Panna II Garden: A Dazzling Indian Dining Experience in NYC

Panna II Garden Indian Restaurant Introduce

Panna II Garden Indian Restaurant is a true New York City institution, famous for much more than just its food. Located on a vibrant stretch of First Avenue, this spot is celebrated for its dazzling, light-draped interior that creates a festive, over-the-top atmosphere. The moment you walk in, you’re enveloped in a world of color and light, with strings of chili lights and holiday decorations covering every surface. This unique decor has made Panna II a go-to destination for anyone looking for a fun, unforgettable dining experience that is perfect for a special occasion or a casual night out.

Beyond the mesmerizing lights, Panna II offers an extensive menu of classic Indian dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes. While some diners may have mixed reviews on the spice level, the restaurant's commitment to providing a large selection of curries, tandoori items, and vegetarian options is clear. Panna II is a place of great energy, where the bustling, friendly staff, and the cozy, trendy vibe come together to create a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s a popular choice for tourists, locals, college students, and families alike, making it a true melting pot of New York City’s diverse crowd.

Location and Accessibility

Panna II Garden Indian Restaurant is located at 93 1st Ave #2, New York, NY 10003. Situated in the heart of the East Village, the restaurant is part of a bustling block known for its cluster of vibrant Indian eateries. This lively neighborhood is well-connected by public transportation, with the 1st Avenue L train station and the Second Avenue F train station just a few blocks away. For those traveling from other parts of the city, the area is also accessible via numerous bus routes and is a popular spot for ride-sharing services.

The restaurant offers a variety of service options, including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. While the interior can be tight due to the popular decor, the atmosphere is accommodating and casual. The restaurant is a great spot for groups, family-friendly gatherings, and even solo dining. It is also an LGBTQ+ friendly space, contributing to the welcoming and inclusive vibe of the neighborhood. Panna II provides gender-neutral restrooms, and there is paid street parking available nearby, though finding a spot in the East Village can be a challenge. The restaurant is also noted for having a small, cozy space, so for larger groups, it is best to call ahead and make a reservation.

Services Offered

Panna II Garden Indian Restaurant provides a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for all patrons.

Dine-In, Takeout, and Delivery: The restaurant offers the full suite of modern dining options, allowing you to enjoy their food whether you're dining on-site, picking up to go, or getting a delivery brought to your home.
Menu Variety: The menu is incredibly extensive, with a wide range of traditional Indian dishes. Key offerings include:
- A large selection of appetizers, including samosas, pakoras, and poori.
- Classic curries, from the lightly sauced Chicken Curry to the thick and savory Bhuna.
- A variety of Tandoori dishes, marinated in herbs and spices and roasted to perfection.
- A dedicated section for Biryani, with options including chicken, lamb, seafood, and vegetables.
- An impressive list of vegetarian and vegan options, with entrees like Paneer Tikka Masala, Vegetable Bhuna, and Chana Saag.
- A selection of small plates, perfect for trying a variety of flavors.
- Late-night food options, making it a great spot for a late dinner after a night out.
Amenities: The restaurant provides a restroom and Wi-Fi for guests. Its cozy and casual atmosphere, along with its unique decor, is a major amenity in itself, creating a memorable dining environment.
Planning: Panna II accepts reservations, which is highly recommended given its small size and popularity. The restaurant is also a good spot for kids.

Features and Highlights

What makes Panna II a unique and celebrated dining spot in New York City are its distinctive features.

The Decor: The most prominent feature of Panna II is its incredible, over-the-top decor. With thousands of chili pepper lights, beaded curtains, and other festive decorations hanging from the ceiling, the restaurant creates a truly immersive and vibrant atmosphere that is a major draw for tourists and locals alike.
Authentic and Extensive Menu: Panna II’s menu is praised for its authenticity and size, offering a wide selection of dishes that can satisfy almost any craving. While some reviews may vary on the spice level or flavor, the sheer variety of options, from Madras Special to Chicken Malai, ensures there's always something to try.
Great for Groups: The unique, fun atmosphere makes Panna II a perfect spot for groups and celebrations. The communal, cozy vibe encourages a lively and memorable dining experience.
Cash and Credit Cards Accepted: The restaurant offers flexible payment options, accepting both cash and credit cards, which is convenient for a variety of diners.
Late-Night Dining: As a late-night food spot, Panna II offers a great option for a post-show or late-evening meal, catering to the city's lively nightlife.

Contact Information

Address: 93 1st Ave #2, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (212) 598-4610

What is Worth Choosing?

