Food was straight up amazing. You can tell they actually care about quality. Great spot to eat, relax, and enjoy some seriously good food. Ridwan and agnes good excellent serviced

The establishment was clean, cozy and not loud, save for a few rude guests behind us who were taking a business call during dinner... Our server was polite, and came by often to refill waters and ask how we were doing. The food: Salt and Pepper Squid - 3/5 - Tender and crispy the shrimp could have been great, but I felt like it was under salted and could have even used additional spices like white pepper or some of that pink peppercorn in such a dish. Tangy Glazed Shrimp - 4/5 - nicely sweet and sour, this Shrimp came in a good portion and had a nice bite to it too. It came on a bed of these jelly noodles, which seemed unnecessary, and were too slippery and too tender, slipping out of our chopsticks or breaking. It did carry the orange flavored sauce decently well though. Black truffle steak cubes - 5/5 - Great dish, you can taste the black truffle and onion sauce, the steak was tender enough for me, although could have been a bit more tenderized somehow. It came with mushrooms and snap peas that were great in breaking up the flavor and texture. Crispy fried chicken - 5/5 - another great dish, the skin was flavorful and crispy, and the meat tender. Not much more to say other than the chef did a great job with the prep and plating, no bones in the meat and pre sliced akin to Peking Duck. Sesame ice cream - 5/5 - simple tasty refreshing. If you like sesame you'll love this. Fried milk custard - 5/5 - served with some sticky condensed milk, this blew my mind. Crispy on the outside but with the texture of flan or custard inside. I don't know how they did it but the condensed milk added the perfect sweetness I will think about this dessert for a long time to come.

Came here with a friend for lunch and had a wonderful experience. The restaurant has a cozy, homely vibe (at least to me)—clean, comfortable, and welcoming. We sat by the window, which gave us a great spot to enjoy both the food and some quiet, natural light. We ordered the double-cooked pork belly, which was rich, savory, and had just the right touch of heat—paired beautifully with nutty purple rice. The cucumber salad with garlic gravy was one of those deceptively simple dishes where less truly means more: crisp, refreshing, and appetite-opening. We also tried the jellyfish salad. It was light, delicately seasoned, with that perfect chewy texture that makes it such a satisfying cold dish. The service was incredibly friendly and courteous. We were even treated to lychee ice cream on the house, which was a lovely surprise! I ordered the tea-smoked duck fried rice to go, and the waiter thoughtfully came back to confirm whether I wanted the regular portion or the lunch special (which I did)! A small gesture that showed real attention to detail! I truly appreciate this level of care and hospitality. Great food and great service! I’ll definitely be back!

I noticed a $14 lunch special that was too good to ignore. A main dish, white rice, two mini egg rolls and a side of pickled cucumbers—what a fantastic deal for NYC. That sign is what pulled me into Twilight Lounge, a newly opened Sichuan and Cantonese restaurant in the East Village that’s already showing serious promise. For the lunch special, I ordered the Kung Pao Chicken, which came with white or purple rice, egg rolls and pickled cucumbers. The chicken was tender with just the right amount of wok-seared edges, tossed in a glossy sauce that struck a nice balance between sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice. Crunchy peanuts gave it texture as well as the egg rolls w plum sauce and the cool, vinegary cucumbers on the side refreshed the palate between bites. For $14 in Manhattan? A steal. I came with family and we ordered a few dishes off the regular menu to share. The Spicy Cumin Lamb was a standout. Sliced thin and stir-fried with whole dried chilies and cumin seeds, the dish had a smoky, earthy depth that lingered in a good way. It packed some heat, but it was the kind that builds slowly—warming, not overwhelming. The real surprise for me was the dry-style Sichuan Beef Noodle. I usually expect something heavier or soup-based, but this version came tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce that clung beautifully to the chewy noodles. The marinated beef slices were flavorful and tender, and the overall dish felt comforting yet bold. It’s the kind of meal you could crave on a rainy day—or after a long one. The Twilight Fried Rice also deserves mention. Unlike typical fried rice dishes, this version arrived with a crispy bottom layer—almost like a socarrat from paella—adding a delightful crunch to each spoonful. It was savory, aromatic, and loaded with bits of egg, scallions, and diced vegetables. It's a clever and satisfying twist on a classic that I didn’t expect to love as much as I did. We also tried dishes like the beef pancake roll, which was like a scallion pancake rolled around savory beef slices, the wife and husband sliced beef in chili oil, spicy shrimp, and the spicy fried fish filet, both of which leaned on the hotter side, so be warned if you’re spicy –sensitive (or tell them to adjust the spice level). I found the lotus root stir-fry refreshing and light, with its mix of squash, wood ear mushrooms and lotus root slices. And a special shoutout to Jonathan, who took care of our table with warmth, efficiency, and always with a smile. Twilight Lounge an East Village gem that brings the heat, flavor, and hospitality. Definitely one to watch.

