There was a time when Indian food in New York meant butter chicken and naan at a cosy Midtown spot. Not anymore.

Today, Indian restaurants in New York are redefining the city’s culinary landscape, from Michelin stars to moody cocktail pairings, regional thalis to fiery Andhra curries, NYC has it all. Indian cuisine has stepped into the limelight, refined, respected, and booked out weeks in advance.

Did you know? Bungalow served over 100,000 meals within just 110 days of opening its doors to food enthusiasts in March 2024.

Top 10 Indian restaurants in New York

Whether you're a homesick expat, an adventurous tourist, or a local with a love for bold flavours, this list rounds up the top 10 Indian restaurants in New York that capture the soul (and spice) of India, one plate at a time.

1. Semma, Greenwich Village

The taste of South India, reimagined.

Helmed by Chef Vijay Kumar and part of the Unapologetic Foods collective, Semma isn’t just an Indian restaurant in New York; it’s a cultural statement.

The menu dives deep into southern Indian home cooking with unapologetic spice levels and heritage techniques.

  • Must-try: Nattu Kozhi (Tamil-style chicken curry), Gunpowder Dosa
  • Ambience: Rustic-chic with banana leaf murals and earthy textures
  • Why go: It’s the only South Indian spot in NYC with a Michelin star (for good reason).

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2. Dhamaka, Lower East Side

“The other side of India” has never tasted this bold.

With meat sizzling on open flames and a playlist that’s as spicy as the food, Dhamaka is NYC’s rebellious take on lesser-known Indian regional fare.

Chef Chintan Pandya’s creations are a celebration of bold flavours from places rarely seen on menus, making it one of the best Indian restaurants in New York.

  • Must-try: Rajasthani Khargosh (rabbit curry), Champaran meat
  • Ambience: Loud, colourful, and confidently desi
  • Why go: It’s a reservation worth stalking Resy for.

3. Indian Accent, Midtown

Global finesse meets Indian flair.

Born in Delhi and now delighting NYC, Indian Accent is where modern plating meets traditional soul.

Here, progressive Indian cuisine plays with textures, flavours, and unexpected combinations that somehow feel nostalgic.

If you’re visiting the East Coast and want to eat at one of the best Indian restaurants in New York, Indian Accent should be on your list.

  • Must-try: Blue cheese naan, Meetha Achaar pork ribs
  • Ambience: Upscale and sleek, ideal for intimate dinners
  • Why go: For when you want Indian food to feel like a fine art experience.

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4. Junoon, Flatiron District

The OG fine-dining Indian restaurant in New York.

Michelin-starred and elegantly timeless, Junoon has been shaping perceptions of Indian cuisine in NYC for over a decade. Chef Akshay Bhardwaj blends age-old spice blends with French precision, and every dish sings with balance and depth.

  • Must-try: Ghost Chilli Murgh Tikka, Eggplant Chaat
  • Ambience: Lavish, moody, with plush interiors and open kitchen views
  • Why go: For elevated Indian classics with flawless execution.

5. Adda, Long Island City

Feels like a Delhi dhaba, if it had Brooklyn street cred.

Unfiltered, full of flavour, and proudly messy, Adda serves comfort food in its truest form. Think steel plates, bright Bollywood posters, and curries that could make a grown desi cry happy tears.

  • Must-try: Butter chicken, Keema Pau, Lucknowi Biryani
  • Ambience: Casual, vibrant, and deeply nostalgic
  • Why go: For the kind of food your mom would high-five.

6. GupShup, Gramercy

Glamorous Bombay meets New York swagger.

Missing the hustle and bustle of Mumbai? Then this Indian restaurant in New York should be on your list.

GupShup brings the energy of Mumbai’s social scene to NYC’s Gramercy Park. Founded by Mumbai-born restaurateur Jimmy Rizvi, it’s a mix of old Bollywood charm and contemporary Indian fusion.

  • Must-try: Truffle Khichdi, Lamb Seekh Tacos, creative cocktails
  • Ambience: Retro-luxe with neon signs and vintage film posters
  • Why go: Perfect for group dinners and stylish date nights.

7. Jazba, East Village

Where street food meets serious sophistication.

Jazba is one of the newer entrants in the Indian restaurant scene in New York. It is inspired by India’s legendary street food scene, from Kolkata rolls to Amritsari fried fish. But don’t mistake it for a casual joint, where every bite is layered, intentional, and elevated.

  • Must-try: Chilli Paneer, Rajma Galouti Sliders
  • Ambience: Eclectic, colourful, and full of youthful buzz
  • Why go: It’s the most fun you’ll have eating chaat in NYC.

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8. Chatti, Greenwich Village

Slow-cooked, soulful, and seriously authentic.

Named after the traditional clay pot, Chatti specialises in the nuanced flavours of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and beyond. Co-founded by the team behind Rahi and Biryani Bol, this spot is all about homestyle meals with heart.

  • Must-try: Kerala-style fish curry, Malabar parotta
  • Ambience: Warm, earthy, with copper utensils and coconut-laced aromas
  • Why go: It feels like a vacation to South India without the flight.

9. Bungalow, East Village

A tribute to Indian country clubs and history.

Bungalow, led by celebrity chef Vikas Khana in partnership with Jimmy Rizvi, received a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2024.

Dedicated to his late sister, chef Vikas plans to keep the restaurant operational for another 9 years.

After hosting guests like Mukesh Ambani and family, Shah Rukh Khan and other Hollywood celebrities, it deserves a spot on the list of the best Indian restaurants in New York.

  • Must-try: Smoked Sweet Potato Chaat, Shrimp Balchao cones, Anarkali Chicken and Mango Three Ways
  • Ambience: Independence-era bungalows decor, rich and warm, homely atmosphere
  • Why go: It combines culinary excellence, cultural nostalgia, and personal storytelling.

10. Baar Baar, East Village

Progressive Indian plates, poetic cocktails, and edgy vibes.

Baar Baar isn’t afraid to push the envelope. Chef Sujan Sarkar’s menu reads like a creative manifesto; you’ll find global techniques blended seamlessly with subcontinental soul.

With cocktails named after popular Bollywood movies, it should be on your list of the best Indian restaurants in New York.

  • Must-try: Tandoori Cauliflower, Duck Chettinad
  • Ambience: Industrial-chic with an edgy playlist
  • Why go: For bold flavour combos and a killer cocktail menu.

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Conclusion

From smoky tandoors to silky coconut curries, New York’s Indian food scene is no longer on the sidelines. It’s front and centre, sizzling with creativity and cultural pride. These ten spots offer more than just a meal; they serve up memories, roots, and reinvention.

So, whether you're craving home-style food or haute cuisine, this list has your next Indian fix covered. Trust us - these are the tables worth booking in advance.

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