Dawat Haute Indian Cuisine

Dawat is one of New York's pioneers as it debuted in 1986 and won this year's Diners' Choice Award and it still pleases. The driving force behind the North (and occasionally South) Indian menu is famous Bollywood actress/author/chef aMadhur Jaffrey. Even when it sticks to the basics, like lemon rice perfumed with lemon rind, curry leaves and mustard seeds, it feels sleek and refined. Dawat means "invitation to a feast" and the room is elegant and aromatic, tandoor and curry dishes wafting in the air. Try the raan, a tender leg of lamb which is braised with spices then roasted in a tandoor oven until it is crispy on the outside and silky on the inside.