Masala Harbor — Restaurant in New York

MASALA HARBOR: I DREAM OF INDIA. As reviewed by Danforth Prince

Bored with your bubble? And are you eager to escape from your (gastronomic) shell?

If that’s the case, this North Shore (Staten Island) “safe harbor in India,” will jolt your tastebuds and carry you, on the wings of the Raj, to a state of mind that’s spectacularly different from any of your boring old staples.

It’s Masala Harbor, the newest “exotic” on Staten Island, a reincarnation of Dosa Gardens, the eatery that visitors from France (thanks to a recommendation, I heard, in the Michelin Guides) often sought out during excursions from Manhattan.

ME? Alone and bored, one dark and stormy night, BADDA BING I dropped in for dinner and for insights into “long ago and far away.” Voila!-- the food was authentically wonderful; the staff cosmopolitan, attentive, and multiculturally hip. I LOVED IT.

You’ll find it on a shop-lined stretch of Staten Island’s Victory Boulevard, a block or two uphill from Jersey Street. It has its own clearly marked parking lot that’s big enough for eight cars ( if each of them is parked “efficiently”) and a squeaky-clean décor that evokes an exotic diner. “Chicken 65” is a house specialty, and coriander chicken with chilis (my choice) is guaranteed to clean out your sinuses. Demographic note: Some of the staff are from India’s “hot and spicy” south (specifically, the Tamil Nadu region… most of them accessorized with the deferential good manners that still make me dream of India. Bon appetit,...

As someone who grew up eating variety of Indian food, I have never really felt satisfied with the Indian food served in restaurants, but my opinion changed the moment I tasted the food served in Masala Harbor.

I walked in at around 2 pm starving after a long day looking for some good vegetarian meal options. As soon as I walked in I was welcomed with the mouth watering aroma filled with the flavors of India. I was so excited to try the food and was surprised to see a large vegetarian selection provided. I ended up ordering Parotta with Sambar, Chutney and Methu Vadai. Within 10-15 minutes I was served with hot and fresh Sambar and a variety of Chutneys. The parotta and vadai was so crispy, tender and well cooked.

I never thought I’d appreciate Indian food that’s not home cooked, but I can say that food at Masala Harbor beats every other restaurants and stands out as the best Indian food place in Staten Island and Even in whole New York. The food is served with a warm attitude, great hygiene and for affordable prices. The staff were so kind and mindful of the order and the service was top notch. Both the quality and quantity is awesome!!

I was mind blown by the goodness of the food which made me take out some Chicken dum biriyani home, which was also so unbelievably delicious. I totally recommend it! Overall great experience, with good service, excellent Indian cuisine that makes you feel at home served in a clean and welcoming atmosphere. Can’t wait to...

We were visiting Staten Island from Brooklyn and stumbled upon Masala Harbor—what a gem! We dined as two families—4 adults, 2 toddlers, and a baby—and had such a wonderful experience. The staff was incredibly kind and accommodating, making us feel right at home.

We ordered a variety of dishes, including samosas, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chana Saag (chickpeas and spinach), a ghee dosa stuffed with potatoes, a recommended goat curry, and garlic naan. Every dish was packed with flavor and absolutely delicious. The Chicken Tikka Masala was perfectly tender, with a beautiful balance of sweetness and acidity from the tomato base. The goat curry was fantastic—so many layers of warming spices and incredibly tender meat. The dosa was enormous, served with daal and a variety of chutneys and sauces. It was light and crispy with just the right amount of interior density, and the spiced potato and veggie filling was excellent.

The garlic naan was so good that my husband ordered another round to-go, just to eat in the car! We also tried the mango lassi and homemade masala chai, both of which were incredible.

Service was attentive and knowledgeable, and we felt like we were dining at someone’s home. Definitely worth a visit for full-flavored and well-executed Indian food....