
4.4
120 of 13,360 Restaurants in New York City

After the visit to Moma we found this restaurant, reading the reviews. The entrance is not inviting, a staircase goes up to the first floor and you find yourself in this small place frequented mainly by locals. We tasted several dishes, all exceptional, very kind staff and a truly honest price, a rarity for New York.

Small restaurant on 56th St between 5th and 6th Av., but amongst the best in Manhattan. Food is excellent, the courteous and smiling staff is even better. Always very crowded (has to be - food is really good). Really inexpensive place. We enjoyed multiple meals here as our hotel was nearby. We were served rice pudding as a complimentary dessert when we informed them that we were leaving next day morning. Do visit this delightful restaurant.

Delicious good and great service. A hidden gem. Chana Masada was tasty. Price point very reasonable. Highly recommended!

Absolutely delicious. We got there before it opened to get a table. By the time we left, the restaurant was packed. The samosas were fabulous and the sauce was a great accompaniment. I loved the vegetable samasas and my husband loved the keema samosa. The Chana Saag was so good that I came home and ordered an Instant Pot so I can learn how to make it. My husband had the Vindaloo. The waiter tried to talk him out of it due it's spice level, but my hubby wanted to give it a try. Needless to say, he drank a lot of water. He's glad he tried it, but wouldn't get it again. It was good, but crazy spicy. The garlic tandoori was also delicious. I will definitely go back next time we are in New York and highly recommend this restaurant.

The food was excellent and the service was great! Try the coconut Naan. Even if you don’t care for coconut, so good! Yes it’s small and yes we had to wait , but you won’t be disappointed in the food.

Bhajiya plate tasted much better than what we get locally in India. Kudos to the Chefs. Enjoyed the main course as well.

My niece and I decided we were in the mood for Indian, so we went to this little tiny restaurant as we felt it was decently priced! The food and the service was incredible!! We were both very happy with our plates and even decided to order dessert. The waiters and waitresses are always looking out for customers... it’s a super cozy and small environment so depending on the time expect a little bit of a wait, we had to wait about 15 mins but decided it was worth it!!

Nice little restaurant tucked away near central park. Great food, the Samosa was amazing as was the pakoras. Service was really good. Worth a visit

This is one of the top rated indian restaurants in nyc. We went there sat night and were able to get the table after about 30 mins wait as it was very busy. Ordered chicken tikka, saag paneer, baigan bharta with some breads. Here is my rating Saag Paneer - Great Chicken Tikka - Average (chicken could have been more tender) Baigan Bharta - Below Average (it had chilli but other spices were missing) Breads - Great (great balance of crispness and fluffiness) Service was very good! Overall 3.5 (would have been 4.5 if not for below average baigan bharta) for food and 5 for service

This small restaurant on the second floor is the real deal Indian. The flavours are all on point, the service friendly and the prices reasonable. You can bring your wine but the restaurant is not licensed to serve beer, wine or liquor.

When we arrived at the filthy staircase that is the entry to this restaurant we hesitated but, based on all the rave reviews, decided to give it a go. The food was good but not amazing. Service was spotty and unfriendly and way too rushed. Very simple decor (bit grotty honestly) and tables so crammed together you can barely talk. Way too rough and ready for me. You can get better Indian food in any back street in England. We won’t be back.

My 10 year old son and I stopped here for dinner, and absolutely loved the place. It’s a quintessential hidden gem and not a tourist trap like so many NYC places. The staff was fantastic, the food extraordinary and affordable, and everything was quick. They went out of their way to make my son feel at home, and now he’s a total convert to Indian food. Can’t say enough great things about this place, it’s that amazing neighborhood haunt you’re always on the lookout for!

Went here for dinner; had the chicken tikka masala, mango lassee and naan. The food was amazing and the service was excellent; very attentive. Their food is amazing.

Fantastic place. Don't be fooled by the entrance. Once you get to the first floor you will have some of the best Indian food ever.

I was extremely happy with the food and the prices were excellent. The best dish that we ate was Lamb Saag and everything was delicious with medium heat. I judge a good 8ndian restaurant by lamb Saag and have eaten all over the world and this was #1.The staff was excellent as well. Thanks to everyone at the restaurant.The only sad thing is that because we were visiting we won't be back for a long time

Very affordable and tasty food. They make it very convenient for fast paced NYC lifestyle. Thank you for excellent service!

authentic flavors, good service, great value for money. Loved my lamb Samosa and Mango Lassi. There is some waiting time but it’s worth it.timetime but it’s worth

ratings ! we live in a superficial controlled rating world. high rating does not guarantee the best unfortunately since mistakes and low rating could be corrected in 'many' hired and non hired ratings! saying all of this to say , authentic indian food is more than the commercially liked meals that are served based on the 'american palette' . i start with t he basics the rice was watery steamed and had no garnish! cardamom was missing from the flavors as many consider is for soup and perfume making...lol the tanduri chicken was only a bbq'ed pieces chicken and kissed the authentic marinade for me. i can go and on.. but the staff is fantastic . the bread. naan is delish.. so go enjoy yourself and try this fused dining pleasure on clean pallet for rating . have fun and stay safe

We had the lunch special which is a fantastic deal. Food is reasonably priced, large portions, and very tasty. The service was fantastic. Well worth walking a couple of blocks from our hotel. Thanks TripAdvisor for helping us find this hidden gem.

Excellent Indian food, loved all the curry’s and starters. You do feel rushed as a steady queue of people form around you. The restaurant is a victim of its own success, only 25 tables and high demand. Sunam served us but all the staff are so polite. Expect to wait but it’s worth it.

I was after some indian food in NY and went to Bengal Tiger after looking at the amazing reviews on this site! My gf ordered the chicken saag and I ordered the paneer curry and they were both delicious! The paneer sauce was the best i’ve ever tasted and I would definitely go back!!

I have not had a consistently bad experience in every department for a long time. The service was terrible - the waiters were just not interested in listening. The food was below average. The seating was uncomfortable. Oh yea the samosa was awesome. Definitely so not recommended. Pls avoid. Specially if you’re visiting. Much better places for Indian food in the neighborhood.

the food itself, genuine Indian, was excellent. the service, in peak noon hour was great too. the pricing is (way) more than reasonable. Overall, a great little restaurant. highly recommended.