Panna II Garden is a restaurant that is worth choosing for the total experience, not just for a single dish. While flavor preferences can be subjective, what makes Panna II a destination is its one-of-a-kind atmosphere. The dazzling decor alone is worth a visit, providing a perfect backdrop for photos and a fun, festive night out. It's a place that thrives on its chaotic charm, which is a quintessential New York City vibe.

For a first-time visitor, what’s worth choosing is the experience of being in such a uniquely decorated space. The food, while varied in reviews, is a part of this adventure. Trying a few different dishes, such as the classic Tikka Masala or a Bhuna, is a great way to get a feel for the menu. The generous portions of rice and sides that accompany the main entrees provide a filling and satisfying meal. For those who enjoy a lively, no-frills environment, where the energy is high and the decor is over the top, Panna II is the perfect choice. It’s a place that’s embraced its unique identity and has become an essential part of the East Village’s culinary and cultural landscape. It’s the perfect place to bring a group of friends, celebrate a special occasion, or simply soak in an authentic, unforgettable slice of New York life.

Panna II Garden Indian Restaurant Menu

SOUPS
COCONUT SOUP $2.95
VEGETABLE SOUP $3.50
MUSHROOM SOUP $3.50
MULLIGATAWNY SOUP $2.95
CHICKEN SOUP $3.95

APPETIZERS
CHICKEN LIVERS $4.95
With poori.
MIXED APPETIZER $6.95
Papadum, piazi, samosa, banana fritter.
SHRIMP OR CRAB WITH POORI $6.95
Mildly cooked shrimp or crab, served with poori bread.
CHANA BHAJI WITH NOORI $4.95
PALAK BHAJI $4.95
Fresh spinach tastefully cooked with light spices served with poori.
MUSHROOM BHAJI $4.95
Fresh mushrooms tastefully cooked with light spices served with poori.
KATI CHICKEN WITH POORI $5.95
Chicken curry Bangladeshi style, served with poori bread.
CHICKEN TIKKA WITH FRESH NAAN $5.95
A sample of you chicken tikka served with fresh naan bread.
DAL POORI $2.95
Deep fried bread with special lentils inside.
COCONUT POORI $3.50
PINEAPPLE POORI $2.95
SAMOSA $4.50
#1 seller vegetable or coconut turnover, 2 pieces.
SAMOSA $4.95
#1 seller chicken or ground beef turnover, 2 pieces.
BANANA FRITTER $3.50
BAIGAN PAKORA $2.95
Eggplant fritters.
CHEESE POORI $3.95
Puff bread filled with melted cheese filling.
PIAZI $3.95
Vegetable fritter, 4 pieces.
PAPADUM $2.95
Thin bean water.
CHICKEN PAKURA $2.95
Fried chicken fritters.
GREEN SALAD $2.25
CHEFS SALAD $2.95
MUSHROOM SALAD $2.50

DINNERS
ALL DINNERS SERVED WITH PILAW RICE / BROWN RICE, CABBAGE< DAL AND ONION CHUTNEY.
PANNA SPECIAL DINNER
CHOICE OF APPETIZER, SOUP, PARATHA, CONDIMENTS, MAIN ENTREES AND DESSERTS.
SEAFOOD DINNER
CHOICE OF APPETIZER, SOUP, PARATHA, CONDIMENTS, MAIN ENTREES AND DESSERTS.
VEGETABLE DINNER
CHOICE OF APPETIZER, SOUP, PARATHA, CONDIMENTS, MAIN ENTREES AND DESSERTS.

