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Musaafer is by far the best Indian restaurant I've been to. Thoroughly enjoyed two separate business dinners here, and the food, service, and ambiance are all incredible. I also consider a restaurant to be excellent when I eat things that I usually never eat. I can't stand the gamey flavor of lamb, but for the first time ever, I finished a whole lamb chop here! Also a huge fan of the butter chicken experience, which really provided such interesting twists on the dish. Would also highly recommend the lychee ceviche.
Exceptional food, ambiance, staff, and service. No notes. 10/10. Best Indian restaurant experience I have ever had in the USA.
I'll start with a proper desi reaction: "interiors pe kharcha kiyela hai bhai" - something I'd say to my bros as we walk-in to this place! Amazing setup, good for date nights, friends gathering, and if they relax their ridiculous kids policy, for family gatherings too! Very very spacious. Our server, Sumit (from Bombay!) was our host for the evening. He knew the menu well and his recommendations were exactly what we wanted to order - which is what we stuck to! Our order: Tuna Papad ($48 - 4 PCS), Coriander Shrimp ($28), Lychee Ceviche ($26) - which was the best dish in appetizers, and Black Onion (modern take on Kanda bhajji). The coriander oil was ultra flavorful. Teekha Peru ($21) was the best cocktail on our table! Butter Chicken Experience ($42) is a no-brainer for mains; they recently added a 3rd flavor with smoked cashew which also gives the three varieties, the colors of the Indian flag! Keema Pao ($48), the Bombay classic gets a special mention and hits the spot well! Sumit mixed all the seasonings and accoutrements at the table! Jackfruit Kolkata Biryani ($35) is a decent portion with generous amounts of potato, and difficult to find jackfruit - flavorful though! Mishti Doi's presentation is absolute banger, the taste didn't live up to those expectations though. The faux yogurt 'shrooms look deceptively inviting, the pistachio cremeux was absolutely brilliant though. Noise levels slightly above average, good lighting, and fantastic ambiance. Food arrives within 20 mins of placing the order. Menu on the expensive end, but the delicious food & excellent service compensates for that!
The ambiance and service was phenomenal; I'm deducting stars for the food. The interior is stunning - beautifully decorated and there's some distance between tables so you don't feel too cramped. Service was super attentive and they answered all questions. The pastry chef even came out to explain the desserts to us. This is an expensive spot, which was expected, but the food just wasn't that great. The appetizers were the best, especially the lychee ceviche and tuna papad. The butter chicken "experience" is 2 chicken dishes that taste almost the same. The homemade paneer was good but had a strong cardamom flavor, so only get it if you like that. All 3 desserts, as unique and beautifully presented as they were, did not have cohesive textures and flavors. The pastry under the gajar halwa was super hard, and the mishti doi didn't taste like much. Nice to experience but would come back for the vibe, not the food.
I'm really glad this place came over from Houston. It's great seeing Indian food presented this creatively. Each dish had great flavors and presentation - the entrees were unique takes on classic dishes, and the appetizers and desserts were totally groundbreaking. Lychee ceviche - absolutely fascinating. The fresh tropical fruit flavors play nicely with the coconut cream, herb and chili oil, and herbal topping. There's a nice variety of textures too. Paneer rizala - like a shahi paneer, but with a floral rose flavor blended throughout. The paneer is freshly made and so soft. The gravy is rich and full of delicious spices, and the large slices of green chili add the right amount of heat to cut through. Dal musaafer - doubling down on rich and creamy, but this dish was also nicely done. It's not too different from any good dal makhani at another restaurant, but it doesn't disappoint. Bullet naan - great for adding a little extra heat when paired with the other dishes. The naan is a bit on the thin side, but very soft and flavorful. Mishti doi - the mushroom dessert, made mostly from yogurt. The base is insanely thick and rich, a bit tart and not too sweet. The grass layer is subtly sweet and a bit crunchy. The mushrooms are crispy airy like a meringue - easy to forget they are also made form yogurt. Finally there's a saffron sorbet on the side, adding a subtle aromatic element. The bill came to $156 after tax and tip, but this was also way too much food for one (and you'd probably still have leftovers for two). This makes it a bit expensive, but well worth it.
We visited Musafir hoping to experience New York's Indian fine dining and compare it with what we've had in the Bay Area. The mocktails were decent but not particularly memorable for a fine-dining restaurant. Compared to the creative and well-balanced mocktails I've had at places like Copra, Tiya, Jack, these fell short. The hospitality, however, was excellent--the owner/manager - i guess his name was Zorawar, was very warm and attentive, and we appreciated the complimentary falooda-rabri dessert, which was delicious. The lychee ceviche was one of the most unique dishes we tried at Musafeer. You definitely need to keep an open mind going into it, as it's not a traditional ceviche. The combination of sweet lychee, savory elements, and a pleasant crunch created an interesting balance of flavors and textures. It was refreshing, creative, and surprisingly well-executed. Overall, a really enjoyable dish and a great conversation starter for the table. Lamb Chops The lamb chops looked promising, but unfortunately they didn't live up to expectations. They had plenty of spice and masala, but spice alone doesn't create depth of flavor. The seasoning felt one-dimensional, and the dish lacked the richness and balance I expect from fine dining. Having enjoyed exceptional Indian fine-dining lamb chops elsewhere, including in San Francisco, this version fell noticeably short. Dal As someone from Amritsar and a Punjabi who grew up eating dal, this was the dish I was most excited about. Dal is usually the safest item on any menu and something that's difficult to get wrong. The menu highlights the long cooking process, but despite that, the dal was a major disappointment. It lacked the comforting depth, smokiness, and soul that make a great Punjabi dal memorable. This was one of the biggest letdowns of the meal. Tricolor Butter Chicken The concept behind the butter chicken was creative and visually impressive. The presentation featured three variations--orange, white, and green--which appeared to be inspired by the colors of the Indian flag. Unfortunately, the execution didn't match the vision. * The orange version, inspired by the famous butter chicken from Moti Mahal, was surprisingly below average and lacked the classic butter chicken flavor profile. * The white version was the most enjoyable of the three and was the only one I would happily eat again. * The green version was the weakest of the trio. Its flavors didn't come together for me, and I couldn't finish it. That said, the overall dining experience didn't meet our expectations. Many of the dishes had ambitious concepts and beautiful presentations, but the execution often fell short.
This location does not have a Michelin star but just as good as the Houston location that does! Definitely smaller and not as pretty inside (because of spacing and it's NYC). For fancy Indian food ...this place beats all others I've been too. Definitely recommend if you want nice ambiance, fancy feeling but still good Indian food.
