Fresh cooking from across India, excellently executed, in a small, cozy room.
The Scene
A discerning crowd of mostly families comes here expecting--and receiving--food that's a cut above. The small, peaceful dining room is peach-colored with handsome fabric art and a general air of spotlessness. The hovering service staff describe everything in detail. Dishes are served individually, rather than family-style.
The Food
The clean-flavored, delicate version of Indian cuisine served here is impressively tasty; several discrete notches above the average decent neighborhood establishment. Spinach chaat--peppery, batter-fried leaves topped with zingy mung sprouts--makes a terrific starter; so does a trio of small, subtle samosas. Tandoor-grilled lamb chops are incredibly juicy and savory, and a pear chutney sets them off terrifically. Kararee bhindi--crisp, tangy okra and onion salad--is memorably pungent. Madras chicken and the tomatoey Malabar salmon are standard, while desserts are a must-try, particularly the fluffy housemade mango cheesecake and kulfi in citrus soup.
"I wanted to try Indian food I've never tasted" - Ask Gael, New York Magazine October 6th 2003 "Amma, an Indian restaurant with a difference" - Eric Asimov, N.Y. Times Sep 27th 2002 "Clean your plates anyway" - New York Magazine, May 13th 2002 "Amma tastefully fills the gap between Curry Row-style cheap eats and pricey Indian fusion" - Time Out New York? 2003 Eating and Drinking Guide "Eat to make your Mother Proud" - Arthur J Pais? India Abroad, October 18th 2002 "Mama's food never had it so good" - J. Walman? Our Town, October 24th 2002
Amma, the name means "Mother", is an intimate restaurant and has the same soothing qualities. Opened in 2002 by Anju Sharma, is a gem tucked away on the upper east side of Manhattan, the stylish restaurant evokes images of spices, with its ochre colored walls and sensuous red-orange suede wrap-around banquettes. Art deco chandeliers and pristine linens complete the ambience. In a short period of time, Amma has received numerous accolades from the press. Amma was rated "Two Stars" by Mr. William Grimes of NY Times. At Amma, the wine list is updated on a weekly basis and is carefully chosen from 30 countries from around the world. Amma, shows its guest a different India, so old that it is fresh.
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