OUR CHEFS SPECIALTIES NON-VEGETARIAN
All main entrees served with saffron rice, brown rice, dal, cabbage and onion chutney.
DANSAK CURRY $14.95
Choice of lamb, beef or chicken cooked with lentil and hot spices.
MADRAS SPECIAL $14.95
Chicken or lamb or beef cooked with special spices hot.
BOMBAY CHICKEN $15.95
Marinated in herbs and special hot spices with pepper, onions.
FISH MUSHROOMS $16.95
Cooked with fresh mushrooms.
TIKKA MASALA $14.95
Grilled white meat chicken cooked with tomato sauce.
MUSHROOM MASALA $13.95
Chicken or lamb or beef cooked with fresh mushrooms.
BEEF KORAI $15.95
Cooked in mild curry sauce with onions, tomatoes and green peppers served on a sizzling traditional pot.
LAMB KORAI $15.95
Cooked in mild curry sauce with onions, tomatoes and green peppers served on a sizzling traditional pot.
CHICKEN KORAI $13.95
Cooked in mild curry sauce with onions, tomatoes and green peppers, served on a sizzling traditional pot.
SHRIMP KORAI $16.95
Cooked in mild curry sauce with onions, tomatoes and green peppers served on a sizzling traditional pot.
SCALLOPS KORAI $16.95
Cooked in mild curry sauce with onions, tomatoes and green peppers served on a sizzling traditional pot.
CRAB KORAI $16.95
Cooked in mild curry sauce with onions, tomatoes and green peppers served on a sizzling traditional pot.
JALFREZI $14.95
Medium spiced curry with stir-fried onions, bell peppers.
BALTI SPECIAL $15.95
#1 seller chicken lamb or beef cooked with tomatoes in herbs and Bengali spices.
COMBINATION SEAFOOD BALTI $18.95
Shrimp, crab and scallop.
CHICKEN KASHMIR $14.95
Cooked with coconut in cream sauce.
SHRIMP SAAG $16.95
Cooked with spinach.
CRAB SAAG $16.95
Cooked with spinach.
CHICKEN MAKHANI $14.95
#1 seller at Panna II. Sauce is a litter sweeter then tikka masala sauce.
SYLHET SAAG $13.95
Lamb or beef or chicken cooked with spinach and spices.
KHAN VINDALOO $14.95
Chicken, lamb or beef, cooked with special hot sauce.
RESHMI KEBAB $14.95
Boneless pieces of chicken cooked in curry masala sauce with onions, peppers and tomatoes.
BOMBAY SHRIMP $17.95
Fresh king size shrimp, marinated in herbs and special hot spices with peppers and onions.
CHICKEN MALAI $14.95
Cooked with coconut and mild spices.
LAMB MALAI $14.95
Cooked with coconut and mild spices.
BEEF MALAI $14.95
Cooked with coconut and mild spices.
KHAN MOILEE $18.95
Fish or shrimp cooked in a very mild coconut curry.
SHRIMP MALAI $16.95
Cooked with coconut and mild spices.
CRAB MALAI $16.95
Cooked with coconut and mild spices.
SCALLOP MALAI $16.95
Cooked with coconut and mild spices.
LOBSTER MALAI $18.95
Cooked with coconut and mild spices.
ROGON JOUS $14.95
Chicken, lamb or beef cooked with cream, almonds and mild spices.
SEAFOOD SPECIAL $15.95
Shrimp, scallop or crab cooked with special hot sauce.
COMBINATION MASALA $17.95
Lamb, chicken or shrimp.
LAMB TIKKA MASALA $17.95
Lamb tenders cooked in oven and simmered in a mild creamy sauce.
BUTTER CHICKEN $15.95
Cooked with pure butter, almonds creamy and special sauce.
FISH TIKKA MASALA $18.95
Fresh cubes of red snapper cooked in clay oven and simmered in our famous creamy sauce.

OUR CHEFS SPECIALTIES VEGETARIAN
All main entrees served with saffron rice, brown rice, dal, cabbage and onion chutney.
MUSHROOM SAAG $10.95
Cooked with fresh mushroom and spinach.
SAAG PONIR $10.95
Spinach and homemade cheese cooked with spices.
SAAG MOTTOR PONIR $12.95
Cooked with peas fresh spinach and cheese.
SAAG MOTTOR OR MOTTOR PONIR $10.95
Green peas cooked with spinach or cheese in light sauce.
CHANA SAAG $10.95
Cooked chicken peas, spinach and spices.
KHAN BAIGAN $10.95
Eggplant mashed and seasoned with herbs.
VEGETABLE MAKHNI $11.95
Fresh vegetable simmered in mildly spices tomato and butter sauce.
ALOO MOTTOR GOBI $12.95
Potatoes, peas and cauliflower cooked in delicate spices.
MALAI KOFTA $12.95
Dumplings of vegetables and bananas, mild spices and herbs in cream sauce.
VEGETABLE VINADALOO $11.95
Mixed fresh vegetables cooked with spicy hot sauce.
PANEER JALFRAZIE $12.95
#1 curry seller at Panna II, tangy paneer cheese with ginger.
VEGETABLE DHANSAK $10.95
Fresh vegetables and lentils cooked in medium hot sauce with a special blend of spices.
BHINDI MASALA $10.95
Fresh okra cooked with tomato in herbs and Bengali spices.
VEGETABLE KORAI $12.95
Fresh mixed vegetables curried in lightly spiced gravy with onions, tomatoes and green peppers, served on sizzling hot plate.
ALO PALAK $10.95
Potatoes and spinach tastefully sauteed with herbs and Indian spices.
CHANA MASALA $10.95
Fresh chick peas cooked in curry sauce with tomato, ginger and onion.
ALU BEGUN $10.95
Potato, eggplant cooked with mild curry sauces.
DAL SAAG $10.95
Spinach cooked with lentil.
PANEER TIKKA MASALA $12.95
Cottage cheese baked in clay oven and simmered with spices.

