Semma – Indian
Semma unfolds as a vibrant homage to the rural heritage of South India, where the air is thick with the intoxicating perfume of toasted coconut, tempered spices, and fresh curry leaves. The dining room hums with a sophisticated yet soulful energy, grounding guests in ancestral traditions through bold, sun-drenched flavors served in rustic clay pots. Every dish offers a vivid sensory journey, weaving together the heat of regional chilies and the tang of tamarind into a masterful tapestry of deep, layered complexity.
NY 10011 http://semma.nyc/Rating: 4.2/5 (1477 reviews)
Cuisine: Indian
Price range: $$$
Dietary options: dairy-free, high-protein, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, raw-food, renal, tlc, juice-cleanse, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb
Currently closed
Hours
- Tuesday - Sunday
- 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners consistently praise this Michelin-starred spot for living up to the hype, highlighting exceptional South Indian cuisine and attentive service. Standout dishes include the tender lamb chops, flavorful dosa (especially the gunpowder variety), and the memorable lobster tail, often paired with coconut rice. Guests appreciate the lively, albeit sometimes crowded, atmosphere and the warm hospitality, with many noting the thrill of meeting Chef Vijay and the staff's helpfulness with special occasions.
Menu
Small
- Mulaikattiya Thaniyam - $12: sprouted mung beans, coconut, smoked chili Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline
- Paniyaram - $16: rice & lentil dumpling, asafoetida, paatti’s chutney Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Uzhavar Santhai Poriyal - $18: beets, squash, mustard greens, coconut Dietary tags: Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, AIP, Lectin-Free
- Nathai Pirattal - $27: peconic snails, ginger, tamarind, kal dosa (limited) Dietary tags: Pescatarian
- Eral Thokku - $25: tiger prawn, green chili, fenugreek, curry leaves Dietary tags: High-Protein, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Alkaline
Medium
- Annasi Pazham Scallop - $23: day-boat scallops, pineapple pachadi, jaggery Dietary tags: Pescatarian
- Gunpowder Dosa - $21: rice & lentil crepe, potato masala, sambar Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Roadside Kalan - $21: wild mushroom, fennel, coriander Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Anti-Inflammatory, Low-Cholesterol, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Mattu Iraichi Sukka - $27: beef short rib, black cardamom, tellicherry peppers Dietary tags: Whole30, Paleo
Large
- Vazhakkai Varuval - $31: roasted plantain, cumin, curd rice Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, TLC
- Gutti Vankaya - $38: baby eggplant, ground peanut, sesame Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline
- Kaikari Kurma - $36: squash, carrots, raw banana, coconut milk Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Raw-Food, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Kozhi Allepey - $39: poussin (spring chicken), coriander, poppy seeds Dietary tags: Whole30, Paleo, AIP, Lectin-Free
- Meen Pollichathu - $49: banana leaf wrapped branzino, ginger, shallots Dietary tags: Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Alkaline
- Valiya Chemmeen Moilee - $55: lobster tail, mustard, turmeric, coconut milk Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Carnivore, Alkaline, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Ghee Roast Lamb Chops - $52: superior farm lamb, vegetable pulao, salna
- Goanese Oxtail - $51: angus oxtail, green cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, cilantro
- Dindigul Biryani - $42: goat, seeraga samba rice, garam masala, raita Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Kanyakumari Nandu Masala (For Two) - $145: Dungeness crab, parotta, coconut rice Dietary tags: Pescatarian
Sides
- Kal Dosa - $6 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Parotta - $6 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Ponni Rice - $5 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic
- Coconut Rice - $7 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic
Cocktails
- Roja Sour - $20: rose gin, curry leaf-infused aperitivo, watermelon, lemon, salted clove Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Lectin-Free
- Pushpa Punch - $22: Indian rum, dried chili spirit, coriander, yogurt, lemon, jeera Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Naatu Crush - $20: tharra, kokum, grapefruit, pomegranate, caraway, club soda Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Veeran on the Rocks - $23: Indian single malt, bay leaf-infused aperitif, amaro, tamarind, cucumber Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Soppana Sundari - $21: cacao-infused mezcal, cultured coconut, pear nectar, masala, Kashmiri chili Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
Zero Proof Cocktails
- Manjal Saaru - $14: cardamom and allspice gin alternative, spiced turmeric syrup, soda
- Prem - $14: curry leaf-infused apritif alternative, pomegranate, lemon, ginger, jeera Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Surya Udhayam - $14: Mediterranean citrus gin alternative, agave, orange juice, cardamom, lemon Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Juice-Cleanse
- Badtameez Dil - $14: sea buckthorn spirit alternative, caramelized pineapple, cultured coconut, Seville orange, saffron Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
Beer
In collaboration with Transmitter Brewing
