After opening Bhatti Indian Grill and Moti Mahal Delux in NYC, Gaurav Anand cemented his dream of being among the leading Indian restaurateurs with the upscale Awadh. While the Upper West Side is known for many great eating establishments, no one in the area does Indian quite like Gaurav’s flagship restaurant. From the moment you step into the beautiful ultra-modern dining room, you’re reminded of the extravagance and richness of the princely state in India that Awadh is named after. The ambience is calming, nourishing, and pampering, with regal-looking light fixtures and Indian-influenced artwork, mahogany tables, a sleek and inviting bar, and bold copper fixtures. Amber tones cast a warm glow over diners as professional uniformed servers make it clear that Awadh is several cuts above the typical Indian dining experience. Here, you get the feeling that they care about your first impression just as much as they do about filling your stomach. One glance around the busy restaurant reveals that this is far from a hidden gem, as local patrons and destination-driven foodies are planted at every table, ordering with abandon as every dish here is deliciously and creatively done. Menu highlights: The menu and cooking technique at Awadh focuses on bold flavors that balance spice, intensity, and texture. Attention to detail and the use of interesting, lesser known spice combinations are what makes this cuisine distinctly different and Gaurav’s dedication to learning this art is obvious in the end product. A crispy okra starter (karari bhindi) was easy to be blown away by…with paper thin strips of okra covered in a delicate batter and accompanied by an exquisite red beet sauce. Samosas, while a staple at many Indian restaurants, had the perfect ratio of outer shell to filling here and were paired...

In NYC’s Curry Hill, there’s no shortage of Indian restaurants to choose from. But when Shiva Natarajan introduced his newest venture, Kokum, he brought something new to the scene. A tribute to Natarajan’s native South Indian roots, Kokum takes diners through a journey of the best in Indian cuisine. The interior is modern, sleek, and inviting with warm amber tones and lively Indian music playing in the background. Leather banquettes line one side of the restaurant with wall-sized captivating murals depicting Indian heritage and culture. During peak hours, the dining room is full of both Indian and non-Indian diners equally excited by the tantalizing options in front of them. In a comfortable setting that could easily pass for a dinner date, outing with friends, or business meeting, the service is prompt, helpful, and attune to customers’ needs, making this a great option for those already familiar with Indian cuisine, as well as those new to the concept. The extensive menu features everything from typical dishes like chicken tikka masala to more adventurous regional specialties. There is a heavy emphasis on Southern specialties, including close to 25 varieties of dosas uttapam, and idlis served with three different delicious chutneys (coconut, tomato, and mint) and a perfectly spiced sambal for dipping. Beyond the typical masala dosa (stuffed with potatoes and onions), there are also options like egg chili dosa, lamb pepper dosa, and tomato peas uttapam. Another ode to the South Indian influence is the great selection of seafood-centric dishes, a rarity in most NYC Indian restaurants. From roasted fish and shrimp to interesting seafood curries, Kokum gets the spices just right and lets the natural delicate flavor of the meat shine through. Menu highlights: The Fish Polichathu, a delicate white fish roasted with a savory...