As someone who grew up watching Chef Vikas Khanna on MasterChef India with an embarrassing (but very real) childhood crush, visiting Junoon in NYC was kind of a full-circle moment for me. While I’m not entirely sure if Chef Khanna is still the executive chef — the internet seems split on that — his legacy clearly still lingers in the kitchen.
Booking a reservation was a breeze online. I went on a Sunday evening at 6:30 PM, and surprisingly, the place wasn’t crowded. Honestly, it made for a cozy and peaceful dining experience, which felt perfect.
✨ The Menu
Junoon offers three dinner experiences:
- A five-course Chef’s Tasting Menu ($130/person + optional $70 wine pairing), which isn’t available on Sundays.
- The Prestige Dinner Menu – either a 2-course ($85/person) or a 3-course with dessert ($98/person).
- If you’re not up for a full 3-course meal, you can always do a 2-course and order dessert à la carte for $16 — though you save a few bucks doing it all together.
We did one 2-course and one 3-course menu between the two of us. Honestly, that was more than enough food.
🍸 The Drinks – A Flavorful Prelude
Junoon’s cocktail program is honestly its own art form. Described as being inspired by the Tree of Life, their drink menu combines Indian spices, local herbs, and global techniques in the coolest way. Hemant Pathak, their beverage director, has truly curated something special — each drink feels like a chapter in a story.
I got the Mumbai Margarita – a tangy, refreshing mix of tequila, mango purée, lime, rose-chili syrup, and spiced salt. It was everything I love in a drink: zesty, slightly sweet, and just enough of a kick. My friend ordered the Junoon in Manhattan, which leaned stronger and smokier with Indian single malt, rye, amaro, and vermouth — not for lightweights, but definitely bold.
🍴 The Food – Indian Fine Dining at Its Best
Small Plates – what we got
- 🌿 Tulsi Lasun Paneer: Basil-garlic marinated paneer with mango relish and grape chutney. Pro tip (IK THIS IS THE NORM BUT STILL)? Eat all components together — the balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet is chef’s kiss.
- 🔥 Smoked Masala Ribs: Hands down, the star of the night. Charcoal smoked pork ribs with vindaloo rub and chaat masala apples. The meat fell off the bone, was unapologetically spicy (the Indian kind), and absolutely divine. I don’t usually go for red meat — and yet, here I am, dreaming about it. I was unable to record the presentation because I was busy drooling, but that was impeccable too.
Mains – what we got
- 🦞 Tandoori Lobster (+$7): Tandoor-roasted and drenched in a tomato, mustard, and green chili sauce. Super flavorful, cooked perfectly.
- 🍗 Murg Payaza: Boneless chicken in a cashew, onion-tomato gravy with cipollini onions. A safer pick, but comforting and rich.
With the mains, you get a beautiful spread of Daal Makhani, Yellow Dal Tadka, Pulao Rice, Mint Raita, and naan (we picked cheese and garlic). No sign of the seasonal chutneys mentioned on the menu, but honestly, we didn’t miss them — everything else was that good.
Also, I ate with my hands — because that’s how we do it. It felt so comforting, and the staff even brought out little towelettes afterward for cleanup (so thoughtful!). Eating with your hands is not just accepted here, it’s honestly encouraged — and I think it added so much value to the whole experience. Sticking to your roots, always!
We were so full by the end, we could barely walk. But there’s always room for dessert.
🍨 Dessert – Because Birthday Vibes
We got Cricket — a playful and delicious dessert made of chikoo mousse, coconut “grass,” and guava. It was plated like a cricket pitch and I FELL IN LOVE.
As a sweet surprise (it was my birthday!), they also brought out a small chocolate mousse, which was such a thoughtful and delicious touch.
They also gave us Almond Barfi with the check.
🪷 Final Thoughts
I’ve read mixed reviews about Junoon, but my experience? Genuinely amazing. It felt luxurious without being pretentious, and it honored Indian cuisine in a way that made me nostalgic for home. Every bite told a story.
Yes, it’s on the pricier side — our total with tip came to around $300 — but for a special night out, I felt it was worth every penny.
⭐ My Standard Ratings
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Menu Variety | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5/5) |
| Presentation | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) |
| Taste (Food & Drinks) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5/5) |
| Portion Size for Cost | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5/5) |
| Ambiance | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5) |
| Staff & Service | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) |
Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Would I go back? Absolutely.
If you’re a fan of elevated Indian food with deep roots and bold creativity, Junoon is worth a visit. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself (because you should!), this place knows how to make an evening memorable.
I apologize for my pictures, or the lack of them – I was so caught up in the food and taking videos that I forgot to click any photos. But here is a link to my YouTube short about my experience.
Anushka's Bookish Shenanigans 