GupShup

The food was really good. The appetisers was amazing. Dahi Sev Puri had a nice refreshing taste. It was not a regular Mumbai style chat, but was really good. Chicken Tikka was really amazing. Perfectly tender and juicy. Definitely worth having it. Paneer cheese rolls was really good and flavorful. RAJASTHANI KADHI was really good and portion size. Achari Chicken was stand out. Nice taste and portion size. Perfectly flavored. Goat Dum Biryani was a let down. The goat was not well cooked and chewy. The flavors were missing. Would avoid. Nizaam's Haleem was really good. Worth trying. Sal was really good as well. Perfectly flavored. Overall a good visit.

This is one of the upscale Indian restaurants in Manhattan. We had a late dinner reservation around 10 p.m., but arrived about 40 minutes early, hoping they could seat us sooner. Luckily, the restaurant wasn’t too crowded, and they were kind enough to accommodate us right away. We were seated on the first floor, which also has a bar area—it was a bit lively and slightly loud, but still comfortable enough for conversation. The tables are placed fairly close together, so you can easily overhear nearby chatter, but it wasn’t a major issue. We started with the yogurt-filled dahi puri, a creative take on the classic North Indian street chaat. The crisp semolina shells were filled entirely with thick Greek-style yogurt, then topped with tangy tamarind-date chutney, pomegranate seeds, and cilantro. It looked beautiful but felt a little too yogurt-heavy. Traditionally, dahi puri includes some spicy mashed potatoes and onions inside, with yogurt added on top. This version leaned more toward a fusion mousse—interesting, but not quite authentic. Next came the char-grilled prawns, which turned out to be the highlight of the entire meal. These large river prawns were perfectly grilled, smoky, and bursting with flavor. The seasoning was spot-on, and the spicy chipotle-style dip on the side complemented them beautifully. We each had one, but honestly, we could’ve easily gone for more—they were that good. Definitely a must-try if you visit. For the main course, we originally wanted the biryani, but it was sold out. So we opted for chicken achari paired with a cheese-filled kulcha. The kulcha was rich and heavy, stuffed with mozzarella-like cheese that made it resemble a small pizza. The chicken achari was flavorful, with its signature pickle-style spice blend, and the boneless chicken thigh pieces were tender, though the dish overall didn’t stand out as much as the prawns. We ended with the carrot halwa ice cream, a unique fusion dessert that sounded intriguing but didn’t quite work for us. The ice cream itself wasn’t very sweet and had a slightly savory undertone, while the carrot halwa element gave off a somewhat oily aroma. It might have been an off day, but this particular dish just didn’t come together well. Overall, the restaurant offers an elevated Indian dining experience with some creative twists. While not every dish hit the mark, the char-grilled prawns were truly exceptional and worth returning for. A good spot to explore modern Indian flavors beyond the usual favorites.

The restaurant looks great, and I was pleasantly surprised to find roadside parking easily available nearby — a big plus in NYC. It’s also kids-friendly, and I was able to get a reservation on the same day (Sunday evening), which was convenient. They have an impressive cocktail menu. My own drink wasn’t to my taste, but my friends and family really enjoyed theirs. The mango lassi, served in a beautiful copper cup, was a highlight. The menu itself isn’t huge, but it offers a good variety. For appetizers, we tried the sizzler and butter chicken wings — both were enjoyable. Unfortunately, all the biryanis were sold out, so we ordered Rajasthani Khadi, Achari Chicken, and Nizaam’s Haleem instead. The platter was underwhelming, so I’d recommend skipping that. The standout dishes were definitely the Achari Chicken and the Rajasthani Khadi — it was my first time having okra in khadi, and not only was the taste excellent, but the presentation was great too. The chef also surprised us with complimentary daal, which was a nice touch. Portion sizes were generous and enough for four adults and three kids. Overall, the preparation was good, though I’m not sure the price fully matches the taste considering the many dining options NYC has to offer. One suggestion: the restaurant should serve larger plates for the main course instead of the small appetizer plates they provided. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, plus a second-floor area. It’s both kids-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Overall: A stylish spot with great cocktails and a few standout dishes. Worth a try, especially if you’re looking for something different, but go in with the expectation that value for money might vary depending on what you order.