New York City is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene reflects that diversity like no other. Among the city’s endless culinary offerings, Indian cuisine holds a special place. From fragrant curries and sizzling tandoori platters to delicate dosas and rich biryanis, NYC’s Indian restaurants deliver both authenticity and creativity. Whether you’re after fine dining in a chic setting or a late-night spot serving home-style comfort food, there’s something here for every craving.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 Indian restaurants in New York, each with its own style, atmosphere, and signature dishes.
1. Junoon
Location: 19 W 24th St, New York, NY 10010
Junoon is a Michelin-starred gem that has long been a favorite for upscale Indian dining in NYC. The interior is modern and sophisticated, but the soul of the food is deeply rooted in tradition. Junoon’s kitchen celebrates the five key cooking techniques of Indian cuisine—tandoor, sigri, tawa, handi, and patthar.
Famous Dishes:
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Lamb Rogan Josh – Slow-cooked lamb in a Kashmiri spiced sauce.
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Tandoori Octopus – A unique blend of coastal and tandoori flavors.
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Dal Junoon – Creamy black lentils simmered for over 24 hours.
2. Tamarind
Location: 99 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013
Tamarind offers a refined dining experience with an emphasis on Northern Indian cuisine. Known for its impeccable service and elegantly plated dishes, it’s a go-to for business lunches and special occasions.
Famous Dishes:
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Chicken Tikka Masala – Smoky tandoor chicken in a rich tomato cream sauce.
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Goan Shrimp Curry – A coconut-based curry with a gentle tang.
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Lamb Biryani – Aromatic basmati rice layered with marinated lamb and saffron.
3. Dhamaka
Location: Essex Market, 88 Essex St, New York, NY 10002
Bold, unapologetic, and vibrant—Dhamaka has taken NYC by storm with its “forgotten dishes” from regional India. The restaurant celebrates the rustic and home-style recipes rarely seen in Indian restaurants abroad.
Famous Dishes:
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Champaran Meat – Goat slow-cooked in whole garlic and mustard oil.
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Rajasthani Khargosh – Spicy rabbit curry with deep, earthy flavors.
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Beguni – Eggplant fritters with green chili chutney.
4. Indian Accent
Location: 123 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
Indian Accent blends innovation with tradition, delivering modern Indian cuisine in a sleek, cosmopolitan space. It’s perfect for diners seeking something beyond the familiar curry-and-naan routine.
Famous Dishes:
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Blue Cheese Naan – Soft bread with a surprisingly perfect pairing.
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Soy Keema – Minced soy with quail egg and lime leaf butter pao.
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Ghee Roast Lamb – Rich and slow-cooked with deep spice notes.
5. Adda Indian Canteen
Location: 31-31 Thomson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
Adda means “a place where people hang out” in Hindi, and true to its name, this spot is casual, lively, and filled with the aroma of homestyle Indian cooking.
Famous Dishes:
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Lucknowi Biryani – Delicately spiced rice layered with tender goat meat.
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Paneer Butter Masala – Housemade paneer in a velvety tomato gravy.
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Masala Chai – A fragrant, perfectly brewed spiced tea.
6. Biryani Bol
Location: 46 Bowery, New York, NY 10013
Biryani Bol specializes in biryanis and kebabs, offering a feast for lovers of aromatic rice dishes. Each biryani is cooked in the traditional dum style, sealing in the flavors.
Famous Dishes:
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Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani – Layered with saffron rice and marinated chicken.
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Galouti Kebab – Minced lamb patties that melt in your mouth.
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Andhra Chili Chicken – Fiery and tangy with South Indian spices.
7. Usha Foods
Location: 255-03 Hillside Ave, Floral Park, NY 11004
A haven for vegetarians and street food lovers, Usha Foods offers a wide array of snacks, sweets, and chaat items. It’s a favorite for anyone craving flavors of India’s bustling food markets.
Famous Dishes:
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Pani Puri – Crisp puris filled with tangy spiced water.
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Kachori – Flaky pastry stuffed with spiced lentils.
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Rasmalai – Soft cheese patties soaked in sweetened milk.
