Hello, all! I am in charge of making dinner reservations for our (me, my boyfriend, my parents) NYC trip (Sept. 2-6). My mother wants a proper curry dinner and I can only find trendy new stuff or divy places. Anyone know any good Indian?

Thank you so much!

Oh, and I just committed the original Fodor's sin: not enough information.

No fish.

Our hotel is in midtown and we will travel anywhere on Manhattan.

Reservations must be for either Sept. 3, 4, or 5 (Mon, Tue or Wed), and no later than 8 (Dad is an early bird)

Price: max 50 per person (drinks not included)

As for ambience: not loud (this does not mean quiet. . . just no absurd, Cheesecake Factory-decibel dining), nice (real dishes and cutlery. . . no plastic, and table cloths), tables for 4

Bring it on!

Take it from a Manhattanite, the BEST Indian restaurant is no where near midtown, but easily accessable off the A train. The restaurant is Kismat, in Washington Heights and not only the best Indian I have ever had but one of the best meals I have ever had a Salmon steamed with onion and peppers and spices, and with the Jasmine rice spectacular.

Kismat is located at 187th St and Ft. Washington, so take the A train up to 181st St and walk a couple of blocks up.

You might make a day of it and go to the Cloisters which is just a few more blocks up and then come back to Kismat for Dinner.

Also Annapurna on Lex between 27th and 28th is very good as well. All vegitarian there, and great breads.

the best indian i've had in new york is "brick lane", on 6th street. be careful where you pick however, alot of indian or curry places are bangledeshi.

I love Annapurna! Of course the last time I was there, my friend's sister looked around and said "I can't eat here, there are people here". LOL

Check out Jackson Diner at 37-47 74th St., Jackson Heights, Queens, NY (reachable by subway).

I am not an expert on proper INdian curry but judging from the clientele and the neighborhood, I'm guessing this place would be authentic.

You might try Dawat, on 58th between 2nd and 3rd. Its reputation goes up and down, but the two times I've been there I was favorably impressed. The food seemed a cut above most with some subtle flavors in the spices. The decor is sleek rather than "Indian" and the service polished. Last time was a couple of years back.

Ate at Chola this past Father's Day. The buffet was very good, not dried out like it can get at some places, and a nice mix of North and South Indian dishes. It's on the same block as Dawat (and at least two other Indian restaurants); Dawat is also quite good, though I haven't eaten there in about two years. www.fineindiandining.com/cholany.htm


Sapphire is very good up near Lincoln Center. Typical restaurant decor, nothing fancy... www.sapphireny.com

I personally really like Surya in the West Village. The menu looks like it might be a bit fusion, but the dishes are solid Indian cooking all the way. www.suryany.com

Agree that Jackson Diner is good if you want to venture out to Queens. www.jacksondiner.com

Do you know about menupages.com for menus and user reviews? It's a great resource!

P.S. I recommend these places from my experiences dining with some fairly picky Indian friends!

I also like Dawat, but more often return to Bay Leaf on 56th St. between 5th and 6th Avenue. Take a look at menupages to see what appeals to you.

HEy guys! I just wanted to say I was unable to post from the hotel, but we ended up at Dawat and had a most enjoyable meal. The dinners were really spicy (we asked for it), and the atmosphere low key.

I wish we could have hit Washington Heights, but it was too far for my parents. Next time.

There are approximately 17 Indian restaurants on East 6th Street between First and Second Avenue. I too, cannot attest to the authencity of the curry but for this American palate, Banjara, Mitali, and Brick Lane Curry are the best of the lot.

Glad you enjoyed it!

Glad you had a good time at Dawat! It's a good place when you can get decent service there.

Just in case anyone else reads this thread...

I really like Madras Mahal on Lexington Ave. between 27th & 28th St. It's South Indian veggie:
http://tinyurl.com/3c8sya

Chennai Garden is another good veggie place:
http://tinyurl.com/2kglmj