Musaafer is absolutely worth the hype, and then some! I've been to several Indian restaurants and this one truly stands out! The presentation, service, and ambiance are all top tier. From the moment you walk in, everything feels elevated & beautifully executed. Reservations are hard to come by, but if you're able to secure one, you really can't go wrong with the tasting menu. It's a well-curated experience that takes you through a range of vibrant spices, layered flavors, and indulgent bites that feel both creative and refined. To start, I had the Canac Street cocktail which was smooth, refined, and a perfect introduction to the experience. Some standout dishes for me were the Pandra Rassa, the Channp (the chargrilled lamb chops are a must add-on), and the Fish Moilee was very flavorful and paired well with the jasmine rice & naan. To end on a high note, the Rasmalai dessert had a burst of vibrant fruity flavors. What really made the experience feel special was the attention to detail. At the end of the meal, the staff surprised us with complimentary champagne in honor of my boyfriend's birthday, along with a thoughtful goodie bag that included a sweet treat and an Indian spice.
Hard reservation, but I set an Opentable notification and got a table for 2 on a weeknight. My friend and I tried: + Teekha Peru cocktail + Scallop ceviche + nihari birria taco + paani puri + Dal muradabadi + butter chicken experience + Lachha paratha + Basmati rice + Mishti doi The dal was my absolute favorite bite, followed by the lamb stew that came with the birria taco, and the paratha. Cocktail and butter chicken were also fantastic. Only misses were the ceviche - it had beautiful presentation, but the jalapeno overwhelmed the scallop flavor - and the saffron ice cream in the dessert, which was way too hard/frozen. Service was fantastic - they didn't rush us, even though it said we had a 90 minute table limit in the reservation details. Really appreciated that. Overall really liked this place! Great upscale Indian option. 4.5 stars.
After being treated so well at the Houston location, this visit was...rough. Getting a reservation here is an Olympic sport, but I was able to grab a 9:45 pm slot on a Saturday night. We arrived promptly at 9:45, our table was not yet ready which, hey, things happen. At 10:15 we were seated, and from there the staff started the mad rush of getting us out of there. We received a complimentary champagne for the wait - this was taken away from us still half full during dinner before we could stop them. We had questions on the menu and were deciding what to have and share - our waiter gave some general recommendations and then told us we had two minutes to decide. Our appetizers were taken away from us mid-bite as the entrees came out. My partner had to wrestle his still half full drink away from the waiter. At some point I asked them what time they closed - they told us there was an ordinance in Tribeca that says the restaurant portion of the space needs to be empty by 12. If that's the case, why take 9:45 pm reservations at all if you're not confident you'll have tables and staff out in time? Food wise: I'd let the wait staff here bully me out of here again for the Paneer Rizala. Delicious, flavorful, homemade paneer, 10/10 no notes. Mithu's Coriander Shrimp appetizer was also solid. The Black Onion was good but was taken away from us too soon to really enjoy. The Dal Musaafer came out with a dried out crust on the top of it, like it'd been sitting under the heater for too long. If you like Paan, get the Paan Negroni. The interior of this place is stunning. The bathroom smells nice. The best part of this experience was visiting the speakeasy downstairs afterwards - bartenders down there took great care of us. When we came back upstairs the coat I checked was crumpled up on the floor, which was sad. I'm assuming a lot of the quality control that the owners were able to do when they had just one location isn't happening here. Better managers/oversight would go a long way.
We have experienced Indian fine dining in NY.. this genre is on the rise for the past 3-4 years.. but nothing comes close to the grandeur and luxury of Musaafer.. We enjoyed the attentive service, beautifully presented food and innovative drinks. The food is not fusion but served in a modern aesthetic manner. Fantastic for a date night or even a night out with friends.. We got Pani puri, Nalli Nihari, butter chicken experience, Naan and the Mishti doi. Do go.. you will be delighted with the special experience!
Musaafer NYC is absolutely stunning. Every detail of the decor feels intentional and dreamy, and the overall mood is elegant yet very relaxing. From the moment we sat down, the staff was phenomenal--warm, friendly, attentive, and excellent at guiding us through the menu. They offer both a tasting menu and à la carte options, and we chose à la carte. What we ordered: Scallop Ceviche - Scallop carpaccio with shallot ginger dressing, green apple, cilantro water, and citrus segments. Super fresh and beautifully balanced. Tuna Papad - Ahi tuna with achar emulsion, karvanda, and sesame. Light, flavorful, and perfectly executed. Nihari Birria Taco - Slow-cooked pulled lamb shank, Indian cheddar, red onion, with a bone marrow consommé. Incredible depth of flavor. Butter Chicken Experience - Tomato and tomatillo base with fenugreek and cashew. The tomatillo twist was delicious and unexpected. In hindsight, we should've ordered rice on the side--don't skip it! Garlic Naan - A must. Every bite was amazing. One note: the tacos are spicy--not overwhelming, but if you have a low spice tolerance like me, just be aware. Cocktails: The Truffle Master (Winner of Truffle Master 2025) - Mijenta Blanco fat-washed with truffle oil, Lapsang Souchong tea cordial, Amontillado sherry, imitation tonka mist, and magic jelly. Very savory and definitely unusual, but visually stunning and memorable. Overall, it was an incredible experience. Yes, it's pricey--but absolutely worth it. I'd love to come back. Bonus: they have a speakeasy downstairs with drinks and small bites that's insanely good and perfect for after-dinner cocktails. Highly recommend. Would absolutely return.
