The cuisines of New York City are a microcosm of the cultures found around the city, from Afghan to Vietnamese. We have all manner of choices for you, from sushi and sashimi to pizza and pasta, plus burgers, steaks, and fine international dining. You can even play games or do some sightseeing while you eat! Here is but a small sampling of the culinary universe that is NYC.INDIAN
Listen to soothing Indian melodies as you sit beneath subdued lighting at Bombay Garden. Try one of the chicken curries or, if you want something mild, the shrimp korma. A highlight is the Kashmiri chicken in opulent, creamy almonds, pineapple chunks and a raisin-pineapple sauce with a touch of sweet, though not too sweet spices. Complement your meal with one of 17 delicious breads including papadam (East Indian lentil flour bread) and seven varieties of nan and, for dessert, try the rice pudding with mango and coconut. 234 Seventh Ave. btw. 23rd &
24th Sts., 212-627-2206
Exquisite Indian food in a setting worthy of a maharajah awaits you at Bombay Palace, which boasts a 200-year tradition of employing chefs who have served Indian royalty. Amid crystal chandeliers, plush carpeting, and imported art, the choices of Mughlai dishes are endless: tandoori lamb chops and Changez Khan chicken are among stand-outs. 30 W. 52nd St. btw. Fifth & Sixth Aves., 212-541-7777
Darbar features a classy milieu: the upstairs dining room is punctuated by glazed brick walls, high ceilings, Indian music, and sophisticated service. The menu combines traditional Indian favorites with fusion creations that accommodate more conservative palates. The $10.95 buffet is a great lunch option. 152 E. 46th St. btw. Lexington & Third Aves., 212-681-4500Dévi brings together the talents of chefs Suvir Saran and Hemant Mathur, sharing the authentic flavors and spirit of Indian home cooking. Each plate is a journey, introducing layer upon layer of tastes and textures - from regional street food to family recipes. Swathed in rich textiles, brightly colored lanterns, and wooden temple accents, Dévi is an experience that stimulates and delights. 8 E. 18th St (Fifth Ave.), 212-691-1300; devinyc.com
Prompt service and a menu that offers classic Indian dishes complements the modest, soothing atmosphere at Indian Taj. The shahi korma dish, cubes of lamb in a luxuriant almond cream sauce, is perfect for those who prefer their food on the milder side; for traditional Indian spices, try the shrimp vindaloo accompanied by sizzling gravy. 181 Bleecker St. btw. MacDougal & Sullivan Sts., 212-982-0810
Those with exotic, adventurous palates should try Utsav Festive India, an upscale favorite serving dishes and spices from each part of that country. The chef can cook to any liking, and with both a $28 prix-fixe Broadway dinner and à la carte specials, it's a favorite of native Indians and Manhattanites alike. 1185 Sixth Ave., enter at 46th St. btw. Sixth & Seventh Aves., 212-575-2525ITALIAN
As the chef at Bice restaurants around the world, Chef Jose Liriano had been inspired by local flavors that blended into his repertoire. With a classic yet comfortable feel, Bistro Milano offers a casual menu brought to life by Chef Liriano's passion. The menu is extensive, from aged Angus beef hamburgers and homemade pizzas to ossobucco with saffron risotto. His homemade pastas are among the best in the world. 1350 Ave. of the Americas (55th St), 212 757-2600
MEDITERRANEAN
Imagine a restaurant where Arabian and European influences meet, celebrating Moroccan traditions that transcend time and place, where the cuisine boasts subtle scents, delicate flavors and elegant presentation. You have arrived at Azza, a French Moroccan restaurant and lounge. Enjoy the organic tagines and couscous in the luxurious restaurant. Or, sip on signature cocktails and dance to a variety of international music in the lounge, serving sophisticated cocktails, an extensive wine list and the restaurant's mezze menu. 137 E. 55th St. btw. Lexington & Third Aves., 212-755-7055
PUERTO RICAN
Enjoy timeless Puerto Rican classics such as ropa vieja, garlic shrimp and paella with lobster in a hip, Caribbean atmosphere at Sofrito. Tree-bark sculptures (over 4 tons of cedar and beech wood) line the walls, and renowned artist James de La Vega has adorned the columns with his work. On Sun.,Carmen Corarraco will dazzle you with her song stylings in 11 different languages, and the fabulous seven-piece Sofrito Band plays on Fri. and Sat. 400 E. 57th St. at First Ave., 212-754-5999
