Spice Cove: East Village NYC Indian Restaurant, Is the Best in Town

I consider myself an Indian restaurant aficionado in New York. I have all my favorites, but recently I discovered what is now my hands down favorite, Spice Cove. Spice Cove is located at 326 East 6^th St, between 1^st and 2^nd Avenue.

Finding Spice Cove is a bit of a challenge. I had it recommended to me so I wanted to go, but 6^th St between 1^st and 2^nd is Indian restaurant row, and Spice Cove is one of the most inconspicuous of the bunch. But once you spot it, it's outright charming. With a wide window right out front that looks over the East Village, Spice Cove is beautiful. Its décor successfully does what many an Indian restaurant tries but fails to do: combine the modern with the traditional. The Buddha statue that overlooks the restaurant doesn't clash with the slick stone tables.

The menu is pretty traditional for an Indian restaurant, with highly reasonable prices. Few entrees exceed $10. So if you have a favorite, you can find it reasonably priced at Spice Cove.

But my goodness, the food. From the first appetizer to the last bite, I couldn't get enough. I started with a samosa, and the crust was light and crispy with delightfully spiced filling and the sauce was excellent. Not only were the individual elements wonderfully made, but they each enhanced each other. The mixture was perfect.

I then had chicken bhuna, one of my Indian restaurant favorites. The chicken bhuna at Spice Cove is the best I've ever had. Many an Indian restaurant too heavily spices their chicken bhuna. It's hard to get right. But at Spice Cove, it was so delicate but well spiced that it blew my mind. There was heavily flavor, but it didn't overwhelm and it went down smoothly and comfortably.

The one element of Spice Cove that isn't spectacular is the bread. The naan was not as good as at the average Indian restaurant. It was pretty plain and dry. Still, the food in general blew me away.

As good as the food was, I didn't fail to notice the excellent service. The waiters at Spice Cove are highly attentive without being nosy. They keep an eye on your water and your needs and are friendly and take good care of you. At one point during my meal, I dropped my knife off the table. I could not believe how quickly a waiter came by with a new knife and a smile on his face. Spice Cove has tremendous service.

Spice Cove is my new favorite Indian restaurant in New York.