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Lore
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Lore
8.5
Michelin Bib Gourmand–recognized Lore filters Indian flavors through a seasonal, contemporary lens, from fermented dosa to butterless butter chicken. Locals use it for date nights and small-group dinners where thoughtful service and a tight, constantly evolving menu reward repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butterless Butter Chicken, Fermented Dosa, Mushroom Uttapam
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Modern Indian-inflected cooking with Michelin-backed value and polish.
Who should go: Diners wanting inventive Indian flavors in a polished room.
When to visit: Early weeknights or Sunday prix fixe for best value.
What to order: Butterless butter chicken, fermented dosa, prix-fixe dessert.
Insider tip: Weeknight prix fixe is the easiest, most affordable entry point.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; competitive after 6pm on 5th Ave, with better luck on residential side streets within a 2–3 block radius.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly polished for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but controlled; normal conversation is comfortable at most two-tops.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation for small parties; longer for groups.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, with easy walk-in availability.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection, including multiple mains and starters built around seasonal produce.
Vegan options: Moderate—several dishes can be made vegan on request, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Good support; many dishes are naturally gluten-free and staff clearly notes safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the room is stylish without being formal, the noise stays gentle, and the menu encourages sharing without overwhelming newcomers to Indian flavors.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often on weeknights, yes; on weekends, small walk-in parties may snag bar seats or early tables, but prime hours typically require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy flavorful dishes; high chairs and dedicated kids’ items are limited, but staff is accommodating with milder preparations.
Best For
Better for: Inventive, seasonal Indian plates and a more polished date-night atmosphere than nearby casual curry houses.
Skip if: You want a large, traditional North Indian menu, big portions, or takeout-first convenience—other local spots are better suited for that.
Lore
8.8
Lore is Chef Jay Kumar’s Michelin Bib Gourmand spot where a menu rooted in local seasonality meets Indian-inflected, globally inspired cooking. Partnering with nearby farms, the kitchen builds intricate plates—dosa, seafood, lamb, and vegetables—that feel both composed and personal, backed by a poetic cocktail list and a warm, dimly lit room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fermented Dosa with masala potato and chutneys, Butterless Butter Chicken with cashew crème and pulao rice, Lamb Rack with rogan josh and fingerling potatoes
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized seasonal cooking that fuses local farm sourcing with Indian and global flavors in a polished corner space.
Who should go: Adventurous diners craving inventive, high-impact flavor combinations.
When to visit: Prime-time dinner on weeknights or early weekends with reservations.
What to order: Fermented dosa, Butterless Butter Chicken, lamb rack.
Insider tip: The prix-fixe weeknight menu is the most efficient way to sample the kitchen’s range without overspending.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 7th Ave and adjacent blocks; expect moderate difficulty after 6pm. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slightly polished edge; denim is fine but most diners lean elevated.
Noise level: Moderate—lively energy but still suitable for conversation across a small table.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for walk-ins, but waits can exceed an hour during peak seasons.
Weekday lunch: N/A — restaurant is dinner-focused; early evening walk-ins typically seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—several composed plates and starters built around seasonal produce.
Vegan options: Limited but thoughtful—typically 1–2 dishes can be made vegan with advance notice.
Gluten-free options: Multiple options including dosa and several mains; staff is knowledgeable but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The dim, warm interior and intricate plating make it an intimate setting without feeling formal, ideal for a first date that aims to impress without stiffness.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Early evenings on weekdays are your best chance. By 7pm or on weekends, walk-ins often face a notable wait, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and older teens; the menu skews adventurous and there’s limited space for strollers or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Inventive, Indian-inflected farm-to-table dishes with strong seasonal sourcing and refined presentation—more experimental than most Park Slope contemporaries.
Skip if: You want very mild flavors, quick in-and-out dining, or a wide-open dining room; Lore leans intimate, bold, and chef-driven.