Devi

Just steps from Manhattan's Union Square, Devi offers the authentic flavors of Indian home cooking in a warmly adorned 75-seat restaurant. Named for the mother goddess, Devi is widely praised as one of one of New York City's top Indian dining destinations, and is the only Indian restaurant in the U.S. to have earned a Michelin star. Executive chef Suvir Saran, a renowned culinary authority,...

The Extras: The tasting menus are a superb introduction to a range of dishes. But come hungry--the five-course menu is generously sized (regular or vegetarian, $55, with wine pairings $95) and fast-paced.

What to Drink: The Orange Blossom martini mixes Mandarin Blossom vodka, Cointreau and a touch of blood orange juice for a just-sweet-enough opening.

Among the first of NYC's "high-end Indians", this Flatironer still delivers with "delicious" subcontinental cooking (including "veggies a carnivore could die for") served up in "exotic" environs; to some "it's not the same" since Suvir Saran exited the kitchen, but the majority calls it an overall "wonderful experience."

Devi brings a touch of elegant spice and spaciousness to this sometimes gritty block of East 18th Street, located dead south of ABC Carpet & Home. Step into a warm and open space peppered with temple artifacts and draped in lanterns and gauze. A full bar sits to the right, banquettes to the left, and a balcony level dining room at the top of the stairs. The operative colors are red, yellow...

There are restaurants that bring you back to yourself and those that spirit you away. Devi belongs to the latter group. It casts its spell visually, with glowing blue and red and yellow lights, and it works its exotic magic through its take on Indian food, more varied, multidimensional, nimble and surprising here than at the scores of samosa factories throughout these vindaloo-bewitched...

Few of the many Indian restaurants in the city are like this one. Dévi offers $45 to $85 tasting menus (vegetarian and nonvegetarian), and that’s really the way to go. The menu features small courses that will let you sample much of what the restaurant has to offer. Some of the highlights include tender tandoori chicken stuffed with spicy herbs; halibut coated in a cilantro rub accompanied with...

Devi brings a touch of elegant s