Your Guide To New York City's Best Indian Restaurants For A Spicy Treat (2024)

Indian cuisine has delighted the world with its spices and flavours like Dal Makhani, Masala Dosa, Vindaloo, and Butter Chicken becoming favourites far beyond India’s borders. Travellers can find a taste of these beloved dishes at Indian restaurants in most bustling cities around the world, and New York City is no exception! Keeping the desire for desi flavours in mind, we have shortlisted the best Indian restaurants in New York City (NYC) to satisfy your need for spice and curry.

New York City, the iconic ‘City of Dreams’, is a global hub where diverse cultures converge, leading to a food scene that features a staggering variety of cuisines across its five boroughs. Indian food holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of New Yorkers, making the city home to some of the most celebrated Indian restaurants in the world.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to budget-friendly joints, we list the most iconic Indian restaurants in New York. These establishments not only serve the classics but also help foodies discover underrated Indian dishes and fusion innovations that are bound to increase the passion for the cuisine.

Best Indian restaurants in New York City

Semma

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The only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in New York City, Semma is bringing the best of regional South Indian cuisine to the city. Chef Vijay Kumar highlights the diversity in the flavours of his home state, Tamil Nadu, thoroughly enjoyed by patrons. The restaurant showcases authentic Indian cooking that brings a sense of nostalgia and surprise through its innovative dishes. The people behind Semma are also known for launching other Indian restaurants like Dhamaka and Adda.

Timings: 5 pm to 10 pm

Address: 60 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011, United States.

What to try: Mulaikattiya Thaniyam, Attu Kari Sukka, Gunpowder Dosa and Valiya Chemmeen Moilee.

Google Rating: 4.2 (940 reviews)

Website: Semma

Dhamaka

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Awarded the Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide, Dhamaka is true to its name, offering an explosion of flavours on the plate. The food is spicy, daring and traditional, with Chef Chintan Pandya showcasing “the forgotten side of India” through its finite but impressive menu. There are some extravagant dishes, like the Rajasthani Khargosh, that require a 48-hour preorder, so it is best to be prepared about what one wants at Dhamaka.

Timings: 5 pm to 10 pm

Address: 119 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002, United States.

What to try: Gurda Kapoora, Chapli Kebab, Rajasthani Khargosh and Butter Pepper Garlic Crab.

Google Rating: 3.9 (1,086 reviews)

Website: Dhamaka

Temple Canteen

Also known as the Ganesh Temple Canteen, this rustic and humble eatery is located in the basem*nt of Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam Temple. While several devotees drop by to enjoy sumptuous vegetarian meals, its delicious taste has gained popularity in the US, with reviews from the likes of Anthony Bourdain and Padma Lakshmi after enjoying the best dosa meal in the city. Its budget-friendly menu, with dishes starting as low as USD 4, and simple, sumptuous food is what amazes locals and tourists.

Timings: 8:30 am to 9 pm

Address: 143-09 Holly Ave, Queens, NY 11355, United States.

What to try: Pondicherry Masala Dosa, Onion Chili Uttapam and Besibele Bhath.

Google Rating: 4.6 (1,648 reviews)

Website: Temple Canteen

Hyderabadi Zaiqa

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The Hyderabadi Zaiqa’s vast North Indian selection caters to all cravings, whether for biryani, tandoori, chaat or Indo-Chinese. Chef MD Tarique Khan, who was once part of the dynamic team of Priyanka Chopra‘s SONA, has led this new eatery to bring authentic Indian food without the bells and whistles. It is an excellent take-out and delivery option, as the tiny restaurant offers limited seating. While a lot is on the menu, they are best known for their flavourful biryanis.

Timings: 11:30 am to 10 pm

Address: 366 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019, United States.

What to try: Goat Fry Biryani, Chicken Vepudu, Malabar Shrimp and Chettinad Chicken.

Google Rating: 4.6 (306 reviews)

Website: Hyderabadi Zaiqa

Tamarind

This fine-dining Indian restaurant in New York once held a Michelin Star, specialising in lip-smacking North Indian food! The glamorous ambience and indulgent menu have been making foodies happy for over a decade. Tamarind was once a celebrity favourite, too, and Taylor Swift, Richard Gere, Bruce Willis, Robert de Niro, and Mindy Kaling have all enjoyed a meal here.

Timings: 11:30 am to 3:00 pm, and 5:30 pm to 11:30 pm.

Address:99 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013, United States

What to try: Lobster Masala, Kolambi Pola, Nizami Keema and Malai Halibut.

