Moti Mahal Delux: A New York Indian Restaurant Destination

Moti Mahal Delux Introduce

Welcome to Moti Mahal Delux, a culinary gem bringing the authentic flavors of India to the heart of New York City. For New Yorkers seeking a genuine and memorable dining experience, this restaurant offers more than just a meal—it's a journey through the rich and diverse traditions of North Indian and Northwest Frontier cuisine. Moti Mahal Delux is renowned for its commitment to classic dishes and warm, inviting atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists alike.

The restaurant’s reputation is built on its meticulous approach to flavor and service. The menu, thoughtfully curated, features a wide array of dishes from creamy curries to smoky kebabs straight from the clay oven. The establishment is famous for its signature creations, including the legendary Butter Chicken, a dish said to have been invented by the original Moti Mahal in Delhi. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or planning a special evening, Moti Mahal Delux provides a dining experience that feels both luxurious and welcoming. The cozy and trendy atmosphere makes it an ideal setting for groups, solo diners, and families.

Its popularity is a testament to its consistent quality and a dedication to customer satisfaction. Many patrons praise the fast service and the owner’s personal touch, creating a feeling of being a welcomed guest rather than just a customer. It's a place where you can relax, enjoy great food, and feel the love that goes into every detail.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently located at 1149 1st Ave, New York, NY 10065, Moti Mahal Delux is situated in a prime spot that is easy to access for anyone in the city. The restaurant is nestled in a vibrant neighborhood, offering an excellent choice for a pre-theater dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. Being in a bustling area of Manhattan, it’s well-connected by public transportation, making it a hassle-free destination.

For diners with mobility needs, the restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, including the seating areas. This commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone can enjoy a comfortable and pleasant dining experience. The location's ease of access, combined with its welcoming atmosphere, makes it a go-to spot for those looking for a top-tier Indian dining experience without the stress of navigating a difficult-to-reach location.

Whether you’re commuting from another borough or a local resident from the surrounding area, reaching Moti Mahal Delux is straightforward. Its presence on 1st Avenue makes it a prominent landmark for anyone looking for authentic Indian cuisine.

Services Offered

Curbside Pickup and Takeout: Perfect for those on the go, allowing you to enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your home.
No-Contact Delivery: For a safe and convenient dining experience at home, the restaurant offers reliable delivery services.
Dine-In: Enjoy the full Moti Mahal Delux experience in their cozy and beautifully decorated space, complete with attentive table service.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which are highly recommended, especially for lunch and dinner, to ensure you get a table during peak hours. This is particularly helpful for planning a special evening or a group outing.
Catering: Moti Mahal Delux also offers catering services, bringing their exquisite Indian flavors to your next event or party, making it an unforgettable culinary experience.
Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner: The restaurant serves meals throughout the day, catering to various dining schedules, from a midday bite to a late-night dinner.

Features and Highlights

Fast Service: Praised by many customers, the service is known for its efficiency without compromising on quality or hospitality.
Great Tea Selection: Tea lovers will appreciate the carefully curated selection of teas, a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Authentic Offerings: The menu features a wide variety of authentic Indian dishes, including comfort food, small plates, and a range of vegetarian, vegan, and halal options, catering to diverse dietary needs.
Beverage Program: A comprehensive beverage menu includes alcohol, beer, cocktails, wine, hard liquor, and coffee, ensuring there's a perfect drink for everyone.
Ambiance: The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, making it an ideal place for various occasions, whether a romantic dinner or a friendly gathering.
Culinary Excellence: The restaurant excels in both traditional and modern Indian cuisine. Dishes like the Shilbatta Shami Kebab and the classic Tandoori Chicken are prepared with flawless seasoning and expert technique, capturing the true essence of the flavors.
Kid-Friendly: With its welcoming environment and menu options, Moti Mahal Delux is a good choice for families dining out with children.

Contact Information

Address: 1149 1st Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

Phone: (212) 371-3535

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Moti Mahal Delux is choosing a piece of history and culinary excellence. It's a place where the legacy of Moti Mahal, the inventors of the world-famous Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, lives on. While the full menu is a delight to explore, here are some must-try items that highlight the restaurant's distinct offerings:

For a unique start to your meal, try the

Golgappa Shots

, a modern twist on a beloved street food classic. The

Shilbatta Shami Kebab

is an absolute favorite among regulars, known for its tender texture and perfectly balanced spices. From the clay oven, the

Tandoori Chicken

is a testament to perfect execution, delivering a smoky char while remaining incredibly juicy.

