
Modern decor meets Bollywood art at this Indian hot spot known for kebabs & dum biryani rice pots.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 115 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 679-4713
Website: https://www.chotenawabnyc.com/
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Order and Reservations
Reservations: resy.com
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Reviews
The food has plenty of flavor and there a lot of options to choose from. Servers are great and very attentive.
The place has a more modern bright design aesthetic.
The only unfortunate part is everything is a la carte so it does add up quickly. If you do find yourself frequenting the restaurant you should join their rewards program.
Let’s be clear: Indian food in New York is a battlefield. A relentless, chaotic, spice-laden warzone where only the strong survive. And Chote Nawab? It fights the good fight. Nestled in the heart of Curry Hill, this unassuming spot serves up bold, unapologetic flavors that can transport you straight to the streets of Lucknow—if only for a moment.
The galouti kebab is the first thing you should order. A dish with history, once crafted for toothless Nawabs who still craved the indulgence of rich, spiced meat. Here, it melts—actually melts—on the tongue, each bite a whisper of cinnamon, clove, and smoke. Paired with a delicate ulte tawa paratha, it’s a testament to the kitchen’s skill.
The biryani arrives in a tightly sealed pot, fragrant steam escaping as it’s cracked open. The rice is well-spiced, layered with saffron and the deep warmth of cardamom, but it leans a little too wet, missing that elusive balance of fluffiness and density that makes great biryani a spiritual experience. Good? Yes. Transcendent? Not quite.
The lamb chops? A thing of beauty. Charred, fatty, perfectly cooked, the kind of dish you pick up with your hands because a knife and fork feel like an insult. Spiced yogurt clings to the meat, a crust of heat and tang that’s meant to be devoured.
Service is… let’s call it “relaxed.” This is not a place for the impatient. Dishes arrive when they arrive, and sometimes that means a gap long enough to question your life choices. But then the food lands, and all is forgiven—mostly.
Chote Nawab is not a temple of fine dining, nor does it try to be. It’s loud, it’s imperfect, but it’s also deeply satisfying. A meal here is a journey through the heat and soul of North India, with a few bumps along the road. Four stars, with a knowing nod to the power of spice, smoke, and history.
Would I return? Absolutely. Would I demand my biryani be just a little drier next time? Without a doubt.
Food: unfortunately, I don’t have the names of any of the food in front of me, but everything was absolutely delicious. A well-spiced cauliflower dish, slow-cooked chicken, delicious paneer, and garlic naan made for some amazing dishes that also felt extremely light on the stomach.
Service: service was excellent between all of the waiters that came on by and helped.
Aesthetic: the outside, which looks like most NYC storefronts hid a very beautiful interior with spacious seating and a nice, relaxing feel to it.