Surya, 154 Bleecker St., Greenwich Village
Open Since: Nov. 18
Type of Cuisine: Indian with a healthy, modern twist
Surya, a West Village favorite for 10 years before closing due to rising rents a few years ago, has made its triumphant return, bringing with it classic Indian fare made with lighter, healthier ingredients. Both the decor and some of the special dishes hearken back to the India’s colonial era, such as British-influenced Malabar Pappas (shrimp in spicy coconut sauce with curry leaf and tamarind), Railway Chicken Curry with garam masala spices and tomato, and a royal dish once served to princes that features a creamy, almond-based saffron sauce. Desserts include sweet cheese dumplings in milk flavored with rosewater, fig ice cream and house-made mango or pistachio Indian ice cream on a stick, and their rotating selection of six beers on tap include ethnic favorites such as Kingfisher and Taj, as well as local and seasonal picks. They also serve wine, with a menu of 10 reds and 10 whites available by the bottle and the glass.