So happy this place opened up. We love Sichuan-style dishes but don’t always feel like waiting for a table to open up at some of the bigger places up at St. Marks. Great food, we got the crispy sichuan chicken, cumin lamb and the green beans. Authentic, great flavor with a good spice level. They serve beer/ wine too. Love the vibes, I plan to visit again with friends and family. The owner JC was friendly too.

This was one of the best Chinese food spots I have been to in a long time! Everything was so good. The beef pancake (perfectly juicy meat and the outside was crispy) and duck fried rice were especially memorable to me. Highly, highly recommend this place to anyone!

Macy Gettles

This place is the best!!! Staff is so kind. Food is amazing. Atmosphere is unmatched. $60 for 3 people & a ton of leftovers. can’t beat it

Kiandra Jones

My friend and I came right when they opened & though they weren’t quite ready for us they accommodated and the service was wonderful. You can taste that everything is made fresh. I definitely recommend coming on a weekday !!

+1

Josh Franecki

I had the pleasure of enjoying lunch at Panna II Garden Indian Restaurant, and it was a truly memorable experience. From the moment I walked in, the restaurant’s eclectic and colorful décor immediately caught my attention — the ceiling is covered in hanging lights, creating a quirky and cozy vibe that’s hard to forget. The service was friendly and quick, making it a great spot for a relaxing yet efficient lunch. I ordered the lamb curry with basmati rice, and it was full of rich, bold flavors. The spices were perfectly balanced, and the meat was tender and well-cooked. The garlic naan on the side was warm and fresh, with just the right amount of crispiness. Everything was reasonably priced, and the atmosphere made the meal even more enjoyable. Panna II is a gem for anyone who loves flavorful Indian food in a fun, lively setting. Highly recommend it for a lunch that’s both tasty and unique!

Caroline Miller

Cool little authentic Indian place with reasonable prices. BYOB -they provide glasses and will open wine/beer. Lots of appetizers and entrees from which to choose. Many vegetarian options. It is small and crowded and fun. We had reservations for a party of 5 on a Friday night for a birthday celebration. Service is excellent, attentive without being obsequious. Can't wait to go back.

Victor Bernabei

I went here as a kid and I can't believe I almost forgot about this truly amazing, unforgettable restaurant. Amazing food and unparalleled ambiance. Other reviewers note cash only and BYOB so you need to go to an ATM and bring alcohol (though lassis are on offer). We got the sylhet saag (savory and delicious), Kati chicken and poori appetizer (awesome and bread is fresh) and tandoori chicken (not the most flavorful but redder than the decor). I only wish they would open a Panna III in my neighborhood :)

Diana Martinez

This place offers a unique experience in New York's vibrant East Village. The space is small but charming, decorated with colorful lights that create a festive atmosphere. The food is delicious and the prices are affordable. They allow you to bring your own alcohol, we brought beers and the staff kindly opened them for us. Overall, it's a delightful spot to enjoy a fun night with great food and friends.

