(212) 477-5956
97 First Avenue
(6th Street)
New York,
NY
10003
40.732254
-73.987411
Neighborhoods: Downtown, East Village
Hours:
Daily 12pm-12am
Parking:
Street
from Keith Wagstaff
What People Are Saying About Banjara
The Editor
Jessica Allen
Citysearch
The decor’s subdued maroons, golds and silvery whites, offset by the occasional flourish in glitter, belie this restaurant’s fiery specialties. Liberal use of peppercorns, coriander, cumin, mint, red chiles, Indian pickles and other herbs elevate the menu’s mostly traditional dishes from northern India, such as subzi jal frazie, lamb vindaloo and murg tandoori (chicken marinated in yogurt and wine, then baked in a clay oven). Banjara also offers dumpakht, in which a juicy stew of meat, fish or vegetables is cooked in a puffy pastry shell.
11/07/05
Not the Same Old, Same Old
by kem31753
A friend and I went for lunch to scout out the restaurant for a future party. The menu was not the usual tired dishes (although if your favorite is not on the menu, it says they will make it for you!) The entrees were outstanding. I would recommend, though, that if you like your food fiery be sure to stress that. I requested my food to be spicy, but the chef must have thought I was kidding, and sent back something very, very mild. It was so flavorful, however, I didn't mind.
- Pros: Food & prices, Menu is diverse, Festive drinks
- Cons: No parking, Up the heat!
09/02/05
Great food, terrible service
by jen_terry
We like the creamy chicken maslam and new favorite, chicken dumpkapht. The appetizers are small but tasty. One thing you can count on, poor service. The hostess also takes the orders and clears the tables. She is always running around on the phone. You are pressured to order more than you want. The "servers" are too busy running around, panicked and screaming at each other, to help customers. Want a water refill? Best to ask for 2-3 glasses extra and leave them on the table, you may not get anymore. Last night, we asked for our leftovers to go- 2 chicken dishes and rice (each were half portions, not just a couple bites). We said what we wanted to go twice, and for clarity, pointed to the dishes. Waitress threw one out, wasnt sorry, wouldnt replace it, but gave us extra rice. And she was rude. Great food, terrible service.
- Pros: food, price
- Cons: service, small tables, some uncomfy chairs
08/15/05
Diamond in the Rough
by kganancial
Banjara was my first take on Indian cuisine (a few years back) and since then I've had dreams about their food! Not only is their service outstanding and courteous but their tasty selection is amazing. I've pretty much had everything on the menu but for the newbies I highly recommend their Salan Curry chicken accompanied with Raita to curve the fire.
- Pros: service, food
- Cons: wait
The Details on Banjara
The Extras:
No Indian meal is complete without a side of bread. Skip boring, old butter naan in favor of garlic naan, roti (a flatbread cooked in the tandoor) or naan stuffed with chicken or potatoes.
Know Before You Go:
A tiny note on the menu urges diners to be patient, as the food takes around "45 minutes to serve." Not every foodie will feel up to the wait.
Where to Sit:
A fairly substantial outdoor seating section offers fine views of passersby on 6th Street. In contrast, the interior's drapes and linens let you forget about the city and focus on the food.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
People Watching, Lunch Spot, Cheap Eats
Cuisine:
Dress Code:
Casual
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