Exploring the savors of Williamsburg’s famed modern Indian kitchen

When Amiraj arrived to the Williamsburg food scene in 2020, it breathed new life into Indian cuisine. Amiraj’s dedication to providing authentic and sometimes funky dishes has resulted in a sizable client base that rivals even the most seasoned eateries in the historic triangle.

Yes, some guests return to sink their teeth into familiar favorites like chicken tikka masala and butter chicken, but many return to discover the latest culinary creation Amiraj has to offer.

“We like to go above and beyond when we welcome guests into our dining room. We have a core menu with signature dishes, many of which come in the form of traditional Indian [plates],” says Nitesh Arora, Amiraj’s general manager and wine director. “Our guests are always open to trying new things, so we try to play with creativity beyond the Indian classics and take inspiration from the seasons.”

Out-of-the-box creations truly are an Amiraj speciality. One staple dish, Surf & Turf Madras, is the perfect marriage of traditional and local. The entree boasts a mouthwatering blend of tender meats and savory seafood bites infused with classic Indian flavors.

“We like to call this one out because it’s a blend of two different cooking styles,” says Arora. “Tamarind elevates the sweet and spicy flavor of the lamb-based broth and is finished with tandoor grilled salmon and shrimp.”

Another must-try fusion is Amiraj’s Crab-Scallop Nilgiri. The dish features juicy crab meat simmered in a coconut-cilantro sauce and finished with seared scallops. “The [plate] is South Indian-inspired and has a coastal finish inspired by our roots in Williamsburg,” Arora explains.

Despite Indian cuisine’s inclination for spice, Amiraj excels in sweets. Kufli, or Indian ice cream, is unique to Amiraj in that it is made entirely in-house without artificial flavors or preservatives. Seasonal flavors heavily influence the restaurant’s frozen offerings. Cardamom pear and sweet potato pie are just two of the funky iterations that have been served alongside year round flavors like mango and pistachio.

Head over to the bar and you’ll find a host of handcrafted sips with playfulness at their core.

“Our house cocktail menu features classics with a twist, as well as Indian-themed [libations] like our Punjabi Summer,” Arora explains. “We challenge ourselves with our beer and wine programs too. Our goal is to enhance the dining experience by offering a perfect pairing, a thoughtful balance or an interesting style. We have some quality names, Indian wines and plenty of boutique pours that are great for a night out. We’ve also done many craft beer specials from breweries across the U.S.”

Experience the array of savors and sips for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Learn more at www.amiraj.com.

Plan Your Visit
757-565-3200
204 Monticello Avenue, Williamsburg
Amiraj.com