Of all the hours Darbar is open, 4pm is probably the only time when the casual Indian restaurant isn’t busy. At that time on a recent Tuesday, a lone patron sat finishing the remnants of a rice dish while a waiter dismantled the lunch buffet (only $9.95 from 11:30am-4pm) in preparation for the 5pm happy hour. Busboys scampered in and out of the kitchen with heaping platters of delicious-looking chicken while two managers sat at a nearby table and chatted idly away, no doubt enjoying the mid-day lull as they prepared for what would be another long and busy night. When a customer did walk into the restaurant, they sprang into action as if it were their grand opening, offering him a drink at the bar and a quick tour of the establishment.
Darbar’s brick walls and hardwood floors evoke a sophistication that surpasses the usual speed-over-style ethos of its East Midtown peers. The bar -- more reminiscent of a chic downtown club with opaque countertops and glass shelves -- offers a dynamic selection of beers (including Indian favorites Taj Mahal and Flying Horse), top-shelf liquor, and a wine list that could satisfy even the most discerning oenophiles. The main room is a little narrow for comfort during peak hours, but it is merely a precursor to the more spacious yet intimate dining room upstairs, a place couples enjoy romantic, candle-lit dinners beneath the restaurant’s enormous skylight.
The menu is expansive, complete with Indian staples ranging from reshmi kabab and chicken tikka masala to vegetable biryani and tandoori shrimp. Darbar also offers inexpensive lunch boxes to go, which the managers say have been a proven hit with the on-the-go business crowd. And with many items on the menu below $10 (some soups and sides cost $3-$4,) you’re not going to find a much better combination of quality and value in the neighborhood. -- Corey Moser
152 E. 46th St., 212-681-4500; darbarny.com
New York City Dining - Darbar Indian Restaurant
New York City Activities
More Articles
Dine Like a New Yorker: Why Redeye Grill & Brooklyn Diner USA are Two of the Best Restaurants in Midtown NYC
Experience the best of NYC dining at Redeye Grill & Brooklyn Diner USA on 57th St. Enjoy top-notch cuisine & ambience near at these restaurants near Carnegie Hall in Midtown Manhattan.
Where to Eat When Visiting Manhattan’s Museum Mile
Explore a diverse range of dining experiences near Manhattan's Museum Mile, from international cuisines like Austrian and Greek to classic Italian and French options.
Best Late Night Desserts in NYC
From iconic cannolis at Caffe Palermo in Little Italy to nostalgic desserts at Empire Diner, there are great places all around NYC when that late-night sweet tooth starts to tingle. Read on for great shakes, cakes, cookies, and more in the wee hours.
Utsav Introduces New Bengali Menu
Utsav, a woman-owned restaurant in the Theater District, has been serving a dynamic combination of Chinese and Indian cuisine now for more than 23 years. They've recently introduced a Bengali menu.
Watson Adventures’ Murder at the Met Scavenger Hunt at Metropolitan Museum of Art on 5/25/24
Join Watson Adventures on a murder mystery scavenger hunt at the Metropolitan Museum! A curator's be
Storytime with The New York Public Library at Backyard at Hudson Yards, Public Square & Gardens on 5/25/24
The beloved New York Public Library will host free monthly immersive story-time at Backyard featurin
NYC Handmade Global Bazaar at Grand Bazaar NYC on 5/26/24
Enjoy a shopping adventure at this special international handmade bazaar by the Grand Bazaar NYC! Ex
ScarLip at SOB's on 5/22/24
Bronx bred rap phenomenon ScarLip gained traction in the Spring of 2023 with the release of her mena