Sura Indian Bistro

Philly Restaurant Week: Appetizers Spinach Chaat: Absolutely delicious. Salty, sweet, and well spiced. Paneer Tikka: Very good. Grilled nicely, soft, and flavorful. Mains. Paneer Saag: Different. Maybe the sweetest Saag I've ever had. Not a bad thing, just not what I was expecting. Normally a richer/creamier curry with a deep vegetal flavor erring towards earthy and bitter instead of outright sweet. Chicken Vindaloo: It was fine, but not spicy at all. Somewhat disappointing for a vindaloo curry. They forgot our Naan until we were basically done with the meal unfortunately, despite asking twice for it. Dessert. Gulab Jamon: It was gulab Jamon haha

Had a very nice evening at Sura. The food is really good, can be a little too spicy though - even their “mild” options. So if you can’t handle spicy food, be prepared. Drinks are okay, the mango lassi was good. Atmosphere is very warm and cozy with romantic lighting. The service was nice, no comment here. My only issue was that as soon as we walked in, the host took us to the 3ed floor in the elevator and offered us a table there. The 3rd floor is first of all a deserted level, very quiet, very brightly lit, no sound, no music, weird casual tables and chairs - a very completely different vibe from downstairs. It’s as if you walked into another restaurant. We didn’t feel comfortable at all and requested to be moved downstairs. She tried to resist at first - even though we have a reservation - and said it’s all reserved. But with a little perseverance, she offered us a table in the main restaurant. The rest of the evening was very nice. No complaints.

Decor and ambiance were lovely especially the bar area. The background music was little too loud for us. The food was okay. The chats, all three - spinach, samosa and tikki, were delicious so was the pahaadi jhinga. Rest of the items, Dal tadka, veg biryani, lamb curry, saag paneer, we had were fine. Make sure to stay with spice level 1 or 2 otherwise it would be too spicy!

Sura exceeded my expectations in ambiance and service. The interior is gorgeous and had a romantic cozy vibe. The staff were friendly and fun. The signature lychee Martinee is easily the best martini I’ve ever had. The food was delicious- the butter naan and samosas were fantastic! I can’t wait to go back.

The atmosphere is very warm and inviting with wood tones, live plants and rich colors. Our server provided such helpful guidance on what to order. The curries and Chicken Tikka were excellent. We really enjoyed our whole experience.

My homegirl treated me to dinner for my bday and the Sura Indian bistro was so amazing. We will be back soon! Everything was so fresh and the food came sizzling off the Tandoori 🔥 oh yesssss! We even grabbed some content before leaving and they were generous to help us capture the moment. The spinach chat is a must and the lamb chops! Everything was delightful!

I had such an amazing experience here. The ambiance is beautiful in here, and the service was unmatched. The service speed is also fairly impressive, we didn’t have to wait for long at all. In terms of the food, it was also great! I’ve never had Indian food before, but the butter chicken and garlic naan definitely won me over. My husband had lamb vindaloo and he loved it. His food was pretty spicy even on the lowest spice option, but the waitress warned us before we ordered. Overall 10/10 experience, and a beautiful way to end our night.

I organised a dinner for a group of 13 attendees from the UK, and it was a pleasure to liaise with Sura Indian Bistro! I had been back and forth by email to agree the menu and costs etc. and they were very understanding of the rules for certain things (taking healthcare professionals from the UK must adhere to a regulating body). They were very responsive and helpful all the time, and when I popped in on the day of the dinner to change the time, they were very understanding and more than happy to do this for me. Everyone that we encountered in the restaurant was welcoming and friendly, the service was really good, and all the food was just fantastic! We had a range of different dishes and everyone enjoyed all of them. The red and white wine was also great and the atmosphere was great for a group and for couples too. Generous portions as well - nobody went hungry! I would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Philadelphia.

From the moment you step in, this restaurant wraps you in warmth and elegance. The ambient lighting, soft music, and thoughtfully curated decor create a space that feels both celebratory and serene. We ordered chicken 65 which was crisp and flavorful, the Malai kofta melts in your mouth, with layers of spice and aroma . Even garlic naan was soft and fresh! Portions are generous, presentation is refined, and flavors are deep, authentic, and unforgettable. Mango lassi was refreshing! The staff are welcoming and attentive .Food arrived pretty quickly. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a flavorful escape, this place is more than a meal--it's an experience. Highly Recommend!!