Highly attentive staff, great food and a relaxed, ambient atmosphere. We waited for less than five minutes for a table as the team shuffled and managed many tables. The menu is not extensive but plenty to choose from. Food came super quickly and the staff were quick to offer more rice and plenty of iced water. Great food at a very reasonable price.

My husband and I love Indian food and when we saw the menu here decided to give it a try. I'm glad we did. The staff are excellent. There is some typical NY city crowding but otherwise, the atmosphere is on-point and possesses that unique blend of ethnic originality and authentic NYC. The food was by far the best part though. The rice was perfect and the chicken makhani was impeccable and better than any I've ever had. My husband had the chicken curry and had I not been full from my own dish I would have happily finished his as well. We will definitely be back. The food for value in NYC, plus the quality and authenticity make this an instant favorite.

We had a great lunch here before heading to the Colbert Show. It's tiny and hopping. The staff is welcoming and efficient. Absolutely loved it! The best dish we had was the Chicken Vindaloo - so wonderfully spicy! Also had the chicken biryani. Would love to go again!

I recently visited this Indian restaurant tucked away upstairs, and I was honestly blown away! The place has such a cozy, peaceful vibe – perfect for a quiet dinner. I tried the butter paneer, and my friend had the lamb rogan josh – both dishes were delicious and full of flavor. The staff were super friendly and made us feel right at home. You can tell the food is freshly made with real Indian spices – it tasted just like a home-cooked meal. Highly recommend this spot if you’re craving authentic Indian food. Whether you're into vegetarian, chicken, or lamb dishes, there’s something here for everyone. I’ll definitely be coming back!

The Bengal Tiger is a great little Indian restaurant near Central Park. It’s upstairs and relatively small. Service and food both excellent.

The food and the service was marvellous! If you go to New York, you have to go there ! I can’t describe how much the dessert was good.

This is a small 2nd floor restaurant; don't be put off by the dingy staircase. The food was wonderful. We had to wait with several other people in the cramped 'lobby' while the floor was swept and tables cleaned off; but then everyone was seated quickly. We had wonderful food. Tried 3 different naans; garlic was the favorite, but the bacon/cheese one was really good too. The food came quickly, tasted fresh and delicious. We didn't have reservations, but I would recommend them. Seating is limited.

Terrific Indian restaurant in Midtown Manhattan. Everything we ordered including the samosas and curries was very enjoyable. Attentive and friendly service. Located up the stairs on the second floor of the building. No alcohol license so BYOB. No reservations and it sounds like it can get busy with a long wait for a table. Restaurant is pretty small with only 20 or so tables. We planned for an early dinner that night as we were going to a show and had no problem when we arrived when it opened at 5pm. However, it quickly filled up.

Brits abroad wanting a curry are normally a bit disappointed from the ones we have from our local tandoori. Not so Bengal Tiger, a small gem of a place. Similar to a train carriage in size and feel but very good aromas hitting you as you walk in. There is a no booking policy but the tables seemed to move quickly. Lovely service from the staff, it’s a no alcohol place but offer bring your own plus they serve a great mango lassi. The food was very good, homestyle curries and fresh tasting, no ‘one pot’ curry sauces here! A fixed menu at $21 is a steal in midtown NYC, plus lunch is even cheaper. You are well looked after as the staff are topping up your water glasses and making sure your ok without being intrusive or making you feel rushed. If this place was in the UK it would do well. If you need that curry and are in midtown NYC, go and enjoy!

Outstanding food (samosa, koorma, curry and naan), great service and reasonable pricing. It is also a lovely and intimate atmosphere.

We will definitely visit again next time we visit NYC. Everything tasted fresh and authentic. Their nuns are the best We have tried. Service was excellent. Love it!

We had a 3 course lunch at bengal tiger - for 21,95 Dollars! Really good price performance in Manhattan! Very delicious and authentic indian food! Good service! I really recommend Bengal Tiger :)

hard to find (it's on the first floor, through a small door) but it is completely worth it! we had chicken curry and veg Tikka massala, both awesome

This restaurant is a pearl of an Indian restaurant with excellent & authentic Indian food, superb service and very compliant in your possible preference to have wine with your meals. While no alcohol is offered on the premises, you are encouraged to bring your own bottle and be welcome with a cork screw. Very reasonable prices and no reservations are taken, therefore ensure to show up early or be prepared to wait a bit.

After reading the reviews we decided to try this casual Indian restaurant and were not disappointed at all with the food. The curry is authentic and true with the spices. You can tell this is home made curry. Wish we had known they do not serve alcohol , you can take your own beer and wine. Very casual and small and they do not take reservations. Friendly staff and delicious food. Share the appetizers they are big. Good value for money here too.

Best Samosas ever! I came to this place with zero expectations, and OMG what a great food! From service to the quality of the food all 5 stars

This is a small and cosy Indian restaurant tucked away upstairs. You may have to wait a while for a seat but the food was excellent and the set menu very good value. Efficient, friendly service. Full marks.

We happened to stumble on this place after our bike trip to Central Park. Small cozy place on the first floor. Already packed while we visited but wanted to try something Indian while in NYC. Our Chicken Biryani came in a healthy pot portion with right amount of spices. Lamb curry was succulent and tasty. I fell for the Channa masala which was too good accompanied with tandoori naan. I thought it was priced a little high but worth every penny.

Last min decision to visit this restaurant while on a few days holidays in New York. Highly recommended think it’s the best Indian food we have gotten while away from home in any country. Meat was such good quality. you can’t book in advance so slight wait as was popular but it moved quick enough. It’s bring your beer / wine which we were not aware of would our only thing we would have liked advertised but not an issue

Traveling with family and wanted to avoid eating inside a restaurant so we called Bengal Tiger and ordered takeout. Delicious chicken tikka masala, lamb curry, rice pudding, and naan. Friendly place who let us order the prix fixe dinners even though we did takeout, very pleasant when we arrived to pick up. Will go again.

