Ishq: A Trendy and Cozy Indian Restaurant in NYC

Ishq Introduce

Welcome to Ishq, a modern and trendy Indian restaurant that brings an exciting culinary experience to the vibrant East Village of New York City. In a city with a rich and diverse Indian food scene, Ishq distinguishes itself by offering a fresh and unique take on classic dishes, blending traditional flavors with contemporary flair. The name “Ishq,” which means "love" in Urdu and Hindi, perfectly captures our philosophy: we are passionate about food, and we want to share that love with every guest who walks through our doors.

Our restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it's a destination for a special evening out. We've created an atmosphere that is both cozy and trendy, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner, a celebratory gathering with friends, or a sophisticated solo dining experience. The decor is thoughtfully curated to provide a warm and inviting backdrop, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the culinary journey we have prepared. Our menu is a testament to the creativity of our chefs, who expertly balance authentic spices and traditional techniques with innovative presentation and flavors. From small plates that are perfect for sharing to hearty entrees, every dish is a work of art.

At Ishq, we pride ourselves on a "Hatke" or unique menu, a delightful take on classic Indian dishes with a modern twist. Our "love" for food and culture is reflected in every aspect of our restaurant, from the Bollywood-inspired menu names to the personalized and friendly service. We believe that dining should be an experience that engages all the senses, and we strive to provide a seamless and memorable meal from start to finish. Our staff is knowledgeable and always ready to guide you through our one-of-a-kind menu, ensuring you find the perfect dish to suit your taste.

We are proud to be a part of the East Village community, and we are committed to providing an exceptional dining experience that showcases the best of Indian cuisine. We invite you to come and discover the magic of Ishq and share in our love for great food and great company.

Location and Accessibility

Ishq is conveniently located at 202 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA. Our prime location places us in the heart of the East Village, a neighborhood known for its artistic spirit, lively street life, and diverse culinary landscape. Getting to our restaurant is straightforward, whether you're using public transportation, a ride-sharing service, or driving.

For those traveling by subway, we are within a short walking distance of several major stations. The L train at 1st Avenue and the F train at 2nd Avenue are both nearby, providing easy access from various parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn. The East Village is a very walkable neighborhood, making a stroll to our restaurant a pleasant part of your evening. We are committed to accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom, ensuring that all our guests can enjoy a comfortable dining experience. Parking options include free and paid street parking, as well as a nearby paid parking lot.

Services Offered

Dine-in and Takeout Service: We offer both dine-in and takeout options to suit your needs. Our restaurant provides a beautiful and cozy setting for a memorable meal, but you can also enjoy our delicious food from the comfort of your own home.
Dinner Reservations: We are a popular spot for dinner, and we highly recommend making reservations to ensure you get a table, especially for groups. Our accommodating staff can also help you plan a larger dinner at our communal table, as mentioned by a delighted customer.
Small Plates and Entrees: Our menu is divided into small plates and entrees, allowing for a variety of dining styles. You can enjoy a number of small plates as a sharing experience or choose a full entree for a more traditional meal. We also offer vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring we can cater to a variety of dietary preferences.
Full Bar with Cocktails: We have a full bar onsite and are known for our great cocktails. Our bar offers a selection of alcohol, beer, hard liquor, and wine, with unique drinks like the "Ishq In Mussoorie" that are highly recommended by our patrons.
Brunch and Dessert: We offer a variety of dining options, including brunch and dessert. Our unique and delicious desserts, such as the "Kaala Jamun Tart," provide a perfect end to your meal.

