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{{Short description|Restaurant in New York City}}
{{About|the restaurant in Manhattan|the Tamil film|Semma}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox restaurant
| name = Semma
| logo =
| logo_width =
| logo_alt =
| image = Semma NYC.jpg
| image_width =
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Semma in April 2024
| pushpin_map =
| map_width =
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
| slogan =
| established = {{Start date|2021}}
| closed =
| current_owner = Roni Mazumdar <br />Chintan Pandya
| chef =
| head_chef = Vijay Kumar
| food_type = [[South Indian cuisine]]
| dress_code =
| rating = [[Michelin Guide]]: {{Michelinstar|1}}
| street_address = 60 Greenwich Avenue
| city = New York City
| county =
| state = New York
| postcode = 10011
| country = United States
| coordinates = {{Coord|40|44|9.7|N|74|0|2.2|W|type:landmark_region:US-NY|display=inline,title}}
| seating_capacity = 79 (12 bar seats,) 85 in the summer (with patio)
| reservations = Required outside of the bar/summer patio
| other_locations =
| other_information =
| website = {{URL|semma.nyc|semma.nyc}}
}}
'''Semma''' is an [[Indian cuisine|Indian]] restaurant in [[New York City]] specializing in [[South Indian cuisine]]. The restaurant, operated by Roni Mazumdar and Chintan Pandya and their hospitality group Unapologetic Foods, replaced their first collaborative restaurant, Rahi. The restaurant received a Michelin Star in 2022, which it retained in 2023 and in 2024, it has received positive reviews from restaurant critics. Its chef Vijay Kumar won the 2025 [[James Beard Foundation Award]] for best chef in New York State.

==History and focus==
Rahi, the restaurant which previously occupied Semma's location, closed in September 2021.<ref name=eater-adams-13.10.22>{{cite news |last1=Adams |first1=Erika |title=Star Dhamaka Team Closes Rahi to Make Way for a New South Indian Spot |url=https://ny.eater.com/2021/10/13/22723121/semma-restaurant-west-village-opening-menu |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=Eater NY |date=October 13, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111163247/https://ny.eater.com/2021/10/13/22723121/semma-restaurant-west-village-opening-menu |url-status=live }}</ref> Semma opened on October 12, 2021.<ref name=eater-adams-13.10.22/> Vijay Kumar left his position as chef at [[Rasa (restaurant)|Rasa]], an Indian restaurant in California, to become Executive chef/ partner at Semma.<ref name=eater-adams-13.10.22/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Cheshes |first1=Jay |title=Inside New York's dining revolution |url=https://www.ft.com/content/9bbd0dbc-b9f0-44a6-ac3d-6047ceea970a |access-date=July 9, 2024 |work=Financial Times |date=June 27, 2022}}</ref> Kumar grew up in [[Tamil Nadu]] and designed the menu to focus on the foods of [[Southern India]].<ref name=eater-adams-13.10.22/> Dishes on the menu, including the nathai pirattal (a snail dish) and a venison dish, were inspired by meals prepared by Kumar's family during his childhood.<ref name=vogueindia-shah-8.12.22>{{cite news |last1=Shah |first1=Pooja |title=How Semma became the only Indian restaurant in the US to win a Michelin star this year |url=https://www.vogue.in/culture-and-living/content/semma-becomes-the-only-indian-restaurant-in-the-us-to-win-a-michelin-star-this-year |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=Vogue India |date=December 8, 2022 |language=en-IN |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111170130/https://www.vogue.in/culture-and-living/content/semma-becomes-the-only-indian-restaurant-in-the-us-to-win-a-michelin-star-this-year |url-status=live }}</ref> Semma does not list a phone number.<ref name=reservations_review>{{cite news |last1=Krishna |first1=Priya |last2=Syam |first2=Umi |last3=Aufrichtig |first3=Aliza |title=How to Win the Restaurant Reservation Game |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/10/23/dining/restaurant-reservations-nyc.html |access-date=October 24, 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=October 24, 2023 |archive-date=November 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130044332/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/10/23/dining/restaurant-reservations-nyc.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The writers of a 2023 ''[[The New York Times|New York Times]]'' article about strategies to secure in-demand restaurant reservations referred to Semma as "one of the hardest-to-get-into places" in New York City.<ref name=reservations_review/>