A tight, 2nd floor location in mid town. First, this is a BYOB with a $5 corkage for wine.....They serve no alcohol, but that does not slow down the clientele. Three of us arrived shortly after 5 (you are better off if only 2 of you go.....you’ll probably get seated sooner). Second, don’t expect elegance, this is about the food. We ordered straight from the menu, all veggie: sautéed spinach; cauliflower/ potatoes; mashed eggplant; black lentils; garlic naan; and cucumber yogurt to cut the intensity of the spices. You’ll need water and we needed the yogurt because.....beware ......some of their dishes cannot be dumbed down, spice-wise——ask for guidance. We finished with a terrific rice pudding. If you care, we were drinking an inexpensive Chilean Cab, which went well with this array. Service was pretty good, but this tiny place does get crowded.....it has its following, which you can understand, given the reviews. Many people were waiting down the stairs when we were leaving. For three, the tab was $70, plus tip.

This Indian restaurant serves good quality food at very decent prices. The food is very tasty and you are well warned when it is spicy. No license but welcome to bring your own beer or wine. Seating is basic but ok. Very good food at an affordable price.

Amazing little restaurant with a great selection of very reasonably priced Indian food, cooked to your desired level of spice. The service was very friendly and attentive. I would highly recommend this place, very big portions and super tasty!

Good food, authentic taste, very good service. Place is not easy to find. It is on the first floor (above the ground floor). Relatively small place. I have been here three times, it was very crowded every time. But service is good and they check you in/out fast.

My review would be 5 stars if it wasn’t for the bad layout of the restaurant preventing proper enjoyment of the delicious food. The food is amazing albeit just a tad overpriced, the service was attentive, although they close early and we couldn’t linger after dinner, but be warned, they are located on the second floor of a building with rather steep steps leading up to it. They don’t take reservations, so one in your party has to be there to ask for a table but they won’t assign one until everyone has arrived. The place is essentially a take-out place with some tables leading up to the front. We were offered a tiny table for four people about 2 feet from the front door and blasting freezing air. We declined and were finally seated a few inches from a rowdy birthday party, so it was difficult to carry on a conversation. But all this was sort of worth it because the food was delicious and the portions were big. I enjoyed every last bite from appetizers to sides and main dishes. I will definitely go back next time I’m in the area, but I’ll try not to eat at 8:30pm when there’s no room to breathe.

I went with my boyfriend and a couple of friends. We came around 6 pm, and got a table immediately. We got the food quick, and it is the best indian food i have tasted in NY.

A friend brought me here to try the Bengal Tiger as they had been very impressed with the service and quality of food. We sampled the Naan bread and several of the curry dishes on the menu. The food was excellent, the serving sizes were good and the staff was really helpful and friendly. The place has a BYOB policy on alcohol, so stop at one of your local liquor stores to purchase what you would like to accompany your dinner for the evening. The staff will supply glasses for your beverages. The place is a great spot for dinner and conversation to wind down the evening. The bathrooms are very small. I would certainly visit again and highly recommend.

Food was good, spicy for us was not that hot, just a good flavour. Menu limited but enough that you can select from without being disappointed. This restaurant does not serve alcohol however you can BYOB, but they do charge a ridiculous amount for corkage $2 per beer and $5.00 per wine. Maybe this is the norm in NYC, but disappointing, customer service was interesting, communication not some of their staff strong point, whilst one at least was refreshing pleasant. Place is small but this is not a deterent, it was very pleasant if you could get staff to crack a smile and talk to you. Would recommend. If you have to wait for a table it is not a long wait, at least on the night we went.

Family of four (two adult kids). We ended up ordering too much food. Their portions are good sized, and adding naan and samosas, was too much for us. The food was delicious, the staff was helpful and attentive. Take the advice of the waiter, when it comes to decide on how spicy to make the dish. I had “regular” and it was spicy but still good.

We are from NC and don't have good Indian near us-- this meal was reasonably priced, good service, and wonderful tasting! We truly enjoyed it!

Good value, tasty Indian, good size serves, cosy upstairs restaurant. Like the Indian scenes photos on the walls too.

I love Indian food and always look for new place everywhere I go. This place didn’t disappoint. The Chicken Makhani was absolutely amazing. So rich and full of flavor. The vegetable samosas were balanced perfectly. The Chicken Tikka Masala was good but I would suggest getting the spicy and mild and mixing them together to give it a nice medium kick. This place is one not to miss!! Delicious!!

Bengal Tiger offered the traditional plates we look for at an Indian restaurant plus some new ones we were unfamiliar with. Spices were delicious, fresh naan with a varios flavors, and excellent service from staff. Food was prepared quickly and was absolutely delicious! Highly recommend!

Delicious, delicious, delicious! Super attentive wait staff as well. It’s small but we didn’t have to wait long for a table. Will definitely be back!!

The naan was outstanding, and the chutney tasty. My Chicken Biryani was a little overcooked. Later, I was told I should have ordered the Lamb Biryani. They asked us how hot we wanted our food on a scale of 1-10, but said 4 was the least amount of heat they could do. That's what we ordered, but if I go back I'd get a 6, as 4 was a little bland. They did a great job of keeping our water glasses full.

This is the best Indian Restaurant in NYC. The Staff is very friendly and the dishes are very tasty and full of spices. I will come definitely again to this brillant restaurant. :D Try the chicken curry and the wheat bread.

Suggested to go here, we tried it out and the food was amazing. The service was dry being very monotone but the deliciousness of food outdid that. While we were thinking hat we would tip, we were surprised when the tip came included in our bill. We found it a little deliberate and pushed and only place which did so in 3 weeks of US travel.

Not bad at all, pretty decent Indian food, especially the meat and chicken was very tender, and we had a good meal overall.

Ordered a vindaloo and poppadoms. Very tasty food. No alcoholic drinks served. Felt like I was served quickly to get a solo diner out of the way.

The food is amazing. Wonderful traditional dishes. Great for lunch. It is up a flight of stairs. They do not serve alcohol. Least expensive meal in NYC, and was one of the best over a 5 day stay. Still crave it!

Three of us were there for a pre theater dinner. They do not take reservations but we arrived minutes before 6 and were seated immediately. The place is crowded and noisy.. For my appetizer I choose the samosa which was not very good. One friend had the pakora.and another the squash soup which she found disappointing. My lamb curry was spicy and the rice pudding dessert bland. Although the price was reasonable I would look for another place in the area to dine.

