Review: IMLI Urban Indian Cuisine for Enticing Small Plates and Dining Delights

Upper East Siders and people in the know are relishing their dining experience at Imli Urban Indian Cuisine. Small plates with a real flair define the enticing menu at this stylish restaurant located on 1st Avenue between 62nd and 63rd Street. Executive Chef Manuel Butler along with owners Mervyn Winston, Ram Reddy, and Albin Vincent are offering a unique preparation of dishes, many of which are rarely seen on Indian restaurant menus. Put Imli on your list of restaurants that are an absolute must to visit.

Imli's interior spaces include a dining room in the front of the house as well as a separate bar. There is also an attractive indoor patio in the rear of the restaurant full of natural light and comfortable seating. We found the service to be very attentive and we were delighted to receive great suggestions to select our meal and beverages.

We stopped by early on a Saturday night for dinner. The menu represents the various regions of India with both traditional and modern choices. There are items that will please a wide variety of tastes and dietary preferences with vegetable, meat, seafood, and Tandoor choices as well as a selection of Rice and Breads.

We liked that Imli's small plates offer a taste of the house. The Aloo Gobi Mattar is a delightful dish with home-style potatoes, cauliflower and peas. Their tender Baby Eggplant is cooked with tomatoes in a spicy hot sauce that is just right for those who like a little heat. The House Chicken Curry is perfectly seasoned with chilies, curry leaves, ginger, fennel, and coriander seeds. The tender Beef Bhuna is slow cooked in a tantalizing array of spices and served semi-dry. We enjoyed a shrimp dish that is definitely a favorite. The Coconut Curry Shrimp is made with coconut milk, turmeric, spices, and garam masala. Food is beautifully plated, another highlight of your dining experience.

Imli also has house specials that you won't find anywhere else like the Imli Spicy Burger blended with three cuts of beef and the Tandoori Pizza with Tandoori Chicken, red onions, peppers, green chili, and coriander.

Imli's beverage menu features artisanal and classic cocktails, a fine wine list, a nice selection of beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. Managing Partner Vincent Albin has created the exciting cocktail menu. He creatively infuses drinks with Indian spices. The Mumbai Mojito is a refreshing blend of Bacardi Limon, jaljeera, molasses, mint and cane sugar and the Desi Daaru is a wonderful mix of Old Monk, Thumbs Up, coriander, chaat, and Tabasco.

Imli is an inviting restaurant, ideal for drinks and small plates, date night, or a family gathering. It is a place where you can stop by for cocktails and Indian style tapas or indulge in a full satisfying meal. The cuisine and setting are outstanding.

Imli is located at 1136 1st Avenue (between 62nd & 63rd Streets), New York, NY, 10065. Visit www.ImliRestaurantNY.com or call (212) 256-0073. You can also e-mail them at contact@imlirestaurant.com. Food is available for delivery and takeout. Hours of operation are Mon-Sun from noon-11 p.m. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays from noon-4 p.m. Cocktail hour is Monday-Friday from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Imli

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