Great Indian Restaurants in Manhattan, New York

246 E. 51st St

Amma lends a new degree of sophistication to the Indian restaurant that's not normally seen in New York. While its décor takes itself very seriously, but the taste is unique and intense, like nothing else in New York. Amma is reasonably priced, and most meals will cost less than $30 per person.

Recommended: Apricot stuffed lamb fillets

Brick Lane Curry House

306-308 E 6^th St

Many criticize the slow service at Brick Lane Curry House, and the décor is more reminiscent of a bistro than an Indian restaurant, but the exoticness of the food more than makes up for it. The curries are exceptionally spicy, and you'll even get a free beer if you can finish a bowl of phaal curry. This is the ideal place for the adventurous Indian diner. You're unlikely to spend more than $20.

Recommended: Lamb vindaloo

Chennai Garden

129 E 27^th St

Chennai Garden is the very heart of the kosher Indian trend, but the lunch buffet is unique. Though from the outside it looks like any Indian buffet, once you start tasting, you'll be going back and forth refilling your plate. Outside of the lunch buffet, which runs Tuesday-Thursday 11:30-3, there are better options.

Recommended: Lunch buffet

Hampton Chutney Co.

68 Prince St
Hampton Chutney Co. is the king of value Indian. Even a big spender couldn't break the $20 mark and most diners won't break $10, but that doesn't stop the food from being high quality. Its menu consists both of traditional Indian favorites and modern dishes. The décor is nothing to get excited about, unfortunately.

Recommended: Grilled chicken with goat cheese, spinach & roasted tomato dosa

Indigo Indian Bistro

357 E 50^th St

While you can find all your Indian favorites here, the real attraction of Indigo Indian Bistro is the application of Indian spices to things you haven't tried them on, like Cornish hen chettinad or tandoori halibut. The feel is relaxing, as the tables are spread out and comfortable. You'll feel like you're eating at a world class restaurant but you likely won't spend more than $25.

Recommended: Malai kofta

Karahi

118 Christopher St

Karahi's décor can be overwhelming, but there's a beautiful charm to this tiny West Village eatery. It's comfortable, and the wait staff treats you like family. It's like being at home for Christmas...if your mother is a great Indian chef. The food is wonderful, yet calm in the way it's spiced. Along with Karahi's hometown feel, many of the dishes will come out sizzling. Expect to spend around $15.

Recommended: Murg curry masala

Spice Cove

326 E 6^th St

My hands down favorite. Spice Cove is a charming small place, not cramped but cozy. The wait staff is exceptionally friendly and the food quality boggles the mind. The décor successfully melds tradition and modernism like no other Indian restaurant. And you won't spend over $20. Don't miss it.

Recommended: Chicken bhuna

Tamarind

41-43 E 22^nd St

The bill at Tamarind can run a little high, but for a very classy atmosphere, pleasant wait staff and good food, it's worth it. The chef uses traditional Indian spices, but the flavors feel unique. It's hard to describe, but the food is traditional and experimental at the same time.

Recommended: Murgh lazeez