Shannon Pogue-Lue

Superb food and excellent service. I will definitely be returning. My son had a seafood combo, tandoori lamb, I had lamb biryani and for appetizer we had coconut samosas for drinks mango lassies. They also gave us complementary dessert. Would definitely recommend. Beautiful atmosphere and overall pleasurable dining experience.

+6

Florence

Best decor ever- it's overdone and so much fun! I've been coming here for the last 20+ years in large and small groups and it's always a great time. At my last visit, we were given complementary Banana Fritters which arrived huge, delicious, and piping hot! Then, with almonds, raisins, and sweet spices in a cream sauce, the Lamb Kurma IS A MUST!!! While this amazing dish came with rice, we also enjoyed it with some naan. To drink, their sweet Mango Lassi refreshed with a good hint of cardamom. My daughter also savored their complementary chocolate ice cream. After everything, we were all satisfied and smiley. Good vibes, good times! NOTES/TIPS: **Stairs up to their front door. **Cash only. **Loud and crowded most evenings; not busy at all during the day. **Temporarily closed due to the Covid crisis.

+3

Luna B.

The best place for curry and Indian dishes. If you're looking for authentic Indian under a colorful backdrop, this is your place! The service may be a bit slow, due to the high volume of customers, but the wait is worth it! This location is CASH ONLY, but you won't spend more than $40, unless you can eat for two. Did I mention that you can bring your own wine?

Came here for a late lunch and left with a pretty hefty bill. The place was clean and was pretty modern—service was decent as well. We ordered suan cai yu, which they used flounder as the fish. The fish was a bit flakey and didn’t taste amazing but the broth was good. It wasn’t too oily like some other places so that was a plus. We also had the crab roe tofu which was pretty good as my partner reallly liked it. And had the seasonal vegetable stir fry which was simple but delicious. For the price we paid after tax + tip I expected higher quality food but overall I’m not super mad about it because the portion sizes are good.

My completely unfounded hypothesis for how Twilight Lounge came to be is that the founders wanted to open an authentic Canto spot but after market researching (AKA talking to the locals), they learned that New Yorkers are crazy for Szechuan food, so they decided to tack that on--because Chinese people are nothing if not people pleasers. And thus this Cantonese-Szechuan menu was born. The above is based on an untrue story. Now on to the food. - Wood Ear Mushroom Salad: Refreshing and perfectly spicy - Lotus Root Stir-fry Medley: Because we all need fiber. Get this classic stir-fry to make your bathroom trips more fun. - Crab Roe Silken Tofu: Soft and tasty, better than I expected. - Wong Fei Hung Prawns: If you look at this name and the Jet Li theme song doesn't automatically play in your head, you're not Cantonese enough to appreciate this dish. But it's okay; this dish is so good, it would win over a vegan. It was easily the star of the show, everyone's favorite. The prawns were plump and juicy, and the peppercorns were crunchy and satisfying--all coming together in the perfect marriage of mouth-singing flavor. We picked this clean like buzzards circling a dead rodent. - Sichuan Braised Fish: Our first taste of their Szechuan offerings, and the verdict is....pass! This was spicy, umami and complex, loaded with mouth-tender fish and veggies, and as comforting and filling as similar offerings at Szechuan restaurants. - Tea Smoked Duck Fried Rice: Not much duck, smoke or tea flavor. Not much duck either. I'd skip this unless you really want to blow money on fried rice. Service was friendly and attentive, and decor was modern chic. Twilight Lounge has stiff competition from the borough, but it surprisingly holds its own--esp. if you're in this neck of the woods and craving umami.

