Trudy
This Winter, I haven’t gotten to as many restaurants as I would have normally and with that being said, I love when I find a gem that I have come upon because it was suggested by friends. I went on a recent blogging dinner with Mary from Mary in Manhattan and was one of the few she invited to the Upper West Side to try a new spot for Indian food, Imli restaurant.
The other attendees included Jess from Used York City, Mary Lane from New York Cliché , Kaitlin from Looped Blog, Allison from (F)east on Instagram , Julianne from It’s Five O’Clock Here and LeAura from Ever So Popular.
What Kind Of Food Does Imli Serve?
Imli serves urban Indian food. The restaurant space is cozy and the menu varied with classic and new versions of the tried and true. It’s a perfect spot for a date, group of friends or family meal. The owners describe Imli in this way:
Our hand-picked menu strives to enhance the classics while at the same time showcase regional favorites. From the mild flavors of the bustling Parsi and Iranian cafes of Old Bombay, to the fiery dishes of the southern coast, we hope our flavors will satisfy both the novice and enthusiast. Our goal is to enhance the subtle flavors that Indian cooking is famous for, from hints of cardamom, fennel and anise, while at the same time tantalizing your taste buds with the world-famous heat of chili and peppers.
I was not disappointed in the menu offerings or the size of the portions, fluffy naan or deliciously well-spiced meat and vegetables. We were given a good extensive mix of what was on the menu to taste. I have to admit that I was busy stuffing my face. So although Allison was prepared with her lighting, my pictures weren’t as awesome as the food was.
For our appetizers we were served:
APPS
Kerala beef (not pictured)Chicken chaatCrispy okraShrimp kolivadaBeetroot croquetsIndian Shepard’s pie (not pictured)
MAIN COURSESChicken Tikka MasalaLamb Rogan Josh (not pictured)Aloo Gobi MuttarHouse Chicken CurryYellow DalDal MakhaniLamb ChopsTandoori Chicken (not pictured)Basmati Rice (not pictured)Naan: Plain, Garlic, Mushroom (not pictured)Tandoori Roti – server noted that this dish is veganDESSERTIce Cream BombRice Pudding
What Did I think Of Imli?
The meal was five-star! It was good enough that I brought a doggy bag all the way back to Queens and ate it for lunch the next day. And you know what …? It was just as good the next day heated up! So there for you pretentious foodie snobs, lol.
I think with the extensive wine and cocktail list that this restaurant would be a great place to visit over and over. If you are inclined to a drink or two there is a large wine list that includes specialty cocktails and there are lots of options on the menu for vegetarian and a couple of for vegans which means everyone can dine together without a problem. I think that they thought of everything at Imli and it shows. A great rendezvous was had!!
Have you ever been to Imli? Do you enjoy Indian food? Are you a traditionalist or do you like updated classics? Let’s discuss!
Until our next rendezvous…
XOXO
Trudy
Wow. It all sounds so delicious. My husband and I both love Indian food.
Does he make it special for you whenever you like?
He does! But he likes to be treated too and we know that I’m not going to be the one to make good food happen…lol
LMAO! At least he knows the deal.
Gson lives in the city, Mott st, send him your info a lot. The Chinese spot the other day on his street. Enjoy your site.
Wow! That is such a huge compliment, I appreciate that you visit with all the choice out there.Tell your godson I said hello!!
Food sounds delicious 😋 I do so love Lamb Rogon Josh so I would be more than happy to visit this place 😊
I had some of it. It was perfectly spiced.!
I liked the Indian food I had in the past. I went with a friend or with my daughter, and now I’m far away. One of these days I’ll find another friend to eat with me. Oh, there is my son who does live in this area. He is not free to eat out when I am, but maybe some day husband will be away and son available. I enjoyed reading about your fabulous meal.
Thank you, Anne. It’s hard when you are an adventurous eater and you have to look for someone to eat with.
Sometimes I take it out on John and prepare something wildly different. Doesn’t happen often.
Oh good. I’m glad he compromises sometimes.
He does. He loses gracefully when the crowd votes to eat Thai.
Hahaha. But, Thai is so good!
I agree with you, Trudy.
Oh now, this looks so darn yummy! On my list now!
Thank you! I’d really like to go back soon!
That definitely looks like an Indian feast!!!
It was! It had been a while since I had proper Indian food and I was treated royally there.
It looked wonderful!
I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t think I’ve ever tried Indian food. I’m a Swedish girl born in the Upper Midwest, so I was raised on what many would consider bland food. 🙂 Lots of meat and potatoes for this girl. Rice pudding has been served at Christmas time every year since I was born (we always have a traditional Swedish meal on Christmas), so I was very surprised to see this in your post. All the food here looks absolutely delicious. I may have to live on the wild side and go out for some Indian food. Great post!
You should and start with the mildest thing on the menu, which would probably be a rice dish like Biryani but don’t miss out on the naan bread!!
Lol! Will do😂
Also, if you have a Trader Joe’s near you, I know that they sell naan bread and frozen Indian meals, not as good as a restaurant but close. . You could that at home with no pressure.
Ha! True – we have a Trader Joe’s just minutes from us. I’ll definitely check it out. My husband loves adventurous food – I’m sure he’d be more than happy. Thanks for the tip!
That all looks so delicious! So, you didn’t get to try the dishes not pictured?? I’d be interested to know what Indian shepherd’s pie consists of! I bet it’s delish!
Sadly, I didn’t get to try the shepherd’s pie, it was done before it got to me because it was a sample sized for one person.
Darn!!!
I’m off to New York this summer and I am scouting out all recommendations – this food looks absolutely delicious!! Naan bread is my all-time favourite thing ever and the desserts look right up my street! Great post!
They have a variation of naan that I hadn’t had before, mushroom naan! It was so good!
Have an amazing trip! Let me know what you get into.
I would fully eat every bit of that without hesitation and I’d laugh at any judgements. That all looks SO GOOD.