Review: JUNOON in the Flatiron for a Superb Dining Experience

Simply stated, Junoon is extraordinary. Experience a beautiful venue, fresh flavors, exotic spices, stunning food presentations, artisanal cocktails, an incredible wine list, and gracious attentive service. What could be better about NYC dining?

Located in the Flatiron neighborhood, Junoon is an Indian restaurant with the finest gourmet cuisine. Under the direction of their new Executive Chef, Akshay Bhardwaj, their menu has never been better. Customer favorites, seasonal offerings, and inventive new items are available for guests to savor.

We dined on a Sunday evening in the main dining room. There is seating for all size parties from singles and couples to small groups. The tasting menu has options that include two, three, six or eight courses so you can relish a wonderful range of Indian foods. The six and eight course meals have optional wine pairing and the entire table must participate.

Here are just some of the fabulous dishes that you can enjoy at Junoon. The 3 Lentil Shorba is a perfectly seasoned soup made with three lentil varieties, pickled onion, carrots, turnips, parsnips and radishes. The Eggplant Chaat is a delicious crispy eggplant raita, tamarind chutney, red onion, and chaat masala. If you like your food with some heat, try the Ghost Chili Murgh Tikka with tender tandoor chicken thigh, pistachio sauce, braised leeks and gooseberries. The flavors of this dish blend together perfectly to create a taste sensation. A house favorite main dish is the Lamb Chops. The farm raised lamb chops are garnished with charred leek puree and charred pickled onions. We also highly suggest seafood dishes. The Pathrani Maachi is cooked to perfection. Delicate Dover sole is prepared with mint, coconut, cilantro, pumpkin, artichoke and banana leaf.

There is a wonderful selection of accompaniments that include Zaffrani Zucchini Pulao with saffron, seared zucchini and seasonal berries; Garlic Naan with garlic and cilantro; Chutney Tasting with three seasonal chutneys; Pulao Basmati Rice and more.

After enjoying a satisfying meal, beautifully presented, relax a little more and have dessert, coffee, tea or an aperitif. Chef Bhardwaj's own mother prepares a luscious selection, Ma's Rice Pudding with candied almonds, puffed rice and caramelized banana. Other items include Sorbet Tasting with mango, coconut, and guava or the The Drunken Shahi Tukra, saffron cake Amrut rum, and cardamom rabri.

The artisanal cocktail program by renowned mixologist, Hemant Pathak is so original, you'll want to return just to try his creations again and again. Try the Mumbai Margarita with Patrón Reposado Tequila, mango purée, lime, rose-chili syrup, and spiced maldon salt. Other tempting selections include Smoke in the Water with Amrut single & peated malt, oloroso sherry, hazelnut agave, clementine, and berries or the Mother of Dragons with Hennessy VSOP, and Junoon masala syrup. The wine list is more than impressive and is designed to pair perfectly with the restaurants cuisine. There's also a fine selection of spirits.

Guests of Junoon will like that the venue also features the The Patiala Room, a modern space in the front of the restaurant that features an expansive bar, comfortable seating and floor to ceiling windows overlooking 24th Street. It's a great lunch destination, the place for a quick bite or stop by after work with friends.

If you've never been to Junoon before, now's the time. It's a destination for people who enjoy superb Indian cuisine in a refined, lovely atmosphere.

Junoon is located at 27 W 24th St, New York, NY 10010. They are open for lunch and dinner and they also host special events. Reservations can be made online. Visit http://junoonnyc.com/ and call 212.490.2100.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Junoon

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