From start to finish, dining at Musaafer in Tribeca was nothing short of spectacular a five-star experience that deserves every bit of praise. Musaafer began in Houston, Texas, where it quickly earned a Michelin star for its inventive approach to Indian cuisine blending tradition with bold modern flair. The name Musaafer, meaning "traveler," perfectly encapsulates the restaurant's ethos: every dish tells a story inspired by regions across India. After conquering Texas and gaining acclaim, the founders brought this remarkable concept to NYC, creating a 10,000-square-foot space that feels like stepping into an opulent Indian palace. The moment you enter, you're transported by stunning design elements -- towering marble walls, lotus chandeliers, intricate mirrored interiors reminiscent of the Taj Mahal, and exquisite details that honor Indian artistry. The vibe is luxurious yet welcoming, perfect for special occasions or an unforgettable night out. My two dishes I highly recommend * The Butter Chicken Experience - A showstopper: served in two ways -- classic creamy tomato and a vibrant tomatillo-infused green curry that elevates the beloved dish to new heights. * Beef Vindaloo with American Wagyu Sirloin - Rich, bold, and perfectly seasoned with roasted sesame and chili-fried rice. The cocktail program is equally inspired: try inventive sips like the Bombay Velvet or the Truffle Master, each marrying thoughtful mixology with Indian botanicals. And the desserts? Elegant, beautifully plated finishes that perfectly cap off the meal. Musaafer isn't just another restaurant -- it's a celebration of cultures, flavors, and storytelling through food. Every dish feels thoughtfully crafted, every cocktail a conversation starter, and the ambiance is pure magic. This is a must-visit destination for anyone serious about world-class dining in NYC. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply want a night you'll talk about for weeks, Musaafer delivers an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended , five stars across the board
Musaafer delivers a memorable fine-dining experience built around a thoughtfully curated menu inspired by the chef's travels across India. The ambiance is grand and chic, with Sheesh Mahal-inspired interiors, ornate details, and beautiful Indian florals. One small observation: the space definitely looks bigger and brighter in photos than it feels in person, but it's still an impressive setting. Food-wise, the Chicken Seekh and Lychee Ceviche were the standouts for us. They complemented each other surprisingly well -- the seekh bringing those more familiar, authentic Indian flavors while the ceviche leaned creative and fusion-forward. For mains, we were especially excited about the Butter Chicken Experience, but this was a little underwhelming. We were hoping for more of that smoky, charred tandoor flavor from the chicken itself. That said, the three different gravies each brought something distinct to the table, and together they made for an interesting and fairly well-balanced interpretation of the classic. Unfortunately, the Daal Musaafer missed the mark on our visit. It sounds wonderfully comforting on paper, but ours came out noticeably oversalted. We managed to balance it somewhat with the caramelized onion & cumin rice, which helped tone things down. This may simply have been an off batch, so I wouldn't necessarily discourage others from ordering one of their signature dishes. Our host handled the feedback graciously and removed the daal from our bill without hesitation -- excellent hospitality. We finished with the Gulab, a thoughtful and creative spin on gulab jamun with ice cream, fruit, and rich chocolate. Beautiful presentation and, thankfully, the flavors lived up to it. The cocktails are worth exploring as well. The Kohinoor, served in an actual diamond-shaped glass, certainly knows how to make an entrance. Overall, Musaafer gets a lot right: striking interiors, creative takes on Indian cuisine, excellent presentation, and genuinely warm service. At this price point, though, the execution and consistency of flavors need to be nearly flawless -- especially given how competitive NYC's elevated Indian dining scene has become. Excellent hospitality and plenty of creativity. I'd return, but I'd hope for a more consistently rewarding meal next time. read more
2 days ago
- Birria tacos: the highlight dish for me - Panni puri: Was super excited to try this dish for the first time. Loved the crunch; unsure of fillings - Lychee ceviche: a unique dish that was unexpectedly heavy from the cream - Butter chicken experience: cream forward, making the dishes quiet heavy Service: very attentive and kind Ambiance: gorgeous interior read more
Musaafer is by far the best Indian restaurant I've been to. Thoroughly enjoyed two separate business dinners here, and the food, service, and ambiance are all incredible. I also consider a restaurant to be excellent when I eat things that I usually never eat. I can't stand the gamey flavor of lamb, but for the first time ever, I finished a whole lamb chop here! Also a huge fan of the butter chicken experience, which really provided such interesting twists on the dish. Would also highly recommend the lychee ceviche. read more
I'll start with a proper desi reaction: "interiors pe kharcha kiyela hai bhai" - something I'd say to my bros as we walk-in to this place! Amazing setup, good for date nights, friends gathering, and if they relax their ridiculous kids policy, for family gatherings too! Very very spacious. Our server, Sumit (from Bombay!) was our host for the evening. He knew the menu well and his recommendations were exactly what we wanted to order - which is what we stuck to! Our order: Tuna Papad ($48 - 4 PCS), Coriander Shrimp ($28), Lychee Ceviche ($26) - which was the best dish in appetizers, and Black Onion (modern take on Kanda bhajji). The coriander oil was ultra flavorful. Teekha Peru ($21) was the best cocktail on our table! Butter Chicken Experience ($42) is a no-brainer for mains; they recently added a 3rd flavor with smoked cashew which also gives the three varieties, the colors of the Indian flag! Keema Pao ($48), the Bombay classic gets a special mention and hits the spot well! Sumit mixed all the seasonings and accoutrements at the table! Jackfruit Kolkata Biryani ($35) is a decent portion with generous amounts of potato, and difficult to find jackfruit - flavorful though! Mishti Doi's presentation is absolute banger, the taste didn't live up to those expectations though. The faux yogurt 'shrooms look deceptively inviting, the pistachio cremeux was absolutely brilliant though. Noise levels slightly above average, good lighting, and fantastic ambiance. Food arrives within 20 mins of placing the order. Menu on the expensive end, but the delicious food & excellent service compensates for that! read more
The ambiance and service was phenomenal; I'm deducting stars for the food. The interior is stunning - beautifully decorated and there's some distance between tables so you don't feel too cramped. Service was super attentive and they answered all questions. The pastry chef even came out to explain the desserts to us. This is an expensive spot, which was expected, but the food just wasn't that great. The appetizers were the best, especially the lychee ceviche and tuna papad. The butter chicken "experience" is 2 chicken dishes that taste almost the same. The homemade paneer was good but had a strong cardamom flavor, so only get it if you like that. All 3 desserts, as unique and beautifully presented as they were, did not have cohesive textures and flavors. The pastry under the gajar halwa was super hard, and the mishti doi didn't taste like much. Nice to experience but would come back for the vibe, not the food. read more
