A shout out to Martha Stewart, whose IG put Bungalow NYC on the radar for me to try. Once again she proves that Martha knows best, as what I discovered was one of the best Indian restaurants in NYC. Bungalow is the whole package with a vibe, the food and service.
Atmosphere
In a word, Bungalow NYC is elegance, defined. The exterior is covered in garlands of flowers, which make a statement before you even enter. Flowers are a theme throughout as they also make the dining room feel like an indoor garden. Between that, the spaces airy and has a large bar and reception area, which all creates a vibe.There was natural flow and energy to the room that sets the stage for an experience.
You can tell when a restaurant is about the details, and everything from the glassware to the colorful plates is carefully curated. This attention to detail comes together in the sum of the atmosphere of Bungalow NYC. We sat at the bar to begin and people-watched the elegant international crowd that streamed throughout the evening. Bungalow is one of the best Indian restaurants in NYC because it sets itself apart with beautiful decor and people.
Food + Beverage
You become one of the best Indian restaurants in NYC when your food is tops, and that’s what you’ll find at Bungalow. At the helm is Chef Vikas Khanna, one of the top talents in Indian cuisine. Chef Khanna was a judge of MasterChef India and former chef of Michelin-starred Junoon, so has seen a thing or two.
What is unique though about his style is that he takes traditional Indian food and adds elements and presentation to make it unique and distinct. For example, the Banrasi puri, which I would Uber downtown for any night, is filled with beetroot, pineapple and chutneys of tamarind and cilantro. I would say it’s the best $12 I’ve spent all year. The yogurt kebab is another surprise. A yogurt dumpling is encased in shredded crispy dough called kataifi. Normally you’ll find kataifi in Greek desserts but it makes for a unique addition to this Indian dish. The shrimp cones are exactly that and are a novelty that you should at least try.
Overall I wish that I had a much bigger stomach and an army of friends, as that would have allowed us to order the entire menu. Instead we settled for the Kokum salmon with coconut and beets and the chickpea roti.
Drinks + Wine
What also makes Bungalow one of the best Indian restaurants in NYC is that it doesn’t ignore the drinks. Bungalow NYC has a top cocktail program; the Paan sour is their rendition of the pisco sour. It’s the perfect combination of tangy and fresh, with unique Indian spices. The Bangalore Club is their version of the Manhattan and nice for dessert. By the glass the wines are also elevated, with elevated Italian wines. I also thought it was cool that they have a sake program at Bungalow, which also sets them apart.
Service
Bungalow is one of the best Indian restaurants in NYC not just because of their food. Bungalow NYC has a culture of elegant hospitality that is clear through all your interactions. First, although this is one of the hardest reservations to get right now, the maitre’d stand is as lovely as can be. They are honest with you that as a walk-in you will have a challenging time getting a table. However they’ll put your name on the list in case of cancellations and offer you a seat at the bar. The international staff of many backgrounds move about the dining room with a certain elegance yet natural flow. It’s as if they are entertaining you in the chef’s home.
In fact, Bungalow NYC seems like an extension of Chef Vikas Khanna’s home. He personally greets guests at tables as if he’s known you for ages. Many tables are actually his friends and long-time clients. Others are fans; Chef Khanna is after all a TV personality as well. You’ll see him humbly obliging the many guests asking for a photo opp.
In all this buzz, service is overall the focus. We waited for a table and the bartending staff is probably the second reason people try to become regulars. The waitstaff genuinely engage you in conversations and want to make sure you are enjoying yourself. When we got to our table, that hospitality continued with knowledgeable staff and flawless dinner service and timing.
Overall: 9/10
Of the best Indian restaurants in NYC, Bungalow is the entire package.
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FAQs
Q: Where is Bungalow NYC is located?
A: Bungalow NYC is located at 24 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009. It is one of the best Indian restaurants in NYC.
Q: What are the hours of operation of Bungalow NYC?
A: The hours of operation of Bungalow NYC are as follows:
| Saturday | 5–11 PM |
| Sunday | 5–11 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–11 PM |
| Thursday | 5–11 PM |
| Friday | 5–11 PM |
Q: Do you need reservations at Bungalow NYC?
A: Bungalow NYC is one of the best Indian restaurants in New York. So the answer is yes, you need reservations if you want to have a shot to sit at a table. However Bungalow NYC has a beautiful bar where you can order appetizers. Full main courses however are not served at their bar.
