Angon on the Sixth

320 E 6th St, Curry Row, New York, NY 10003 212-260-8229

Description: EAST VILLAGE. One of the restaurants that make up the East Village's Curry Row, Angon offers as authentic an Indian experience as you can hope to find this side of London. The fare focuses on traditional favorites, and the dim, atmospheric setting will easily make you feel as if you've been swept to the Far East. Start off things with an order of pani puri, samosa chat or chicken wings with tandoori masala. Any of those'll surely whet your appetite for the main course to come ­ perhaps spicy liver jhal fry, shrimp malai curry, reshimi kabab or vegetable curry. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave; 6 to Astor Pl
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Baluchi's

193 Spring St, between Sullivan and Thompson St, New York, NY 10012 212-226-2828

Description: SOHO. This Northern Indian restaurant consistently delivers fresh shrimp, fish and vegetarian dishes in a cozy, sleek environment. Try the highly recommended kachori or any of the sizeable combination platters. Outdoor dining available. Reservations accepted; casual dress. TRAIN: C, E to Spring St
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Banjara

97 1st Ave, Curry Row, New York, NY 10003 212-477-5956

Description: EAST VILLAGE. If you've got the taste for spices but fighting the crowds on Sixth Street has no appeal, Banjara stands as a better-than-good alternative. In fact, folks who stray from Alphabet City and the Lower East Side submit that this pleasant neighborhood eatery can give many of the city's more high-profile Indian restaurants a run for their money. Indeed, the kitchen's knack for delightful clay-oven specialties (the wine-marinated chicken in particular) often converts curious customers into devotees after one visit. TRAIN: F, V to 2nd Ave
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Bay Leaf

49 W 56th St, between 5th and 6th Aves, New York, NY 10019 212-957-1818

Description: MIDTOWN WEST. Lunchtime is light on the wallet at this Midtown Indian eatery as they offer a buffet stocked with all the traditional favorites as well as boxed lunches. Dinner service may be a bit pricier, but the food doesn't disappoint. Choose from the tasty seafood, chicken or vegetable dishes after whetting your appetite with an appetizer such as their signature homemade cheese dish called Panir Tawa Masala. Outdoor dining available as well as delivery and take-out. TRAIN: B, Q, N, R to 57th St
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Bukhara Grill

217 E 49th St, between 2nd and 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017 212-888-2839

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. The lunch buffet makes for a good mid-day selection at this Northern Indian favorite. The interior of this grill features stonework, light wood tones and booth seating, providing for an earthy, intimate setting. Begin your Indian dining experience with a vegetarian starter of Subz Seekh Kabab, skewered rolls of fresh vegetables. Next, order the Sikandari Raan, tender tandoori leg of lamb that's been marinated in an exotic mixture of rum and spices and then cooked to perfection. Seafood, chicken, pork, lamb, vegetable and bread options abound. Delivery and take-out available. Reservations accepted and casual attire appropriate. TRAIN: E, F to Lexington; 6 to 51st St
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Café Spice

72 University Pl, at 11th St, New York, NY 10003 212-253-6999

Description: WEST VILLAGE. Once you're in the vicinity of this University Place treasure, you'll know immediately that this is where you need to eat. Spice, though relatively new to the Village's dining scene, has nevertheless made some noise with its traditional Indian fare. Menu items include traditional faves like biryani, dosa, and several curry dishes. The dining area boasts contemporary décor and a bar area where you can order food. Reservations are suggested, especially on the weekends. TRAIN: N, R, L, 4, 5, 6 to Union Sq; E, F to West 4th
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Chola

232 E 58th St, New York, NY 10022 212-688-4619

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. If you're on the quest for an especially good bargain in the East 50s, give this casual Indian spot a shot. Their lunch buffet, priced at under $15, is a bountiful spread that's full of traditional favs from several regions (ergo the "Eclectic Indian Cuisine" tag on their awning), among them a handful of flavorful chicken, fish, lamb and vegetarian offerings. The interior is tastefully ­ if modestly ­ decorated, and the service is consistently professional and friendly. TRAIN: N, R to Lexington Ave; 4,5,6, to 59th St
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Dawat

210 E 58th St, New York, NY 10022 212-355-7555

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. This upscale East-50's Midtowner has long been the trendsetter in Indian cuisine. Regulars return again and again for the great service and innovative food that features such spicy treats as bhel poori, shrimp and salmon. Traditional Indian dishes are also available. Good selection of beers. TRAIN: N, R to Lexington Ave; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St
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Dévi

8 E 18th St, between 5th Ave & Broadway, New York, NY 10003 212-691-1300

Description: FLATIRON DISTRICT. The Flatiron District enjoys its fair share of chic restaurants, and among them is this high-end Indian place, whose decor and cuisine capture the more evocative nature of the Sub Continent: lanterns, brightly colored textiles, imported marble, and carved wood accents. Several regions of India are represented on the menu, and signature dishes include tandoor-grilled Jamison Farm lamb, yam dumplings with tomato gravy, and turkey Kaa Keema. For the truly adventurous, the list of specialty cocktails includes the Soursop Martini and spicy Mumbai Margarita. TRAIN: N ,R,Q,W,4,5,6,L to Union Sq
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Hampton Chutney Co.

