Moti Mahal Delux brings a taste of authentic North Indian cuisine to the Upper East Side with a pedigree that serious food lovers appreciate. This isn’t just another Indian restaurant – it’s the NYC outpost of a legendary Delhi institution credited with inventing butter chicken, and that heritage shines through in every dish.

The space strikes a pleasant balance between elegant and casual, with warm lighting and comfortable seating that invites you to linger over your meal. While the atmosphere is certainly nice, it’s the aromatic food coming from the kitchen that commands your attention from the moment you walk in.

Their tandoori dishes showcase the restaurant’s mastery of the clay oven – the murgh malai tikka arrives impossibly tender with a subtle smokiness that’s downright addictive. But it’s their signature butter chicken that steals the show, with a velvety tomato gravy that strikes the perfect balance between richness and tang. Pair it with their garlic naan, which arrives pillowy and blistered from the tandoor.

What makes Moti Mahal Delux truly special is how it elevates Indian cuisine beyond the usual curry house experience without being pretentious about it. The staff takes genuine pride in explaining the regional specialties and making thoughtful recommendations.

While slightly pricier than some Indian spots, the quality of ingredients and execution make it a worthy destination for both Indian food aficionados and curious newcomers alike.