About Passerine

Located at 36 East 20th Street in the Flatiron District, Passerine is a stunning seasonal Indian restaurant that opened in late 2024 to immediate acclaim, landing on both Eater's and The Infatuation's "Best Indian in NYC" lists . The name refers to an order of songbirds prominent in India, and the space lives up to that inspiration—think romantic golden light, lush leaf-printed wallpaper, and a pendant lamp that looks just like the moon, creating an atmosphere one reviewer called "stylish and sexy" . The culinary pedigree here is serious. Executive Chef Chetan Shetty previously helmed the Michelin-starred Rania in Washington, D.C., and spent a decade at Indian Accent in both New York and Delhi . What makes Passerine truly special is the personal touch: the spice blends are ground by Chef Shetty's mother in Pune, India, and shipped to New York, while produce comes fresh from the Union Square Greenmarket . The wine program is led by Chef's wife, April Busch, and cocktails are crafted by Mario Castro . The experience begins in a swanky, lounge-like Drawing Room, where you can order caviar-accented snacks and excellent cocktails before being escorted to your table . The food leans toward inventive small plates meant for sharing, with standouts including the Kolhapuri Lamb Tartare (served with delicate fried shiso leaves), the Beet Poriyal Tart (with beet custard, goat cheese, and honey), and the Shrimp Koliwada (juicy shrimp in silky red chili chutney that holds its crispy exterior) . For mains, the Chicken Saagwala is described as one of the most boldly flavored dishes—a silky, spicy spinach curry that you'll fight over, and the Slow Roasted Cabbage swimming in brown butter and coriander-laced coconut curry is a vegetarian standout . Portions are on the modest side, but that's by design—save room for the desserts, like the adorable cocoa husk ice cream sandwich wrapped in brown paper with a vintage bird stamp .