19 Best Indian Restaurants In NYC For Flavor-Filled Dishes (2024)

Thanks to NYC’s melting pot of cultures, people, and of course food, it’s no shock that we have some of the most delectable cuisine from all over the world, including South Asia. New York is one of the foremost destinations for authentic Indian food in North America, boasting all sorts of flavors and styles found all over the city. From Michelin star restaurants to small family-owned establishments, you can truly find it all! To make it easy, we put together a list of the best Indian restaurants in NYC for when you’re craving an amazing curry or a nice tikka masala.

1. Dhamaka, LES

Dhamaka is a fun Indian eatery in the Lower East Side that specializes in highlighting cuisine from the lesser-known regions of India. Developed by chef Chintan Pandya and restauranteur Roni Mazumdar, the creative menu allows visitors to experience traditional Indian cooking from a unique perspective. Their Chicken Pulao is a crowd favorite, a recipe made with garam masala, ghee, and basmati rice.

Where: 119 Delancey St

2. Adda, LIC

Adda in Queens is a worthwhile trek if you’re looking for some freshly home-cooked Indian food. Each meal is prepared with care here, thanks to their incredible dedication to their culture. Their menu is inspired by Mumbai and other Indian regions, and is moderately sized, packed with appetizers, meat chops, curries and more. What we really recommend though is ordering one of their biryanis that come served with basmati rice! Pair it with one of their flavored naan breads or cheese-covered cauliflower plates and your mouth will surely be watering!

Where: 31-31 Thompson Ave, Queens

3. Punjabi Grocery and Deli, East Village

The Punjabi Grocery and Deli is a famous counter-service restaurant in the East Village that serves Indian food and snacks. This no-frills hole in the wall spot has been a staple of Houston Street since the early 90s and offers some of the most authentic Indian cooking in the city. Popular dishes include their chana masala, samosa chaat, and gulab jumun (a soft, ball-shaped dessert). Plus, they even sell Bollywood videos, making it among the best Indian places in NYC when you’re seeking a full cultural experience.

Where: 114 E 1st St

4. Indian Accent, Midtown

Indian Accent is an upscale Indian restaurant located in the Thompson Central Park Hotel in midtown Manhattan. The restaurant prides itself on taking a creative approach to Indian cuisine by incorporating the atmosphere and flavors of fine dining while maintaining the integrity of traditional Indian cuisine. The restaurant offers prix fixe menus and wine pairings, all curated by head chef Manish Mehrotra.

Where: 123 W 56th Street

5. Indika House, Bushwick

Indika House is a Bushwick hidden gem that has a massive menu, making it difficult to choose every time you order! The restaurant’s interior is beautifully decked out in Indian murals of elephants and the Taj Mahal, giving an authentic feel every time you walk through the door. The food options range from common dishes to niche offerings. You’re able to find classic Indian meals like chicken or lamb curry and chicken tika masala or try something unique like their chicken gassi or gobi manchurian. They also have an unbeatable appetizer, bread, and entree deal that you should take advantage of!

Where: 943 Broadway, Brooklyn

6. GupShup, Gramercy

GupShup is the perfect Indian restaurant/co*cktail bar combination you never knew you needed! Inspired by Bombay, this spot focuses on combining traditional Indian flavors with contemporary techniques and a modern flair. Their name literally means “chitchat” or “hanging out,” and this is certainly the atmosphere you’ll find at this local hangout. Plus, their vibrant and bright interior space is surrounded with hand-painted murals, chandeliers, and photography that will have you constantly turning your neck in admiration! Be sure to stop in and grab a speciality co*cktail and a signature Indian entree (like the tasty Delhi butter chicken).

Where: 115 E 18th St

7. Bengal Tiger, Midtown

Bengal Tiger is a casual Indian restaurant in Midtown that offers an impressive selection of classic Indian dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options. They offer a 3-course, prix fixe menu for a set price or à la carte options. Their vegetable samosa is a crowd favorite, which is a pea and potato turnover. Bengal Tiger is the perfect casual lunch or dinner spot for those who want classic Indian dishes that are moderately priced.

Where: 58 W 56th St

8. Spice Symphony, Midtown East

Spice Symphony is a modern Indian restaurant with hints of Chinese influence located in the San Carlos Hotel in Midtown East. This restaurant offers a wide range of dishes made with traditional Indian flavors and spices that borrow from Chinese cooking techniques. Their menu includes items like American chop suey, a crispy noodle dish featuring vegetable juliennes and sweet and sour sauce, and a General Tso’s chicken made with Indian flavors.

Where: 150 E 50th St

9. Junoon, NoMad

Junoon is a Michelin-starred restaurant in NoMad that specializes in Indian cuisine. Led by NYC restauranteur Rajesh Bhardwaj, Junoon was founded to meld the flavors of traditional Indian cuisine with modern gastronomic delights. The restaurant is famous for its extensive wine list, as well as its unique, upscale dishes like its lobster moile. We must warn you though that Junoon is on the pricier side, and they have an upscale yet casual dress code.