CURRY
COOKED IN A LIGHT CURRY SAUCE.
CHICKEN CURRY $12.95
LAMB CURRY $14.95
BEEF CURRY $13.95
LOBSTER CURRY $18.95
CRAB CURRY $14.95
SHRIMP CURRY $14.95
FISH CURRY $14.95
SCALLOPS CURRY $14.95
VEGETABLES CURRY $9.95
CHICKEN PEAS CURRY $9.95
MIXED CURRY $12.25
Chicken, beef, lamb and vegetable.
LIVER CURRY $10.95
KEEMA CURRY $10.95
OKRA CURRY $9.95

BHUNA
COOKED WITH THICK AND GRAVY.
CHICKEN BHUNA $13.95
LAMB BHUNA $14.95
BEEF BHUNA $13.95
SHRIMP BHUNA $14.95
LOBSTER BHUNA $18.95
CRAB BHUNA $14.95
SCALLOPS BHUNA $10.95
VEGETABLES BHUNA $8.95
MIXED BHUNA $9.95
Chicken, beef, lamb and vegetable.
CHICK PEAS BHUNA $8.95
LIVER BHUNA $8.95

KURMA
COOKED WITH CREAM SAUCE, ALMONDS RAISINS AND SWEET SPICES.
CHICKEN KURMA $13.95
LAMB KURMA $14.95
BEEF KURMA $14.95
SHRIMP KURMA $15.95
LOBSTER KURMA $18.95
CRAB KURMA $14.95
SCALLOPS KURMA $14.95
KHAN KOFTA KURMA $12.95
KHAN PONIR KURMA $11.95
VEGETABLES KURMA $11.95
MIXED KURMA $13.95
Chicken, beef, lamb and vegetables.
KEEMA KURMA $10.95

TANDOORI
MARINATED IN HERBS AND SPICES AND ROASTED.
MIXED GRILL $15.95
Lamb, beef, chicken and shrimp.
CHICKEN TANDOORI $13.95
CHICKEN TANDOORI $14.95
White meat.
SHRIMP TANDOORI MASALA $14.95
King size shrimp cooked with tandoori sauce.
SHRIMP TANDOORI MUSSALLAM $16.95
King size shrimps cooked with coconut almond with creamy sauce.
LAMB TANDOORI $18.95
Grilled lamb cooked with onions and green peppers.
BEEF TANDOORI $18.95
Grilled beef cooked with onions and green peppers.
SHISH KEBAB $18.95
Marinated chunks of lamb or beef cooked with onion pepper and tomatoes.
CHICKEN TIKKA $13.95
Boneless white meat.
RED SNAPPER TANDOORI $15.95
SHRIMP TANDOORI $15.95

BIRYANI
FRIED WITH ALMONDS, COCONUT RAISINS, BUTTER, SAFFRON RICE AND SWEET PEAS.
CHICKEN BIRYANI $13.95
LAMB BIRYANI $14.95
BEEF BIRYANI $14.95
SHRIMP BIRYANI $15.95
LOBSTER BIRYANI $18.95
CRAB BIRYANI $12.95
SCALLOPS BIRYANI $12.95
VEGETABLES BIRYANI $12.95
MIXED BIRYANI $12.95
Chicken, beef, lamb and vegetables.
HOUSE SPECIAL BIRYANI $15.95
Lamb, beef, vegetable, shrimp and chicken.

DUPIAZI
Grilled with onion, pepper and tomato.
CHICKEN DUPIAZI $12.95
LAMB DUPIAZI $14.95
BEEF DUPIAZI $14.95
SHRIMP DUPIAZI $15.95
LOBSTER DUPIAZI $18.95
VEGETABLE DUPIAZI $10.95

BREADS
We make our beads fresh daily.
PARATHA $2.95
Thick Indian bread with butter.
CHAPATI $2.95
Thick and soft bread.
MUGLAI PARATHA $3.95
Egg, ground meat, pepper, tomato and butter inside.
ALU PARATHA $2.95
Potato inside.
ONION PARATHA $2.95
Flat bread stuffed with spiced onions.
KEEMA PARATHA $2.95
Ground meat inside.
STUFFED NAAN $3.95
Cheddar cheese.
NAAN $2.50
Pita bread.
PESWARY PARATHA $3.95
Unleavened bread with fruits and nuts, freshly baked in tandoori.
GARLIC NAAN $3.50
POORI $3.50
Deep fried fluffy bread.
PANEER PARATHA $2.95
Authentic Indian bread stuffed with paneer cheese, onions, herbs and spices.
TIKKA PARATHA $3.95
Flat bread stuffed with spicy chicken.