Great Indian place! The food all has great complex flavors. It a huge place but quick service and very good food!

Had a nice meal here while in town for a conference. Sat at the bar where I received prompt and friendly service as a walk in around 6 pm on a Saturday evening. Food was good (chicken tikka masala and naan) and my cocktail (endless summer) was refreshing. The vibe of the place was really cool.

Mmm this place is so good. I've literally come back just for the lamb chops, I swear they are so flavorful and tender! Also I've tried their malai kofta and butter chicken, which was delicious. Ngl, the biryani wasn't totally my favorite but it was still pretty good. All in all, this place has a nice vibe and the service was great. I would definitely recommend

Had dinner reservations at 6PM Seated immediately... Waitress was helpful with ordering. We had appetizers ..garlic naan a delicious bread ...chicken tandoori ...samosa...all were delicious ... Had chicken malai...chunks of grilled chicken in a creamy sauce!! Date had vegetarian entree ..Shahi Paneer...she said very tasty.. Had plain rice too.. Next time in Philly will be back ..

Very good food, I really recommend coming here for any special occasion! I will be back for sure

This wasn't my first time coming here and it most definitely won't be my last. We came here just ask they opened for the evening. I love the aesthetic here and the only things that beat it were the food and the people. Our waitress Yami was awesome. She was so nice and so helpful. When she told us that was her first day on the job were were utterly shocked! Aside from her and the staff being awesome the food was BOMB. I avoided Indian food for the longest after going to London, I'm glad this was my first stop. The food was so good. I ordered a butter chicken and the lady ordered chicken tikka. All of it was great. I cleaned my plate and devoured the naan lol. Come check this place out, you won't regret it.

The last day of Center City Restaurant Week, and we found a winner! Our lunch at Sura Indian Bistro was delightful. We chose the restaurant based on Yelp reviews. Started with a shared order of Chicken 65 (crisp, seasoned, and very good) and Paneer Tikka (grilled cheese marinated in yogurt and spices, with green pepper and onion.) My husband's go-to dish is lamb vindaloo. I don't like lamb, but I always taste his sauce ... and this was the best! Beautifully seasoned, with the right amount of zing. (As he requested, it was prepared 3 on a 1-5 spice scale.) Butter chicken, my entree, has a lovely, creamy tomato sauce. I rarely finish a meal, but today I did! Minor tweaks, I think the naan could be more garlic-y. Ours was a bit subtle. And if there's something to jazz up the basmati -- I don't know, cumin, coriander ... something! -- it would really be a stand-out meal. If you haven't been to Sura in awhile, give 'em a try. With a new owner and his lovely girlfriend, these are hardworking folks who do it right! We'll be back!

Amazing place to visit during restaurant week. We got 2 food items (appetizer and entree) for 20 bucks. We had as our appetizers a paneer tikka and a chicken 65. The entrees we had included butter chicken and Malai Kofta. We also both got a masala chai. The masala chai was very weak...I would have liked more masala or ginger in the tea. The food was mildly spicy (I wish it was hotter...although in all fairness my friend wanted mild spice so it wouldn't have been extremely spicy). A garlic naan was also something we ordered for our entrees. The chicken 65 was really crispy and didn't even taste too chicken like. I really liked the red onions on the dish as well. The paneer tikka tasted so tender and I loved how it included sizzling pepper/onions. The garlic naan came out so big and beautifully. It tasted so good. I also really liked how it was cut in half for both of us. The butter chicken was ok. It definitely had a fair amount of chicken. The Malai Kofta was so good. I really liked the consistency of this dish. Our service was amazing. Shout out to Mani! If anything, it is definitely worth checking out the inside. There is a Romeo and Juliet spot that can be rented out and the bar area looks really cool. There is also an event space upstairs.

Lassi was amazing but the food... chicken tikka masala was eh. Not a huge fan, a bit watery

I've had a chance to visit Sura a few times this summer and have had a great experience every time. First was a Yelp event and the following times were lunch. I hear they have a brunch that I'll need to try. Ambience is always great. The bar is a stand out feature. Gives the place a lot of character. Food was pretty good. Lamb was tender and complimented the gravy extremely well.

