Semma

"Semma is a South Indian restaurant in New York City's West Village, founded by Chef Vijay Kumar. The menu is inspired by Chef Kumar's childhood memories and family recipes, featuring authentic dishes like venison, goat intestines, and snails. The restaurant aims to unapologetically showcase South Indian cuisine, honoring traditional flavors and ingredients." - Michael He

"One star for the Unapologetic Foods crew with a compelling Southern Indian a la carte menu." - Eater Staff

"Consistently one of New York City's hardest reservations to get since it opened in 2021, Semma has become a bit of a West Village legend. Operated by Unapologetic Foods, the team also behind such hits as Dhamaka on the Lower East Side and Park Slope's Masalawa & Sons, Semma is a warm and playful space serving up warm and playful South Indian cuisine that runs the gamut from the standard dosa (billed the “gunpowder dosa,” it is not to be missed for its crispy potato-stuffed crepe) to the Kanyakumari Nandu Masala with Dungeness crab. This latter number serves two for $160 and the restaurant asks those with reservations to preorder it at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-ins are possible here, with the 12 full-service bar seats reserved expressly for this purpose, so it's worth a shot to poke your head in around five in the evening when they open. —Charlie Hobbs, associate editor"

"In its exploration of southern Indian cooking, Semma from Unapologetic Foods, with chef Vijay Kumar, who was born in Tamil Nadu, is unlike anything our city has seen. Whether you stray into unfamiliar territory — the goat intestines served on a banana leaf are an example — or stick with curries of venison or lobster tail, you will enjoy subtle spice combinations and high-quality ingredients. The triangular gunpowder dosa is the best around." - Robert Sietsema

"The Waiting Room: Talea The Back-Up Plan: The Happiest Hour To eat some of NYC’s best Indian food in the West Village without a reservation, you should accept that it’s going to take a little while, then make a beeline for Talea’s West Village location. The women-owned brewery has interesting beer, and espresso martinis. Plus, if you get peckish, they allow outside food, so you could enlist the line-standing enthusiast in your party to pick up some slices from L’Industrie. Or, check out The Happiest Hour—it can get crowded, but you can always stand around with a $32 bucket of beers. " - willa moore