The entrees are where Moti Mahal Delux truly shines. The

Rarha Gost

is a standout, with melt-in-your-mouth mutton and a rich, flavorful sauce. And, of course, no visit is complete without trying their signature

Murgh Makhani

(Butter Chicken). Its creamy, rich sauce is the perfect companion to their freshly baked breads, such as the soft and buttery

Aloo Kulcha

or the classic

Garlic Naan

Beyond the food, Moti Mahal Delux offers a holistic dining experience. The friendly, personal service, often with the owner, creates a feeling of being at home. The restaurant’s atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between casual and sophisticated, making it suitable for any occasion, from a simple lunch to a celebratory dinner. The generous portion sizes also ensure you’ll leave feeling satisfied.

Ultimately, what makes Moti Mahal Delux worth choosing is the consistency in its quality and the passion that is evident in every dish. It's more than a meal; it's a taste of authentic Indian hospitality and cuisine, right here in New York City.

Moti Mahal Delux Menu

Appetizers
Kurkuri Gobhi $11.95
MMD Pakoda $16.95
Specialty fritters, MMD signature okra, chicken, and shrimp.
Chicken 65 $17.95
Cocktail Samosa $11.95
Potato turnovers and tamarind chutney.
Dahi Palak Kebab $11.95
Tempered spinach and hung yogurt piccatas.

Rice
GOSHT BIRYANI $23.95
GOAT MEAT PILAF
Subz Biryani $19.95
Vegetable pilaf.
Steamed Basmati Rice $5.95
MURGH BIRYANI $21.95
CHICKEN PILAF
LEMON RICE $9.95
MUSTARD SEEDS, CURRY LEAVES, LEMON JUICE | TEMPERED

Soups
Non Vegetarian $9.95
Vegetarian $8.95

Seafood Entrees from the Pan
Shrimp MMD Signature Masala $29.95
Lobster Masala $29.95
Lobster tail and MMD signature masala.
Chicken MMD Signature Masala $27.95
Malabar Shrimp $27.95
Meen Cury $26.95
Sea bass and coastal moiley curry.

Breads
Keema Kulcha $7.95
Aloo Kulcha $6.95
Lachcha Parantha $6.95
Tandoori Roti $4.95
Butter Naan $6.95
Garlic Naan $6.95
Onion Kulcha $6.95
Naan $4.95
Mint Parantha $6.95

Entrees from the Pan
Palak Panner $19.95
Roasted cottage cheese and creamed spinach.
Panner Lababdar $19.95
Cottage cheese tikkas and traditional tomato gravy.
Dum Ki Gobhi Aloo $19.95
Cauliflower, baby potatoes, and hearty tomato sauce.
Dum Ke Phool $14.95
Slow cooked broccoli and saffron flavored yogurt.
Khumani Kofta $19.95
Soft cottage cheese, apricot dumplings, and cashew gravy.
Achari Aloo $19.95
Pickled baby potatoes.
Bhindi Naintara $19.95
Spiced okra and tossed.
Panner Makhani $20.95
The original butter gravy and MMD signature.
Subz Panchmael $19.95
Vegetable melange, garlic tomato, and masala.
Baingan Patiala $19.95
Stir fried egg plant, onion, and ginger masala.
Daal Makhani $19.95
Black lentils, churned butter, and MMD signature.
Daal Tadka $18.95
Yellow lentils and cumin tempering.
Chana Masala $18.95
Chickpeas and tangy tomato gravy.

From the Clay Oven
Panner Tikka Shashlik $17.95
Ricotta, peppers, herb cottage cheese, and grilled.
Khumb Kebab $17.95
Ricotta, herb, mushrooms, and chargrilled.

Chicken from the Clay Oven
Murgh Reshmi Seekh $18.95
Five spiced minced chicken skewer and grilled.
Murgh Tandoori $20.95
The original tandoor grilled chicken and MMD signature.
Anardana Tikka $19.95
Black pepper, pomegranate marinade, and grilled.
Cream Murgh Tikka $19.95
Cardamom, cream cheese marinade, and grilled.