Features / Highlights

Unique and Modern Menu: A standout feature of Ishq is our innovative menu. We take a "Hatke" approach to traditional Indian dishes, blending classic flavors with a modern twist. This makes our food exciting and memorable, providing a culinary experience you won't find anywhere else in the city.
Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The ambiance at Ishq is a major highlight. The space is both cozy and trendy, making it perfect for a romantic date or a sophisticated night out. The beautiful setting, as noted by a customer, is ideal for a friends' gathering or a special celebration.
Great Cocktails: Our cocktail program receives rave reviews. We are known for our creative and flavorful drinks that perfectly complement our food. The bar onsite is a great amenity for those who want to enjoy a delicious beverage with their meal.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options: We are committed to providing delicious options for all diners. Our menu includes a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes, ensuring that everyone can find something to love.
Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff: Our service is a key highlight. Our staff is not only friendly and accommodating but also knowledgeable about our unique menu, helping guests navigate their choices with a smile.
Popular for Dinner and Solo Dining: We are a popular spot for both groups and solo diners. Our welcoming atmosphere makes it an inviting place to enjoy a meal on your own without feeling out of place.

Contact Information

Address: 202 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA

Phone: (646) 559-4747

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Ishq is about choosing a truly special and modern Indian dining experience in the heart of New York City. The worth of our restaurant lies in its perfect blend of traditional flavors and innovative culinary techniques, all served in a setting that is both trendy and deeply cozy. We are the ideal choice for anyone looking to go beyond the typical Indian restaurant experience and discover something new and exciting.

Our reputation for great food, excellent cocktails, and a wonderful atmosphere, as praised by our customers, is what sets us apart. The unique menu, from the "Andhra Chili Gobi" to the "Lobster Malaikari," offers a journey for your taste buds. Furthermore, our accommodating and friendly staff ensures that your experience is seamless and enjoyable from the moment you walk in. For a special date night, a celebratory dinner, or simply a delicious meal in a beautiful setting, Ishq is a destination that promises to deliver an unforgettable evening.

Ishq Menu

Small Plates
Andhra Chili Gobi $16.00
Cauliflower, curry leaves, green chili, hibiscus labneh, fried garlic..
Dudhiya Kabab $18.00
Stuffed homemade paneer, carom seeds, saffron, sprouts, seasonal fruit wedges.
Nizami Lamb Chops $30.00
Kashmiri chili, mace, yogurt hummus, pistachios.
Sharabi Chicken Tikka $22.00
Overnight marinated chicken thighs, laccha onion, mint chutney, old monk flambe.
Bangla Kodi $20.00
Potato wrapped chicken fritters, radish, cilantro, chili sour cream.
Ajwaini Tiger Shrimp $26.00
Fermented chili sour cream, cilantro, lemon.
Shashi Saffron Murgh Tikka $24.00
Tender chicken marinated in saffron and spices.

Entree
Paneer Laung Latta $26.00
Paneer layered with nuts, cloves, lababdar gravy.
Ishq Dal-E Khaas $24.00
Black lentils, clarified butter, fenugreek leaves, grated black truffle, ghee.
Dum Ka Gosht $32.00
Slow cooked bone-in baby goat, dum ka gravy, fried onion, mint.
Delhi Ki Butter Chicken $28.00
Shredded chicken thighs, tomato makhani, butter, fenugreek leaves.
Lobster Malaikari $32.00
Mustard, onion & coconut gravy, curry leaves, sweet chili pops.
Nalli Gosht Biryani $36.00
Lamb shank, cashews, fried onion, mint, bhurani raita.
Palak Sabz Miloni $26.00
Spinach curry with creamy palak sauce and mixed vegetables.

Sides
Saffron Rice $4.00
Aromatic rice infused with saffron.
Plain Naan $6.00
Soft, lightly leavened Indian flatbread.
Butter Naan $6.00
Soft, lightly buttered Indian flatbread.
Garlic Naan $7.00
Soft, leavened flatbread infused with garlic.
Sesame Naan $7.00
Soft, lightly sesame-topped Indian flatbread.
Chili Cheese Naan $8.00
Naan.
Tandoori Roti $7.00
Traditional Indian flatbread.
Laccha Paratha $8.00
Thin, layered flatbread.
Bhurani Raita $3.00
Cool and creamy yogurt side dish with cucumber and cumin.
Salad $3.00
Onion, chili & lemon.

