New York City’s dining scene is one of the most diverse in the world, and Indian cuisine has carved out a powerful place within it. From Michelin-starred fine dining experiences to cozy curry houses and bustling canteens in Queens, NYC offers a deep, flavorful journey across the regions of India. Whether you’re looking for elevated tasting menus, authentic street food, or budget-friendly options, this guide will take you through the very best Indian restaurants in New York City.
Why Indian Cuisine Thrives in NYC
Indian cuisine thrives in New York City because of its diverse immigrant communities, culinary innovation, and openness to global flavors. Restaurants here often reflect the vast culinary map of India — from the spicy curries of the south to the rich Mughlai kebabs of the north. The popularity of plant-based dining has also boosted Indian food, as many dishes are naturally vegetarian or vegan.
Key factors:
- Regional diversity: Menus reflect North Indian, South Indian, Gujarati, Bengali, Punjabi, and even Goan specialties.
- Range of experiences: From Michelin-starred fine dining to Queens canteens serving homestyle thalis.
- Vegetarian & vegan options: Indian cuisine offers abundant plant-based dishes without compromise.
- Cultural rituals: Tandoor ovens, chaat carts, and thalis bring a slice of India to New York.
For advice on choosing restaurants in general, see How to Pick the Perfect Restaurant (Without Regretting It Later).
Where to Find Great Indian Food in NYC
Curry Hill (Lexington Avenue, Midtown)
A stretch of Lexington Avenue lined with Indian restaurants, groceries, and sweet shops. Best for classic North Indian curries, chaats, and dosas.
Queens (Jackson Heights & Flushing)
Home to some of the most authentic Indian and Nepali restaurants in the city. Street food, thalis, and regional specialties dominate here.
Brooklyn (Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Williamsburg)
Trendy neighborhoods where Indian restaurants often fuse traditional recipes with modern flair.
Manhattan (Downtown & Midtown)
Michelin-starred venues and upscale Indian dining, including fine dining tasting menus.
For food trend inspiration, check The Most Popular Food Trends in 2025 You Need to Try.
Best Indian Restaurants in New York City (Detailed Reviews)
Here are expanded reviews of some of NYC’s best Indian restaurants, with details on ambiance, must-try dishes, and pricing.
Junoon (Flatiron) — Michelin-Starred Indian Fine Dining
- Ambience: Elegant, modern, and refined. A go-to for special occasions.
- Signature Dishes: Tandoori lamb chops, ghost chili murgh tikka, paneer dishes.
- Pricing: $$$$ ($100–$150 per person).
- Why It’s Great: One of the first Indian restaurants in NYC to earn a Michelin star.
- Further Reading: The Must-Have Checklist for Choosing Restaurants on Special Occasions.
Indian Accent (Midtown) — Upscale Modern Indian
- Ambience: Sophisticated interiors with a contemporary vibe.
- Signature Dishes: Blue cheese naan, ghee roast lamb, meetha achar ribs.
- Pricing: $$$$ ($120–$160 per person tasting menu).
- Why It’s Great: Creative twists on Indian classics, designed for an elevated dining experience.
Adda Indian Canteen (Long Island City, Queens) — Casual, Authentic, Spicy
- Ambience: Lively, casual space with Indian newspapers as wallpaper.
- Signature Dishes: Masala chicken, paneer tikka, keema pao.
- Pricing: $$ ($25–$45 per person).
- Why It’s Great: Bold, authentic flavors that remind diners of Indian home cooking.
- Suggested Reading: Authentic Indian Restaurants in New York City.
Dhamaka (Lower East Side) — Regional Indian Powerhouse
- Ambience: Bold and vibrant, celebrating lesser-known Indian cuisines.
- Signature Dishes: Goat neck dum biryani, gurda kapoora (goat kidney and testicles), chicken kofta.
- Pricing: $$$ ($50–$90 per person).
- Why It’s Great: Spotlight on regional Indian dishes rarely seen in the U.S.
- Related Reading: Dining Trends: Why Vegan, Korean, and Mediterranean Are Growing Fast.
Bengal Tiger (Midtown) — Affordable & Classic
- Ambience: Casual, cozy, and welcoming.
- Signature Dishes: Butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, saag paneer.
