Indian food is celebrated throughout the United States for its bold flavors, healthy ingredients, and warming, nourishing goodness. With a wide variety of dishes and accompaniments, as well as breads, beverages, deserts, and countless sauces and rice combinations, the cuisine is perhaps one of the most diverse in the world. From the many regions of India come diverse local traditions that focus on specific spices, specialties, and cooking methods. One of the most prominent varieties of Indian food is that hailing from South India, where vegetarian dishes are more popular and the range of flavors tend to evoke green, cool, refreshing elements. New York City boasts a happily growing Desi population, one of the primary benefits of which is the vast plethora of Indian restaurants available to hungry diners. The city features a great selection of specifically South Indian cuisine venues; FunduSearch is here to direct you to a new favorite. If you're not sure where to begin your search for the best Indian food in New York, this quick guide can help get you started.


Conveniently located on Lexington Avenue, Saravanaas Bhavan offers diners a unique culinary experience highlighting the best cuisine South India has to offer. With lots of flavorful and masterfully concocted items for breakfast (the venue opens at 8:30 each morning, a rare perk among the city's restaurants), lunch, dinner, or simply a quick snack between meals. Authenticity is king at this popular spot, where chefs hailing primarily from Chennai prepare well-loved favorites bursting with flavor and freshness. The plantain bajji make for a special sweet yet healthy treat, while the South Indian thali is a perennial favorite. The courses include rice, bread, and twelve small portions of various tasty curries, pickles, and accompaniments. A dense badam halwa of almonds, honey, and ghee makes for an excellent end to the meal, and the house beers and wines are well matched to the dishes' flavors. For quality South Indian food with your favorite curry sauces and spices, any time of the day, give Saravanaas Bhavan a try.


One of New York's best Indian restaurants overall according to both patrons and rating surveys, Amma, comfortably nestled into East 51st Street, is a dining experience in itself. A welcoming, romantic setting offers diners a quiet and elegant place to eat, without being overdone. Vegetable dishes are made with market-fresh produce and traditional spices, resulting in fantastic fare that's as healthy as it is delicious. Great flatbreads and accompaniments abound on the menu. A quality selection of deserts including house specialty mango cheesecake and kulfi in citrus syrup entice diners to order a last course even after the ample entree offerings. Newcomers to South Indian food can take advantage of the restaurant's popular vegetarian tasting menu, which delivers eight medium courses selected from the menu's best options. Wine pairings are also available for the tasting menu. Bring a loved one or a few friends to Amma and experience South Indian cuisine at its finest.


Find a favorite restaurant among New York City's South Indian offerings. With food that's nourishing and full of flavor, your whole body will thank you. Find other great venues with the full FunduSearch New York listings, including other great restaurants, as well as tutors, dentists, and jewelers.