Veerays Introduce
In the vibrant and ever-evolving culinary landscape of New York City, Veerays has carved out a truly unique niche for itself. It's more than just a modern Indian restaurant; it's a Prohibition-era speakeasy that transports you back to the roaring 1920s with its atmosphere and creative approach to dining. Tucked away on a busy Midtown street, Veerays offers a stylish and sophisticated escape from the city's hustle. The concept is a brilliant fusion of two distinct cultures—the rich, complex flavors of Indian cuisine and the clandestine, rebellious spirit of an American speakeasy. This bold combination is reflected in everything from the menu's clever names to the carefully crafted cocktails. For a discerning New Yorker seeking a dining experience that is both familiar and excitingly new, Veerays presents an unmissable opportunity to indulge in a truly special evening.
The restaurant’s ambiance is a key part of its allure. Described as both cozy and trendy, the space is designed to make you feel like you've discovered a hidden gem. While finding the entrance might be a small adventure due to the construction and scaffolding in the area, the moment you step inside, the aural and visual distractions of the city fade away. The elegant interiors, inspired by the Prohibition era, create a unique backdrop for a culinary journey. As an Asian-owned business, Veerays brings an authentic and personal touch to its modern Indian fare, showcasing a deep respect for tradition while pushing the boundaries of flavor. It's a place that is popular for dinner and solo dining, but its atmosphere is also perfect for a special occasion or a fancy night out. The fact that reservations are recommended speaks to its popularity and the demand for this one-of-a-kind experience.
Veerays is located at 213 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017. This prime location in Midtown East makes it highly accessible for New Yorkers and tourists alike. The address places it in a major corporate and commercial hub, making it a convenient destination for a business dinner or an after-work get-together. The area is well-served by public transportation, with Grand Central Terminal and multiple subway lines just a short walk away. This makes it easy to get to from anywhere in the city.
While the provided information does not detail wheelchair accessibility, it's a good practice to contact the restaurant directly for specific information regarding accommodations. The presence of paid parking garages, paid parking lots, and paid street parking nearby offers options for those who choose to drive. However, in such a busy area, a reservation is highly recommended, and planning your parking ahead of time is a wise move. The unique speakeasy feel, combined with the slight difficulty in locating the entrance due to construction, adds to the mysterious and exclusive vibe of the restaurant. Once inside, however, the location becomes part of the charm, as you are fully immersed in a different world away from the city's commotion.
Veerays provides a variety of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for its guests.
Dine-in: The primary service is the dine-in experience, offering a cozy and trendy atmosphere for lunch, dinner, and dessert. The menu is designed to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, with table service provided by attentive staff.
Takeout, Curbside, and Delivery: For those who want to enjoy the flavors of Veerays at home, the restaurant offers multiple off-site options. You can order food for takeout, use their convenient curbside pickup, or have it delivered right to your door, including no-contact delivery.
Catering: The restaurant also offers catering services, making it a great choice for events, parties, or corporate gatherings where you want to provide high-end, modern Indian cuisine that is sure to impress your guests.
What truly makes Veerays stand out are its unique features and offerings that go beyond the typical Indian restaurant experience.
Exceptional Cocktails: One of the main highlights is the bar and its great cocktails. The drinks are inspired by the Prohibition era, adding a layer of authenticity to the speakeasy theme. The extensive selection of alcohol, beer, hard liquor, and wine ensures a perfect pairing for every dish.
Innovative Menu: The menu is a modern take on Indian cuisine, with dishes creatively named after the 1920s. From "Swanky Starters" to "Prime Picks," the food is described as a "slightly fancier Indian cuisine experience." The restaurant is known for its inventive dishes, including an exotic meat tasting menu that can be requested in advance, featuring items like Camel Seekh Kebab.
Exquisite Food Quality: Customers rave about the quality and flavor of the food. The "Don's Lamb Chops" are highlighted as a standout item, with one reviewer calling them "the best lamb chops I ever had. Period!" The "Kurkuri bhindi" (Okra) also receives high praise, demonstrating the kitchen's mastery of both meats and vegetables.