68 Prince St, between Broadway & Lafayette, New York, NY 10012 212-226-9996

Description: SOHO. Founded in 1995 by Gary and Isabel MacGurn, Hampton Chutney has grown from a small operation that supplied gourmet markets in the Hamptons to a veritable enterprise whose delish products keep their cafes in SoHo and on the Upper West Side busy throughout the week. In addition to traditional dosa (sour-dough crepes filled with chutney) selections, the SoHo edition serves several specialty sandwiches that incorporate everything from cilantro chutney dressing to chicken curry. If you need something more substantial, look to their Thali special, which includes a daily vegetable dish along with basmati rice, dal soup, naan, chutney, yogurt and, optionally, grilled chicken. TRAIN: N, R to Prince St
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Haveli

100 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003 212-982-0533

Description: EAST VILLAGE. An elegant alternative to the East Village's more generic Indian restaurants, Haveli is tucked away between Fifth and Sixth Streets. A steady crowd of hip locals and those in the know head to this dimly lit eatery every day to enjoy the Northern Indian fare. Specialties include their dosa, chana chat (chickpea salad) and, for meat lovers, balti (a unique coriander dish that comes to your table in a bucket.) Dinner reservations are suggested. Full bar. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave; 6 to Astor Pl
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Jewel of India

15 W 44th St, between 5th & 6th Ave, New York, NY 10036 212-869-5544

Description: MIDTOWN WEST. Guests to the Jewel of India can expect to feast on traditional Indian dishes, including tandoori, curries and tikka. The pleasant interior features mother-of-pearl and native Indian accents. If eating here for lunch, try the extensive lunch buffet. Take-out and delivery available. Reservations suggested; casual dress appropriate. Pre-theater menu available. TRAIN: B, D, F, Q to 42nd St; 7 to 5th Ave
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Pongal

110 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016 212-696-9458

Description: GRAMERCY. Regarded as one of the best deals for the money in eclectic Murray Hill, Pongal offers one of the most unique menus around ­ a kosher Indian menu. Oy! That's right. The combination (thali) plates are a first-timer's best bet, and "seasoned" pros will want to opt for a curry-heavy dish or two. Reservations not accepted. Casual dress. TRAIN: 6 to 28th St
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Salaam Bombay

317 Greenwich St, between Duane & Reade Sts, New York, NY 10013 212-226-9400

Description: TRIBECA. One of the Lower Manhattan's favorite Indian restaurants, Salaam Bombay serves up a variety of North Indian dishes. Regulars rave about their Aloo Gobi ­ potatoes and cauliflower cooked and blended with onions, ginger and spices. You'll also find all of your favorite tandoori dishes here, from shrimp marinated in green masala to seasoned ground lamb rolled on a skewer, as well as a wide range of tasty (and somewhat spicy) vegetable entrées, like their Ringna Bataka Nu Shaak (cubed eggplant and potatoes cooked in sweet and sour sauce). TRAIN: 1, 2, 3, 9 to Chamber St
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Tabla

11 Madison Ave, at 25th St, New York, NY 10010 212-889-0667

Description: FLATIRON DISTRICT. So popular that you have to make reservations at least a month in advance, this trendy restaurant masterfully blends American and Indian styles in both its décor and cuisine. The restaurant interior boasts a lovely two-tiered design. If you aren't able to make reservations, try the Bread Bar, located below the restaurant. TRAIN: N, R, 6 to 23rd St
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Tamarind

41-43 E 22nd St, between Park & Broadway, New York, NY 10010 212-674-7400

Description: FLATIRON DISTRICT. Fashionably dressed with stark white walls, stained hardwoods, earthen accents and pendant lighting, this high-end Indian restaurant appeals to a cross section of neighborhood folks and hip, young professionals. The kitchen looks to the regions of Punjab, Hyderabad, Goa, Madras, Lucknow and Calcutta for inspiration. The result is an exceptional array of dishes that incorporate everything from gosht (lamb and goat) to samundri moti (fish and seafood). NB If you're looking for a different type of late afternoon nip, the neighboring tea room features Indian specialties like ajwain biscuits as well as sandwiches, pastries, and several varieties of hot tea. TRAIN: N, R, 6 to 23rd St
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Utsav

1185 Ave of the Americas, enter via 46th St, New York, NY 10036 212-575-2525

Description: THEATRE DISTRICT. You will have a pleasing Indian dining experience if you pick this theater district resident. Utsav (the name means festival) focuses on spicing and cooking menu items to perfection. The offerings include chicken, pork, seafood and vegetable creations. To cool off after feasting on a punchy tandoori dish, order up the grand finale to this dining festival-- a tasty dessert such as the mango-crème crêpe. Lunch buffet and pre-theater menu available. Reservations accepted; casual dress. TRAIN: B, D, F, Q to 47-50th Sts-Rockefeller Center
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Vatan

409 3rd Ave, at 29th St, New York, NY 10016 212-689-5666

Description: GRAMERCY. Offering a quiet, relaxed setting, Vatan is a favorite among Gramercy vegetarians and Indian purists. Expect to leave your shoes at the door ­ but don't sweat it. It's tradition, and besides, it's easier to relax on the cushions without them. Vatan's set dinner features a wide range of delicious Gujurati dishes, from fried hot peppers (mirchi bhajiya) to chick peas with onion and coriander (chana masala). TRAIN: 6 to 28th St
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