Authentic South Indian flavors meet Michelin-starred innovation at this West Village gem, drawing diners with bold spices and unique regional dishes.
Discover the rural cuisine of Southern India at Semma in the West Village, a Michelin-awarded restaurant where chef Vijay Kumar's James Beard Award highlights his acclaimed approach to Indian flavors.
Semma, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the West Village, offers a unique and authentic taste of South Indian cuisine, specifically from Tamil Nadu. Chef Vijay Kumar draws inspiration from his hometown, creating dishes that are celebrated for their bold flavors, spice, and adherence to traditional dining practices. Despite the acclaim and recognition, including being named the #1 restaurant on The New York Times' Best NYC Restaurants list, customer opinions vary, with some finding it exceptional and others deeming it overrated.
Semma specializes in authentic South Indian cuisine, with a particular focus on the flavors of Tamil Nadu. Diners frequently praise dishes like the Gunpowder Dosa, lobster curry, and various meat preparations such as lamb and short rib. Some reviewers find the spice levels to be high, and there are mixed opinions on the value and authenticity of certain dishes, with some suggesting it's a departure from traditional, more affordable South Indian fare. The restaurant also offers more adventurous options like snails.
"Highly recommended dishes include the Gunpowder Dosa, Lobster Curry, Beef Short Rib, and the Kanyakumari Nandu Masala (Dungeness crab)."
Customer feedback is divided, with many praising the authentic South Indian flavors and unique dishes, while others find the restaurant overrated, overly spicy, or overpriced. The difficulty in securing reservations is a recurring theme.
Important Note
Securing a reservation at Semma is notoriously difficult, and some diners have noted issues with rushed service, high prices, and inconsistent food quality, with a few mentioning a 'B' health rating.
"The commenter recalls the crab curry as the most enjoyable dish from their meal with a group of six, where they also ordered many other items. They mention it can be messy but manageable if one is accustomed to eating crab in the shell."
Positive"The reviewer had the Kanyakumari Nandu Masala with a group of four and found it to be a substantial portion even when ordering other dishes. They advise that for two people, it would likely leave room for only one other dish. They recommend trying a variety instead."
Neutral"This commenter shared various dishes like gunpowder dosa, tiger prawn, short rib, and lobster with a group of three, finding it a good experience. They believe the Nandu Masala might be too much for two people but recommend it if one enjoys crab."
Neutral"The reviewer suggests the Kanyakumari Nandu Masala is worth trying, particularly if you are in a group that can share. With only two people, they note you would need a large appetite to accommodate it alongside other dishes."
Neutral"The gunpowder dosa at Semma was mentioned as a dish that prompted a return visit."
Positive"Semma is highlighted as an unapologetic foods restaurant with Michelin stars that uses halal meat, making it a top recommendation."
Positive"Semma is mentioned as a halal Indian restaurant that could be a good choice for a nice meal."
Positive"While acknowledging Semma's goat bowl, the commenter preferred the one at Masalawala & Sons."
Negative"The user expressed skepticism about the idea, suggesting that New York restaurants, unlike those in Nordic countries, prioritize exclusivity for the wealthy and famous and are not truly seeking to solve reservation scarcity."
Negative"The user suggested an alternative implementation where reservations are given to volunteering organizations to reward their dedicated volunteers, rather than directly to individuals who might only volunteer once."
Neutral"The user stated they would not volunteer for a restaurant reservation, feeling that the effort is not worth it and that such places are often not as special as their reputation suggests. They prefer supporting more accessible restaurants."
Negative"The user mentioned that Semma is not impossible to get into by using the bar seating option and arriving at opening."
Neutral"The user advised more customer research, suggesting interviews with diners about their volunteering habits and considering a business model for the reservation system."
Neutral"The user expressed they would not return to Semma, implying a negative experience."
Negative"The user stated they would not volunteer for a reservation at Semma."
Negative"The user suggested an idea where volunteering for a few hours could grant access to hard-to-get reservations at restaurants like Semma. They are exploring if people would participate in this model."
Neutral"The user finds the idea of volunteering for a reservation absurd, questioning if the food is worth the effort, and generally wouldn't participate."
Negative"The commenter chose Semma on Greenwich Street as their final meal destination."
Positive"The author is skeptical about the usefulness of the "Global Diner Access" program, mentioning that many people have the AmEx Platinum card. They haven't personally tried Semma but note that other difficult reservations require a "Resy Crown" status."
Neutral"The author expressed surprise and asked how reservations were secured for Semma."
Neutral
