Semma
South Indian · New York · Michelin One Star · Chef Vijay Kumar
One-Michelin-star South Indian restaurant in Greenwich Village by Chef Vijay Kumar (Tamil Nadu native). First South Indian restaurant in NYC to earn Michelin star. NYT #1 restaurant NYC (2025), previously #7 (2024). James Beard Best Chef NY 2025 (Vijay Kumar). Unapologetically spicy with authentic Tamil/Kerala techniques - no Americanization. Signature dishes: Gunpowder Dosa (must-order - rice/lentil crepe, potato masala, sambar), Nathai Pirattal (Peconic snails, ginger, tamarind, kal dosa - limited availability). Casual upscale atmosphere, houseboat-inspired décor, staff in colorful tees. Vegan/vegetarian options available. Weekdays 5:30-10pm, weekends till 11pm.
60 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011, New York
- One Michelin Star
- Best Chef: New York
- #1 Restaurant in NYC
Menu
Dishes
- Lobster Tail (55) — Superb South Indian sauce
- Coconut Rice (8) — Traditional coconut-infused rice
- Lamb Chops Chettinad (48) — Grilled lamb chops with South Indian spices
- Eral Thokku (25) — Tiger prawn with green chili, fenugreek, and curry leaves
- Uzhavar Santhai Poriyal (18) — Snap, snow & English peas, pea leaves. Vegetarian. Source: semma.nyc
- Parotta (6) — Southern paratha bread
- Mulaikattiya Thaniyam (11) — Sprouted mung beans, coconut, smoked chili
- Mattu Iraichi Sukka (27) — Short rib, beef rendang-style
- Attu Kari Sukka (38) — Lamb falling-apart tender in dark brown curry
- Tandoori Lamb Chops (48) — Most popular dish - authentically spiced
Tasting Menu
- À la Carte Dinner (60) — Average spend per person
Wines
- Riesling (Alsace) • Glass (24) — Trimbach, pairs well with South Indian spices
Cocktails
- Panakkaran Old-Fashioned (23) — Traditional old fashioned with Indian twist. Signature cocktail.
- Yajaman Sour (22) — Mezcal, white bitter, lemon, ginger, toasted coriander, bird chile, fresh curry leaf. South Indian spices.
- Annaatthe Negroni (22) — South Indian spice-infused Negroni with adventurous flavor pairings. Signature cocktail.
- Thee Mule (22) — Green chile vodka, falernum, lime, toasted black mustard seed, clove, mace, black peppercorn, fresh curry leaf, ginger beer. South Indian spices.
- Thanga Magan Colada (22) — Tropical cocktail with cultured coconut and South Indian spices. Signature cocktail.
- Surya Udhayam (13) — Agave, orange, lemon. Sweet and refreshing. Non-alcoholic mocktail.
Phone: +1 718-689-5888
Related restaurants
- Award-winning restaurants in New York
- More from chef Vijay Kumar
- Quilon — London (1 Michelin stars)
- Rania — Washington D.C. (1 Michelin stars)
- The Bombay Canteen — Mumbai
- Gramercy Tavern — New York (1 Michelin stars)
- Benares — London (1 Michelin stars)