Bazzi Restaurant openings in New York City There’s a dime a dozen, but a few have caught the attention of Ambassadors Clubhouse, the city’s newest upscale Indian restaurant. The two-story restaurant in NoMad just opened in early February and has quickly become a sought-after destination thanks to its celebrity-studded guest list, rich Punjabi cuisine, and an air of opulence that embodies why going out to restaurants remains so special.
The buzz resulted in a waiting list of more than 50,000 people during the first week after opening, according to the restaurant’s public relations team. When you have to jump through hoops to get in the door, expectations are understandably high when you take your seat, but Ambassadors Clubhouse has already proven it’s worth the hustle.
Ambassadors Clubhouse is already one of the favorite restaurants of London-born hospitality group JKS. Founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina Sethi, the team is responsible for 35 locations around the world, including Gymkhana, which Opened a US location in Las Vegas Late last year; An informal series of hoppers; And the original Ambassadors Clubhouse location in Mayfair, Londonwhich just received a Michelin star in February.
Located on the ground floor of the A24 office building at 1245 Broadway, the restaurant channels the magic of its neighbor’s films into every aspect of the design. The two-story, 8,000-square-foot space was designed by North End, with jewel-toned details, stained glass and Tiffany chandeliers to mimic the palaces and mansions of Punjab. Many of the minimalist decor pieces were flown directly from India, including the fabric lining the walls and the velvet paisley rug underfoot. The siblings took inspiration from their grandparents as well, hence the huge portrait of their grandfather that you’ll pass while walking downstairs.
The menu, helmed by Chef Karan Mittal, is organized by culinary style, with a distinct tandoori section that celebrates the flame-kissed clay pot cooking of the region and plenty of generously sized plates designed for sharing during festive meals. Drinks also get you into the party. The majority of the cocktails are fun Indian twists on margaritas and other drinks containing tequila and mezcal. To really get things going, order the Patiala Big, an ode to the age-old Punjabi hospitality tradition that includes a table-side pour of four ounces of Johnnie Walker Black Label with bubblegum syrup and saffron Afghan bitters.
while Indian restaurants These cuisines are spreading across the city to acclaim, and it’s still rare to find a place dedicated to Punjabi, so I was excited to sample the fiery tandoori dishes and the rich, aromatic curries that seemed perfect for the season. We chose the dinner feast, a four-course tour of North India. It delivers on its name – so much so that with only a table for two to share the table of overflowing dishes, we left with a huge shopping bag full of leftovers.
No matter what you decide to order, each meal begins with a basket of different crunchy appetizers served with a colorful array of yogurt-based sauces and sauces. The Chili Cheese Pakode was another favorite to start the meal, as the fried, cheese-filled ball with tomato sauce was a playful version of a street food snack that reminded me of a spicy, flat mozzarella stick.
The second course consists of two of the restaurant’s best dishes: Ajwaini Wild Jheenga and Original BBQ Butter Chicken Chop. The large prawns are marinated in a mixture of yellow chili peppers, yoghurt and carom seeds (ajwain), giving the dish a distinct charred flavour. The tender chicken is transformed into a lollipop with the bone sticking out of the top and dipped in the delicious butter chicken sauce that should be the original model for the dish.
The restaurant’s upscale feel is reflected in the prices — $145 per person for the full feast, which, considering the amount of food, seems like a bargain. Order the shrimp and butter chicken to order, and it’ll set you back $96 for just one course. However, the menu has a range of price points, so you can keep it simple or go out with a seafood tower for $95 and dishes meant for sharing between two to four people, like Kotkapura Royal Atta Chicken for $120.
For the main event, you can choose from curry dishes made with shrimp, lamb or veal, as well as some vegetarian options. In addition to the dish of your choice, the restaurant fills the table with an array of other dishes such as dal, sweet potatoes, biryani with chickpeas, and a bread basket filled with different types of naan and paratha, making it the perfect way to leave feeling like you have tried everything the restaurant has to offer.
As customers delve into Indian cuisine, a playlist that mixes old Punjabi music with current-day songs sets the mood. It faded into the background until my friend and I turned to each other to ask, “Are they playing Nelly’s ‘Ride Wit Me?'” Calling up DJ Amrit Mattoo shows how much the team is in touch with details. It’s good to have an upbeat playlist because with all that excess, you need an upper to help you execute the final shots so you can hit the check.
Ultimately, the restaurant is designed for a night out that reminds you why it’s worth playing the reservation game. From the theatrical service with a generous presentation of dishes to the lively dining room, the entire restaurant leans into its fun, though fine dining, atmosphere. Yes, it’s hard to get reservations. Yes, it’s definitely expensive. But once you sit down, it’s clear that the hype isn’t just about getting a table, it’s about staying through dinner to absorb every thoughtful detail.