I've passed by this place so many times so finally came in to try. The guy who was at the host stand ended up taking my order. The spinach chaat was AMAZING! I devoured every last bite. I got saag paneer and the bullet naan. Both items were amazing. It reminds me so much of my parents. I got spicy level 4 and it was perfect for me. Finding a solid Indian spot in center city is so hard, in my opinion, but I think Sura hit the spot.

Service was impeccable and the staff was welcoming and very attentive. Food was so yummy yummy in my tummyyyy :) If I lived in Philadelphia this would be my go to spot!

While waiting for Yelp Elite Event, the hostess directed me to wait at the bar. I saw a happy hour menu that includes Troeg Perpetual IPA and Love City lager, a couple of wine options, a couple of cocktails, and three appetizers. I tried the veggie samosa and Amritsari fish fry. Samosa; 2 samosas with a dipping sauce. Fresh and light in seasonings. I wish it is a bit more aromatic. The fish fries is my winner. Although it is not crunchy, the batter is well seasoned. I recommend squirting the lemon on top to brighten up the flavor. The bartender is super nice and courteous. I will definitely come back to try the dinner menu.

My wife and I came here yesterday evening before a show at Helium (see my Review!) and had an outstanding meal at Sura. You Yelper's need to check Sura out if you like Indian food or want to expand your taste experiences. Sura is really new having only been open about three months. Our 5pm reservation resulted in a mostly empty restaurant leaving the romantic bench seating corner all to my wife and me. We did sit at the bar first for some Happy Hour drinks. $8 super fresh ginger margaritas and a vodka blend Summer were so delicious that we overdid them with three each before deciding to try and make it the 10 feet over to the table. We survived. The drinks are half price. The menu has all your Indian favorites but we were told that they hope to have a 3-month rotating seasonal menu. Additionally, they may have items that you may not think of as Indian food like octopus and shrimp. There's a full cocktail and wine/beer menu. After our indulgence with Happy Hour, we did not have any more drinks. The happiness was coming out heavy for my wife and me. We had the Tikka Salad and Octopus for appetizers. We also ordered samosas and the naan bread basket which included four types of naan. For mains, I had the Biryani Mutton (asked for it extra spicy) and my wife went with the British Inspired Smoked Tikka Masala (not spicy). Everything was excellent. Creamy Tikka dish, fragrant rice, butter soft octopus, spicy (mostly - I could have taken it up a few notches) Mutton Biryani, and we even got a comped puffed rice with a mint sauce which we joked was like Mexican chips and dip to the person who dropped it off for us. Light and crispy chips with a flavorful dip. Our service was impeccable. The bartender gets extra props for not only handling our drinks, but was our waiter, too. Everyone was so friendly, and knows how to keep customers happy. We were warmly welcomed entering the restaurant, and the owner checked on us during the meal to make sure all was well. We would have gotten dessert but because we had a two-something purchase each at Helium, we passed. Overall, outstanding service and food in a lovely romantic restaurant that has the space for parties and business meetings. Definitely coming back for another date with the wife or family night out eventually. Sura would also be cool for friends coming out. Including tax and tip with six Happy Hour drinks, three appetizers, bread basket, and two mains, it was about $185 for two. Absolutely worth it.

Really nice restaurant and staff. We came in to check out the space for a future event. The manager and staff are super helpful. We tried a few dishes and loved them all. Looking forward to coming back.

I'm in town this weekend visiting my sister, so I Iooked up coming Yelp events in the area to learn more about what's hot! I see there's an event happening here soon. I immediately bookmarked this place. Looked up the menu and told my sister we should check them out. I'm so glad we did. We made reservations, which I would recommend. They get busy, and I can see why. It really has a nice vibe. Multilevel and very cozy. It's somewhat new - just a few months! Congrats! Our server, Avy, was excellent. In fact, everyone here was very welcoming and hospitable! I really appreciated that. We both got one of their mocktails - mango punch. It was good - not too sweet. There is a full bar available! The food was good. We started off with samosas - very flavorful. I enjoyed the green sauce it came with, but I like tamarind sauce with my samosas. These came with ketchup (specifically Heinz according to my sister). For the main dishes, we ordered the smoked chicken tikka medium level spicy, and it had a nice kick. My sister had the korma and she loved it. She'll be back this week for "SIPS."

