ZipPicks Awards
Best Indian in Long Island City
Best Cheap Eats in Long Island City
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Long Island City
Master Critic Review
Raj's Indian Kitchen
8.0
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A compact, counter-leaning neighborhood spot that’s most useful as a repeatable takeout and quick-bite solution near Court Square. It hits best when you stick to a tight order—one curry, one rice dish, one naan—so the flavors stay clean and the value stays obvious.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter chicken, Lamb biryani, Chole bhature
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Fast, dependable Indian staples built for takeout value.
Who should go: Solo diners and weeknight takeout people
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for fastest turnaround
What to order: Butter chicken, lamb biryani, garlic naan
Insider tip: Ask for extra heat and add one crisp snack to cut the richness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and metered; most people walk from Court Square stations or do quick pickup.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, workwear, and gym-adjacent outfits all fit.
Noise level: Low — counter-service energy with light kitchen noise, easy for conversation if eating in.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for food; seating is first-come and limited
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; orders move fast
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian curries, dals, and rice dishes are always available.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — vegetable curries and dals can be vegan if clarified butter is skipped.
Gluten-free options: Some options — rice-based dishes and curries are fine, but naan and fried snacks are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s better as a quick, functional meal than a lingering or romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is walk-in only, but space is limited and many people opt for takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for takeout or quick meals — mild curries and rice work well, but there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable Indian comfort with reliable flavor and easy takeout near Court Square.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a sit-down dining experience, polished service, or a place to linger over multiple courses.