I'm really glad this place came over from Houston. It's great seeing Indian food presented this creatively. Each dish had great flavors and presentation - the entrees were unique takes on classic dishes, and the appetizers and desserts were totally groundbreaking. Lychee ceviche - absolutely fascinating. The fresh tropical fruit flavors play nicely with the coconut cream, herb and chili oil, and herbal topping. There's a nice variety of textures too. Paneer rizala - like a shahi paneer, but with a floral rose flavor blended throughout. The paneer is freshly made and so soft. The gravy is rich and full of delicious spices, and the large slices of green chili add the right amount of heat to cut through. Dal musaafer - doubling down on rich and creamy, but this dish was also nicely done. It's not too different from any good dal makhani at another restaurant, but it doesn't disappoint. Bullet naan - great for adding a little extra heat when paired with the other dishes. The naan is a bit on the thin side, but very soft and flavorful. Mishti doi - the mushroom dessert, made mostly from yogurt. The base is insanely thick and rich, a bit tart and not too sweet. The grass layer is subtly sweet and a bit crunchy. The mushrooms are crispy airy like a meringue - easy to forget they are also made form yogurt. Finally there's a saffron sorbet on the side, adding a subtle aromatic element. The bill came to $156 after tax and tip, but this was also way too much food for one (and you'd probably still have leftovers for two). This makes it a bit expensive, but well worth it. read more
3 months ago
We visited Musafir hoping to experience New York's Indian fine dining and compare it with what we've had in the Bay Area. The mocktails were decent but not particularly memorable for a fine-dining restaurant. Compared to the creative and well-balanced mocktails I've had at places like Copra, Tiya, Jack, these fell short. The hospitality, however, was excellent--the owner/manager - i guess his name was Zorawar, was very warm and attentive, and we appreciated the complimentary falooda-rabri dessert, which was delicious. The lychee ceviche was one of the most unique dishes we tried at Musafeer. You definitely need to keep an open mind going into it, as it's not a traditional ceviche. The combination of sweet lychee, savory elements, and a pleasant crunch created an interesting balance of flavors and textures. It was refreshing, creative, and surprisingly well-executed. Overall, a really enjoyable dish and a great conversation starter for the table. Lamb Chops The lamb chops looked promising, but unfortunately they didn't live up to expectations. They had plenty of spice and masala, but spice alone doesn't create depth of flavor. The seasoning felt one-dimensional, and the dish lacked the richness and balance I expect from fine dining. Having enjoyed exceptional Indian fine-dining lamb chops elsewhere, including in San Francisco, this version fell noticeably short. Dal As someone from Amritsar and a Punjabi who grew up eating dal, this was the dish I was most excited about. Dal is usually the safest item on any menu and something that's difficult to get wrong. The menu highlights the long cooking process, but despite that, the dal was a major disappointment. It lacked the comforting depth, smokiness, and soul that make a great Punjabi dal memorable. This was one of the biggest letdowns of the meal. Tricolor Butter Chicken The concept behind the butter chicken was creative and visually impressive. The presentation featured three variations--orange, white, and green--which appeared to be inspired by the colors of the Indian flag. Unfortunately, the execution didn't match the vision. * The orange version, inspired by the famous butter chicken from Moti Mahal, was surprisingly below average and lacked the classic butter chicken flavor profile. * The white version was the most enjoyable of the three and was the only one I would happily eat again. * The green version was the weakest of the trio. Its flavors didn't come together for me, and I couldn't finish it. That said, the overall dining experience didn't meet our expectations. Many of the dishes had ambitious concepts and beautiful presentations, but the execution often fell short. read more
7 days ago
This location does not have a Michelin star but just as good as the Houston location that does! Definitely smaller and not as pretty inside (because of spacing and it's NYC). For fancy Indian food ...this place beats all others I've been too. Definitely recommend if you want nice ambiance, fancy feeling but still good Indian food. read more
6 months ago
Musaafer is absolutely worth the hype, and then some! I've been to several Indian restaurants and this one truly stands out! The presentation, service, and ambiance are all top tier. From the moment you walk in, everything feels elevated & beautifully executed. Reservations are hard to come by, but if you're able to secure one, you really can't go wrong with the tasting menu. It's a well-curated experience that takes you through a range of vibrant spices, layered flavors, and indulgent bites that feel both creative and refined. To start, I had the Canac Street cocktail which was smooth, refined, and a perfect introduction to the experience. Some standout dishes for me were the Pandra Rassa, the Channp (the chargrilled lamb chops are a must add-on), and the Fish Moilee was very flavorful and paired well with the jasmine rice & naan. To end on a high note, the Rasmalai dessert had a burst of vibrant fruity flavors. What really made the experience feel special was the attention to detail. At the end of the meal, the staff surprised us with complimentary champagne in honor of my boyfriend's birthday, along with a thoughtful goodie bag that included a sweet treat and an Indian spice. read more
Hard reservation, but I set an Opentable notification and got a table for 2 on a weeknight. My friend and I tried: + Teekha Peru cocktail + Scallop ceviche + nihari birria taco + paani puri + Dal muradabadi + butter chicken experience + Lachha paratha + Basmati rice + Mishti doi The dal was my absolute favorite bite, followed by the lamb stew that came with the birria taco, and the paratha. Cocktail and butter chicken were also fantastic. Only misses were the ceviche - it had beautiful presentation, but the jalapeno overwhelmed the scallop flavor - and the saffron ice cream in the dessert, which was way too hard/frozen. Service was fantastic - they didn't rush us, even though it said we had a 90 minute table limit in the reservation details. Really appreciated that. Overall really liked this place! Great upscale Indian option. 4.5 stars. read more
7 months ago
After being treated so well at the Houston location, this visit was...rough. Getting a reservation here is an Olympic sport, but I was able to grab a 9:45 pm slot on a Saturday night. We arrived promptly at 9:45, our table was not yet ready which, hey, things happen. At 10:15 we were seated, and from there the staff started the mad rush of getting us out of there. We received a complimentary champagne for the wait - this was taken away from us still half full during dinner before we could stop them. We had questions on the menu and were deciding what to have and share - our waiter gave some general recommendations and then told us we had two minutes to decide. Our appetizers were taken away from us mid-bite as the entrees came out. My partner had to wrestle his still half full drink away from the waiter. At some point I asked them what time they closed - they told us there was an ordinance in Tribeca that says the restaurant portion of the space needs to be empty by 12. If that's the case, why take 9:45 pm reservations at all if you're not confident you'll have tables and staff out in time? Food wise: I'd let the wait staff here bully me out of here again for the Paneer Rizala. Delicious, flavorful, homemade paneer, 10/10 no notes. Mithu's Coriander Shrimp appetizer was also solid. The Black Onion was good but was taken away from us too soon to really enjoy. The Dal Musaafer came out with a dried out crust on the top of it, like it'd been sitting under the heater for too long. If you like Paan, get the Paan Negroni. The interior of this place is stunning. The bathroom smells nice. The best part of this experience was visiting the speakeasy downstairs afterwards - bartenders down there took great care of us. When we came back upstairs the coat I checked was crumpled up on the floor, which was sad. I'm assuming a lot of the quality control that the owners were able to do when they had just one location isn't happening here. Better managers/oversight would go a long way. read more