Ishq Details

Service options
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Hard liquor
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Dinner
Dessert
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Groups

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Parking
Free street parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking

Ishq Photos

Ishq Location

Ishq

New York New York County New York Avenue A

202 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA

Ishq Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 369 user reviews.

presentationlamb chopsjalebi chaattartbartenderkala jamunlaung lataoystersnalli goshtupscale

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

It was an amazing dinner with great blend of traditional and fusion dishes. Love their panipuri (beautiful presentation), the lamb chop (good amout of warm spices and chili) and the lobster Malaikari is to die for!The space was beautiful perfect for date and friends gathering! I’d love to come back for a big dinner at the communal table!
June 27 · S D
We just celebrated my birthday at Ishq! Had a wonderful experience. Great ambience, good food and service. Our server Nandini and her assistant were great and they answered our questions smilingly regarding their unique menu!Loved the “Hatke” menu and a take on Bollywood and “Ishq” phrases in the menu selection.Would highly recommend their cocktails. I had “Ishq In Mussoorie” which was great! We ordered 3 appetizers between 4 of us. “Andhra Chili Gobhi” and “Sharabi Chicken Tikka” were great. Dudhiya Kabab were little mild for our taste but we compensated the flavor with the chilli Gobhi masala and then it was fine.For main entrees we loved the “Gobhi Ali kofta Curry “ and “Paneer Laung Latta”. Their garlic naans and saffron rice as aside were flavorful as well.Ended the meal by celebrating with the delicious “Kaala Jamun Tart”. Loved the interesting way of presenting the tart by lighting the fire on the cone covering the tart!We would highly recommend this place. Felt good to celebrate and never felt rushed.
July 03 · Sapna Gupta
Ishq chaandi hai, ishq sona hai - for my Bollywood loving friends - you'll get the reference! One word - spectacular!Made reservations, and if you have a well behaved child, they will let you in with your little one even if the Resy says no kids under 8. Just be considerate to other diners is their ask, which is more than fair.Chef Vamshi delivers another excellent menu after Gazab, with small plates packed with flavor and entrees with a decent balance.Small Plates: Jalebi Chaat ($19) is a must have, just like Sharabi Chicken Tikka ($23). Kadak Rumali ($15) is passable, but their chili sour cream was tasty! Andhra Chili Gobi ($17) for one might be too much, as the oil eventually gets to you - but an excellent choice if sharing the small plate.For non-paneer eaters, you cannot go wrong with Himachali Gucchi ($23) - the the classic onion & tomato gravy goes surprisingly well with morel mushrooms! The Poussin Musallam ($31) was on the less flavorful side, but the cornish hen looked really well cooked.Laccha Paratha ($8) is a generous size, and one should be enough to be shared by two people, just like their tasty garlic Naan ($7).Shout out to Sujit our friendly server who ensured a flawless and attentive service. Food arrived within 10-15 mins of ordering. With bollywood hits playing in a background, noise levels on the lower end, and fresh, modern interiors, Ishq was an absolute hit and a place that we'll definitely revisit with friends and family.
May 10 · Ameya Bhakay
Beautiful restaurant and friendly staff. The kabobs and lamb chops were tender and juicy. The sharabi chicken tikka is usually lit with some kind of alcohol, but they excluded the alcohol as requested. The lamb boti karahi was particularly good.
September 08 · Z Hashmi
Nice restaurant in East Village. We ordered lamb chops, chicken 65 sliders, paniyaram, palak paneer, and murgh lababdar. All food was great, but the palak paneer was bland and did not taste good. We also got the junnu dessert, which was another great dish.Our only complaint is that there was a limited menu selection, and there were only 3 vegetarian options. Furthermore, serving sizes were on the smaller side. Would recommend to anyone who wants a new take on Indian food.
April 20 · The Cubinar