Must Try Indian Restaurants In New York For A Bright Diwali
Diwali, the festival of lights, brings together families and friends to celebrate with delicious food and joyful gatherings.
New York City offers an incredible array of Indian restaurants where you can experience authentic flavors during this special holiday. From cozy family-owned spots to upscale dining experiences, these eateries bring the vibrant tastes and aromas of India right to the heart of the Big Apple.
1. Adda Indian Canteen – Queens’ Culinary Gem
Located in Long Island City, Adda serves up some of the most authentic Indian cuisine you’ll find in New York.
The restaurant’s rustic decor and casual vibe make it perfect for Diwali celebrations with friends or family. Their butter chicken and goat biryani are legendary among locals, prepared with traditional spices that transport you straight to the streets of Delhi.
I absolutely love their chaat appetizers they’re the perfect way to start your meal. During Diwali, they often decorate with beautiful rangoli patterns and offer special holiday menus. The staff treats you like family, making this spot extra special for festive occasions!
2. Junoon – Michelin-Starred Excellence
Junoon stands out as one of the few Indian restaurants in NYC to earn a coveted Michelin star. The elegant space in Flatiron District creates the perfect ambiance for celebrating Diwali in style.
Chef Akshay Bhardwaj crafts dishes that blend traditional Indian flavors with modern techniques. Their tandoor-grilled meats are simply exceptional tender and infused with aromatic spices. My favorite is their ghost chili murgh tikka that delivers just the right amount of heat.
For Diwali, expect special tasting menus featuring regional specialties from across India. The cocktail program deserves special mention too try their spice-infused creations that complement the food perfectly!
3. Vatan – A Gujarati Feast
If you’re looking for something truly unique, Vatan offers an immersive dining experience featuring all-vegetarian Gujarati cuisine. Walking in feels like entering a traditional Indian village, complete with thatched roofs and ornate decorations.
The fixed-price menu includes unlimited servings of over 20 different dishes served on a silver thali platter. Their dhokla (steamed savory cake) and puri bhaji are absolutely divine! During Diwali, this place truly shines with special decorations and festive additions to their menu.
What makes Vatan special is how they recreate the communal dining experience central to Indian festivals. You’ll eat the traditional way seated on cushions and using your hands if you wish!
4. Tamarind Tribeca – Upscale Celebration
Housed in a stunning two-story space in Tribeca, Tamarind offers an upscale dining experience perfect for a special Diwali celebration. The soaring ceilings and contemporary decor create an atmosphere that’s both elegant and welcoming.
Their menu showcases dishes from various regions of India, with seafood being a particular highlight. The Goan fish curry and tandoori prawns are spectacular choices that I recommend to everyone. For vegetarians, their paneer dishes are equally impressive.
During festival season, Tamarind often features special Diwali thalis and festive decorations. The attentive service and extensive wine list make this spot ideal for those looking to celebrate in style while enjoying refined Indian flavors!
5. Dhamaka – Unapologetically Regional
When I visited Dhamaka on the Lower East Side, I was blown away by their focus on “forgotten” Indian recipes. This isn’t your typical butter chicken place they serve bold, fiery dishes from rural India rarely found in American restaurants.
Their signature rabbit dish, Rajasthani khargosh, is legendary and often sells out early. The gurda kapoora (goat kidney and testicles) showcases their commitment to authentic regional cooking.
Don’t worry though they have plenty of less adventurous options that are equally delicious! For Diwali, expect special regional festival dishes that you won’t find elsewhere in NYC. The small, vibrant space fills up quickly, so book well in advance if you’re planning a Diwali visit!
6. Semma – South Indian Excellence
Semma brings the vibrant flavors of South India to Greenwich Village, focusing on dishes rarely seen in New York restaurants. The bright, welcoming space is decorated with elements that evoke coastal South India.
Chef Vijay Kumar showcases his Tamil Nadu heritage with spectacular dishes like nathai pirattal (snail curry) and kudal varuval (goat intestines). Don’t worry if those sound too adventurous their dosas, uttapams, and vegetarian options are equally outstanding and more familiar.
During Diwali, Semma often features special South Indian festival dishes like different payasams (sweet puddings) and savory specialties. The restaurant’s name means “awesome” in Tamil, and that perfectly describes both the food and the festive atmosphere they create!
7. Dawat – Madhur Jaffrey’s Legacy
Founded by cookbook author and actress Madhur Jaffrey, Dawat holds a special place in New York’s Indian food scene. The restaurant’s name means “invitation to feast” perfectly fitting for a Diwali celebration!
Their menu features dishes from across India, with notable standouts being the tandoori salmon and the dum pukht biryani sealed with dough and baked to perfection. I always order their eggplant bhartha it’s smoky, rich and absolutely divine. For Diwali, Dawat creates a festive atmosphere with special holiday menus showcasing regional festival specialties.
The restaurant’s warm, inviting ambiance and Jaffrey’s carefully curated recipes make this Midtown spot perfect for experiencing authentic Indian hospitality during the festival of lights!
8. Baar Baar – Gastro Bar With Flair
Baar Baar brings a hip, modern approach to Indian cuisine in its stylish East Village location. The name means “again and again” which is exactly how often you’ll want to visit after trying their innovative dishes! Chef Sujan Sarkar creates contemporary interpretations of classic Indian flavors.
