SARAVANAA BHAVAN: Authentic South Indian Vegetarian Dining in NYC

SARAVANAA BHAVAN Introduce

In the bustling heart of Manhattan, where the culinary world of New York comes to life, a true institution of vegetarian dining stands ready to welcome you: SARAVANAA BHAVAN. As part of a globally renowned chain that has captured hearts in over 28 countries, this restaurant is a beacon for authentic South Indian flavors. For New Yorkers seeking a genuine taste of Chennai's rich and vibrant traditions, SARAVANAA BHAVAN offers an experience that is both a nostalgic "taste of home" for Indian expats and a delicious discovery for everyone else. It’s a place that prides itself on purity, quality, and a commitment to timeless recipes passed down through generations.

The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a casual and lively atmosphere that’s perfect for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re a college student looking for a quick, filling bite, a family out for a weekend meal, or a solo diner seeking a peaceful moment, SARAVANAA BHAVAN provides a comfortable setting. The restaurant’s reputation for fast service is well-earned, ensuring that you can enjoy your meal without a long wait, even during the busiest hours. This efficiency, combined with the a la carte offerings and combo meals, makes it an ideal spot for any time of day, from a hearty breakfast to a satisfying late dinner.

SARAVANAA BHAVAN's menu is a testament to the diversity of South Indian vegetarian cuisine. The "Dosa Corner" is an absolute highlight, featuring an incredible variety of thin, crispy crepes filled with everything from the classic potato masala to more unique options like cheese or milagaipodi. The "House of Uthappams" offers a softer, pancake-like alternative, while the "Thalis" provide a comprehensive and flavorful journey through multiple dishes on a single platter. Every dish, from the fluffy idlies to the savory Channa Batura, is prepared with a focus on fresh ingredients and authentic techniques. The extensive beverage list, including classic Madras Filter Coffee and a variety of lassis, complements the food perfectly. For those who enjoy a drink with their meal, the restaurant also offers a selection of beer and wine, carefully chosen to pair with the cuisine.

Location and Accessibility

SARAVANAA BHAVAN is conveniently located at 81 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016. This prime location places it in the heart of Midtown, often referred to as Curry Hill due to its concentration of excellent Indian restaurants. Its accessibility makes it a great choice for anyone in the city. The restaurant is easily reachable by public transportation, and for those who choose to drive, both free and paid street parking options are available in the vicinity.

The restaurant is committed to welcoming all guests with a focus on accessibility. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible restroom, and wheelchair-accessible seating. This thoughtful design ensures that everyone can comfortably enjoy the dining experience. The casual and family-friendly atmosphere, complete with amenities like high chairs for kids, makes it an inclusive spot for family outings and group gatherings.

Services Offered

Dine-in: Enjoy the full experience of a freshly prepared meal in the casual and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant.
Outdoor Seating: Take advantage of the pleasant weather with comfortable outdoor seating.
Takeout, Delivery, and Curbside Pickup: SARAVANAA BHAVAN makes it easy to enjoy their delicious food at home with various convenient options, including no-contact delivery.
Catering: The restaurant provides catering services, allowing you to bring authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine to your next event.
Table Service: Enjoy attentive and fast table service from the moment you are seated.
Reservations: Reservations are accepted, though it is a popular spot and often has a wait, especially during peak dining hours.

Features / Highlights

Authentic South Indian Cuisine: Widely regarded for its authentic taste, with a menu that feels just like a trip to India.
Great Dosa and Idly: Famous for its wide variety of dosas, from the classic Masala Dosa to the crispy Paper Dosa, and its soft, fluffy idlies.
Extensive Vegetarian and Vegan Options: A completely vegetarian menu with a wide range of vegan options, making it a perfect choice for those with dietary preferences.
Fast Service: Known for its quick and efficient service, making it a great option for a quick bite or a lunch break.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: A casual and welcoming environment that is suitable for families, groups, and children.
Great Coffee and Tea Selection: The perfect place to enjoy a traditional Madras Filter Coffee or a classic Masala Tea.
Affordable and Filling: The dishes are known to be generously portioned, offering great value for the price.

