Banjara
Price guide: Mid-range
97 First Avenue, New York City, New York , 10009
Loading map...
#49 of 80
expert-rated restaurants in New York City- Recommended for:
- Couples, Families with teenagers, Mature travellers, Romance
Expert review of Banjara
The best Indian restaurant in the East Village.
In an area bursting with Indian eateries, Banjara is the best. You won't find kitschy decor or bright lights. Instead, you'll get authentic Indian dishes from various regions in the South Asian nation.
Food and drink:
When it comes to Indian food, I am pretty discriminatory. Most Indian restaurants that my friends love, I loathe, especially those on 6th Street in the East Village. Thankfully, Banjara isn't like the rest on the block. The dishes are authentic and not just from the North. You'll find some South Indian dishes, Kashmiri specialties and Goan curries. There are so many dishes to choose from, you'll find it hard to choose.
Recommended dishes:
The chicken liver appetizer served with mini pooris shouldn't be missed. My favorite entrees include the savory Shakoothi and the Banjara Karahi, both spicy confections that meet your expectations.
Ambience:
The ambience is casual with a bit of elegance thrown in. Waiters wear uniforms with traditional vests and the tables are covered in white tablecloths. It's a departure from other area Indian restaurants. You can have a romantic evening here and have a cozy conversation without fear of being overheard. And thankfully, you won't be subjected to hanging lanterns, bright lights and annoying bhangra music (I'm looking at you Panna and Panna Two).
Service:
Attentive though sometimes off, depending upon how busy the kitchen is.
Location:
In the East Village on the corner of 6th Street and First Avenue, a veritable Little India.
Price advice:
For the amount of food, the price is pretty affordable. Dinner for two will set you back about $60 without wine or beer.
Tables to book:
Get there early and try to get a window seat. The restaurant is separated into two dining rooms. One is connected to the bar. It's never too boisterous.
More information on Banjara:
- Price guide:
- Type:
- Restaurant
- Food:
- Indian
- Address:
- 97 First Avenue, New York City, New York , 10009
- Telephone:
- 212-477-5956
- Website:
- http://www.banjaranyc.com
- Serves:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Opening times:
- Daily noon-midnight
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Reservations:
- Not necessary
- Free tags / Keywords:
- Samosas