Excellent meal, the chicken curry and chicken tikka massala were very good, I also recommend the mango lassi, the staff is attentive and good value for money.

Α decent Indian midtown restaurant !! Offering a wide menu. Careful with the spicy dishes . They can send you off into orbit !!!

The Bengal Tiger is on 56st. It’s upstairs and looks shabby from the outside but it’s very nice inside. Service is really good. Food reasonably priced and tasty. Liked it a lot.

We came by this absolutely by chance but ate here twice during our stay. Both times the food was delicious. Really busy restaurant though and very small. I counted max capacity for 30 seated diners. However, loads of people came in and got take aways and there were plenty of deliveries going out. Portions are large so we had one starter and one curry to share between three of us which was plenty. Also, really reasonably priced based on NYC standards.

Coming from Boston, I think we have excellent Indian food restaurants, so I always love to find great ones in NYC. This place is great! Would highly recommend. I reserve my 5 star reviews for the absolute best I've had, but if this were out of 100, Bengal Tiger would be a 95!

Best vegetable samosas I've ever wrapped my mouth around. Perfectly spiced chicken vindaloo. Good garlic naan to soak up the vindaloo goodness. BYOB to boot. And great service! I recommend to anyone with good taste in food.

Do not allow urself to be fooled by the entrance. Excellent food and service. We went right after opening and the restaurant quickly filled up. The food was amazing, reasonably priced and generous portion servings. Have recommended fo friends and associates.

The short search for the restaurant (it must have moved recently and I still had the old address) was worth it! Excellent food and a friendly service make the food there a real treat!

The restaurant was great and the staff are lovely and attentive. The food was really really good and just what we wanted on a cold Saturday night!

Food was delish- their food is a bit spicy; we had medium, which had a nice kick! Staff service and water refills were quick the entire meal. Great NY spot. Try the lamb korma- very good flavor.

Absolutely normal Indian food, neither bad nor memorable. The place is small and cozy. If you are nearby and you don't have a better option, they will give you something decent to eat there, but it is not a destination restaurant. The desserts were the weakest part.

We love Indian food and this restaurant exceeded our expectations! Obviously a true Indian restaurant run by people who are Indian themselves and/or know the cuisine very well. Highly recommended.

Really good vindaloo chicken and rice. Super spicy but worth it. Very authentic. Enjoyed it. Would go back to try the biryani.

Great Indian food. Swift and polite service. Possibility to bring your own BYO appreciated, hot indian fare demands a beer or two!

Found this per a NYC forum recommendation. Luckily it was right around the corner from our hotel, so we popped over for a fabulous lunch. A charming restaurant with great service - spicy vindaloo and naan.

This Indian place is hidden behind a regular glass door, on the second floor and is not visible from the street unless searching for the sign. We visited in the evening and after a small wait we were offered a table for two. The waiting line moved quite fast which was positive. The staff was friendly and payed attention to the guests. The food was delicious and fresh. Upon ordering the waiters will ask you how spicy you want the food, we found this really nice of them. Would recommend!

Be careful when you go. They don’t take reservations. I called a few days ahead of time and was assured that it wouldn’t take long to get a table at 6pm on a Saturday night but when we got there we were told the wait would be 45 minutes.

I visited the restaurant for supper. The restaurant is on the second floor, it’s small but wasn’t an issue when I was there. The service was very good, I ordered squash soup, lamb korma with nann. The food was amazing I would definitely eat there again.

Recommended to us by the sales person at the Gucci store! Up a flight of stairs to this small Indian food gem. Maybe 10 tables, but people don't linger so you will get a table pretty fast. We ordered chicken tikka masala, garlic naan and rice. Their service was fast and they have plenty of staff so the whole experience is quite fast paced. Many food delivery people were rushing in and out so I'm guessing this is a very popular spot for the food delivery apps. It's a little pricier than a similar Murray Hill place but I guess that's on account of the more expensive location. All in all, if you're out shopping on 5th ave and want to eat some well made Indian food, head here.

Nice eatery for Indian non vegetarian and veg dishes in New York. Place is not big and and one may have to wait for some time to get a table.Nevertheless, the food is delicious. Butter chicken, Nan everything was tasty. Main dishes are served with a bowl of rice. Service was friendly and we were allowed to bring our own beer. Prices are reasonable too. Must visit for a hearty Indian meal.

The restaurant itself is nothing fancy, it is on the second floor so there is a flight of stairs to climb - but its worth the effort. The Mulligtawny soup was rich and a generous portion. I was warned that the lamb vindaloo would be hot. My reply was " I hope so". And indeed it was. Again a generous portion with lamb in a rich dark tasty sauce. Exactly how I like it.

Delicious authentic Indian food in a small but quaint atmosphere. The garlic naan was delicious as was the chicken tikka masala. Service was fast and efficient.

Accidentially we walked in the Bengal Tiger in Mew York near the Trump Tower. The offer authentic Indian foot for a great price. A Chicken Tikka Masala e.g. is 15$ served with rice and tastes great! Its a very small restaurant, maybe you have to wait a few mimutes for a table but it‘s definitely worth it!

Very friendly service that you want to make yourself comfortable. Delicious prepared flavourful dishes Large portions Many ‘native’ guests (always a good sign ) Spacious restaurant on Broadway side street near Times Square

Best Indian food in NYC. We had the Tandoori Chicken, Daal, Tikka Masala and Garlic Naan. Food came out after about 10 min and was served at a great temp. Staff was professional and place was very clean and they will not let your water cup go empty. Will definitely return on future trips to New York.

We have had Indian food all over the world and this is the best we have ever had. The tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala, makhni chicken and mango lassi were absolutely delicious!!! The service was also impeccable. For example, our water glasses never got more than 1/4 empty before they filled it. Incredible!!!

I got takeout at Bengal Tiger. Soooooooo good! I got 1x Saag Paneer, 1x Paneer Makhani (both come with rice), 1x extra rice and 1x raita.

