Shaan of India   

57 W 48th St
New York, NY 10020
212-977-8400

Directions   Email   Send to Cell  

Luxurious banquettes, striking ethnic tapestries, romantic lighting and well-spaced tables are the elegant touches at Shaan that knock it a notch above many Indian eateries. The classical sitarist who plays on Friday and Saturday evenings only adds to that atmosphere. Shaan's kitchen, which produces a generous all-you-can-eat luncheon buffet, is capable of uncommon refinement at dinner. Tandoors send forth lobster, rack and whole leg of lamb, and one of the most savory quail dishes we've ever had. Other good choices: methi palak corn (baby corn in spinach sauce with fenugreek) and lobster in a spicy ginger-accented red sauce. If asked, solicitous servers may indicate a few "grandmother" dishes such as flour puffs stuffed with potatoes, chickpeas and sprouted beans, topped with tamarind and mint sauce, or potato patties stuffed with minced lamb.