10 Best South Indian Restaurants in New York for Delicious Food

South India is a distinctive part of India that encompasses five southern states of India: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Andhra Pradesh. They have their own culture, lifestyle, and unique food choices. South Indian foods are very delicious as well as healthy due to the temperate use of rich ingredients. The taste of South Indian cuisine transcends the national border and is very popular in the United States.

There is no doubt that the cuisine of each state of India has its unique regional touch. Nonetheless, all five states of South India share a quite common flavor. As the South Indian states are coastal and have abundant rain, a wide number of fruits and vegetables are available in these regions. South Indian restaurants in New York provide all these vegetables and non-vegan options.

South Indian food typically features chilies, tamarind, pepper and peppercorns, curry leaves, mustard, and fenugreek seeds. These ingredients make South Indian cuisine stand out. Some popular South Indian food items are dosa, vada, idli, Pongal, Malabar parota, coconut rice, sambar, thoran, chicken ishtu, and many more.

Here is a list of the 10 best South Indian Restaurants in New York:

01. Vatan

In the center of New York City, Vatan offers one of the greatest home-away experiences. This Gujarati Thali restaurant provides excellent service, attention to detail, and a wonderful environment, resulting in a satisfying experience for both the stomach and the heart.

Vatan's cuisine is excellent, with a wide range of options, and each mouthful is a treat. Vatan is a wonderful option for anybody who likes high-quality Indian vegetarian food, particularly from Gujarat.
Address: 409 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States

02. Anand Indian Cuisine

Anand Indian Cuisine provides a genuine Indian eating experience at a reasonable price. They are known for their halal cuisine, which is made with unique Indian spices. Non-vegetarian foods are prepared with care and efficiency, ensuring a tasty experience.

Anand Indian Cuisine caters to a wide spectrum of tastes with a diversified menu that includes vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and vegan alternatives. Their friendly staff strives to surpass expectations by providing outstanding customer service. Anand Indian Cuisine is a great option for rich and healthful meals for a work luncheon or a birthday party. They strive to delight taste receptors without sacrificing quality.
Address: 304 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075, United States

03. Dosa Delight

Dosa Delight is a well-known and popular vegetarian restaurant specializing in South Indian and North Indian food. They have been offering vegetarian and vegan food with a focus on excellent and healthful alternatives for 35 years.

However, some customers have reported dissatisfaction with the taste of the dish, citing a lack of flavor and recommending the use of canned or frozen items. While Dosa Delight strives to deliver timely and polite service, reviews on the entire eating experience have been mixed.
Address: 35-66 73rd St, Queens, NY 11372, United States

04. Anjappar Indian Cuisine

This restaurant provides a great dining experience with excellent food and professional service. Their chicken chili is a wonderful and savory meal that exceeds expectations.

The restaurant is perfect for spicy cuisine lovers. A flaky starting appetizer with a delightfully crispy and juicy lollipop chicken, dipping sauce, and high-quality fish dishes that mirror true flavors from home are also on the menu. The rava kesari dessert is a must-try. This restaurant provides a great experience with its helpful waiter Sandhya and cost-effective rates.
Address: 116 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States

05. Saravanaa Bhavan

This South Indian restaurant is the best place to go for real South Indian cuisine. It offers a nice eating experience thanks to its friendly staff, clean ambiance, and rapid service. The dosas, idlis, and vada are all excellent and highlight the restaurant's culinary expertise.

The big menu has a variety of yummy alternatives, including vada sambar, milgaipodi dosa, the weekend Upma, onion rava dosa, and Madras coffee. Indoor and outdoor sitting, takeaway, delivery, and curbside pickup are all available at the restaurant.
Address: 81 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States

06. PONGAL

This South Indian restaurant is located within walking distance of the Empire State Building. It is a vegetarian's paradise. The masala dosa is a notable meal that highlights their ability to prepare rich and delightful food. While the veggie biryani is delicious, it's worth mentioning that the cuisine here is hot, so it might not be suited for individuals who aren't used to it.

From Monday through Friday, the menu also includes a large range of chaats, desserts, and a vegetarian thali. This charming restaurant caters to a variety of tastes by offering dine-in, takeaway, and delivery choices. Don't miss out on the Rava Masala Dosa and Chole Bhature.
Address: 110 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States

07. Adyar Ananda Bhavan

This Upper East Side South Indian restaurant is a vegetarian and vegan haven with dietary restrictions like gluten-free and nut-free options. The restaurant has several unusual restrictions, such as an additional fee for credit card usage, no sharing, and a fee for takeout containers. Despite these eccentricities, people come for excellent South Indian food.

The idli vada combination, Rasam, and butter masala dosa were all delicious, albeit the Rava Masala dosa is a little less crispy. Gulab Jamun rounded off the dish wonderfully. If you're in New York City and seeking South Indian food, this restaurant's delectable dishes are worth a visit.
Address: 1071 1st Ave., New York, NY 10022, United States

08. Sahib

This South Indian restaurant serves delicious cuisine and provides friendly service. The chicken lollipops feature an intriguing combination of spicy and sour tastes reminiscent of Korean-style fried chicken, albeit the batter is a little heavy.

The eggplant fritters are a great appetizer. The butter chicken is good, but it tastes a little too sweet. The lamb, on the other hand, is delicate and well-prepared. The fluffy and steaming hot naan is an outstanding item, and it is a must-try. Except for the bread, the dinner is amazing. It should be noted that the naans have too much yeast.
Address: 104 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States

09. Sathi

This South Indian restaurant offers a memorable dining experience with a wide range of delectable cuisine. The chicken vindaloo is really hot, besides the other items are equally delicious. The naan, notably the garlic and coconut varieties, is excellent. As a tasty starter, the lamb samosa stands out.

What actually distinguishes this restaurant is the attentive and pleasant service offered by the attentive and polite personnel. They provide recommendations and handle every detail to ensure a great eating experience. Flavors and premium ingredients are highlighted in the dish. The restaurant offers a relaxed environment, making it ideal for a casual visit with a buddy.
Address: 216 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003, United States

10. Khiladi NYC

This South Indian restaurant in the East Village serves homestyle food influenced by the owner's childhood meals as well as street market classics from South India.

The food is great and genuine, and it comes highly recommended. Butter chicken, lamb, and samosas are popular menu dishes. The staff is attentive.
Address: 175 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009, United States

Final Words

The above-mentioned restaurants serve genuine South Indian food. The quality of their food and customer service are equally satisfactory. If you are living in New York and searching for a good South Indian restaurant, these restaurants might be good alternatives because of their unrivaled quality.

We have made this list based upon a large number of customer feedbacks. So, you can be sure of the objectivity of our preferences.