Kidilum

  4.8 – 84 reviews   • Restaurant

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✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in Kidilum 10010

Address and Contact Information

Address: 31 W 21st St, New York, NY 10010

Phone:

Website: https://kidilumnyc.com/

Menu Photos

Order and Reservations

Reservations: resy.com

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Reviews

Barkha Patel
From the moment I walked into Kidilum, the atmosphere felt extremely warm and welcoming. With the concept of an open kitchen, you could see Chef Vinu creating the perfect combination of a modern take on traditional dishes to create a captivating experience. The staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the vegetarian options. Every appetizer was phenomenal, my favorite item being Thayir Wada, with the right balance of sweet and savory. The most enjoyable part of the dinner was mixing and matching different dishes with sides to see what suited my taste palate best. My favorite combination was the Parippu with the Malabari Paratha as the flaky bread complemented the yellow lentils perfectly. All good meals end with a perfect dessert and for me that was the Ilaneer Payasam and Calicut Halwa. Each layer had its own distinct flavor but tasting all the ingredients together was what made it feel complete. I can’t wait for my next visit!
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Valli K
From the moment the meal began, it was clear the chef exceeded in every aspect, honoring the depth and integrity of South Indian cuisine while elevating it with a refined, modern flair. The flavors felt deeply rooted in tradition, yet the presentation and technique brought something fresh and unexpected to the table.

It was honestly hard to pick a favorite dish because everything felt nostalgic, and beautifully executed. I ultimately have to give it to the Pulinji, I grew up eating similar flavors, but I’ve never seen it presented in such an elevated, creative way. The balance of tang, heat, and that lingering peppercorn warmth is something I’m still thinking about.

The Attu Chops were incredibly tender and packed with flavor, and the Malabari Paratha was the perfect flaky, comforting pairing. Every plate felt intentional, from the plating to the layering of spices.

If you appreciate South Indian flavors reimagined in a refined, contemporary setting, this place is truly special. Already looking forward to going back.
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Sonia Dalal
Our meal at Kidilum was absolutely incredible. The beef pepper fry was packed with flavor, and the biryani was legitimately the best I’ve ever had. The kalludosa and Malabari paratha were perfect for accompanying the mains. The interiors are stunning, the service was incredible, and the drinks (even the mocktails) were delicious. Such a great addition to NYC’s dining scene. Definitely coming back to try more!
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Anthony P. Ursino
Google needs to make a 6th star, just for places like this. This was an unmatched experience! The food is bursting with flavor and presented with so much care and love. You can feel the dedication of the staff, owners, and chef with every bite. The spices all blend so perfectly and every dish was a symphony for the taste buds. I cannot say enough great things about it. The service was absolutely perfect with just the right amount of attention. Sophia was our server and she was fantastic! We were the first customers on opening night and we will certainly be back with friends and family.
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Prerak Patel
I showed up earlier than my reservation. Not out of arrogance – out of curiosity.

I started with a drink.

The bartender didn’t rush it. Didn’t oversell it. Just built it the way someone does when they know the first sip decides whether you stay for one round or four.

It was excellent. The kind of drink that makes you pause for a second longer than usual.

The food followed the same philosophy: confident, well executed, and clearly made by people who care about what ends up on the plate.

The room had that rare balance — lively without being loud, polished without trying too hard. Good lighting, good music, people clearly enjoying themselves.

Service was attentive without hovering. Everything arrived when it should, nothing felt rushed.

Even the bathroom was immaculate — which, in my experience, tells you everything you need to know about a place.

It’s the kind of spot you leave already planning your next visit.
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Jón Prospero
I was lucky to visit during opening and snag the single counter seat. With reservations tightly controlled, it’s clear the chef is prioritizing quality over volume.

I saved my appetite all day for this South Indian experience—and it paid off. The food absolutely delivered. The standout was the PAAL curry: prawns in a coconut, ginger, and black pepper sauce that had depth without overpowering heat. It paired beautifully with the laminated, flaky bread, perfect for soaking up every bit of that sauce.

I started with the KOZHI cutlet, a shredded chicken croquette served with fermented tamarind on the side. Bright, tangy, and a great opener.

There’s a real range on this menu: thoughtful, diverse, and clearly rooted in tradition with finesse. I’d absolutely return, especially with a group, to explore more!
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Karina Rahaman
We had a great experience at Kidilum on opening night. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful with a great ambience. The open kitchen is a nice touch and the drinks were excellent. The manga and puliyam were both light and refreshing. The paccha is a mocktail which was also excellent for those who don’t want alcohol. Some of our favorite dishes included the chakka, which had a delicious sauce and a nice spice level. The irrachi pathiri had a beautiful presentation and the beef tasted very flavorful. The attu chops were excellent- the lamb was well cooked with a delicious and flavorful sauce. The standout from the large plates was the paal curry- the shrimp was cooked perfectly and the curry was delicious and flavorful. It paired well with the Malabari paratha- flaky and warm. Another great dish was the pork vindaloo- pork belly melted in your mouth in a really unique dish. We ended the meal with the ilaneer payasam- a wonderfully light and well balanced dessert. The staff were great as well- our party had someone with allergy restrictions and the staff were able to help us navigate the menu. Overall a wonderful experience with great food and cannot wait to go again!
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R gupta
An extraordinary South Indian cuisine that goes far beyond the familiar. The flavors are refreshingly different from standard Indian fare.
We entered in an inviting bar and elegant seating that immediately elevated our experience. The mixologist truly shines- the Kidilum Martini with its subtle green mango whisper was refined and unexpected, while Naranga delivered a bold, aromatic burst of bergamot and citrus. Both were unforgettable
We shared Beef pepper fry- I found it to be intensely flavored but perfectly balanced . The coconut prawn curry luxuriously rich and creamy and the barramundi fish with raw mango notes were nothing short of exquisite.
From ambience to quality of food and service the experience rivaled Michelin-starred Indian restaurants i have visited around the world. I liked it so much that I had to write a review .
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Ryan
I’ve been following this restaurant for months as I live in the Gramercy / Flatiron area and love trying new places in the neighborhood. I finally got the chance to try and everything was excellent. The food, vibe, and service was incredible and this is such a great addition to the area. The waiter told us the meaning of their name is “beyond awesome” and I understand why. They have a broad range of dishes for those new to this type of cuisine and the cocktails were fantastic. The open kitchen concept is perfect for a date and their larger tables offer a great family/friends experience. The music was also so good and made my girlfriend and I want to stay after for another drink at the bar. A++ and welcome to the neighborhood!
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Dhara Patel
Kidilum completely exceeded my expectations. The food was incredibly fresh, vibrant, and so thoughtfully crafted. Every vegetarian dish felt intentional, layered, and full of detail, nothing felt like an afterthought. You can truly taste the care in every bite.

The open kitchen adds such a special touch, watching the team work with calm focus and precision made the whole experience feel immersive and elevated. The staff was warm, welcoming, and genuinely thoughtful throughout the evening. Their energy is calm yet confident, and you can tell they truly care about hospitality.

I dined with friends who eat non-vegetarian, and they were equally blown away, especially by the crab, prawn, beef, chicken, and lamb chops. Every dish at the table was met with the same reaction: wow. Down to the dessert. Favorites being Black Halwa and Coconut Payasam.

Kidilum isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. Thoughtful, detailed, and beautifully executed from start to finish. Beyond awesome. ✨
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