Contact Information

Address: 81 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016

Phone: (212) 684-7755

What is worth choosing

Choosing SARAVANAA BHAVAN is about choosing authenticity and a well-rounded dining experience. For many in New York, it's the go-to spot for an authentic taste of South India. The consistent quality and traditional preparation of dishes, as attested by those who have visited the chain's international locations, set it apart. The menu is an adventure in itself, with a vast selection of appetizers, dosas, uthappams, and full Thali meals. The Ghee Masala Dosa, in particular, is a fan favorite, praised for its perfect balance of flavor and texture. The Mango Lassi and Masala Tea also receive high marks for their authentic taste.

The restaurant’s appeal also lies in its ability to cater to a diverse crowd. Its casual and trendy atmosphere is equally suited for a group of friends, a family with children, or a solo diner looking for a peaceful meal. The staff, while sometimes perceived as fast-paced, is generally helpful and friendly, ready to guide you through the menu. While some dishes may be viewed as pricey by some standards, the generous portions and high-quality ingredients ensure that you're getting great value for your money. For anyone in New York seeking a truly authentic, flavorful, and reliable vegetarian Indian dining experience, SARAVANAA BHAVAN is a destination that delivers on its global reputation. It’s a culinary journey you won’t want to miss.

SARAVANAA BHAVAN Menu

Appetizers
2 Pieces Idly $11.99
Steamed rice & lentil patties served with varieties of Chutney, sambar & gun powder
14 Pcs Mini Ghee Idlies $11.99
Mini idlies immersed in sambar garnished with ghee
1 Idly & 1 Vada $11.99
Combination of one steamed rice & lentil patty & one lentil doughnut
Kaima Idly $11.99
Deep fried mini idly sautéed in regional spices served With raitha
2 Pieces Medhu Vada $11.99
Crispy lentil doughnut served with sambar and chutney
2 Pieces Sambar Vada $11.99
Crispy lentil doughnut immersed in sambar garnished with Onions & cilantro
2 Pieces Rasa Vada $11.99
Crispy lentil doughnut in spicy south Indian lentil soup
2 Pieces Curd Vada $11.99
Crispy lentil doughnut in fresh yogurt garnished with grated carrot and cilantro
2 Pieces Potato Bonda $11.99
Crispy potato dumpling served with sambar & chutney
Pav Bhaji $11.99
Fresh garden vegetables cooked in tomato gravy with onions, Garlic, ginger & served with Indian style burger bun
Rasam $9.99
A spicy lentil soup. A south Indian Specialty
2 Onion Bajji $11.99
Sliced onion dipped in Bengal gram batter & deep fried Served with sambar & chutney
2 Plantain Bajji $11.99
Thick plantain slices coated with chick pea batter deep fried served with sambar & chutney
2 Chilli Bajji $11.99
Chilli slices coated with chick peas deep fried served with chutney and sambar
2 Mysore Bonda $11.99
Lentil dumplings deep fried served with sambar & chutney
2 Vegetable Bonda $11.99
Lentil dumplings stuffed with mixed vegetables & potatoes Deep fried

