TLDR
Authentic, bold South Indian flavors in an elevated setting. A Michelin-starred standout known for crispy dosas and rich curries.
Instagram Posts References
Semma is an Indian restaurant known for its South Indian cuisine. The image shows a large, crispy dosa served with accompaniments, indicating a focus on authentic and flavorful Indian dishes.
Semma is mentioned as a Michelin-starred restaurant and a key part of the highly successful Unapologetic Foods NYC team, known for its high-quality dining, which also includes Adda.
Semma is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Greenwich Village, praised for its South Indian cuisine that presents bold, regional flavors rarely encountered in fine dining settings. Reservations are booked out weeks in advance, and walk-ins are almost impossible to secure.
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.
Details
A standout in the West Village, this Michelin-starred gem brings authentic, rural South Indian flavors to NYC through a refined fine-dining lens [1]. Acclaimed for dishes like the ghee-brushed Gunpowder Dosa and tender lamb preparations, it has earned a James Beard Award [1]. While reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, the restaurant remains a sought-after destination for its bold use of chili, cardamom, and coconut [4].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on rural South Indian cuisine, with the Gunpowder Dosa consistently highlighted as a must-order favorite [1], [5], [7]. Other highly recommended dishes include the lobster moilee [7], [11] and various goat preparations [10], though some vegetarian diners have noted limited options and feel the meat-heavy menu lacks the variety of traditional home-style cooking [10].
Highlights / Recommended
"The Gunpowder Dosa is the most frequently recommended dish [1], [5], [7], often accompanied by praise for the lobster moilee [7], [11] and lamb chops [5], [7]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •gunpowder dosa(73)This triangular dosa, filled with potatoes and seasoned with a spicy mix of spic...
- •lobster(13)This lobster dish is a showstopper, beautifully presented with a banging infusio...
- •oxtail(12)The Goanese Oxtail was considered 'mid' by one reviewer, tasting like 'gramma's ...
- •biryani(9)The Dindigul biryani at Semma is described as authentically prepared and a perso...
- •valiya chemmeen moilee(8)This dish features lobster in a luxurious, mustard-spiked coconut milk sauce. It...
- •short rib(8)The short rib dish features elements of smoke and robust spice, offering a compl...
- •crab(7)This Dungeness crab dish is considered bucket list worthy for crab lovers, meant...
- •banana leaf wrapped branzino(3)
- •lamb chops(3)
- •paniyaram(3)
- •fish(2)
- •snails(2)
- •kurma(2)
- •prawn(2)
- •ghee roast lamb chops(2)
- •parotta(2)
- •mango dessert(2)
- •sambar(2)
- •mung beans(2)
Caveats
Securing a table is notoriously challenging, and the restaurant's cancellation and deposit policies have been a frequent source of customer frustration [7], [10].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SEMMA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: If You Could Have Just One Dish From One
"The commenter recommended the gunpowder dosa at Semma."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Long Weekend Narrowed It Down To These Best
"In response to a negative comment about the photography, the author stated they would post regular fries next time, humorously suggesting the critic might be too sensitive to spice."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Long Weekend Narrowed It Down To These Best
"The author successfully made a reservation for Semma two weeks in advance online for 5:15 PM, noting that spots fill up instantly and suggesting walk-ins as a more reliable option."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Long Weekend Narrowed It Down To These Best
"The commenter advised that a walk-in on a weekday right when Semma opens is the best approach to secure a seat for one. They were able to get bar seating after a short wait."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Long Weekend Narrowed It Down To These Best
"For those looking for a weekday reservation at Semma, the commenter suggested going late on a weekday to try and get a seat at the bar. They also recommended the gunpowder dosa."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Long Weekend Narrowed It Down To These Best
"The commenter felt that the lobster dish at Semma was not a highlight and that they have had better similar dishes at other Indian restaurants. They also felt the rest of the food was just 'mid'."
NegativeFrom post: Nyc Long Weekend Narrowed It Down To These Best
"The user inquired about making a reservation for one person at Semma, as the online system only allowed for two. They asked if calling the restaurant might be an option."
NeutralFrom post: Nyc Long Weekend Narrowed It Down To These Best
"The commenter expressed excitement about trying the lobster dish at Semma after seeing a picture, stating it looked incredible."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Long Weekend Narrowed It Down To These Best
"The author enjoyed the lobster moilee at Semma, calling it one of the best lobster dishes they've had, and also found the beef short rib excellent. However, they suggested skipping dessert."
PositiveFrom post: Does Amex Platinum Actually Make It Easier To Get
"In response to a query about desired hard-to-get reservations, this commenter listed Semma as one of the places they would like to visit."
NeutralFrom post: Is Semma Worth It If You Are A South Indian And
"The commenter's rule is to avoid eating foods they can get or make at home when traveling to NYC, preferring to experience the city's diverse culinary offerings, like avoiding dumplings as a Chinese person."
NeutralFrom post: Is Semma Worth It If You Are A South Indian And
"The commenter states Semma is 'mid,' regardless of whether one is vegetarian."
NeutralFrom post: Is Semma Worth It If You Are A South Indian And
"This commenter states 'No,' finding Semma to be overrated, especially considering they only spent a few weeks in India."
NegativeFrom post: Is Semma Worth It If You Are A South Indian And
"The commenter believes Semma is world-class for Malayali cuisine but is a fine-dining take, differing from home cooking. They suggest that if not from NYC and new to it, exploring non-Indian options like pizza or Korean might be more valuable."
PositiveFrom post: Is Semma Worth It If You Are A South Indian And
"The commenter suggests Semma is worth it to celebrate one's cuisine, especially given its NYT ranking and Michelin star. They encourage trying it to form one's own opinion, noting it's not overly expensive and that everyone has different tastes."
PositiveFrom post: Is Semma Worth It If You Are A South Indian And
"Even as a Bengali, the commenter found the flavors familiar and not innovative enough for a repeat visit, agreeing that it's similar to what one's grandmother might make. They recommend Bungalow and Ambassador's Clubhouse as more worthwhile."
NeutralFrom post: Is Semma Worth It If You Are A South Indian And
"This commenter, who is South Indian, considers Semma the best South Indian food they've ever had, even surpassing meals in Chennai. They believe that objectively, family cooking doesn't match the quality of a Michelin-starred chef's execution and ingredients."
PositiveFrom post: Is Semma Worth It If You Are A South Indian And
"This commenter genuinely thinks Semma is really good, especially their underrated cocktails. They express surprise at recommendations to skip Semma in favor of Dirt Candy, finding Dirt Candy's food to be 'mid' and not even recommending it to vegetarians anymore."
PositiveFrom post: Is Semma Worth It If You Are A South Indian And
"As a fellow Desi, this commenter believes Semma is very good but not worth it in the original poster's specific scenario."
NegativeFrom post: Is Semma Worth It If You Are A South Indian And
"This commenter believes Semma focuses on meat dishes to appeal to Westerners and that some of the food is not authentic."
Negative