Seafood from the Clay Oven
Ajwaini Macchi Tikka $26.95
Mustard, carom flavored fish, and chargrilled.
Anari Macchi Tikka $25.95
Pomegranate, yogurt marinated fish, and grilled.
Kadi Patta Jheenga $27.95
Curry leaves tempered grilled prawns.

Lamb from the Clay Oven
Dohra Seekh Kebab $17.95
Duo of mince chicken ,lamb kebab, and grilled.
Mutton Soola Kebab $19.95
Sliced lamb, basil, green chilly, marinade, and grilled.
Silbatte Ki Shami $26.95
Burrah Kebab $29.95
Mustard flavored grilled lamb chops and MMD signature.

Dessert
Ras Malai $9.00
Safron Kheer $9.00
Gulab Jamun $9.00

Lamb Entrees from the Pan
Railway Mutton Curry $24.95
Goat meat, tempred mustard seeds, and curry leave.
Saag Gost $24.95
Lamb meat and creamed spinach.
Rarha Gost $25.95
Lamb meat and mince meat masala.

Chicken Entrees from the Pan
Murgh Makhani $22.95
The original butter chicken and MMD signature.
Murgh Saag $21.95
Chicken tikka and creamed spinach.
Murgh Korma $21.95
Chicken tikka, yogurt, and cashewnut gravy.
Kadhai Murgh $21.95
Chicken tikka and onion tomato sauce.

Moti Mahal Delux Details

Service options
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great tea selection

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Halal food
Hard liquor
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Children
Good for kids

Moti Mahal Delux Photos

Moti Mahal Delux Location

Moti Mahal Delux

New York New York County New York 1st Avenue

1149 1st Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

Moti Mahal Delux Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 800 user reviews.

butter chickenbuffetdal makhanitandoori chickenappetizersgolgappasignaturepaneer makhanianardanalighting

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Finally made it to Motimahal Deluxe during my recent NYC trip, and it didn’t disappoint. We reserved ahead for a Friday night dinner, though it looked like a few walk-in tables were available.The experience began with a classic touch—complimentary papad and chutneys, setting the tone for what felt like a North Indian meets Northwest Frontier culinary journey.We kicked things off with their Golgappa Shots—a modern, upscale take on the beloved Indian street food. Four perfectly crisp puff pastries came with two types of flavorful pani (spicy mint and tangy tamarind). Pour, pop, and enjoy—flavorful, nostalgic, and fun.Appetizers were standout:✨ The Shilbatta Shami Kebab was a personal favorite—flawlessly spiced, tender, with a hint of smokiness from the grill.🔥 The Tandoori Chicken delivered that ideal char without compromising juiciness. Both were impeccably executed.For mains, we went with Aloo Kulcha and Rara Gosht. The mutton was melt-in-your-mouth tender and rich with flavor; the kulchas were soft, buttery, and addictive. The portions were generous—we ended up taking some home and skipped dessert (next time!).If you’re a fan of robust North Indian flavors, Motimahal Deluxe is a must-visit. We didn’t try their signature Dal or Butter Chicken, but I’ve heard they’re cult favorites. They also offer a buffet (likely a solid weekday deal)—worth checking out.Update: visited again, the service and the food were consistent. This time we tried their butter chicken, which was fine.
August 23 · Debisree Ray
Moti Mahal is a cozy little spot with simple, tasty Indian food. The vibe is warm, and the place looks beautiful. Dipen, the owner, treats everyone like family and pays attention to every detail. You feel the love in both the food and the service.
May 29 · Arvin Bansal
My go to Indian place. I love it and the dishes are consistent and taste great. Best chicken 65 I’ve ever had here too. 10/10 would recommend.
April 24 · Shaggy N.
We had a fair experience at Moti Mahal. We really enjoyed the apps, we got the paneer shashlik and spinach kebabs - lots of flavour to them. For the mains, we had the Khumani Kofta and paneer lababdar. The Khumani Kofta was on the sweeter side, and a little too creamy; different, but not sure I would get I again. The paneer lababdar was rich and flavourful, and pretty good overall.
February 15 · Manthan Shah
Went here for my 6 month anniversary with my girlfriend and the atmosphere was really quiet and clean. We got served and received the food really quickly. However, the portions are fairly small and expensive, but the food itself was good. Just found it a little too overpriced for the little amount of food we got. But the masala chai is a must, some of the best chai I’ve had!
May 01 · Amanda