Their butter chicken pizza naan and kashmiri lamb ribs showcase this creative approach. The cocktail program deserves special mention try the Baar Baar Old Fashioned with cardamom and coconut. During Diwali, the restaurant transforms with festive decorations and special menus.
The vibrant atmosphere, complete with DJ sets on weekends, makes this a perfect spot for celebrating with friends. I love their happy hour deals too perfect for starting your Diwali night out!
9. Chote Nawab – Homestyle Comfort
Tucked away in Murray Hill (also known as “Curry Hill”), Chote Nawab offers authentic homestyle cooking from various regions of India. The cozy, unpretentious space feels like dining in someone’s home perfect for a comfortable Diwali celebration.
Their Hyderabadi biryani is legendary fragrant basmati rice layered with tender meat and sealed in a dough crust before baking. The kebab platters are perfect for sharing, and their Lucknowi galouti kebabs practically melt in your mouth.
During Diwali, they offer special sweets and savory snacks traditionally enjoyed during the festival. What makes this place special is the genuine warmth of the staff and the consistently excellent food that reminds many Indian expats of home cooking!
10. Sahib – Punjabi Perfection
Sahib brings the robust flavors of Punjab to Curry Hill with dishes that showcase the region’s famous tandoor cooking. The warm, inviting space features traditional Punjabi decor elements that transport you straight to Northern India.
Their tandoori mixed grill is a carnivore’s dream featuring perfectly charred chicken, lamb, and seafood. Vegetarians will love the sarson ka saag with makki di roti (mustard greens with cornbread) a Punjabi specialty rarely done well outside India. For Diwali, Sahib goes all out with special festival dishes and decorations.
The restaurant’s name means “sir” or “master” in Hindi, and they certainly master the art of Punjabi cuisine! Their lassi (yogurt drink) comes in several flavors and makes the perfect accompaniment to spicy dishes.
11. Aroqa – Fusion With Finesse
Aroqa stands out with its creative fusion approach to Indian cuisine in a sleek, modern Chelsea space. The sophisticated cocktail program and innovative menu make it perfect for a trendy Diwali celebration with friends.
Chef Gaurav Anand plays with unexpected combinations like tandoori octopus and mango-glazed pork ribs that somehow remain true to Indian flavor profiles. The presentation is Instagram-worthy expect smoke-filled domes and artistic plating. During Diwali, they create special cocktails and dishes inspired by the festival.
I especially love their small plates format, perfect for trying multiple dishes. The dramatic lighting and contemporary atmosphere make Aroqa a refreshing alternative to more traditional Indian restaurants while still honoring the festive spirit of Diwali!
12. Temple Canteen – South Indian Vegetarian
Hidden within the Hindu Temple Society of North America in Flushing, Temple Canteen offers some of the most authentic South Indian vegetarian food in New York. This no-frills eatery is a true hidden gem worth seeking out, especially during Diwali.
Their dosas (crispy rice and lentil crepes) are the star enormous, crispy, and filled with spiced potatoes or other vegetarian fillings. Don’t miss their idlis (steamed rice cakes) with sambar and various chutneys. The prices are incredibly reasonable, making this perfect for large family gatherings.
During Diwali, the temple itself hosts celebrations, making this a uniquely immersive cultural experience. What makes this place special is its authenticity it’s where many Indian families go for a taste of home during festivals!
13. Malai Marke – Spice Market Inspiration
Malai Marke in East Village draws inspiration from India’s bustling spice markets, offering dishes that showcase regional spice blends. The name refers to “cream” and “spice” perfectly capturing their balance of rich and fiery flavors.
Their seafood specialties are outstanding, particularly the Goan fish curry and Kerala shrimp. For meat lovers, the lamb vindaloo delivers an authentic punch of heat and tang. The restaurant features an open kitchen where you can watch chefs work their magic with countless spices. During Diwali, they create special regional festival dishes not found on their regular menu.
What I appreciate most is their willingness to prepare dishes at your preferred spice level whether you want authentic Indian heat or something milder while still experiencing the complex flavor profiles!
14. Ghee Indian Kitchen – Brooklyn’s Hidden Treasure
Tucked away in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood, Ghee Indian Kitchen celebrates the central role of clarified butter in Indian cooking. This family-run establishment offers a warm, intimate setting perfect for Diwali gatherings.
Their menu focuses on North Indian classics executed with exceptional attention to detail. The dal makhani, simmered overnight, achieves incredible depth of flavor. Their breads are made to order the garlic cheese naan is particularly outstanding. During Diwali, they decorate with traditional diyas (oil lamps) and offer special festival thalis.
What makes Ghee special is their commitment to slow cooking methods and house-ground spice blends. The modest pricing makes this an excellent value, especially for family-style Diwali celebrations where you’ll want to order multiple dishes!
15. Jackson Diner – Queens Institution
Despite its name, Jackson Diner is actually one of the oldest and most beloved Indian restaurants in NYC. Located in the heart of Jackson Heights, this neighborhood institution has been serving authentic North Indian cuisine since 1983.
Their lunch buffet is legendary offering incredible value and variety. For Diwali, I recommend ordering from their extensive menu instead. Their tandoori mixed grill and malai kofta (cheese dumplings in creamy sauce) are exceptional. During the festival, they often feature special Diwali sweets and savory snacks.
What makes Jackson Diner perfect for celebrations is the spacious dining room that can accommodate large groups. The unpretentious setting lets the food take center stage exactly as it should for a proper Diwali feast with family and friends!
