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Ishq

202 Avenue A Frnt A, New York, NY 10009
$$$
Indian

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Master Critic Review

Ishq 8.2
East Village
A modern Indian room with a nightlife-adjacent glow and a menu that’s built for contrast—sweet-and-sour chaat, tandoor smoke, and saucy comfort dishes that land with real spice depth. It shines when you order a chaat, a tandoori bite, and one rich curry, then stop there.
Must-Try Dishes: Jalebi chaat, Butter chicken, Dudhiya kabob
Scores:
Value: 7 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 7.7 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 8.5 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Modern Indian with chaat-driven creativity and a showy dining-room vibe.
Who should go: Date nights that want spice
When to visit: First seating for calmer pacing
What to order: Jalebi chaat, dudhiya kabob, butter chicken
Insider tip: Add one chaat upfront—then split one curry with rice.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive after 6pm. Plan on a garage or rideshare for weekend dinners.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but most guests look polished for a night-out vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy early, gets louder as the night progresses.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple strong vegetarian dishes, especially chaat and vegetable-forward curries.
Vegan options: Limited—some dishes can be adapted, but confirm with staff before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options available; cross-contact possible, so check with your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—stylish room, shareable plates, and approachable spice make it easy to connect without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes early or late, but prime dinner hours fill fast—reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—this is more of an adult, nightlife-adjacent setting best for teens and up.
Best For
Better for: Modern Indian with a social, date-night energy—stronger on ambiance and chaat-driven creativity than traditional neighborhood spots.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, ultra-classic Indian comfort, or a budget-friendly, family-style meal.