What an awesome experience! We wanted to find some Indian food in NYC that wasn’t a huge chain. Some serious googling and Trip Advisor searches led us to take the subway up to Bengal Tiger. Thank goodness!!!! This place was phenomenal. From the moment we stepped in (it’s on the 2nd floor) we were cheerily greeted and taken to a table overlooking the street. The staff was so friendly and efficient. Our meals came out quickly. The flavor was incredible. I can’t say enough good things about this place. We will return here on our next trip and 100000% recommend.

Small place with impeccable service, very hearty and tasty cuisine. The restaurant is upstairs. You can easily plan to leave with a doggybag as the portions are giant! For example, only order one nan for a couple (because one nan = 4 nans!). The same goes for the dishes, the casseroles are filled to the brim.

Started off the the pakora and they were delicious with a spicy sauce Had the chicken tikka masala with rice and nan bread The flavours were amazing and chicken so moist and tender. Nan bread was amazing Take your own beer or wine as they don’t sell alcohol.

A great lunch… food was fantastic… service attentive and friendly. Price fix menu had a lot of options at a good price. Restaurant is upstairs and small so you may have a wait at peak times.

Finger-licking good. My husband and I made an impromptu road trip to NYC for our first wedding anniversary. We've always loved Indian food in NYC (we are both South Asian with voracious appetites for our food) but had never tried Bengal Tiger. There was a bit of a lineup when we arrived after spending the afternoon in Central Park, but so worth it!! I had the chicken vindaloo and it was scrumptious. Love!

We were stunned by how good this Indian was. We had chicken tikka and keema pakora as a starter. For main we had cheese Nan, chicken curry and chicken tikka masala. The only negative was they are not licensed so no alcohol served however the food is so good you forget about the lack of lager!

Had to wait Food was ok tasty Not fantastic Crowded Noisy Small Staff friendly Tables near Over rated

Me and a friend visited NYC in September and we were looking for an Indian restaurant in midtown before a Broadway play and we were so happy we found Bengal Tiger. The food was great, everything was very well seasoned, the dishes were big and we couldn't even finish all the food we ordered.

Great "hole in the wall" restaurant. I had the chicken korma and lamb biryani and both were outstanding. The baigan bhartha appetizer was also very tasty. It's a byob so you can bring some wine or beer.

We found this restaurant via Trip Advisor. We might not have gone there otherwise, because the venue looks a bit tired from the street. We ordered a three-course meal with nan and raijta. Lovely food with good strength, but a slightly stressed atmosphere where we hardly have time to catch our breath before the next dish and the bill arrives. But the food was absolutely delicious!

We were looking for a good Indian restaurant on our trip to NYC and decided to try this one and I’m so glad we did. The food is delicious and Authentic, we loved all the curry’s we had and the spices were jus right, really enjoyed our meal in fact we dined there again the next day! Its a very busy place but they always accommodate you or tell you to come back in 15 mins and seat you straight away, service is excellent. I highly recommend this restaurant.

On our short trip to New York, we were attracted to the good reviews of this place; New Yorkers appear to think this restaurant is remarkably good. It isn’t. I was born in Amritsar, India, and know what North Indian food should taste like. I have lived it for 54 years. This restaurant is memorable as one of the worst in that time. First up, the entrance is grotty as is the stairway up to the restaurant. Alarm bells should have warned us away but we ventured on up. We were led to a rather small table. Upon ordering a bottle of sparkling mineral water, we were told that this comes in cans. I asked whether this was in fact soda water, and this was confirmed so we declined. We tried to order plain yoghurt, but we were told they did not have it, despite having raitha on the menu. I asked why they had raitha but didn’t have yoghurt, and I was told they used all the yoghurt to make the raitha. This was bizarre. For starters, we ordered samosas and pakoras. They arrived in a couple of minutes, which suggests that they were reheated. The samosas were huge, and are the shortcrust (Punjabi style) pastry variant. The pastry was raw in places, and the filling was mostly just potato that lacked any depth of flavouring. We did not eat them after sampling. The pakoras were very aggressively reheated to the point of being overcooked. The batter tasted like packet mix batter. We persevered with these but they contained so much salt that it almost burnt my mouth. We had to explain several times that we were finished with our food before the plates were taken away, at which point we were instructed to keep our cutlery for the next course. Within a further couple of minutes, the mains arrived. Again, none of this could have been prepared freshly; it must have been reheated or (as per my suspicion) was taken from bain maries that were already hot. I’ll explain each dish separately: The Paneer Makhani was dull and uninspiring and there was no evidence of the aromatic spices that should be used. It was lacking in salt (perhaps they used all of the salt in the pakoras?) It tasted like the cream in the source had been soured by the tomato. The paneer itself was as hard as tyre rubber, which is why I think it had been in a bain marie for many hours. Inedible. The Malai Kofta was the most offensive dish. Instead of being soft, moist, and tender, they were dry, hard and gritty. On enquiring what was in them, we were told it was cauliflower and egg. Egg has no place in Malai Kofta. Inedible and an attack on the senses. The Dall Makani should have been fine, but was short on daal and heavy on cream, and was over salted. Although this was bad, it was the least offensive of all of the dishes, except… wait for it…. The rice. What should have been soft, fluffy grains of basmati rice was actually oily, broken grains of unrecognisable grey mess. It’s quite difficult to get basmati perfect, but I think it would be even more difficult to get it this bad. It looked like each grain was individually bludgeoned to mush. It was greasy, nasty and dry as if it had been microwaved. Cumin should not have been present. The naan bread was flaccid, and since none of the dishes were edible, the naan was surplus to requirements. What depresses me is that there seems to be a lot of New Yorkers who like this place. Guys, come over to London and you can find any local average curry house that would be a hundred times better than this rubbish. We didn’t eat any of the food, and we couldn't wait to leave. We were too tired from our flight to be annoyed or upset, so we viewed this as a hilarious comedy incident; we almost fell down the stairs laughing as we left. What did we learn? Don’t do it again. Ever. If you want pre-cooked, reheated, badly executed, unrecognisable swill served by clueless staff, then this is the place for you. If I could have given zero stars, or even minus stars, I would have.

No reservation possible, so you’re likely to have to wait lined up against the back wall, no alcohol (i.e. neither beer nor wine), cramped and very ‚casual‘ venue. Still, the food is good and the service very efficient.