"Semma" means "fantastic" or "super" in [[Tamil (language)|Tamil]].<ref name=vogueindia-shah-8.12.22/><ref name="eater-sietsema-25.10.22"/> Mazumdar and Kumar have both said that patrons have thanked them for providing food and flavors which accurately capture cooking found in India.<ref name=vogueindia-shah-8.12.22/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Muthalaly |first1=Shonali |title=Manhattan tastes rural Tamil cuisine |url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/food/new-york-restaurant-semma-celebrates-rural-tamil-nadu-cuisine/article37414864.ece |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=The Hindu |date=November 10, 2021 |language=en-IN |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111182247/https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/food/new-york-restaurant-semma-celebrates-rural-tamil-nadu-cuisine/article37414864.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bhagat |first1=Mallika |title=New York Says 'Semma' To South Indian Cuisine With Vijay Kumar |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/et-al-express-insight/new-york-says-semma-to-south-indian-cuisine-with-vijay-kumar-8823655/ |access-date=October 24, 2023 |work=The Indian Express |date=July 11, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=July 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711164534/https://indianexpress.com/article/et-al-express-insight/new-york-says-semma-to-south-indian-cuisine-with-vijay-kumar-8823655/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Design===
The interior of the space was redone after the closure of Rahi, with a new design inspired by the Indian state of [[Kerala]].<ref name=eater-adams-13.10.22/> The ''New York Times'' referred to the interior as having "tropical accents" and noted that wood ceilings "suggest" Keralan houseboats, known as [[kettuvallam]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fabricant |first1=Florence |title=The Carlyle Hotel's Refurbished Restaurant, Dowling's, Opens |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/12/dining/new-york-restaurant-openings.html |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=October 12, 2021 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111171124/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/12/dining/new-york-restaurant-openings.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Semma also features a mural depicting a ''[[Kathakali]]'' dancer.<ref>{{cite news |last1=He |first1=Michael |title=Inside One MICHELIN Star Semma, a Taste of South India in Manhattan |url=https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/features/michelin-guide-restaurant-semma-only-indian-star-america |access-date=October 24, 2023 |work=MICHELIN Guide |date=September 5, 2023 |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001001028/https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/features/michelin-guide-restaurant-semma-only-indian-star-america |url-status=live }}</ref> The restaurant's decor was designed by Wid Chapman Architects.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Li |first1=William |title=Heritage Is on the Menu at New York's Hottest Restaurants |url=https://www.elledecor.com/life-culture/a42623406/restaurants-cultural-heritage/ |access-date=February 11, 2023 |work=ELLE Decor |date=February 1, 2023 |language=en-us |archive-date=March 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322220710/https://www.elledecor.com/life-culture/a42623406/restaurants-cultural-heritage/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reviews and accolades==
===Reviews===
In a positive review, ''New York Times'' critic [[Pete Wells]] compared Semma favorably to other restaurants by Unapologetic Foods.<ref name=nyt-wells-10.1.22>{{cite news |last1=Wells |first1=Pete |title=South Indian Food That Goes Back to Its Roots, at Semma |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/10/dining/restaurant-review-semma-south-indian-food.html |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=January 10, 2022 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111181124/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/10/dining/restaurant-review-semma-south-indian-food.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Wells praised the "rustic cooking" featured at Adda and [[Dhamaka (restaurant)|Dhamaka]], Semma's "siblings" as their primary strength, while asserting that Semma was distinguished by its "chutneys...sauces...and spices" and its more extensive offerings.<ref name=nyt-wells-10.1.22/>

In a review published by ''[[Eater (website)|Eater]]'', critic [[Robert Sietsema]] praised the restaurant for "aggressively challenging New York’s long-standing ideas about the scope and depth of Indian cuisine".<ref name=eater-sietsema-25.10.22>{{cite news |last1=Sietsema |first1=Robert |title=South Indian Newcomer Semma Slings Crisp, Crunchy Dosas and Curry Leaf-Infused Gin Cocktails |url=https://ny.eater.com/2021/10/25/22739010/south-indian-restaurant-semma-opens-greenwich-village-nyc |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=Eater NY |date=October 25, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111164319/https://ny.eater.com/2021/10/25/22739010/south-indian-restaurant-semma-opens-greenwich-village-nyc |url-status=live }}</ref> Sietsema highlighted the Mangalore huukkosu, mulaikattiya thaniya, and erral thoku as several of his favorite dishes.<ref name=eater-sietsema-25.10.22/>