We came here for restaurant week and we're really impressed with Sura! The 3 course restaurant week menu had a lot of options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. They did have an option of 2 cocktails, one was with whiskey while the other was with gin. For first course I got the lamb kebabs while my friend got the chilli chicken. The lamb kebabs were my favorite dish that night! So soft and flavorful, the chili chicken was well seasoned, not too spicy and delicious as well. For main course I ordered the paneer tikka while my friend got the butter chicken. Both came in a similar sauce and were served with basmati rice. Both were extremely delicious! We also ordered a garlic naan which was good. For dessert I ordered the gajar halwa while my friend got the gulab jamun. The gulab Jamun was 10/10 and exploded with flavor however the halwa was mediocre and a little bland. Overall we loved the ambiance and friendly service at Sura. The owner walked around and checked up on all the customers to make sure we had everything we needed and were enjoying our time at Sura. Definitely recommend Sura for superior quality and authentic Indian food

Last week, group sat at booth making it hard for the end to exit for the bathroom later. Also 7th person they placed at the head of the table which was annoying for them and also the neighboring table. At the beginning there was only one menu and water refills were limited but by the end they figured it out. Food took its time but was decent. Had a wide variety of items, enjoyed the sauces with the appetizers (bread basket, samoas, etc) mint and spicy red one. Also funny how one sauce was ketchup.

This is a very chic Indian restaurant great for date night dinners or drinks. The food was wonderful. I recommend getting a few things and sharing. The bar is beautiful if you just wanted to go grab a drink. I recommend making a reservation.

Absolutely love dining at Sura! Some of the best Indian food I've had in the city! The ambiance in this restaurant is so vibey and fun too! Came here for lunch with a friend and their food was incredible. We decided to split the spinach chatt, chicken tikka masala, the chicken korma and the garlic nann. Everything was so flavorful and delicious! My personal favorite was the spinach chaat! I enjoyed it so much and loved the crunch factor / how beautiful the dish is served! We got a chance to meet the resturant owner and he was so friendly! Really enjoyed my experience at Sura overall and cannot wait to come back and try more menu items!

Gorgeous space with a sexy and mystic vibe. A balance of wood and brass and rich colors that enhances the experience but doesn't overwhelm. The staff was welcoming and attentive. I got the Samosa chaat and it was out of this world! The flavor combination hit. My elevated G&T was executed so well- simple but...elevated. Sincerely it was great. For my meal I had the paneer Malabar and wow! It was served w rice and it totally delivered. I appreciated the option to select the spice level on all dishes. I got a 2. I'm not a lightweight but I like to enjoy my food and I don't eat authentic Indian food regularly so the two did the trick for me. We had a group of 8 and everyone was very satisfied with their food and drinks. I've already planned a trip back for later this month! Don't sleep on this place. Once the word gets out, it'll get harder and harder to get a seat.

Was there a few days ago. Exceptionally bad food. Shrimps had no salt. Just chili powder. Galauti kabab was sheek kabab in a different shape. Clearly the cook did not know what a galauti kabab is.

Located in Philly this Indian Bistro is an upscale destination. They have multiple levels. Lower level is where restaurant is located and very nicely decorated. The upper levels are for your party needs and they are perfectly maintained and nicely decorated. The food is great and rightly cooked and spiced. The staff is very welcoming. The service is awesome. Try this place and you will love it.

Great food, great service and ambiance. We went at lunch time and was served very quickly. We loved the Northern Indian cuisine which was nicely spiced and very flavorful.

I had been looking for an exceptional Indian restaurant. This place is beautiful. The pace is relaxed. The food was all excellent. The cocktails were surprisingly tasty, and well balanced. The service did not disappoint. I'll definitely be back. This is now my favorite Indian restaurant in the area.

The best Indian food in the area! I'm from Los Angeles and know good Indian food. Sadly, most places around south jersey are very disappointing. I'm so glad this place opened! It fulfills all my cravings- soft fresh paneer, crispy fresh garlic naan, creamy curry, tangy sweet imli chutney, and hot but not so hot you can't even taste it hari chutney. Fantastic service as well!