We have experienced Indian fine dining in NY.. this genre is on the rise for the past 3-4 years.. but nothing comes close to the grandeur and luxury of Musaafer.. We enjoyed the attentive service, beautifully presented food and innovative drinks. The food is not fusion but served in a modern aesthetic manner. Fantastic for a date night or even a night out with friends.. We got Pani puri, Nalli Nihari, butter chicken experience, Naan and the Mishti doi. Do go.. you will be delighted with the special experience! read more
8 months ago
Musaafer NYC is absolutely stunning. Every detail of the decor feels intentional and dreamy, and the overall mood is elegant yet very relaxing. From the moment we sat down, the staff was phenomenal--warm, friendly, attentive, and excellent at guiding us through the menu. They offer both a tasting menu and à la carte options, and we chose à la carte. What we ordered: Scallop Ceviche - Scallop carpaccio with shallot ginger dressing, green apple, cilantro water, and citrus segments. Super fresh and beautifully balanced. Tuna Papad - Ahi tuna with achar emulsion, karvanda, and sesame. Light, flavorful, and perfectly executed. Nihari Birria Taco - Slow-cooked pulled lamb shank, Indian cheddar, red onion, with a bone marrow consommé. Incredible depth of flavor. Butter Chicken Experience - Tomato and tomatillo base with fenugreek and cashew. The tomatillo twist was delicious and unexpected. In hindsight, we should've ordered rice on the side--don't skip it! Garlic Naan - A must. Every bite was amazing. One note: the tacos are spicy--not overwhelming, but if you have a low spice tolerance like me, just be aware. Cocktails: The Truffle Master (Winner of Truffle Master 2025) - Mijenta Blanco fat-washed with truffle oil, Lapsang Souchong tea cordial, Amontillado sherry, imitation tonka mist, and magic jelly. Very savory and definitely unusual, but visually stunning and memorable. Overall, it was an incredible experience. Yes, it's pricey--but absolutely worth it. I'd love to come back. Bonus: they have a speakeasy downstairs with drinks and small bites that's insanely good and perfect for after-dinner cocktails. Highly recommend. Would absolutely return. read more
From start to finish, dining at Musaafer in Tribeca was nothing short of spectacular a five-star experience that deserves every bit of praise. Musaafer began in Houston, Texas, where it quickly earned a Michelin star for its inventive approach to Indian cuisine blending tradition with bold modern flair. The name Musaafer, meaning "traveler," perfectly encapsulates the restaurant's ethos: every dish tells a story inspired by regions across India. After conquering Texas and gaining acclaim, the founders brought this remarkable concept to NYC, creating a 10,000-square-foot space that feels like stepping into an opulent Indian palace. The moment you enter, you're transported by stunning design elements -- towering marble walls, lotus chandeliers, intricate mirrored interiors reminiscent of the Taj Mahal, and exquisite details that honor Indian artistry. The vibe is luxurious yet welcoming, perfect for special occasions or an unforgettable night out. My two dishes I highly recommend * The Butter Chicken Experience - A showstopper: served in two ways -- classic creamy tomato and a vibrant tomatillo-infused green curry that elevates the beloved dish to new heights. * Beef Vindaloo with American Wagyu Sirloin - Rich, bold, and perfectly seasoned with roasted sesame and chili-fried rice. The cocktail program is equally inspired: try inventive sips like the Bombay Velvet or the Truffle Master, each marrying thoughtful mixology with Indian botanicals. And the desserts? Elegant, beautifully plated finishes that perfectly cap off the meal. Musaafer isn't just another restaurant -- it's a celebration of cultures, flavors, and storytelling through food. Every dish feels thoughtfully crafted, every cocktail a conversation starter, and the ambiance is pure magic. This is a must-visit destination for anyone serious about world-class dining in NYC. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply want a night you'll talk about for weeks, Musaafer delivers an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended , five stars across the board read more
Musaafer is one of those rare places that is 3 for 3 with regards to food, service, and ambiance. Truly, the inside of the restaurant is as stunning in person as is it represented in social media. High quality craftsmanship and materials have gone into the interior. The tasting menu is pricey but worth it. Such unique dishes and flavors. My favorite courses were definitely the nihari birria taco and the lychee ceviche. I always really appreciate when vegetarian tasting menus a) exist and b) don't just do the bare minimum (eg using mushrooms). Our server Hasan was great. Super friendly and engaging. read more
I've been to both the Houston and NYC location of Musaafer and the New York location might be better? It is fairly expensive but if you are looking for fancy night out, go for it for the ambiance. The restaurant truly is beautiful. They also have a speakeasy downstairs called Saaqi which was the highlight for us! What to get: - The butter chicken experience 4.5/5 - surprisingly the tomatillo one was one of our favorites!? Not traditional but very good - Tuna papad: 5/5 very good!! - coriander shrimp: 5/5 very good! - dal musaafer: 4/5 Not the best I've had but good - paneer tikka: 4/5 What to skip: - Paani puri - I personally wasn't a fan of the pani flavors and comes with very few puri - Malvani fish curry- the seabass was overcooked - nihari birria taco - good but not mind blowing read more
Elevated Indian cuisine making you feel like you're in Jaipur India. Hard to get reservations, however has become a little easier. The interior is absolutely breathtaking, the attention to details is incredible. The presentation of all dishes were amazing and elevated. The lamb Birria tacos were definitely one of the best bites I've ever had in my life. The butter chicken experience came with 3 different sauces and all were delicious. The gulab jamun dessert was fun and also delicious. read more
The food was amazing! Highly recommend. The lamb in the tacos were filled with flavor, tender, and the sauce mixed with Ghee and broth was the perfect complement. The butter chicken tomatillo was great flavor infusion, and the chicken was very tender. Ambiance- while I thought this was much larger than it was as seen in pictures, the decor was centric. Service- the derive was phenomenal and very attentive. Food was served relatively quickly. read more
8 months ago
Musafeer has been all the rage on social media and truly all the food is delicious and inventive. Must gets are the lychee ceviche and paneer main dish. It is a bit pricey and if you want a prime time reservation you have to now do a tasting menu so we had to wait to do a 9:30 res and even then weren't seated until 10pm hence the docked star. read more
We visited Mustafar for my friends birthday and came in from Atlanta really excited to try it after seeing all the photos online. We ordered the pani puri, lychee ceviche, lamb chops, butter chicken experience, naan, masala onions, and the rose dessert. The lychee ceviche was fire -- super unique, light, and easily one of the highlights of the meal. The rose dessert was also cool and flavorful, a nice way to end things. The lamb chops, which were recommended, just didn't land for us. They had flavor initially, but it didn't linger the way lamb chops usually do. Both of us love lamb chops and were really excited for them, but ultimately they weren't for us and we ended up returning them. The pani puri could definitely use more filling -- there was barely any inside for the price point. The butter chicken was good quality, but had no spice at all. We mentioned this to the server and were told it's their house recipe and meant to stay traditional, which is fair, but it just didn't hit for us. The masala onions came out very late, almost when we were done with our meal, but honestly they ended up being the second-best dish we had -- spicy, tangy, and full of flavor. Overall, there were some standout moments, but also some misses, especially given how excited we were going in. The concept is beautiful, and with a few tweaks to execution and timing, it could be much stronger. read more