8. Dhaba
Location: 108 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016
Dhaba captures the lively, colorful vibe of roadside eateries in India’s Punjab region. The décor is fun and rustic, while the menu is packed with robust North Indian flavors.
Famous Dishes:
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Butter Chicken – A creamy, smoky classic.
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Sarson Da Saag with Makki Roti – Seasonal mustard greens with cornmeal bread.
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Tandoori Fish Tikka – Marinated fish cooked to perfection in a clay oven.
9. Rahi
Location: 60 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
Rahi’s menu is a creative fusion of Indian ingredients with global techniques. The interiors are stylish yet warm, making it a great spot for date nights or small gatherings.
Famous Dishes:
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Kashmiri Duck Curry – Slow-cooked duck in a fragrant saffron and fennel gravy.
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Paneer Chili – Indo-Chinese style with peppers and soy.
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Beetroot Tikki – Colorful patties served with yogurt dip.
10. Angel Indian Restaurant
Location: 741 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10025
A cozy Upper West Side spot, Angel Indian Restaurant focuses on fresh ingredients and homestyle recipes, offering a mix of North and South Indian dishes.
Famous Dishes:
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Masala Dosa – Crisp rice crepe with spiced potato filling.
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Chicken Chettinad – Peppery, coconut-based curry from Tamil Nadu.
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Gulab Jamun – Soft milk dumplings in rose-scented syrup.
Why New York is a Haven for Indian Food Lovers
New York’s Indian food scene thrives because of its diversity. You can enjoy traditional Mughlai gravies, Goan seafood curries, Gujarati vegetarian thalis, and innovative fusion menus—all within the same city. The competition among restaurants pushes chefs to keep evolving, ensuring the quality remains high.
Whether you’re an NYC native or a visitor exploring the city, the Indian restaurants here cater to every mood:
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Fine dining: Junoon, Indian Accent, Tamarind
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Casual comfort: Adda, Dhaba, Usha Foods
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Street food vibes: Curry-inspired snacks at Usha Foods, pani puri, chaat
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Biryani specialists: Biryani Bol, Adda
Tips for Dining at Indian Restaurants in NYC
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Ask for spice levels – Many restaurants can customize spice to your taste.
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Try regional specialties – Go beyond chicken tikka masala; each restaurant has unique regional dishes.
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Order bread and rice together – Pair naan, roti, or paratha with your curry, and try biryani as a main.
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Don’t skip dessert – Indian desserts like gulab jamun, kheer, or kulfi offer the perfect sweet ending.
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Explore vegetarian options – Indian cuisine has some of the most flavorful vegetarian dishes in the world.
Final Thoughts
Indian cuisine in New York is not just about feeding hunger—it’s an experience. Each restaurant on this list brings its own personality, whether it’s Junoon’s polished elegance, Dhamaka’s fearless spice, or Usha Foods’ vibrant street flavors. From a Michelin-star dining room to a bustling food counter serving pani puri, the city’s Indian food scene is as varied as India itself.
The next time you’re in NYC and craving spices, rich gravies, or the crunch of a fresh samosa, use this list as your guide to the best Indian restaurants in New York—and get ready for a flavorful journey.
FAQs
A: Junoon and Indian Accent are among the most famous Indian restaurants in New York, known for their fine dining experience and Michelin recognition.
A: Usha Foods in Queens is a hotspot for Indian street food favorites like pani puri, chaat, and jalebi.
A: Adda Indian Canteen in Long Island City and Chote Nawab in Kips Bay are popular for their flavorful biryanis.
A: Yes, most Indian restaurants in New York offer vegetarian menus, with places like Dhaba and Tamarind Tribeca excelling in vegetarian options.
A: The “Curry Hill” area on Lexington Avenue in Kips Bay is famous for its concentration of Indian eateries, ranging from casual to upscale.
A: Junoon, Indian Accent, and Tamarind Tribeca are top choices for a refined fine dining experience.
A: Semma in the West Village offers authentic Southern Indian flavors, including coastal and Tamil Nadu specialties.
A: Many Indian restaurants in NYC have vegan dishes, with options like chana masala, vegetable curries, and lentil-based dals.