Trendy and Cozy Atmosphere: The ambiance is a major draw, with its cozy, trendy, and speakeasy-style decor. This unique atmosphere sets it apart from traditional Indian restaurants and provides a stylish setting for a memorable evening.
Accommodating Service: As noted in a customer review, the service is excellent. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and can guide you through the menu, adding to the overall great experience.
For reservations and other inquiries, you can contact Veerays at the following:
Address: 213 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017
Phone: (646) 429-8398
Choosing Veerays is a decision to embark on a culinary adventure unlike any other. It’s an ideal destination for those who appreciate fine dining but also seek a unique and thematic experience. The restaurant is a perfect blend of high-quality, delicious food and a cool, trendy atmosphere that is both cozy and exciting. The fact that it is known for its great cocktails and its status as a speakeasy makes it a perfect spot for a date night or a special celebration.
The menu itself is a compelling reason to visit. While some dishes might come with a higher price tag, the quality and innovation are well worth it. Customers have praised the food as "quality and delicious," with specific mentions of the "Don's Lamb Chops" as being among the best they've ever had. For the adventurous eater, the exotic meat tasting menu presents a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity. However, even for those with more traditional tastes, the classics are elevated with a modern touch. The portions may be smaller, but they are rich in flavor and presented beautifully. The excellent service and the immersive ambiance, which a reviewer noted "really does take you into a different era," ensure that your experience is not just a meal but a complete sensory journey. Veerays offers a taste of both modern India and a bygone American era, making it a compelling and memorable choice in the vibrant dining scene of New York City.
Veerays Menu
SWANKY STARTERS
- SAMOSA CHAAT $12.00
chopped onion & tomatoes, tangy chutneys and spiced yogurt.
- JUBILEE VEGETABLES $14.00
tandoor grilled broccoli, pineapple, mushroom, peppers & paneer.
- AVNI'S PROHIBITION BHAJI $14.00
mashed mixed vegetables cooked in tomato gravy, served with soft pav.
- GATSBY KEBAB $15.00
tandoor grilled tamarind & basil chicken kebabs.
- ANARKALI CHICKEN KEBAB $15.00
tandoor-grilled, pomegranate spiced chicken kebabs.
- ANGLO TUNA CAKES $15.00
spiced tuna & potato cakes. homemade onion relish
- ACHARI QUAIL $17.00
semi-boneless grilled quail marinaded in pickling spices
- BOOTLEGGER BISON $26.00
a modernist take on a South Indian favorite-beef pepper fry.
- ROCKEFELLER CRAB NEST $26.00
jumbo lump crab tempered in spices & curry leaves.
- DAISY'S SOUTHERN BITES $14.00
vegetable stuffed lentil dumplings served with tomato chutney
- VINTAGE RAJASTHANI SULE $15.00
lamb marinated with passionately fiery red chillies, sense tickling Indian spices, kacchri & hung yogurt
- ROARING 20S SHRIMP $16.00
coconut & black pepper.
SHOWSTOPPERS
- PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM $22.00
paneer stuffed mushrooms served with black wild rice.
- ROGAN JOSH $28.00
braised lamb shank
- BHUNA GOSHT $30.00
slow cooked bone-in baby goat with whole Indian spices.
- SHRIMP AMBOTIK $28.00
tomato-tamarind sauce.
- ILLEGAL PHEASANT $28.00
bone-in pheasant cooked in Chettinad sauce.
PRIME PICKS
- PEKIN DUCK VINDALOO $40.00
tandoor grilled duck breast, vindaloo sauce, whole red chili, vinegar & potato. coconut rice
- CHARLESTON CHICKEN $26.00
tandoor grilled stuffed chicken with spinach & goat cheese
- GOLDEN ERA PRAWNS $35.00
grilled black tiger prawns
- MILLIONAIRE MOILEE $44.00
tandoor grilled chilean sea bass. coconut milk & curry leaves sauce blue coconut rice
- CAMEL SEEKH KEBAB $28.00
date chutney & olive garlic naan.