Musaafer is a whole production. Gorgeous, very "NYC night out," and yes, it's a little overhyped and influencer-driven. But it's still good if you order the right things. Must order: * Lychee Ceviche = OUTSTANDING. Bright, fresh, and weirdly perfect. * Octopus = FANTASTIC. The tandoori flavor is surprising in the best way, and the little gobhi "macaron" situation is actually great. Meh (especially compared to the hits): * Black Onion was just ok. Very starchy, kind of a miss for me. * Tuna Papad was also just ok. Fine, but not memorable. Dessert: OUTSTANDING. Like, do not skip dessert here. The dessert menu is stacked and the execution is on point. Bottom line: it's a vibe, it's pricey, and it's a little "for the content," but the highs are HIGH. Go, get the lychee ceviche and octopus, and you'll have a great time. read more
After hearing much hype around this new restaurant, I was able to try it, and the food was very good. The Birria tacos were tender and flavorful. The lamb kulcha was a highlight, with incredible flavor and bite. The "butter chicken experience" was a creative way to have a common dish, and the tomatillo version had nice heat to it. The dal was rich and filling. The rasmalai was a refreshing way to end the meal. For cocktails, I really enjoyed the Zaffran. The Paan Negroni is a bit more unique, and the flavors were a bit too strong for our liking. Service was incredibly friendly and informative. One complaint is the way the tables are set up. The round tables are overlaid with a piece of glass that's larger than the actual table, and the glass moves easily if you move. read more
I really wanted to love this place, I really did. But first start to finish, this wasn't the fine dining experience I would've enjoyed. First off, signage. Their signage on their doors are in a burnt yellow color. I walked past their restaurant a few times and couldn't find it for the life of me. Next, my friends were all waiting at the table because despite being high end, this place is one of those that seats only when the entire party is here. It's 2026 ya'll. Our waiter was very friendly and sweet. But he legit took 5 whole minutes to read out the ENTIRE menu. We asked for 2-3 recommendations. He basically read the entire menu. The service however was amazing. He was very attentive. Food was aesthetically pleasing. Their drinks were refreshing. But they lacked the Indian flavors we all grew up with. No spice, and an arm and a leg for the meal. We got 2 appetizers, 4 drinks, and 3 entrees with 2 sides and everything came out to over $400. Yeah. The Nihari birria tacos were great but lacked juice and proper flavor. The vindaloo was another one that's curry based but was dry and tasted more like tamarind. The aesthetic is BEAUTIFUL. However it seemed a little too congested walking around. There's bigger spaces for larger parties but it was like a maze and no one around to direct us to the exit. Lastly, the coat check was a lifesaver. It's free. However, it needs to be a little organized because why I waited over 5 minutes for the lady to bring me back my coat after giving in my ticket? Anyways, the hype around this place is a little far fetched. There's a lot of room for improvement and I felt like the food portions didn't justify the menu prices at all. read more
Snagged a reservation here on a Friday at 9:30pm after being on the Opentable waitlist, was really happy i got to try the hard to get / anticipated Musaafer. In terms of vibes the inside is quite loud, i couldnt hear hear the staff at points and found myself talking to my table in a higher voice. the decor was an odd balance of black and white in the main room making it harsh in the eyes, but the back room and bathroom were stunning. in terms of food, we ordered the dahi chaat, pani puri, and octopus to start. these apps were good although for a table of 3 we didnt have enough puris for pani so we had go order so much more and it was almost an additional $15. entrees we got the palak paneer, lal maas, biryani, and garlic naan. for the lal mass the meat was severly overcooked but the curry was delicious. the paneer lacked flavor but similarly they hit the flavors very well and authentically for the curry. biryani was extremely good and i would eat/order again and again! the rad malai dessert was also super delicious and a bit more fusion, they had this fruity layer in the middle that was a nice touch service was great. they brought our food in good time and kept the water refills coming! unfortunately as the food was not impressive i wouldnt come back. read more
I celebrated my birthday at musaafer last night, after setting my alarm 2 weeks ago to get the reservation I was so so excited to try. I had heard many wonderful things about the restaurant prior to dining as well. The ambiance and interior of the restaurant is stunning, feels straight out of Rajasthan. The service was great as well, our server was polite and well versed on the menu, giving great suggestions and maintains attentiveness. The only minor complaint on service was the wait staff did not fill our waters very frequently and the restaurant was a little warm in the back area, but beautiful. I would also say definitely come in a small-medium sized group so you can try many dishes. The menu is very dimensional and a well rounded dining experience comes from trying the various dishes. We started off with the coriander shrimp (my favorite dish of the night), pani puri, and octopus. All were amazing and super fun ways to start the meal, whatever is most up your alley. For mains we did the butter chicken, dal musaafer, short rib, baingain bartha (eggplant) and naan. Everything was great. Highly recommend the dal and chicken. Both were so flavorful. The short rib was not a favorite it was a very specific almost sweet tasting curry that I didn't love but the actual meat was great and cooked so well. We tried the bullet naan (a butter, garlic, and chili flake naan) and the garlic naan. Both great! I really enjoyed this experience and it is definitely a place I would recommend for an occasion. read more
10 months ago
What an amazing experience at Musaafer. Incredible presentation and delicious creative dishes and the ambiance stole the show. We tried a few dishes, loved them all. Appetizers- Lychee Ceviche - outstanding, my fav dish of the night. Black Onion - very creative dish, delicious taste. Chicken Chipotle- husband liked it. Mains - Dal Musaafer - good but would have loved a little more spice forward. Paneer Rezala - delicious, beautiful presentation. Naan - could be better. It was a little less puffier and slightly dense for our liking. Dessert- Mishti Dhoi again so much creativity and layers of taste/texture in this dish. Not complaining but portion was good for 4 people, so for two of us it was a lot. Great for special occasions! The interior is also extraordinarily beautiful. Tip- check out their sister bar space called Saaqi downstairs. read more
4 months ago
We visited Musafir for a Monday lunch as walk-ins and were seated immediately since there were a few tables available. The lunch menu was fairly limited, but we still found a few interesting dishes to try. We ordered the lychee ceviche, masala papad, palak paneer, butter naan, and a couple of drinks. The standout for me was the drinks. They were creative, well-balanced, and easily one of the highlights of the meal. The lychee ceviche was refreshing and flavorful, while the palak paneer was comforting and well executed. The masala papad was decent, though it felt more like tostadas than a traditional masala papad. We were celebrating a birthday, and this is where the experience felt a bit lacking. Toward the end of the meal, our server was nowhere to be found, so I asked another staff member if we could get a simple scoop of ice cream with a candle since we were already quite full. Instead, they brought out the Mishti Doi as a surprise dessert. Unfortunately, it wasn't our favorite, and we later discovered it had been added to the bill for $30. I don't mind paying for a dessert during a celebration, but it would have been nice if someone had checked with us first or let us know what was being ordered, especially since I had specifically asked for ice cream. That said, the ambiance is absolutely stunning. The space is beautiful, lively, and feels special without being overwhelming. It's definitely one of the restaurant's biggest strengths. Ratings: * Food & Drinks: 8.5/10 * Service: 6.5/10 * Ambiance: 10/10 Dish Ratings: * Lychee Ceviche: 4/5 * Palak Paneer: 4/5 * Masala Papad: 3/5 * Mishti Doi: 2.5/5 Overall, Musafir delivers on atmosphere and drinks, with solid food to match. The service experience could have been smoother, especially for a birthday celebration, but I'd still return for the ambiance and cocktails. read more