Google Rating: 4.6 (306 reviews)

Website: Tamarind

Kanyakumari

Promising a culinary journey from Mumbai to Kanyakumari, this Indian restaurant in New York captures the flavours of the South Indian states by highlighting a select few regional specialities with a unique twist. The fine-dining restaurant is owned by Chef Salil Mehta, the man behind the first Michelin-starred Malaysian restaurant in New York (Laut), bringing the same zest and passion to Indian seafood delicacies.

Timings: 5:00 pm to 10:30/11 pm, and only brunch on weekends from 12:30 pm to 3 pm.

Address: 20 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, United States.

What to try: Thayir Sadam Bonda (from Tamil Nadu), Babygoat Donne Biryani (from Bangalore) and Amma Mess Fish Curry (from Kozhikode).

Google Rating: 4.5 (144 reviews)

Website: Kanyakumari

Indian Accent

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Chef Manish Mehrotra‘s celebrated Indian Accent is in New York too. The restaurant is famous for its unique take on the presentation and flavours of Indian classics. The menu differs from its Delhi and Mumbai locations, showcasing culinary innovation and the finest flavours of India for the international palate.

Timings: 12 pm to 2 pm, and 5 pm to 10 pm.

Address: Thompson Central Park New York, by Hyatt, 123 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019, United States.

What to try: Makhan Malai, Sweet Pickle Ribs, Ghee Roast Lamb, Sweet Potato Shakarkandi and Ghee Roast Lamb

Google Rating: 4.4 (1,519 reviews)

Website: Indian Accent

Junoon

Founded by Chef Vikas Khanna and restauranteur Rajesh Bhardwaj, Junoon is another modern Indian gourmet restaurant in New York City. It won the Michelin Star and a Wine Spectator Best Award for eight years in a row since 2010. The wine programme is well-designed and carefully paired with the striking flavours of Indian cuisine.

Timings: 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm from Monday to Thursday; 11:45 am to 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm to 10/10:30 pm from Friday to Sunday.

Address: 19 W 24th St, New York, NY 10010, United States.

What to try: Tuna Puchka, Tree Of Life, Tellicherry Duck and Kodava Mushroom.

Google Rating: 4.3 (3,379 reviews)

Website: Junoon

Adda

The power team behind Semma and Dhamaka also have theAdda Indian Canteen, creating a casual dining space for Indian cuisine. Emulating the idea of an adda – a place to hang out with friends – the restaurant’s cosy atmosphere and the comfort of spicy Indian classics attract foodies in NYC.

Timings: 5 pm to 9 pm from Tuesday to Sunday, and 12 pm to 3 pm on Saturday-Sunday.

Address: 31-31 Thomson Ave, Queens, NY 11101, United States.

What to try: Dahi Batata Puri, Lucknowi Dum Biryani and Tandoori Macchi.

Google Rating: 4.2 ( 986 reviews)

Website: Adda

Angel

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With food as the star of the show, Angel Indian Restaurant is renowned for bringing authentic desi classics without the frills. Run by Chef Amrit Pal Singh (part of the founding team of Adda), this small BYOB establishment is loved by patrons of lip-smacking Indian food.

Timings: 12 pm to 10 pm.

Address: 7414 37th Rd, Queens, NY 11372, United States.

What to try: Lotus Root Kofta, Paneer Khurchan and Vegetable Dum Biryani.

Google Rating: 4.8 ( 3,273 reviews)

Website: Angel

Saar Indian Bistro

Located right in Times Square, Saar Indian Bistro was founded by Chef Hemant Mathur, the first Indian chef in the US to earn a Michelin star, and his wife, Chef Surbhi Sahni. Known for serving authentic desi food, Saar is an eccentric Indian restaurant in New York inspired by Chef Mathur’s hometown, Jaipur.

Timings: 12 pm to 10 pm

Address: 241 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019, United States.

What to try: Lassoni Kebab, Palak Aur Tamatar Chaat and Lemon Saffron Scallops.

Google Rating: 4.4 ( 1,088 reviews)

Website: Saar Indian Bistro

Bengal Tiger

Another casual Indian restaurant in New York, Bengal Tiger is a beloved BYOB spot for spicy, comforting and authentic food. The menu serves popular favourites like Chicken Tikka Masala, Paneer Makhani and Malai Kofta that locals enjoy.

Timings: 11:30 am to 3 pm and 5 pm to 10 pm (on weekdays); 12 pm to 10 pm (on weekends).

Address: 234 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019, United States.

What to try: Chicken Tikka Masala, Aloo Gobh Mattar and Lamb Vindaloo.

Google Rating: 4.5 ( 2,123 reviews)

Website: Bengal Tiger

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(Feature image credit: Bengal Tiger)

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