We love Indian food and we’re excited to find the Bengal Tiger. It’s a small place very easy to miss. Enter via a glass door the head upstairs to a tightly packed restaurant. Stay, it’s worth it. Service is prompt with delightful servers. Chicken Makhani and Lamb Curry. Both were perfect. We ordered with medium spice, it came a little hot. That didn’t stop us from devouring it. And the Garlic nan, yum. We will be back. And back and back!!!

Amazing food and service! Very nice atmosfere as well. The mango lassi was just divine. The prices also are very good here.

What a disapppointment. Nothing here is prepared fresh. It's all tastless, unimaginative, re-heated garbage. I can't even be bothered to go through what was good and bad, because it was all bad. There isn't a single redeeming feature of the food, service, or otherwise.

Coincidentally found this Indian and very positively surprised. Service extremely friendly and fast. You get water at the table immediately. Food choices are great and everyone will find something. Quality of food is also absolutely delicious. Well seasoned and portions are absolutely sufficient. I highly recommend it.

Great authentic Indian food. I highly recommend this place if you want to eat Indian food for a reasonable price in NYC. Note that this restaurant to do not serve alcohol.

First of all, we found a hair in our tikka masala. After we’ve paid, the waiter came back to our table, and FORCED us to tip them 20%. The waiter took the money out of our hands when we sat down and tried to count, and he took advantage of us being tourists. Worst experience we’ve ever had in an american restaurant.

Great quality take away as usual. The most flavoursome onions (with poppadoms) of any curry house I've known. Lovely coriander seeds on the crisp, not squishy bahjis and even better, no plastic tubs, so you know you are not getting dodgy chemicals from microwaved plastic. Tin trays go straight in the recycling.

We were looking for Indian restaurant in NYC. We saw this online based on the high reviews. So glad we chose this restaurant. The staff were very friendly they gave us unlimited basmati rice the food was delicious and the wait was not that long you can schedule in advance to be put on the waitlist through Yelp before you even arrive.

Order chicken tikka masala for take out. My meal was ready when promised, easy take out process. Chicken was a bit dry and sauce was spicier than expected. Overall, good meal. Generous portions.

Convenient location and good selection. Not as hot, but very good. Upstairs location is tight, so. Be prepared for a wait if during peak dinner period. Reasonable prices and always a good choice when in the neighborhood

This is a very good casual Indian restaurant with efficient and dedicated waiters. The food was great and the ambiance warm.

Really enjoyed the tastes of India in Midtown. It was a real treat to visit and pickup our meal. It can be spicy so if you are not used to it then be careful when you order!

WOW - I was not sure we should even go up the rather drab looking stairs when we found this place. I am so glad we did. The moment we opened the door I was glad. It smelled amazing and tasted even better. When we arrived we waited 15 minutes to be seated. By the time we left the line was out the door, down the steps, and going along the side walk. The staff were friendly and helpful. They brought mango lasses (without us ordering them!) for my kids who were really hungry by the time we ordered our food and were waiting. It was such a great dinner and a real find in NY!

Waited standing for 45 minutes but it was worth it in the end. This is VERY popular and word is obviously spreading fast. Had to have our names put on a list on entering. There's not a lot of room up the stairs and into the restaurant, which is a narrow entrance and only opens up when you are seated away from reception. The food though is excellent! The portion sizes are generous and our waitress took time to explain what we were ordering in terms of sauce and content. Water glasses were regularly refilled without the need to ask. A boisterous atmosphere awaits, so don't expect a quiet corner to hold a low key conversation in !!! The menu might seem a little limited in terms of standard Indian cuisine but don't be put off by that.....didn't see anyone having any problems at all.

We went for lunch and ordered their choices off the lunch menu as well as lamb saag. Everything was great!!! Nice portion size as well The saag was excellent. I've eaten a lot of Indian food in different countries and I have say it was at the top if my list. The spiciness was great. Everyone enjoyed the flavours. Even our friend who was a bit worried about eating spicy food. If I come back to NYC I will definitely eat there again ! Thanks for a delightful meal! It's a small restaurant and you may have to wait but it's well worth it!!!

A great place for flavorful and authentic Indian food at wonderful prices !!! Many vegetarian options and the staff is super friendly!! I recommend. The setting is small and causal but very comfortable.

After walking multiple miles while exploring NYC, my family was ready for dinner. We looked on TripAdvisor for a place near where we were and Bengal Tiger showed up as being 0.2 miles away. Since we love Indian we decided to head there. The place is upstairs in a rather cramped space, but the servers still did their best to get through the space and ensured we got excellent service. The food was even better than the service. We asked for some of our dishes hot and we were not disappointed, they did not wuss on the spices, they were a little tear inducing, and wonderful. We got several different dishes for the three of us and all were very tasty. The naan was fresh, and the chicken was tender. We really enjoyed all our food. Prices were reasonable, for NYC, and we left full and satisfied with our meal.

We ate here two times while staying at a hotel nearby, and it did not disappoint! As others have said, your server will warn you about the level of spice beforehand. I like spicy foods and was happy when we ordered medium spicy. Once you get seated, service is both quick and the servers are quite attentive. Over our two visits, I heard two different people complaining that they do not serve alcohol. This is true so plan for that, and you will not be disappointed!

We visited Bengal Tiger in the summer of 2019 and this was our first time back. It is STILL the best Indian restaurant we have been to anywhere and the prices are GREAT. So glad that it is still alive and thriving after the pandemic.

Came here years ago with a group and LOVED it but none of us could remember the name. We had just stumbled upon it... With some googling of Indian Restaurants and using street view I was able to find it again. Still holds up, some of the best Indian food I've ever had. The only way you wouldn't like the food here is if you don't like Indian Food. I wish they served alcohol but that's not really a big deal. Food is excellent and the service is great. I don't think my glass of water ever got below half before someone came by to fill it. One small complaint is that for a bigger guy, the chairs are pretty uncomfortable. So if you're a big guy, sit in one of the booth seats, not in a chair. Great recommendations from our server too.

A spacious site, although it could use a little more artificial light, still has charm. The service is attentive and fast. It has menu of the day, well served with starter, main, bread and drink. All dishes well seasoned and served. What should be noted is that the Korma bite a bit, when the korma dishes I have tried are usually soft and creamy. But overall the restaurant is pretty good.

