Drinks and Dining at Semma
Semma is Chef Vijay Kumar’s Michelin-starred ode to Southern Indian cooking, rooted in the traditions of Tamil Nadu and set on a corner of Greenwich Avenue in the West Village. Since earning its star in 2022 it has become one of the hardest tables in the city, with Kumar taking the 2025 James Beard Award for Best Chef in New York State.
This is a destination dinner, not a drop-in, and reservations go fast the moment they open fifteen days out. If you cannot land a table, the bar keeps a dozen seats for walk-ins where you can eat and drink off the full menu.
What to Expect
No happy hour. Semma is a full-price, reservation-driven fine-dining restaurant. The full bar does take walk-ins, so a cocktail and a few dishes at the bar are the closest thing to a casual visit.
The Room
A warm, textured dining room that feels both refined and personal, anchored by a full-service bar with a dozen seats held for walk-ins.
Who Semma Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Special-occasion dinner | A Michelin-starred kitchen makes this a genuine celebration meal. |
| Serious Indian food | Chef Vijay Kumar’s Tamil Nadu cooking is among the best in the city. |
| Walk-in bar seat | Twelve bar seats take walk-ins and serve the full menu and cocktails. |
| Date night | An intimate, elevated room that impresses without feeling stiff. |
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Semma FAQ
Does Semma have a happy hour?
No. Semma is a Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant with no happy hour or discounted menu, though its full bar serves cocktails and the full menu to walk-ins.
How do I get a reservation at Semma?
Reservations open 15 days in advance at 9am EST through Semma’s website, Resy, and OpenTable, and go quickly. Twelve bar seats are held for walk-ins.
What kind of food is Semma?
Semma serves Southern Indian cuisine rooted in the traditions of Tamil Nadu, under Michelin-starred chef Vijay Kumar.
Where is Semma?
Semma is at 60 Greenwich Ave in the West Village, near the 14th Street and 8th Avenue trains.
Happy hour times and deals last verified June 2026. Details can change — confirm with Semma before visiting for a specific deal.