Dosa Corner
Plain Dosa $12.99
Thin rice & lentil crepe
Masala Dosa $13.49
Thin rice & lentil crepe filled with spiced mashed potatoes and onions
Onion Dosa $12.99
Thin rice & lentil crepe topped with onions
Onion Masala Dosa $13.99
Thin rice & lentil crepe filled with potatoes and onion
Milagaipodi Dosa $13.99
Thin rice & lentil crepe filled with a mixture of grounded dry spices containing dry chillies, lentil & sesame seeds
Milagaipodi Onion Dosa $13.99
Thin rice & lentil crepe filled with a mixture of grounded dry spices containing dry chillies, lentil & sesame seeds topped with onions
Ghee Roast Dosa $13.49
Thin rice & lentil crepe sprinkled with ghee
Ghee Masala Dosa $13.99
Thin rice & lentil crepe filled with potatoes and onions
Paper Dosa $13.49
Thin lengthy rice & lentil crepe
Paper Masala Dosa $13.99
Thin lengthy rice & lentil crepe filled with mildly spiced mashed potatoes and onions
Cheese Dosa $13.99
Thin rice & lentil crepe filled with grated cheddar cheese
Cheese Masala Dosa $14.49
Thin rice & lentil crepe filled with grated cheddar cheese and potatoes and onion
Rava Dosa $13.99
Thin crispy wheat & rice crepe mildly spiced
Rava Masala Dosa $14.99
Thin crispy wheat & rice crepe stuffed with mildly spiced mashed potatoes and onions
Onion Rava Dosa $14.99
Thin crispy wheat & rice sprinkled with sliced with onions
Onion Rava Masala Dosa $14.99
Thin crispy wheat & rice crepe stuffed with mildly spiced mashed potatoes & onions
Milagaipodi Onion Masala Dosa $13.99
Thin rice & lentil crepe filled with a mixture of grounded dry spices containing dry chillies, lentil & sesame seeds & mashed potato
Onion Chilli Rava Dosa $14.99
Thin crispy wheat & rice crepe topped with chillies & onions
Onion Chilli Rava Masala Dosa $15.49
Thin crispy wheat & rice crepe topped with chillies & onions
Dry Fruit Rava Dosa $16.99
Thin crispy wheat & rice crepe garnished with dry nuts & raisins
Kara Dosa $14.99
Spicy thin rice crepe with spices, onions & potatoes
Paneer Dosa $15.99
Thin rice crepe filled with spicy cottage cheese masala
Mysore Dosa $13.99
Red Chilli chutney spread on thin rice & lentil crepe
Mysore Masala Dosa $14.99
Red chilli chutney spread on thin rice & lentil crepe filled with mashed potatoes & onions
Mysore Onion Dosa $13.99
Red Chilli chutney spread on thin rice & lentil crepe
Mysore Onion Masala Dosa $14.99
Red Chilli chutney spread on thin rice & lentil crepe filled with onion and mashed potatoes

House of Uthappams
Plain Uthappam $12.99
Think rice & lentil pancake
Onion Uthappam $12.49
Thick rice & lentil pancake topped with onions
Vegetable Uthappam $13.49
Thick rice & lentil pancake topped with mixed vegetable
Onion Peas Uthappam $13.49
Thick rice & lentil pancake topped with onions & green peas
Tomato Peas Uthappam $13.49
Thick rice & lentil pancake topped with tomatoes & green Peas
Tomato Onion Chilli Uthappam $13.79
Thick rice & lentil pancake topped with tomatoes & onions & chilli
Tomato Onion Uthappam $13.49
Thick rice & lentil pancake topped with tomatoes & onion
Onion & Chilli Uthappam $13.49
Thick rice & lentil pancake topped with onions & chillies
Milagaipodi Onion Uthappam $13.99
Tomato Uthappam $12.49
Thick rice & lentil pancake topped with tomatoes
Tomato Peas Onion Uthappam $13.49
Thick rice & lentil pancake topped with tomatoes & green Peas and Onion

Bread Corner
Chappathi $13.49
Thin soft whole wheat bread served with two curries Mashed Potato & Kurma
Parotta $13.99
Delicious south Indian fluffy bread served with two curries, mashed Potato & kurma
Poori $13.49
Fried fluffy whole wheat bread served with two curries, Mashed potato & kurma

Thalis
South Indian Thalis $21.49
Rice, Chappathi (1), Sambar, Rasam, Kurma, Kootu, Poriyal, Special Kuzhambu, Curd, Special Raitha / Sweet Pachadi, Papad, Pickle & Sweet
Mini Meals $18.49
Bisibelabath, Bagalabath, Special Rice of the day, Poriyal, Papad & Sweet
Mini Tiffin $15.99
Rava Kichadi, Mini Ghee Idilies, Mini masala Dosa & Sweet
Business Meal $18.99
Poori (1), Rice, Sambar, Rasam, Poriyal, Yogurt, Papad, Pickle, Sweet

Rice Corner
Bisibelabath $12.99
Rice cooked with lentils & mixed vegetables served with papad
Bagalabath $12.99
Rice mixed with yogurt, Cashews, grapes & mustard seeds served with pickle
Ghee Pongal $12.99
Steamed raw rice and lentil with scrapped coconut, cashews & south Indian spices served with sambar & chutneys
Vegetable Biryani $13.99
(Served only on Weekends & Holidays) Basmathi rice cooked with mixed vegetables & spices served with raitha

