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Padma Lakshmi’s Favorite NYC Date Night Spots
When the author, producer, and TV host isn’t running around filming Hulu’s Taste The Nation, these are her go-to spots for a romantic night out in NYC.
Welcome to Perfect For, an Infatuation series of ultra-specific restaurant recommendations from people around town you don't know personally, but might wish you did. Today, Padma Lakshmi gives her five favorite date night spots in NYC.
If Padma Lakshmi isn’t a household name to you, well, she should be. She’s been the host of Top Chef since 2006, and the author, producer, and TV host has racked up both Emmy nominations and a James Beard Award.
She’s eaten just about every type of food in the world, and her latest show, Taste the Nation, highlights culinary traditions across the country, like Afghan cuisine in Washington, DC and Nigerian traditions in Houston. (Season 2 is now available to stream on Hulu.)
While she’s often traveling around the world, she still enjoys a great meal out in New York City. These are her go-to spots for date night, whether she's going out for an intimate South Indian dinner or hanging out at the bar of her favorite East Village pasta spot.
photo credit: David A. Lee
"I can’t say enough good things about Semma. Chef Vijay Kumar is an extraordinary talent, cooking up some of the best South Indian food I’ve ever tasted. Killer cocktail list, and every dish on the menu is a winner."
photo credit: Emily Schindler
"It's helmed by the very talented Chef Marie-Aude Rose and offers really beautiful French food without being overly fussy. It’s inside Roman and Williams Guild, so you can also browse through some exquisite home goods while on-premise."
"Indochine is an institution—it’s fun, stylish, and makes for great people-watching. The food is also equally healthy and delicious—you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other."
"The Infatuation has actually written about my love of this beloved East Village gem before, owned by my dear friend Beatrice Tosti and her husband Julio. It’s reliable any night of the week, and they also have a fantastic weekend brunch."
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