Date Night: Panna II Garden Indian Restaurant

93 1st Ave NY, NY

(212) 598-4610

"Where Chili Pepper Lights Meet Christmas Tree Lights.”

We love the East Village and one of the many places that makes it such a great area is Panna II - and Indian comfort food place best known for its atmosphere. It's completely covered in Christmas lights all year round - giving you a New Years Eve and Mardi Gras vibe all in one!

Us locals call this block of 1st Ave "Curry Row" due to the interesting aspect that Panna II is located on the upper, top right corner of what is 3 separate restaurants in the exact same location, with the exact same christmas lights.

Panna II is the more popular of the 3 (It's one of Travel Channel star and famous Chef Anthony Bourdain's favorite places to eat) Additionally, the restaurant is known for it’s owners, who stand outside of the stairs waving and claiming to be your friend in order to persuade you into eating with them.

Keep in mind this is a BYOB joint so remember to take some sweet wine or beer if you prefer, to complement the traditional Indian dishes such as veggie samosas and chicken tikka masala - all of which are delicioso. Also take note that the food comes out fast and furious! Servers with hot plates whiz past you adding to the fun environment.

So if you are looking for a truly unique and interesting time, head over to Curry Row on 1st Ave. You must try this place out at least once. Don’t let the forward Indian waiters scare you off. This place is full of little quirks that make it more of an experience rather than just going out for some decent curry.