The best Indian food I’ve had in a long time And great prices and service Had the chicken teeka and keens samosa Will come back next time I’m In the area

If the steady stream of New Yorkers -unfazed by news of a 25 to 45 minute wait- who gladly join a queue (that's almost the length of the restaurant and includes but two seats) isn't observable evidence of the quality of food produced by this tiny establishment; then your other senses will be aroused and duly impressed during the course of your wait for a table at Bengal Tiger. A sandwich board on the sidewalk in front of 58 West 56th St. promotes a reasonable prix-fix multi-course meal at the top of the 2nd floor walk-up that bears no signage along the hallway confirming you are, in fact, on your way to a restaurant. A quick check of the awning with "Bengal Tiger" over the only doorway to these stairs will validate you're in the right place (if the scents trickling down haven't yet reached you or there's a temporary stemming to the flow of customers who're either coming or going). The menu offers Indian favorites like Tiki Masala and Tandoori Chicken, Lamb Biryani and Saag Paneer but the flavors are more authentic than most Indian restaurants and as are their spices and spicing techniques. The couple of 'tame' offerings make the restaurant accessible to kids and adults alike, the inexperienced pallets and digestive-challenged. For the adventurous novice, those seeking authenticity or a decent reminder of home I do not think you'll be disappointed. Ambiance is intimate bordering on "close" with small two-top tables that don't quite accommodate the various food-bearing vessels a meal for two requires. The seats are gunmetal gray metal, i.e. uncomfortable utility chairs that serve the purpose of hastening diners from their perches after their dining is done (as if the line of salivating customers doesn't!) We did not order the prix-fix meal and price-points are reasonable for this incredibly tasty and exciting food. We kind of felt like we'd discovered a buried treasure amid the dearth of authentic, westernized Indian fare and loved every morsel. With balletic grace the efficient wait staff is obsessive about keeping your stainless water cup filled (for which you're continually grateful) as they deftly navigate a tight but functional space (one that uncharacteristically doesn't require traversing the kitchen for restroom access). This is a great find and apparently a local favorite judging by the take-out and delivery meals we saw while waiting for our table.

We read about Bengal Tiger, checked out the location and met friends there. Loved the prix fix lunch! The Mulligatawny Soup is a meal itself. For the main course we had the Baigan Bhartha (egggplant) and Saag sautéed spinach, ginger, garlic (chicken) which we shared. Garlic naan for the table completed the meal. Leaving, we looked at each other and said, "This is a Find!"

They have moved to a new location since many months, but the address on TripAdvisor and in Uber’s system are still pointing to old address. A responsible and caring business would care to update and follow up on such discrepancy so that customers don’t have to suffer. We called at 8:00 pm to make reservation, and we were promptly given a 9:00 pm table. When we arrived, they seated us, and it was 10 F outside, but the restaurant felt equally cold. The heat was turned off, and when asked why, we were told it had been out all evening. Why would one take new reservations if your heat is out and the weather is sooo cold. Just greedy owners. Everybody around us was bundled up and everyone was extremely uncomfortable. Food was mediocre- I don’t understand the reason for all the great reviews, but the tea felt like heaven given the cold weather. Staff was attentive and hard working.

This place is tiny and super busy but the staff are very efficient. Ordered the chicken entree which was great. Really nice curries but they were a lot hotter than what was expected. The staff are really good but the regular curry needs to be less spicy for those who can’t handle it. Garlic naan was excellent.

Real Indian food and atmosphere. The service and price was also very good. I did eat a better malai kufta in different places, but I will still give it a five stars. The paneer makhani was fantastic. Will definitely come back next visit and most definitely recommend

What a fabulous little Gem we found near to our hotel in NYC. The food was beautiful and we were served so quickly. Prices were very reasonable for NYC and the standard of food was Top Notch. Thank you!!!

Saw the reviews on Trip Advisor and it wasn’t far from our hotel. We hadn’t booked but we only waited 5 minutes for a table. Very popular place and the food and service were really good, definitely worth a visit.

We always look to Trip Advisor when we travel and it has yet to steer us wrong. This one was no exception. From the street you enter and go up shabby stairs and wonder “what am I getting myself into?” You are getting into one of the best Indian food experiences ever! Staff was super kind and helpful and the food was to die for. Out of over 10,000 restaurants in NYC, this should be higher than top 75!! I would come back to the city just to eat here.

This is the second or third time we have been to the Bengal Tiger and it was just as good this time. We had the samosa and malai tikka for appetizers and they were both excellent and then a couple of curries. We had the vindaloo and were warned it was hot but we enjoy spicy food and it was ok for us. However, if you don’t enjoy your curries hot (spicy) then I would definitely choose mild or medium. The restaurant is small and the staff and service is excellent. Love this place!! It’s byo so bring your own wine or beer.

Even if i'm not keen on indian food, I enjoy eating there so much! The plain naan was fluffy and tasty, the chicken makhi was delicious (spicy enough) and the mango lassi accompained perfectly this amazing meal. The waiters were really kind and helpful! I would absolutely recommend it

Good food and service. Moderately priced. You won’t be dissatisfied or disappointed. In a good location and easy to herbal.

Food was amazing here. Best tikka masala I’ve ever had. Service was extremely attentive. Quick, efficient and kind staff. Would recommend to anyone. Only downside was the tables near the door had a very bad breeze and door was left open for long periods of time. Other than that it was perfect.

Delicious food, highly attentive waitstaff and convenient location all made this a great place for lunch. The exterior looks a little questionable but once inside, the space is fabulous with colorful art decorating the walls.

Don’t let the narrow staircase to the second floor restaurant deter you. The decor and food far-surpassed the entrance. Pre-theatre, three-course menu was a good deal, and enough food for two moderately hungry people.

My wife and I really loved the food here. Great service as well!! The Naan was exceptionally good, as was the curry.

