Utsav — Restaurant in New York

An Indian Culinary Gem in Manhattan.

A quaint yet regal Indian restaurant nestled in the heart of Manhattan, NY. Your senses will be greeted with a symphony of aromas that promise an authentic Indian dining experience. Utsav, which translates to 'festival' in Hindi, truly lives up to its name, celebrating the rich Indian flavors with a special spotlight on Indo-Chinese and Bengali cuisine.

For someone who lived in New Delhi, my palate has been fine-tuned to the intricate layers of spices and techniques that are the hallmarks of Indian cooking. My recent visit to Utsav left me not only impressed but also inspired by their culinary excellence. The Chicken Tikka Masala, a dish that has become synonymous with Indian cuisine worldwide, was a revelation. The chicken, succulent and tender, had imbibed the smokiness from a perfect tandoor char, and was bathed in a rich, velvety sauce that boasted a perfect balance of tangy and spicy notes. Every morsel was a testament to the chef's prowess in blending spices that sing in harmony without overpowering each other.

The Dal Makhani, a staple in North Indian households, was a velvety concoction of black lentils and kidney beans slow-cooked to perfection. The dal was infused with a touch of smokiness and kissed with cream, giving it a luxurious texture that coated the palate with its earthy flavors. The chef's deft hand was evident in the tempering of the dal, which released a cascade of flavors that ranged from the warmth of cumin to the smoky whispers of ghee.

Methi Matar Malai, a dish that is not as globally renowned but equally deserving of praise, was sublime. The fenugreek leaves (methi) imparted a unique nutty bitterness that was beautifully countered by the sweetness of the peas (matar) and the creaminess of the malai (cream). This dish showcased the chef's skill in achieving a delicate balance between contrasting flavors, creating a harmonious dish that was comforting yet sophisticated.

The magic of Utsav lies not only in its ability to deliver dishes that are deeply rooted in Indian culinary traditions but also in its artful presentation and fusion of regional delicacies, such as the Indo-Chinese and Bengali offerings. Each dish I sampled was a reminder of the vast and varied canvas of Indian cuisine, where every region brings its own distinctive flavors and techniques to the table.

The ambiance of Utsav complements its culinary offerings, with décor that whispers elegance and service that is attentive yet unobtrusive. Dining at Utsav is not just a meal; it's an immersive experience that transports you to the bustling streets of Kolkata, the aromatic markets of Delhi, and the vibrant homes of Punjab.

In conclusion, Utsav stands as a beacon of Indian gastronomy in Manhattan, offering an experience that is not just a feast for the stomach but also for the soul. It is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to indulge in the true essence of Indian flavors, crafted with care, passion, and a profound understanding of the culinary arts. Utsav is not just a restaurant; it is a culinary celebration that stays with you, long after...

Wish I could give it even less along with my comments.... seriously wonder how they have only 1 Star at yelp, which means negative rating and 3.9 average on Google ??

Priced like fine dining, handled as road side third class Dhaba.

By far the worst service and attitude by serving staff, and food was all messed up.... read below for full story...

Perhaps the place is depending on tourists only and running the show anyhow, don't think local will ever come here ever again.

It was me, with my wife and 6 years old kid tired of the day, so willing and craving for Indian food and walked about an mile for it... Well there were series of events happened, perhaps it's normal there... but we don't get to see at other places, coming Straight to Point of food and service...

We ordered Chicken Malai Tikka, Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani with Lacha Prantha.

We got it served and with very first bite of Chicken Malai Tikka, both me and my wife noticed it's sour and told the waiter nearby, he said" let me check and I come back to you" and after that he left to kitchen and out to other tables trying to avoid even eye contact with us.... we kept waiting for a while and with bit upset note shared the treatment with other fellow waiter, he said sorry and took the plate away. He took it to kitchen and perhaps checked as well, asked us if we need it to be replaced or anything else in place. We let it go and focused on our main course.

Here comes the next in our butter chicken it was Chicken tikka with butter chicken gravy served, photos attached. We shared it with the same waiter who took the plate away.. he saw it, and acknowledged it's wrong and went to kitchen, surprisingly he also came out of kitchen and went to other tables handling washed dishes, avoiding eye contact with us.... we kept waiting again.... Dal was Staled too, but preferred not to complain about it, we ourself were not feeling good to complain about each and everything.

In meanwhile, we realised another couple close to us had issues with yellow dal as well, manager came and told he will take it off from bill, and he was still asked to pay by the first waiter on our table..

Found one more table not far from us complaining about the bill too..

At last, We brought it to the manager attention. We found couple of supervisors and waiters were in unpleasantly in talks with each other...

He somehow managed to take tikka off from the bill which we did not even consume, and knock off 6 Usd from the check. But it ruined off the time for us,

We were there to celebrate my wife's Birthday, Son wanted to eat only tikka... I could please none of them....

Left remarks and my contact no on the bill, let's see how they respond to it.

Original Review May End 2018.

Update as on December 2018: No response from management or owner of...

A Perfect Start to a Perfect Evening at Utsav 🌟

From the moment we walked into Utsav, we knew we were in for something special. Tucked away in the heart of Midtown—on 46th & 6th—you might expect an upscale location like this to come with a hefty price tag. But to our absolute delight, the entire experience was incredibly reasonably priced, especially given the level of service, creativity, and quality.

The ambiance was elegant yet welcoming—the perfect pre-theater vibe that instantly set the tone for an unforgettable night.

Susanna, our server, was stellar. Thoughtful, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable, she guided us through Utsav’s diverse and exciting offerings from their Indo-Chinese, Bengali, and Indian menus. Thanks to her, we made some excellent choices—and didn’t try a single thing we didn’t love.

We kicked things off with a vibrant and punchy Jhal Muri, a rich and flavorful Butter Chicken Kulcha, a bright Lemon Coriander Soup, and the indulgent Cream Cheese & Truffle Oil Kulcha. Each dish delivered bold, unforgettable flavors and was beautifully presented.

For mains, we shared the comforting Vegetarian Hakka Noodles and the absolute standout of the evening—Chicken Bharta. Creamy, aromatic, and perfectly spiced, it was a dish we’ll be craving again and again.

Just when we thought we couldn’t be more impressed, the evening ended with a brilliant twist on a classic: the Gulab Jamun Crème Brûlée—a showstopper dessert that brought both comfort and innovation in one spoonful.

The drinks were just as thoughtfully crafted: the Tiki Tamarind and Old Monk Story were flavorful and refreshing, while my partner enjoyed a cold Taj beer and the crisp, floral Prem Khani.

Adding an even more personal and heartfelt touch, owner Nandita Khanna came by our table multiple times to check in and make sure we were enjoying ourselves. Her warmth and hospitality truly elevated the entire experience.

We left Utsav with full hearts and happy bellies, heading off to see Real Women Have Curves already planning our next visit.

Utsav isn’t just dinner—it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and genuine hospitality. Whether you’re local or visiting, don’t miss this Midtown gem. We can’t...