Junoon

I've never been to a high end Indian restaurant, have you?

I usually eat ethnic food at affordable restaurants, but this place caught my eye (or more accurately, ear...thank you Fara for the rec) because the wine list was unusual for an Indian restaurant. Indian restaurants are known for their curry and tandoori, not their wine lists. At Junoon, the wine list featured top wines from all over the world, including some of my favorites, like Spotteswoode.

The front of the restaurant has a large bar/lounge area which is perfect for a pre-dinner Indian inspired cocktail (or two :)). You can sit at the bar or lounge on the cozy couches.

Diners take the "Junoon walkway" to their tables. The restaurant incorporates ancient looking Indian artifacts into a modern elegance. Junoon features high ceilings and is split into two large dining rooms. The tables are generously spaced out from each other, unlike most NYC restaurants.

The service at Junoon is impeccable. The waiter fielded dozens of our questions regarding the nuisances of Junoon's creative dishes. Also, the servers were well timed and the sommelier was very knowledgeable. We were able to enjoy our meal at a leisurely pace, also unusual for NYC. On our most recent visit to Junoon, we reached out to the sommelier to help us pick an alcoholic beverage that would uniquely compliment the spices in our food choices. The sommelier recommended a cider that was bottled in a wine glass, Farnum Hill Cider. The cider was aromatic, highlighting the apple, which was a nice contrast to the spice and heat in our dishes.



What to eat:

The Piri Pri Shrimp appetizer. The three large shrimp are lightly coated in a sweet chili sauce and plated with avocado and jicama. The chili sauce has a little kick, which is softened by the avocado and jicama.

If you want to start the night with a fried treat, the pakoras were a hit at our table. The pakoras, filled with different vegetables seasonaly, are crispy and hearty.

The chicken tawa masala, which is similar to chicken tikka masala, was very (a pro for some, a con for others). But don't be confused, what it lacks in spice it makes up for in taste.

The menu changes here a few times a year but in the two visits and dozen plus dishes ordered, every single dish has been exceptional.

Fancy Indian? I'm sold,

Your foodie friend.