L H

Panna II is an absolute hidden gem in NYC. This place is pure chaos—in the best way possible. Christmas lights everywhere, decorations hanging from every inch of the ceiling, random flags, and full-on sensory overload. If you love tacky, over-the-top Christmas decor, you will LOVE this spot. And the best part? The decorations stay up all year long 🎄✨ It’s cash or Venmo only, so come prepared. Prices are extremely reasonable—honestly, very affordable for NYC—and the menu is massive. Tons of options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, so everyone can find something they’ll enjoy. Fair warning: it’s tight. You will be very close to your neighbors, but that honestly adds to the experience. It’s cozy, lively, and feels like a shared adventure. The owner is super nice, the atmosphere is fun and chaotic, and overall it’s just a great time. If you’re looking for delicious food, great value, and a totally unique vibe, Panna II is a must.

+1

Effy Liu

I do love this place, server is pretty nice and the food is good, maybe a bit too spicy for me and I can do a lot of spicy! We did the set menu and I feel like the appetizer is a bit too dry but there’s the soup to have it with, so it’s not bad. I do think is an absolutely beautiful place for a unique dining experience. It’s so dramatic, overwhelming but it’s def cheering me up!

+1

mishelina iracheta

People who gave this restaurant a rating of anything less than four stars are upset they weren't pampered and babied by the staff. Food was incredibly good despite the tiny space to eat it. Will be going again

Mary Langan

This was definitely a unique dining experience and in its own way it was memorable. I have never been in such a tiny restaurant with so little space to maneuver. The wait staff literally pulls tables away from the wall for you to slide onto the wall side bench and then pushes it back towards you - every inch matters here. This restaurant is a bit of a machine - the waitstaff is very present and urging you onwards through your meal, they turn over tables quickly. I can see why the place was humming - people come because it's the most affordable Indian food around. But the food itself is not memorable at all. The decor is one of a kind but all I could think of was how difficult it must be to properly clean all those strings of lights (to the point where I highly doubt they do get cleaned). If you want affordable Indian food in a restaurant setting in lower Manhattan this fits that bill. Would not recommend if you are a person of size (either height or width really) nor a wheel chair user nor if you have significant mobility issues.

+5

Overall, the dining experience was quite pleasant. We arrived close to closing time, yet the staff were still warm and welcoming, showing no signs of impatience—something that truly deserves recognition. From ordering to food service, the process was smooth and efficient, with dishes arriving promptly, which is a definite plus for diners who are short on time. As for the food, portion sizes were on the smaller side, so those with a bigger appetite may want to order a few extra dishes. The flavors were generally solid and reliable—nothing particularly outstanding, but also nothing disappointing. The Suancai Fish was well-executed, with a good balance of sourness and saltiness, making it a safe and steady choice. The standout dish, however, was the Salted Egg Yolk Tofu, which was excellent and easily the highlight of the meal. Overall, strong service and efficiency are the key strengths here. If you’re looking for a place for a quick and hassle-free meal, this restaurant is certainly worth considering.

Having tried a lot of Sichuanese restaurants in NYC, I kind of have a bar and this place failed to meet it. It’s a place for a more Americanized palate. The food lacked flavor and punch and was not served hot enough. The three pepper chicken was tough (didn’t want to even bring back any leftovers), the fried rice with mustard green shoots was good, the Fish Fillet w/ Silken Tofu Pudding was okay as it lacked flavor, the lotus root stir-fry medley was disappointing with big chunks of celery and cucumber and no flavor. They brought out the rice last, meanwhile what are you supposed to eat the rest of the food with? My biggest problem was with the atmosphere. The air conditioning was so strong that the food got cold in minutes add then was not enjoyable. You don’t need to blast the A/C and serve cold food - instead adjust it to pleasantly comfortable. Went to celebrate a birthday but was let down. Won’t go back.

Vincent M.

An iconic spot with a crazy interior that’s a must-see. The pricing is very cheap and the BYOB policy is a huge plus. The food is okay, but be extremely cautious with the spice levels as they pack a serious punch. The waiter is very straightforward and borders on unfriendly, but it fits the vibe perfectly and he’s genuinely a good guy once you’re settled. Great for an authentic, budget-friendly night out.

