Santoor Indian Restaurant

- 257-05 Union Tpke, Queens, NY 11004

For New Yorkers seeking a rich, authentic culinary journey through the diverse flavors of the Indian subcontinent, Santoor Indian Restaurant stands as a compelling destination in Queens. Located on Union Turnpike, this establishment has established itself as a reliable source for both classic Indian dishes and unique regional specialties. It offers a warm, Casual atmosphere that is Family-friendly and welcoming to Groups, making it a perfect spot for any dining occasion, from a quick solo lunch to a large family dinner.

Santoor is renowned for its expansive menu that successfully caters to a wide array of tastes, including plentiful Vegetarian options, Vegan options, and Gluten Free dishes. Customer feedback highlights its recent transformation, noting that the restaurant is under new management, which has revitalized the dining experience, particularly the buffet lunch, which has been described as "superb and very reasonable." This combination of high-quality food, a wide selection, and an appealing atmosphere makes Santoor a cherished Indian restaurant in the Queens neighborhood.

The restaurant not only provides the traditional dining experience but also offers a modern touch with Great cocktails and a fully stocked Bar onsite, ensuring a complete and enjoyable evening out. Whether you crave the creamy comfort of Butter Chicken or the smoky heat of a Tandoor appetizer, Santoor aims to deliver a flavorful and value-driven experience.

## Location and Accessibility

Santoor Indian Restaurant is conveniently situated at 257-05 Union Tpke, Queens, NY 11004, USA. This prime location on a major thoroughfare makes it highly accessible for residents of Queens and surrounding Long Island areas. The restaurant’s setting in a shopping center environment provides significant advantages for ease of visit, a crucial factor for busy New Yorkers.

Accessibility is a major highlight, demonstrating a commitment to serving all members of the community:

• Parking: Finding parking is hassle-free, as the restaurant provides a Free parking lot, a welcome amenity in the often-congested New York area.
• Physical Access: The establishment is fully committed to universal access, offering a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating.
• Public Transport: Its location on Union Turnpike ensures easy access via local buses and major roadways, connecting it efficiently to various Queens neighborhoods.
• Operating Hours: The restaurant operates with a split schedule, accommodating both lunch and dinner crowds. Typical weekday hours are 11:30 AM–3:00 PM for lunch and 5:00 PM–9:30 PM for dinner. Weekend hours are slightly adjusted, with Saturdays extending dinner service to 10:00 PM and Sundays starting lunch slightly later at 12:00 PM.

## Services Offered

Santoor Indian Restaurant offers a comprehensive range of dining services designed to meet the needs of modern New York life, from quick meals to formal dining and large-scale events.

• Diverse Dining Options: Catering to all dining needs, the restaurant offers Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, and Seating with Table service.
• Lunch Buffet: A major attraction, the buffet-style lunch is praised for being "superb and very reasonable," offering a wide variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and is a favorite for weekday and weekend dining.
• Full Bar Service: An in-house Bar onsite serves a selection of Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine, complemented by the mention of Great cocktails as a highlight.
• Convenient Off-Premise Options: For those who prefer to eat at home, services include Takeout, Delivery, and No-contact delivery, providing flexibility and convenience.
• Event and Group Planning: The restaurant Accepts reservations and provides Catering services, making it well-suited for hosting groups and special occasions. It is also noted as being Good for kids, with High chairs available.
• Specialized Dietary Offerings: The menu features extensive options for Vegan options and Vegetarian options, as well as Healthy options and Organic dishes, ensuring something for every diet.

## Features and Highlights

Santoor Indian Restaurant distinguishes itself within the competitive Queens dining scene through a combination of outstanding food features, excellent service, and a welcoming ambiance.

• The Superb Lunch Buffet: The all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is frequently cited in reviews as being a key reason for visiting, offering exceptional value and variety for a mid-day meal.
• Tandoor Specialties: The restaurant boasts a dedicated Tandoor (clay oven) section, offering smoky, flavorful appetizers and entrees like the "must try" BHATTI KA MURGH and the impressive SANTOOR LAMB CHOPS (big sizes), ensuring authentic cooking methods are maintained.
• Signature Butter Chicken: The Butter Chicken is a particular standout, described by a customer as "rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet," cementing its place as a must-order classic dish.
• Quick and Efficient Service: Fast service is listed as a highlight, which is essential for New York patrons visiting during lunch or seeking a quick, delicious dinner.
• Extensive Menu Diversity: The menu encompasses a broad range of Indian cuisine, including classic North Indian dishes (e.g., Rogan Josh, Dal Makhani) and South Indian influence (e.g., Alleppy Fish Curry, Malabari Calamari), giving patrons a truly expansive culinary exploration.
• Hot Selling Samplers: The NON-VEGETARIAN KING KABAB SAMPLER is explicitly marked as a "hot selling" item, providing a medley of tandoori favorites (fish, shrimp, chicken, lamb chops, seekh kabab) for a premium tasting experience.

## Contact Information

To secure a table, inquire about the day’s buffet offerings, or place a takeout order, New York customers can use the following contact details:

Address: 257-05 Union Tpke, Queens, NY 11004, USA

Phone: (718) 343-3939

## What is Worth Choosing at Santoor Indian Restaurant?

When deciding what to order at Santoor Indian Restaurant, New Yorkers should lean into the dishes that represent the best of their offering, combining customer favorites with specialty preparations.

1. The Lunch Buffet: For first-time visitors or those seeking the best value, the Lunch Buffet is highly recommended. It allows you to sample a wide array of entrées, appetizers, and desserts, including various vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections, making it an excellent deal for the price.

2. Butter Chicken: Based on customer reviews, the BUTTER CHICKEN ($20.00) is a non-negotiable choice. Its reputation as "rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet" confirms it as a benchmark dish. Pair it with the creamy texture of the MURGH MALAI KABAB ($15.00) from the Tandoor for a truly comforting experience.

3. Premium Tandoor Meats: For a high-end appetizer or main course, the SANTOOR LAMB CHOPS ($35.00) or the NON-VEGETARIAN KING KABAB SAMPLER ($30.00) are worthwhile splurges. These clay-oven specialties showcase the restaurant's expertise in handling premium meats with authentic, smoky flavor profiles.

4. Garlic Naan: No Indian meal is complete without bread for scooping, and the various Naan options, particularly the NAAN Garlic ($4.00), are perfect for soaking up the rich gravies of the curries. The KHEEMA NAAN ($5.00) or PESHWARI NAAN ($5.00) are excellent, flavorful upgrades for a richer experience.

5. Beverage Pairing: Don't forget the Mango Lassi ($5.00), a classic, refreshing Indian yogurt drink that perfectly complements the spice and richness of the main dishes.

Santoor Indian Restaurant

257-05 Union Tpke, Queens, NY 11004, USA