INDN Small Plates & Cocktails — Restaurant in New York

Could this be the best new Indian restaurant in the city? I think so! My wife and I went to INDN for the first time a little over 3 weeks ago on a Saturday evening. Upon arrival, the host was very friendly and welcoming. She positioned us at a bright, beautiful table right in the middle row, towards the back of the restaurant. Once we sat down and looked around we could tell that tremendous thought had been put into the design, ambience, sounds, scents and overall vibe. It instantly struck us as stylish, modern, clean, upbeat, inviting, communal and celebratory. The cocktails that my wife and I ordered were truly exceptional and creative. These are elevated cocktails with a subtle and playful Desi twist. I had the Butterface, which is a Mezcal based drink. The juxtaposition of the flavors, the subtle balance, its underlying freshness and overt originality all stood out as a drink to remember. Then we got the food and it completely blew us away. We had the Special Chaat, Chicken Angara, Tandoori Achari Mushrooms and Seekh Kebabs. We had the lovely Shahi Tukda and inventive Paan Plate for dessert. The food is absolutely authentic and made for an Indian audience, with the right spice levels and balance of flavors. This is world class Indian cuisine which is truly authentic, made from the finest ingredients, yet subtly elevated to make it exceptional. I mean remarkable by any standard, whether in NYC, London, Delhi or Mumbai. If you see interviews with Simran and Kanika Vij who are two of the three co-founders and are also husband and wife, it is very apparent that they have masterfully actualized their ultimate vision of INDN. If this were all that INDN had to offer it would easily rank as one of the top 5 Indian restaurants in the city, but I will tell you one exceptional gift that makes INDN even better than that. It is the presence of Vicky Vij, the third co-founder and also Kanika's Father. He is the same person who changed the face of Indian cuisine in NYC with the original Bukhara Grill for 20 years. From the moment we sat down at our table, Vicky was walking around the entire restaurant and personally engaging with guests at each and every table. When he stopped by our table right when we arrived, he introduced himself, started a really nice conversation and sussed out what we liked. In a short period of time his exquisite culinary recommendations were what landed on our table and they were simply stunning. Vicky stopped by several successive times and we deepened the conversation between the three of us. His kindness, humor, warmth and genuine passion for hospitality literally turned our night into a experience that has become our new benchmark. In summary, I challenge you to find a better place with legendary Small Plates, truly memorable cocktails, exceptional ambience and hospitality that would make a Maharaja blush. Vicky, if you are reading this overly long review, this is the talkative Bong-Canadian, Mintu, whose Mother is from Karol Bagh...we must be family...

I stumbled upon indn while visiting NYC for the Fancy Food Show. I had no particular craving—just a desire for an inspiring meal and a place with a vibe. After walking seemingly aimlessly for about three-quarters of a mile, I told myself it was time to turn around. That’s when I spotted their sign glowing across the street like a quiet invitation.

The windows opened fully to the street, blurring the line between indoors and out. The sound of fresh Punjabi music with a loungey undercurrent spilled onto the sidewalk. It felt easy and alive—so I walked in and took a seat at the end of the bar, hoping to enjoy a quiet meal by myself.

The young man serving me was warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in my experience. Even the cocktail names were playful—mine was called Butterface. When he asked how I liked it, my face must’ve said it all—Butterface left a lingering smokiness that was warm, tickling, and totally unexpected.

As I sipped, I noticed someone else behind the bar—anchored, steady, and quietly observant amid the hustle of servers and clinking glass. Later, he introduced himself as Mario.

As it turns out, Mario was the creator of my drink. As our conversation continued, he brought out tastings of two other cocktails—one inspired by saag paneer, the other by mango lassi. Both felt like love notes to my Punjabi soul.

Each cocktail was layered, intentional, and playful in a way that didn’t feel showy—just thoughtful. The kind of flavors that make you feel seen, with names like "How Can She Slap?!" to make them feel accessible.

The food held its own too. I ordered the paneer tikka, which struck a beautiful balance—charred on the outside, butter-soft within. The chutney had the right heat, and while I found myself wanting a lemon wedge to brighten things further, I didn’t miss it enough to ask.

I walked in craving a vibe, and I left with a full belly, a few new favorite flavors, and the joy of having met someone quietly brilliant behind the bar.

Mario, you’re doing something...

We stumbled upon INDN in Manhattan and were instantly transported to the heart of Delhi’s spirited food and cocktail scene. The place oozes modern Indian elegance, with warm, amber-toned lighting, luxe textures, and a vibe that’s equal parts chic and nostalgic.

The real magic, though, is in the food. This isn’t your average butter chicken joint. This is Dilli-style chakhna culture reimagined for the global stage. We couldn’t get enough of the Khurchan with its juicy, spice-laced, sautéed chicken and the Keema Pao, buttery, decadent, and deeply satisfying. The Malai Chicken Tikka was perfectly bronzed, creamy, and aromatic with every bite bursting with tandoor-kissed flavor.

The bar deserves a review of its own. Each cocktail had a clever Indian twist - bold, playful, and totally addictive. Like a craft bar met Chandni Chowk with a mixology degree.

What stood out the most? The authenticity without clichés. INDN doesn’t pander, it celebrates Indian food with unapologetic boldness, creativity, and a respect for tradition. It’s rare to find a place that nails both flavor and flair, and INDN does it effortlessly.

If you’re from Delhi (or wish you were), go. If you love cocktails and crave something truly different, go. If you just want to be...