Semma

When you first walk into Semma you probably wouldn’t guess that it has a Michelin star. The decor is reminiscent of a beach themed bar where you’d expect to see a variety of margaritas and mojitos. The tables are uncomfortably close - typically a sign that a restaurant is desperate to squeeze a dollar out of every square inch. For me, this is usually the start of an unpleasant dining experience. . . then the food came and almost overwhelmed me with flavor. The stunning Gunpowder Dosa is a must order. Filled with potato masala and accompanied by a trio of sauces, every bite will be a little different but delicious all the same. The Annasi Pazham Scallop is drowning in a creamy sauce that makes it worthy of its $23 price tag. The Lamb Biryani (or whichever biryani they have on deck) is great for those who don’t like their food dripping in sauce, and the Valiya Chemmeen Moilee is great for those that do. The moilee is a rich curry that comes in a bowl, almost in soup form, with a full lobster tail sitting on top of it. Decadent, delicious, and enough for two.

Who to Bring: It’s a little tight for your nitpicky parents or a date, so I’d recommend a friend group with adventurous taste buds.

What to Wear: Ignore the Michelin star and keep it casual.

Reservations: Pretty difficult. Reservations open 15 days in advance at 9AM on Resy. Plan a few weeks out and book as soon as they open because by 9:30AM only late reservations are available and by 10AM they’re all gone. If you set a notify for less desired times (5PM, 9PM) you may get a few hits in the early morning hours.

Top Row: Gunpowder Dosa; Annasi Pazham Scallop; Lamb Biryani || Bottom Row: Valiya Chemmeen Moilee; Shahi Tukda; Bar