Semma Introduce
In a city with a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, some restaurants manage to stand out by specializing in a specific, often underrepresented, type of cuisine. Semma is one such place. Located in the charming West Village, Semma is an Indian restaurant that focuses exclusively on the rich, complex, and often spicy flavors of Southern India. It offers a rare and delightful culinary journey that goes far beyond the typical Indian restaurant experience found in New York, presenting a menu that is both authentic and incredibly refined.
Semma has quickly become a destination for food lovers seeking to explore the diverse regions of India. The menu features traditional recipes and ingredients that are not commonly found in the United States, offering a true taste of Southern Indian culture. Dishes like the beautifully plated lobster and the perfectly prepared lamb chops have earned rave reviews from diners, who note that the chef's love and care for the food are evident in every bite. Beyond the exquisite cuisine, Semma creates an upscale yet cozy atmosphere that is perfect for a special occasion or a memorable night out. The restaurant's commitment to authenticity, combined with a trendy and romantic vibe, makes it a truly unique addition to New York’s dining scene.
Semma is gracefully situated at 60 Greenwich Avenue, New York, NY 10011, in the heart of the West Village. This neighborhood is known for its European charm, beautiful brownstones, and bustling energy. The restaurant’s location makes it a prime destination for both locals and tourists. It is easily accessible via public transportation, with several subway lines (including the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, and L) within a short walking distance.
The surrounding area is ideal for a stroll before or after your meal, with a mix of boutiques, art galleries, and other local establishments. While paid street parking is available, as is typical in this part of Manhattan, it can be challenging to find a spot. For this reason, many visitors opt for public transportation or a rideshare service. The restaurant offers a comfortable and intimate setting with seating both indoors and in their outdoor area. The atmosphere is described as cozy, romantic, and upscale, making it a perfect choice for a date night or a special group dinner.
Semma is committed to providing a high-quality dining experience and offers services to meet the needs of its discerning clientele.
- Dine-In: The restaurant offers a full table service for lunch and dinner. The staff is known for being incredibly kind, helpful, and knowledgeable, which adds to the overall experience.
- Reservations: Due to its popularity, Semma has a "usually a wait" policy and strongly recommends reservations for both lunch and dinner. This is a crucial step for planning your visit and ensuring you get a table.
- Outdoor Seating: On a nice day, the outdoor seating option provides a lovely setting to enjoy your meal and take in the vibrant West Village atmosphere.
- Full Bar Service: Semma offers a wide selection of beverages to complement its food, including a great cocktail menu, an impressive wine list, and a variety of beers and hard liquor.
- Payment Options: The restaurant accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions smooth and easy.
Semma’s reputation for excellence is built on several key features and highlights that set it apart.
- Authentic Southern Indian Cuisine: The menu is a celebration of Southern Indian traditions, with authentic recipes that are rare to find in most U.S. restaurants. Dishes like Gunpowder Dosa, Gunpowder Dosa, and the beautifully prepared seafood and lamb chops are a testament to the chef's skill and passion.
- Exceptional Food Quality: The food is known for its incredible taste, fresh ingredients, and thoughtful presentation. Reviewers consistently praise the high quality and the fact that the dishes exceed expectations.
- Great Drinks Selection: The restaurant's bar is a standout, with a creative cocktail menu and a great wine list. This makes Semma a fantastic destination for a drink, even if you’re not having a full meal.
- Upscale and Romantic Ambiance: The atmosphere is cozy, romantic, and trendy, making it an ideal spot for a special night out. It feels upscale without being stuffy, creating a comfortable yet refined dining environment.
- Vegan and Vegetarian Options: The menu includes a variety of healthy and delicious options, with a focus on vegetarian and vegan dishes that are just as flavorful and exciting as the meat options.
For reservations or more information, you can contact Semma directly.
Address: 60 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA
Phone: (646) 649-2066
For a New Yorker looking for an Indian dining experience that is truly a cut above the rest, Semma is an excellent choice. Its commitment to authentic Southern Indian cuisine is a rare find in the city, and the quality of the food is consistently exceptional. The dishes are not just delicious; they are prepared with a level of care and love that you can taste in every bite, from the thoughtful garnishes to the rich, long-lasting flavors.
The experience at Semma is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful journey. The staff's incredible kindness and knowledge make you feel well-cared for, and little touches like a surprise dessert for a special occasion show the restaurant's dedication to its diners. While reservations are required and there might be a wait, the experience is well worth the effort. For a memorable night out with a romantic and upscale atmosphere, incredible food, and a top-notch drinks list, Semma is a fantastic destination that will change the way you think about Indian food.