+1

Shreyas Shah

A great place for a surreal experience. The lights, permanent birthday and valentines signs, wrapping paper covered ceiling, just gotta roll with it and enjoy. The food, well that’s not the star but it’s ok. It’s good enough if you go in with lowered expectations. Food is fairly oily and bland and many of the dishes taste similar, nothing bad, just not distinctive. Service was fine and as long as no one is waiting for a table, they were laid back and let you linger as needed. It’s BYOB, make sure to bring some cold brews to make it a fun night!

+6

Grace Martinez

Very cool place, comfortable and Nice music! I was waiting more flavor, Indian food is very special. The chicken Massala a bit sweet style, Mango Lassi espectacular also the breads. I think they also need a bit of salt on the bread and rice. Good price and good service.

+5

George Espinal

I’ve been meaning to explore this restaurant for a while. I finally did it and was disappointed. For starters the place is at the top of a very steep staircase. Once you enter it’s the size of your grandmother’s living room. The wait staff aggressively pushed us in without checking our vaccination cards. The place was packed to the rim with no room to comfortably seat or hang our coats behind the seat. The flood was bland and not the rich Indian food we’ve expected. The wait staff is extremely inattentive and forgetful. The food is fairly priced. Dinner for two runs you up about $55-65 dollars. Establishment allows BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle). Alcoholic beverage. Establishment is cash only. Establishment has a beautiful and tasteful decor with the lighting, flashing lights and music. Three stars is awarded because of the cash only option, the blandness of the food and the inattentive wait staff.

+10

LOVE

Found this restaurant online and decided to pop in with family for a quick meal. The place has a lot of lights which would be cool if the lights weren’t so long that it hits you in the head when you stand up lol . The seating was WAY TOO TIGHT my family and the family next to us were basically sitting in each other lap we couldn’t even move the chair to get up to use the bathroom without disturbing each other. when we asked for some space the waiter got upset . the waiter we had was okay but kept interrupting our dinner reaching over our food to ask if if we wanted more water which was slightly annoying even after we declined multiple times . The food wasn’t that good to me it was a little over cooked and I didn’t care for the spices used but I’m not much of an Indian food lover so please don’t go off my experience. The rice comes in a family style dish and you can ask them to refill when you’re ready for more. My son didn’t like the chicken he said it was tough , I had the lamb it was tender in my option not tasty . For the overall service and food I don’t think it was worth the price . The restaurant is for the CASH ONLY and parking is tough around the area . Please be prepared. It’s byob so bring your wine . Happy eating 🍽️

+9

vi

If you HATE flavor, then this is for you… Not once did they ask about the spice level or how we wanted our drinks. The food was bland, overly mild, and didn’t even have a pinch of salt. The curry is very sweet, and the server is very over the top. Every few minutes, he would walk over and ask if the food was good. It was not. Informed the server of our concerns, but he just apologized and did not try to find a resolution. Left half of the entrees behind because they weren’t even fixable with the provided condiments. The portions were also very small for the price. The complimentary appetizer flatbread (not sure of the name, but it’s like a large tortilla chip with seeds) was stale. The decorations are also very bothersome. I am only 5’9, yet my braids were constantly being caught on the lights hanging down.

El Klub de Mika

Honestly, one of the worst places I’ve been in NYC. The garlic naan had a texture like it was made with sand, the samosas were the ones that come in a box and you can buy at any grocery—I know because when I exited the restaurant I saw the boxes next to the trash, butter chicken and tikka masala were minimum portions. Even tho it’s cheap, it’s not worth it. The service wasn’t great either, there was a group that was celebrating a birthday and they were so cheerful to them, with my table it was like they were annoyed and removed plates before we were done eating. The ambiance it’s definitely interesting with all the lights but when you wonder how do they manage to clean all those lights it gets sketchy.