Top five Indian meals I've ever had. Ordered lamb chops, chicken Korma and Bullet Naan. All were fantastic. I was asked to rate my spice level 1-5 and the waiter told me 4 was Indian level and he'd never had anyone order a 5. I listened to him and stuck to 4 and wished I'd gone to five. It was kinda spicy but not overwhelming. I coulda used a little more.

We picked this restaurant for dinner based on the pictures of food and of the interior. It did not disappoint us. We did not have a reservation, but we went around 5.30 pm an they had a table for us (for two). The lady at the reception desk was welcoming. The waiters were also kind and helpful. They have a great selection of drinks( wine, beer and coctails). What we liked even better was the food selection. It is not the usual "curry only" food you will find here. The food was quite modern and unique but also you get the traditional taste as well. Their garlic naans are amazing! We had the Marah soup and the grilled eggplant which were heaven! The main dish was Karakudi Lamb and a Daal dish. They were also tasteful and delicious. We can highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants to try Indian food not just the traditional way.

The food was delicious! We ordered family style, which was perfect. Recommend the stuffed naan.

Came here with a friend and had such an enjoyable experience that I've been planning on returning so that I could come back with my boyfriend. Food was excellent as well as the drinks. Ambience is dimly lit, cozy, and has a romantic vibe. I worked in a lot of restaurants and always notice. When things aren't executed properly. This place was on point with everything. They had vegan options but I can't remember if they were marked on the menu. Online menu doesn't specify if the VA means vegan or vegetarian. They're happy to help if you ask though. I received an email from them regarding date night, which seems like a great concept because you get a special table, a five course meal, and two cocktails or mock tails. I am curious if that's a prefix menu or we're ordering off the regular menu, and what the fee is .

Visited with a large group for a birthday dinner. Some of the best Indian food I have had. Shared the vegetable samosa appetizer (perfect), and split the chicken biriyani and tikka masala entres. The meat was tender and moist, the medium spice level had the perfect heat without being overpowering whatsoever. No issues with service for the large group. 10/10 would recommend.

I was surprised by my family to celebrate my 35th birthday, but came in to a surprise. Apparently, their internet is down and something about they canceled reservations. We got no notification about this and weren't accommodated period even after willing to pay cash if their "net is down" still refused service. Worst bday experience today instead I'm here writing a review. Avoid if you can

Came here for restaurant week and I will say I feel like restaurants just aren't themselves during restaurant week if that makes sense. So I do want to say that I will come again to try out the full menu. The decor and service is really mostly why I gave this place 4 stars. The owners provide a personalized touch which is wholesome and welcoming. The decor is chic and elegant. Service was good, always refilling water. Now the food.... The chilli chicken wasn't spicy at all which I'd expect from chilli chicken no? Not a fan. Paneer was good but nothing expectional. The lamb kebabs were the star. Out if this world good and flavors on point. Entree the malai kofta was ordered spicy and on point. Spice level and flavor were perfect. The butter chicken was medium spicy but honestly didn't taste much spice to it at all, however the flavors were on point and chicken was cooked to perfection. The biryani was underwhelming. The medium spice level again had no spice at all. Could barely taste the flavor honestly just tasted like plain rice and chicken. There was also lack of chicken in that dish. Naan was ordered and good. Dessert was kheer, rasmalai, gulab jamun and all were ok nothing spectacular. I would come again and try their menu when it's not restaurant week because from here and others it seems like that menu is fantastic and worth a try!

Absolutely delicious. We got samosas as an appetizer, and the chef special mutton shuka and garlic naan as the main entree shared between the two of us. The mutton was bone-in, which is what I prefer because I think it gives the curry more flavor, and the bones were not hard to maneuver around. Perfect amount for 2 people, and honestly the best Indian food I've had so far in DE, MD, PA, NJ, and NY. The inside was very attractive; it had a candle-lit intimate atmosphere.

Absolute delight of a restaurant with the most superb staff! Stopped in with my mom and we were treated with such warmth and graciousness-- great seating, perfecttttt ambient lighting, delicious food and terrific recommendations, and even a special mango lassi treat on the house. We tried the spinach chaat - super unique, loved the crunch- , garlic naan and chicken korma with at spice level three (Spicy, but not burn your mouth spicy, truly perfect). Great portions for sharing and we had extra to take home. They let us stay 20 min past closing, as well. Andy our server was so charming, knowledgeable, and friendly-- thank you!!. We are so happy we stopped in, it was the perfect choice!

