Junoon, a pioneering name in New York City’s fine dining Indian cuisine scene, has made a highly anticipated return. After a hiatus during the pandemic, this celebrated restaurant has reopened its doors at a new location on West 24th Street in New York, NY, just steps away from its original Flatiron District address. Chef Akshay Bhardwaj reflects on Junoon’s initial impact when it launched in 2010, recalling how diners often defaulted to familiar Indian dishes like samosas and chicken tikka masala. Junoon set out to challenge these preconceived notions of Indian food – aiming to showcase its sophistication beyond takeout, spice levels, and affordability – and quickly earned the respect of New York’s discerning palates, along with coveted Michelin stars.
Now, as Junoon embarks on this new chapter at 19 West 24th Street, New York, NY, it’s not simply a reopening but a reimagining. The restaurant is building upon its established reputation for elegant fine dining, now enhanced with an even more impressive wine program and expertly crafted cocktails. The new space offers a more intimate dining experience with a reduced number of tables, moving away from a tasting menu-only format to offer a more flexible and approachable yet still refined service style.
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“Trends have evolved significantly over the last decade,” Bhardwaj observes. “Indian chefs are now embracing creativity and boldness. We are taking risks and exploring culinary boundaries in ways that were less common before.” This evolution in the landscape of Indian cuisine makes Junoon’s reopening on West 24th Street, New York, NY particularly timely and relevant.
Junoon’s revival arrives amidst a vibrant period for Indian restaurants in New York City. Critics citywide have showered praise on establishments like Dhamaka in the Essex Market, lauded for its authentic regional Indian dishes. Similarly, Sona, backed by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, garnered attention and acclaim, including a notable New York Times review. However, it was Junoon, nearly a decade prior, that laid the foundation for this wave of success. As one of the first Indian restaurants in the U.S. to achieve and maintain a Michelin star for eight consecutive years, Junoon paved the way and elevated the perception of Indian fine dining in America.
Chintan Pandya, chef and co-owner of Dhamaka and a former Junoon team member, emphasizes Junoon’s pivotal role: “For a long time, it was the institution. It was truly iconic. Indian culinary professionals across the globe admired and looked up to it.” This legacy continues as Junoon re-establishes itself on West 24th Street, New York, NY, ready to inspire a new generation of diners and chefs.
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The redesigned Junoon on West 24th Street, New York, NY features a main dining area accommodating 42 guests and a dedicated pastry counter showcasing the creations of pastry chef Gustavo Tzoc. A front room boasts a stylish marble-topped bar with 29 seats and a market section offering a curated selection of spices, teas, and artisanal chocolates, enhancing the overall dining destination experience at this West 24th Street, New York, NY address.
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Chef Bhardwaj, at 28 years old, who began his culinary journey at Junoon in his early twenties, indicates that approximately 40% of the menu will consist of beloved Junoon classics. Among these returning favorites is the luxurious tellicherry duck ($40) and the fiery ghost chile murgh tikka ($22), featuring tandoor-cooked chicken thighs with ramp mousse, pistachio crumble, and grape chutney. These signature dishes are now available again at their West 24th Street, New York, NY location.
Adding to the culinary excitement are new dishes like the tandoori octopus ($24), where octopus tentacles are marinated in a blend of spices and slow-cooked for three hours, served with red chili aioli and confit fingerling potatoes. For a more comprehensive Junoon experience at West 24th Street, New York, NY, guests can indulge in a seven-course tasting menu ($115 per person), showcasing dishes not available à la carte. A shorter three-course prix-fixe menu ($85) provides a more accessible option, including an appetizer, entree, and dessert.
Junoon’s origins trace back to Cafe Spice, a casual Indian restaurant chain founded in 1997 by Bhardwaj’s father, Rajesh Bhardwaj, long before the current surge in Indian culinary popularity. Cafe Spice focused on familiar Indian dishes for American palates and expanded to multiple locations. The elder Bhardwaj’s vision led to the creation of the upscale Junoon, even as Cafe Spice diversified into fast-casual formats and packaged meals sold in supermarkets. This entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to Indian cuisine are now embodied in Junoon’s new chapter on West 24th Street, New York, NY.
“We have always been committed to honoring the traditions of Indian cuisine while continuously pushing boundaries and innovating,” Bhardwaj states. “We are not content with playing it safe.” This philosophy is evident in Junoon’s return to West 24th Street, New York, NY, promising a dining experience that is both familiar and forward-thinking.
Junoon at 19 West 24th Street, New York, NY is open Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM. Reservations are highly recommended to experience this celebrated restaurant in its exciting new phase.
