Our Top 5 Indian Restaurants in NYC

We’ve shared our favorite Mexican & Pizza options in NYC, but with the cold winter months descending upon New York City, it’s time to add a little spice to your palate to keep you warm.  The chilies, cumin, cardamon, mustard seed and turmeric used to flavor the fares will get you through the long winter. The Indian Cuisine food scene in Manhattan is by far the best in the nation. There are hundreds of Indian restaurants to choose from so to help you sort through the best paneer, kebab, naan, rolls and chicken tikka masala, Library Hotel Collection is sharing our top 5 picks for every price point!

• Tamarind 99 Hudson Street (Tribeca) $$$$-   Considered by many New Yorkers to be “The Best” The Michelin rated eatery is beautiful and classy and celebs can be spotted any night of the week. The samosas are divine and the Dahl Aloo Pori is my favorite in town. Try the mouth watering Shrimp Caldin and Changezi boti. Portions tend to run on the small side so don’t hesitate to order more than usual or order some extra Nan-e-tamarind which is bursting with fruits and nuts. Just be mindful there is a no children under 5 policy.

• Bhatti Indian Grill 100 Lexington Avenue (Kips Bay) $$- Steps from the Hotel Giraffe is a treasure trove of Indian restaurants referred to as Little India. Among the best is Bhatti. The restaurant offers an amazing $11.95 prix fixe lunch that will leave you full for the day. It can get very busy but it is well worth the wait. The Aloo dum is a perfect dish for these brisk autumn days. I recommend sharing the Rogan Josh and Goat curry with a sizable helping of their light naan. Don’t forget to try their kebabs which are made to order and cooked on lava rocks in a bhatti grill. They are BYOB which I recommend, as their house wines are subpar. Ask the concierge for their preferred wine store.

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  Masala Times 194 Bleeker Street (Greenwich Village) $- A fun kitschy Bollywood inspired restaurant open late night to cater to the young NYU crowd. Food is fast, cheap, and delicious. The paneer pac bhaji is a vegetarian must try that is covered in two buttered rolls. You can grab a Unda Bhurji roll, a to go wrap, stuffed with eggs, onions and peppers up until 3am on a weekday and 5am on weekends! A great place to stop while sight seeing through the Village.

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  Photo courtesy of Utsav Bar & Grill

  Utsav 1185 Avenue of the Americas (Midtown West) $$$- A jewel of a restaurant perched between two buildings, the dining room is flooded with natural light. Billed as “festive” Indian cuisine, Utsav, lives up to its name. The flavors and heat build upon each upon creating a symphony in your mouth. Recommended dishes include the most popular Tandoori lamb chops, as well as one the best daals I’ve ever tasted- the Dal Triveni, a trio of lentils beans simmered in garlic, chilies and cumin.

• Tulsi 211 East 46th St (Midtwon East)- $$$- In the heart of midtown is another Michelin star rated Indian mecca, Tulsi. It is an upscale Indian restaurant that has an elegant dining room as well as vibrant lively bar scene. It is famous for it’s Hemant’s Tandoor-Grilled Lamb chops that completely live up to the hype. There is an elaborate chef’s tasting menu, vegetarian and non vegetarian option, that delivers course upon course of spicy tangy deliciousness. Save room for dessert here as the Mango panna cotta is heavenly.

Do you have a favorite that isn’t included on this list? Leave a message in the comment section and share with our guests. If you require any assistance with reservations, please contact the concierge at Hotel Elysee, Casablanca Hotel, Library Hotel, or Hotel Giraffe.