Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari

20 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, United States

+1 646-707-3688

South Indian restaurant
(737)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of New York City’s vibrant East Village, Kanyakumari offers an exquisite journey into the depths of South Indian cuisine that is both authentic and adventurous. This South Indian restaurant is a must-visit for food aficionados craving rich flavors and meticulously crafted dishes that showcase the culinary diversity of regions like Malabar, Kochi, Andhra Pradesh, and Mumbai.

The menu at Kanyakumari reads like a flavorful expedition through southern India’s best offerings, with standout specialties that have left diners raving. Their Hira Anna Fried Chicken presents a crispy, peppercorn-kissed bite that dances on the palate, while the Malabar Parotta offers a flaky, buttery embrace perfect for dipping into their bold coconut curries. Seafood lovers will savor the Mussels Koliwada and the Fish Kozhikode — a branzino fish curry rich with layers of spice and tang.

Diving deeper into the chef’s signature dishes reveals the slow-roasted beef from Malabar, celebrated by guests for its tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture and uniquely vibrant peppercorn infusion. The Guntur Idli and Vada Pav bring street-food charm to the elegant dining space, while desserts like the creamy, subtly spiced Coconut Payasam and playful Coconut Curry Leaf Ice Cream provide the perfect sweet finish.

Customers frequently highlight the thoughtful service and welcoming atmosphere that truly elevate the dining experience. One guest shared how the attentive hosting complemented the meal perfectly, making their time at Kanyakumari feel like a comforting family gathering rather than just a night out. Gluten-sensitive diners will appreciate the ease of navigating the menu, with many naturally gluten-free options presented with care.

What makes Kanyakumari truly exceptional is how it balances bold, authentic flavors with a refined yet approachable ambiance. Whether you’re indulging in the aromatic, slow-cooked curries or sampling innovative fruity cocktails that refresh and intrigue, every bite and sip is infused with passion and tradition. It’s a space where the richness of South Indian heritage meets New York's eclectic energy, resulting in a dining experience that lingers long after the last bite.

For those looking to explore or rediscover South Indian cuisine, Kanyakumari promises an unforgettable meal where each dish tells a story — from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the coastal flavors of Malabar. Make sure to reserve a spot and prepare for a sensory journey that celebrates bold spices, fresh ingredients, and the heartwarming spirit of Southern India's culinary excellence.

Contact: 20 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003 | Phone: +1 646-707-3688

Service options
Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Healthy options Small plates Spirits Vegan options Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Romantic Trendy
Crowd
Groups Tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments
Parking
Paid parking lot Paid street parking Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday
    05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday
    05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Saturday
    12:30 PM - 03:00 PM 05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Sunday
    12:30 PM - 03:00 PM 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Alexis M.
    2 month ago

    This place was an amazing dining experience. To begin we ordered the “from Mumbai,” “from Kanyakumari,” and “from Malabar.” All had so much flavor and were delicious but the beef in the “from Malabar” was such a standout and a must order. There’s a crispy peppercorn flavor and it’s just so unique and cooked perfectly. For the main we ordered the “from Kozhikode” which was a branzino fish curry that had a tasty side of beetroot pickle. Everything was delicious and I would come back to try more things! I am normally a mild on spice levels and would say I could handle the spice and big flavors pretty well. Our service was friendly, professional, and efficient. They know what they are doing here and it shows in the quality of the experience.

  • Neha
    3 month ago

    The dosa was spectacular, I loved it so much I preferred two!! The waiter was wonderful but I want to also give a special shout out to the host because she was such a sweetheart! She did a great job. I loved the chicken curry dish but the fried chicken was not as memorable, I’d say you can skip it. I also loved the vegetable stew but warning it is spicy! I also liked the creativity of the shrimp idli. Great drinks - loved the lassi

  • Wesley Abraham
    3 month ago

    As an Indian, I can confidently say that Kanyakumari is hands down one of the best Indian restaurants in NYC. The food is simply outstanding. The Malabar appetizer was easily the highlight to start—flavorful, perfectly spiced, and unforgettable. The slow cooked beef was tender, juicy, and packed with deep, rich flavor. The chicken curry quickly became a table favorite—remarkably creamy with perfectly tender chicken that melted in every bite. On top of the amazing food, the service was equally impressive. Our waiter went above and beyond, offering thoughtful recommendations that made our meal even better. We couldn’t have been happier with the entire dining experience. If you’re looking for authentic Indian cuisine with unforgettable flavors and great hospitality, this place is a must-visit. Due to the popularity, reservations are required. We were able to utilize the Amex platinum team to coordinate.

  • NEHA KURIAKOSE
    3 month ago

    We visited Kanyakumari for our special day, and overall it was a lovely experience. The food was flavorful and well-made. The beef was incredibly tender — literally melted in the mouth. As a donne biryani lover, their biryani really stood out… it reminded me of our mothers’ biryani. The meat was so juicy and perfectly cooked. However, I did not enjoy the parotta at all. It didn’t taste like authentic parotta — it was too oily and buttery, almost like a croissant. This definitely needs improvement. The Malvani chicken curry was okay, not exceptional. Also, the hopper combination wasn’t right. In South India, hopper is never served with sambhar and chutney — it’s traditionally paired with stew or a coconut-based chicken curry. Please consider updating this combo. The neer dosa was good and fresh. Overall, a nice place with great potential — some dishes were outstanding, and a few need refinement. We’d still come back for the beef and biryani! ( Also the service is quick , we ordered food and within 8 minutes food was served , no delay ) . Dessert was okay

  • Chandni Chandihok
    3 month ago

    Kanyakumari was honestly incredible. NYC’s Indian food scene is booming, but this really stood out. Everything was beautifully cooked, bold, and comforting. Our server, Mrinal S, made the night seamless and warm. It genuinely felt like quality family time over an amazing meal. As someone with celiac (gluten), eating here was very easy. I only had about four dishes to avoid, which is rare and appreciated. I do try to avoid dairy as well, and that was trickier. While most dishes don’t use heavy dairy, they are cooked with ghee and can’t really modify that. It worked for me this time, but worth flagging for anyone strictly dairy-free. Must-orders: • Guruprasad dosa • Malabar beef (juicy, peppery, unreal) • Mangalore shrimp (perfectly cooked, incredible sauce) Skip: • From kanyakumari (fried chicken - overall consensus was just okay) Biggest stamp of approval: my dad, who grew up in India and is a very tough critic, absolutely loved it. I’d 100% go back

  • N Rodriguez
    4 month ago

    Absolutely loved our experience here! The food was delicious, especially the fish dishes—so flavorful and perfectly prepared. Every bite felt thoughtful and authentic to South Indian cuisine. Our waiter Sunny was amazing—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely made the experience even better. The atmosphere was everything: vibrant, welcoming, and beautifully done. Already can’t wait to go back. Highly recommend!

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