House Specialities
Rava Kichadi $12.99
Roasted Sooji cooked with onion, tomato, carrot Green chillies, & green peas sautéed and flavored With herbs & Served with sambhar & chutney
Channa Batura $14.99
Big fluffy bread served with chickpeas masala
Mixed Vegetables Parotta $14.50
Sliced parotta tossed with Indian spices & vegetables served with onion raitha
Adai Avial $13.49
Pancake made of varieties of pulses served with Kerala style sauce made of garden fresh vegetables, coconut paste and spices

Desserts
Badam Halwa $6.99
Ground almonds cooked in honey & butter
Gulab Jamun $5.99
Dry milk & cottage cheese balls immersed in sugar syrup & rose water
Rava Kesari $4.99
Roasted sooji sweetened with sugar, mixed with raisins & nuts garnished with ghee
Rasamalai (2pcs) $5.99
Cottage Cheese rounds in sweet milk
Mango Rasamalai (2pcs) $4.99
Cottage Cheese rounds in sweet milk

Beverages
Madras Filter Coffee $3.99
Masala Tea $3.99
Lassi (Sweet & Salt) $5.50
Mango Lassi $5.50
Sodas $2.50
Butter Milk (Chaas) $5.50
Masala Milk $5.50
Green Tea $2.85
Badham Kheer $5.50

White Wine
Red Bank Chardonnay, Lronstone (California) $7.24
Sauvignon Blanc, Indaba (South Africa) $7.24
Riesling, Dr, Loosen (Mosel, Germany) $8.30
Pinot Grigio, Villa Del Borgo (Friuilm, Italy) $8.26
Fume Blanc, Dry Creek Vineyards (Sonoma) $8.34
Pinot Grigio, Zaccagini (Abruzzo) $9.36
Chardonnay, Rayond "Reserve" (Napa) $9.38

Rose Wine
Rose, J Lcolombo "La Cote Bleu" (Provence) $8.28

Champange & Sparklers (Only by Bottle)
Prosecco, Zonin (Italy) $30.00
Charles De Fere (France) $28.00

Beer on Top
Guinness $8.00
Heineken $8.00
Kingfisher $8.00
Stone IPA $8.00

Bottle Beer
Bira White Low-Bitterness Wheat Beer, India $8.00
Stella $8.00
Taj Mahal (Indian) $8.00
1947 (Indian) $8.00
Miller Lite $8.00
Kingfisher, Larger (Indian) $8.00
Bluemoon, Golden Co. $8.00
Stone IPA, Escondia, CA $8.00
Amestel Light $8.00
Corona $8.00
Heineken $8.00
Budweiser $8.00

Introductory Combos
Combo - 1 $10.49
2 - Idly + Coffee/Tea/Soda
Combo - 2 $11.49
2 - Idly + 1-Medhu Vada + Coffee/Tea/Soda
Combo - 3 $10.49
2 - Medhu Vada + Coffee/Tea/Soda
Combo - 4 $11.49
Pongal + 1-Medhu Vada + Coffee/Tea/Soda
Combo - 5 $11.49
Rava Kichidi + 1-Medhu Vada + Coffee/Tea/Soda
Combo - 6 $11.49
Upma + 1 - Medhu Vada + Coffee/Tea/Soda (Combo-6, Sat & Sun only)

Other Items
Mini Tiffin $14.99
14pcs Mini Idlies $9.99
Sambar Vada (2) $9.99
Plain Dosa $10.49
Masala Dosa $11.49
Ghee Dosa $11.49
Ghee Masala $12.99
Poori (2) $11.49
Chappathi (2) $11.49
Bisibelabath $10.49
Rava Kichadi $10.49