10 months ago
The interiors here are stunning, and it's clear that a lot of thought goes into both the presentation and the composition of everything in front of you. That said, the layout feels quite cramped. The tables are so very close to each other, and with constant foot traffic, it can become a bit annoying as you'll keep knocking into people and vice versa. Fortunately, the service is impeccable, extremely attentive, and they explained every single dish that was put in front of you. I had no complaints on that front. I started with the Birria tacos, which ended up being the highlight of my night. The bone marrow compote paired was just fantastic and added a really memorable touch. The lamb chops were cooked well and had good flavor, but they didn't deliver the wow factor I was hoping for. The lychee ceviche was interesting and definitely creative, though I personally found it average; others at my table really enjoyed it, so that one might come down to preference. I did enjoy the dahi vada chaat - it was such a unique, inventive take on a classic dish. For mains, I tried the kombdi vade. Being from Maharashtra, where this dish originates, I had high hopes, but it didn't quite land for me. The chicken and the vade were both harder and chewier than they should be, which took away from the comfort and simplicity that the dish traditionally offers. The butter chicken experience, however, was a pleasant surprise. It comes with two versions - traditional and a tomatillo-based green one. Both had tender chicken and balanced flavor. The tomatillo butter chicken in particular was unexpectedly delicious. I thought the roomali roti was okay, but I did enjoy the caramelized onion rice. For dessert, we ordered the Gulab and the Coorg. Although the coffee and chocolate profile of the Coorg is usually more up my alley, the Gulab ended up winning the night. The flavors, textures, and presentation all came together beautifully. The gulab jamun itself was incredibly soft, and it paired perfectly with the chocolate, ice cream, pistachio, and berries - a real flavor explosion in my mouth!! Overall, I went in with extremely high expectations, and while not every dish hit that bar for me, there were still several real standouts. What I appreciate most is the creativity and intention behind everything, from plating to textures to concept. I'd recommend visiting for a thoughtful, modern fusion approach to Indian food. read more
1 year ago
All right, I'll be the first to admit I judged the Vedas by their covers. What do Houstonians know about Michelin-starred Indian food? Why would we want that in NYC? Are they really going to Disney-fy the interior by trying to reproduce the Taj Mahal? Also, who puts Miso Black Cod on an Indian fine dining menu? All these jaded New Yorker thoughts swirled through my head when I walked in to Musaafer a few nights ago, and I was prepared to write the whole place off with an even angrier and lighter wallet. But I left happy. Poorer. But happy. First off, the main restaurant interior DOES actually look like the Taj Mahal. Right down to that specific off-white shade of stone that I remember so distinctly from the ~7 hours I spent at this New 7 Wonder. And the vine-like tapestries, while wallpapered at Musaafer, are a remarkably similar reproduction. Then, there's the gorgeously mosaic-ed green bathrooms, the arched tiling in the "glass palace" room, the colorful floral chandeliers, and the myriad other touches throughout the restaurant that wouldn't be out of place in an actual maharaja's mahal. Suffice it to say, this is easily the most beautiful Indian restaurant in the city. But you didn't come here to look at art. You came to be fed. And floored. So I'm here to guide you on how to achieve that experience. First, come with a party of at least 4 people, though 6 or more is best. The menu is designed for sharing, and the high price points just don't make the experience worthwhile for a small party who want to try as much as possible--unless you're rolling in the rupee with a stomach to match. For starters and small bites, order the beautifully reimagined Black Onion to see an ashen take on the classic potato pakora. Shrimp lovers should definitely try Mithu's Coriander Shrimp, replete with rich turmeric gravy and freshly baked bread for dipping. But the star appetizer is undoubtedly the Chena Dahi Vada Chaat, an unbelievably gorgeous dish of milk curd dumplings, sweet yoghurt, tamarind, mint, pomegranate, and black aioli. Both your eyes and your tongue will thank you. For mains, the Laal Maas will please gamey goat lovers. The Malvani Fish Curry reminded me of a high-class version of the pesco-curries I inhaled at seafood shacks along the beaches of Goa. I wasn't a fan of the Beef Vindaloo, which is apparently made the traditional way when Portuguese colonizers roamed the Indian shores, and not the bastardized Western way most of us know. I'm all for authentic history, but the sauce was a bit too sweet and tart for me, and the filet mignon kind of fell flat. However, the eponymous Dal Musaafer, a 72-hour slow-cooked black lentil stew, more than made up for any disappointment. I'm sure countless exotic spices went into this dish, but I'm convinced Chef Istwal also mixes his with unicorn dust and fairy flakes because it is quite possibly the best daal I've ever had. Every part of my mouth felt like it was singing at the world's best karaoke fair, and I never wanted the music to stop. Mmmm....sonorous daal..... For accompaniments, do get the Caramelized Onion & Cumin Rice to soak up everything below, and the Garlic and Nimbu Naans to soak up everything from above. The Cheese Kulcha is also carbaliciously satisfying, as is the Roomali Roti. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Musaafer's desserts are utter showstoppers in both sight and taste. The Gulab is reimagined as a beautiful rose still-life anchored by the classic syrup balls and accompanied by a medley of homemade cream. Bonus: It isn't as cloyingly sweet as regular gulab jamun. But the Mishti Doi was easily my favorite dessert. First, it's gorgeously presented as a Hobbiton-esque landcape of pastel-colored mushrooms in an idyllic forest setting. Second, every aspect of the edible Shire-scape is perfection, from the lightly sweet yogurt meringue 'shrooms, to the soft pistachio-dusted "soil", to the rich cheesiness of the mishti doi itself, to the perfect scoop of saffron-cardamom ice-cream which Chef Istwal told us was his wife's own homemade recipe. Perfection, thou art this. Those who don't imbibe ethanol will enjoy the tropical Ashwagandha or the decadent Mango Colada to lubricate their bites. Those who aren't sober might enjoy the floral Bombay Velvet, which is served in a beautiful flower-laden teacup and saucer set. At the end of my meal, I was left wondering why it's taken NYC this long to have a Michelin star-caliber Indian restaurant. Sure, we have upscale date night spots like Tamarind. And we have nicer places that eventually won star recognition like Semma. But to my knowledge, we have not had an Indian restaurant that offered the stunning decor, creative fusion, molecular gastronomy, and artistic presentations that come from a Michelin-starred restaurant. It's sad that it took until 2025 for a place like Musaafer to open in NYC. But I'm glad it's here. read more
It's an absolutely beautiful restaurant. It looks like a Mahal in India. I haven't seen an Indian restaurant as stunning as this one in nyc. You have to check out the bar downstairs, even if you don't get a drink the art work is nice. The food all looks like art work. The food is delicious but there is some stuff I would skip. Like the daal was pretty basic, not my favorite. Desserts were just okay but I would order the gulab again. Comes with a rose and still looks like a flower when melted. So much thought went into making each dish. Chicken tikka and lychee ceviche were delicious. Chaat also tasted great but not like your typical chat. If you like creative food and the experience you will love it. I would go back again. Definitely worth the hype. read more