- UN1 basmati rice premium lager - $12 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- UN2 pilsner - $12 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- UN3 coconut IPA - $12 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- UN4 mango saison - $12 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- ATHLETIC BREWING Upside Dawn N/A Golden Ale - $10
Wines by the Glass
- Sparkling Glera Mongarda, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, Extra Dry, Italy 2024 - $22 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- ROSÉ & ORANGE Grenache Peyrassol, Les Commandeurs, Provence, France 2024 - $24 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Sémillon Roberto Henríquez, Molino del Ciego, Itata Valley, Chile 2023 - $25 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- WHITE Grüner Veltliner Josef Fischer, Ried Frauenweingärten, Smaragd, Wachau, Austria 2021 - $26 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Prié Blanc Ermes Pavese, Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle, Aosta Valley, Italy 2024 - $25 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Chardonnay Chateau du Chatelard, Mâcon-Villages, Burgundy, France 2021 - $26 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- RED Malbec Corazon del Sol, Mendoza, Argentina 2023 - $25 Dietary tags: Lectin-Free
- Pinot Noir Brooks, Willamette Valley, USA 2023 - $26 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Merlot+ Château Clos Magne Figeac, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France 2020 - $26 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
Wines by the Bottle
- Sparkling Glera Mongarda, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, Extra Dry, Italy 2024 - $88 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- C, PN, PM La Caravelle, Brut Rosé, France NV - $100 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Chardonnay La Caravelle, Blanc de Blanc, Brut, France NV - $102 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- C, PN, PM Ayala, Brut Majeur, Brut, France NV - $130 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Chardonnay Franck Bonville Grand Cru, Blanc de Blancs Millesime, France 2016 - $170 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- C, PN, PM Laurent-Perrier, Brut Cuvee Rose, France NV - $210 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Chardonnay Laurent-Perrier, Brut Blanc de Blancs Nature, France NV - $222 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- C, PN Dom Pérignon, Brut, France 2015 - $600 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Chardonnay Laurent-Perrier, Brut Grand Siecle Grande Cuvee N.26, France NV - $650 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Chardonnay Gosset, CELEBRIS, Blanc de Blanc, Brut, France 2012 - $700 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- ROSÉ Grenache+ Peyrassol, Les Commandeurs, Provence, France 2024 - $96 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- ORANGE Sémillon Roberto Henriquez, Molino del Ciego, Itata Valley, Chile 2021 - $96 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- WHITE Sauvignon Blanc Domaine des Mazelles, Touraine, France, 2023 - $96 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Albarino Reborain, Rias Baixas, Spain, 2024 - $98 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Prié Blanc Ermes Pavese, Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle, Aosta Valley, Italy 2024 - $100 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Grüner Veltliner Josef Fischer, Ried Frauenweingärten, Smaragd, Wachau, Austria 2021 - $104 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Chardonnay Chateau du Chatelard, Mâcon-Villages, Burgundy, France 2021 - $104 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Chardonnay Matthiasson Linda Vista Vineyard, Napa, California 2023 - $106 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Sauvignon Blanc Domaine Thiery Merlin Cherrier Blanc, Sancerre, Loire Valley, France 2024 - $108 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Nascetta Elvio Cogno, Anas-Cëtta, Langhe, Piedmont, Italy 2023 - $110 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Chardonnay Domaine de la Meulière, Monts de Milieu, Chablis 1er Cru, France 2023 - $120 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Roussanne + Domaine des Senechaux, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône V, France 2022 - $130 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Timorasso Giacomo Borgogno e Figli, Derthona, Colli Tortonesi, Piedmont, Italy 2023 - $145 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Chardonnay Daniel-Etienne Defaix, Côte de Lechet, Chablis 1er Cru, France 2012 - $150 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Chardonnay Alexana Winery, ‘Signature’ Willamette Valley, USA 2022 - $180 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Chardonnay ZD Reserve, Napa, California 2021 - $204 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Riesling+ Marcel Deiss, ‘Burg’ Alsace Cru Blanc, France 2019 - $210 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Carricante Benanti, Pietramarina, Sicily, Italy 2019 - $220 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Sauvignon Blanc+ Blanc de Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, France 2022 - $240 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Pinot Gris+ Marcel Deiss, ‘Mambourg’ Alsace Grand Cru, France 2022 - $300 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- RED Mondeuse Domaine Louis Magnin, Arbin, Savoie, France 2015 - $98 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Malbec Corazon del Sol, Mendoza, Argentina 2023 - $100 Dietary tags: Lectin-Free
