TLDR
Long-standing upscale Indian gem, refined ambiance, South Indian coastal cuisine specialists. Highlights include tandoori lamb chops & Goan fish curry.
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.
Caveats
There are conflicting reports about the availability of the lunch buffet, with some stating it's no longer offered. Additionally, some patrons feel that the quality has declined over time and that better Indian options may exist elsewhere in Manhattan.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About CHOLA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Whats Your Nyc Institutionthird Place Restaurant
"This commenter noted that Chola no longer offers its buffet."
NeutralFrom 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."
PositiveFrom 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."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Nyc Institutionthird Place Restaurant
"Chola is an excellent Indian restaurant that has been a staple since the late 1990s."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Tandoor Grilled Lamb Chops
"The commenter loves the tandoori grilled lamb chops at Chola."
PositiveFrom post: What Upscale Indian Restaurant Is Easiest To Get
"This restaurant was mentioned as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom 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."
NegativeFrom 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."
NegativeFrom 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."
NegativeFrom 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."
NeutralFrom post: Indian Cuisine In Manhattan
"This commenter expresses their love for Chola, located on 58th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue."
PositiveFrom 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."
NegativeFrom 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)."
PositiveFrom 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