Where: 19 W 24th St

10. Seva, Astoria

We may be biased, but Seva is one of our favorite Indian restaurants in Queens, and maybe even in NYC. Their 3 course prix meal for $20.95 (includes appetizer, entree and dessert) simply can’t be beat in terms of the quality and proportions. Plus, they even have lunch combos every day for only $12.95! Their menu has over 20 entree options (with vegetarian and vegan options!) and they have a solid list of sweet treats and breads too. So grab some friends or bring some family and order up one of our favorite items, the lamb vindaloo and the chicken tikki masala!

Where: 34-11 30th Ave, Queens

11. Saar, Midtown

Saar is an Indian restaurant near Times Square that boasts modern Indian cuisine and a full bar. Led by husband and wife team Hermant Mathur and Surbhi Sahni, Saar offers a good blend of comfort and fine dining. The menu features a mix of traditional Indian cooking and street cuisine, including influences from British, French, and Jewish culinary techniques. They are known for delectable dishes like their cauliflower latkes and chicken saag.

Where: 241 W 51st St

12. Dosa Royale, Clinton Hill

Thiru Rajamani, Dosa Royale’s owner has quite the history in the culinary space. Reigning from Chennai, India, he’s spent the last 10+ years mastering the art of food in NYC. After working in an Italian restaurant in the East Village for years, then finally opening his own Indian food stand at Brooklyn Flee, he finally opened Dosa Royale, which been pleasantly serving up artisanal Indian cuisine in Carroll Gardens ever since. As the name suggests, you’re going to want to order one of their dosas (our favorite is the rava masala)! If this doesn’t sound interesting, they have plenty of curries, kebabs, and more, thanks to their South Indian-focused menu.

Where: 258 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn

13. Vatan, Kips Bay

Vatan is an Indian restaurant in Kips Bay that offers only vegetarian options. The restaurant specializes in flavors that come from the Gujarat region of India and features unique décor such as hand-painted tables, a thatched roof, and a 20-foot-tall banyan tree. Vatan is among the best Indian restaurants in NYC for vegetarians and features an all-you-can-eat menu that includes distinctive dishes like curried moong beans and kheer – a rice pudding with dried fruit.

Where: 409 3rd Ave

14. Tamarind Tribeca, Tribeca

Tamarind is an upscale Indian restaurant in Tribeca that features traditional Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist. This Michelin-starred restaurant is famous for their mouthwatering Lobster Marsala which features sh*take mushrooms, chopped onions, garlic, and white wine reduction. The perfect combination of classic Indian flavors and spices with East Coast seafood!

Where: 99 Hudson Street

15. Tandoori Place, The Bronx

Tandoori Place in The Bronx is a laidback Indian spot that also offers many halal options. Their Asian-fused dishes are made freshly with the best ingredients and are extremely filling! Their menu consists of Indian classics like curries, kebabs, healthy kati rolls and wraps, wings, biryani, mango lassi, and so much more. What we recommend though (which their name suggests) is ordering one of their Tandoori Specials. Our favorites are the Special Lamb Bihari and Tandoori Chicken in particular. Plus, they have breads, vegetarian options and so much more! If you’re in the Bronx you should definitely stop by.

Where: 2146 Starling Ave, The Bronx

16. Chola, Midtown

Chola is a restaurant offering innovative Indian cuisine that highlights food from the Indian coastline. They offer a variety of classic Indian dishes including samosas, curries, and vindaloo dishes. Some of their most popular plates include the saag aloo, the daal makhani, and their goat curry. Chola is perfect for those in search of upscale Indian cuisine in a casual, laidback environment. Their menu is focused on seafood but also offers vegan and vegetarian options as well.

Where: 232 E 58th St

17. Usha Foods, Queens

Located in Floral Park, Queens, Usha Foods is an NYC staple that offers vegetarian snacks and Indian fast food. The casual eatery features an affordable menu of classic Indian treats and dishes made with the finest ingredients. The generous portion sizes make it easy to sample new dishes and share them with friends, so you can get a taste of just about everything! Their 3-course prix fixe menu includes appetizers, an entrée, and dessert. Al la carte options are also available, including vegetarian dishes and meat-focused options.

Where: 255-03 Hillside Ave, Queens

18. THELEwala, Greenwich Village

Last on our list is THELEwala, a street-food focused Indian spot in Greenwich Village who’s name translates to “a simple, delicious and home-style meal that is hearty and satisfying.” This is exactly what you’ll get! Their menu is mainly nizami rolls and chaats that range in flavor and spiciness. Their counter-style restaurant is open til 2 am during the week and 5 am on the weekends, making it the perfect spot for when you have that particular craving.

Where: 112 MacDougal Street

19. Jazba, East Village

From the incredible team behind the aforementioned Junoon, Jazba is setting out to bring India’s roadside eateries and hawker culture to NYC. And don’t sleep on their co*cktail menu! It highlights Indian flavors with Chikmagalur coffee, Banarasi Paan, Peepli Pepper from Meghalaya and more.

Where: 207 2nd Avenue, New York