Mehrotra elevates classic Indian dishes, offering a contemporary twist. The restaurant’s modern and elegant ambiance suits both date nights and corporate luncheons.
Must-try dishes include the Potato Sphere Chaat, with its perfect blend of spices and textures, and the Ghee Roast Lamb, known for its tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality. The Butter Chicken Kulcha and Wild Mushroom Kulcha also stand out, offering a unique take on traditional Indian bread.
What to order: Potato Sphere Chaat, Ghee Roast Lamb, Butter Chicken Kulcha, Wild Mushroom Kulcha, Makhan Malai
Address: 123 W 56th Street, New York, NY 10019
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9. Temple Canteen
Hidden within a Hindu temple’s basement, Temple Canteen is a gem known for exceptional South Indian cuisine in NYC. This cafeteria-style eatery’s bright atmosphere attracts diverse patrons.
The Masala Dosa, with its crispy texture and spicy potato filling, is a highlight, especially when accompanied by Sambar and Coconut Chutney. Adding a Vada to your meal, a savory, crispy, and fluffy fritter, completes the authentic South Indian dining experience.
What to order: Masala Dosa, Mysore Masala, Butter Masala, Vada, Madras Coffee
Address: 143-09 Holly Avenue, Flushing, NY 11355
10. Dosa Royale
From its origins as a small stall, Dosa Royale in New York has grown into a trendy venue for South Indian cuisine. Their menu, rich in traditional favorites, includes the Rava Masala, a semolina dosa filled with aromatic herbs and curried potato.
The Mixed Veggie Uttapam offers a thicker, pancake-style alternative, while the Chennai Fish, a spicy and tangy curry, is perfect with plain white rice.
What to order: Rava Masala, Mixed Veggie Uttapam, Chennai Fish curry
Address: 258 Dekalb Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205
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11. Veeray da Dhaba
Veeray da Dhaba in New York offers a casual, inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy dhaba-style Punjabi food. Their menu includes delectable dishes like Punjabi Kadi and Amritsari Macchi, both deep-fried and flavorful.
The Goat Biryani, with its unique bone-in goat flavor, and the Lamb Saag, rich in spinach and aromatic spices, are dishes that truly embody the essence of Punjabi cuisine.
What to order: Punjabi Kadi, Amritsari Macchi, Goat Biryani, Lamb Saag
Address: 222 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10009
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12. GupShup
GupShup in NYC stands out for its innovative Indian fare and Bombay-inspired ambiance. Their Paneer Cheese Rolls, light and complemented by coriander pesto, are a delight, especially when dipped in chili mango chutney.
The Butter Chicken Wings, an inventive twist on a classic, are irresistibly creamy and rich. For mushroom enthusiasts, the Himalayan Morels dish offers a simple yet profound mix of flavors.
What to order: Paneer Cheese Rolls, Butter Chicken Wings, Himalayan Morels, Pulled Jackfruit Taco
Address: 115 E 18th Street, New York, NY 10003
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13. Sathi
Sathi’s homestyle Indian and Himalayan kitchen in New York is known for delivering comforting flavors in a family-friendly setting. Their Chicken Tikka Kebab, grilled to juicy perfection, makes for an excellent appetizer.
For vegans, the Pakora offers a delightful start. The restaurant’s Tikka Masala is renowned city-wide, and the Lamb Vindaloo caters to those who prefer a spicy kick, best enjoyed with a choice of Naan.
What to order: Chicken Tikka Kebab, Paneer/Chicken/Lamb Tikka Masala, Lamb Vindaloo
Address: 216 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10003
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When it comes to the food scene in New York, it isn’t fair for Manhattan to steal the spotlight when there is also Brooklyn. Yes, there are a lot of exciting places to try in this highly populated borough of NYC.
So, of course, we did the research on the best Brooklyn restaurants for you to feast in.
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