- Tempranillo Gómez Cruzado Viña Dorana Reserva, Rioja, Spain 2018 - $102 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Pinot Noir Brooks, Willamette Valley, USA 2023 - $104 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Merlot+ Château Clos Magne Figeac, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France 2020 - $104 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Sangiovese + Tenuta San Jacopo Chianti Riserva DOCG, Italy 2020 - $106 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Cabernet Sauvignon Les Pèlerins de Lafon-Rochet, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France 2016 - $108 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Tempranillo Alonso and Pedrajo, Suañe, Reserva, Rioja, Spain 2019 - $112 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Grenache+ Domaine du Grapillon d'Or, Gigondas, Rhône Valley, France 2022 - $115 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Syrah Clos Venturi Brama, Corsica, France, 2021 - $116 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Cabernet Sauvignon+ Chateau Lagrange Les Fiefs de Lagrange, Saint-Julien, France 2017 - $120 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Nebbiolo Barolo Cascina Nuova Elvio Cogno, Piedmont, Italy 2020 - $128 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Pinot Noir Sylvain Morey Chassagne Montrachet Rouge, Burgundy, France 2022 - $140 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Cabernet Sauvignon+ Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, France 2020 - $150 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Merlot+ Gaja, Ca'Marcanda, Promis, Tuscany, Italy 2023 - $160 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Grenache+ Domaine des Senechaux, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône Valley, France 2021 - $180 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Cabernet Sauvignon+ Hedge Family Estate,La Haute Cuvee, Red Mountain, Washington, USA 2018 - $210 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Cabernet Franc Tenuta Sette Cieli, Scipio, Tuscany, Italy 2017 - $220 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Cabernet Sauvignon+ Hedge Family Estate,La Haute Cuvee, Red Mountain, Washington, USA 2018 - $250 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Cabernet Sauvignon Revana Family Vineyards, Napa Valley, California, USA 2021 - $300 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Cabernet Sauvignon+ Opus One, Overture, Napa Valley, California, USA 2022 - $420 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Sangiovese Biondi Santi, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy 2018 - $460 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Pinot Noir Dom Faiveley Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Petite Chapelle, Cote de Nuits, France, 2022 - $480 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Sangiovese Castello Di Volpaia, Il Puro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Tuscany, Italy, 2020 - $500 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Sangiovese Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta 'Rennina', Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italy, 2018 - $525 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Cabernet Sauvignon Opus One, Napa Valley, California, USA 2021, 2022 - $800 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Pinot Noir Dom Faiveley Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France, 2021 - $900 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
Frequently Asked Questions about Semma
- Does this restaurant have a website or online ordering?
- Semma has a website at http://semma.nyc/, though the provided data does not mention if online ordering is available.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- Semma supports vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, paleo, and pescatarian diets with dishes like Gutti Vankaya and Kozhi Allepey.
- Where is this restaurant located?
- Based on the provided website http://semma.nyc/, this restaurant is located in New York City.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- 80% of the menu items listed meet these dietary needs, including vegan Kaikari Kurma and keto-friendly Kozhi Allepey.
- How does this restaurant compare to others in the same cuisine type?
- Semma distinguishes itself as an expensive ($$$) Michelin-starred restaurant with a 4.2/5 rating for exceptional South Indian cuisine.
- Is this a good spot for a date or special occasion?
- Rated 4.2/5, this expensive Michelin-starred restaurant is ideal for special occasions, with staff noted for their helpfulness during celebrations.
- Does this restaurant offer good ambiance?
- Rated 4.2/5, Semma offers a sophisticated energy and a lively, albeit sometimes crowded, atmosphere that guests consistently appreciate.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- Semma is a Michelin-starred Indian restaurant that currently maintains an overall average rating of 4.2/5 from its customers.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The menu features 15 highlighted dishes and accommodates 37 dietary preferences including vegan, keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo options.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Customers mention that the lively atmosphere can sometimes be crowded, even though they highly praise the exceptional South Indian cuisine.
Restaurants near Semma
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- Madam Ji — Indian
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- Gupshup — Indian
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- Manhattan Indian Flavor — Indian
- Curry Flavor — Indian
- Sathi — Indian
- Adda — Indian
- Veeray Da Dhaba — Indian
