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CHOLA

Updated

Phone: (212) 688-4619

Address: 232 EAST 58 STREET 10022

TLDR

Long-standing upscale Indian gem, refined ambiance, South Indian coastal cuisine specialists. Highlights include tandoori lamb chops & Goan fish curry.

Reddit Sentiment for CHOLA(based on 14 Reddit opinions)

57% Positive14% Neutral29% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

indian 16indian 10lamb chops 2View All

Neighborhoods

Midtown

Details

This upscale Indian restaurant, a long-standing establishment since the late 1990s, offers a refined dining experience with a focus on South Indian coastal cuisine. Known for its elegant ambiance and friendly service, it has garnered attention from notable figures like Martha Stewart. While reservations can be tricky to secure, the culinary experience is often lauded, with specific dishes like tandoori grilled lamb chops, Goan fish curry, and Dak Bungalow Murgh Curry being highlighted as exceptional choices.

Food Overview

This restaurant offers a diverse Indian menu with a specialization in South Indian coastal cuisine. While many dishes are highly recommended, such as the tandoori grilled lamb chops, Goan fish curry, and Dak Bungalow Murgh Curry, some diners have noted a decline in quality over time and suggest exploring other options for a more authentic home-style experience. The availability of their lunch buffet is also a point of contention, with some finding it no longer offered.

Highlights / Recommended

"Highly recommended dishes include the tandoori grilled lamb chops, Goan fish curry, Dak Bungalow Murgh Curry, meen pollichathu, tandoori chicken, and gobi manchurian."

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally praise the restaurant's refined ambiance and excellent food, with specific dishes like lamb chops and Goan fish curry receiving high recommendations. However, there are mixed opinions regarding the availability of their lunch buffet and some suggestions that other Indian options might be superior.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About CHOLA

This comment highlights Chola as an excellent, long-standing Indian restaurant since the late 1990s and mentions Martha Stewart has dined there and has favorites. Another comment from the same thread recommends specific dishes like lamb chops, Goan fish curry, meen pollichathu, tandoori chicken, and gobi manchurian.
One commenter suggests Chola has a better lunch buffet than Darbar Grill for $17.99 (Mon-Thurs). However, another user later reported an incredulous reaction when inquiring about the buffet, implying it may no longer be available.
A fan of Chola recommends it for general Indian food and specifically mentions their bone-in chicken curry called Dak Bungalow Murgh Curry.
Multiple commenters express negative sentiments about Chola, with one stating it 'sucks' and recommending other Indian restaurants. Another user suggests that while convenient for midtown, there might be better Indian options elsewhere, and notes a decline in quality attributed to a change in ownership.
Chola is recommended as an excellent and long-established Indian restaurant that is perhaps slightly less fancy than other upscale options.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Whats Your Nyc Institutionthird Place Restaurant

"This commenter noted that Chola no longer offers its buffet."

Neutral
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Whats Your Nyc Institutionthird Place Restaurant

"This commenter recommended specific dishes from Chola, including lamb chops, Goan fish curry, meen pollichathu, tandoori chicken, and gobi manchurian."

Positive
May 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Whats Your Nyc Institutionthird Place Restaurant

"This commenter noted that Martha Stewart has dined at Chola and has favorites there, indicating its popularity and quality."

Positive
May 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Whats Your Nyc Institutionthird Place Restaurant

"Chola is an excellent Indian restaurant that has been a staple since the late 1990s."

Positive
May 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Favorite Tandoor Grilled Lamb Chops

"The commenter loves the tandoori grilled lamb chops at Chola."

Positive
Mar 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Upscale Indian Restaurant Is Easiest To Get

"This restaurant was mentioned as a recommendation."

Positive
Feb 18, 2026View Comment →

From post: Two Nights In Nyc Looking For Spanish Tapas And

"The user agrees that Chola has declined significantly, attributing it to a change in ownership and menu. They recommend Kebab Aur Sherab as a much better alternative for delicious food, though it's more casual."

Negative
Nov 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: Two Nights In Nyc Looking For Spanish Tapas And

"This comment directly states that Chola 'sucks' and recommends other Indian restaurants like Kanyakumari, Chatti, Kebab Aur Sherab, and Dilli Dilli as better alternatives."

Negative
Nov 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: Two Nights In Nyc Looking For Spanish Tapas And

"This user suggests that while Chola has a large menu, there are better Indian options available in Manhattan, although not in midtown. They acknowledge Chola is a convenient option for those in midtown and that it was previously a good choice for visitors wanting home-style cooking."

Negative
Nov 2, 2025View Comment →

From post: Two Nights In Nyc Looking For Spanish Tapas And

"The user mentions Chola as a potential Indian restaurant option, noting its great menu and spacious appearance in pictures."

Neutral
Nov 2, 2025View Comment →

From post: Indian Cuisine In Manhattan

"This commenter expresses their love for Chola, located on 58th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue."

Positive
Oct 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Good And Cheap Indian Eats In The City

"This commenter stated that when they last visited Chola for the buffet, they were met with an incredulous reaction, suggesting the buffet might no longer be available."

Negative
Sep 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Good And Cheap Indian Eats In The City

"Chola is mentioned as having a better lunch buffet than Darbar Grill, costing $17.99 (Monday-Thursday only)."

Positive
Sep 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Nonoily Indian Pakistani Restaurant In

"The commenter is a big fan of Chola for general Indian food and mentions they offer a bone-in chicken curry called Dak Bungalow Murgh Curry."

Positive
May 19, 2025View Comment →