Hannah Albertine, in a review published by The Infatuation, praised the restaurant's decor and food.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Albertine |first1=Hannah |title=Semma – West Village – New York |url=https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/semma |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=The Infatuation |date=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111211402/https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/semma |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Accolades===
The restaurant was awarded a [[Michelin Star]] in 2022, which it retained in 2023 and 2024<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fortney |first1=Luke |title=Winners and Losers From NYC's 2022 Michelin Awards |url=https://ny.eater.com/2022/10/7/23391417/winners-losers-2022-michelin-stars-new-york-city |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=Eater NY |date=October 7, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111163953/https://ny.eater.com/2022/10/7/23391417/winners-losers-2022-michelin-stars-new-york-city |url-status=live }}</ref> [[The Infatuation]] included Semma on its list of the best new restaurants in New York City in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title=New York City's Best New Restaurants Of 2021 – New York |url=https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/best-new-restaurants-new-york-city-2021 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=The Infatuation |date=December 5, 2021 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111210104/https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/best-new-restaurants-new-york-city-2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> The restaurant was included on a list published by ''[[The New York Times]]'' of the restaurants "loved most" by its critics in 2022.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Restaurant List 2022 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/dining/best-restaurants-list-america.html#semma |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=September 19, 2022 |archive-date=May 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522201451/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/dining/best-restaurants-list-america.html#semma |url-status=live }}</ref> The publication ''[[Bon Appétit]]'' included Semma on its list of the best new restaurants of 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Human |first1=Becca |title=For Chef Vijay Kumar, the Path to Semma Began With Rice |url=https://www.bonappetit.com/story/semma-new-york-best-new-restaurants-2022 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=Bon Appétit |date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111165431/https://www.bonappetit.com/story/semma-new-york-best-new-restaurants-2022 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=BA's 10 Best New Restaurants of 2022 |url=https://www.bonappetit.com/story/10-best-new-restaurants-america-2022 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=Bon Appétit |date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111165525/https://www.bonappetit.com/story/10-best-new-restaurants-america-2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> Semma has been included on lists of the best Indian restaurants in New York City published by sites including ''[[Eater (website)|Eater]]'',<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sietsema |first1=Robert |title=18 Stellar Indian Restaurants in NYC |url=https://ny.eater.com/maps/best-indian-restaurants-nyc-jersey-city-dining-takeout |access-date=October 24, 2023 |work=Eater NY |date=May 10, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722085442/https://ny.eater.com/maps/best-indian-restaurants-nyc-jersey-city-dining-takeout |url-status=live }}</ref> Thrillist,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Reddy |first1=Swathi |title=The 15 Best Indian Restaurants in NYC |url=https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/best-indian-food-in-nyc |access-date=October 24, 2023 |work=Thrillist |date=November 11, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602141615/https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/best-indian-food-in-nyc |url-status=live }}</ref> TastingTable,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gallacher |first1=Blair |title=The 21 Best Indian Restaurants In NYC |url=https://www.tastingtable.com/1129781/best-indian-restaurants-in-nyc/ |work=Tasting Table |date=December 7, 2022}}</ref> and The Infatuation.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Talreja |first1=Neha |last2=Finn |first2=Carina |last3=Kim |first3=Bryan |title=The Best Indian Restaurants In NYC - New York |url=https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/the-best-indian-restaurants-in-nyc |access-date=October 24, 2023 |work=The Infatuation |date=May 12, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=June 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608191903/https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/the-best-indian-restaurants-in-nyc |url-status=live }}</ref>

Pete Wells placed Semma in twelfth place in his 2023 ranking of the best hundred restaurants in New York City,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wells |first1=Pete |title=The 100 Best Restaurants in New York City |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/dining/best-nyc-restaurants.html |access-date=April 18, 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=April 18, 2023 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418033550/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/dining/best-nyc-restaurants.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and in seventh place on the same list for 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wells |first1=Pete |title=The 100 Best Restaurants in New York City in 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/dining/best-nyc-restaurants.html |access-date=April 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=April 1, 2024}}</ref> In 2025, [[Priya Krishna (journalist)|Priya Krishna]] and [[Melissa Clark]], the interim food critics at the ''Times'' after Wells's departure, ranked Semma in first place on their list.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Krishna |first1=Priya |last2=Clark |first2=Melissa |author1-link=Priya Krishna (journalist) |author2-link=Melissa Clark |title=The 100 Best Restaurants in New York City in 2025 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/dining/best-nyc-restaurants.html? |access-date=7 June 2025 |work=[[The New York Times]] |url-access=limited |date=2 June 2025}}</ref>
In 2025 head chef Vijay Kumar won the Best Chef in New York State award from the [[James Beard Foundation Awards]].

==See also==
* [[List of Michelin starred restaurants in New York City]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|http://www.semma.nyc}}

{{Greenwich Village}}
{{Restaurants in Manhattan|state=collapsed}}

[[Category:2021 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:Indian restaurants in New York City]]
[[Category:Asian restaurants in Manhattan]]
[[Category:Greenwich Village]]
[[Category:Michelin-starred Asian restaurants in Manhattan]]
[[Category:Restaurants established in 2021]]
[[Category:Michelin-starred Indian restaurants]]

Semma (restaurant) - Revision history

Tonyrogers1123: starting first article initial version.