Best Indian Restaurants in East Village (10003)
9 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Adda
High-impact regional Indian dishes with Michelin-guide credibility.
Notable Picks
#1
Adda
8.6
Unapologetic Foods’ cult favorite has landed in the East Village with the same punchy, regional Indian cooking that made it famous. The menu leans bold and spicy, with deeply layered gravies and standout offal and veggie dishes in a lively room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter chicken experience, Mushroom haleem, Chapli kebab
What makes it special: High-impact regional Indian dishes with Michelin-guide credibility.
#2
Sathi
8.4
A cozy East Village spot blending Indian and Himalayan comfort food with steady execution. Regulars love the balanced spice, generous thalis, and friendly, no-fuss hospitality that fits both weeknight dinners and casual meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tikka masala, Saag paneer, Nepali-style thali
What makes it special: Indian-Himalayan crossover thalis with crowd-proven consistency.
#3
Baar Baar
8.3
A high-energy Indian gastropub known for playful takes on regional classics and a creative cocktail program. The room is buzzy and colorful, making it a go-to for nights out where food and drinks share the spotlight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ghee roast chicken, Butter chicken kulcha, Gol gappa shooters
What makes it special: Big-flavor Indian small plates paired with standout cocktails.
#4
Kanyakumari
8.1
A polished Union Square destination focused on coastal South Indian flavors with a modern dining-room glow. Expect seafood-forward plates, bright curry-leaf and coconut notes, and a menu that plays beyond the usual NYC Indian canon.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mussels koliwada, Vada pav, Fish curry with appam
What makes it special: Coastal South Indian cooking in a refined, seafood-leaning format.
8.0
A serene, Ayurvedic, plant-based restaurant that threads Indian flavors through wholesome comfort dishes. The cooking is bright and balanced, with a loyal neighborhood following and a calm dining room suited to mindful meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kitchari bowl, Ayurvedic thali, Turmeric-ginger dosa
What makes it special: Ayurveda-rooted vegan Indian cooking since 2016.
Worthy Picks
#6
Jazba
7.9
From the Junoon team, Jazba channels India’s roadside and rail-canteen classics into a stylish East Village room. Dishes skew bold and nostalgic, with a slightly upscale finish and a fun, bustling dining energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galouti kebab, Aslam’s butter chicken, Kashmiri nadru kofta
What makes it special: Hawker-style Indian classics with Junoon polish.
#7
Malai Marke
7.8
A long-running East Village staple serving classic North Indian curries and kebabs with dependable results. The menu is wide, portions are generous, and it’s a neighborhood fallback for both meat lovers and vegetarians.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb rogan josh, Chicken tikka masala, Hot garlic shrimp (Indo-Chinese)
What makes it special: Huge menu of Indian favorites with strong value.
#8
Ambo
7.7
A fast-casual bowl and wrap shop doing streamlined Indian flavors for quick lunches. The food is fresh and customizable, with solid spice blends and a health-forward tilt that works well on the go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build-your-own Ambo bowl, Paneer tikka masala bowl, Chicken tikka taco
What makes it special: Indian flavors built for fast, customizable bowls.
7.6
A low-key neighborhood restaurant doing straightforward, home-style North Indian cooking with a full bar. It’s not flashy, but locals appreciate the generous portions, steady curries, and relaxed vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb biryani, Dal makhni, Garlic & cheese naan
What makes it special: Unpretentious curries and biryanis that deliver for locals.