The 5+ Best Indian Restaurants in New York

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One of the benefits of living in an ethnically diverse hub is having the opportunity to explore a variety of international specialties without ever having to update your passport. 

Is there a more flavorful cuisine than authentic Indian cuisine to satisfy your taste buds? From Manhattan to Staten Island, these six Best Indian Restaurants in New York are definitely worth trying.

The 6 Best Indian Restaurants in New York

From aromatic curries to freshly baked naans, our guide highlights the 6 best Indian restaurants in New York.

These establishments not only serve mouthwatering dishes but also offer a genuine taste of India's rich and varied food culture.

Whether you're craving a spicy vindaloo or a subtle biryani, these top picks will satiate your taste buds. Ready to embark on a flavorsome journey? Read on to discover where your next Indian feast awaits!

1. Paisley Restaurant

Located in Tribeca between Laight and Greenwich Streets, Paisley boasts the culinary talents of Michelin-star Chef Peter Beck — a familiar face amongst some of the best Indian restaurants in NYC, including Tamarind, Imli, and Chola.

Best Indian restaurants NYC Paisley

Beck draws from his experience working in restaurants in Delhi, Mumbai, and the Big Apple.

His knowledge of authentic eastern and southern Indian preparations — some recognizable, others a unique take on classics — make up an eclectic menu with equally-creative cocktails.

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are always available at this upscale Pan-Indian eatery.

2. Angel Indian Restaurant

Vegetarians will delight when stopping by Angel in the Jackson Heights neighborhood in Queens. Although the restaurant itself is not much to look at, its menu of flavorful Punjabi favorites will keep you hooked.

Angel Indian restaurant

For instance, half the menu comprises plant-based offerings such as a traditional aloo gobi and a vegetable dum biryani — a pie without the goat packed with a steaming assortment of veggies, paneer cheese, and saffron and ginger aromatics.

In a neighborhood home to one of the largest Indian populations in NYC — Jackson Heights' Asian immigrant population was 27,600 in 2020 — there's no doubt you'll devour the authentic Indian food Angel serves up.

3. Tamarind in New York

Tamarind NYC Indian restaurant

If you live in NYC and enjoy classy Indian dining, you've probably heard of Tamarind. Expect its sophisticated menu of northern Indian specialties to come with a not-so-delicious bill, as Tamarind can make for a pretty expensive night out.

Initially located in the Flatiron District, Tamarind now brings Michelin-star culinary prestige to the trendy Tribeca neighborhood. They serve up cosmopolitan Indian dishes that lend themselves to the country's diverse cuisine.

This restaurant is the perfect place for lunch with colleagues, dinner with the parents, or celebrating special occasions. Tamarind is also an excellent date night spot for couples looking to try someplace new and liven up their relationship.

However, parents with younger children should hire a babysitter for the evening if they plan to dine here. The restaurant has a strict policy in which guests must be at least eight years old to be seated.

4. Clove Indian Restaurant

Clove Best Indian Restaurants in New York

With brick-lined walls and an L-shaped dining room, Clove is a comfortable, cozy restaurant to enjoy classic Indian dishes with some newly-interpreted items.

Located uptown across the street from City College in Harlem, Clove's wide range of menu offerings is most remarkable.

For those craving Indian food in the comfort of their apartment, Clove prides itself on its fast delivery service. Customers are often quite satisfied with portion sizes and quality.

If you're uptown, it's a good idea to stop at this restaurant which is sure to serve up the most mouthwatering curries, tandoori, naans, and vegetarian samosa you've ever eaten. Also, be sure to try one of their signature cocktails.

5. Punjabi Grocery and Deli

Some might agree that there's Indian food — and then there's Punjabi Grocery and Deli. Don't expect fancy aesthetics or high-end Pan-Indian infusions at this no-frills Lower East Side hot spot, though.

You can find Punjabi Grocery and Deli on the north end of Houston Street, where it's been since the early 1990s. If you live nearby, you've undoubtedly heard of it. Those who frequently visit this Indian eatery know it's simply irreplaceable.

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You could fall in love with the food even if you only stop for sweet and sticky Gulab jamun or opt for Aloo Tikki Chaat, a popular Indian street snack.

Perhaps even better, you can't beat the menu prices in an expensive place like NYC. Punjabi Grocery and Deli doesn't accept credit cards, so make sure you bring cash.

IG: Punjabi Grocery and Deli

Address: 114 E 1st St, New York, NY 10009, United States

6. Taste of India II

Taste of India II in NYC

Staten Island may be known as the "forgotten borough," but that's everyone else's loss because it's home to Taste of India II — one of the best Indian restaurants in NYC.

Taste of India II has delivered refined fine dining to Staten Island for 32 years. This restaurant serves a delicious selection of classic Indian dishes and savory modified offerings to accommodate various dietary restrictions.

The never-ending menu makes Taste of India II an excellent choice for someone who's never tried Indian food or for those eager to taste a blend of new ingredients in their favorite dishes.

Enjoy Eating Indian Food and Indian Cuisine at These NYC Indian Eateries

There are thousands of excellent spots to choose the best Indian restaurants in NYC from across all five boroughs.

Love pear chutney, bhel puri, tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, paneer tikka, butter chicken, tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala, vegetarian dishes, chana masala, and other Indian dishes?

Consult this list for outstanding Indian restaurants. Whether you're in the mood for a fine dining experience or some Indian street food, you can find it all in NYC.

If you're looking for the best Indian street food and Indian restaurants in NYC, you can't go wrong with any of these six popular locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Indian chef has a Michelin star in New York?

Chef Vijay Kumar is the culinary talent behind Semma, the only Indian restaurant in New York to receive a Michelin star in 2022.

Located in the south end of the West Village, Semma specializes in South Indian cuisine and has quickly become a hotspot for the Indian diaspora in the city.

Which celebrity owned Indian restaurants in NYC?

Sona, owned by Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, is a celebrity-owned Indian restaurant in New York City.

Opened in March 2021, it's located in the Flat Iron district and offers a modern twist on traditional Indian flavors.

Celebrities like Mindy Kaling, Sophie Turner, and Kal Penn are often spotted dining there.

Where do Indian people live in NYC?

The New York City area boasts the largest Indian American population in the U.S.

Specifically, the Manhattan neighborhoods of Rose Hill and Murray Hill, between 25th and 30th streets, are commonly referred to as Curry Hill due to the prevalent Indian food scene.

Hermillis H.
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