- THE DON'S LAMB CHOPS $48.00
our culinary godfather Chef Hemant's specialty: Tamb chops with marble potatoes and pear chutney.
RETRO STYLE
- MADAME MAKHANI $24.00
paneer or chicken in a classic tomato-fenugreek sauce.
- SWEET 'N' SOUR EGGPLANT $22.00
onion stuffed baby eggplant
- BEET CARROT KOFTA $22.00
beet & carrot dumplings
- BHARVA DUM ALOO $22.00
stuffed potatoes
RICE PROVISIONS
- CHICKEN BIRYANI $26.00
avadhi-style biryani with glazed pineapple cucumber raita
- OYSTER MUSHROOM & JACKFRUIT BIRYANI $24.00
- SHRIMP BIRYANI $28.00
- DUM GOAT BIRYANI $30.00
- TOMATO RICE $8.00
- COCONUT RICE $8.00
- MINT RICE $8.00
JAZZY BREADS
- COCONUT NAAN $6.00
- OLIVE GARLIC NAAN $6.00
- LAMB KEEMA NAAN $8.00
- AMUL CHEESE NAAN $6.00
- ONION & GREEN CHILI KULCHA $6.00
- LACCHA PARATHA $6.00
- ROSEMARY & MINT PARATHA $6.00
- TANDOORI ROTI $5.00
SIDEKICKS
- LAHSUNI PALAK $12.00
garlic infused spinach.
- DAL MAKHANI $14.00
slow cooked black lentils.
- GOBHI TAKA TIN $12.00
cauliflower sauteed with peppers & onions.
- KURKURI BHINDI $12.00
crispy okra, onion & tomato.
Veerays Details
From the business
- Identifies as Asian-owned
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Trendy
Planning
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Veerays Photos










Veerays Location
Veerays Reviews
speakeasycocktailsprohibition eracamelcoconut naanlamb chopstasting menugoat biryani1920sbhuna gosht
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We went during restaurant week. It was an amazing experience. A bit tough to find because of all the construction / scaffolding inside. Once you’re in it’s a small and cute restaurant.We had 3 course menu. We had everything from lamb, chicken, samosa, and even fried dessert. Would definitely recommend if you want a slightly fancier Indian cuisine experience.Also our server was great. He mentioned an exotic meat tasting menu (alligator, camel, etc), in case anyone is interested. You need to request in advance.
July 28 · TitoThe Don's Lamb Chops, by far, were the best item I had here. Maybe the best lamb chops I ever had. Period! On the other hand, the one dish this place is known for: Camel Kebabs were my least favorite. I also recommend the Kurkuri bhindi (Okra). Small portions. High prices. Quality and delicious food. Excellent service and drinks. Ambiance and the drinks really does take you into a different era.
April 03 · Binu Daniel⭐ Must-Try Spot — Unforgettable Flavors! ⭐One word: WOW.The bison lamb chops were juicy and packed with bold spices, and the chicken kebab was incredibly tender with a perfect char. The garlic naan? Soft, fluffy, and loaded with flavor — hands down one of the best we’ve ever had.The butter chicken was rich, creamy, and absolutely addictive.And that cheesecake at the end? Light, dreamy, and beautifully presented.💯 This place delivers on taste, texture, and presentation. Don’t think twice — just go!
June 02 · lokesh samalaVery much trying to fit the prohibitions speakeasy theme, the entrance is very nondescript lacking any signable. Only hint was the club like corridor within. The dark discreet atmosphere is on point, though no one came dress the part.The menu offered some exotic items like camel kabab and pheasant along with an extensive cocktail selection. Alas the portions are a bit small for the cost. Interesting experience, but just doesn't quite click for me.
June 19 · Jia SunSuperb speakeasy style Indian restaurant, serving superb cocktails and tasty dishes.All items were very tasty and superbly presented. The ambiance is unique. The liquor 🥃 selection and cocktail list is extensive.A must try for a unique experience.
March 26 · Rahul M
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