BEVERAGES
SOFT DRINK $2.25
Coke, Diet Coke, 7-Up, Ginger Ale, Seltzer.
SALTY LASSI $2.95
SWEET LASSI $2.95
MANGO LASSI $3.50
BANANA LASSI $3.50
STRAWBERRY LASSI $3.50
JUICES $2.95
Mango and papaya.
TEA $1.95
COFFEE $1.95

CONDIMENTS
MANGO PICKLE $1.95
LEMON PICKLE $1.95
MIXED PICKLE $1.95
MANGO CHUTNEY $1.95
RAITA $1.95
Yogurt and cucumber.

DESSERTS
FIRNI (RICE PUDDING) $3.95
MANGO ICE CREAM $2.95
BIRTHDAY CAKE (1 PIECE) $4.95

Panna II Garden Indian Restaurant Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Comfort food
Late-night food
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Cash-only
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Free parking lot
Paid street parking
Parking

Panna II Garden Indian Restaurant Photos

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Panna II Garden Indian Restaurant Location

Panna II Garden Indian Restaurant

New York New York County New York 1st Avenue

93 1st Ave #2, New York, NY 10003, USA

Panna II Garden Indian Restaurant Reviews

An average rating of ★3.5 from 1049 user reviews.

cashtipBYOBchristmas lightsentreesceilingaggressiveclaustrophobicyellingangry

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

My friend and I came right when they opened & though they weren’t quite ready for us they accommodated and the service was wonderful. You can taste that everything is made fresh. I definitely recommend coming on a weekday !!
August 23 · Kiandra Jones
If you HATE flavor, then this is for you…Not once did they ask about the spice level or how we wanted our drinks. The food was bland, overly mild, and didn’t even have a pinch of salt. The curry is very sweet, and the server is very over the top. Every few minutes, he would walk over and ask if the food was good. It was not. Informed the server of our concerns, but he just apologized and did not try to find a resolution. Left half of the entrees behind because they weren’t even fixable with the provided condiments. The portions were also very small for the price. The complimentary appetizer flatbread (not sure of the name, but it’s like a large tortilla chip with seeds) was stale. The decorations are also very bothersome. I am only 5’9, yet my braids were constantly being caught on the lights hanging down.
August 21 · vi
I recently had lunch at Panna II Garden Indian Restaurant, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The ambiance is unlike any other — colorful lights hanging from the ceiling create a vibrant, festive atmosphere that makes the meal feel like a celebration. The staff was warm and attentive, ensuring we felt welcome and comfortable throughout our visit.The food was absolutely delicious. I tried the chicken tikka masala and vegetable biryani, both bursting with authentic flavors and spices. Portions were generous, and everything was served hot and fresh. The naan was perfectly baked, soft with a slight crisp. Prices were very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food.If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful lunch spot with great Indian cuisine in a unique setting, I highly recommend Panna II Garden. I’ll definitely be returning!
June 03 · Josep Alvares
Honestly, one of the worst places I’ve been in NYC. The garlic naan had a texture like it was made with sand, the samosas were the ones that come in a box and you can buy at any grocery—I know because when I exited the restaurant I saw the boxes next to the trash, butter chicken and tikka masala were minimum portions. Even tho it’s cheap, it’s not worth it.The service wasn’t great either, there was a group that was celebrating a birthday and they were so cheerful to them, with my table it was like they were annoyed and removed plates before we were done eating.The ambiance it’s definitely interesting with all the lights but when you wonder how do they manage to clean all those lights it gets sketchy.
May 17 · El Klub de Mika
I had the pleasure of enjoying lunch at Panna II Garden Indian Restaurant, and it was a truly memorable experience. From the moment I walked in, the restaurant’s eclectic and colorful décor immediately caught my attention — the ceiling is covered in hanging lights, creating a quirky and cozy vibe that’s hard to forget.The service was friendly and quick, making it a great spot for a relaxing yet efficient lunch. I ordered the lamb curry with basmati rice, and it was full of rich, bold flavors. The spices were perfectly balanced, and the meat was tender and well-cooked. The garlic naan on the side was warm and fresh, with just the right amount of crispiness.Everything was reasonably priced, and the atmosphere made the meal even more enjoyable. Panna II is a gem for anyone who loves flavorful Indian food in a fun, lively setting. Highly recommend it for a lunch that’s both tasty and unique!
June 03 · Josh Franecki