It was not easy to get a reservation but o set Notify on, on Open Table and snagged a spot. The inside of Musaafer is gorgeous! I cannot say enough about how beautiful and well thought out the space is, even down to the bathrooms. The restaurant is great large and the downstairs bar Saaqi is also quite big. Service was impeccable and accommodating. There's ample staff running around and attending to the tables, you never feel uncared for. We had jackfruit biryani, garlic naan, paan puri (?) and baindan bahata (?). Everything was delicious! There's so many options for vegetarians here too, I had one of their gin and tonics that had an Indian gin and it was refreshing. We sadly did not try dessert but we would absolutely try it next time. After dinner, we sat downstairs at Saaqi and had two drinks (Sikki and Rodan Art). There are 8 cocktails at Saaqi that are only available downstairs, but they also serve the other cocktails available upstairs. They also serve some light bar bites as well. Saaqi is gorgeously decorated too, and the vibes were dark and moody. There's ample bar seating and table seating at Saaqi. The music was not too loud so you could hear each other talk. Saaqi had been empty when we showed up around 6pm but the bar quickly filled around 7:15pm. They do not take reservations as far as I know. The drinks at Saaqi were interesting and light. What I enjoyed with all the drinks I had this evening is that they were not heavy and did not make me feel boozy. They were light and refreshing. Our server upstairs was Tanway and our server downstairs was Steven. Both men were professional and so nice. Tribeca is kind of sleepy in terms of trendy spots or just new, exciting things so I'm happy to see Musaafer has closed that gap. Highly recommend reservations for Musaafer. I heard them turning people away without one. They were truly full all night long. I recommend Musaafer and their downstairs speakeasy Saaqi without hesitation. read more
I have a new favorite Indian restaurant in town!! We came here on the opening night of the restaurant. I had heard about it from Houston but what I enjoyed here far exceeded my expectations. As you walk in you are greeted by the opulent decor- arches, beautiful chandeliers and mirror work. The tables are large and spacious and the chairs are beautiful and comfortable. The service was absolutely on point and for an opening night- they pulled it off flawlessly. For drinks we had the mango mocktail which perfectly accompanied the whole meal. The food was spectacular- we had the following: Chicken tikka appetizer, lamb chop appetizer, muradabadi daal, butter chicken experience, baingan bharta, rice and naan. A rare 5/5 for every dish. I would never in a million years order daal at a restaurant but I did based off a review from the Houston restaurant and now I can wholeheartedly recommend it. The lamb chops were so tender and flavorful and are an absolute must-have. Now for my favorite part- the dessert. Major shoutout to the pastry chef whose desserts are absolute works of art. We had the mishti doi which was so delicious and refreshing and we also had the rasmalai(complementary) which was the cutest dessert I might have ever seen. It was such a refreshing take on the rasmalai. The food is all delicious and well presented. The service is excellent. The ambiance is lovely. I have already booked my next reservation. read more
Very unprofessional by the team here and definitely lot of kinks to work out. Would not recommend. We walked in and host told us that we would have a table at 9:15. Then at 8:25 they told us that we would have a table in 30 minutes. At 9:20 they told us that they do not have any tables available. We waited for 2 hours to be told that there was not a table and were ushered to get drinks and bites at their downstairs place. read more
Overall, a great addition to the fine dining space in NYC! What we got: -Lychee Ceviche - Our favorite! Was worried this would be too sweet of an appetizer, but the dish was complex with LOTS of flavor -Squash Blossoms - Another great option. The sauce has a sufficient amount of masala which made the squash not seem too fried -Paneer Rizala - Very rich and flavorful. This dish was sweeter and creamier than i expected though so be prepared for that Vegetarian friendly? Yes lots of options! Ambiance was great and service was lovely. Just be aware that this place is noisy/loud in case that is something you are sensitive too. Make sure to walk around after you are done! My only gripe is that the dishes are pricey, but the ambiance is unique for NYC read more
Ordered: Zaffran Cocktail (~$22): Tanqueray Rangpur, Italicus, Saffron, Cardamom, Pistachio, Lemon, Lavender Chatpata Mango Cooler (~$16): mango purée, lime wedges, fresh mint, tajin, sparkling water Mithu's Coriander Shrimp (~$28): coconut, cilantro, shallots, turmeric, curry leaf served with copra pav Paani Puri (~$19): spiced potato & chickpea with 5 fillings Lychee Ceviche (~$25): cured lychee, yuzu coconut sauce, homemade tooti frooti, crispy corn Butter Chicken Experience (~$36): 2 types: tomato and tomatillo & fenugreek and cashew Lamb Chop Sufiyani Biryani (~$35): basmati, lamb chops, fresh apricot, saffron served with burhani raita Garlic Naan (~$7) Cucumber Vada (~$5) Mishti Doi (~$29): faux yogurt shrooms, raspberry crispy, shrikhand froyo, almond cake Qubani (~$29): qubani compote, vegan vanilla whip, lavender soil, sea bean sorbet Aya's take: Believe the hype because this was an experience! Musaafer is serving some of the best Indian cuisine you can get in New York City right now, and considering their successful track record in Houston where they have a Michelin star, it's no wonder they're doing so well here already. The service and attention to detail is evident from the moment you walk in - from the coat check to escorting you to your table to your waiter. Our waiter Miguel was kind, attentive, and super helpful the entire time. Before I get into anything, let me just say that I would re-order everything I ordered during this dinner. I rarely repeat dishes let alone restaurants, so trust when I say this is a strong statement! I started with the Zaffran Cocktail which has so many ingredients I love - saffron, cardamom, lavender - I mean what's not to like? It was citrusy and aromatic yet soft and slightly nutty. It had an elegant finish which I've never experienced before with these flavor profiles. The Lychee Ceviche is beyond creative and worth trying simply for that. The fleshy texture of the lychee makes it perfect for a dish like this. In addition, the sauce was sweet, slightly tart, and creamy and the contrast in textures elevated the bite. Another great bite was the Mithu's Coriander Shrimp. The shrimp was tender & plump, the sauce was bright, earthy, with slight sweetness from the coconut. It was so good! The Paani Puri was decent but definitely not enough to really enjoy the 5 fillings. Not to mention, although our friend had an allergy to one of them, they could have simply told us which one she couldn't have rather than not including it for the rest of the table to enjoy. For entrees, the Butter Chicken Experience and Lamb Chop Sufiyani Biryani must be part of your order! Two types of butter chicken which were both rich, aromatic, indulgent, and silky. Both were excellent but something about the fenugreek & cashew one stood out more. The Lamb Chop Sufiyani Biryani is one of the most refined and elegant biryanis I've had. The basmati rice was delicately infused with saffron, onions, and spices. The lamb chops had a richness and tenderness that was unreal! The lamb fell off the bones and the juices were soaked up into the biryani making every bite even more satisfying. The raita on the inside was cooling & balanced, although the biryani isn't spicy at all so I didn't find myself reaching for it much. Despite us being super full, we had to get dessert. Both were executed beautifully, but the real standout was the Mishti Doi. The presentation is gorgeous and the shrikhand froyo was so creamy, smooth, and lightly sweet. I enjoyed every bite of this meal, and I'm so glad I can cross it off my list! If you're able to snag a reservation, you're in for a great time! read more
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