TLDR
Modern Indian fine dining featuring a stunning quartz bar and bold, creative flavors. An upscale, halal-friendly destination perfect for special occasions in the East Village.
Instagram Posts References
ISHQ is presented as an ideal venue for celebrating Father's Day with an unforgettable evening of Indian fine dining. The restaurant offers beautifully crafted dishes and an atmosphere conducive to meaningful conversations and quality time with family. The post urges readers to reserve a table to experience what ISHQ has to offer.
Will Hartman reviews Ishq, an East Village Indian spot featuring a stunning quartz bar and standout dishes like Bangla Kodi and Kasundi Jheenga, perfect for a group gathering.
Details
Located in the East Village, this Indian spot is defined by its striking decor, featuring a massive quartz bar and an atmosphere perfect for group gatherings [1]. The menu offers a creative approach to traditional flavors, earning recognition for its well-spiced, high-quality dishes [2]. While many diners praise the exceptional lamb and overall experience, some inconsistency in service and food quality has been noted [3], [4].
Food Overview
The restaurant delivers a fresh, creative take on Indian cuisine with standout dishes like the crispy potato-wrapped Bangla Kodi and the mustard-cream Kasundi Jheenga [1]. While the lamb chops are frequently lauded as unmatched, diners are advised to avoid the Lahsooni Oyster, which is often overpowered by cheese [1], [3].
Highlights / Recommended
"Highly recommended dishes include the flavorful Bangla Kodi chicken bites, the Kasundi Jheenga shrimp, and the exceptional lamb chops [1], [3]. The Ishq Dal-E-Khaas is also a standout, best enjoyed with extra naan [1]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •sharabi chicken tikka(3)
- •paneer laung latta(3)
Caveats
Some diners have reported inconsistent experiences, particularly regarding service speed and food execution [3], [4]. Additionally, small bone bits may be present in the slow-braised goat dish [1].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About ISHQ
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Will Michelin Star Restaurants Source Halal Meat
"The commenter suggests this place as a potential option for those seeking halal-friendly dining."
PositiveFrom post: Halal Food In Manhattan Thats Not Carts Or
"A newer, elevated Indian spot that serves halal food and alcohol."
NeutralFrom post: Is Cloves Indian Any Good Visiting Newyork For
"Ishq is listed as one of several good Indian restaurant options in NYC."
PositiveFrom post: I Ate At The Latest South Indian Standout Kidilum
"This user found Ishq to be awful when they visited during its opening week."
NegativeFrom post: I Ate At The Latest South Indian Standout Kidilum
"Ishq was listed as a runner-up favorite among several upscale Indian restaurants the user had tried in NYC."
PositiveFrom post: Affordable But Upscale Looking Indian Restaurants
"Ishq in EV was recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Bungalow Vs Gupshup
"The commenter highly recommends Ishq, praising the owners' down-to-earth attitude and the amazing food, particularly a lamb dish they still dream about."
PositiveFrom post: Bungalow Vs Gupshup
"The commenter gives a +1 recommendation for Ishq."
PositiveFrom post: Bungalow Vs Gupshup
"The commenter endorses Ishq as a good alternative."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For A High End Pakistaniindian Restaurant
"Ishq was recommended as a restaurant to consider in Manhattan."
NeutralFrom post: Any Higher End Fine Dining Restaurants That You
"This restaurant is listed as one of several recommendations for halal dining in NYC, with the commenter noting that higher-end restaurants often serve alcohol."
NeutralFrom post: Help Me Pick A Restaurant For A Birthday
"The author advises against going to Ishq, suggesting other options like Dhamaka or Adda."
NegativeFrom post: Celebratory Indian Meal
"Responding to a negative review, the user states they are a regular at Ishq and find it great, and asks what the other user ordered."
PositiveFrom post: Celebratory Indian Meal
"The user did not have a good experience at Ishq, citing weird service and subpar food, and questions if it's worth retrying."
NegativeFrom post: Celebratory Indian Meal
"The user recommends Ishq in the East Village as a very good Indian restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Indian Cuisine In Manhattan
"Ishq is listed among several Manhattan restaurants that the commenter has enjoyed."
PositiveFrom post: Indian Cuisine In Manhattan
"The lamb chops from Ishq are described as unmatched, and the commenter notes that it's not overly hyped, making it easier to get a table."
PositiveFrom post: Hyderabadi Food In Nyc
"This commenter mentions ISHQ is a restaurant by the same chef who owns KEBABISHQ nearby and recommends checking out both spots."
NeutralFrom post: Birthday Indian Dinner
"The user tried Ishq recently and loved it."
PositiveFrom post: Birthday Indian Dinner
"This user simply recommends Ishq."
Positive