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Red Chilli
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Red Chilli
8.1
A modern, chandelier-lit Indian/Bengali-leaning dining room where the room feels more “night out” than neighborhood takeout. The best path is to lean into their richer gravies and rice-forward plates, then round with one crisp appetizer to cut the heat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken curry, Fish curry, Biryani
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A dressier Jackson Heights Indian room where ambiance is part of the meal.
Who should go: Date nights that want Indian in a nicer setting
When to visit: Friday–Sunday evenings for full vibe
What to order: Biryani, fish curry, chicken curry
Insider tip: Order one fried starter to balance the heavier gravies.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive after 6pm—plan extra time or rideshare on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jeans are fine, but this room rewards a polished look.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively—conversation is easy, though peak hours bring a buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially Friday–Saturday nights.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian mains and starters, including paneer and vegetable-forward curries.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable curries can be prepared vegan; confirm ghee/cream substitutions when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—rice dishes and many curries are naturally gluten-free; naan and some fried items are not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the upscale ambiance and plated dishes make it feel intentional without being stiff, ideal if you want Indian food with a ‘night out’ vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights and early evenings; weekends are tight—reserve or arrive before peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids than toddlers—the room skews adult and evening-focused, though families are welcome earlier in the day.
Best For
Better for: Ambiance-forward Indian dining—richer gravies, biryani, and a polished room that elevates the experience.
Skip if: You want ultra-casual pricing, quick takeout, or lighter North Indian comfort classics—simpler neighborhood spots may suit better.
Red Chilli
8.3
A modern Indian restaurant in the heart of Jackson Heights serving elevated classics with vibrant spice and contemporary plating. Its well-loved dishes and growing following make it a standout choice for South Asian flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter chicken, Lamb rogan josh, Tandoori platter
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Contemporary take on Indian classics
Who should go: Indian food lovers and date nights
When to visit: Dinner service
What to order: Butter chicken, rogan josh, tandoori
Insider tip: Weeknight reservations ease wait times
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be limited during peak hours. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual - casual attire is acceptable, but it’s best to dress a little nicer for a more polished vibe.
Noise level: Moderate - perfect for a date night, as the conversation can still be heard without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without a reservation, especially during peak dining hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, but reservations are recommended for guaranteed seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there is a dedicated vegetarian section with a variety of flavorful dishes.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options such as vegetable curries and daal.
Gluten-free options: Yes - many dishes are naturally gluten-free, and the restaurant accommodates gluten-free requests with separate prep areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, Red Chilli offers a romantic, vibrant atmosphere with flavorful dishes that can impress without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but especially on weekends, reservations are recommended to avoid a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? While not specifically geared towards kids, the casual vibe and flavorful dishes make it an option for families with older children who enjoy bold flavors.
Best For
Better for: Red Chilli excels in its elevated, contemporary take on Indian classics, with a strong focus on spice and presentation.
Skip if: If you're looking for traditional, simple Indian food or a more laid-back, casual atmosphere, consider alternative options.
Red Chilli
8.3
Red Chilli elevates classic Indian dishes with modern touches and thoughtful presentation, fitting for a business lunch that leans toward refined yet comfortable. The spice profiles are well-balanced and the service attentive without intrusion. Lunch sets are popular with locals looking for a slightly upscale midday meal.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Chicken, Tandoori Lamb Chops, Masala Dosa
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Modern Indian lunch with upscale touches
Who should go: Lunch meetings seeking bold flavors
When to visit: Weekday lunch hours
What to order: Butter Chicken, Tandoori Lamb Chops, Masala Dosa
Insider tip: Try the lunch thali for a curated sampler
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available, but can be difficult during peak lunch hours. Valet service is not offered.
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans are acceptable, but opt for a polished look.
Noise level: Moderate - the atmosphere allows for conversation without shouting, ideal for business meetings.
Weekend wait: Not applicable for business lunches, but expect a wait of 30-45 minutes during weekend dinners.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, but it can get busy closer to noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there is a dedicated vegetarian menu with plenty of flavorful options.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 vegan options are available, but customization is possible.
Gluten-free options: Yes - some dishes are naturally gluten-free, and the kitchen can accommodate with separate preparation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? While the upscale feel makes it a great option for a first date, the atmosphere is more geared toward business lunches, so consider whether a more casual vibe might suit you better.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but during peak lunch hours, reservations are highly recommended to avoid long wait times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - while it's not specifically designed for children, the calm atmosphere and approachable dishes make it suitable for older kids and families.
Best For
Better for: Red Chilli excels in providing a refined yet comfortable dining experience with bold Indian flavors, making it perfect for a midday business meeting.
Skip if: If you're looking for a casual, fast-paced lunch or a place with lighter, less complex flavors, this may not be the best choice.