We went to Bengal tiger after reading some reviews and it did not disappoint! Great indian food for a good price. You get lots of food, it was delicious and the staff was great helping to select menu items and filling up water. I would highly recommend this place

Still raving about the outstanding caring service. When my friend mentioned that his dish was a little spicy ( I tasted it and it was already mild) it was immediately taken away and made even more mild. Water constantly refilled. My lamb korma was excellent as was the squash soup. Only minor complaint is that some appetizers and possibly the dessert are smaller portions on prix fixe than if a la carte. Excellent prices. Tiny so make reservations on weekends.

Selected this restaurant for dinner with a colleague. It was very busy (good sign!) and we had to wait around 15 mins to get a table. Well worth the wait, the menu choices were good, the food served was all excellent and the staff were very friendly and attentive. As it is clearly a popular restaurant I recommend making a reservation.

Bengal Tiger was an unexpected delight. We were staying at Le Parker, which has an Indian Restaurant attached to the Hotel. Unfortunately, on a Sunday Night, two days before Christmas they were fully booked. The Hostess recommended Bengal Tiger. We are so glad she did! The food was authentic, and delicious. My husband and I each ordered the 3-course Prix Fixe dinner menu. Great Deal, and very satisfying.

I wanted something inexpensive and good for lunch. I found it Bengal Tiger. The staff is friendly and the lunch choice is tasty and filling. I suggest that you buy some beer or wine before you go so that you can enjoy it with your meal. They encourage it because no alcohol is served. Very relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere but you might need to wait in a line to get in. The restaurant is popular. Enjoy!

Seems to be a locals favorite. Great atmosphere. Go early for dinner. Expect line up anytime after 6. Note - although a fan of Indian cuisine their dishes were a bit too spicy for me - next time I'll ask for mild curry.

Very fine and for NY ratio cheap Indian food. Water is available for free. Alcohol must be brought by yourself.

A small, small restaurant with a probable wait time but definitely worth it! Attentive service and amazing food! Will eat here every time I’m in town!

It was snowing outside and this restaurant was near where we were staying. We had dinner here and ordered saag paneer, chicken biryani and lamb curry. Food was very good and tasty. The mango lassi was also very good. You need walk up a narrow set of stairs to get to the restaurant.

Loved it there! The food was delicious. We walked in (a party of 3) on a Saturday night and we needed to wait about 30 minutes. Not too bad. The restaurant is very narrow and kinda hard to find (second floor in what seems to be a residential building) but that's also a part of its magic. The service was great and we loved the music in the background as well. There are lots of beautiful pictures everywhere. But most of all the food was great and prices weren't expensive. We didn't really like the mango Lassi but it was a part of the experience. I wouldn't get that again.

My family of 5 (3 adults and 2 kids) stumbled upon Bengal Tiger restaurant after a day in Central Park. We were ravenous and the food did not disappoint! We ordered several entrees—chicken, lamb, and veggie, some veggie sides and naan bread. Everything was amazing and the service was quick and attentive. I would highly recommend it.

This was my second time to had delicious Indian meals .. I was there on June 2nd around 6pm so it was bit busy but luckily we've got table without any waiting. We've had 3 Course Prix Fix $21.95 appetizer dinner ( main dish to choose from variety selections) and dessert . Our table was right under the A/C it was okay but Ive noticed that meals are getting cold .. so I've asked a waiter if they could heat up .. Waited for 5 minutes .. then they've brought us almost a new one so I had to ask again if they've made a new one to charge us .. :):) No it was great services .. So we will go back there again and again.. Thank you for your great services, delicious foods and smiles .. We sure love this place.

Tikka masala and saag paneer didn’t disappoint! Fair warning: we ordered the regular, not spicy, and it was pretty spicy for us.

Ordered food at Bengal Tiger during our stay at New York on 4th June '2019, Delicious food and quantity was more than sufficient for four people. It was nice that they gave us two rice as complementary. Would recommend this place to all those who love Indian food. Thanks to the staff. Wil definitely come back to this place during our next tri to New York, hopefully and god willing.

It’s been a while since we reviewed this place so we wanted to update everything. I can’t overstate how consistent the quality is here. The food tastes exactly the same as it did three years ago when we first visited! That’s rare in today’s world and an impressive feat for sure. There expert use of the electronic reservation system means you don’t have to wait in the doorway or worry about being overlooked. This is my favorite and most authentic Indian spot from Boston to DC and I can’t recommend it highly enough. The menu is simply but deftly executed making for a lovely evening on the town.

Food is great and so is the service. Courteous, quick and efficient. Quite reasonably priced as well.

Crowded and busy as this place is most of the time u may calculate some waiting into your planning. The Service is fast, the food delicious. Hardly ever had any netter Tandori Chicken, or Naan netter than theirs. It's hot but not senseless killing style, but nice burning. No alcohol so the beer to extinguish the fire has to wait...

Being 2 Indian cooks ourselves the food was excellent and so was the service. If you get a chance to go you must try their lamb baryani. It’s our last day here and we are going for our meal to the Bengal Tiger.

First, the restaurant is on the second floor up stairs. The door is next to the entrance is another restaurant so don’t get confused. The Bengal Tiger door has the food rating on the door. Today it is an “A”. The meals are big enough for two people to spilt. No need to order two different meals unless you can’t decide. The normal spice is Spicy, so unless you like to be on fire stick with normal spice. Everyone except us first timers ordered a mango yogurt drink. We kept to water until we were seeing everybody ordering the orange drink. We order them for a desert! Yum and helped remove the burn. Food was very good except wife’s curry chicken was a little dry. The Korma chicken was fantastic! I would go back again for sure and I have no problem recommending them as a good place to eat. Service was good.

A little walk in place just off 6th.Single doorway takes you up a flight of stairs..Total of mayb 10 tables.. nice selection of Indian dishes. Lamb curry was great (8 on a 10 point scale for heat). Served with basmati rice and the best fresh naan I’ve ever had. Reasonable prices. Worth seeking it out if you like indian food

Second time here, Chan a masala and rice great taste and great service. Price is good for great quality food

Food was delicious, place looks local, staff was nice and pleasant. Also, prices are normal, we paid for two person dinner around 70 dollars.

Lamb vindaloo was really spicy and great. Good deal for lunch. All good was good. Great after MOMA visit
Great surprise
Fantastic value! We found this when wandering, looking for lunch. It was packed but we only had to wait about 10min. The food was great and we both ate lunch specials which were priced so well.