I had been hearing about Sona, one of NYC’s Indian fine-dining restaurants in my hood. So when my friend offered to take me there for my birthday, I was elated.

Asking my server for a spicy drink, I ended up with the chili margarita made with Milagro silver tequila, Ancho Reyes Ancho Chile Liqueur, spiced honey and garnished with a Bird’s Eye Chili. I mention the garnish, as our server suggested splitting it open to get more heat in my drink. I did so resulting in my kind of super-spicy drink ($18). I was happy already.

For apps, we had to try the softball-sized puff pastry bowl that passed by our table more than once. It’s cracked open then filled with potatoes, lentils and mung beans then topped with an assortment of chutneys and yogurt (dahi kachori, $16) I’d recommend, as I would their delicately crispy popcorn-style rock-shrimp fritters. Although the mango pickle aioli accompaniment was tasty, the shrimp were delicious enough sans the dip ($24).

For entrees, we share the grilled halibut ($38) and lamb chops ($42). The former gets grilled, wrapped in a banana leaf along with cassava balls, cherry tomatoes and a sweet coconut sauce yellowed by turmeric and grilled again. I’d recommend sopping up those sauces with their garlicky naan ($8).

Banana lovers should indulge in the chocolate gateaux with caramelized fruit, cashew praline and kulfi, a rich, Indian, dense ice cream  ($14). Also decadent is the cheesecake with poached rhubarb ($14).

 

Sona
Gramercy-Flatiron
36 E 20th St,
New York, NY 10003
212-203-6460
sona-nyc.com.