The Top Indian Restaurants to Try in New York City

The Best Indian Restaurants in NYC

New York City is home to some of the best Indian cuisine in the country. With so many excellent options to choose from, it can be tough deciding where to go for your next curry fix. As an Indian couple living in NYC, we've tried dozens of restaurants and want to share our favorites with you.

What Makes Great Indian Food

When it comes to Indian food, fresh ingredients and complex flavors are key. The best Indian chefs know how to perfectly balance spices like cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom and chili peppers. Classic dishes also rely on herbs like cilantro and ingredients like garlic, ginger and onions.

Beyond ingredients, technique also plays a huge role. Skilled Indian chefs slowly build layers of flavor through methods like tadka (tempering whole spices in hot oil) and long simmers for curries. Texture contrasts - like crispy papadum crackers served alongside rich, creamy curries - also make Indian cuisine so craveable.

Best Indian Restaurants in Manhattan

Dhaba

Our top pick for Indian food in Manhattan is Dhaba on Lexington. Their menu focuses on cuisine from Northern India, like rich curries, kebabs and crispy stuffed breads. We highly recommend their shrimp tikka masala, palak paneer and garlic naan.

Indian Accent

For a fine dining take on Indian food, Indian Accent on the Upper East Side is a must-try. Their tasting menus offer unique takes on classics, like blue cheese naan and bacon kulcha. They also have an amazing cocktail menu if you want to enjoy a fun twist on Indian flavors.

Awadh

In the Flatiron neighborhood, Awadh is our top pick for authentic Lucknow-style cuisine. Their kebabs are incredible, especially the galouti - a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth lamb kebab. We also love their rich, velvety curries, like murgh makhani, a buttery chicken dish.

Best Indian Restaurants in Brooklyn

Dosa Royale

Our favorite Indian restaurant in Brooklyn is Williamsburg's Dosa Royale. True to their name, they serve incredible dosas - crispy, savory pancakes stuffed with fillings like spiced potatoes, chickpeas or eggplant. We recommend trying both their unique takes on dosas as well as more classic South Indian dishes.

Sahadi's Cafe

Attached to the famous Middle Eastern grocery store Sahadi's, Sahadi's Cafe serves outstanding Indian-Iraqi fusion. Highlights include biryani studded with plump dates, crispy falafel dosas and curries with influences from both regions. It's great for a casual but truly one-of-a-kind Indian meal.

Baar Baar

For upscale Indian fare in trendy Park Slope, Baar Baar is a fantastic option. Their thoughtful cocktails and sleek space pair perfectly with their well-executed entrees, like chili garlic shrimp and tandoori chicken. We'd especially suggest trying their tasting menu for the full Baar Baar experience.

Best Indian Restaurants in Queens

House of DOSAS

Unsurprisingly given the name, House of DOSAS is all about - you guessed it - dosas. But their menu features creative options you won't find anywhere else, like dosas stuffed with Chinese-style Manchurian chicken or paneer tikka masala. It's a fun, casual spot to enjoy these crispy South Indian crepes with global twists.

Desi Shack

In Long Island City, Desi Shack calls itself a "modern Indian gastropub" - think elevated takes on street food classics. Must-order dishes include vada pav sliders on brioche buns, chicken tikka tacos and corn and pepper fritters with cilantro chutney. They also have great cocktails if you want to turn dinner into a night out.

Spice Grill Flushings

For more traditional Indian fare in Queens, head to Spice Grill Flushings. Located fittingly in Little India, they serve excellent curries, tandooris, biryanis and more. Vegetarians will especially appreciate all the paneer, aloo, chana and saag options. And everything we've tried is very affordable given the quality.

Want More Indian Food? Let Us Know!

We hope this list helps you discover your new favorite Indian eats in NYC. These restaurants capture the complex flavors of Indian cuisine while also adding modern and regional twists.

Let us know on Instagram (@nycrecs) if you have another great Indian restaurant we should try in New York! We're always hungry to find more #NYCIndianFood spots run by talented chefs.

FAQs

Where can I find the best Indian food in Manhattan?

Our top picks for Indian restaurants in Manhattan are Dhaba for rich curries and kebabs, Indian Accent for upscale tasting menus with global flavors, and Awadh for authentic Lucknow cuisine and incredible kebabs.

What are some good vegetarian options at Indian restaurants in NYC?

Many NYC Indian restaurants like Dosa Royale, House of DOSAS and Spice Grill Flushing have extensive vegetarian menus. Great meatless options include paneer dishes, vegetable curries, crispy dosas stuffed with spiced potatoes or chickpeas, and more.

Which Queens Indian restaurants use creative fusion flavors?

In Queens, House of DOSAS and Desi Shack both serve Indian dishes with creative global influences. House of DOSAS stuffs its dosas with fillings like Chinese Manchurian chicken, while Desi Shack serves Indian tacos, sliders and more multicultural bites.

Where can I find high-end Indian food in Brooklyn?

For elevated Indian dining in Brooklyn, we highly recommend Baar Baar in Park Slope. With its thoughtful cocktails and sleek space, it pairs creative entrees like chili garlic shrimp with great atmosphere. Its tasting menu is also a great way to experience the kitchen's skills.