- Pricing: $–$$ ($20–$35 per person).
- Why It’s Great: Known for consistent flavors and affordable Indian classics.
- Explore More: Affordable Indian Restaurants in New York City.
Jackson Diner (Jackson Heights, Queens) — Buffet-Style Favorite
- Ambience: Casual, family-friendly dining hall.
- Signature Dishes: Tandoori chicken, goat curry, dosas.
- Pricing: $$ ($25–$40 per person).
- Why It’s Great: Famous for hearty buffets and authentic flavors.
- See Also: Family-Friendly Indian Restaurants in New York City.
Saravanaa Bhavan (Lexington Avenue & Queens) — South Indian Vegetarian
- Ambience: Bright, clean, and bustling.
- Signature Dishes: Dosas, idlis, vadas, sambhar.
- Pricing: $–$$ ($15–$25 per person).
- Why It’s Great: A global chain specializing in authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine.
Bhatti Indian Grill (Curry Hill) — Tandoori Specialties
- Ambience: Cozy, inviting, casual fine dining.
- Signature Dishes: Lamb chops, chicken tikka, tandoori kebabs.
- Pricing: $$ ($30–$50 per person).
- Why It’s Great: Famous for its extensive tandoori menu.
Rasa (Greenwich Village) — Malaysian-Indian Fusion
- Ambience: Chic, casual spot with Southeast Asian flair.
- Signature Dishes: Laksa, nasi lemak, Indian curries.
- Pricing: $$ ($25–$40 per person).
- Why It’s Great: A creative mix of Indian and Malaysian cuisine.
Pondicheri (Flatiron) — Modern South Indian
- Ambience: Industrial-chic with a casual, artsy vibe.
- Signature Dishes: Uttapam, masala fries, coconut curry.
- Pricing: $$ ($25–$40 per person).
- Why It’s Great: Creative South Indian-inspired menu with a modern twist.
Vegetarian & Vegan Indian Dining in NYC
NYC is home to some of the best vegetarian Indian food outside of India:
- Saravanaa Bhavan: For dosas and sambhar.
- NY Dosas (Washington Square Park): A street cart famous for vegan dosas.
- Chola (Midtown): Elegant dining with rich vegetarian options.
For vegan and plant-based trends, check Best Vegan Restaurants in New York City.
Affordable Indian Restaurants
Not all great Indian food is expensive in NYC. Some budget-friendly options include:
- Bengal Tiger (Midtown) — Consistent curries at fair prices.
- Patiala Indian Grill (Curry Hill) — Thali platters and kebabs.
- Punjabi Grocery & Deli (East Village) — Late-night vegetarian food for under $10.
For more wallet-friendly picks, see Affordable Indian Restaurants in New York City.
Tips for Dining at Indian Restaurants
- Order Family-Style: Many dishes are designed to be shared.
- Spice Levels: Indian food can range from mild to fiery — ask the staff to guide you.
- Pairings: Lassi, chai, or Indian beers like Kingfisher complement meals well.
- Timing: Buffets are great for variety, while tasting menus shine for fine dining.
Check 10 Smart Questions to Ask Before Booking a Restaurant to plan your evening right.
Neighborhood Itineraries
Curry Hill Food Crawl
- Start with dosas at Saravanaa Bhavan.
- Continue with kebabs at Bhatti Indian Grill.
- Finish with sweets at Rajbhog Sweets.
Queens Thali Tour
- Begin with buffet at Jackson Diner.
- Explore authentic Nepali/Indian spots in Jackson Heights.
- Dessert with rasmalai at a local sweet shop.
Downtown Manhattan Fine Dining
- Pre-dinner drinks near Union Square.
- Dinner at Indian Accent or Junoon.
- End with masala chai at a café.
For more inspiration, check Ultimate U.S. Bucket List: 50 Must-Try Restaurants Across America.
Final Thoughts
Indian restaurants in NYC reflect the vibrancy and diversity of India itself. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion at a Michelin-starred restaurant, grabbing a dosa from a food cart, or enjoying homestyle curries in Queens, there’s an Indian dining experience for everyone. The city offers a culinary passport to India — all within the five boroughs.
Suggested Reading
