• Tamarind

  41-43 E. 22nd St., 10010, between Broadway and Park Avenue South, 212-674-7400

  "Ambiance is low-key and unobtrusive. Service is friendly without being overwhelming. Food is deliciously flavorful and portions are neither too big nor too small. Just perfect."
  — jamesbrown, Williamsburg.
  
  "Culinary Viagra!"
  —sandeep, Manhattan.
  
  "Food is fabulous! The seafood specialties are amazing. And service is off the charts!"
  —sam, Union Square.

• Brick Lane Curry House

  306-308 E. 6th St., 10003, between First and Second Avenues, 212-979-8787

  "Thanks, Brick Lane. I had been craving authentic, exotic curries which I don’t find in any other Indian restaurant. Especially the lamb curry and tikka are delicious. You guys feel like a home away from home."
  —jay, Upper West Side.

• Banjara

  97 First Ave., 10003, at 6th Street, 212-477-5956

  "Banjara's northern Indian Mughal cuisine does not disappoint. Anything from the tandoor oven is a real treat. Additionally, for quantity and quality, the dumpahkt dishes (a superior Indian version of the pot pie) are worth the trip alone."
  —desi71, East Village.

From the 2003 Best of New York issue of New York Magazine