Jan. 12, 2016 By Michael Florio
The team behind the popular Indian restaurant Seva, located near 30th Avenue, have opened a second restaurant.
Yaar Indian Restaurant, named after a Hindi term that means “beloved friend,” opened at 22-55 31st Street in October, and comes nine years after the owners started Seva at 30-07 34th Street.
Seva has made a name for itself in Astoria for its north Indian style curries, tandoori meats and breads. However, the owner decided to open Yaar after receiving a number of requests from people who live near Ditmars Blvd.
Seva used to to deliver to residents in the Ditmars area, but stopped doing so in order to ensure quality.
“It would take long to travel to Ditmars and the food should be eaten fresh,” the owner explained. “In bad weather it was difficult to travel that far, so that is why we opened this second restaurant.”
Glass mosaic globe chandeliers give the space a warm, and modern look. Photo by: Alanna Blair
The chef at Yaar said he has carefully balanced the menu at the new location, featuring favorites from Seva like chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken tikka, lamb vindaloo and saag paneer.
However, there are some exciting new additions, he said, like Lasuni Gobi, a garlicky cauliflower with scallions, as well as the option to order a trio of vegetable, chicken and lamb samosas for customers to try one of each.
Yaar also offers a 3 course prix-fixe meal, which lets guests choose one appetizer, one main dish, and one desert for $12.95. The entrees range in different levels of spiciness and may be adjusted according to each diner’s requests. Yaar also offers all-you-can- eat lunch buffet everyday for $10.
Notably, the restaurant is BYOB, “with a staff that is very gracious in serving the guest their favorite bottle of wine or beer while relaxing in our beautifully decorated and spacious dining room,” said the owner.
The restaurant, which can seat 50 people, is open 7 days a week, and is open for lunch from 12 pm to 3 pm and for dinner from 4:30 to 10:30 pm.
Customers can order take out or delivery by calling 718-721-0205, or by ordering from their website here.
Mural by Joshua Gabriel on display inside restaurant. Photo by: Kazuki Kozuru-Salifoska
Please note: Yaar is an advertiser with the Astoria Post.