Ate here the other night--fantastic experience. Waiter was knowledgeable and had great suggestions. Highly recommend for tasty Indian food!

Date night. Philadelphia. Moody lighting, trendy bar, upscale interiors. Yay! Stapled menu sheets. Tacky? Fried papad & onion-garlic sauce dip. Yum! Chai Rye & Golden Health. More yum! A loud "o Palanhare" No, thanks Followed by "Bollywood greatest hits". Nahiiii! Octopus = juicy, nice char. Sauce lacked seasoning Baingan with 4 papdi. Snooze. Crab moilee and curry on the side. Saved the evening. Gobhi angaara, and paneer tikka. 6/10 Sad Arugula with no dressing for most dishes. Why? No dessert, but menu description of "puree apricot soaked in water" gave us a chuckle.

To start with we made a reservation for 7:30 but due to city traffic and road closures got a littlr late but were in the door by 7:45. We were greeted by a server and another co-host who took my name for reservation but did nothing. The actual host came after a few minutes and then left again. When she finally came back it was already 7:50 and she was just not talking to us but seating others with 8 or 8:30 reservation. Eventually we were seated but it already started off on a bad note. We ordered Kebab trio, makhanwala chicken and a garlic naan to start with. Food arrived in time so we were surprised as we were told it might take 30-35 minutes. The kebab trio was just ok, 2 pieces of shrimp, one chicken seekh kebab and 2 pieces of paneer. Taste was just mediocre, presentation was just meh and portion for the price was really dissapointing. The makhanwala chicken was still good but nothing amazing. We eventually ordered another garlic naan but that took more than 20 minutes and we eventually canceled it as it was no wherr in sight and our curry was already cold. Drinks were also just ok. I felt that they need to work on their portions and food service more. We had to get another meal at Cava nearby.

Website said it was open and i made a reservation and the establishment was closed when we got there

Food was very good. We ordered the fried mushrooms which were great, the lamb skewer app which was also great. The samosas were decent, but I was very surprised to see that it came with ketchup. I felt like this was a really weird combination as I'm used to the delicious tamarind sauce. It was enough to recommend not ordering it. Then we got chicken tikka masala which was also great! Servers name was Raine and she was very nice and funny. If the owners read this, you should give her a raise (and by tamarind sauce, ketchup is for burgers and hot dogs)! I personally do not really care about ambiance, but my girlfriend said it was great. So there's that.

Very attentive service! Food was delicious, my favorites were the tandoori paneer and Rasmalai. Interior space is modern and chic.

Incredible service, food, and ambiance. New favorite Indian spot. HIGHLY recommend to anyone in the area!

This was by far the best experience I have ever had at an Indian restaurant. The staff is extremely nice and helpful. The food is top tier and the drinks. Oh my the drinks.

I went here for restaurant week with my girlfriend and her mom and it did not disappoint! The food was delicious and authentic and the drinks were absolutely incredible. I got the butter chicken, lamb kebab, chili chicken, and more to share. Everything was top notch but the chili chicken has to be the best thing on the menu. The staff was friendly and I never had an empty water glass! The vibe is super chill and feels like the fine dining experience I've been looking for. 10/10 will be back!

Wide selection of tasty vegetarian dishes. We especially enjoyed the malai kofta but everything we tried was outstanding. The service was very pleasant and attentive too -- a bonus on top of the unbelievable food. Don't miss this place!

Great Place to dine or have drinks with friends or alone! The hosts are very accommodating and friendly. Wouldn't go anywhere else if i had the choice, it will forever be a go to spot!

My family all loved everything we had at Sura last night. Delicious drinks, food, ambiance, and everyone working there was wonderful. We are thankful for leftovers tonight but will definitely be back soon!

I've never written an online review before, but my partner's and my experience with Sura this past weekend made it well worth that change. Every dish we ordered was phenomenal, and Andy was one of the most pleasant servers I've ever had the chance to experience. We both can't wait to go back again!