Semma Menu
SOUTHERN INDIAN
- Mulaikattiya Thaniyam $11.00
sprouted mung beans, coconut, smoked chili
- Kollu Rasam $12.00
fiery tomato-tamarind broth, horse gram dal
- Uzhavar Santhai Poriyal $18.00
red & golden beets, butternut squash, mustard greens
- Nathai Piratta $27.00
peconic snails, ginger, tamarind, kal dosa
- Eral Thokku $25.00
tiger prawn, green chili, fenugreek, curry leaves
- Kudal Varuval $19.00
goat intestines, garam masala, kal dosa
- Gunpowder Dosa $19.00
rice & lentil crepe, potato masala, sambar
- Mangalore Huukosu $19.00
cauliflower, garlic, byadgi chili, coconut chutney
- Attu Kari Sukka $25.00
lamb, black cardamom, tellicherry peppers, mace
- Mirchi Ka Salan $32.00
stuffed long peppers, sesame seeds, peanuts
- Kaikari Kurma $34.00
winter squash, carrots, raw banana, coconut milk
- Meen Pollichathu $45.00
banana leaf wrapped whole sea bass, ginger, shallots
- Valiya Chemmeen Moilee $46.00
lobster tail, mustard, turmeric, coconut milk
- Kozhi Allepey $36.00
poussin (spring chicken), cashew, poppy seeds
- Chettinad Maan $42.00
venison (deer) shank, star anise, black stone flower
- Goanese Oxtail $48.00
angus oxtail, green cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, cilantro
- Dindigul Biryani $36.00
goat, seeraga samba rice, garam masala, mint
- Kanyakumari Nandu Masala $125.00
(For Two) Dungeness crab, parotta, coconut rice
- Kal Dosa $6.00
- Parotta $6.00
- Ponni Rice $5.00
- Coconut Rice $7.00
Semma Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Takeout
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Semma Photos










Semma Location
Semma Reviews
gunpowder dosamichelincocktailslobstertiger prawnssnailsshort ribshahi tukdaeral thokkuthe new york times
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1It was my first time trying Southern Indian cuisine, and I was absolutely blown away. The lobster was nothing short of perfection, and the lamb chops were beautifully crispy on the outside while tender and juicy inside. You could truly feel the chef’s love for the diners — from the thoughtful garnishes on each dish to the delightful dessert at the end. This place has completely changed the way I think about Indian food. I’ll definitely be coming back the next time I visit NYC.
July 31 · Brian ZhaoSemma was a delightful experience! Some of the dishes were unexpectedly good, reason being - if you are having dosa you would assume what’s the scope for it to be better than what you had earlier? and that’s exactly where Semma excels - the recipes are traditional, authentic and taste that will last with you!!Paniyaram, Gunpowder Dosa (probably best I ever had), passionfruit pudding, payasam were exceptional! However, the small bite salad item - uzhavar santhai poriyal ruined my experience a bit (had to order another paniyaram). Feel free to skip it and I won’t be surprised if this item goes off the menu.Staff was incredibly kind, helpful and knowledgeable! They even had a small surprise dessert item for us as it was a special occasion!
June 29 · malhar kulkarniI took a while to review this place which can be good and bad. The bad is I don’t remember all the specifics I like to talk about, but the good is I’m left with my fully brewed feelings:This place was awesome. Each dish we had was great, and the price was not unreasonable. I remember the feeling that unlike many great restaurants this one would certainly live up to my expectations over and over again. Each dish tasted great and ended tasting just as good. The other side of this compliment is that there was nothing that really wowed me. I don’t have a single distinct memory of an incredible bite, just the knowledge that each bite was great. I remember when we were talking about the meal later that night we kept saying how surprised we were that this place got the number one spot on New York Times. I’ve had much better meals in the past year, but several I’ve gone back to for a second time and not enjoyed it as much - I’m positive I would like Semma just as much the next time I go.Also I remember that the service was incredible, getting out of my way each time I went to the bathroom and refilling my water quickly etc.I recommend going to have fun and a great fancy meal, but don’t expect it to overwhelm you.
July 21 · Caleb KellicuttDining at Semma was an unforgettable experience truly one of the best Indian meals I’ve ever had in New York. The coconut curry lobster? Absolutely divine. 🦞 Rich, aromatic, and perfectly balanced every bite was indulgent and deeply flavorful. I honestly didn’t want it to end.The entire menu is beautifully curated, celebrating South Indian flavors in a bold, elevated way. You can feel the depth of tradition and the creativity behind each dish.The ambiance is just as impressive stylish and intimate, with warm lighting, rich colors, and a refined energy that makes it feel special without being stuffy. Whether you’re on a date or enjoying a night out with friends, it’s the perfect setting.The service was impeccable attentive, knowledgeable, and so kind. They walked us through the menu with care and made the entire experience feel personal.Semma is not just a meal it’s a culinary journey. Can’t wait to come back and explore more of the menu. Highly recommend for anyone who truly appreciates Indian cuisine at its finest.
June 24 · Steffanie GodoyAn extremely delicious meal probably the best Indian food experience we’ve ever had in our lives. The drinks were also very creatively themed. We had the gunpowder crêpe Which was the most flavorful appetizer ever delicious. I had the oxtail in my wife had the lobster and we had another rabbit appetizer. I would say that everything was 10 out of 10 and the people were very nice. We even got a picture with the chef. Believe it or not we walked into the restaurant as well and we’re able to get a table within 10 minutes. I think we just got lucky so don’t expect that kind of treatment.
June 27 · M D (MountainDrew561)
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