Looking for a delicious Indian dining experience in Manhattan? Red Onion in the East Village offers a vibrant mix of bottomless brunch, flavorful lunch specials, and authentic dinner platters. This guide walks you through everything—from best-value meals to reservation tips.
Why Red Onion Is NYC’s Go-To Indian Spot
- Authenticity meets vibe:
Owned by Varun Singh (Rajasthan roots), Red Onion sources freshly procured spices and traditional recipes, yet caters to the East Village’s casual, social energy.
- All‑day appeal:
Opens early for brunch, maintains a buzzy midday lunch crowd, and transitions into evening service with shared plates and cocktails.
- Standout features:
Boasts bottomless mimosa packages, buffet‑style brunch, vegetarian & vegan options, and Halal certification.
Brunch at Red Onion: Bottomless Mimosa & Flavor Fiesta
- When:
Saturdays 11:30 AM–4 PM
- What to expect:
Brunch includes bottomless mimosas, peach bellinis, and savory starters like lamb seekh kebab and butter naan.
- Top dishes:
- Masala Omelette – spiced egg classic
- Appam Pancakes – fermented rice pancakes
- Chicken Tikka Burrito – fusion favorite
- Cost:
$39 per person for 90 minutes of unlimited cocktails and buffet items—excellent value compared to à la carte dinner prices ($30+).
- Pro Tip:
Arrive early—brunch fills fast with groups and tourists hunting Indian fusion dishes.
3. Lunch: Quick, Affordable & Flavorful
Timing:
Mon-Sat, 11:30 AM–4 PM
Highlights:
Light yet delicious lunch specials, lunch combo plates, and express options.
Dish recommendations:
- Butter Chicken Lunch Combo – creamy, iconic
- Veggie Thali – sampling platter
- Garlic Naan + Dal Tadka – hearty and vegetarian
Value:
Most dishes range from $15–$25, making it a friendly midweek pick for locals.
Dinner: A Full-Flavor Indian Feast
When:
Daily from 5 PM
Ambiance:
Cozy lighting, communal tables, elevated casual feel—perfect for a date or group gathering.
Must-try dishes:
- Chicken Recheado – tangy Goan chicken
- Lamb Seekh Kabab – smoky skewers
- Saag Paneer – creamy spinach & cheese
- Gluten-free & vegan options available on request
Beer & drinks:
Sophisticated drinks and signature drinks go well with robust spices.
Dietary-Friendly Options
- Vegan:
Appam pancakes, veggie thali, plant-based starters
- Gluten-free:
Rice dishes, curries, non-wheat bread (verify during ordering)
- Halal:
Meat dishes sourced per Halal standards
Cost & Value Comparison
Service Timing Price Range Includes
Brunch Sat 11:30–4 PM ~$39 pp Bottomless cocktails + buffet
Lunch Daily till 4 PM $15–25 Combo plates or à la carte
Dinner From 5 PM $25–45 Full entrée + sides + drinks
Takeaway:
Brunch offers the best value if you’re into festive vibes and drinks; lunch is quick and cost-effective; dinner is for full-flavor culinary experience.
Booking, Delivery & Reservation Tips
- Reservations:
The site is open for dinner; offer everyone or go on a romantic evening.
- Walk-ins:
Common for lunch/brunch, but avoid waiting by arriving right at opening times.
- Takeout & Delivery:
The full menu—including brunch items—is available via GrubHub and DoorDash.
8. Real Guest Reviews & Vibe
- Yelp review
“The bottomless brunch was fantastic—the food was perfectly balanced and the cocktails kept coming.”
- TripAdvisor
“Dinner was rich and exciting—great flavors. Although a little busy, the service was prompt”.
Guests praise flavorful dishes and cocktails; some note weekend crowds and wait times. When searching for Indian bottomless brunch in NYC, Red Onion always comes out top.
9. How Red Onion Stacks Against Competitors
Feature Red Onion Tamarind (Upper West Side)
Bottomless Brunch Yes No
Vegan-friendly Good Limited
Price Range $$–$$$ $$$
Reservation Ease OpenTable OpenTable
FAQs — Clear Answers from Real Queries
Q: How do I reserve Red Onion brunch?
No bookings for brunch—walk-ins work best on weekdays, weekend visitors should come by 11:30 AM.🤣
Q: Does Red Onion accommodate gluten-free diets?
Yes—you can request rice, curries, and gluten-free breads. Double-check for cross-contamination.
Q: Is the brunch bottomless drink menu time-limited?
Indeed—unlimited beverages and buffet-style apps for ninety minutes.
Q: Is there parking near the East Village spot?
Street parking is limited. For dinner, consider taking a cab, subway (L to 3rd Ave), or rideshare.
CONCLUSION:
Go for brunch: If you’re celebrating, craving bottomless cocktails, or want a festive vibe with friends.Head for lunch: When time is short—you need a satisfying meal without the feast Book dinner: When you want full-flavour Indian cuisine with curated ambience.
