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Bombay Bistro
Master Critic Review
Bombay Bistro
8.1
Bombay Bistro turns a narrow Cornelia Street townhouse into a softly lit dining room for butter chicken, biryani, and tandoori platters that lean polished rather than rustic. With cocktails, a late kitchen, and slightly elevated pricing, it works best as a West Village date night or small-group dinner when you want familiar North Indian flavors in a more designed space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter chicken, Lamb biryani, Dahi puri
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A cozy Cornelia Street bistro serving cocktail-friendly North Indian standards in a stylish room.
Who should go: Date-night couples and small groups wanting polished Indian.
When to visit: Midweek dinner or later evenings for a relaxed buzz.
What to order: Butter chicken, lamb biryani, dahi puri to start.
Insider tip: Ask about prix-fixe or early-evening deals to soften the check.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Cornelia Street; expect to use nearby paid garages on 6th Ave or W 3rd St.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most diners lean slightly polished for date night.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is easy at two-tops, slightly louder for larger groups.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; lunch service is calmer and easier to walk into.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—multiple curries, starters, and tandoori options are vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—several dishes can be made vegan, but many mains rely on dairy; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Good coverage—rice dishes, most curries, and some tandoori plates are naturally gluten-free; naan contains gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, polished plating, and attentive service make it a comfortable, low-pressure date-night pick.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights; on weekends, walk-ins should aim before 6:45pm or expect a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids and teens will do fine, but the narrow space and late-night crowd make it less ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: A more refined, date-ready setting than nearby casual Indian spots, with cocktails and polished presentations.
Skip if: You want budget-friendly Indian, a fast meal, or very spicy regional dishes beyond the North Indian comfort classics.
Hours
Monday4pm - 12am
Tuesday4pm - 12am
Wednesday4pm - 12am
Thursday4pm - 12am
Friday4pm - 12am
Saturday4pm - 12am
Sunday4pm - 12am