Authentic S. Indian cuisine w/ Michelin star & NYT #1 ranking. Known for killer dosa, tender lamb, and unique dishes like snails. Reservations tough, but worth it for a taste of Tamil Nadu.
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 South Indian restaurant in Manhattan, offers an acclaimed culinary journey through the regional flavors of Tamil Nadu, India. Chef Vijay Kumar's innovative approach to traditional dishes like the gunpowder dosa and tender lamb has earned it widespread praise and recognition, including the #1 spot on The New York Times' Best NYC Restaurants list. While reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, the unique flavors and authentic presentation make it a highly sought-after dining experience.
Semma is celebrated for its authentic South Indian and Tamil cuisine, with the gunpowder dosa consistently praised as a standout dish that lives up to its hype. Other recommended dishes include the tender lamb (Attu Kari Sukka), lobster moilee, and unique offerings like snails. However, some diners found certain dishes to be bland, overly salty, or lacking in flavor, with a recurring criticism being the use of a similar sauce across multiple dishes. While the restaurant is praised for showcasing regional Indian flavors, some find its value proposition and portion sizes questionable for the price.
"The Gunpowder Dosa is consistently praised as a must-try, often described as the highlight of the meal and worth the reservation hassle. Other frequently recommended dishes include the tender lamb (Attu Kari Sukka), lobster moilee, and the uniquely flavored snails."
Customer sentiment is largely positive, with many hailing Semma as an exceptional restaurant for its authentic and flavorful South Indian cuisine, particularly its gunpowder dosa and lamb dishes. However, a notable portion of feedback highlights significant frustration with reservation difficulties, perceived overhype, and inconsistency in food quality and service, with some finding it overpriced.
Important Note
Securing a reservation at Semma is notoriously difficult, with many users suggesting strategies like arriving early for bar seats or using Resy Notify. There is also a noted 'B' health department grade, which some diners find concerning.
"Semma is mentioned as a highly anticipated restaurant with attainable reservations."
Positive"Commenter listed Semma as a restaurant they would add to their funemployment food tour list."
Neutral"Semma was mentioned as a restaurant recommendation, primarily located in Manhattan."
Positive"A user has a reservation for 2 at Semma for 9 PM tomorrow (May 1st) which required a $100 deposit. They were unsure how to transfer it on SevenRooms but have since sold the reservation."
Neutral"The user mentioned that getting a reservation at Semma can be difficult, with some people booking and reselling reservations."
Negative"The user suggested Semma in Manhattan as a place that might offer Dindigul biryani."
Neutral"This user recommended several non-spicy dishes at Semma, including the dosa and branzino, noting the branzino had ginger and coconut flavors. They also mentioned beet and mung bean appetizers and creamy, non-spicy eggplant and lobster curries."
Positive"Responding to a previous comment, this user clarified that Indian food's essence is balance, not just spice, and not all dishes are meant to be inherently hot."
Neutral"This user questioned why one would visit an Indian restaurant without wanting spice, but also commented that Semma's dishes are somewhat 'dumbed down' for Western palates and not as spicy as traditional Indian food."
Neutral"This user affirmed that the dosa is one of Semma's best dishes and is not spicy."
Positive"This user suggested that the question about non-spicy options at Semma might be better answered by the restaurant directly rather than on Reddit."
Neutral"This commenter reported that they received a response from Semma by emailing a specific address, confirming that refunds are issued for cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance."
Neutral"The original poster stated that Semma never replied to their emails regarding the deposit refund, and they have now disputed the charge with their bank."
Neutral"This commenter asked the original poster for an update on their deposit refund, as they also found Semma's policy unclear and were considering canceling."
Neutral"Despite being late for a New Year's Eve reservation, the user found Semma to be very nice and accommodating after they eventually responded to a text message."
Positive"The user questioned the concern about a deposit for a party size change, suggesting that the deposit is usually applied to the bill. They assumed the total spending would cover the portion of the absent guest."
Neutral"This user criticized Semma, along with other restaurants, for employing tactics like perceived scarcity and difficult reservation processes. They argued that the restaurant's poor communication (unanswered calls/emails) is their own fault and aligns with their restaurant group's 'Unapologetic' name."
Negative"This user stated they have not been to Semma and would not go through difficulties for a restaurant. They prefer a simple evening with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a beer."
Negative"This user clarified that the phone number provided for the parent group, Unapologetic Foods, is the same one the original poster mentioned as not working or being disconnected."
Neutral"The user expressed a negative sentiment towards Semma, perceiving it as a hostile and intentionally annoying experience. They suggested that this approach detracts from enjoying an expensive dinner."
Negative
