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Ahimsa
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Ahimsa
8.1
Ahimsa is a vegetarian, largely vegan-friendly Indian restaurant in Murray Hill that leans into homestyle cooking, Jain options, and kosher certification. It’s where neighborhood diners go for chaats, dosas, and curries that feel comforting rather than heavy, with plenty of gluten-free choices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pav Bhaji, Paneer Tikka, Vada Pav
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Plant-forward vegetarian Indian with Jain, vegan, and kosher options.
Who should go: Vegetarians and gluten-free diners craving Indian.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners when the room feels most relaxed.
What to order: Pav bhaji, paneer tikka, vada pav.
Insider tip: Use the extensive chaat section to build a shareable meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in the evenings; nearby paid garages on 3rd Ave are the most reliable option after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quiet enough for easy conversation without needing to raise your voice.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetarian with a large variety of curries, snacks, and dosas.
Vegan options: Yes — many dishes are naturally vegan or can be made vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several chaat items, dosas, and curries are gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable about accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for casual, low-pressure dates — the calm atmosphere and shareable dishes make it easy to relax and talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Most of the time, yes — walk-ins are common on weekdays, but weekend evenings can bring short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — mild curries, dosas, and familiar snacks make it approachable for kids, especially ages 6 and up.
Best For
Better for: Ahimsa excels at clean, lighter vegetarian Indian food with Jain, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free flexibility that most Indian restaurants don’t match.
Skip if: Skip this if you’re specifically craving meat-heavy North Indian dishes or a high-energy, late-night dining scene.
Ahimsa
8.2
Ahimsa is an all-vegetarian Indian restaurant in Murray Hill where chaats, dosas, and North Indian curries share space with dedicated Jain and vegan sections. It’s a go-to for comforting plates, broad gluten-free options, and casual dinners that still feel thoughtful.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pondicherry dosa, Paneer tikka, Pav bhaji
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: All-vegetarian Indian menu with extensive Jain and gluten-free options.
Who should go: Vegetarians craving chaats, dosas, and comforting curries.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend lunches.
What to order: Pondicherry dosa, paneer tikka, pav bhaji.
Insider tip: Ask for Jain-style preparations if you avoid onion and garlic.
Ahimsa
8.3
Ahimsa is an all-vegetarian Indian restaurant in Murray Hill with a dedicated section of gluten-free chaats, dosas, and snacks alongside Jain and vegan options. It’s a casual, high-traffic spot where gluten-free diners can still enjoy street-food favorites like samosa chaat and masala dosa without feeling limited.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gluten-free samosa chaat, Pondicherry masala dosa (gluten-free), Pav bhaji with gluten-free preparation
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Vegetarian Indian cooking with a labeled gluten-free chaat and dosa section.
Who should go: Gluten-free diners craving Indian street-food classics.
When to visit: Early evenings or late lunches to avoid peak waits.
What to order: Gluten-free samosa chaat, Pondicherry masala dosa, idli medu vada combo.
Insider tip: Flag gluten-free needs up front; staff can guide you through the menu safely.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages along 3rd Ave and 34th St are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed weekday workwear all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — energetic during peak hours but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak 7–8pm hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of the 12–1pm rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — fully vegetarian kitchen with broad coverage across North and South Indian dishes.
Vegan options: Yes — many naturally vegan items plus Jain-style preparations by request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — clearly labeled gluten-free chaats, dosas, idli, and snack selections with staff guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first date than a romantic one — the lively room keeps things relaxed but isn’t intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weekdays and early evenings; weekends after 6:30pm are hit-or-miss without waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — kid-friendly flavors, flexible ordering, and quick service make it easy for families with school-age kids.
Best For
Better for: Gluten-free Indian street food, fast-paced group dining, and casual vegetarian comfort without sacrificing spice or variety.
Skip if: Skip if you want upscale Indian dining, a quiet romantic atmosphere, or full alcohol service.