Dosa Corner
Onion Dosa $11.49
Thin rice & lentil crepe topped with onions
Onion Masala Dosa $12.99
Thin rice & lentil crepe filled with potatoes and onion
Milagaipodi Dosa $12.99
Thin rice & lentil crepe filled with a mixture of grounded dry spices containing dry chillies, lentil & sesame seeds
Milagaipodi Onion Dosa $12.99
Thin rice & lentil crepe filled with a mixture of grounded dry spices containing dry chillies, lentil & sesame seeds topped with onions
Milagaipodi Onion Masala Dosa $13.99
Thin rice & lentil crepe filled with a mixture of grounded dry spices containing dry chillies, lentil & sesame seeds topped with onions
Paper Dosa $11.49
Thin lengthy rice & lentil crepe
Paper Masala Dosa $12.99
Thin lengthy rice & lentil crepe filled with mildly spiced mashed potatoes and onions
Cheese Dosa $12.99
Thin rice & lentil crepe filled with grated cheddar cheese
Cheese Masala Dosa $13.99
Thin rice & lentil crepe filled with grated cheddar cheese and potatoes and onion
Mysore Dosa $12.99
Red Chilli chutney spread on thin rice & lentil crepe
Mysore Masala Dosa $13.99
Red chilli chutney spread on thin rice & lentil crepe filled with mashed potatoes & onions
Mysore Onion Dosa $13.99
Red Chilli chutney spread on thin rice & lentil crepe
Mysore Onion Masala Dosa $14.99
Red Chilli chutney spread on thin rice & lentil crepe filled with onion and mashed potatoes

Saturday & Sunday Only
Rava Dosa $13.99
Thin crispy wheat & rice crepe mildly spiced
Rava Masala Dosa $14.99
Thin crispy wheat & rice crepe stuffed with mildly spiced mashed potatoes and onions
Onion Rava Dosa $13.99
Thin crispy wheat & rice sprinkled with sliced with onions
Onion Rava Masala Dosa $14.99
Thin crispy wheat & rice crepe stuffed with mildly spiced mashed potatoes & onions
Onion Chilli Rava Dosa $13.99
Thin crispy wheat & rice crepe topped with chillies & onions
Onion Chilli Rava Masala Dosa $14.99
Thin crispy wheat & rice crepe topped with chillies, onions & Mashed potato

SARAVANAA BHAVAN Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Great tea selection

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

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

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Halal food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking

SARAVANAA BHAVAN Photos

SARAVANAA BHAVAN Location

SARAVANAA BHAVAN

New York New York County New York Lexington Avenue

81 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA

SARAVANAA BHAVAN Reviews

An average rating of ★4.1 from 4429 user reviews.

south indian foodmasala dosafilter coffeeuttapamgratuitymedu vadachainindian vegetarianmini idlisbadam halwa

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Quite pricey, even by New York standards. Every dish felt overpriced for the taste.We ordered dosa, idly, and vada. The idly and vada were good, but the dosa was overly crispy—almost like paper—and the flavor was pretty mediocre. Overall, not great value for the cost.
July 13 · Roja
Good Food ! Authentic Taste ! Need to improve service !We have tried at different places in India and taste is very much same here as well. Thats a big plus point.We tried following :-1. Mango Lassi - 4/5 (Good)2. Ghee Masala Dosa - 5/53. Onion - Tomato Uthapam - 3/54. Masala Tea - 4/5
July 01 · Ashish Ani
Went in Jan 2025. Good warm Indian breakfast on a cold day. Food was tasty and filling. Staff not attentive or particularly diligent, but did their jobs. Ambiance is warm due to the people - families eating and enjoying themselves - but that is not due to the setting of the restaurant itself nor the staff. The room was cold, lights buzzing, and everything a bit grimy and aged. Would come back for food with friends or takeout, but not to enjoy actually being there.
April 01 · A.
My friend and I have been craving dosa for weeks and decided to come here for dinner. The atmosphere, the staff and more importantly the food was OUTSTANDING!!! We are definitely coming back here in the future.
August 11 · Carly Greenblatt
Wow wow wow!! Highly recommend! This is a RUN don’t WALK!! Super authentic, the flavors brought me straight back to my trip in India I took a couple years ago. But if you know me you know I’m all about service…. And Raj went out of this world making it an experience I’ll never forget…. And will come back to. From recommending everything for us to eat to having a fun time! RAJ IS THE MAN!! Thank you for a great night and experience
August 18 · Efraim Hanai