The Best Indian Restaurants in New York - Our Favourite Places to Eat in Gotham
Okay, so when you think of great Indian food, it’s safe to say that New York’s unlikely to be one of the first destinations that springs to mind. But while NYC might be more famed for its cheese-laden pizza and apple pie that it is or it's delicious curries, if you look hard enough you can also find some A-grade Indian food here as well.
All over New York City there are excellent Indian restaurants, each serving up some of the best South Asian food outside of India. Here we take a look at some of the best of them, so the next time you’re in the Big Apple you aren’t caught short and you know exactly where to head for some top-quality Indian cuisine.
Tamarind Tribeca
One of the best options for diners looking to treat their palate to some excellent Indian food is Tamarind Tribeca, a spin-off branch from the Michelin-starred restaurant of the same name that was once based in Flatiron.
Owner Avtar, who came to the USA 30 years ago, has retained every ounce of passion he brought with him all those years ago, and on any given night he can be seen tending to his guests and ensuring the service maintains its usual flawless standard.
The restaurant places a strong emphasis on fine dining, with the chefs looking to blend all of the traditional flavours of India with the trendy surroundings of its Tribeca home - this is Indian food with a difference.
It’s worth noting that they don’t allow children to dine here, so if you're with the kids you’d better opt for somewhere else on this list.
Indian Accent
If standard, run-of-the-mill Indian cuisine is what you’re after then you might want to give Indian Accent a miss as this trendy place is probably not the place for you.
However, if it’s fine dining and food that incorporates all of the traditional flavours of India while blending them with progressive, contemporary cooking that you’re looking for, then make your way to Indian Accent as you’ve found your spot.
While this Midtown West-located eatery has only been open for a few short years, the owners are by no means new to the restaurant industry; the New York branch is one of a trio of establishments - the other two based in London and New Delhi - that are featured on the acclaimed S. Pellegrino list of the world’s best restaurants, so you know your taste buds are in for a treat when you book a table here.
Indian Accent offers a truly inventive approach to Indian cuisine and although this high standard naturally comes with a hefty price tag, believe us when we say every mouthful is worth it!
Junoon
Situated in the up-market Chelsea area of Manhattan, it’s no surprise that this restaurant is on the upper-end of the luxury scale. However, even in these swanky surroundings Junoon has managed to distinguish itself, becoming the only Indian restaurant in the city to currently hold a Michelin star.
Junoon’s menu covers all regions of India, employing traditional Indian cookery methods you’ll have come across such as tandoor and handi pot cooking, as well as more specialized and unique techniques such as the patthar dishes, which are cooked on stone, giving the meat a distinctive flavour.
While Junoon has a Michelin star, don’t let that put you off if you’re budget is running low - the restaurant is very affordable - particularly for a fine dining establishment - and most main courses are priced at just $30, which is an absolute steal compared to most upper-end joints in NYC!
Ganesh Temple Canteen
If all of the above is a little too fancy and you’re just looking for some good old authentic and hearty Indian grub then Ganesh Temple Canteen in Flushing is the place to be.
While the decor at this simple-yet-charming restaurant might not project the glamour of its predecessors on this list, the food is another story. Serving up fiery, traditional Indian food with more kick than a thoroughbred racehorse - as well as a number of options for vegetarians - one thing Ganesh Temple Canteen has over its rivals is affordability; you can get your fill for as little as $10, making it by far the best value for money we could find.
Based in a Hindu house of worship, the restaurant is often filled with people who have just finished with their prayers, which only serves to add to the charm and authenticity of this delightful little establishment.
This guest post was written by Anna Mumford at newyorkweekendbreaks.com, a travel blogger with a passion for NYC who offers travel tips and guides to all the best things to see and do in the Empire state.
